Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of Best Practices In Child Nutrition At Child Care Centers In Mississippi, Whitney Clara Black

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Results: Survey responses indicated that the majority of directors rated themselves as skilled at several key areas of best practices, especially in creating a clean, pleasant place for the children to eat and in using program nutrition requirements to ensure that food and nutrition needs of the children are met. Analysis of the center menus proved the latter to be true as the recommendations for Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron were either met or exceeded for females 4-8 years-old, and males 4-8 years-old. A need for more training was also indicated, especially in writing food and nutrition procedures …

E-Cigarettes And Conventional Cigarettes: Perceived Risks And Benefits Among College Students, Evi Addoh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT Background: Accompanying the decline in cigarette smoking rates has been a rise in prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use. The ongoing investigations on the health impact of e-cigarettes have been accompanied by mixed messages and a lack of consensus which may lead college students to rely on their own perceptions of risk and benefits in deciding whether to use e-cigarettes. Conclusion: Considering the significant association of perceived risks and benefits with e-cigarette and cigarette use this study yields some findings that show the importance of appropriately addressing perceptions. It is paramount to keep the public updated on pertinent research …

A Brief Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Based Intervention For Distressed Graduate Students, Emily Hannah Katt Jacobson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Graduate students report to experience distress at high rates. Research suggests that self-care behaviors such as sleep exercise and mindfulness practice can helpful for mental health and wellbeing. The current study examined the effectiveness of a brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based intervention on increasing self-care behaviors in distressed graduate students at the University of Mississippi (N=7). The intervention was delivered in three 60-minute individual sessions. The effects of the intervention were examined using a concurrent multiple baseline across participants design. Results indicated that five out of seven participants shoincreases in self-reported self-care behaviors after the start of the …

Behavioral Similarities And Differences Among Symptoms Of Emetophobia, Disordered Eating, And Disgust, Jennifer Arden Petell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Emetophobia, also known as the specific phobia of vomiting (SPOV), is a clinical disorder with severe symptomatology and chronicity. However, there remains a significant lack of knowledge in overall conceptualization and etiological understanding. Recent literature has described this disorder within the context of abnormal eating disorders, despite the essential difference in symptom function between SPOV and disordered eating (Keyes & Veale, 2018; Volpe et al., 2015). Therefore, the present study sought to further the conceptualization and delineation of symptoms of emetophobia and disordered eating, as well as their potential relation with disgust. More specifically, it was hypothesized that symptoms of …

Progress Toward The Synthesis Of 3-Methoxyflavones As Potential Antioxidants, Neuroprotective Agents, And Trifluoromethylated 19f Nmr Probes, Reem Alkhodier

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The total synthesis of polyhydroxylated flavones have proven to be challenging, due to the presence of more than one hydroxyl group. Direct cyclization was not successful in any of the attempts. However, by using a silyl protecting group, the cyclization was feasible. Other reactions like the Friedel-Crafts acylation and selective protection of phenols were also difficult.

Community Resilience: A Meta-Study Of International Development Rhetoric In Emerging Economies, Rachel Ann Haggard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Understood generally, community resilience is the ability of communities to adapt, absorb, mitigate, and recover from shocks and stressors in such a way that facilitates positive future outcomes and reduces overall vulnerability to future shocks and stressors (Adger, 2000; Norris, Stevens, Pfefferbaum, Wyche & Pfefferbaum, 2008; USAID, 2013; Walker et al., 2004). The core of this definition relates to sustainability and the capability of socio-ecological systems and communities to adapt and transform to both day to day fluctuations and stressors as well as major disasters (Milman & Short, 2008; Walker et al., 2004). This meta-study seeks to shed light on …

Students’ Perceptions And Strategies For Success In An Associate Degree Nursing Program, Theresa Hargett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The three-manuscript dissertation is based on perceptions and personal strategies of successful third-semester nursing students about retention interventions at Holmes Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program on the Grenada Campus. Retention and attrition of nursing students is a current area of concern at Holmes Community College in the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Understanding adaptations that led third-semester students in the ADN program to be successful in their first-year is the focus of this study. The research questions seek to answer second-year, third-semester students’ perceptions of their first-year experiences of faculty interventions and personal strategies applied for success. Understanding adaptations and …

