Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Timothy D. Keane / This thesis documents an exploratory design process that examines the efficacy of a framework for designing dementia gardens based on: theory, Stephen and Rachel Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (A.R.T.), (Kaplan and Kaplan, 1989) and Roger Ulrich’s Theory of Supportive Gardens (Ulrich, 1999); John Zeisel’s (2007) process for designing dementia gardens; and design details, Claire Cooper Marcus’ Garden Audit Tool (2007) and Moore’s analysis of exemplary dementia gardens (2007). It documents the integration of theory that is not specific to dementia gardens (Kaplans’ A.R.T. and Ulrich’s Theory of Supportive Gardens) with process (Zeisel) and programming elements that are specific to dementia gardens (Cooper Marcus’ Garden Audit Tool Kit and Moore’s exemplary dementia gardens). The framework was developed during an illustrative courtyard design project for a retirement center whose clientele included patients with varying need levels. Throughout the illustrative design project, knowledge of the four A.R.T. characteristics (Being Away, Fascination; Compatibility and Extent) guided design decision-making in an effort to create an engaging environment, where improved health outcomes and restorative person-environment interactions could occur.

Master of Science / Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics / Kevin R. Roberts / The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that one in six Americans become ill,128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year due to foodborne illness. Children are at a higher risk of acquiring foodborne illness than adults for several reasons, including: an immune system that has yet to fully develop, limiting their ability to fight infections; a lack of control over the food they consume because their meals are usually provided by others; and the lack of awareness of food safety risks. Thus, it is critical to ensure that childcare center employees practice safe food handling. The purpose of this study was to explore the food safety knowledge, practices, and barriers to safe food handling practices of childcare center employees. Observations were conducted in 10 childcare centers in Manhattan, Kansas. Each childcare center was observed for two days during lunch preparation and service. Observations of foodservice employees were conducted in the kitchen using a structured observation form. Teacher observations were conducted in the classroom using detailed notes. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic, food safety training, and food safety knowledge information. SPSS (v. 20.0) was used to analyze data. Childcare center employees had high average scores on the safety knowledge assessment. The majority of employees received some type of food safety training. Time pressures, availability of equipment, and small food preparation space were found as the main barriers to implementing safe food handling. Childcare center foodservice workers and teachers were knowledgeable about handwashing and time/temperature control, but failed to utilize on the job. Results of this study will help childcare educators to develop materials to improve food safety practices and encourage owners/managers of childcare centers to enhance their food safety behaviors.

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Sajid Alavi / The objective of the study was to investigate extrusion as an alternative processing method and grain sorghum as a viable substitute for corn in fortified blended foods (FBFs) used in nutrition and food assistance programs around the world. In the first part of this study, sorghum-soy blend (SSB), corn-soy blend (CSB) and whole corn-soy blend (WCSB) were developed using extrusion and compared with traditional CSB13 for physico-chemical and sensory properties. After milling of extrudates, average particle size (PS) ranged between 341-447 microns, with 78-85% below 600 microns. In general, Bostwick flow rates (VB=12-23 cm/min) of rehydrated blends (11.75% solids) were within standard specifications but higher than CSB13. Descriptive sensory analysis indicated that the sorghum-based rehydrated blends were significantly less lumpy and had a more uniform texture as compared to corn-based blends and CSB13. In the second part, the impact of decortication level and process conditions was investigated with respect to sorghum-based extruded blends. Degree of gelatinization of the whole sorghum-soy blend (WSSB) and decorticated sorghum-soy blend (DSSB) extrudates ranged from 93-97%. Expansion ratio (ER=3.6-6.1) was correlated with specific mechanical energy input (SME=145-415 kJ/kg; r=0.99) and average particle size after milling (PS=336-474 microns; r= -0.75). Rehydrated blends at 20% solids concentration provided recommended energy density (0.8 kcal/g) for FBFs. Bostwick flow rates had high correlation (r = -0.91) with pasting data (final viscosity) obtained using rapid visco analyzer (RVA). Addition of oil (5.5%) prior to extrusion was also studied, and resulted in process instabilities and also lower shelf-life as determined via descriptive sensory analysis (rancid and painty attributes) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (hexanal, heptenal and octanal concentrations). In conclusion, extruded sorghum-soy blends met standard specifications for energy density and consistency (Bostwick flow rate), and were superior in some aspects as compared to extruded corn-soy blends and traditional corn-soy blends (CSB13). Relationships between extrusion mechanical energy input, expansion, particle size after milling and consistency of rehydrated blends were established. Consistency of the rehydrated blends is an extremely important criterion as it affects the ease of ingestion by target consumers (children below 5 years, in this case).

