Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of A Food Preference Survey, Amber Bourgeois Mcguerty

LSU Master's Theses

This study developed a food preference survey to estimate adolescents’ willingness to consume energy-dense foods and sugar-sweetened beverages. Five focus group interviews with 13 to 19 year-old students were conducted, and items representing energy-dense foods, energy-dilute foods, sweetened beverages, and unsweetened beverages were determined (5 per category). The final survey was administered to 234 students. Willingness to consume items was assessed using a 7-point Likert Scale (1, representing “Extremely Unwilling” to 7, indicating “Extremely Willing”). Exploratory Factor Analysis using Principal Axis factoring with a Promax (oblique) rotation revealed two factors. Factor one included French fries, Kool-Aid, glazed donuts, cookies, lemonade, …

Leptin Regulates Nutrient Reward Via Galanin And Orexin Neurons, Amanda Laque

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Obesity has become a widespread concern to human health largely over the past three decades. It is thought that obesity is associated with the over consumption of calorically dense diets. The rewarding value of food is mediated through the mesolimbic dopamine system, though is less understood how appetitive control circuits relay information to existing reward circuitry. The adiposity signaling hormone, leptin, is a critical mediator of food intake and fat storage. Leptin signaling, via the long form of the leptin receptor (LepRb), is predominantly carried out within the hypothalamus. Leptin action specific to the lateral hypothalamus area (LHA) modulates reward …

Does Subtype Matter?: Comparing The Effects Of A Self-Monitoring Intervention On Adhd-C And Adhd-I, Caleb James Corwin

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Recently Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) research has been confronted with questions regarding the subtype distinctions. Millich, Ballantine, and Lyman (2001) have claimed that ADHD – Combined Type (ADHD-C) and ADHD – Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADHD-I) are “distinct and separate disorders.” As important as this distinction is diagnostically, it is, possibly equally important with regards to treatment. Multiple pharmacological studies have compared the responsiveness of ADHD-C and ADHD-I to stimulant medications, yet the results are often conflicting (e.g. Grizenko, Paci, & Joober, 2010; Solanto et al., 2009; Stein et al., 2003). To date, only one study has compared ADHD subtypes with respect …

Production Of 2-Propanol, Butanol And Ethanol Using Clostridium Beijerinckii Optonii, Adam Hoogewind

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

With an unpredictable market for gasoline and increased concerns with the pollution created by burning fossil fuels, there is a push for developing suitable replacements for gasoline. While corn-based ethanol production is the most common renewable biofuel produced in the United States, ethanol is not an ideal solution to gasoline replacement due to low energy density, hygroscopic and corrosive properties and inability to purify by distillation alone. Higher alcohols such as butanol do not have the same problems with energy density, purification and hygroscopic and corrosive properties. The fermentation of butanol by using solventogenic Clostridium species, creating acetone, butanol and …

Estimating U.S. Household Seafood Demand Based On Longitudinal And Cross-Sectional Data, Huabo Wang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This overall goal of this research is to examine and update U.S. at-home household demand estimates for seafood (including species and generic products) that can be used in policy formulation (by both the private and public sector). As such, this study estimated quantity-based household demand functions for seafood in aggregate, by generic product form (fresh, frozen, and prepared), and primary species. Given that the role of quality has been shown to significantly influence expenditures and seafood demand, this paper also seeks to incorporate the household quality choice into the demand model. In order to help to tailor the market strategy, …

Commercial Mythmaking And The Gaelic Athletic Association: Exploring Irish Men’S Identity Work Within Influential Social Networks, Deirdre Duffy

Conference papers

This paper explores young men’s engagement with Irish sporting and cultural organisation, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), to show how the interrelations and influences of one’s social network or human interdependencies all serve as potential cues on which individuals learn to construct their identity projects. This research engages Foucauldian theory to consider the effects of power emanating from multiple sources (to include the influence of peers, family, community, mass media and social institutions) on the individual. By looking at the intricacies of mundane everyday practices, such as the participation in sport, allows a better understanding of how individuals actually come …

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Degradation In Tidally Influenced Coastal Marsh Wetland Studied In Laboratory Mesocosm, Doorce S. Batubara

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The compact mesocosm which was designed for a laboratory scale was used for the kinetic study of refractory organic compounds in a tidally influenced coastal marsh wetland soil. The tidal cycles were controlled pneumatically using an air chamber inside the mesocosm tank. Phenanthrene as the test compound showed that its degradation in the intertidal wetland soil was faster than that in the subtidal wetland soil. Oxygen resupply during the tidal cycles to the intertidal wetland soil would enhance the degradation. Comparison of degradation rates of phenanthrene (Phe), pyrene (Pyr), and benzo[e]pyrene (BeP) were also studied using the mesocosm. The degradation …

