Adults with intellectual disability (ID) have a higher rate of falls than the general population, and changing health behaviors through exercise program could enhance health and reduce falls in this population. However, the feasibility study of fall prevention based on the theoretical framework for adults with ID has not been explored to date. This study examined the feasibility of a home-based exercise intervention for people with ID living in a residential setting. We provided an 8 week intervention consisting of a training workshop for support workers and sessions for adults with ID devoted to behavior reward, education about fall prevention and exercise, and exercise training. Adults with ID (n = 33) and support workers, including caregivers (n = 3), staff (n = 8), and one administrator, participated in this study. Adults with ID significantly improved physical performance, self-efficacy for activity, fall efficacy, and support from friends and support workers. There were no significant changes in free-living PA. There was no adverse event during the intervention, and the average adherence rate was sufficient. Adults with ID, support workers, and an administrator were satisfied with the program and had the intention to continue the program. The intervention was feasible and perhaps efficacious for adults with ID living in group-homes.

In the U.S., diabetes mellitus cases have been increasing, from 25 million in 2010 to 29 million in 2012. Healthy People 2020, the U.S. National Health Agenda, has established specific goals and objectives for diabetes. In the U.S., prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes for adult Hispanics was 38% and 12%, respectively, in 2012. The total estimated diabetes cost in the U.S. has been increasing, from $176 billion in 2007 to $245 billion in 2012. The current study had two research hypotheses; the formative phase was expected to demonstrate a need for a community-based Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) self-management intervention for Spanish-speaking Hispanics. Random Control Trial (RTC) was expected to demonstrate the potential impact in preventing and managing T2DM. Methods. A community-based lifestyle education curriculum was translated into Spanish, and adapted to Hispanic culture. This study includes three phases: 1) a formative phase; 2) a two-group pilot RCT with Hispanic Living with Diabetes (HBLD) and a delayed treatment condition; and 3) post-HBLD focus groups held with three participating groups of HBLD. Results. Of 60 participants screened in the formative phase, 62% had A1c > 5.7%, and 75% did not have medical insurance. Of 6 participants who completed the pilot, A1c decreased for all six participants. Of 67 participants screened in phase 2, 61% had A1c > 5.7%. Of 30 HBLD participants in the RCT, baseline versus 3-month mean A1c increased 0.2 for the delayed control group (n = 10) and did not experience any change for the intervention group (n = 11). The difference in A1c change from baseline to follow up between treatment groups was not statistically significant (Kruskal Wallis, p < 0.05). Diabetes knowledge and SCT variables change from baseline to follow-up between groups were not statistically significant. Major themes identified in focus group discussions included barriers to access to health and nutrition services, the value of having a Spanish-speaking Hispanic as a health educator, and barriers to recruiting community members as promotoras. Implications. HBLD has potential to reduce complications of diabetes among Hispanic participants by providing education to those who may not otherwise have access to it. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this thesis was to determine the proportion of participants enrolled in a community-based weight loss program that would accept and use a wearable device (Fitbit) if included as part of the program. A sample of 526 newly enrolled, adult, female weight loss program participants (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) were recruited. Participants were randomized to either a Fitbit experimental condition or no-Fitbit control condition, and received emailed information on program features. The experimental condition email also included a free Fitbit offer. The full sample (n=526) was 44±12.6 years old with a BMI of 37±6.2 kg/m2. The proportion of experimental sample (n=266) that accepted and synced was 50% and 23%, respectively. Twenty-two participants in the control condition (8%) also independently obtained and synced a Fitbit. Ninety-nine percent passively declined (did not respond to request for Fitbit color and size information). Those that declined were older (46±13.4 vs. 42±11.3 years of age, p=.001) and weighed less (214±38.9lbs. vs. 231±41.3lbs., p=.01) than those who accepted. Those in the experimental sample who synced were younger (42±10.0 vs. 45±13.2 years of age, p=.012), and weighed more (237±45.2lbs. vs. 217±38.1lbs., p=.002) than those who accepted but did not sync. This thesis provides preliminary support that 23% of participants will accept and sync a free wearable device. These data can be used for decision making, combined with effectiveness and cost data, and research on wearable activity trackers and community, incentive, and web-based weight loss. / Master of Science

Sport media has been a known producer of traditional gender images that reflect inequality between sexes. Sport media has been studied endlessly, but one aspect that has not fostered as much attention is sport media, advertising, and children. Sports Illustrated for Kids is the only sport media print magazine for children, with a readership age of 8-15 years old. Images and gender stereotypes have been used continuously by advertising companies to sell products to consumers. Children in particular cannot accurately determine between content that is meant to inform and content that is meant to sell. This study examined whether editorial and advertising images in Sports Illustrated for Kids reflects actual participation rates of athletic activities based on gender in issues from the past decade. Utilizing past research, this study looked at overall numbers and stereotypes by examining factors such as state of dress, photo angle, and motion in photograph. Findings show that females are still under and misrepresented in SIK. Even so, findings of this study suggest representation of women in team neutral sport such as soccer and basketball is on the rise. Findings could have implications for SIK's young readership as well as highlight a need for more education about advertising and editorial practices being implemented. / Master of Arts / Sport media has been a known producer of traditional gender images that reflect inequality between sexes. Sport media has been studied endlessly, but one aspect that has not fostered as much attention is sport media, advertising, and children. Sports Illustrated for Kids is the only sport media print magazine for children, with a readership age of 8-15 years old. Images and gender stereotypes have been used continuously by advertising companies to sell products to consumers. Children in particular cannot accurately determine between content that is meant to inform and content that is meant to sell. This study examined whether editorial and advertising images in Sports Illustrated for Kids reflects actual participation rates of athletic activities based on gender in issues from the past decade. Utilizing past research, this study looked at overall numbers and stereotypes by examining factors such as state of dress, photo angle, and motion in photograph. Findings show that females are still under and misrepresented in SIK. Even so, findings of this study suggest representation of women in team neutral sport such as soccer and basketball is on the rise. Findings could have implications for SIK’s young readership as well highlight a need for more education about advertising and editorial practices being implemented.

