Digital Commons Network^™

So You Think You Can Exercise: The Gap Between Exercise Confidence And Physical Activity Among Samoan Adults, Diksha Brahmbhatt

Public Health Theses

Samoa is experiencing one of the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in the world, placing its population at increased risk of developing several noncommunicable diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The role of physical activity in reducing the burden of these diseases and overweight is well-established. Exercise self-efficacy or confidence is a predictor, if not determinant, of recreational physical activity. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to assess the relationship between exercise confidence and levels of recreational physical activity among Samoan adults. We confirm that exercise confidence is correlated with time spent exercising. However, despite considerable …

Postpartum Weight Trajectories In A Cohort Of 127 Samoan Women: Does Breastfeeding Protect Against Postpartum Weight Retention?, Grace Castillo

Public Health Theses

Rising global obesity rates impact every aspect of health, including maternal-fetal health. Samoa has a disproportionate burden of obesity, with more than half of Samoan women entering pregnancy obese. Given Samoan women’s high parity (4), postpartum weight retention (PPWR) may be a significant source of weight gain over women’s lifetimes. Little is currently known about PPWR among Samoan women, so this analysis sought to document PPWR trajectories, assess factors – like breastfeeding -- associated with PPWR. Data of 127 mother-infant dyads from the 2017 Foafoaga O le Ola cohort were used in analysis. Researchers collected demographic and lifestyle data, as …

Exposure To Atmospheric Metals Using Moss Bio-Indicators And Neonatal Health Outcomes In Portland, Oregon, Saskia Comess

Public Health Theses

Background: Exposures to certain metals are associated with adverse birth outcomes, including inhibited fetal growth and congenital defects. Previous studies focused on metals such as lead and arsenic, and primarily assessed exposure using biological monitoring, which does not provide insights into sources. Examining exposure to metals via atmospheric pathways is challenging due to a lack of high-resolution air-pollution data. We applied a unique map of atmospheric metal pollution, derived from bio-indicator moss samples, as a screening tool to study neonatal health risks of atmospheric metal pollution in Portland, Oregon, a city of 640,000 people with several metal-emitting industrial sources.

Methods: …

Evaluating The Feasibility And Effectiveness Of Self-Monitoring Of Health – A Pilot Study Among Samoan Women, Erica Kocher

Public Health Theses

Background:

Samoa, like many low- and middle-income countries, faces a high burden of obesity and non-communicable disease. Self-monitoring technologies to help individuals track their health have proven effective in high-income countries, but have not generally been tested in low-income settings. To investigate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of using step-counters and digital scales in Samoa, we conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

The trial enrolled 44 Samoan women (31-40 years) without chronic conditions (non-hypertensive, non-diabetic, etc.) and who reported motivation to become more active. After a 1-week baseline period to measure physical activity in the absence of any feedback, …

Nonmydriatic Fundus Photography In A High-Risk Population Of Samoans With Diabetes: The Soifua Manuia Eye Screening Program, Lauren Carmela Lamonica

Public Health Theses

IMPORTANCE Novel methods of detecting eye disease are needed due to the challenges associated with service delivery in resource-limited settings.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study is to determine whether clinically gradable fundus images can be obtained using a low-cost, handheld non-mydriatic fundus camera by a non-ophthalmic provider in a remote setting.

DESIGN Cross-sectional study

PARTICIPANTS Two-hundred and six individuals (412 eyes) in the Pacific Island nation of Samoa with pre-diabetes and diabetes (HbA1c ≥5.7% or FBG ≥110 mg/dl).

METHODS Participants underwent non-mydriatic fundus photography with the PanOptic iExaminer System, along with an assessment of near vision, medical, and ophthalmic …

Wholesome Wave Communities Market Approach, Nikita Mehta

Public Health Theses

In 2017, approximately 1.2 million residents, or 14.4% of the population, in New York City were identified as food insecure, which is higher than the national rate of 11.8%. Wholesome Wave is a non-profit organization based in the Northeastern region of the United States that develops programming for consumers to make healthier food choices through increases in affordable access to healthy, locally and regionally grown foods. Wholesome Wave makes fruits and vegetables affordable through their Wholesome Communities initiative which includes the SNAP Double Value Program and the FVRx. This report builds a strategic go-to-market approach by identifying key funders, partners, …

Assessing The Effect Of The Fto (Rs9939609) Gene On Weight Loss Among Breast Cancer Survivors Enrolled In The Lifestyle, Exercise, And Nutrition (Lean) Study, Hien Thai Nguyen

Public Health Theses

Abstract: Background: A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the Fat, Mass, and Obesity associated (FTO) gene, rs9939609, is significantly associated with obesity and individual variability in weight loss achieved by diet/lifestyle interventions. However, study results on the effect of the FTO gene on weight loss remains inconsistent. This study aims to examine the moderating effects of the FTO SNP rs9939609 on weight loss achieved by a lifestyle intervention in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Breast cancer survivors with a body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 were randomized to the LEAN 6-month intervention, which included eleven 30-min counseling sessions focused on reducing …

