A belief based on a personal experience that asthma incidence in New Zealand is interrelated with the indoor environment, led the author to establish the study between asthma and housing. A considerable period of time was spent first on studying the roots of the two issues, asthma and New Zealand housing. The historical experience showed that health and housing problems at the national level in the 19 th century in England were solved by state interference. The architectural background of this study created a need to cover some medical knowledge to understand the causes, symptoms and cure of asthma, if any. This knowledge was crucial while monitoring houses, designing the questionnaire, and analysing results. Two stages of monitoring were achieved in 2000 and 2001. In addition to the monitoring, there was an attempt to find out as much information as possible about any issues related to the health conditions, especially the respiratory disorders, and the houses. The study of housing included building construction, house dust mite allergen levels in the carpet, building drawings, and other issues in preparation for the next stage of analysis. The overwhelming quantity of information gathered about the 30 houses investigated in 2000 was so confusing that no statistical software package was seen as a perfect way for analysing it. It was decided then to establish comparisons between each factor investigated and asthma presence. Also, in most of the cases, the correlation between more than one factor with asthma rates was examined. The investigation of the relations between many issues and asthma showed that there were links between asthma incidence and some indoor conditions of houses. Raised timber floors, which were found in most of the houses to be un-insulated, and in all the cases to be on unprotected ground, were found to have a strong relation with asthma incidence. In these houses, it was found that high asthma incidence was related to a higher level of moisture indoors. Asthma incidence in houses having old carpet, moulds, pets, or smokers indoors was higher than asthma incidence in houses without these. Old houses were found to have more asthma incidence than new houses. All the allergen levels in the carpets were extremely high and they were all above the allergen levels induced by house dust mites that can provoke asthma in susceptible individuals. Based on the knowledge gained about the defective factors in housing affecting asthma, upgrading of the houses was designed. A house was chosen to be upgraded in three stages, each stage providing a different level of insulation. The upgrading costs were compared with the current national costs of health and heating to see what level of upgrading would be logical and cost-effective. National costs and savings were estimated in four cases each with different level of insulation. It was decided at the final stage of the study that insulating ceilings and floors in addition to other basic upgrading factors would provide savings in health and heating costs and would result in less CO2 emissions to the atmosphere of New Zealand. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

A belief based on a personal experience that asthma incidence in New Zealand is interrelated with the indoor environment, led the author to establish the study between asthma and housing. A considerable period of time was spent first on studying the roots of the two issues, asthma and New Zealand housing. The historical experience showed that health and housing problems at the national level in the 19 th century in England were solved by state interference. The architectural background of this study created a need to cover some medical knowledge to understand the causes, symptoms and cure of asthma, if any. This knowledge was crucial while monitoring houses, designing the questionnaire, and analysing results. Two stages of monitoring were achieved in 2000 and 2001. In addition to the monitoring, there was an attempt to find out as much information as possible about any issues related to the health conditions, especially the respiratory disorders, and the houses. The study of housing included building construction, house dust mite allergen levels in the carpet, building drawings, and other issues in preparation for the next stage of analysis. The overwhelming quantity of information gathered about the 30 houses investigated in 2000 was so confusing that no statistical software package was seen as a perfect way for analysing it. It was decided then to establish comparisons between each factor investigated and asthma presence. Also, in most of the cases, the correlation between more than one factor with asthma rates was examined. The investigation of the relations between many issues and asthma showed that there were links between asthma incidence and some indoor conditions of houses. Raised timber floors, which were found in most of the houses to be un-insulated, and in all the cases to be on unprotected ground, were found to have a strong relation with asthma incidence. In these houses, it was found that high asthma incidence was related to a higher level of moisture indoors. Asthma incidence in houses having old carpet, moulds, pets, or smokers indoors was higher than asthma incidence in houses without these. Old houses were found to have more asthma incidence than new houses. All the allergen levels in the carpets were extremely high and they were all above the allergen levels induced by house dust mites that can provoke asthma in susceptible individuals. Based on the knowledge gained about the defective factors in housing affecting asthma, upgrading of the houses was designed. A house was chosen to be upgraded in three stages, each stage providing a different level of insulation. The upgrading costs were compared with the current national costs of health and heating to see what level of upgrading would be logical and cost-effective. National costs and savings were estimated in four cases each with different level of insulation. It was decided at the final stage of the study that insulating ceilings and floors in addition to other basic upgrading factors would provide savings in health and heating costs and would result in less CO2 emissions to the atmosphere of New Zealand. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

