Digital Commons Network^™

Association Between Weight Loss, Change In Physical Activity, And Change In Quality Of Life Following A Corporately Sponsored, Online Weight Loss Program, Christoph Höchsmann, James L. Dorling, Corby K. Martin, Conrad P. Earnest, Timothy S. Church

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: The physiological benefits associated with corporately sponsored weight loss programs are increasingly well documented. However, less is known about how these programs affect employees’ quality of life (QoL). The purpose of the present analysis was to examine the association between weight loss, change in physical activity, and change in QoL following a corporately sponsored, online weight loss program. Methods: We examined the relationship between weight loss, self-reported change in physical activity, and change in several QoL indices in 26,658 participants (79% women) after the initial 10 weeks of the online weight loss program. The trend in changes in each …

Study In Parkinson’S Disease Of Exercise Phase 3 (Sparx3): Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Charity G. Patterson, Elizabeth Joslin, Alexandra B. Gil, Wendy Spigle, Todd Nemet, Lana Chahine, Cory L. Christiansen, Ed Melanson, Wendy M. Kohrt, Martina Mancini, Deborah Josbeno, Katherine Balfany, Garett Griffith, Mac Kenzie Dunlap, Guillaume Lamotte, Erin Suttman, Danielle Larson, Chantale Branson, Kathleen E. Mckee, Li Goelz, Cynthia Poon, Barbara Tilley, Un Jung Kang, Malú Gámez Tansey, Nijee Luthra, Caroline M. Tanner, Jacob M. Haus, Giamila Fantuzzi, Nikolaus R. Mcfarland, Paulina Gonzalez-Latapi, Tatiana Foroud, Robert Motl, Michael A. Schwarzschild, Tanya Simuni

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: To date, no medication has slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Preclinical, epidemiological, and experimental data on humans all support many benefits of endurance exercise among persons with PD. The key question is whether there is a definitive additional benefit of exercising at high intensity, in terms of slowing disease progression, beyond the well-documented benefit of endurance training on a treadmill for fitness, gait, and functional mobility. This study will determine the efficacy of high-intensity endurance exercise as first-line therapy for persons diagnosed with PD within 3 years, and untreated with symptomatic therapy at baseline. Methods: This is …

Genetic Dissection Of Alkalinity Tolerance At The Seedling Stage In Rice (Oryza Sativa) Using A High-Resolution Linkage Map, Lovepreet Singh, Sapphire Coronejo, Rajat Pruthi, Sandeep Chapagain, Uttam Bhattarai, Prasanta K. Subudhi

Faculty Publications

Although both salinity and alkalinity result from accumulation of soluble salts in soil, high pH and ionic imbalance make alkaline stress more harmful to plants. This study aimed to provide molecular insights into the alkalinity tolerance using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population developed from a cross between Cocodrie and Dular with contrasting response to alkalinity stress. Forty-six additive QTLs for nine morpho-physiological traits were mapped on to a linkage map of 4679 SNPs under alkalinity stress at the seedling stage and seven major-effect QTLs were for alkalinity tolerance scoring, Na+ and K+ concentrations and Na+:K+ ratio. The candidate genes …

The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (Wcrf)/American Institute For Cancer Research (Aicr) Score And Diabetes Risk In The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (Dppos), Marissa M. Shams-White, Ashley H. Tjaden, Sharon L. Edelstein, Sarah Bassiouni, Lisa L. Kahle, Catherine Kim, Xavier Pi-Sunyer, Karla A. Temple, Elizabeth M. Venditti, Jill Reedy, Brandy M. Heckman-Stoddard, George A. Bray, Kishore M. Gadde, Iris W. Culbert, Jennifer Arceneaux, Annie Chatellier, Amber Dragg, Catherine M. Champagne, Crystal Duncan, Barbara Eberhardt, Frank Greenway, Fonda G. Guillory, April A. Herbert, Michael L. Jeffirs, Betty M. Kennedy, Erma Levy, Monica Lockett, Jennifer C. Lovejoy, Laura H. Morris, Lee E. Melancon, Donna H. Ryan, Deborah A. Sanford, Kenneth G. Smith, Lisa L. Smith

