Life Sciences Commons^™

Program Coordinators’ Experiences With Introducing Parent-Focused Health Lessons To A Child-Centered Micronutrient Supplementation Program: An Exploration Of Recent Programmatic Changes In Liahona Children’S Foundation, Shannon Barham

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper utilizes survey responses from local coordinators of LCF, an international micronutrient supplementation humanitarian organization, to provide insight into the challenges and personal rewards of providing nutrition education to parents of malnourished children. LCF is based in Utah and operates in 19 countries throughout the world. LCF recently introduced a series of health lessons geared toward parents of malnourished children. A survey was sent to LCF workers in 12 countries in order to gather feedback about the health lessons. Qualitative survey responses are explored, and potential suggestions for future changes to the health lessons are proposed. Additionally, data gathered …

College Students’ Understandings Of, Perceptions Towards, And Usage Of Canned Foods Based On Exposure To Canned Foods During Childhood, Robert H. Drury, Lora Beth Brown, Pauline Williams, Dennis Eggett, Rickelle Richards

Undergraduate Honors Theses

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate if frequent usage of canned foods in childhood households affected college students’ current understandings of, perceptions towards, and usage of canned foods.

Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted based on data collected from students who completed The Perceptions and Use of Canned Foods questionnaire. ANOVA statistics were used to make comparisons between students exposed (ECF; n=65) and not exposed (NECF; n=237) to canned foods during childhood.

Results: Compared with NECF, the ECF more strongly agreed that canned foods counted towards United States’ dietary recommendations (p

Conclusions and Implications: Frequent usage of canned foods during childhood …

The Effect Of Monetary Reward And Food Type On Motivation Of Untrained Sensory Panelists In Triangle Tests, Jessilee Noel Loucks

Theses and Dissertations

Although human panelists provide unparalleled data, they are prone to bias, which is a primary concern of sensory scientists. Motivational bias is of concern because it determines how much effort a panelist will exert to be consistent, find a difference, or use appropriate descriptors when taking a test. For central location tests, money has become a common motivational device to compensate panelists for their time and effort. Studies have documented that money can change results in sensory testing but have not measured the impact on motivation. Additionally, little research has been conducted on the effect of the test food itself …

Stability Of Selected B Vitamins In Thermally-Treated Pinto Beans, Virginia Anne West

Theses and Dissertations

Beans are a commonly consumed food and a staple in many regions worldwide. Pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), categorized as legumes, are dried seeds from plants and are high in protein, carbohydrate and fiber, and low in fat. They are also a good source of various minerals and well as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate Beans are typically soaked and thermally processed before consumption. Different processing methods can impact the composition of beans. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of thermal treatments on vitamin concentration in pinto beans. Beans were simmered, canned, dried-flaked, or dried-extruded, …

Effects Of Panelist Participation Frequency And Questionnaire Design On Overall Acceptance Scoring For Food Sensory Evaluation In Consumer Central Location Tests, Mauresa Bastian

Theses and Dissertations

Two studies were conducted to determine the effect of panelist participation frequency and specific aspects of questionnaire design on overall acceptance scoring in consumer central location tests. Regarding participation frequency, research subjects who participate frequently in some survey types are known to provide responses that differ from subjects who participate less frequently, known as panel conditioning. With respect to questionnaire design, overall acceptance (OA) question placement and usage of pre-evaluation instructions (PEI) in questionnaires for food sensory analysis may bias consumers' scores via carry-over effects. To investigate these concerns, data from consumer sensory panels previously conducted at a central location, …

Reading And Listening To Music Increase Resting Energy Expenditure During Indirect Calorimetry In Healthy Adults , Blaire Snell

Theses and Dissertations

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has developed an evidence analysis library (EAL) for Nutrition and Dietetics professionals. The EAL is updated by members through workgroups consisting of experts in their fields, most often in response to unanswered questions. One such question is: what kinds of activities can be done during the rest period of an indirect calorimetry test in a healthy population? The objective of our study was to determine if listening to self-selected relaxing music or reading on an electronic device or a magazine effects resting energy expenditure (REE) as measured by an indirect calorimetry test in a …

Utah Red Raspberry Jam: The Effects Of Formulation, Heating, And Time On Color, Flavor, Texture, And Antioxidant Capacity, Jennifer Leigh Chase