Influence Of Feeding Anise Oil To Piglets And Broilers, Jose Wando Charal

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The objectives of this research were to determine 1) the effect of anise oil (AO) in pigs after exposure and re-exposure by dietary additions to sow and nursery diets; and 2) the maximum level of AO that could be fed to broilers and its effect on in-vitro growth of Clostridium perfringens (ClP); 3) to determine the effect of AO and diet type on growth performance of broilers after a challenge with ClP; and 4) to determine the effect of AO fed to broilers under commercial conditions. The results indicated that exposing lactating pigs to AO through the sow diet had …

Efficacy Of Bydureon In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Katie L. Fetter

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Type 2 diabetes is still rapidly on the rise today, affecting 10.5% of individuals in the United States between the ages 45 to 64 and 18.4% of those between the ages of 65 to 74. In the past two decades, type 2 diabetes has doubled in all age groups. Many adults with type 2 diabetes experience difficulty managing their blood sugars, which can result in a range of further complications. One of the newest treatment options on the market today is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, Bydureon. Similar to Byetta, Bydureon has a main ingredient of exenatide. It offers …

The Associations Between Homa-Ir And Muscular Strengthening Activity In Euglycemic U.S. Adults, William Robert Boyer Ii

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Muscular strengthening activity (MSA) has been shown to be inversely associated with insulin resistance (IR). The associations between quartiles of the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and self-reported MSA in a nationally representative sample of euglycemic U.S. adults were examined.

Methods: Sample included adult participants (≥20 years of age [n=2,543]) from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). HOMA-IR was categorized into quartiles based on every 25^th percentile. No MSA was the dependent variable.

Results: Following adjustment for covariates, those with HOMA-IR values in third (p

Conclusions: Having a higher HOMA-IR value is associated …

Anesthesia Safety: Filter Needle Use With Glass Ampules, Debran L. Harmon

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Glass particle contamination of medication occurs when opening ampules which may cause patient harm. The use of filter needles reduces this risk. Many anesthesia providers use ampules daily, but do not use filter needles when aspirating medications from ampules. In addition, filter needles may not be readily available at the anesthesia medication preparation site. Not using filter needles or having them available for use can increase the risk of patient harm by glass particle contamination. The purpose of this project was to increase anesthesia provider’s knowledge thereby improving compliance with evidence-based standards when preparing medications from ampules. The goal is …

Chemistry And Application Of Pulses As Value-Added Ingredients In Processed Foods, Darryl Holliday

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Chemical characterization of pulses allows for varying rates of water absorption, least gelation capacity, and retrogradation depending on species. Nutritionally, pulses are good sources of protein while being low in fat. Pulses deliver a readily bioavailable food form of several key minerals. Additionally, they deliver fiber. The insoluble fiber components are both natural and formed resistant starch in addition to the oligosaccharide content. Therefore, pulses can serve both a nutritional and functional role when used as a value-added ingredient. Meat patties were produced from beef and 23 different pulses at 35%, 42.5%, and 50% ratios. Each patty was tested for …

Biogeographical Approaches For Studying Species Invasion, Ganesh Prasad Bhattarai

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Many of the most notorious biological invasions occur at continent-wide or global scales but studies investigating mechanisms enhancing species invasions are often conducted at small spatial scales. Moreover, the contribution of mechanisms facilitating invasion might also vary across a geographical space. I used biogeographical approaches to explore the mechanisms enhancing invasion of introduced genotypes of Phragmites australis along the coastal wetlands of North America. I tested the hypotheses that large-scale disturbance events, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, enhance the invasion success of introduced P. australis in North America. The growth rate of P. australis patches was strongly and positively …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Novel Polyester Scaffolds From Sugarcane Industry By-Products For Use In Skin And Bone Tissue Engineering, Akanksha Kanitkar

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The aim of this work was to synthesize non-toxic, biodegradable polyesters of aconitic acid, cinnamic acid and glycerol from by-products of the sugarcane industry as scaffolds for skin and bone tissue engineering. Utilizing the by-products, molasses and sugarcane bagasse, not only add value to the cane industry, but also paves path for synthesizing novel bio-based materials from the isolated specialty chemicals. Molasses contain an economically recoverable quantity of aconitic acid and its extraction was studied in detail as a part of this work. The yields of recovered aconitic acid varied from 25–69% depending on the extraction conditions. Under all the …

Investigating The Persistence And "Naturalization" Potential Of Salmonella In Non-Host Environments Using Culture-Based And Molecular-Based Fingerprinting Techniques, Robyn L. Morrison