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Background: The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) 3rd expert report highlights up-to-date Cancer Prevention Recommendations that may reduce burdens of many chronic diseases, including diabetes. This study examined if following a lifestyle that aligns with the recommendations – assessed via the 2018 WCRF/AICR Score – was associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults participating in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS). Methods: The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) randomized adults at high risk for diabetes to receive a lifestyle intervention (ILS), metformin (MET) or a placebo (PLB) (mean: 3.2 years), with …

Correlates Of The Physical Activity Decline During Childhood, Sara Pereira, Ana Carolina Reyes, Raquel Chaves, Carla Santos, Olga Vasconcelos, G. O. Tani, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Adam Baxter-Jones, José Maia

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Purpose This study aimed to describe longitudinal trends in children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and to investigate associations with individual, familial, and school characteristics. Methods A sample of 341 Portuguese children age 5-10 yr (173 girls) from six age cohorts was followed over 3 yr using a mixed-longitudinal design. Physical activity, body mass index (BMI), gross motor coordination, and musculoskeletal fitness were assessed annually. Information on socioeconomic status and school characteristics was collected and analyzed with mixed models. Results MVPA shows a similar declining trend in both sexes, but on average, boys exceeded the World Health Organization recommendations of 60 …

A Collaborative Approach To Adopting/Adapting Guidelines. The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines For Children (5-12 Years) And Young People (13-17 Years): An Integration Of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, And Sleep, Anthony D. Okely, Davina Ghersi, Sarah P. Loughran, Dylan P. Cliff, Trevor Shilton, Rachel A. Jones, Rebecca M. Stanley, Julie Sherring, Natalie Toms, Simon Eckermann, Timothy S. Olds, Zhiguang Zhang, Anne Maree Parrish, Lisa Kervin, Sandra Downie, Jo Salmon, Clair Bannerman, Tamie Needham, Elaine Marshall, Jordy Kaufman, Layne Brown, Janecke Wille, Greg Wood, David R. Lubans, Stuart J.H. Biddle, Shane Pill, Anthea Hargreaves, Natalie Jonas, Natasha Schranz, Perry Campbell, Karen Ingram, Hayley Dean, Adam Verrender, Yvonne Ellis

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Abstract: Background: In 2018, the Australian Government updated the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Children and Young People. A requirement of this update was the incorporation of a 24-hour approach to movement, recognising the importance of adequate sleep. The purpose of this paper was to describe how the updated Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Young People (5 to 17 years): an integration of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep were developed and the outcomes from this process. Methods: The GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach was used to develop the guidelines. A Leadership Group was formed, who identified existing …

Low-Energy Dense Potato- And Bean-Based Diets Reduce Body Weight And Insulin Resistance: A Randomized, Feeding, Equivalence Trial, Candida J. Rebello, Robbie A. Beyl, Frank L. Greenway, Kelly C. Atteberry, Kristin K. Hoddy, John P. Kirwan

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

We evaluated the effect of diets low in energy density (1 kcal/g) and high in either potatoes (Potato) or pulses (Bean) on blood glucose control in participants with insulin resistance. We hypothesized that the Potato and Bean diets would have equivalent effects. This was an 8-week randomized, parallel design, controlled feeding study comparing Potato and Bean diets (50-55% carbohydrate, 30-35% fat, 15-20% protein). Equivalence was prespecified as the mean change in the blood glucose concentration for Potato that was within ±20% of the Bean diet. Thirty-six participants (age: 18-60 years, body mass index: 25-40 kg/m2) with insulin resistance (homeostatic model …

Predicting Energy Intake In Adults Who Are Dieting And Exercising, Corey Gerving, Robert Lasater, James Starling, Danielle M. Ostendorf, Leanne M. Redman, Chad Estabrooks, Kevin Cummiskey, Vincent Antonetti, Diana M. Thomas

