Parents make decisions on behalf of their children on a daily basis. Some parents in the United States face the unique decision of whether or not to allow football participation for their child at a very young age. Using sensemaking theory, I examined how parents assessed the risks involved in making the decision to allow their child to play tackle football. I interviewed 24 participants in the form of 12 parental couples who had children playing middle school football and coded their responses to identify themes and strategies for risk assessment. Themes that emerged were decision-agency (parent and child agency), risk assessment (downplaying risk, acknowledgement of risk with rationalizations, zero risk assessment), and decision-making concepts (cultural influence, familial identity, social influences, information sources). I expanded on the sensemaking supposition of individual identity by arguing that familial identity can also impact decision-making. A key finding to this study was the typology of parents that emerged including football families-parent agency, hesitant family- parent agency, and child focused family-child agency. The type of family reflected families' reception to community culture, impact of social influence, and openness to information sources. Family type also impacted the risk assessment process and belief of control over outcomes in football participation.

Traffic is a problem across the globe, reaching perniciously into cities and communities nearly everywhere. The United States (US) has its share of traffic problems; of the ten cities with the highest traffic delay times in 2022, four were in the US. While nearly everyone living in the US has likely experienced traffic congestion of some kind, some cities are notoriously worse than others. In New York City (NYC), traffic congestion has been a problem as far back as 1913, when Fifth Avenue was so traffic-clogged it could take 40 minutes to go 23 blocks. Today, of the 25 most congested traffic corridors in the US, three are in NYC. One of these runs through the South Bronx, an environmental justice neighborhood we highlight in this dissertation. Traffic congestion is a source of air pollution (traffic-related air pollution, or TRAP) and noise, and it can result in property damage, injuries, and fatalities from collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or those using other forms of transportation. Both traffic congestion and TRAP have been associated with numerous negative health outcomes. For example, TRAP is associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and pregnancy outcomes, including asthma exacerbation, incident childhood and adult asthma, reduced lung function, atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular-related mortality, cognitive decline, neurodevelopmental outcomes, pregnancy loss, term low birth weight, and small for gestational age birth. In general across the US, communities of color and higher-poverty neighborhoods face greater exposure and health burden from traffic. Throughout this dissertation, we study traffic congestion and TRAP through two lenses: (1) environmental justice; and (2) policy. Additionally, we assess the cardiovascular health impacts of TRAP. In Chapter 1, we provide background on the problem of traffic, focusing on NYC and the South Bronx. In Chapter 2, we present a case study from the South Bronx, where a new trucking-intensive warehouse was opened in 2018. In this study, we quantified the increase in vehicles and trucks following the opening of the warehouse and estimated the resulting increases in black carbon (BC) and noise. We discuss the injustice in the methods used to assess the environmental impact of the warehouse, the warehouse’s siting in a predominantly Black and Lantinx community already overburdened with trucking-intensive industries, and the desire of the community to instead use the land for a community park. In Chapter 3, we present a study quantifying how traffic congestion in NYC changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assess how NY on Pause, the state’s stay-at-home order, impacted traffic congestion by comparing the magnitude of traffic decreases in environmentally burdened or systematically disadvantaged neighborhoods to the magnitude of decreases in less burdened and more advantaged neighborhoods. We discuss the implications of these results for upcoming traffic policies in NYC, such as congestion pricing. In Chapter 4, we present a study evaluating diurnal changes in TRAP in NYC during NY on Pause. We discuss the implications of these results for congestion pricing, including the potential timing of TRAP decreases. In Chapter 5, we present an epidemiologic study of TRAP and myocardial infarction (MI) in New York State, identifying hazard windows of exposure in a study period where the mean nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentration was substantially lower than the hourly national standard. We discuss implications for the NO₂ National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and suggest that the current standard may be insufficient to protect population cardiovascular health. Finally, in Chapter 6, we conclude with a discussion of recommended research directions and policy considerations.

