Digital Commons Network^™

Retail Distribution Within The New York City Organic Cacao Market, Omari Nekoro Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies small physical commodities firm owners need to establish a distribution channel within the commodities market to enhance profits. The general business problem was that importing physical commodities from emerging markets was not profitable. The specific business problem was some small physical wholesale commodities firm managers lacked strategies to establish distribution channels for imported commodities. The information presented in this study is important to suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of organic cacao products to identify strategies to enhance their distribution channels. Disruptive innovation and the theory of constraints grounded the …

Knowledge Of Diabetes Mellitus And Health-Preventive Behaviors Among African American Adults, Wanka Ndifor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the risk within the African American population of developing diabetes, its complications, and the benefits associated with timely management and treatment of diabetes. The study also looked at how such knowledge may be related to preventive health behaviors. The Risk Perception Survey-Developing Diabetes and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System questionnaires were employed in this study. The theoretical basis of this study was the health belief model. This was a cross sectional, quantitative study with 126 participants. Descriptive analysis was employed to calculate the mean scores and frequencies across each …

Graduate Nurse Pediatric Emergency Nursing Orientation Program, Mindi Lynne Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research has found that the turnover rate of graduate nurses within their first year is significantly high. Specialties such as pediatric and emergency nursing have even a higher turnover rate. It has been suggested that significant amounts of stress and lack of skills are responsible for the turnovers. This quality improvement project, which is theoretically based on Benner's novice to expert theory, will examine if a lack of a specialized pediatric emergency graduate nurse orientation program is a contributing factor. The purpose of the project is to improve retention of graduate nurses by implementing a specialized orientation program that focuses …

Relationships Between Specific Health-Related Fitness Components And Standardized Academic Achievement Tests, Tona Wilson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In an attempt to meet monetary-driven mandates to improve student achievement test scores, administrators are replacing physical education activities with subject matter classes in many American schools. This practice negates the positive contributions of physical activity to academic performance and student fitness. Guided by self-efficacy theory, this study assessed the impact of optimal versus minimal physical fitness state on student academic achievement. The study sample included 5,416 9th grade students from the same school district who completed a minimum of 5 of the 6 components of the FITNESSGRAM tests, and who also completed the math and English language arts (ELA) …

Relationships Between The Coordinated School Health Program And Childhood Obesity In Tennessee, Tekeela Shonta Green

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood obesity rates have increased nationwide, but rates of childhood obesity are higher in Tennessee (TN). The Coordinated School Health (CSH) Program is a multicomponent approach designed to improve academics and health in children in Tennessee; however, researchers have not evaluated the 8 components of the plan and the impact it has on weight in children. The purpose of the study was to determine if a relationship existed between the Coordinated School Health Program and obesity in children. The conceptual framework for this study was Bandura's social cognitive theory. One hundred forty CSH coordinators in TN were surveyed and the …

Weight Management Of Women Of Childbearing Age, Marcia Hagen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black River Memorial Hospital identified obesity as a priority health concern in its rural service area; this concern was in line with the county's needs assessment. It was identified that women of childbearing age affect the lifestyle and health choices of their families and that they are at higher risk for the additional health risks associated with obesity affecting pregnancy and birth. Despite the identification of these risk factors, the factors that affect healthy weight management have not been well understood. Using the life course theory, a qualitative inquiry in the form of a structured interview was developed with local …

The Association Between Asthma Management And Routine Posture Exercise, Anne-Marie Lydie Coleman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Asthma management is a public health issue that is complex. Medication, asthma triggers, age, and the environment are all factors that impact asthma management. There is a gap in research in terms of what lifestyle characteristics need to be in place in order for adults to manage asthma. Shaw found that posture care is a lifestyle variable that should be explored as it relates to asthma management in older adults. The Life University Clinic (Marietta, GA) sees asthmatic patients daily and teaches them about a posture care routine through a program …

An Investigation Into The Effect Of Artificial Sweeteners On The Fertility, Longevity, And Body Fat Content Of Caenorhabditis Elegans, Sofia N. Allison

Theses & ETDs

Global rates of obesity have skyrocketed over the last fifty years to epidemic proportions. Consumption of artificial sweeteners has risen concurrently with the rise in obesity. The efficacy of artificial sweeteners for weight loss is unclear and their widespread usage has recently been called into question. We investigated the effects of three popular artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose) on the fertility, longevity, and body fat content of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Relative to the control, nematodes treated with aspartame or saccharin exhibited depressed fertility and increased body fat, with no effect on pharyngeal pumping rate, a surrogate marker for …