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: When a lifestyle intervention combines caloric restriction and increased physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), there are two components of energy balance, energy intake (EI) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), that are routinely misreported and expensive to measure. Energy balance models have successfully predicted EI if PAEE is known. Estimating EI from an energy balance model when PAEE is not known remains an open question. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the performance of an energy balance differential equation model to predict EI in an intervention that includes both calorie restriction and increases in PAEE. Design: The Antonetti energy …

Effect Of Renin-Angiotensin System Antihypertensive Medication Use On Cognitive Function In Diabetes Mellitus With Obesity Or Overweight: An Ancillary Study To The Action For Health In Diabetes (Look Ahead) Trial, Whitney Wharton, Andrea Anderson, Kathleen M. Hayden, Owen T. Carmichael, Jeanne M. Clark, José A. Luchsinger, Mark Espeland, Sevil Yasar

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Aim: To determine whether antihypertensive medication (AHM) acting through the renin angiotensin system (RAS-AHM), compared with other AHM, can mitigate effects on cognitive function and risk for impairment in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: This secondary analysis of the randomized controlled Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) study included 712 community-dwelling participants who were followed over 15 years. Logistic regression was used to relate RAS-AHM use to cognitive impairment, and linear regression was used to relate RAS-AHM use to domain-specific cognitive function after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: A total of 563 individuals …

Non-Destructive Quality Evaluation Of Tropical Fruit (Mango And Mangosteen) Purée Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined With Partial Least Squares Regression, Pimpen Pornchaloempong, Sneha Sharma, Thitima Phanomsophon, Kraisuwit Srisawat, Wasan Inta, Panmanas Sirisomboon, Witoon Prinyawiwatkul, Natrapee Nakawajana, Ravipat Lapcharoensuk, Sontisuk Teerachaichayut

Faculty Publications

Mango and mangosteen are commercially important tropical fruits with a short shelf life. Fruit processing is one of the alternatives to extend the shelf life of these fruits. Purée is one of the processed products of fresh fruit. In this research, the quality of mango and mangosteen purée was analyzed. Titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) were predicted using non-destructive near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. A partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was developed based on the NIR spectra with a wavelength ranging from 800 to 2500 nm. The PLSR model returned a coefficient of determination (r2) and a ratio …

Probiotic Incorporation Into Yogurt And Various Novel Yogurt-Based Products, Douglas W. Olson, Kayanush J. Aryana

Faculty Publications

Probiotics are commonly added to yogurt to provide many health benefits for the consumer. A description is provided for some commonly used probiotics in yogurt. A GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list of probiotic bacteria that can be added to yogurt or similar types of products is provided. Additionally, prebiotics, synbiotics (combination of prebiotics and probiotics), postbiotics, paraprobiotics, and psychobiotics can be added to yogurt. Probiotic yogurt can come in various forms in addition to spoonable yogurt, and yogurt can be used as an ingredient in other food products. Many useful functional ingredients can be applied to probiotic yogurt. The …

Labrad : Vol 47, Issue 2 - December 2022, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi

LABRAD - Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Radiology Archives

• From the Editor’s Desk
• Case Quiz
• Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography Clinical Usefulness of Biochemical Parameters in Prenatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome In First and Second Trimester
• The Science of Efficiency in a Clinical Laboratory
• Updates in new WHO Blue Book
• Monkeypox vs. COVID-19
• From the Diary of a Researcher- Notes on Understanding Beta-Thalassemia and Metabolic Bone Disease
• Significance of Audit in a Clinical Laboratory
• Microsatellite Instability (MSI) Testing
• Pre-Analytical Variables Affecting Coagulation Testing
• Grading of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
• Recent Updates in 2022 WHO Classification of Thyroid Neoplasms
• MMR and MSI Testing in Malignancies
• Transforming Pedagogical Framework of Pathology through Social …

Aligning Instruction With Extension Professional Competencies For An Enhanced Undergraduate Extension Education Minor, Joseph L. Donaldson, Wendy Warner, Jacklyn Bruce, Joy Morgan, Harriett Coleman Edwards, Rose Vaughan