The Effects Of Rurality And Cost Of Transportation On Time Of Evolution And Disease Complexity At Diagnosis For Cutaneous Leishmaniasis In Colombia, Miguel Paredes

Public Health Theses

Patients in Colombia affected by cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) face significant geopolitical and socioeconomic barriers to accessing diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to understand how the geosocial characteristics of a patient’s area of residence affect time to medical consultation and disease status at consultation. An observational cross-sectional study was performed of individuals with CL who consulted at a local clinical referral center (CIDEIM) in Cali and Tumaco, Colombia. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable simple and ordinal logistic regression analyses were done to examine how area of residence (urban or rural) and cost of transportation to the nearest urban center may influence …

Randomized Trial Of Weight Loss On Ghrelin Levels Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Leah Puklin

Public Health Theses

Purpose: Obesity is associated with increased breast cancer risk and mortality. Ghrelin is a hormone that participates in a negative feedback loop to regulate body weight. Understanding the impact of an individualized, sustainable, dietary and exercise weight-loss intervention on circulating ghrelin levels could provide insight on weight control mechanisms among overweight and obese breast cancer survivors.

Methods: The Lifestyle, Exercise, and Nutrition (LEAN) randomized controlled trial was a 6-month weight loss trial conducted to examine the effect of a weight loss intervention versus usual care on outcomes in 151 breast cancer survivors with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Fasting blood samples …

Strengthening Maternal, Infant And Young Child Feeding Training And Education Delivery In Ghana, Madelynn Raye Tice

Public Health Theses

Objective: To document the maternal, infant and young child feeding (MIYCF) training and education system within Ghana and identify key factors influencing MIYCF training and education delivery by health care providers.

Design: A qualitative study that utilized in-depth interviews.

Setting: The study was conducted within the Central Region of Ghana.

Participants: Fourteen health care providers that served as MIYCF trainers or educators were included in this study.

Analysis: Interviews were conducted in English, audio recorded, and then transcribed. A grounded theory approach was used to create a conceptual model of the themes that emerged from the interview. Half of the …

Nut And Peanut Butter Consumption And Risk Of Prostate Cancer In The Nih-Aarp Diet And Health Study, Mimi (Trucmai) Nu Ton

Public Health Theses

Background: While nuts and their related nutrients have been inversely associated with some cancers, the association between nut consumption and prostate cancer has been inconsistent.

Methods: We conducted an analysis of the association between nut and peanut butter consumption and risk of incident prostate cancer among 173,243 men in the prospective NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. There was a total of 18,619 incident prostate cancer cases during the 16 years of follow-up. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox proportional hazards regression for intake of nuts, peanut butter, and total nuts (nuts plus peanut butter), …

Unprocessed Food Sustainability, Kelsey Gengo, Dylan Bartlett, Mickayla Buisch, Katie Sheehan

Student Work

This article shows the differences in sustainability of a diet consisting of unprocessed food or processed food. The effect on trophic levels was considered as well as economical, environmental, and social effects.

Selective Mortality And Malnutrition In India, Pallavi Panda

School of Business

India presents itself as a paradox with low infant mortality and high malnutrition. This paper provides survival bias as an explanation of the paradox. Using pooled health surveys from 1993 to 2005 and a pseudo-panel selection model, this study finds that the change in Height-for-Age Z-Scores (HAZ scores) can be explained by mortality selection. Specifically, children with sample average characteristics that survive have 17.4% less HAZ scores than a child randomly drawn from the population indicating an overestimation of malnutrition in India. This is consistent with the hypothesis of weaker children surviving due to skilled delivery which pulls down the …

The African Development Bank, Organized Hypocrisy, And Maternal Mortality, Jamie M. Sommer, John M. Shandra, Michael Restivo, Holly E. Reed

Sociology

We draw on the theory of organized hypocrisy and examine how different forms of lending by the African Development Bank affect maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. We do so by using a two-way fixed effects model for a sample of 33 Sub-Saharan African nations from1990 to 2010. We find that the bank’s structural adjustment lending in the health sector is associated with increased maternal mortality, and its reproductive health investment lending is associated with decreased maternal mortality, consistent with the organized hypocrisy approach. These findings remain stable and consistent even when controlling for World Bank lending and other relevant control …

Training, Diet And Supplement Regimen Of An Elite Female Standup Paddler In Preparation For An Ultra-Distance Event: A Case Study, Victoria Burgess, Pete Bommarito, Jose Antonio Ph.D., Fnsca, Fissn, Cscs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

PURPOSE: Standup paddleboard (SUP) racing is the quintessential power-endurance sport that requires a combination of skill, aerobic power as well as muscular strength and endurance. The purpose of this case study was to examine the training, diet and supplement regimen of an elite paddler in preparation for an ultra-distance Standup paddleboard race (i.e., Molokai to Oahu [M2O) 32-mile open ocean SUP race).

