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<p> Resistance exercise training results in skeletal muscle hypertrophy due to accumulated periods ofprotein accretion, the magnitude ofwhich may be influenced by post-exercise feeding. One study suggests that hypertrophy is maximized by immediate provision ofprotein (26); how the type ofprotein ingested in this period affects protein accretion is not known. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of consuming different post-exercise beverages -milk (MLK), an isonitrogenous and isoenergetic soy drink (PEC), or an isoenergetic control (CON)-on body mass, fat-bone free mass (FBFM), muscle fibre area, and strength during a 12-week progressive whole body resistance training program, in untrained men. METHODS: 34 men were randomized to postexercise consumption ofMLK (n=12; fat free), PEC (n=11; soy) or CON (n=11; maltodextrin) using single-blinded allocation, with characteristics-22.5 ± 0.6 yr, 25.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2• Participants trained 5 d/wk using a whole body split resistance training program and consumed 500 ml oftheir assigned drink immediately and 1h post-exercise following every training bout. RESULTS: Total body mass increased following training (P<0.01) but there were no differences between groups (MLK = 3.2 ± 0.8 kg, PEC = 2.9± 1.4 kg, CON= 2.0 ± 0.8 kg). Similarly, FBFM also increased post-training (P<0.01), but was not different between groups (MLK = 3.3 ± 0.6 kg, PEC = 2.7 ± 0.6kg, CON= 2.2 ± 0.6 kg). Muscle type II fibre area increased post-training (P<0.05) but was not different between groups (MLK = 1004 ± 249 pm2, PEC = 650 ± 192 pm2, CON= 565 ± 120 pm2). Training resulted in increases in 1RM strength for 13 different exercises (P<0.01) with no difference between groups (range= 29-101%). CONCLUSION: Immediate post-exercise provision ofeither milk (MLK), or an isonitrogenous I isoenergetic soy drink (PEC), as well as an isoenergetic carbohydrate beverage (CON), resulted in similar increases in body mass, FBFM, type II muscle fibre area, and strength. This study demonstrates that intact dietary proteins from milk and soy are effective for promoting skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Moreover, when given equivalent energy immediately postexercise, proteins consumed as part of a normal diet, outside ofthe immediate postexercise period are sufficient for hypertrophic and strength gains. Finally, post-exercise consumption ofprotein is no more effective than carbohydrate for promoting skeletal muscle hypertrophy when adequate protein is consumed within a regular diet. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

In recent years, we have seen the applications of distributed autonomous mobile robots (DAMRs) in a broad spectrum of areas like search and rescue, disaster management, warehouse, and delivery systems. Although each type of systems employing DAMRs has its specific challenges, they are all limited by energy since the robots are powered by batteries which have not advanced in decades. This motivates the development of energy efficiency for such systems. Although there has been research on optimizing energy for robotic systems, their approaches are from low-level (e.g., mechanic, system control, or avionic) perspectives. They, therefore, are limited to a specific type of robots and not easily adjusted to apply for different types of robots. Moreover, there is a lack of work studying the problem from a software perspective and abstraction. In this thesis, we tackle the problem from a software perspective and are particularly interested in DAMR systems in which a team of networked robots navigating in a physical environment and acting in concert to accomplish a common goal. Also, the primary focus of our work is to design schedules (or plans) for the robots so that they can achieve their goal while spending as little energy as possible. To this end, we study the problem in three different contexts: - Managing reliability and energy consumption tradeoff. That is, we propose that robots verify computational results of one another to increase the corroboration of outputs of our DAMR systems. However, this new feature requires robots to do additional tasks and consume more energy. Thus, we propose approaches to reach a balance between energy consumption and the reliability of results obtained by our DAMR systems. - Extending the operational time of robots. We first propose that our DAMR systems should employ charging stations where robots can come to recharge their batteries. Then, we aim to design schedules for the robots so that they can finish all their tasks while consuming as little energy and time (including the time spent for recharging) as possible. Moreover, we model the working space by a connected (possibly incomplete) graph to make the problem more practical. - Coping with environmental changes. This path planning problem takes into account not only energy limits but also changes in the physical environment, which may result in overheads (i.e., additional time and energy) that robots incur while doing their tasks. To tackle the problem from a software perspective, we first utilize Gaussian Process and Polynomial Regression to model disturbances and energy consumption, respectively, then proposed techniques to generate plans and adjust them when robots detect environmental changes. For each problem, we give a formal description, a transformation to integer (linear) programming, online algorithms, and an online algorithm. Moreover, we also rigorously analyze the proposed techniques by conducting simulations and experiments in a real network of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). / Thesis / Candidate in Philosophy