A belief based on a personal experience that asthma incidence in New Zealand is interrelated with the indoor environment, led the author to establish the study between asthma and housing. A considerable period of time was spent first on studying the roots of the two issues, asthma and New Zealand housing. The historical experience showed that health and housing problems at the national level in the 19 th century in England were solved by state interference. The architectural background of this study created a need to cover some medical knowledge to understand the causes, symptoms and cure of asthma, if any. This knowledge was crucial while monitoring houses, designing the questionnaire, and analysing results. Two stages of monitoring were achieved in 2000 and 2001. In addition to the monitoring, there was an attempt to find out as much information as possible about any issues related to the health conditions, especially the respiratory disorders, and the houses. The study of housing included building construction, house dust mite allergen levels in the carpet, building drawings, and other issues in preparation for the next stage of analysis. The overwhelming quantity of information gathered about the 30 houses investigated in 2000 was so confusing that no statistical software package was seen as a perfect way for analysing it. It was decided then to establish comparisons between each factor investigated and asthma presence. Also, in most of the cases, the correlation between more than one factor with asthma rates was examined. The investigation of the relations between many issues and asthma showed that there were links between asthma incidence and some indoor conditions of houses. Raised timber floors, which were found in most of the houses to be un-insulated, and in all the cases to be on unprotected ground, were found to have a strong relation with asthma incidence. In these houses, it was found that high asthma incidence was related to a higher level of moisture indoors. Asthma incidence in houses having old carpet, moulds, pets, or smokers indoors was higher than asthma incidence in houses without these. Old houses were found to have more asthma incidence than new houses. All the allergen levels in the carpets were extremely high and they were all above the allergen levels induced by house dust mites that can provoke asthma in susceptible individuals. Based on the knowledge gained about the defective factors in housing affecting asthma, upgrading of the houses was designed. A house was chosen to be upgraded in three stages, each stage providing a different level of insulation. The upgrading costs were compared with the current national costs of health and heating to see what level of upgrading would be logical and cost-effective. National costs and savings were estimated in four cases each with different level of insulation. It was decided at the final stage of the study that insulating ceilings and floors in addition to other basic upgrading factors would provide savings in health and heating costs and would result in less CO2 emissions to the atmosphere of New Zealand. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

A belief based on a personal experience that asthma incidence in New Zealand is interrelated with the indoor environment, led the author to establish the study between asthma and housing. A considerable period of time was spent first on studying the roots of the two issues, asthma and New Zealand housing. The historical experience showed that health and housing problems at the national level in the 19 th century in England were solved by state interference. The architectural background of this study created a need to cover some medical knowledge to understand the causes, symptoms and cure of asthma, if any. This knowledge was crucial while monitoring houses, designing the questionnaire, and analysing results. Two stages of monitoring were achieved in 2000 and 2001. In addition to the monitoring, there was an attempt to find out as much information as possible about any issues related to the health conditions, especially the respiratory disorders, and the houses. The study of housing included building construction, house dust mite allergen levels in the carpet, building drawings, and other issues in preparation for the next stage of analysis. The overwhelming quantity of information gathered about the 30 houses investigated in 2000 was so confusing that no statistical software package was seen as a perfect way for analysing it. It was decided then to establish comparisons between each factor investigated and asthma presence. Also, in most of the cases, the correlation between more than one factor with asthma rates was examined. The investigation of the relations between many issues and asthma showed that there were links between asthma incidence and some indoor conditions of houses. Raised timber floors, which were found in most of the houses to be un-insulated, and in all the cases to be on unprotected ground, were found to have a strong relation with asthma incidence. In these houses, it was found that high asthma incidence was related to a higher level of moisture indoors. Asthma incidence in houses having old carpet, moulds, pets, or smokers indoors was higher than asthma incidence in houses without these. Old houses were found to have more asthma incidence than new houses. All the allergen levels in the carpets were extremely high and they were all above the allergen levels induced by house dust mites that can provoke asthma in susceptible individuals. Based on the knowledge gained about the defective factors in housing affecting asthma, upgrading of the houses was designed. A house was chosen to be upgraded in three stages, each stage providing a different level of insulation. The upgrading costs were compared with the current national costs of health and heating to see what level of upgrading would be logical and cost-effective. National costs and savings were estimated in four cases each with different level of insulation. It was decided at the final stage of the study that insulating ceilings and floors in addition to other basic upgrading factors would provide savings in health and heating costs and would result in less CO2 emissions to the atmosphere of New Zealand. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

