Digital Commons Network^™

Mhealth To Improve The Diet Among Low-Income Populations Enrolled In An Established U.S. Nutrition Program: Design And Rationale Of A Randomized Controlled Trial, Lukas T. Ingersoll

Open Access Theses

Aim: To describe the theoretical basis, and implementation of a randomized controlled trial to improve the diet and nutrition of low-income families in Indiana.

Background: Changing difficult behaviors requires more than education. Beyond education, people benefit from counseling that focuses on increasing motivation and confidence, assistance with overcoming barriers, identifying social support, and creating specific action plans. Widespread use of short-message services (SMS), commonly known as text messaging, provides one potential tool for researchers to help individuals change difficult behaviors.

Although promising, one of the limitations with current SMS interventions is that most have relied on providing reminder texts at …

Effects Of Nutrition On Female Leopard Geckos, Lisa Keys, Dennis M. Ferraro

UCARE: Research Products

Nutrition has a dramatic effect on animal’s bodies and behaviors as they go through their lives. Looking at the effects of nutrition on captive animals is crucial to providing future animals with better lives. Since captive animals don’t get the variety of food items that they would get in the wild, supplementation is often used to meet the minimum dietary requirements. Looking at how supplementation affects female leopard geckos at breeding size, there were both positive and negative correlations with different supplementations used. After taking body measurements on females over several months on one kind of additional supplement, the control …

Is Dietary Intervention A Viable Method For Improving Outcomes In Adult Patients With Asthma?, Jennifer Grolimund

Senior Honors Theses

Asthma is a disease process characterized by episodic inflammation of the lower airway in response to various triggers. Those with asthma have trouble breathing effectively during an acute episode, making asthma a potentially life threatening condition. Standard medical treatment of asthma, including medications and environmental changes, can be effective at reducing or eliminating negative outcomes in patients with asthma. However, a holistic approach to patient care, including an examination of dietary influence, may also be useful for patients trying to manage the course of their illness. Variations in intake of individual nutrients or in total dietary patterns may play a …

The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Diet And Young Children's Cognitive Development: A Systematic Review, Pooja S. Tandon, Alison Tovar, Avanthi T. Jayasuriya, Emily Welker, Daniel J. Schober, Kristen Copeland, Dipti A. Dev, Ashleigh L. Murriel, Dima Amso, Dianne S. Ward

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

Objective. Given the high prevalence of suboptimal nutrition and low activity levels in children, we systematically reviewed the literature on the relationship between physical activity and dietary patterns and cognitive development in early childhood (six months to five years).

Methods. In February 2016, we conducted two different searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and ERIC. Each search included either physical activity (including gross motor skills) or diet terms, and neurocognitive development outcome terms. Included studies were in English, published since 2005, and of any study design in which the physical activity or diet measure occurred prior to age five.

Results. For physical …

The Need For Culturally-Tailored Smartphone Applications For Weight Control, Stephen S. Coughlin, Dale Hardy, Lee S. Caplan

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Approximately 35% of U.S. adults are obese, and this rate is expected to increase by almost 50% by 2030. New media such as smartphone applications (apps) provide a useful and low-cost way to disseminate weight control information. For many culturally distinctive population subgroups, however, there is currently an absence of research-tested smartphone apps for weight control.

Methods: In this commentary, we highlight the need for culturally tailored smartphone apps for weight control and offer recommendations for further research by providing two specific examples: 1) the characteristic dietary patterns and absence of smartphone apps for weight loss for Hispanic Americans, …

Growing Fit: Georgia’S Model For Engaging Early Care Environments In Preventing Childhood Obesity, Kelsey Mcdavid, Catalina Piedrahita, Emily A. Vall, Christi Kay, Jean O’Connor

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In the United States, one in three children is overweight or obese by their fifth birthday. In Georgia, 35 percent of children are overweight or obese. Contrary to popular belief, children who are overweight or obese are unlikely to outgrow their weight status as adults, making early childhood an essential time to address weight status. An estimated 380,000 Georgia children attend early care and education environments, such as licensed child care centers, Head Start, and pre-kindergarten programs, which provide an opportunity to reach large numbers of children, including those at risk for obesity and overweight.