Patchy Progress On Obesity Prevention: Emerging Exemplars, Entrenched Barriers, And New Thinking, Christina A. Roberto, Boyd Swinburn, Corinna Hawkes, Terry T-K Huang, Sergio Costa, Marice Ashe, Lindsey Zwicker, John H. Cawley, Kelly D. Brownell

Publications and Research

Although there have been positive pockets of change, no country has yet turned around its obesity epidemic. Preventing an increase in obesity prevalence will require urgent actions from government as well as a broader spectrum of stakeholders than previously emphasized. In this paper, we review a number of regulatory and non-regulatory actions taken around the world to address obesity and discuss some of the reasons for the patchy progress. In addition, we preview the papers in this Lancet series, which each identify priority actions on key obesity issues and challenge some of the entrenched dichotomies that present obesity and its …

African American Eighth Grade Students' Attitudes Toward Hiv/Aids In The District Of Columbia, Enock Kolawole Adewuyi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The group most affected by HIV/AIDS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is African Americans. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge of HIV/AIDS held by African American children as a first step towards developing prevention strategies for these youths. In order to bridge the knowledge-behavior gap, this study sought to investigate the attitude towards HIV/AIDS of African American 8th grade students. The study involved secondary data from the 2012 District of Columbia (DC) Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey, obtained from the District of Columbia Office of Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Guided …

Peer Support Education For Uncontrolled Hypertension Among African Americans Adults, Melvina Juliana Semper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hypertension is a major chronic health problem that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. African Americans disproportionately suffer from the morbidity and mortality of hypertension-related illnesses. The purpose of this comparative project was to determine the impact of peer support educational workshops as an avenue for lifestyle modification, using changes in blood pressure (BP) before and after participation. The target population consisted of 64 African Americans with hypertension in Brooklyn NY, aged 20 to 65 years old. BP measurements were taken within 1 month before and after participating in a weekly peer support educational workshop facilitated by …

The Effects Of Temperature On Cyp19a1a, Foxl2, Dmrt1 And Amh Expression During Sex Differentiation In Summer Flounder (Paralichthys Dentatus), Catherine Curro Caruso

Master's Theses and Capstones

Female summer flounder grow considerably faster and larger than males, and a tremendous increase in performance can therefore be realized through production of monosex female populations. Rearing temperature has been shown to affect sex differentiation in other teleost species by influencing expression of genes encoding transcription factors, hormones or enzymes involved in endocrine function such as cyp19a1a, foxl2, dmrt1 and amh. These genes have been linked to female (cyp19a1a, foxl2) or male (dmrt1, amh) development, and exhibit sexually dimorphic expression in some species. In the present study, summer flounder (37 days post hatch; DPH) were raised at 13°C, 16°C or …

Maturity And Growth Of The Acadian Redfish (Sebastes Fasciatus) In The Gulf Of Maine, Kristin Lynn Duclos

Master's Theses and Capstones

Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus) are a long-lived, slow growing, live-bearing fish species found in the Gulf of Maine region. Historically, this species once supported a substantial commercial fishery, however, overexploitation coupled with low reproductive output decimated natural populations. Strict regulatory measures were implemented and the population eventually recovered, however, knowledge of the current population status is essential to ensure that the population continues to be harvested at a sustainable rate. This study utilized otolith age readings and histological analysis of gonad tissue to determine current growth and maturity patterns in the Gulf of Maine S. fasciatus population. Growth functions obtained …

An Examination Of Eisenia Fetida Coelomic Fluid For Antimycobacterial Activity, Christopher William Meiers

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem with real world consequences to human health and no known solution. The genus Mycobacterium contains several bacteria that can cause serious illnesses including tuberculosis and Johne’s disease. Some of these pathogens also have resistance to several antibiotics. This project sought to find antimycobacterial activity related to the phagocytic coelomocytes or soluble substances in the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia fetida. The phagocytic activity was determined by observing the adherence of phagocytes to Mycobacterium smegmatis (strain mc2155) bacteria. The antimycobacterial ability of the coelomic fluid was assessed by comparison of viable plate counts after …