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This paper reports on a three-year initiative to enhance the undergraduate Extension Education minor at a state land-grant university. Specific initiatives to improve the undergraduate Extension Education minor curriculum involved (a) revising the Extension Education minor due to varied curriculum and faculty changes and (b) aligning eight Extension Education courses’ units of study with Extension professional competency domains. The described processes helped understand the Extension Education curriculum by mapping competency domains and showing which domains were and were not taught in the eight courses. A key recommendation is to incorporate the alignment of Extension Education curriculum and Extension professional competencies …

Consumer Embeddedness And Motivations For Farmers Market Patronage: A Qualitative Exploration In Minnesota, Usa, Alanna Norton, Hye-Young Kim, Virginia Zuiker

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The rise in popularity of farmers markets in the United States reflects consumers’ negative response to more traditional food distribution systems. Farmers markets provide consumers with a more local and often more personal food purchasing experience. The purpose of this study was to examine consumer motivations to patronize farmers markets through the lens of social, spatial, and natural embeddedness. A qualitative approach was employed utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews. These interviews were conducted in person using a set of predetermined questions and revealed nine themes. The findings indicate that two types of consumer choices with different properties exist in farmers market …

Dnp Final Report: Multimodal Pain Management To Improve Patient Satisfaction In Total Joint Replacement Patients, Dana A. Carns

DNP Final Reports

Pain is a costly result of total joint replacement (TJR) surgery. The effect of pain can extend not only to chronic medical problems for patients but also to the hospital’s bottom line by decreasing patient satisfaction. A systematic literature search was performed, and evidence was appraised that supported the efficacy of a standardized multimodal pain management protocol to decrease pain and improve satisfaction in TJR patients. The evidence-based multimodal pain management protocol was implemented during a one-month period in patients undergoing total knee or total hip replacements. Key outcomes were examined and compared to the body of evidence and to …

Neutrosophic Analysis Of The Nursing Care Process In The Teaching Of Nursing, Roberto Enrique Alvarado Chacón, Adisnay Rodríguez Plasencia, Olga Mireya Alonzo Pico

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

Addressing Meloidogyne Enterolobii Spread In The Sweetpotato Industry: Development Of A High Throughput Survey Detection Method For Root-Knot Nematodes And Quantification Of M. Enterolobii Damage On Storage Roots In Long-Term Assays, Julianna Culbreath

All Theses

Meloidogyne enterolobii is an aggressive root-knot nematode (RKN) species that has emerged as a significant pathogen of sweetpotato in the Southeastern US. Meloidogyne enterolobii is spread through the movement of infected ‘seed’ sweetpotatoes used for propagation, and the RKN resistance in commercial sweetpotato cultivars has proven ineffective against this nematode. This has prompted regulatory agencies to impose quarantines on regions infected with M. enterolobii. Sweetpotato storage roots can be rendered unmarketable due to M. enterolobii infection, resulting in potential overall yield loss. Visual detection of RKN in sweetpotato can be unreliable, and further distinguishing M. enterolobii from other RKN species …

Germination And Early Seedling Growth Attributes Of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Cultivars Under Different Salinity (Nacl) Stresses [Research Note], Shahid Hussain, Shuli Liu, Rui Zhang, Yinglong Chen, Altaf Adil, Qigen Dai

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study investigated the impact of different salinity stresses [0, 6.4, 12.8, 19.2, and 25.6 dS/m (NaCl)] on the final germination percentage, speed of germination, germination capacity, shoot and root length, seedling vigor index, and total plant dry weight of ten rice cultivars at germination and early seedling stages. Salinity stress significantly decreased the final germination percentage, speed of germination, germination capacity, shoot and root length, and seedling dry weight in all cultivars, with the most severe effects from level 19.2 and 25.6 dS/m NaCl. Rice cultivars were classified as tolerant, moderately tolerant, moderately susceptible, and susceptible based on reduction …