Methods: To address this …

Strengths And Limitations Of Nutritional Policies In Public Schools In The United States, Brooke Ferenczy

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis reviews the development of nutritional policies that have been created in the United States. As society’s understanding of nutrition has increased and as obesity has become a major problem in the country today, the federal government, state governments, and individual school districts have implemented policies to improve the availability of more nutritious food items in public schools. This thesis then analyzes the strengths and limitations of these policies and the effects they have caused in student populations in order to determine whether they have accomplished their intended goals.

2016 Food, Friends, And Health: An Evaluation Of North County Senior Connections Thyme Together Food Truck Lunch Program, Michelle Ahearne, Azadeh Davari, Tessa Tinkler, Mary Jo Schumann

Seniors

The North County Senior Connections Thyme Together Food Truck Lunch Program (subsequently referred to as NCSC) is a collaborative project initiated in November 2014 that provides affordable, nutritious lunches, recreational programming, and community information to seniors in the northern region of San Diego County (North County).

In May 2015, six months after NCSC launched, the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation commissioned the University of San Diego’s Caster Family Center for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Research (Caster Center) to: 1) evaluate NCSC’s progress towards meeting its objectives, and 2) provide feedback and recommendations for programmatic changes as necessary. This report presents the findings …

Addressing Childhood Obesity In Georgia: Past, Present, And Future, Debra L. Kibbe, Emily Anne Vall, Christine Green, Brenda F. Fitzgerald, Karen J. Minyard, Kelly Cornett

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Trust for America's Health ranks Georgia 17th (16.5%) in the nation for childhood obesity prevalence among youth aged 10-17 years. Georgia has a long history of addressing childhood obesity at the state, regional, and local levels. This report outlines the historical efforts in childhood obesity in Georgia from the mid-1990’s to the present, summarizes current childhood obesity prevention and management strategies, and provides childhood obesity-related data relevant to the current strategies.

Methods: Childhood obesity-related efforts in Georgia from 1996 to the present are documented, along with how these efforts led to the creation of Georgia Shape. The Georgia …

An Assessment Of Elementary School Children’S Diet And Physical Activity Levels, Karen Tamara Serrano Arce

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

With prevalence rates of obesity among children and adolescents steadily rising, childhood obesity and overweight has become a public health concern. Publically funded elementary schools are in a unique position to provide children with opportunities regarding the promotion of physical activity and healthy nutritional behaviors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct exploratory research to investigate the dietary habits of elementary school students enrolled in four Hillsborough County Out-of-School Time (HOST) care programs. Methods: The study utilized a quantitative, non-experimental study design. The instruments that were used in this research included a new questionnaire that was titled “All …

The Perceptions Of Learners On The School Nutrition Programme In Msukaliwa Sub District Mpumalanga, Mmapheko Doriccah Peu

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Session presented on Monday, November 9, 2015 and Tuesday, November 10, 2015:

Objective: The objective of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of learners on the School Nutrition Programme in Msukaligwa, Mpumalanga.

Method: The qualitative approach was used to conduct study. The data was collected by means of focus group interviews and the field notes. The data was tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The learners on the School Nutrition Programme were purposely selected based on the knowledge regarding school nutrition.

Setting: The interviews were conducted at the school, which was the familiar environment.

Findings: The data was analysed …

How Nurses And Engineers May Contribute To Improved Global Nutrition, Daniel B. Oerther, Sarah E. Oerther

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Session presented on Saturday, November 7, 2015 and Sunday, November 8, 2015:

Despite the efforts of the United States and other nations, more than 800 million people remained food insecure in 2014. Within the United States, more than 50 million people reported food insecurity at some point in 2014, defined as unable to provide adequate food for one or more of its members, due to lack of resources. This presentation will highlight collaborative efforts by the presenters to develop local nutrition interventions based upon evidence-based approaches using a conceptual framework that takes into account global development goals. In particular, the …

Circulating Amino Acids In Blood Plasma During The Peripartal Period In Dairy Cows With Different Liver Functionality Index, Z. Zhou, J. J. Loor, F. Piccioli-Cappelli, F. Librandi, G. E. Lobley, E. Trevisi