An Experimental Test Of Controls On Resource Exchange In An Ectomycorrhizal Mutualism, Amber Lynn Horning

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Models of resource exchange mutualisms utilize economic principles to explain how the costs and benefits of these interactions vary with environmental context. All of these models use a ratio of resource exchange (e.g., nitrogen: carbon) as the central variable, and it is unclear whether such exchange ratios predict outcomes of mutualisms in natural systems. Corrêa et al. (2008) hypothesized instead that the absolute flux of the most limiting nutrient, rather than the ratio of the two exchanged resources, best explains the benefits of resource exchange mutualisms. To distinguish between these two competing hypotheses, we measured resource transfers, and their ratios, …

Expression Of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha In A Chick Model Of Stress Vulnerable, Treatment – Resistant Depression, Mary Katherine Jourdan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An increasing body of literature suggests a Major Depressive Disorder subpopulation, Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), is associated with an increased immune response. More than a decade of research has identified and begun to validate a novel animal model of TRD. This study sought to determine whether TNF-α levels would be altered due to isolation stress and differentiated between stress-vulnerable and -resilient strains. Black Australorp and Production Red chicks were placed into isolation for varying times during which Distress Vocalization (dVoc) rates were calculated and transformed into entry into behavioral despair percent thresholds. Blood levels of TNF- α were quantified via …

Hsl 2200 : Introduction To Human Services Programs, Human Services

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Cte 3403 : Methods Of Teaching Middle And Secondary Level Family And Consumer Sciences, Technology

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Case-Control Study Of Nutrition And Lung Cancer In Appalachian Kentucky, Afton N. Wright

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Background and Objectives

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths world-wide. Recent studies suggest a possible association between nutrition and risk for specific histological subtypes of cancer. We examined the relationship between nutrition and lung cancer histology in Kentucky, a largely rural U.S. state that ranks among the highest in the nation in lung cancer rates, as well as diseases related to diet, such as diabetes and obesity. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of nutrition on lung cancer risk and histology in Kentucky. More specifically, we wanted to investigate potential associations with …

Implementing Components Of The Cafeteria Power Plus Project And The Five-A-Day Power Plus Project With The Catch’S Go, Slow & Whoa Program To Increase Fruit And Vegetable Consumption In Community Eligibility Provision Elementary Schools In Lexington, Ky, Kayla Payton Keller

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Poor diet quality is a leading risk factor for many chronic diseases affecting Americans today. Increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables during childhood helps to protect against chronic diseases in adulthood and overall prolonged healthier habits. Since 1988, trends in fruit consumption remain unchanged in the United States and vegetable consumption has slightly decreased. Communities living under the poverty level have a greater disparity for access to and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. This proposal is given by the Lexington Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) and combines aspects of three evidence-based programs: the 5-a-day Power Plus Project, the …

Reducing Infant Mortality Through The Nurse Family Partnership Home Visitation Program In Montgomery County, Alabama, Kristyn Hill

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

The mitigation of infant mortality (IM) has long been a public health effort within the United States. And although the rates have dramatically decreased with medical advancements, certain populations remain disproportionately affected. There are various factors that are thought to contribute to our IM rates and the disparities between women of varying demographics. Alabama has the highest rates of infant mortality in our county, and women of color within the state have even higher rates.

Many programs with goals of decreasing the IM rate within the United States have been implemented over time. In particular, home visitation programs have been …

Second Hand Smoke Exposure And Memory Performance In An Appalachian Pediatric Cohort, Zaynab Al Abdali

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Background: Smoking rates in Appalachian counties are about two times higher than in non- Appalachian counties. Apart from the detrimental effects smoking has on the smoker, exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) can have negative health effects on both adults and children. SHS exposure can result in asthma exacerbations and other respiratory difficulties, impaired neuromotor function, neurobehavioral problems, and decreased performance in school.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether SHS exposure, as measured by serum cotinine, is associated with learning and memory in children, as measured by the California Verbal Learning Test – Children's Version.