Determination Of Some Seed Characteristics Of False Flax (Camelina Sativa L. Crantz) Genotypes Grown Under Semi-Temperate Conditions, İlhan Subaşı, Yusuf Arslan, Tamer Eryigit, Vahdettin Çiftçi, Mahmut Çamlıca

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Camelina is an alternative low-input oil plant grown in marginal areas in Turkey. This study aimed to determine some quality characteristics of 39 camellia genotypes in ecological conditions in Bolu, Turkey. The field experiments were carried out in an augmented design with randomized blocks. In this work, some important properties such as thousand seed weight, oil content, fatty acid composition, and protein ratio were investigated. Results showed that mean data for thousand seed weight, oil ratio, and protein ratio were 0.63 – 1.5 g, 26.69 – 39.17%, and 21.81 – 29.81%, respectively. Considering the oil content of the genotypes used …

Sub-Acute Oral Toxicity Evaluation Of Philippine Bignay (Antidesma Bunius (L.) Spreng Cv. ‘Kalabaw’) Fruit In Icr Mice, Jonina Marie Tengco, Liezl Atienza, Maria Amelita Estacio, Mark Joseph Desamero, Roxanne Gapasin, Jonna Rose Maniwang, Katherine Ann Castillo-Israel, Rohani Navarro, Dianne Jane Sunico, James Ryan Aranzado, Ann Cayetano, Joan Delomen, Loraine Ancheta

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study evaluated the safety of Bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng cv. ‘Kalabaw’) fruits through a sub-acute oral toxicity test in male and female ICR mice. The evaluation was done through oral gavage of the aqueous fruit sample at 2,000 mg kg^-1 body weight dose for 28 d. Results showed that there were no significant changes in feed and water intake of male and female ICR mice as compared to the control groups that received distilled water (p < 0.05). Blood chemistry and hematology values for all mice groups were comparable to the controls and published values. All mice groups also had appreciable body weight gain (10.89% – 21.69%) with zero morbidity and mortality. Lastly, the gross and microscopic examination of the brain, heart, lungs, GI tract, liver, spleen, and kidneys showed normal architecture and histology, suggesting that the fruits did not induce any morphological abnormalities. Results of this study showed that Bignay (cv. ‘Kalabaw’) fruits are safe for consumption with an LD₅₀ of greater than 2,000 mg kg^-1 body weight.

Community Engagement And Planning: Reading Center For Active Living (Recal), Ceara Somerville, Caitlin Coyle, Beth Rouleau

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA) within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Town of Reading. The goals of this project were to (1) engage the community and (2) investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Reading residents regarding the possibility of a new community or senior center. The content of this report is meant to inform the Reading Center for Active Living Committee (ReCalc) on its mission to “explore the current and future needs of the community and initiate planning for …

The Fan Program Plan: Creating A Healthy Church Environment For Physical Activity And Healthy Eating, John A. Bernhart Ph.D., Mph, Ches, Caroline G. Dunn, Sara Wilcox Phd, Jessica Stucker, Deborah Kinnard

Faculty Publications

Background: Faith, Activity, & Nutrition (FAN) helps churches create a healthier environment for physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) through policy, systems, and environmental changes. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation, evaluation, and revision of the FAN Program Plan across a two-phase study to help churches create guidelines and policies for PA and HE. Methods: In Phase 1, church committees attended trainings led by Community Health Advisors (CHA) where they assessed current practices to PA and HE. Committees used the FAN Program Plan to outline an implementation plan to increase opportunities, programs, messages, pastor …

The Benefits Of Integrating Physical Activity For Elementary School Students, Miriam Olmos

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone examines the benefits of Physical Activity (PA) for elementary school students. Recently, many schools have dedicated most of the school day to teach core subjects where students remain desk bound with greater sedentary time. Many schools have also decided to either cut or reduce Physical Education (P.E.) activities for students. However, through literature review, a 45- anonymous student and teacher survey and an ethnographic interview with a teacher along with class observations, the findings revealed that integrating physical activities along with other core subject matters throughout the school day could help student concentration, motivation and improve their academic …

Data Management Report December 2022, Tennessee. Department Of Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

Compliance & System Data/Reports

This monthly report provides data on various aspects of the department's activities and programs.