Data centres are an integral part of today's technology. With the growing demand for data centers to meet computational needs, there is pressure to decrease data center-related costs. By reducing the amount of power needed to cool servers, the overall power consumption can be decreased. Efficient cooling of data centres involves meeting temperature constraints while minimizing power consumption. By exploring the opportunities that may be available through controlling multiple cooling units, we can avoid issues such as overcooling (some parts of the data center being cooled more than necessary) or warm air recirculation (return of exhausted hot air to inlets of servers). Currently, in data centres with more than one cooling unit, each of the cooling units is controlled independently. This mode of operation results in each cooling unit needing to be set for the worst case, which results in over cooling and is not energy efficient. Coordinating cooling units has the potential to decrease the power consumption of a data centre by eliminating this over cooling. Furthermore, coordinating with workload management may help mitigate cooling unit power consumption. This research is concerned with exploring what is feasible within the options discussed above. It contains two main parts. In the first part, we present an algorithm to minimize power consumption of cooling units while keeping all the server cores below a temperature threshold. In the second part of this thesis, we derived a data-driven model for server outlet temperature. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

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Yes / Cognitive ability is used in numerous everyday situations (for example, in the classroom, workplace and home) and can be measured using cognitive tests designed to target specific cognitive domains. Cognition can be influenced by external factors (for example, age, education, caffeine intake and time of day) which if not controlled for or noted could influence performance. Prior food intake has not received a direct focus in the cognition literature, and therefore, this study aims to investigate the time elapsed since the last food item was consumed as a factor which may affect cognitive performance. Fifty-two healthy adults with no reported cognitive impairment or diagnosis of any eating or metabolic disorder took part in the study. Participants completed a self-rated hunger scale and stated the time that they last consumed a food item. The time of day that the assessments were completed was also noted. All participants completed a brief cognitive battery consisting of a semantic recall assessment, digit span and parts A and B of the Trail Making Test. Results revealed a significant main effect of minutes since the last food item was consumed on semantic recall and both Trails A and B whereby performance was significantly worse as the time since the last food item was consumed increased. These results suggest that information about when the participant consumed food prior to assessment should be gathered to check for any such effects. This could have implications for cognitive performance in educational settings and clinical environments, where scores often determine academic progression and further interventions.

This study investigates how consumers perceive and interpret indulgent consumption behaviours shared on social media, focusing on the impact these behaviours have on the perceived warmth of the person sharing the content. Employing a qualitative, deductive approach, this exploratory research reveals that sharing indulgent consumption signals interpersonal warmth, leading to increased interaction on social media due to perceived authenticity. The study posits that indulgent consumption, when publicly displayed, is perceived as more authentic compared to healthy consumption, as it reflects genuine preferences rather than impression management. Authenticity, characterized by behaviours aligned with one’s true self, enhances perceived warmth. The findings suggest that individuals who share indulgent consumption content are viewed as warmer, fostering trust and engagement. This research contributes to understanding the role of authenticity in social media interactions and offers insights into the significance of perceived warmth in both interpersonal and consumer relationships. The study's implications extend to marketing strategies, highlighting the benefits for brands and individuals in cultivating a warm, authentic image online.

Three studies were conducted to investigate dispositional and environmental factors related to alcohol consumption during 21st birthday celebrations, and test an internet-based intervention designed to reduce alcohol consumption during 21st birthday celebrations (21BDCs). Results of Study 1 indicated the majority of alcoholic beverages (79.3%) are consumed rapidly. Rapid consumption was positively related to drinking history and normative perceptions, and negatively related to perceptions of behavioral control. The relation between sociocultural beliefs and rapid consumption are mediated by normative perceptions and perceptions of behavioral control. The major objectives of Study 2 were to explore: a) 21BDC planning behaviors and the physical and social 21BDC environment, b) the relation between intoxication and planning behaviors, celebratory behaviors, and the 21BDC environment, and c) the frequency of various alcohol-related negative outcomes. Results indicate 26.4% of the participants exceeded an eBAL of .26. Intoxication during 21BDCs is enabled by the availability of free drinks, and having a friend to look after oneself or monitor alcohol consumption does not lead to lower levels of intoxication. The most frequent negative outcomes were hangovers, blackouts and vomiting, with 50% of celebrants experiencing at least one of these outcomes. Study 3 tested a web-based intervention designed to reduce intoxication and negative outcomes during 21BDCs. The intervention was implemented four weeks before the 21st birthday, was designed to: a) change perceptions of drinking norms during 21st birthday celebrations, b) increase perceptions of behavioral control over alcohol consumption, and c) counter social pressures to consumer alcohol during the weeks leading up to the celebration. Results indicated no significant reductions in number of alcoholic beverages consumed, intoxication or negative outcomes, as compared to a traditional 21st birthday card intervention and no-intervention controls. While students were not motivated to implement many of the suggested harm-reduction strategies, there was a significant increase in the consumption of food and non-alcoholic beverages among participants receiving the web-based intervention. Development and implementation of effective interventions to reduce intoxication during 21BDC remains a significant challenge. / Ph. D.