Theses and Dissertations

The amount and type of antioxidants present in raspberries is dependent upon cultivar, ripeness, and growing conditions. Previous research on raspberry jam has reported some color, antioxidant, and flavor loss after processing and storage, though it is unknown to what extent similar changes will occur in raspberries grown in Utah. Sugar concentration and heating temperature as well as storage time were evaluated in an effort to maximize color retention, flavor, antioxidant content, shelf life, and consumer acceptance of Utah-grown raspberry jam. Four types of jams were processed in two batches each: low-sugar (40-42 Brix) and typical sugar (65-68 Brix) at …

Effect Of Enrichment-Bleaching And Low Oxygen Atmosphere Storage On All-Purpose Wheat Flour Quality, Jonathan Myers Swindler

Theses and Dissertations

All-purpose wheat flour is a useful long-term storage commodity, but is subject to off-odor formation. Although flour stored in a low oxygen atmosphere should inhibit rancid odor formation, it elicits consumer complaints about odor. The purpose of this study was to examine off-odor development in all-purpose wheat flour during ambient and elevated storage by determining the effect of low oxygen atmosphere and enrichment-bleaching on quality as measured by, free fatty acids (FFA), flour descriptive sensory analysis, conjugated dienes, headspace volatiles, bread consumer sensory analysis, color, loaf volume, and vitamin analysis. Enriched, bleached (EB) and unenriched, unbleached (UU) flour was stored …

The Protective Effect Of Antioxidants On Vitamin A Stability In Nonfat Dry Milk During Thermally Accelerated Storage, Amalie Brown Kurzer

Theses and Dissertations

Two studies were conducted to determine the relative effect of various combinations of antioxidants on vitamin A oxidation and isomerization in nonfat dry milk (NDM). In the first study, one lot of pasteurized unfortified skim milk was divided, fortified with vitamins A and D and one of 11 antioxidant treatments, and spray dried. A control batch from the same lot was also fortified with vitamins A and D and spray dried. Samples were analyzed for total vitamin A bioactivity after zero, one, and two weeks of storage. After two weeks at 50°C, the only NDM samples that did not experience …

Emergency Preparedness In Utah Households With Emphasis On Water And Food Storage Conditions, Stephanie Rae Gerla

Theses and Dissertations

Emergency preparedness steps taken by individuals in Utah households were evaluated in 3 studies. Study 1 evaluated the 2011 landline and cell phone Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey and General Preparedness Optional Module results from two states, Louisiana and Utah, to find factors from demographic and medical data that can be used to predict emergency preparedness in individuals. Stepwise logistical regression analysis ascertained the ability of chosen variables to predict individuals' preparedness. The rate of prepared individuals was lower if they were between the ages of 18 to 54 years, when compared to the reference age group of 65 …

College Students' Fruit, Vegetable, And Sugar Sweetened Beverage Intake According To Dinner Group Participation, Erica Nicole Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To compare the fruit, vegetable, and sugar sweetened beverage intake of college students who do and do not participate in dinner groups. Also, to determine if dinner group participation affects college students' perception of their overall health and adequacy of their fruit and vegetable intake. Design: A quantitative study of college students' fruit, vegetable, and sugar sweetened beverage intake through a one-time online survey. Setting: The survey was accessed via the internet at the time and place of students' convenience. Participants: A sample of 10,000 students was randomly selected from Brigham Young University's population of single students. 3,651 responded …

Construction And Performance Testing Of A Mixed Mode Solar Food Dryer For Use In Developing Countries, Sean Andrew Foster

Theses and Dissertations

This study details the construction and performance testing of a mixed mode solar dryer using a combination of direct and indirect solar energy to dry food. One major benefit of this dryer design is its construction. It was simple to construct and was made with low cost materials, to make it feasible for use in developing countries. Previous research has identified several design factors that affect performance and efficiency: product loading density, number of trays, position of the absorber, and chimney type. Performance testing showed that chimney air speeds were not affected greatly by modifying the design aspects of the …

Microflora Of Traditional Mexican Corn Masa And Its Effect On Folic Acid Degradation, Stephen J. Adolphson

Theses and Dissertations

Many Mexican women consume inadequate amounts of folic acid. Fortification of the corn tortilla could be an effective way to help increase the folic acid levels among the Mexican population. Previous studies have shown significant folic acid losses in fortified tortilla dough (masa) as it is held before baking. This loss in folic acid could be due to degradation by lactic acid bacteria naturally present in the masa. The microflora of traditionally made nixtamalized corn masa from six tortilla mills in Guadalajara, Mexico were isolated and characterized, and their effect on folic acid content was evaluated. Isolated bacteria were identified …