A belief based on a personal experience that asthma incidence in New Zealand is interrelated with the indoor environment, led the author to establish the study between asthma and housing. A considerable period of time was spent first on studying the roots of the two issues, asthma and New Zealand housing. The historical experience showed that health and housing problems at the national level in the 19 th century in England were solved by state interference. The architectural background of this study created a need to cover some medical knowledge to understand the causes, symptoms and cure of asthma, if any. This knowledge was crucial while monitoring houses, designing the questionnaire, and analysing results. Two stages of monitoring were achieved in 2000 and 2001. In addition to the monitoring, there was an attempt to find out as much information as possible about any issues related to the health conditions, especially the respiratory disorders, and the houses. The study of housing included building construction, house dust mite allergen levels in the carpet, building drawings, and other issues in preparation for the next stage of analysis. The overwhelming quantity of information gathered about the 30 houses investigated in 2000 was so confusing that no statistical software package was seen as a perfect way for analysing it. It was decided then to establish comparisons between each factor investigated and asthma presence. Also, in most of the cases, the correlation between more than one factor with asthma rates was examined. The investigation of the relations between many issues and asthma showed that there were links between asthma incidence and some indoor conditions of houses. Raised timber floors, which were found in most of the houses to be un-insulated, and in all the cases to be on unprotected ground, were found to have a strong relation with asthma incidence. In these houses, it was found that high asthma incidence was related to a higher level of moisture indoors. Asthma incidence in houses having old carpet, moulds, pets, or smokers indoors was higher than asthma incidence in houses without these. Old houses were found to have more asthma incidence than new houses. All the allergen levels in the carpets were extremely high and they were all above the allergen levels induced by house dust mites that can provoke asthma in susceptible individuals. Based on the knowledge gained about the defective factors in housing affecting asthma, upgrading of the houses was designed. A house was chosen to be upgraded in three stages, each stage providing a different level of insulation. The upgrading costs were compared with the current national costs of health and heating to see what level of upgrading would be logical and cost-effective. National costs and savings were estimated in four cases each with different level of insulation. It was decided at the final stage of the study that insulating ceilings and floors in addition to other basic upgrading factors would provide savings in health and heating costs and would result in less CO2 emissions to the atmosphere of New Zealand. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

Master of Public Health / Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / John A. Pickrell / Airway inflammation is characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and chemokine (IL-8) from airway epithelial cells. To screen for the potential inhalation toxicity as inflammation, we tested exposure of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs)-Titanium dioxide, Magnesium oxide, FastAct and Titanium Silicon Oxide-Manganese (TSO-Mn)-Aerogel to BEAS 2B human bronchial epithelial cells. A monolayer of cells having 80 – 90% confluence was treated with different concentrations of the NPs and feedlot dust as positive control for inflammatory processes. Releases of IL-6 and IL-8 into the culture supernatant fluid were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Characterization of NPs such as solubility and agglomeration in cell culture media were carried out to predict the effect of these properties in cellular responses. Feedlot dust increased the release of both IL-6 and IL-8 by 3 to >5 fold, suggesting an inflammatory effect while NPs did not show any effect either at increasing the dose or duration of the incubation with cell. The NPs at higher doses reduced the total IL-6 and IL-8 released, suggesting that the NPs may have bound with the cytokine and chemokine or somehow interfered with their function. The inert activity of NPs was further investigated by inspecting cell morphology, counting viable cells and assessing mitochondrial membrane potential. Concentrations at 1000 mg/L of TiO2 and 250 mg/L TSO-Mn-Aerogel could apparently limit lung epithelial cell multiplication by partially occupying the intercellular spaces, qualitatively increasing the number of cell pores and resulting in less recovered cells after 12 hours of incubation. Cells exposed to feedlot dust and titanium NPs were less viable as indicated by propidium iodide staining, but cells exposed to TSO-Mn-aerogel were more apoptotic as indicated JC-1 staining. These changes occurred at projected inhalation exposure levels > 40-100 fold above the nuisance dust level for TiO2 and permissible exposure limit for Manganese. No MgO exposures reduced apparently recovered cells to < 50% as indicated by manual hemocytometer counts (+ 15-25% variability). The lack of toxicity was most likely reflected from the high MgO solubility in the incubating media, and the relative non-toxicity of MgO.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Agricultural Economics / Vincent R. Amanor-Boadu / Public health policies seek to address health issues that pose significant concerns to public health policymakers. Because these initiatives have economic costs, economic agents’ response to them would be driven by the outcome of their benefit-cost assessment of the policies. Therefore, the congruence between perception and reality of economic agents’ health becomes important in evaluating the potential effectiveness of these initiatives. This research sought to determine the extent of congruence between objective and subjective health status at the individual level. The results would contribute to the framing and implementation of health policies that have higher probability of adoption by economic agents. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006 data were used for this research. The dependent variables defined in the study are subjective health status perception and objective metrics of individuals’ health status proxied by their body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, and fasting blood glucose. The nature of these dependent variables demanded that both categorical dependent variable and ordinary least squares models be employed in the estimation of the models. Chow tests were used to determine the extent of congruence between perception and reality of respondents’ health status. The study did not find any differences between perception and reality based on waist circumference but the same could not be said about BMI. Additionally, there were differences between subjective health perceptions and objective measures of health status based on receiving information about their health status from a health care professional. If it is assumed that the cost of responding to health policies are reduced with higher congruence between subjective and objective health status, then this study’s results suggest that policy must begin with increasing the objective information that people have about their health. While the provision of this information at the individual level could be expensive, it will improve the success rate of health promotion initiatives. The increase in these initiatives’ success should contribute to a reduction in the nation’s health care costs attributable to lifestyle related diseases such as obesity.