Health related quality of life (HRQoL) refers to the impact of disease and treatment on disability and daily living. Living with a venous leg ulcer (VLU) has a negative impact on HRQoL. The aim of the present study was to investigate the aspects of HRQoL affected by VLUs in a local SA sample. A post hoc research design was utilised comparing 30 VLU patients and 30 non-VLU participants. Four hypotheses were investigated: (1) the experience of having a VLU on HRQoL, (2) the relation between gender and HRQoL of VLU patients, (3) the relation between age and HRQoL of VLU patients and (4) the interrelation between the underlying constructs of HRQoL of VLU patients. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic variables and HRQoL using the SF-36 questionnaire. Interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data to complete the investigation. Correlation analysis and t-tests confirmed that having a VLU negatively affected HRQoL and that interrelations existed among the constructs of HRQoL. There were no significant relations between gender, age and HRQoL of VLU patients. In line with the social constructivist approach, social support and restructuring a sense of meaning in life to increase HRQoL, are important goals in the management of VLUs. / Psychology / M.Sc. (Psychology)

submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Food Science and Technology, Durban University of Technology, 2015. / Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major health problem in sub-Saharan Africa where maize is a staple food. Amahewu, a fermented non-alcoholic,maize-based beverage is a popular drink in southern Africa.The aim of this study is to produce a provitamin A enriched and acceptable amahewu, using provitamin A biofortified maize which can be used to alleviate VAD. The optimal processing parameters for the production of amahewu using provitamin A-biofortified maize were determined. Amahewu samples were prepared with reference to a traditional method by boiling a mixture of maize meal and water (rato:1:7) at 90ᴼC, with occasional stirring, for 15 minutes. The resulting porridge was left to cool to approximately 40ᴼC, before inoculation and fermentation at 37oC. Processing parameters investigated were inoculum types (wheat bran (WB), maize malt (MM) and Lactobacillus mixed starter culture) and inoculum concentration (0.5,1 and 2% (w/w)) and varieties of provitamin A maize (PVAH 62 and PVAH 19). Wheat flour (at 2%) was used as reference inoculum to conform to the traditional practice. White maize amahewu samples processed in the same way as those of provitamin A-biofortified maize were used as references. Provitamin A amahewu samples were produced using the optimized processing parameters and then analysed for nutrient composition, including carotenoids, protein, ash, amino acids, mineral profile and invitro protein digestibility. The consumer acceptability of amahewu samples was evaluated using regular consumers of amahewu (n= 54), who rated the acceptability of the samples on a 9-point hedonic scale (1:disliked extremely, 9:liked extremely). The storage stability of the provitamin A biofortified amahewu samples was assessed by subjecting the samples to different storage conditions: 4ᴼC, 25ᴼC and 37ᴼC. The microbiological quality of the stored samples was monitored by taking samples every day for a period of five days to analyse for the presence of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial spore formers, E.coli and moulds. The provitamin A maize variety did not influence pH and Total titratable acidity (TTA) of amahewu samples during fermentation. As expected, there was a substantial drop in pH with fermentation time. After 24 hours, all the samples of amahewu, including those made with white maize, prepared using malted maize and wheat bran inocula reached a pH of 3.3-3.8 and TTA of 0.3-0.6, which were within acceptable range for amahewu. The addition of a starter culture substantially reduced fermentation time, from 24 to six hours. The inoculum of WB and MM, respectively, at a concentration of 0.5%, with or without starter culture (5%), were found to be suitable for the production of amahewu using provitamin A biofortified maize. The total provitamin A content of amahewu samples, produced using optimised parameters (i.e one variety of provitamin A biofortified maize, 0.5% MM, WB with or without starter culture), ranged from 3.3-3.8 μg/g (DW). The percentage retention of total provitamin A ranged from 79%- 90% (DW). The lowest percentage retention was observed in products fermented with the addition of starter culture. The gross energy of the amahewu samples was approx. 20 MJ/kg. There was a slight increase in the lysine content of amahewu after fermentation. The protein digestibility (approx. 91%) of amahewu samples was slightly higher than that of raw provitamin A maize (86%). Amahewu processed using starter cultures had a slightly higher iron content than those processed without a starter culture. Consumer acceptability data showed that amahewu samples made with provitamin A biofortified maize were slightly more acceptable (average rating for overall acceptability was 7.0 ± 1.2), compared to those made with white maize (average rating for overall acceptability was 6.4 ± 0.8). Principal component analysis (PCA) of Amahewu sensory data showed that 71% of variation was due to maize types and 18% of variation may be due to the inoculum used during fermentation. The use of a starter culture improves the taste and aroma acceptability of amahewu. Segmentation of consumers based on overall linking for amahewu revealed three clusters, named A, B and C. Cluster A consisted of most consumers (43%), who liked amahewu moderately. About 60% of these consumers were females. Cluster B consisted of most of the consumers (31%) who were undecided about their liking for the product. Approximately 52% of the consumers in this cluster were female. Cluster C consisted of consumers (26%) who liked amahewu very much. Sixty-four percent (64%) of these consumers were female. It appeared that gender may have some influence on overall liking for amahewu, as cluster B, consisting of undecided consumers, had more male consumers compared to clusters A and C. Age did not seem to be significantly associated with the liking of amahewu. Provitamin A biofortified amahewu samples stored under refrigerated conditions (4ᴼC) had better microbiological quality compared to those stored at 25ᴼC and 37ᴼC. Refrigeration effectively maintains the microbiological quality of amahewu for about three of days. Provitamin A biofortified maize can be used to produce β-carotene enriched amahewu that is acceptable to consumers following the processing method that is traditionally employed for white amahewu at both domestic and commercial level. Provitamin A biofortified amahewu has the potential to make a significant contribution towards alleviating VAD among rural communities, who are the most vulnerable to VAD.