Exposure To Dietary Selenium And Soy Isoflavones In Utero Provides Greater Protection Against Prostate Cancer Risk Factors In Tramp Mice Than Exposure Beginning At 6 Weeks, Heather Schofield Lindsay

Theses and Dissertations

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly occurring cancer in men in the United States. Generally, an extended period of time is needed for a mutation to develop into a full scale tumor. Because of this long latency period, lifestyle and environmental factors, such as diet, may play an important role in the development and progression of the disease. Diet is one factor that has been implicated in the risk for developing prostate cancer. We previously showed that diets high in soy isoflavones and selenium (Se) decreased androgen receptor expression and expression of androgen regulated genes in healthy rat prostates. …

An Investigation Of Current Practice In Management Rotations In Dietetic Internships, Emily K. Vaterlaus

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Leadership and management skills are critical to moving the dietetics profession forward; acquisition of those skills begins in the Dietetic Internship (DI). This study examined DI program components related to higher mean scores on the Foodservice and Management domain of the Registration Examination for Dietitians and compared Program Director and Preceptor perceptions of management rotation structure.

Methods: All 242 DI Program Directors (excluding sponsoring institution) received a 47-item electronic questionnaire. Directors provided contact information for up to three DI management rotation primary preceptors. Preceptors received a 35-item electronic questionnaire regarding their perception of interns' management skill development. …

Changes In Fruit And Vegetable Household Food Availability Among Low-Income Families Over A One-Month Period Of Time, Ann Alicia Wells

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: There is little evidence of how fruit and vegetable (FV) household food availability changes over a one-month period among low-income households. The objective of this study was to analyze how FV variety and sustainability changes over a 4-week period.
Design: Inventories were conducted in low-income family households (n=49) once a week over a 4-week period. Trained researchers gathered the weights of all FV, including legumes, within the home. Previously determined mean container weights were subtracted to obtain the estimated weight of the FV. All weights were then converted to edible cups of FV, taking into account the weight that …

Maternal, Neonatal And Feeding Type Factors Associated With Severity Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Cheryl Ann Miner

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To identify statistical associations with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) severity as dichotomized into cases with Bell stage II and III disease.
Study Design: We conducted a retrospective study using eight consecutive years of data from a multihospital healthcare system analyzed NEC severity (Bell stage II vs. III).
Results: We identified 220 neonates with stage ≥ II who had 225 separate episodes of NEC (157 stage II and 68 stage III). Those with stage III were born at earlier gestational age (P<0.0001) and lower birth weight (P<0.0001). Diagnosis of NEC occurred on about the same day of life in stage II and stage III cases. Those who developed stage III had significantly higher C-reactive protein (P<0.0001), I/T ratio (P= 0.0005), mean platelet volume (MPV) (P= 0.0001) and lower pH (P<0.0001) and platelet counts (P<0.0001). Transfusions were more common to those who progressed to stage III (P<0.0001). Regression analysis indicated higher odds of stage III in relationship to the volume of RBC transfusions (OR 2.41, {CI 1.85 to 3.11}, P<0.0001) and pasteurized human milk (PHM) (OR 1.32, {CI 1.07 to 1.62}, P = 0.0089). In contrast, feeding early mother's own milk (colostrum) for five days reduced the odds for stage III (OR 0.802, {CI 0.67 to 0.96}, P=0.0170). Those with small bowel resection were less likely to have received mother's own milk before NEC (OR 0.94, {CI 0.89 to 0.99}, P = 0.019) and factors predicting death from NEC were a low pH (OR 2.21, {CI 1.27 to 3.85}, P = 0.0005) and less colostrum (OR 0.96, {CI 0.94 to 0.99}, P = 0.003).
Conclusions: RBC transfusions and PHM increased the odds for stage III NEC, whereas early mother's own milk five days …

The Effects Of Chronic Ampk Activation On Hepatic Triglyceride Accumulation And Glycerol-3-Phosphate Acyltransferaseactivity With High Fat Feeding, Mary E. Curtis

Theses and Dissertations

High fat feeding increases hepatic fat accumulation and is associated with hepatic insulin resistance. AMP Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) is thought to inhibit lipid synthesis by the acute inhibition of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) activity and transcriptional regulation via SREBP-1c. The purpose of this study was to determine if chronic activation of AMPK prevented an increase in GPAT1 activity in rats fed a high fat diet. Rats were fed a control (C), or a high fat (HF) diet (60% fat) for 6 weeks and injected with saline or a daily AICAR dose of 0.5 mg/g body weight. Chronic AMPK activation by …