Master of Science / Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering / Chih-Hang John Wu / The University of Kansas Medical Center’s Emergency Department is adopting a new residency program. In the past, generalized Residents have supported attending physicians during a required three month rotation in the Emergency Department. As of July 2010, the University of Kansas Medical Center’s Emergency Department has switched to a dedicated Emergency Medicine Residency program that allows recently graduated physicians the opportunity enter the field of Emergency Medicine. This thesis shows that although not initially a dedicated residency program provides an advantage to the Emergency Department. Discrete Event Simulations have been used to predict changes in processes, policies, and practices in many different fields. The models run quickly, and can provide a basis for future actions without the cost of actually implementing changes in policies or procedures. This thesis applies a learning curve in a Simulation Model in order to provide data that the University of Kansas Medical Center’s Emergency Department can utilize to make decisions about their new Residency Program. A generalized learning curve was used for the base model and compared to all alternatives. When it was compared with an alternative curve following a Sigmoid Function (Logistic Function), there were no significant differences. Ultimately, a Gompertz Curve is suggested for hospitals attempting to develop or improve their residency programs using learning curves because it is easily fitted to their desired shape. This thesis shows the effect that Residents have on the performance of the Emergency Department as a whole. The two major components examined for the generalized learning curve were the initial position for first year residents determined by the variable [alpha], and the shape of the curve determined by the variable [beta]. Individual changes the value of [alpha] had little effect. Varying values of [beta] have shown that smaller values elongate the shape of the curve, prolonging the amount of time it takes for a resident to perform at the level of the attending physician. Each resident’s personal value of [beta] can be used to evaluate the performance in the emergency department. Resident’s who’s [beta] value are smaller the emergency department’s expected value might have trouble performing.

This thesis is an analysis and evaluation of a case study in deinstitutionalisation of people with intellectual disabilities. The process has been viewed as an example of organisational change and the focus is on the relationship between formal and informal caregivers and the notion of care. Three key groups were included in the study, families of residents, the residents and staff. A qualitative approach was taken. The theoretical perspective that was developed attempted to account for links between social movements, organisations and individual experience in the arena of intellectual disability. This was based on the approach of New Institutionalism in organisational theory. The focus was primarily on the process--of change, and in caregiving. Three models of intellectual disability, which have informed policy and the recent changes to a preference for community care, have been identified and the links between these and the elements of organisations developed for providing care explored. The experience of families and residents within the hospital setting and then the community care setting has been examined in relation to the nature of the organisation. Outcomes for the three groups have been examined in terms of their needs and the extent to which these needs were met by the arrangements over a given time. It is concluded that community care has the potential to better meet the needs of those involved, than has hospital based care. A number of factors in the process of change and in the delivery of care have been identified as impacting on outcomes for those involved. Consideration is given to the practical implications of these findings. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

This thesis is an analysis and evaluation of a case study in deinstitutionalisation of people with intellectual disabilities. The process has been viewed as an example of organisational change and the focus is on the relationship between formal and informal caregivers and the notion of care. Three key groups were included in the study, families of residents, the residents and staff. A qualitative approach was taken. The theoretical perspective that was developed attempted to account for links between social movements, organisations and individual experience in the arena of intellectual disability. This was based on the approach of New Institutionalism in organisational theory. The focus was primarily on the process--of change, and in caregiving. Three models of intellectual disability, which have informed policy and the recent changes to a preference for community care, have been identified and the links between these and the elements of organisations developed for providing care explored. The experience of families and residents within the hospital setting and then the community care setting has been examined in relation to the nature of the organisation. Outcomes for the three groups have been examined in terms of their needs and the extent to which these needs were met by the arrangements over a given time. It is concluded that community care has the potential to better meet the needs of those involved, than has hospital based care. A number of factors in the process of change and in the delivery of care have been identified as impacting on outcomes for those involved. Consideration is given to the practical implications of these findings. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

This thesis is an analysis and evaluation of a case study in deinstitutionalisation of people with intellectual disabilities. The process has been viewed as an example of organisational change and the focus is on the relationship between formal and informal caregivers and the notion of care. Three key groups were included in the study, families of residents, the residents and staff. A qualitative approach was taken. The theoretical perspective that was developed attempted to account for links between social movements, organisations and individual experience in the arena of intellectual disability. This was based on the approach of New Institutionalism in organisational theory. The focus was primarily on the process--of change, and in caregiving. Three models of intellectual disability, which have informed policy and the recent changes to a preference for community care, have been identified and the links between these and the elements of organisations developed for providing care explored. The experience of families and residents within the hospital setting and then the community care setting has been examined in relation to the nature of the organisation. Outcomes for the three groups have been examined in terms of their needs and the extent to which these needs were met by the arrangements over a given time. It is concluded that community care has the potential to better meet the needs of those involved, than has hospital based care. A number of factors in the process of change and in the delivery of care have been identified as impacting on outcomes for those involved. Consideration is given to the practical implications of these findings. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