Master of Public Health / Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / Katherine Stenske / Over the past few decades, animal and public health professionals have become increasingly concerned about the global animal population’s vulnerability to Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs). Through analysis of the lessons learned by the United Kingdom (UK), Taiwan, and Egypt in responding to FMD outbreaks in their countries, it becomes apparent that even with response plans in place at the time of an outbreak, problems still arose as the outbreaks progressed. To better understand why these deviations from the planned course occur, the concept of “disconnects” in the various “domains” of TAD emergency preparedness and response were explored for the United States (U.S.). Particular emphasis was placed on issues related to the collaboration and cooperation between the federal and state levels of government. The domains of communication, knowledge, and resourcing were selected to be analyzed due to their importance in TAD emergency outbreak preparedness and response. The research questions this thesis explores concern three domains of TAD emergency preparedness and response that experience disconnects between federal and state levels of government. They also explore how these disconnects affect Food and Agriculture Security in the U.S. Three different methods were used to research these topics. Literature reviews of lessons learned and after action reports from TAD outbreak exercises and real events were conducted. Direct observations of the author’s experiences at conferences, seminars, and training events were also included. Finally, personal interviews were conducted with Food and Agriculture Security experts. Through this analysis, numerous disconnects emerged in each of the domains. Several disconnects traverse all three domains. These disconnects related to laboratory collaboration with the federal government, the process of declaring a federal emergency, and the roles and responsibilities of individuals and groups involved in TAD outbreak preparedness and response. Overall, the disconnects affect the ability of state and federal governments to rapidly respond to and coordinate response efforts. This affects Food and Agriculture Security by compromising the safety, security, and ongoing operation of the food and agriculture sector. Further study will be needed to alleviate these disconnects so that better cooperation and collaboration can occur between federal and state levels of government.

Master of Science / Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources / Candice A. Shoemaker / Professionals in health promotion are starting to look at gardening as a strategy for health behavior change. This popular leisure time activity provides access to physical activity and fresh fruits and vegetables for consumption, two behaviors consistently recommended for optimum physical health. Coupled with a lifestyle low in sedentary behavior these behaviors can offset the health risks of the prevailing trends of overweight and obesity. Spending time outdoors is associated with higher levels of physical activity, while screen based behaviors are associated with unhealthy eating. No studies to date have looked at the health behaviors of gardeners, or the effects it may have on their family’s health behaviors. The purpose of this report is to examine, through descriptive research, the health behaviors of gardening and non-gardening parents and their fourth or fifth grade child. Surveys were administered to a convenience sample of 366 fourth and fifth grade students and their guardians within a school district in Riley County, Kansas. The survey assessed the physical health behaviors mentioned above; comparisons were made according to parental classification of gardener (n=189) or non-gardener (n=177). Significant association was found with gardening classification and adult self-reports of the number of days and amount of time respondents participated in moderate to vigorous physical activity. The median days per week parents reported participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity was 3 for non-gardeners, and 4 for gardeners and was influenced by gender. Eighty-seven percent of gardeners compared to 59.3% of non-gardeners reported meeting the current physical activity recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity.

Master of Public Health / Department of Human Nutrition / Tandalayo Kidd / Parenthood is a major life event that requires considerable lifestyle changes. As young adults become married they start a change in lifestyle that influences their health and their future children. Some couples understand that they need to change their behavior, but do not know how to do so healthfully. The poor lifestyle behaviors that produce excessive weight gain place an increased risk for premature death, heart disease, diabetes, other health problems as well as threatens their quality of life. These transitional experiences present a unique challenge that warrants exploration in the context of the young adult life stage and perceptions about health and quality of life. Currently, there is limited research of the concerns or perceptions young adults have regarding quality of life and diet related health behaviors. The purpose of this study is to identify behaviors that impact life satisfaction and health of young adult families. Two-90 minute focus groups were conducted, with pre-recruited community members 18-24 years of age. All participants were recruited from community service organizations, day care facilities and university educational classes. Participants were parents and/or married. Nutrition and Exercise majors were excluded. Both focus groups were asked seven key questions along with probing questions. All focus groups were audio taped and then transcribed verbatim. The transcriptions were coded manually by assigning a label in the margins of the transcripts for each quality of life issue that appeared. Coding allowed the data to be assembled into categories that can be used to develop quality of life and health interventions for young adults. Several issues impacting satisfaction with life and barriers to a healthy lifestyle were identified. However, money, time, family, stress, and children were primary concerns. This study identified the need to completed additional assessments to quantify the needs of young adult parents and families, so community-based partnerships can effectively develop programming and interventions.