No description available.

Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to improve the measurement of postural dynamism in the sitting position using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system. The primary objective was to describe pilot data for postural dynamism of the cervical and thoracic spines while working at a desktop computer. The secondary objective was to refine the process of posture measurement and analysis by decreasing data processing time. Certain factors in 3D motion analysis can lead to an increase in gaps in data collected during trial capture, which in turn will lead to a longer time of data processing. In the first phase of this study, a number of such factors were identified and altered. A series of pilot studies was performed to test the improvement of data processing time when altering these factors. In the first two pilot studies, camera and tripod positionings were explored and refined, workstation layout and anatomical landmark marker placement were investigated, and optimal capture frequency was established. In both these pilot studies, outcomes were established by means of trial and error by experimenting with a variety of different options for the different outcomes. In the third pilot study, computer software which provides computer tasks for the participant during primary trial capture was tested. Two independent computer users performed all the activities as per software, after which they were required to give oral feedback and suggestions on improvement in terms of user friendliness. The objective of the fourth and final pilot study was to include all of the outcomes from the preceeding pilot studies and attempt a trial run of the actual data collection process. A study participant with no affiliation to the research project was used and a complete trial run was performed after which the measurement process was deemed feasible. In the primary study, 18 student volunteers completed a sequence of computer tasks, including keyboard, mouse and reading activities. Prior to data capture, full range of motion of the thoracic and cervical spines were measured in three dimensions for every participant. Data capture took place for the full duration of performance of all computer activities. Outcome parameters for postural dynamism included true range of motion (degrees), proportional range of motion (percentage) and motion frequency (movement per minute) in all three planes of motion of the cervical and thoracic spines. Typing tasks were associated with biggest movement ranges and motion frequencies. Mouse activity was associated with the most stationary posture, exhibiting the least frequent movement as well as the smallest ranges of motion. The results from this study allow us to better understand the dynamic nature of posture, as well as postural dynamism associated with different computer tasks. This study provides a baseline for future research of 3D motion analysis of the sitting posture. It also marks the need for further research regarding ergonomics, use and potential alternatives in the computer workstation and input devices. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie het ten doel gehad om die meting van posturale dinamisme in die sitposisie te verbeter deur middel van „n drie-dimensionele (3D) bewegingsanalisesisteem. Die primêre doelwit was om loodsdata te beskryf vir posturale dinamisme van die servikale en torakale werwelkolomme terwyl op „n rekenaar gewerk word. Die sekondêre doelwit was om die proses van postuurmeting en analise te verfyn deur die dataprosesseringstyd te verminder. Sekere faktore van 3D bewegingsanalise kan „n vermeerdering van gapings in ingesamelde data tot gevolg hê, wat weer kan lei na „n verlengde tydperiode van dataprosessering. In die eerste fase van hierdie studie is sulke faktore identifiseer en aangepas. „n Reeks loodsstudies is uitgevoer om die verbetering van dataprosesseringstyd te toets namate aanpassings aan hierdie faktore gemaak is. Tydens die eerste twee loodsstudies is verskillende kamera en driepoot posisionering ondersoek en verfyn, werkstasie uitleg en anatomiese baken merker plasing is ondersoek en die optimale dataversamelingsfrekwensie is vasgestel. In beide hierdie loodsstudies is die uitkomste vasgestel op grond van toets- en fouteer deur te eksperimenteer met „n verskeidenheid opsies soos van toepassing op die betrokke uitkomste. Tydens die derde loodsstudie is rekenaarsagteware getoets wat die rekenaaraktiwiteit vir die studiedeelnemers verskaf het tydens primêre data-insameling. Twee onafhanklike persone het al die aktiwiteite volgens die sagteware voltooi en het verbale terugvoer en aanbevelings gegee oor hoe om die program te verbeter. Die vierdie en finale loodsstudie het gepoog om al die uitkomste van die eerste drie loodsstudies in te sluit en „n toetsmeting te doen van die ware dataversamelingsproses. „n Onafhanklike studiedeelnemer met geen affiliasie tot die navorsingsprojek nie het „n toetslopie van die hele versamelingsproses gedoen en die metingsproses is haalbaar verklaar. Tydens die primêre studie het 18 student-vrywilligers „n reeks rekenaartake gedoen (insluitend sleutelbord en muisaktiwiteite sowel as „n leesopdrag). Voor die aanvang van dataversameling is die volle bewegingsomvange van die torakale en servikale werwelkolomme van elke deelnemer gemeet. Dataversameling is vir die volle durasie van die uitvoer van rekenaaraktiwiteite gedoen. Uitkomsparameters vir posturale dinamisme het die volgende ingesluit: Omvang van beweging (grade), proporsionele omvang van beweging (persentasie) en bewegingsfrekwensie (bewegings per minuut) in al drie bewegingsvlakke van die servikale en torakale werwelkolomme. Sleutelbord-aktiwiteite is geässosieer met die grootste bewegingsomvange en die meeste bewegingsfrekwensie. Muisaktiwiteit is geässosieer met die mees stasionêre postuur en het die heel minste gereelde beweging getoon in die algemeen. Die resultate van hierdie studie help om die dinamise natuur van postuur beter te verstaan, sowel as posturale dinamisme wat met verskillende rekenaartake verbind word. Die studie bied „n basislyn vir die toekomstige navorsings wat posturale dinamisme met verskillende rekenaartake meet. Dit merk ook die behoefte aan verdere navorsing aangaande ergonomika, gebruik en alternatiewe tot rekenaarwerkstasie en –toerusting.