Methods: Children …

Targeting Food Selectivity In Young Children In A Preschool Classroom Using A Multi-Component Treatment Package, Christina Challed Hesley

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using a video model, graduated exposure (i.e., touch, smell, try, eat), and positive reinforcement to first increase food exploration, and then increase consumption of non-preferred foods in young children that exhibit food selectivity in a school setting. A multiple probe design across behaviors replicated across participants was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment package. The treatment package consisted of a video model of each target behavior (touch, smell, try, eat) and positive reinforcement which included preferred foods and materials. The results indicated that the treatment package was …

Osseointegrated Implants Versus Zirconium Mucosal Inserts In Complete Denture Patients, Sara Fikry El Shafei Dr, Fardos N Rizk

Dentistry

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of osseointegrated implants versus mucosal inserts used for retention of complete dentures. Materials and Methods: Twelve completely edentulous patients were selected for this study and divided into two groups of six. Group I received implant retained maxillary overdentures, while group II received maxillary overdentures retained by muchor zirconium mucosal inserts. Bone changes in both groups were evaluated using cone beam ct at insertion and after six and twelve months. Results: The results showed that the bone changes produced in mucosal overdenture wearers were greater than those produced in implant overdenture wearers. Conclusion: Zirconium mucosal inserts …

Automated Body Condition Scoring: Progression Across Lactation And Its Association With Disease And Reproduction In Dairy Cattle, Carissa Marie Truman

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Body condition scoring is a technique used to noninvasively assess fat reserves. It provides an objective estimate to describe the current and past nutritional status of the dairy cow and has been associated with increased disease risk and breeding success. Traditionally body condition scores are taken manually by visual appraisal on a 1 to 5 scale, in one-quarter increments. However, recent studies have shown the potential of automating the body condition scoring of cows using images. The first objective was to estimate the likelihood of disease development and breeding success, using odds ratios, associated with body condition score scored automatically …

Validation Of An Automated Behavior Monitoring Collar, And Evaluation Of Heat Stress On Lactating Dairy Cow Behavior With Access To A Free Choice Soaker, Lori Nicole Grinter

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Precision dairy technologies (PDT) are becoming more accessible and are therefore becoming more common on commercial dairy farms and in dairy research. Prior to any use of PDT, one should understand the precision, accuracy and bias of the device by a validations studies before interpreting the behavior measurements. Thus, the objective of the first section of my thesis is to validate ruminating, feeding and resting measurements of a behavior monitoring collar used in the second section. Precision dairy technology is used in heat stress studies to compare behavior of cows exposed to different heat stress treatments or abatement strategies. Heat …

Responses Of Bovine Pituitary Transcriptome Profiles To Consumption Of Toxic Tall Fescue And Forms Of Selenium In Vitamin-Mineral Mixes, Qing Li