Physiology Collection

The liver functionality index (LFI) measures the changes of albumin, cholesterol, and bilirubin concentrations between 3 and 28 d postpartum. This composite index, based on variables with direct relevance to liver-specific plasma protein synthesis (albumin), hepatic/intestinal lipoprotein synthesis (cholesterol), and clearance of breakdown products of heme catabolism (bilirubin), provides a tool for evaluating manifestations of hepatic disease. Both energy and protein metabolism are likely to be affected by various physiological challenges in this period but have not been tested systematically. The present study was conducted to profile AA in cows with high or low LFI during the peripartal period …

Comparing The Nutrition Environment And Practices Of Home- And Centre-Based Child-Care Facilities, Olivia J.M. Martyniuk, Leigh M. Vanderloo, Jennifer D. Irwin, Shauna M. Burke, Patricia Tucker

Paediatrics Publications

Objective To assess and compare the nutrition environment and practices (as they relate to pre-schoolers) of centre- and home-based child-care facilities. Design Using a cross-sectional study design, nineteen child-care facilities (ten centre-based, nine home-based) were assessed for one full day using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) tool (consisting of a day-long observation/review of the nutrition environment, practices and related documents). Specifically, eight nutrition-related subscales were considered. Setting Child-care facilities in London, Ontario, Canada. Subjects Child-care facilities were recruited through directors at centre-based programmes and the providers of home-based programmes. Results The mean total nutrition environment EPAO scores …

Promotion Of Drinking Water Among Latino Immigrant Youth, Nicole Barrett, Allison Elkins, Uriyoan Colón-Ramos, Ivonne Rivera, W. Douglas Evans, Mark Edberg

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Objective: To design an innovative intervention to increase drinking water behaviors among Latino immigrant youth.

Methods: We conducted two rounds of focus groups, totaling 10 sessions (n=61), with Latino immigrant youth, aged 6-18 years, living in Langley Park, Maryland. Participants were stratified into focus groups by age group (elementary, middle, and high school) and language preference (Spanish and English). A professional, bilingual-speaking moderator used a semistructured discussion guide to examine: (1) what youth preferred to drink in different settings and why, (2) their reactions to promotional messages, (3) slogans that would entice them to drink more water in school and …

Recommending Transparency In Land-Based Investment: A Summary Of Relevant Guidelines And Principles, Columbia Center On Sustainable Investment

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment Staff Publications

An emerging consensus on the need for greater transparency in land-based investment is increasingly evident across various forums. This document consolidates recommendations regarding transparency featured in guidelines and principles published by international organizations, government agencies, and multilateral or multi-stakeholder groups. Viewed together, these recommendations offer insight on the evolving narrative on transparency in land-based investment, assist stakeholders in addressing the issue of transparency, and provide an informed starting point for further analysis.

The Influence Of “Westernization” On Nutrition And Physical Activity Behaviors Of Adolescents In New Delhi, India: Are We Exporting An Epidemic Of Obesity?, Melissa Harrell, Emily Ussery, Blanche Greene-Cramer, Nalini Ranjit, Shreela V. Sharma, Monika Arora

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Purpose. To examine the relationships between “westernization” and nutrition and physical activity behaviors among older adolescents in Delhi, India. These relations have not been explored, despite increasingly strong and pervasive socio-cultural influences from the West.

Methods. Students (n=1818) in 8^th and 10^th grades in 4 Private (higher SES) and 4 Government (lower SES) schools in Delhi, India participated in a cross-sectional study. Height and weight were measured to determine weight status. Information on “westernization” and nutrition, physical activity, sedentary, and dieting behaviors was collected in a survey. The measure of “westernization” assessed 4 domains of culture on a …

Understanding Eating Behaviors Of New Dehli's Youth, Melissa Harrell, Jose Medina, Blanche Greene-Cramer, Shreela V. Sharma, Monika Arora, Gaurang Nazar

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

This qualitative study documents perceived benefits of and barriers to engaging in healthy eating behaviors among adolescents in New Delhi, India. Researchers explored factors that influenced the consumption of breakfast, fruits and vegetables, and soft drinks in this population and adolescents’ ideas about how to intervene to encourage or discourage, respectively, these behaviors. Students (n=151 6^th and 8^th graders) from five private schools participated in focus group discussions. Findings showed that the majority of youth eat breakfast that may consist of traditional and Western choices. Despite sound knowledge of the benefits of fruits and vegetables consumption, adolescents do …

West Virginia State Employees’ Preferences For Worksite Wellness Programming, Peter Kadushin, Sam Zizzi, Nidia Henderson

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Objectives: To investigate the wellness programming preferences of state employees in West Virginia.