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Recent studies suggest the potential exists for enteric microorganisms to become “naturalized” to the complex natural environment through maintenance of their populations via replication and adaptation to the stress imposed by their external surroundings. The aim of this research was to better understand the potential for antimicrobial resistant (AMR) Salmonella to become “naturalized” and the physiological adaptations that allow for non-host survivability as reflected by AMR and community profiling. To better elucidate the prominent factors leading to a “naturalized” condition, two approaches were taken: 1) survey-based field research to gain perspective on the prevalence of AMR Salmonella isolated from variously …

Comparative Study Of Factors Influencing Seed Germination And Seedling Longevity In Cuscuta (Dodder, Convolvulaceae), Behrang Behdarvandi

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Cuscuta (dodder), the only parasitic genus of Convolvulaceae family, is a significant plant from ecological, economical, and conservational point of views. The genus consists of c. 200 described species with wide ranges of ecological distributions. Cuscuta spp. are categorized as stem parasitic plants with reduced (or lost) photosynthesis-related genes. The filamentous coiled embryo, embedded in the endosperm, lacks cotyledons and is covered with a multiple-layered seed coat. The seedlings carry a vestigial root-like organ which is not considered a ‘true’ functional root. Members of the genus differ in their germination rate and seedling survival. It is known that seed …

Analysis Of The Mineral Composition Of Louisiana Wild Caught Shrimp By Icp-Oes And Classification Of Geographical Origin, Samantha Nichole Stein

LSU Master's Theses

Nationwide, seafood consumers are paying close attention to their seafood options and demanding transparency on point of origin. Recent studies have shown that shrimp can reflect the mineral content of the waters from which they are harvested. Mineral analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry on the tail muscle from each coastal group and imported farmed raised samples. Analysis of variance was used to detect differences among catch locations and seasons along the Louisiana coast, as well as differences in the mineral profile of farm raised imported shrimp. Multivariate analysis of variance and descriptive analysis was used …

Weight Management For The Elderly Population Who Have Sustained A Lower Limb Amputation: Resource Manuals For Clinicians, Lauren Battles, Maia Sobolik

Occupational Therapy Capstones

It is becoming more common for individuals to sustain a lower limb amputation, thus impacting their ability to participate in functional tasks of daily living such as ambulation, balance, dressing, driving, and toileting. Approximately two million people within the United States are living with an amputation, most commonly in the lower extremity (Amputation Coalition, 2013). According to Resnik and Borgia (2011), by the year 2050, the number of lower limb amputations will increase significantly due to the aging population who encounter a variety of debilitating diseases such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), dysvascular, and/or heart diseases. Weight management is …

Increasing Collaborative Communication Regarding Proper Positioning: A Photographic Guide, Kyle Donner, Rachel Newman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Approximately 98,000 people die annually in the United States due to medical errors (Institute of medicine, 2013). These medical errors are most often due to miscommunication between healthcare providers (Sutcliffe, Lewton, & Rosenthal, 2004). Impaired positioning is one type of medical error, which leads to severe complications such as contractures, pressure ulcers, and occupational deficits (Amidei, 2012; de Jong, Nieuwboer, & Aufdemkampe, 2006; Gordon, Gottschlich, Helvig, Marvin, & Richard, 2004). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide a communication tool that will increase interprofessional communication and collaboration in regards to client positioning needs in healthcare settings. A literature …

Elder Self-Neglect And Adult Protective Services: Ohio Needs To Do More, William White

Journal of Law and Health

Ohio APS statutes are antiquated, do not reflect the increasingly complex needs of self-neglecting elderly, and need to be changed to decrease the likelihood of significant self-harm or even death, as represented in the story of Carlene. Section II of this paper provides background information on elder self-neglect and APS. Section III discusses why Ohio needs to mandate that APS jurisdiction includes nursing facilities and how the law could be effectively changed. Section IV discusses how APS interventions need to evolve to meet the diverse needs of the growing elderly population; a singular investigative response no longer fits for every …

Are Community Food Assistance Programs Meeting The Needs Of Food-Insecure Households In Pittsburgh's North Side Neighborhoods?, Ryan M. Van Dinter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Semi-structured interviews with three householders and three community food program managers were conducted to explore if food assistance programs meet the needs of residents in Pittsburgh's North Side neighborhoods. Findings show that insufficient income is the main factor contributing to household food insecurity. North Side residents also have difficulty obtaining nutritious and affordable foods because fresh produce is often too expensive and supermarket food quality is considered low. Farm stands and other food access programs are well received, but only provide access to nutritious foods during the summer. Limited income and limited food access increase reliance on food pantries and …

President Obama And The New Politics Of Inclusion In The Climate Change Debate, Leslie G. Fields, Royce G. Brooks

Florida A & M University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Healthcare Utilization Among Hispanic Immigrants With Diabetes: Investigating The Effect Of Us Documentation Status, Elizabeth K. Do, Robin K. Matsuyama