This thesis is an analysis and evaluation of a case study in deinstitutionalisation of people with intellectual disabilities. The process has been viewed as an example of organisational change and the focus is on the relationship between formal and informal caregivers and the notion of care. Three key groups were included in the study, families of residents, the residents and staff. A qualitative approach was taken. The theoretical perspective that was developed attempted to account for links between social movements, organisations and individual experience in the arena of intellectual disability. This was based on the approach of New Institutionalism in organisational theory. The focus was primarily on the process--of change, and in caregiving. Three models of intellectual disability, which have informed policy and the recent changes to a preference for community care, have been identified and the links between these and the elements of organisations developed for providing care explored. The experience of families and residents within the hospital setting and then the community care setting has been examined in relation to the nature of the organisation. Outcomes for the three groups have been examined in terms of their needs and the extent to which these needs were met by the arrangements over a given time. It is concluded that community care has the potential to better meet the needs of those involved, than has hospital based care. A number of factors in the process of change and in the delivery of care have been identified as impacting on outcomes for those involved. Consideration is given to the practical implications of these findings. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

This thesis is an analysis and evaluation of a case study in deinstitutionalisation of people with intellectual disabilities. The process has been viewed as an example of organisational change and the focus is on the relationship between formal and informal caregivers and the notion of care. Three key groups were included in the study, families of residents, the residents and staff. A qualitative approach was taken. The theoretical perspective that was developed attempted to account for links between social movements, organisations and individual experience in the arena of intellectual disability. This was based on the approach of New Institutionalism in organisational theory. The focus was primarily on the process--of change, and in caregiving. Three models of intellectual disability, which have informed policy and the recent changes to a preference for community care, have been identified and the links between these and the elements of organisations developed for providing care explored. The experience of families and residents within the hospital setting and then the community care setting has been examined in relation to the nature of the organisation. Outcomes for the three groups have been examined in terms of their needs and the extent to which these needs were met by the arrangements over a given time. It is concluded that community care has the potential to better meet the needs of those involved, than has hospital based care. A number of factors in the process of change and in the delivery of care have been identified as impacting on outcomes for those involved. Consideration is given to the practical implications of these findings. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Anatomy and Physiology / David C. Poole / The components of the O2 transport pathway can be divided into (along with their respective circulations) the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and skeletal muscle systems. They must operate in tight conjunction with one another, especially during dynamic exercise, to sustain ATP production within muscle mitochondria. Any limitation placed on the O2 transport pathway will result in decreased performance. The purpose of this dissertation is to present four novel studies which examine specific limitations on (1) the pulmonary system (i.e. lungs and circulation) within the highly athletic Thoroughbred horse (Studies A & B), and (2) within the peripheral circulation (i.e. microcirculation) within a disease model of Type II diabetes, the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat (Studies C & D). Study A demonstrates that locomotory respiratory coupling (LRC) is not requisite for the horse to achieve maximal minute ventilation (VE) during galloping exercise because VE remains at the peak exercising levels over the first ~13 s of trotting recovery (VE at end exercise: 1391±88; VE at 13 s: 1330±112 L/sec; P > 0.05). The horse also experiences exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) which has been linked mechanistically to increased pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) during high intensity exercise. Therefore, in Study B, we hypothesized that endothelin-1 (ET-1), a powerful vasoconstricting hormone, would play a role in the augmented Ppa and therefore, EIPH. However, contrary to our hypothesis, an ET-1 receptor antagonist did not decrease Ppa nor prevent or reduce EIPH. Studies C and D examine potential mechanisms behind the exercise intolerance observed in humans with Type II diabetes. Utilizing phosphorescence quenching techniques (Study C) within the GK spinotrapezius muscle, we found lowered microvascular PO2 (PO2mv; Control: 28.8±2.0; GK: 18.4±1.8 mmHg; P<0.05) at rest and a PO2mv “undershoot” during muscle contractions. After conducting intravital microscopy within the same muscle (Study D), we discovered the percentage of RBC-perfused capillaries was decreased (Control: 93±3; GK: 66±5 %; P<0.05) and all three major hemodynamic variables (i.e. RBC velocity, flux, and capillary tube hematocrit) were significantly attenuated. Both studies (C & D) indicate that there is reduced O2 availability (via decreased O2 delivery; i.e. ↓QO2/VO2) within Type II diabetic muscle.