Pilot Testing A Survey To Evaluate Horse Owner And Trainer Perceptions Of The Importance And Ideality Of Equine Hoof Balance, Katherine Gilmore

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Balance plays an integral role in the healthy equine hoof, yet there is a significant deficiency of research investigating horse owner and trainer knowledge of hoof balance. This study aimed to pilot test an online survey instrument evaluating horse owner and trainer perceptions of proper hoof care and balance. The survey instrument sought to collect demographic information of horse owners and trainers, determine horse owners’ and trainers’ abilities to identify ideally balanced equine forehooves, and assess horse owner and trainer knowledge of best hoof trimming and shoeing practices. Ninety-one horse owners and trainers with facilities that were within a 150-mile …

Examining Community Engagement Strategies In Richmond, Va Nonprofits Addressing Food Insecurity: A Case Study, Moné Bailey

School of Professional and Continuing Studies Nonprofit Studies Capstone Projects

Food in America is often a reflection of values, cultures and customs. Food choices give way to your upbringing, geographic location and even socioeconomic status. In the United States, 8.6 million adults live in households with very low food security. As nonprofits begin to shift from a charity-based structure in addressing food insecurity to an equity-based approach, it is important to understand how they are effectively engaging the community. Community engagement is a fundamental practice for nonprofits to build trust, foster relationships and empower the community. Though the concept of community engagement has been an important theme across disciplines, there …

Vircy-Seq : A Protocol For Characterizing Viral Activity, Tyler James Dion

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The main purpose of pharmaceutical production is to produce safe effective medicine for patient use. In an effort to ensure patient safety constant surveillance for viruses takes place. The detection of a viral nucleic acid in a pharmaceutical production setting results in investigations to assess its infectious potential. This is an intensive, expensive process that entails many tests such as the observation of hemadsorption, cytopathic effects (CPE), and more. These tests are typically specific and only capture certain viruses, as factors like CPE can only be observed in some viral species. A new investigational method that is effective on all …

Executive Functioning In Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes : Associations With Hba1c, Glycemic Variability, And Household Income, Victoria Louise Ledsham

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been repeatedly linked to executive functioning (EF) deficits in children and adolescents but the mechanisms underlying this association are not well understood. Chronic hyperglycemia — frequently measured as glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels — and increased glycemic variability have both been proposed as risk factors for EF difficulties in this population, but it is unclear whether they each uniquely reflect T1DM-related risk for EF deficits. Furthermore, few studies have considered interactions between glycemic factors and family-level risk factors in shaping children’s EF development. Particularly, household income may exacerbate risk associations between HbA1c or glycemic variability …

Two Case Studies Examining How International Graduate Teaching Assistants Built Mathematical Literacy Knowledge Within The Affordances And Constraints Of A Calculus Instructional System, Patricia A. Rand

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

As universities contend with high rates of student attrition from intended STEM majors, due to many students’ difficulty in passing entry-level mathematics courses, they must examine the systems they have in place and determine how best to support these students. Historically, graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) are assigned to introductory calculus classes, which serve as undergraduate-level gatekeeping courses. On one hand, this allows for additional instructors to assist mathematics faculty; however, many universities do not provide adequate training in pedagogy for their GTAs. Untrained GTAs may not have the requisite pedagogical content knowledge to teach and support struggling students. GTAs should …

Evaluating The Health Impacts Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake At The Individual Level And Food Pantry Level Among Food Pantry Users, Jiacheng Chen

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background: Chronic diseases impose heavy burdens on individuals and the healthcare system in the US. Many factors were found to be associated with chronic diseases, including demographics, family history, social environmental factors, and individual behavioral factors such as diet and physical activity. Among those factors, fruit and vegetable intake can have substantial health impacts via a variety of causal pathways. Fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is generally lower among individuals living in households experiencing food insecurity and rely on food assistance programs. Decreased F&V intake among food pantry users may negatively impact health. However, conducting quantitative analysis on this population …