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

The first goal of the current research was to determine whether gene expression profiles differed between whole pituitaries of growing beef steers grazing pastures containing high (HE) or low (LE) amounts of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue. The global (microarray analysis) and selected targeted (RT-PCR) mRNA expression patterns of pituitaries collected from beef steers (BW = 266 ± 15.5 kg) that had been randomly assigned to undergo summer-long grazing (89 to 105 d) of either HE (0.52 ppm ergot alkaloids) or LE (< 0.03 ppm ergot alkaloids) pastures were compared. Gene expression data were subjected to one-way ANOVA. The pituitaries of HE steers had 542 differentially expressed genes, and the pattern of altered gene expression was dependent on treatment. Targeted RT-PCR analysis corroborated these findings, including decreased expression of DRD2, PRL, POU1F1, GAL, and VIP and that of POMC and PCSK1, respectively. Canonical pathway analysis (Integrated Pathway Analysis, IPA) identified HE-dependent alteration in signaling of additional pituitary-derived hormones, including growth hormone and GnRH. In conclusion, consumption of endophyte-infected tall fescue alters the pituitary transcriptome profiles of steers in a manner consistent with their negatively affected physiological parameters. The second goal of this project was to test the hypothesis that sodium selenite (ISe), SEL-PLEX (OSe), vs. a 1:1 blend (MIX) of ISe and OSe in a basal vitamin-mineral (VM) mix would differentially alter pituitary transcriptome profiles in growing beef steers (BW = 183 ± 34 kg) commonly grazing an endophyte-infected tall fescue (HE) pasture. Steers were randomly selected from herds of fall-calving cows grazing HE pasture and consuming VM mixes that contained 35 ppm Se as either ISe, OSe, or MIX forms. Steers were weaned, depleted of Se for 98 d, and subjected to summer-long common grazing of a 10.1 ha HE pasture containing 0.51 ppm ergot alkaloids. Steers were assigned (n = 8) to the same Se-form treatments on which they were raised. Selenium treatments were administered by daily top-dressing 85 g of VM mix onto 0.23 kg soyhulls, using in-pasture Calan gates. Pituitaries were collected at slaughter and changes in global (microarray) and selected (RT-PCR) mRNA expression patterns determined. The effects of Se treatment on relative gene expression were subjected to one-way ANOVA. The form of Se affected the expression of 542 annotated genes. Integrated Pathway Analysis found a canonical pathway network between prolactin and POMC/ACTH/ α-MSH synthesis-related proteins, and that mitochondrial dysfunction was a top-affected canonical pathway. Targeted RT-PCR analysis found that the relative abundance of mRNA encoding prolactin and POMC/ACTH/ α-MSH synthesis-related proteins was affected by the form of Se, as were mitochondrial dysfunction-related proteins OSe steers appeared to have a greater prolactin synthesis capacity vs. ISe steers through decreased dopamine receptor D2 signaling, whereas MIX steers had a greater prolactin synthesis capacity and release potential by increasing TRH concentrations than ISe steers. OSe steers also had a greater ACTH and α-MSH synthesis potential than ISe steers. We conclude that form of Se in VM mixes affected genes responsible for prolactin and POMC/ACTH/α-MSH synthesis, and mitochondrial function in pituitaries of growing beef steers commonly grazing an HE pasture. The third goal was to test the hypothesis that sodium selenite (ISe), SEL-PLEX (OSe), vs. a 1:1 blend (MIX) of ISe and OSe in a basal vitamin-mineral (VM) mix would differentially alter selenoprotein profiles in pituitaries and livers of growing beef steers commonly grazing an endophyte-infected tall fescue (HE) pasture (i.e., the same steers used in Goal 2). The effects of Se treatment on relative gene expression were subjected to one-way ANOVA. The mRNA content of 6 selenoproteins in the pituitary was affected by Se treatments, along with two selenoprotein P receptors, whereas the expression of two selenoproteins was altered in the liver. We conclude that the change in selenoprotein gene expression in pituitaries indicates that OSe steers have a greater potential capacity to manage against oxidative damage, maintain cellular redox balance, and have a better quality control of protein-folding in their pituitaries than ISe steers. The change in selenoprotein gene expression by the liver indicates that MIX steers have a greater redox signaling capacity and capacity to manage oxidative damage than ISe steers.

Behavioral And Physiological Adaptations Associated With Feed Intake During Transitioning Cattle To High-Grain Diets, Amanda M. Mclean

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Transitioning cattle from a high-forage to a high-concentrate diet increases the risk for ruminal acidosis and is often related to decreased feed intake, which compromises animal health and performance. Since control of feed intake and rumen motility are closely related, we hypothesized that a reduction in rumen motility may be associated with a reduction in feed intake during this transition. Computer programs were created to analyze feed disappearance and rumen pressure data for feeding behavior as well as identification and characterization of rumen contractions, respectively. This method enabled timely analysis of large datasets and removed subjectivity associated with manual analysis. …

An Appraisal Of The Effect Of Nursing Location On Weaning Weight Of Piglets And Its Dependence On The Feeding Of Essential Oils To Sows, Shannon L. Dierking

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

The objective of these studies was to evaluate the effect of piglet nursing location on weaning weight, and its dependence on essential oil supplementation on sow and piglet performances.

Piglets that nursed anterior teat pairs had heavier weaning weights and higher gain for the lactation period. Additionally, piglet birthweight did not impact their overall teat selection and nursing location. These results provide some insight into the biological aspects of sow milk production, and implied that milk yield may vary between teat pairs along the udder line.

Supplementation of essential oils (EO) during late gestation and lactation had no effect on …

Vital Rates And Habitat Selection Of Bull Elk (Cervus Canadensis Nelsoni) In Southeast Kentucky, John Tyler Hast

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Globally, male ungulate species are heavily managed for their sporting and trophy qualities. North American elk (Cervus canadensis) are typically managed using a male-biased harvest regime, placing increased chances of mortality on males in these hunted populations. To manage for trophy quality animals that typically represent older age classes, wildlife managers have implemented many age-biased harvest regulations, including spike-only tags and antler point restrictions. Many of these age-biased harvest regulations have fallen short of their desired goal of producing older bull elk. Consequently, the consensus has evolved to center on an overall reduction in harvest pressure.