Study Design: A survey-based, descriptive analysis of employees’ preferences

Methods: State employees (n = 18,791) of West Virginia were given a38-item wellness survey. Items assessed employees’ interest in programming, methods for receiving wellness information, and incentives for participation.Descriptive statistics were run to provide a summary of state employees’ preferences.

Results: The survey response rate was 40%. Respondents showed interest in physical activity (81.0%), nutrition (77.6%) and stress management programming (61.1%). A personalized webpage was the highest rated method of receiving wellness information and a discount on insurance …

Glycemic Index Values Of Monofloral Turkish Honeys And The Effect Oftheir Consumption On Glucose Metabolism*, Ali̇ Ti̇muçi̇n Atayoğlu, Meltem Soylu, Si̇bel Si̇li̇ci̇, Neri̇man İnanç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Clinical trials have shown that low glycemic index (GI) nutrition reduces mean blood glucose concentrations and insulin secretions. The aim of the present study was to determine the GI values of various monofloral (citrus, milk-vetch, chestnut, thyme, lime, pine) honeys of Turkey, and the effect of their consumption on glucose metabolism. Materials and methods: Processing data from 20 healthy volunteers, GI values were determined from the glycemia values by using the incremental area method. Serum insulin and C-peptide levels were also measured before and 120 min after the test. Results: The GI values of citrus, thyme, lime, chestnut, pine, …

Color Your Plate: A Pilot Nutrition Education Intervention To Increase Fruit And Vegetable Intake Among Older Adults Participating In The Congregate Meal Site Program In Kentucky Senior Centers, Emily Dickens

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The purpose of this study was to determine if the amount and variety of fruit and vegetable intake increased among community-dwelling older adults participating in Kentucky’s congregate meal site program following a series of educational nutrition lessons. A convenience sample (n=35) of community-dwelling older adults at two intervention (n=19) and two control (n=16) senior centers in central Kentucky participated in this quasi-experimental pre-post pilot study. Following the intervention there was a trend towards increased self-reported intake in the variety of fruit and vegetables among the intervention group (range:0.03±3.31 to 1.32±2.75 servings per week); a significant increase in the number of …

Body Condition Score And Plane Of Nutrition Prepartum Affect Adipose Tissue Transcriptome Regulators Of Metabolism And Inflammation In Grazing Dairy Cows During The Transition Period, M. Vailati-Riboni, M. Kanwal, O. Bulgari, S. Meier, N. V. Priest, C. R. Burke, J. K. Kay, S. Mcdougall, M. D. Mitchell, C. G. Walker, M. Crookenden, A. Heiser, J. R. Roche, J. J. Loor

Physiology Collection

Recent studies demonstrating a higher incidence of metabolic disorders after calving have challenged the management practice of increasing dietary energy density during the last ~3 wk prepartum. Despite our knowledge at the whole-animal level, the tissue-level mechanisms that are altered in response to feeding management prepartum remain unclear. Our hypothesis was that prepartum body condition score (BCS), in combination with feeding management, plays a central role in the peripartum changes associated with energy balance and inflammatory state. Twenty-eight mid-lactation grazing dairy cows of mixed age and breed were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups in a 2 × …

Knowledge, Confidence, Intention, And Motivation: Hegemonic Masculinity's Influence Upon Nutritional Habits Of Males, Sara Chizmar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

With the increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and cardiovascular disease and the growing obesity epidemic, the need to increase nutritional literacy amongst the general public is paramount. Men tend to lack a strong base of nutritional knowledge. Masculinity is one of the factors preventing many men from making good nutritional choices.