Dehydration can impact the general population but it is particularly detrimental for athletes, due to their physical performance requirements. Although fluids in general contribute to meeting hydration needs, some beverages aid in the rehydration process more than others. The Beverage Intake Questionnaire (BEVQ-15) is a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that can rapidly assess habitual beverage intake; this FFQ has been validated in children and adults. However, no beverage consumption questionnaire has been validated in athletes. In addition to monitoring fluid intake, hydration status can be assessed through urinary and blood indices. Urine color (UC) has been utilized as a practical hydration biomarker in several populations. However, this biomarker has not been validated among the general population of collegiate athletes. The first study (n=58): formulated a novel whey-permeate-based beverage to promote hydration and assess its sensory characteristics in the general population. The overall acceptability of the beverage was lower than the control beverage, according to a 9-point Likert scale (x̅ = 4.5 – 4.9 and x̅ = 6.7, respectively). The second study (n=120): evaluated the comparative validity and reliability of the BEVQ-15 and UC within NCAA Division 1 collegiate athletes. Associations were noted between the BEVQ-15 and multiple 24-hr dietary recalls (reference method) for total beverage fl oz and kcal (r=0.41 and r=0.47, p<0.05, respectively). There were associations between athlete's UC and urinary specific gravity (USG; hydration biomarker) rated by athletes and researchers (r=0.67 and 0.88, p<0.05, respectively). Lastly, a systematic review was performed to evaluate original research addressing the validity of UC as a hydration biomarker in the adult population more broadly, including athletes and older adults. Eleven of 424 articles met inclusion criteria, and the available research generally reported significant correlations between UC and other hydration indices (r=0.35-0.93). However, limitations in existing research were evident. Although the BEVQ-15 may be a valid beverage intake assessment method in collegiate athletes, additional modifications were identified which could improve its validity. Future work includes re-evaluating the validity and reliability of the BEVQ-15 specifically modified for athletes, as well as assessing the sensitivity of this FFQ to detect changes in beverage intake. / Doctor of Philosophy / Drinking adequate amounts of fluids is important for maintaining normal bodily functions. When body water losses exceed fluid intake, dehydration may result, which can lead to numerous consequences such as headaches, dizziness, decreased mental focus, and fatigue. An athlete, who has high physical demands, may experience these negative consequences as well as muscle cramps, increased strain on the heart, and decreased athletic performance. Some beverages can replenish lost fluids better than others, due to their electrolyte (i.e. sodium, potassium, magnesium) content. This may include whey-permeate based beverages. In order to prevent dehydration, it is important to monitor fluid consumption and fluid losses. A beverage intake questionnaire (BEVQ-15) can be used to quickly assess usual beverage intake. Studies have shown that this questionnaire is accurate in children, adolescents, and adults. However, there are currently no validated methods for usual habitual beverage intake in athletes. This dissertation evaluated the taste of a new whey-permeate hydration beverage, and the accuracy and test-retest reliability of the BEVQ-15 within NCAA Division 1 collegiate athletes and found positive results. Measurements in urine and blood can be also be used to assess hydration status, but some of these methods are more expensive and less practical for daily use in real-world settings. Urine color (UC) has been studied as a hydration indicator, but this dissertation is the first to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of this method within a diverse group of collegiate athletes, in a real-world setting. Our results suggest that UC is a simple and reasonably accurate hydration assessment method when compared to another urinary assessment method. Nonetheless, there is limited research which has studied this topic. Future work can address methods to improve the effectiveness of these approaches for maintaining and evaluating fluid intake and status in the collegiate athletic population.

The great success of the advertising industry in the 1950s created a diamond culture where diamonds are continuously associated with images of love and devotion. With all of the diamond's positive associations, no one could have imagined that such a precious jewel could have negative connotations. Yet in the 1990s, the label "blood diamond" emerged and became widely correlated with torture, rape, child labor, and environmental destruction. My three- manuscript dissertation covers the following topics: how diamond jewelry has become ingrained in American consumer culture, how lab-made diamond substitutes create new politics, and how diamonds created from ashes complicate consumers' relationship with diamond jewelry. These three manuscripts cover a series of interconnected ideas about symbolism and imagery of the diamond. In the first manuscript I present a history of how advertisements have influenced American consumer culture. The second manuscript elaborates on the themes established in the first manuscript by examining the political nature of lab-made diamonds in relation to American consumer culture. And finally, in the third manuscript the images presented in the first manuscript become even more complicated when the end product is literally made from ashes. Lab-made diamonds challenge traditional images of natural stones in a way that forces consumers to confront, and perhaps revise, the way they think about diamonds. / Ph. D.