The state …

Expression Of Endocan And Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor In Recurrent Minor Aphthous Ulcers, Enji Ahmed Mahmoud, Wesam Abdelmonem, Olfat Gamil Shaker, Dalia Mohey-Eldien Ghalwash

Dentistry

Background: Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) are common painful inflammatory lesions of the mucous lining of the mouth. Endocan, previously identified as endothelial cell specific molecule-1, is implicated as a vital player in the regulation of several inflammatory processes. A number of inflammatory cytokines and pro-angiogenic growth factors including VEGF upregulate endothelial cells synthesis and expression of endocan. Material and Methods: Clinical scores of pain and ulcer size as well as level of endocan and VEGF were determined in swaps from aphthous ulcer and contra lateral normal mucosa in 30 patients (nine males and twenty one females) with age ranging from …

Predictors Of Stress In Caregivers Of Family Members With Multiple Sclerosis, Lucy Lubinski

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that typically results in cognitive and physical impairment. Depending upon the severity of symptoms, persons with MS often need assistance from caregivers in their daily lives. Research has shown that when a family member is diagnosed with the disease, household members become a source of caregiver support. The relationships between caregiver burden and chronic illness and between stress and health are well-documented. The impact of caregiving on individuals with MS remains a continued clinical concern, particularly because depression is highly co-occurring in those with the disease. Understanding the predictors …

The Association Between Body Esteem And Post-Operative Outcomes In Adult Weight-Loss Surgery Patients, Jennifer Rohr Swetkowski

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Bariatric surgery (weight-loss surgery) remains the most effective long-term treatment for obesity, resulting in improved obesity-related comorbidities and increased life expectancy. There remains, however, a limited understanding of predictors and patientlevel factors associated with insufficient weight loss and psychological dysfunction. Body esteem, or feelings of self-worth about one’s body and appearance, is a significant concern for individuals undergoing weight-loss surgery, although the relationship between body esteem and weight loss is complex. Indeed, there is a subset of patients who experience suboptimal weight loss and poor psychological outcomes after undergoing bariatric surgery. This retrospective, longitudinal study examined the relationship between pre-operative …

Rapid Assessment Of Post-Hurricane Michael Impacts On A Population Of The Sea Urchin Lytechinus Variegatus In Seagrass Beds Of Eagle Harbor, Port Saint Joseph Bay, Florida, Roberta Challener, James B. Mcclintock, Raymond Czaja Jr., Christopher Pomory

Gulf and Caribbean Research

No abstract provided.

Dead Or Alive: Use Of Elemental Analysis To Determine Status Of Stranded Perinate Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus), Ryanne Murray, Ruth H. Carmichael, Merri K. Collins, Mackenzie L. Russell, Alissa C. Deming

Gulf and Caribbean Research

No abstract provided.

Association Between Education And Health Outcomes Among Adults With Disabilities: Evidence From Shanghai, China, Tong Ge, Qi Zhang, Jun Lu, Gang Chen, Mei Sun, Xiaohong Li

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background

Adults with disabilities often have worse health outcomes than do their peers without disabilities. While education is a key determinant of health, there is little research available on the health disparities across education levels among adults with disabilities in developing countries. We therefore examined the association between health outcomes and education among adults with disabilities in Shanghai, China.

Methods

We used the health examination records of 42,715 adults with disabilities in Shanghai in 2014. Five health outcomes, including two diseases (fatty liver and hemorrhoids) and three risk factors (overweight [body mass index ≥ 24]), high blood glucose, and high …

Ecological Influences On Dietary Behavior: The Interaction Between Person And Neighborhood Environment In A Low-Ses, Hispanic Community, Emily Kiresich

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Despite existing knowledge about lifestyle choices and their relationships to obesity and diabetes, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is increasing, and the number of Americans at risk is greater than 70% (CDC, 2019). Obesity is a complex, multifactorial, and largely preventable disease, affecting, along with overweight, over a third of the world's population today. A significant factor in lifestyle management is the ecology of food choice. Literature suggests that environment and exposure can predict food-related health risk behaviors and health outcomes. The objective of this dissertation was to conceptualize and carry out a series of pilot studies …