The aim of this study was to investigate hegemonic masculinity in relation to current level of nutritional knowledge as well as perceptions and attitudes regarding dietary behaviors and intention to eat a healthy diet among a sample of males. A convenience sample of …

Adolescent Health: Parity And Nutritional Status Among Married Women What Is Unique For Adolescents And What Is Similar To Older Women?, Lindsey Hiebert

Public Health Theses

Abstract

Introduction

In Bangladesh, there is a high prevalence of child marriage, early initiation of childbirth, and high rates of undernutrition among adolescents. Pregnancy and childbirth pose unique risks for adolescents due to the intersection of reproductive and physical development.

Objective

This analysis sought to describe the relationship of parity and other reproductive exposures with nutritional outcomes for adolescents and older women ages 20-35 years, describing both the similarities and differences between the two age groups. The overall objective was to help inform improved adolescent health interventions and direct future needed research.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of the Bangladesh …

Using The Plasma Free Amino Acid Dose Response Method To Determine Metabolizable Protein Concentrations Of Lysine And Methionine In Rumen Protected Supplements, Nancy Lee Whitehouse

Doctoral Dissertations

Balancing diets for lysine (Lys) and methionine (Met) in dairy rations is becoming a regular practice in today’s industry. In order to be able to use rumen-protected AA (RPAA) in those diets a method to assess the efficacy and bioavailability needs to be proposed. The objective of the following studies was to propose the acceptance of the plasma free AA dose-response technique as a standardized methodology for evaluating RPAA in lactating dairy cows. Thirteen dose-response Latin square studies using ruminally-cannulated multiparous Holstein cows were conducted. Regression analysis of the slopes against the difference between plasma Lys concentration of basal and …

The Influence Of Time On Food Intake Patterns: Age, Period, Cohort Differences, Karina L. Christopher

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

The impact of diet and exercise on overall health and chronic disease risk has been well examined. Multiple studies show that Americans eat more now than they did fifty years ago. What isn’t known is how much of an impact time has on food intake patterns of individuals in terms of different age groups, historic periods of structural influences, and birth cohorts.

In order to identify the impact of time on food intake this study examined time from multiple perspectives. The first aim of this study was to determine food intake patterns among age groups across five time periods using …

Nutrition Resources For Football Players In Division I Institutions: The Athletic Trainer's Perspective And Role, Giovanna Marie Giannini

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: The importance of nutrition on athletic performance is evident. Athletic trainers (ATs), nutritionists/RDs, strength and conditioning specialists (SCSs), and other athletic department personnel may be available to student-athletes and can be solicited for nutrition advice. Multiple studies have found that although some universities have a sports nutritionist on staff, student-athletes approached an AT most often for nutrition advice rather than an SCS, nutritionist or other person. ATs have the necessary education to provide proper nutrition information to student-athletes; however, it is not the primary role of an AT.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the quantity, …

The Effect Of Copper And Zinc Source On Pre-Weaning Performance Of Cows, Health And Performance Of Suckling Calves, And Post-Weaning Feedlot Performance, Carcass Composition, And Meat Quality Of Calves, Jesse Fulton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

During gestation an elevated level of nutrient intake is required by the cow in order to meet the requirements of the maturing fetus and if these requirements are not met, changes in fetal development can occur. However, little is understood about the effects of gestational manipulation of specific nutrients, such as minerals, on progeny growth, performance and carcass traits. Previous research supports the hypothesis that minerals provided in an organic form should be more soluble and readily available to the body for absorption. Therefore the objectives of this study were to determine if source of gestational and post-natal Cu and …

Improving Feed Efficiency Through Forage Strategies For Increasing Dairy Profitability And Sustainability, Jon Patrick Pretz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three studies were conducted to determine production parameters and study specific hypothesis in regard to improving feed efficiency through various forage utilization strategies with or without the inclusion of various supplemented products. The first study evaluated the supplementation of a cobalt-lactate product and its effects on fiber digestibility and milk production parameters when fed to cows consuming a 70% forage diet. Treatments included: 1) CONTROL diet containing 12.5 mg/cow/d of cobalt (carbonate carbonate) and 2) TEST diet being the same basal diet but including an additional 50 mg/cow/d of cobalt via a 1% Co-lactate product (Co-Max®). In a feeding trial …

Northeast Philadelphia Wellness And Client Engagement Research: Turning Points For Children: The Food And Wellness Network, Melissa Acosta, Matthew Beck

Bridging the Gaps Posters 2016

No abstract provided.