Preventative Strategies To Improve Birth Outcomes Among African American Women In Rhode Island, Yvonne Michele Heredia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite increased access to prenatal care, birth outcomes continue to be a major source of disparity among women in the United States. The focus on lifestyle choices and negative behaviors prior to a pregnancy to reduce adverse birth outcomes has become a well-documented strategy. The purpose of this study was to determine if preparing for a pregnancy in advance improves birth outcomes for African American women of childbearing age between the ages of 12 and 45 years in the State of Rhode Island (RI). The theoretical foundation for this study was based on Prochaska's model of change, which is also …

Letter From The Dean, Michael Vayda

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Developing A Functional Measure Across The Continuum Of Post-Acute Care, Chih-Ying (Cynthia) Li

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation proposed to establish a post-acute care continuum measurement system by creating an item bank that linked existing instruments. We linked two instruments measuring physical activities of daily living in the Veterans healthcare system, Functional Independence Measure which is used in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities and the Minimum Data Set which is used in the Community Living Centers. The objectives included: (a) creating an IRT-based item bank, (b) creating IRT-based short forms from the item bank, (c) comparing measurement precision of converted scores from varied FIMTM and MDS forms, and (d) comparing accuracy of the varied forms in generating functional …

Novel Delivery Systems For Iron Replenishment, Naresh Modepalli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Iron is an integral part of hemoglobin and essential for the production of red blood cells. Iron deficiency and the resulting anemia are major nutritional deficiency disorders. The majority of patient populations suffering from iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are women of child bearing age and children of all ages. Iron deficiency is a complication of various other chronic conditions. Oral iron salts or colloidal parenteral iron formulations are treatment options for iron replenishment since several decades, but they are associated with severe side effects along with other patient noncompliance issues. Transdermal delivery of iron could be a potential alternative to …

Analytical Perspectives, Budget Of The United States Government Fiscal Year 2015, United States: Office Of Management And Budget (Omb)

Documents

No abstract provided.

Abortion And Compelled Physician Speech, David Orentlicher

Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

Are New Sodium Targets In The National School Lunch Program Feasible And Are They Necessary?, Yaneve Shemesh

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

In many societies, high salt intake is a continuing issue in adults, and is of growing concern in children due to the prevalence of processed foods. In response, the USDA has set three targets for sodium in meals offered in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and the National School Breakfast Program (NSBP). This 8-year goal is meant to decrease overall sodium levels in both meal programs. However, many associated with school nutrition ask if there is significant evidence to show what effect sodium plays on children’s health, and thus determine if these targets are necessary or achievable. In addressing …

Intimate Partner Violence And Psychosocial Health, A Cross-Sectional Study In A Pregnant Population, An-Sofie Van Parys, Ellen Descheppe, Kristien Michielsen, Anna Galle, Kristien Roelens, Marleen Temmerman, Hans Verstraelen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: The objective of this paper is to explore whether IPV 12 months before and/or during pregnancy is associated with poor psychosocial health.

Methods: From June 2010 to October 2012, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 antenatal care clinics in Belgium. Consenting pregnant women were asked to complete a questionnaire on socio-demographics, psychosocial health and violence in a separate room. Overall, 2586 women were invited to participate and we were able to use data from 1894 women (73.2 %) for analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained in all participating hospitals.

Results: We found a significant correlation between IPV and poor …

Opportunities To Improve Postpartum Care For Mothers And Infants: Design Of Context-Specific Packages Of Postpartum Interventions In Rural Districts In Four Sub-Saharan African Countries, Els Duysburgh, Birgit Kerstens, Seni Kouanda, Charles Paulin Kaboré, Danielle Belemsaga Yugbare, Peter Gichangi, Gibson Masache, Beatrice Crahay, Gilda Gondola Sitefane, Nafissa Bique Osman, Severiano Foia, Henrique Barros, Sofia Castro Lopes, Susan Mann, Bejoy Nambiar, Tim Colbourn, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Postpartum maternal and infant mortality is high in sub-Saharan Africa and improving postpartum care as a strategy to enhance maternal and infant health has been neglected. We describe the design and selection of suitable, context-specific interventions that have the potential to improve postpartum care.