METHODS: The physical characteristics of the paddler are as follows: 32-year old female, 167.6 cm height, 62.7 kg weight and 19% body fat (Bod Pod®). During the six-month training program, the athlete's daily average intake of …

Mechanisms Of Microglia Mediated Apolipoprotien E Neurotoxicity, Pardeep Singh

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Do Saproxylic Curculionids Affect The Fitness Of Co-Occurring Cerambycids?, Sheila R. Heath

Dissertations and Theses

Saproxylic insects sometimes coexist in incredibly high numbers under bark and share common resources. Thus, interactions between species are possible and could even explain their coexistence. This study investigates evidence of negative or positive effects of curculionid beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on cerambycid beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) that coexisted in dead tree branches in Costa Rica. Co-occurrence analysis and generalized regressions were used to test associations between cerambycid and curculionid species. Three cerambycid species that each co-occurred with a curculionid species were selected to measure fitness. Fitness measures of the cerambycid were compared with abundance of the co-occurring curculionid to assess the …

Un Peacebuilding Efforts In Post-Conflict Situations, Zag Legrand Kimpolo-Nkaya

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis analyzes the work of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, Fund, and UN Family organizations in ensuring stability and development in underdeveloped and developing countries during post-conflict situations. This work defines and examines peacebuilding and development using data from the PBC, PBF, Polity IV, the Human Development Index Report, and other sources, including UN documents. Three case studies where chosen to evaluate the effectiveness of peacebuilding missions in accordance with the PBC priorities: Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Central African Republic. The UN work has contributed to development in these cases; however, improvements were needed in some areas as …

Accelerating Breeding For Heat Tolerance In Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.): An Integrated Approach, Mathieu Anatole Tele Ayenan, Agyemang Danquah, Peter Hanson, Charles Ampomah-Dwamena, Sodedji Frejus Ariel Kpedetin, Isaac K. Asante, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Heat stress is a major limiting factor for crop productivity. Tomato is highly sensitive to heat stress, which can result in a total yield loss. To adapt to current and future heat stress, there is a dire need to develop heat tolerant cultivars. Here, we review recent attempts to improve screening for heat tolerance and to exploit genetic and genomic resources in tomatoes. We provide key factors related to phenotyping environments and traits (morphological, physiological, and metabolic) to be considered to identify and breed thermo-tolerant genotypes. There is significant variability in tomato germplasm that can be harnessed to breed for …

Online Symptom Checker Diagnostic And Triage Accuracy For Hiv And Hepatitis C, A. C. Berry, B. D. Cash, B. Wang, M. S. Mulekar, A. B. Van Haneghan, Kyle Yuquimpo, A. Swaney, M. C. Marshall, W. K. Green

Student Publications

We sought to address the prior limitations of symptom checker accuracy by analysing the diagnostic and triage feasibility of online symptom checkers using a consecutive series of real-life emergency department (ED) patient encounters, and addressing a complex patient population - those with hepatitis C or HIV. We aimed to study the diagnostic and triage accuracy of these symptom checkers in relation to an emergency room physician-determined diagnosis. An ED retrospective analysis was performed on 8363 consecutive adult patients. Eligible patients included: 90 HIV, 67 hepatitis C, 11 both HIV and hepatitis C. Five online symptom checkers were utilised for diagnosis …

Maternity Service Organisational Interventions That Aim To Reduce Caesarean Section: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analyses, Anna Chapman, Cate Nagle, Debra Bick, Rebecca Lindberg, Bridie Kent, Justin Calache, Alison M. Hutchinson

School of Nursing and Midwifery

No abstract provided.

Correlations Between Dietary Indicators And Cardiometabolic Profiles In Preschool Children., Kristin M. Berg

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Background: Recent literature suggests preschool children regardless of income, age, ethnicity, and gender are subject to future cardiometabolic risk. Dietary intake, when analyzed can indicate diversity and lack of meeting adequate nutrient standards. A combination of anthropometric and blood analysis with dietary intake assessment can provide practitioners the knowledge for adequate early nutrition intervention and education.

Objectives: This descriptive, cross-sectional study describes the relationship between dietary intake and cardiometabolic indicators in preschool children. There is also a comparison of mean subject values and referenced national standards.

Study Sample: Four hundred seventy-one preschool children, between the ages …

Parents And Health Behavior Change: A Review Of The Role Of Parents’ Behavioral Intentions For Health Behavior Change In Their Children, Zoe Elizabeth Gipson-Kendrick

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To examine the existing literature on the relation between contextual and health factors that influence parent intention for child health behavior change, focusing on the importance of a strong theoretical background and measures that match the proposed theory, and to determine the use of intention in the proposed sample of articles.