Conditions Associated With Clostridium Sporogenes Growth As A Surrogate For Clostridium Botulinum In Non-Thermally Processed Canned Butter, Reed H. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Shelf-stable canned butter is currently available in retail stores, and many home-preservationists promote home-canning of butter. Non-cultured butter is a low-acid canned food, which would presumably require thermal processing. The lack of a thermal process step in canned butter products raises questions of potential safety, because they are hermetically sealed and generally exhibit anaerobic growth conditions, which are optimal for Clostridium botulinum growth. Without thermal processing, low-acid canned foods (LACF) must have inhibitory factors present to prevent C. botulinum growth. Some potential intrinsic inhibitory factors, or "hurdles", within butter include: reduced water activity (aw), acidity (pH) in cultured products, elevated …

Accelerated Shelf Life Determination Of Antioxidant Stabilized High Oleic Sunflower And Canola Oils In Plastic Bottles, Christine Nicole Shearer

Theses and Dissertations

Vegetable oil is an important commodity; however, the majority of commercially available vegetable oils have a fairly short shelf life, which limits their usefulness for long term food storage, disaster relief, space travel, food aid programs, and military rations. Vegetable oils with high oleic acid and reduced linolenic acid contents, especially with added antioxidant combinations, were previously found to have significantly longer oil stability index (OSI) values than traditional vegetable oils. This study used accelerated shelf life testing to estimate the ambient shelf life of high oleic sunflower oil (HOSUN) and high oleic canola oil (HOCAN), each containing 1,000 ppm …

Beta Galactosidose Activity Of Commercial Lactase Samples In Raw And Pasteurized Milk At Refrigerated Temperatures, Trenton W. Horner

Theses and Dissertations

Many consumers are unable to enjoy the benefits of milk, due to lactose-intolerance. Lactose-free milk is available, but at about 2 times the cost of regular milk or greater, it may be difficult for consumers to afford. The high cost of lactose-free milk is in part due to the added cost of the lactose hydrolysis process. Hydrolysis at refrigerated temperatures, possibly in the bulk tank or package, could increase the flexibility of the process, and potentially reduce the cost. A rapid β-galactosidase assay was used to determine the relative activity of commercially available lactase samples at different temperatures. Four enzymes …

Effects Of Duration Of Proton Pump Inhibitor (Ppi) Therapy On Markers Of Bone Health In Men And Postmenopausal Women, Zarina Maria Pabin

Theses and Dissertations

This observational study compared bone health biomarkers, bone mineral density (BMD),dietary habits, and physical activity levels of men (n=31) and non-estrogen supplementing postmenopausal women (n=23) divided according to duration of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy; more than 5 years (n=16), less than 5 years (n=15), and no PPI therapy (n=23). The shortest duration of PPI therapy was 2 months and the longest duration of PPI therapy was 25 years with a mean duration of 7.5 years. No significant differences were found between measures of spine BMD, urinary deoxypyridinoline (bone resorption), urinary calcium and magnesium, serum osteocalcin (bone formation), serum parathyroid …

Change In Eating Competence In College Students Enrolled In Basic Nutrition Courses, Katrina J. Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Determine change in eating competence (EC) and factors related to EC in students enrolled in basic nutrition courses at a major private university. Design: Eating competence was measured by administering the ecSatter Inventory (ecSI) both before and after class intervention. Additional data on eating disorder prevalence, food security, and general demographics were also collected in the same structured survey. Significance identified with p value <0.01. Setting/Participants: This survey was administered to 566 students enrolled in basic nutrition courses at a major private university in the western United States. Analysis: ANOVA was used to determine relationships between ecSI end scores and participant characteristics. ANCOVA was used to determine relationships between change in ecSI scores over time and participant characteristics. Results: Enrollment in NDFS 100 is associated with an overall increase in eating competence (EC). However, students with current eating disorders had a significant decrease in EC during enrollment. Current or past eating disorders and low or very low Food Security Status were associated with lack of EC. Females and younger participants were not eating competent at the course end. Enrollment in NDFS 201 was not associated with significant change in EC. Conclusions: Basic nutrition instruction improves EC among students without eating disorders. Low food security status and presence of an eating disorder may be a barrier to improving EC.