Methods: The study is implemented in rural districts in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique. We used the four steps ‘systems thinking’ approach to design and select interventions: 1) we conducted a stakeholder analysis to identify and convene stakeholders; 2) we organised stakeholders causal analysis workshops in which the local postpartum situation and challenges and …

Achieving Pregnancy Safely In Hiv-Affected Individuals And Couples: An Important Strategy To Eliminate Hiv Transmission From Mother-To-Child And Between Sexual Partners, Mmeje Okeoma, Betty Njoroge, Craig Cohen, Marleen Temmerman, Sten H. Vermund, Sheryl Van Der Poel

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

HIV-infected individuals are living longer, more productive lives. HIV-affected individuals and couples experience personal and social desires to reproduce for all the same reasons as uninfected individuals and couples,1 and thus require safe reproductive options. HIV prevention interventions often do not consider the childbearing desires of HIV-affected individuals or couples, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Failure to assist women with desired fertility can contribute to continued HIV transmission and must be addressed within national elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) strategies.

A human rights perspective suggests that HIV-affected couples* should have the same ability to choose if and when …

Distributions And Interactions In Three Groups Of Polar Marine Plankton, Alison Clare Cleary

Open Access Dissertations

Polar marine ecosystems are highly productive, with strong seasonal phytoplankton blooms, and high abundances of vertebrate predators. A key link between these phytoplankton and megafauna are the zooplankton, which package and transform phytoplankton biomass, making it available to the fish, mammals, seabirds, and other predators in the ecosystem. I investigated three groups of these important small eukaryotes. In the Bering Sea I analyzed the diet of three morphologically very similar congeners of Pseudocalanus copepods. The two copepod species with largely overlapping geographic ranges were found to have different diets, suggesting feeding differences may serve as a mechanism of niche partitioning …

Experiences Of Clinicians Using Mindfulness-Based Therapy With Adult Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Analysis, Nathan Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

The long-term devastation caused by childhood sexual abuse among adult survivors has been well documented within the literature. Similarly, numerous studies have addressed efficacy of various treatment modalities targeting psychological sequelae associated with such abuse. However, despite the recent rise in popularity of mindfulness within the field of psychology, as well as indication of tremendous psychological benefits associated with such practice, few studies have sought to understand the connection between mindfulness and healing among abuse survivors. The current study attempts to bridge the gap in the literature by examining the experiences of clinicians using mindfulness as a framework for their …

A Multifaceted Trophic Cascade In A Detritus-Based System: Density-, Trait-, Or Processing-Chain-Mediated Effects, Daniel Albeny-Simões, Ebony G. Murrell, Evaldo F. Vilela, Steven A. Juliano

Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences

We investigated three pathways by which predators on an intermediate trophic level may produce a trophic cascade in detritus-based systems. Predators may increase lower trophic levels (bacteria) by reducing density of bacteriovores, by altering behavior of bacteriovores, and by processing living bacteriovores into carcasses, feces, and dissolved nutrients that are substrates for bacteria. We tested these pathways in laboratory experiments with mosquitoes in water-filled containers. Larval Toxorhynchites rutilus prey on larval Aedes triseriatus, which feed on bacteria. Using containers stocked with oak leaf infusion as a bacterial substrate, we compared bacterial productivity at 7 and 14 days for: prey …

Effects Of Plant Invasions On Ecosystem Processes: Linking Above- And Below-Ground Resource-Use Strategies Of Native And Invasive Species In Eastern U.S. Forests, Insu Jo

Dissertations - ALL

Despite the increasing number of non-native invasive species worldwide and their potential impacts on ecosystems, the mechanisms that invaders alter ecosystem nutrient processes remain elusive. Invaders are often more productive than native species which suggests invaders may have different above- and below-ground resource-use strategies that can profoundly alter ecosystem processes. Here I investigated above- and below-ground plant traits and soil properties associated with resource-use strategies and soil nitrogen (N) dynamics for multiple native and non-native forest understory species in the Eastern U.S. to better understand invader impacts on ecosystem processes. In the first study, performed in a common garden, I …

Women In Nonprofit Leadership: Strategies For Work-Life Balance, Amanda Colleen Green

Theses and Dissertations

The nonprofit sector is the third largest employing industry in the United States and impacts almost 10% of the economy (Roeger, Blackwood, & Pettijohn, 2012; Salamon, Sokolowski, & Geller, 2012). Women comprise over 75% of the nonprofit workforce, yet men hold over 80% of leadership positions (Bronznick & Goldenhar, 2009; McInnes, 2008). The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to examine the work-life balance practices of women leaders in nonprofit organizations and determine experiences impacting their life course. The ultimate goal was to gain insight from women leaders in nonprofit organizations to identify strategies for more women to advance …

Information Technology And Childbirth Education, Debra Henline Sullivan

Walden Faculty and Staff Publications

Information Technology and Childbirth Education