published_or_final_version / Sports Science / Master / Master of Science in Sports Science

published_or_final_version / abstract / Geography / Master / Master of Philosophy

Numerous dietary factors have been shown to influence the fatty acid profiles (FAP) in breast milk from lactating women. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of trace minerals on milk FAP. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selenium status on the FAP in breast milk. Subjects were lactating women from three different regions in China; Xichang (n=21), an area where selenium intakes are among the lowest in the world, Beijing (n=20), where there are adequate selenium intakes, and Enshi (n=19), where selenium intakes are among the highest in the world. Plasma and milk samples were obtained from women at birth of their baby and within 10 months postpartum and analyzed for selenium content, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activity and FAP. Plasma and breast milk selenium levels were significantly lower in the Xichang women and significantly higher in the Enshi women when compared to Beijing women. Despite the fact that the highest level of plasma selenium was measured in the samples from Enshi, the Gpx activity was greatest in the samples from Beijing; there was no effect of time of sampling on these samples. In breast milk, on the other hand, all the samples obtained at birth had similar activity of Gpx. The samples taken later, however, followed the same trend as plasma with the samples obtained from the women in Beijing having the highest activity. FAP indicated a significant difference in the amount of unsaturated fatty acids in both the plasma and milk for the Beijing women, when compared to the women from Xichang and Enshi. In particular, there were higher levels of linoleic acid, 18:2(n-6), in the plasma and milk of the women whose selenium intake was adequate. / Graduation date: 1997

Artists are exposed to numerous respiratory health hazards in the production of art. Little is known of artists' studio behaviors or of their health beliefs related to respiratory toxins. The Health Belief Model hypothesizes that individuals require a minimal level of relevant health motivation and knowledge before attempting to prevent a health condition, as well as a perception of their vulnerability to health conditions they view as threatening, conviction in the efficacy of preventive behaviors, and a perception that recommended preventive action entails few difficulties. This descriptive and exploratory study, conducted within the framework of the Health Belief Model, seeks to determine artists' knowledge, health beliefs, and preventive studio practices related to occupational respiratory health risks.