Social and Behavioral Sciences Publications

Previous studies have not examined whether documentation status has an effect on healthcare utilization among US Hispanic immigrants with diabetes. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Pew Hispanic Center and Robert Johnson Wood Foundation’s 2007 Hispanic Healthcare Survey. Hispanic immigrants diagnosed with diabetes were included in analyses. The association between documentation status and healthcare utilization was assessed using logistic regressions. Of N = 577 Hispanic immigrants with diabetes, 80 % were documented immigrants and 81 % reported having visited a healthcare provider in the last 6 months. Adjusting for confounders, those who were undocumented faced higher odds …

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms For Intractable Medical Futility Disputes, Thaddeus Mason Pope

NYLS Law Review

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Resistance Training On Bone Mineral Densityand Performance In Competitive Female Gymnasts, Andrew M. Procopio

Open Access Master's Theses

This study investigated the effects of a ten week resistance training intervention on bone mineral density and performance measures in competitive female adolescent gymnasts. Previous research indicates resistance training improves performance and reduces injury risk. Resistance training as a mode to reduce injury risk may be of primary importance in sports with history of high injury rates but low participation in resistance training, such as gymnastics. Sixteen female adolescent gymnasts between the ages of 12-20 competing at Junior Olympic levels 7-10 were recruited. Participants were divided into resistance training (N = 10 age; 13.5±1.00 years, height; 155.19±8.38 cm, weight; 51.58±9.63 …

Assessment Of Food Safety Handling Practices At Farmers’ Markets In Rhode Island, Elizabeth Gran Vandeputte

Open Access Master's Theses

From 2001 to 2010, foodborne illness outbreaks increased in the US and 17% of the outbreaks were from produce. High-risk, whole produce at farmers’ markets present unique challenges to food safety practices in regards to temperature controls, potable water, and exposure to contaminants. Use of a Smartphone application decreases behavior change in those being observed as they are unaware of the observation taking place. The purpose of this descriptive study was to use direct observations to identify unsafe food handling practices among high-risk produce vendors at Rhode Island farmers’ markets. This study used a Smartphone application as a tool for …

Parental Perceptions Of The Rhode Island Expanded Food And Nutrition Education Program, Patrick Cooper Van Asch

Open Access Master's Theses

Childhood obesity in the United States has more than doubled over the last thirty years. As of 2012 in the United States, the percentage of obese children and adolescents ages 2 – 19 years remains alarmingly high at 16.9%. Childhood obesity is a major public health concern as obesity is associated with multiple health complications and increased mortality and morbidity. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) targets low-income households and provides knowledge and skills to improve nutritional well-being. The goal of this project was to explore: 1) participant satisfaction with regards to the current Rhode Island Expanded Food …

Effect Of High- And Low-Fodmap Diet Instruction On Fodmap Intake And Dietary Quality In Healthy Young Adults, James O'Toole

Open Access Master's Theses

Objective: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed Gastrointestinal (GI) condition in the United States affecting 30 million (10%) people. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, distension, excessive wind and altered bowel habits when anatomical abnormalities and inflammation have been excluded. A low-FODMAP diet is now considered as an effective strategy for managing symptoms of IBS in Australia, with interest expanding across the world. Several limitations of a low-FODMAP diet pertaining to dietary quality and health benefits have been suggested. Malabsorbed FODMAPs provide multiple benefits which include a natural laxative effect due to their osmotic effects, a prebiotic …

College Students Perceptions Of Environmentally Conscious Eating Behaviors: A Formative Evaluation, Victorine Shores

Open Access Master's Theses

Objective: This study was a formative evaluation of modules related to Green Eating. Perceptions of the motivational value of the modules were assessed.

Design: This study was a cross-sectional study using secondary data.

Participants: 224 college students.

Intervention: Participants completed one of three online modules. Participants established a goal for the module they viewed and determined their self-efficacy (SE) in meeting their goal.

Main Outcomes: Motivational value was assessed using the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS); IMMS scores were compared between modules. Goal congruency (relationship to module topic) and SE were compared between modules.

Analysis …

The Nutrition And Physical Assessment Of Patients With Neurological Disorders, Dara Lyn Lobuono

Open Access Master's Theses

Objective: To describe cognitive, nutritional and physical functioning status of those with diagnosed neurological disorders for at least one year.

Design: This is a cross-sectional study.

Setting: University of Rhode Island’s Speech and Hearing Clinic.

Participants: Community-dwelling adults living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or acquired brain injury (ABI) for ≥ 12 months.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Cognitive-linguistic status was measured via the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Nutritional and cardio-metabolic status were measured using the dietary screening tool (DST), anthropometrics (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition), biochemical (lipid and glucose …