Method: A preliminary search was conducted, seeking out interventions and programs that target nutrition and/or physical activity in relation to childhood obesity prevention using PsycINFO and MedLine databases. This search totaled 29 studies to be included in the final review.

Results: Ten articles studied intention …

Factors Influencing The Movement Of Livestock Guardian Dogs In The Edwards Plateau Of Texas: Implications For Efficacy, Behavior, And Territoriality, John M. Tomeček, Justin T. French, John W. Walker, Nova J. Silvy, Nicholas A. Bromen

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Livestock guardian dog (Canis lupus familiaris; LGD) breeds of domestic dog worldwide provide a degree of control over predation losses. The application of LGDs as a wildlife damage management tool evolved as a cultural practice in the Old World. In the 1970s, this tool emerged in North America. Despite several decades of science and application, gaps still exist in our knowledge regarding applications for LGDs. From February 2016 to November 2017, we deployed global positioning system transmitters on 4 LGDs on a 20-km² ranch in Menard County, Texas, USA operated by Texas A&M AgriLife Research to investigate …

Spatial Relationships Between Livestock Guardian Dogs And Mesocarnivores In Central Texas, Nicholas A. Bromen, Justin T. French, John Walker, Nova J. Silvy, John M. Tomeček

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The use of livestock guardian dogs (Canis lupus familiaris; LGDs) to deter predators from preying on domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra spp.) herds continues to increase across the United States. Most research regarding the efficacy of LGDs has been based on queries of rancher satisfaction with LGD performance, yet little is known regarding LGD influence on mesocarnivores, including those species against which they protect livestock. Here, we provide some preliminary observations regarding the effect of LGDs deployed with sheep and goat herds from May 2016 to April 2017 on the detected activity of …

Livestock Guardian Dogs And Cattle Protection: Opportunities, Challenges, And Methods, Cat D. Urbigkit

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Producer interest in using livestock guardian dogs (Canis lupus familiaris; LGDs) to protect domestic cattle (Bos taurus) is driven by expanding large carnivore predator populations and increased public concerns regarding lethal predator control in North America. However, few resources exist to guide livestock producers regarding the use of LGDs to protect cattle. This paper summarizes published information and personal ranch experiences regarding the use of LGDs to protect cattle, describes livestock-producer identified challenges to more widespread adoption of this method to deter predators, and provides guidelines for introducing pups to LGD-naïve cattle herds. I recommend more …

Foraging Preferences Of Barnacle Geese On Endophytic Tall And Red Fescues, Tuuli-Marjaana Koski, Kari Saikkonen, Tero Klemola, Marjo Helander

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Many grasses (Poaceae) have symbiotic fungal endophytes, which affect livestock by producing unpalatable or harmful secondary compounds. Less is known about the repelling effects of fungal endophytes on avian grazers despite potential wildlife management implications. Herbivorous goose (Branta spp.) species may become a nuisance in recreational use areas via fecal littering. Planting these areas with grasses that avian grazers avoid may help mitigate this damage. In 2016, we studied the foraging preference of the barnacle geese (B. leucopsis) with endophytic (E+) or endophyte-free (E-) red fescue (Festuca rubra) and/or tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix) in …

Tracking Canada Geese Near Airports: Using Spatial Data To Better Inform Management, Ryan J. Askren, Brett E. Dorak, Heath M. Hagy, Michael W. Eiccholz, Brian E. Washburn, Michael P. Ward

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The adaptation of birds to urban environments has created direct hazards to air transportation with the potential for catastrophic incidents. Bird–aircraft collisions involving Canada geese (Branta canadensis; goose) pose greater risks to aircraft than many bird species due to their size and flocking behavior. However, information on factors driving movements of geese near airports and within aircraft arrival/departure areas for application to management are limited. To address this need, we deployed 31 neck collar-mounted global positioning system transmitters on Canada geese near Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, USA during November 2015 to February 2016. We used the …

Monographs And Books

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Order forms for Human-Wildlife Interactions monographs and books.

Development Of The Adept Screening Tool To Identify Health And Fitness Apps That Pose Risk For Individuals Susceptible To Disordered Eating, Georgia Mcartney

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Popular health apps could contain risk factors for disordered eating such as restriction, weight stigma, harmful exercise, or compensation. Although previous studies have examined the connection between social media and disordered eating, data is lacking regarding risk factors from health apps. The purpose of this study is to develop a rating tool to detect, examine, and categorize app-based risk factors for disordered eating.

This study utilized a comprehensive review of literature regarding risk factors for disordered eating, connections between app use and disordered eating behaviors, and existing technology rating tools. Based on this framework, the Awareness of Disordered Eating

Promotion …