Development And Use Of A Physiologically Based Mathematical Model Describing The Relationships And Contributions Of Macronutrients To Weight And Body Composition Changes, Saori Sakita

Theses and Dissertations

The effect of the dietary macronutrient composition on weight loss has been a controversial issue for decades. During that time, a high-protein, high-fat, and low-carbohydrate diet has been one of the more popular weight loss diets with the public. We hypothesized that a computer simulation model using STELLA software could help to better understanding the effect of the dietary macronutrient composition on weight loss. We calculated daily total oxidation instead of total energy expenditure as others have done based on the facts that carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake influence carbohydrate, fat, and protein oxidation. In order to create a simple …

Chemopreventive Effects Of Dietary Selenium And Soy Isoflavones In A Mouse Model Of Prostate Cancer, Trevor Elisha Quiner

Theses and Dissertations

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Prostate cancer, like many cancers, is a disease that generally requires a long period of time to develop and grow before it becomes detectable. This long period of latency makes prostate cancer a candidate for dietary chemoprevention. Soy and selenium (Se), are associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. We previously showed that high dietary intake of selenium (Se) and soy isoflavones decreased the expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and AR-regulated genes in the prostates …

Contributing Factors To Excess Weight Gain During Pregnancy Among Low Income Women In Utah, Tianna Noelle Watson

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To evaluate factors influencing excessive weight gain during pregnancy and changes in eating patterns from the pre-pregnancy period among low-income women (<185% poverty level). Design, Setting, & Participants: Low-income women who were at least 7-months pregnant and gained excess weight (n= 14) or normal weight (n=15) were interviewed. Questions pertained to previous nutritional knowledge, eating patterns, and sources for obtaining nutrition information.
Outcome Measures and Analysis: Transcripts were coded independently by two researchers, with any differences reconciled. Common themes were discussed and tallied to determine the most commonly re-occurring topics reported in the interviews.
Results: Most of the excess weight gainers …

Effect Of Upward Feedback On The Gap Between Manager And Subordinate Perception Of Manager Behavior, Jessica Beesley Zetterquist

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To assess the effect of upward feedback on the perception gap of manager-rated and subordinate-rated managerial behavior scores using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ).

Design: Phase I questionnaires assessed the use of upward (subordinate to manager) feedback and were used to form Feedback and Comparison groups. Phase II questionnaires included feedback, attitudinal, and demographic questions and the MLQ. MLQ scores were compared between the two groups.

Subjects/setting: Directors of Food and Nutrition Services and Clinical Nutrition Managers and their respective subordinates in a hospital setting.

Statistical analyses performed: General Linear Model (using SAS Version 9.2, Cary, NC) was used …

Factors Influencing Shopping, Cooking, And Eating Behaviors Among Low-Income Families During A One-Month Period Of Time, Janice Darko

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To evaluate changes in shopping behaviors among low-income families over a one-month period of time in Utah County, Utah.

Design: Two researchers conducted thirteen 90-minute focus groups.

Setting: Two community organizations serving low-income populations and a university campus.

Participants: Seventy-two low-income adults who were the primary household food shoppers and who had at least one child less than 18 years in their household.

Main Outcome Measures: Shopping behavior changes during one month period of time.

Analysis: Focus groups were recorded and transcribed, and then coded independently by two researchers with any differences reconciled. Paired t-tests were used to test …

Qualitative Description Of College Students' Dinner Groups, Brita Michelle Ball

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to discover how college students conduct dinner groups and students' perceptions of the benefits and difficulties of participation.

Design: Qualitative study conducted with seven focus groups.

Setting: A university campus.

Participants: Thirty-six college students participating in dinner groups. Dinner groups were defined as a group of ≥3 people cooking for each other (or together) and eating together ≥4 times a week.

Analysis: The focus groups were recorded, transcribed, coded, and reconciled. NUDIST® NVivo software was used in identifying themes and subthemes.

Results: Dinner groups were composed of roommates and/or other students living nearby. …

Factors Affecting Folic Acid Stability In Micronutrient Fortified Corn Tortillas, Jordan S. Chapman

Theses and Dissertations

Folate degradation in micronutrient fortified corn masa and tortillas was evaluated using masa prepared from either nixtamalized corn flour or fresh nixtamal. A laboratory evaluation of the effects of pH, iron, and holding time at elevated temperature on folate loss in corn flour masa failed to show significant differences in any variable-treatment combination. An additional study was conducted at a commercial tortilla mill in Guadalajara, Mexico using masa prepared from fresh nixtamal. Commercial nixtamal was fortified with one of two different micronutrient premixes, containing iron, zinc, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and either unencapsulated or lipid-encapsulated folic acid. A batch of each …