The Disney Princess Brand includes 11 Disney Princess films from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to Brave (2012). The goal of this campaign is for audiences to be entertained by the narratives while encouraging identification with the princesses in the films (Do Rozario, 2004; Orenstein, 2006). Scholars have suggested possible media effects of representations and messages depicted related to gender roles (England, Descartes, and Collier-Meek, 2011) and romantic relationships (Segrin and Nabi, 2002). No studies to date have examined the potential correlation between media effects of all 11 Disney Princess films and viewers' expectations regarding romantic relationships with a theoretical background in cultivation theory, social cognitive theory, wishful identification, and uses and gratification theory. The purpose of this thesis was to explore the relationship between potential media effects due to watching Disney Princess films and expectations of romantic relationships. An online cross-sectional survey was administered to female undergraduate students enrolled at Virginia Tech (N = 110). Bivariate correlation analyses were computed to measure the data. Results did not support hypotheses related to motivations for watching Disney Princess films, cultivated ideologies due to exposure of all films, and perceived similarity to princesses in relation to idealistic beliefs of romantic relationships. Wishful identification with the princesses was significantly correlated with participants' idealistic beliefs of romantic relationships. Possible implications are that participants in late adolescence (18 - 23 years of age) wish to be like the Disney princesses and to have similar romantic relationships that are represented in the films. / Master of Arts

The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity suggests that current policies and interventions have been inadequate to counteract the driving forces. Young adults attending college gain weight at a faster rate than the general population, without evidence of compensatory weight loss. Therefore, college may be an important stage for the primary prevention of obesity. We sought to identify weight gain mediators in college underclassmen using the social cognitive model for health behavior change. Eligible students living on-campus to underwent assessments of height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, habitual physical activity and dietary intake, and psychosocial determinants of health behavior change. We conducted elicitation interviews and focus group discussions to identify themes related to the diet and physical activity habits, attitudes, social norms, and experiences of the target population. Results found that students were generally physically fit and enjoyed a variety of physical activities, yet spent considerable amounts of time in sedentary activity and had difficulty exercising regularly. Healthy eating perceptions were instilled by parents; however, families are much less influential in college, and students almost always eat with friends. Healthy eating and exercise habits were secondary to several other responsibilities. Skills in planning, goal setting, and self-monitoring are necessary to overcome the social and environmental forces contributing to weight gain. These results will be used to develop a social cognitive theory-based intervention to improve health behaviors, and consequently prevent weight gain in young adults attending college. / Master of Science

Objective: The aims of our present study were to develop a valid and reliable survey framed around the social cognitive theory, which would evaluate internal and external factors associated with food insecurity from the student's perspective, and to test the survey with a multi-state population. Design: The College Perspectives around Food Insecurity (CPFI) survey was developed through several revision and improvement steps using a mixed methods approach. In Phase 1 (2018-2019), data were translated into survey items and assigned to a theoretical concept (personal, behavioral, or environmental) in the social cognitive theory. In Phase 2 (2019-2020), content validity testing occurred through two rounds of expert reviews. In Phase 3 (2021), researchers conducted two rounds of cognitive interviews with college students to evaluate face validity. In Phase 4 (2022), the survey underwent stability and internal consistency reliability testing. Participants: Three expert reviewers evaluated the initial survey draft during Phase 2. Participants for Phases 3 and 4 were college students at least 18 years old. Analysis: Descriptive statistics (means and frequencies) were used for expert reviewer scores, timing data, and demographics. Researchers used test-retest and Cronbach's alpha to measure survey reliability. Results: The initial survey contained 143 items: 54 personal, 52 behavioral and 37 environmental. After several testing and revision steps the final survey contained 95 items: 40 personal, 26 behavioral, and 29 environmental. Test/retest reliability was 0.989 and Cronbach's alpha scores were 0.47 for personal, 0.39 for behavioral, and 0.74 for environmental. Mean length of time to complete the full survey was 16.38 min (SD=8.88 min). Conclusions and Implications: The CPFI survey can be used to better understand internal and external factors associated with food insecurity in college students which could inform interventions aimed at assisting this population.

Yes / In electronic government (hereafter e-government), a large variety of technology adoption models are employed, which make researchers and policymakers puzzled about which one to use. In this research, nine well-known theoretical models of information technology adoption are evaluated and 29 different constructs are identified. A unified model of e-government adoption (UMEGA) is developed and validated using data gathered from 377 respondents from seven selected cities in India. The results indicate that the proposed unified model outperforms all other theoretical models, explaining the highest variance on behavioral intention, acceptable levels of fit indices, and significant relationships for each of the seven hypotheses. The UMEGA is a parsimonious model based on the e-government-specific context, whereas the constructs from the original technology adoption models were found to be inappropriate for the e-government context. By using the UMEGA, relevant e-government constructs were included. For further research, we recommend the development of e-government-specific scales.E-

Det här arbetet är en studie i hur jag bäst motiveras till att öva. Jag har testat olika metoder men framför allt utvecklat min egen modell men avstamp i Flow, Social-Cognitve theory, Self-determination theory och Goal-orientation theory. Motivation är anledningen till att vi kan bli framgångsrika musiker och att fostra sin egen motivation borde vara grundläggande för alla blivande musiker. / <p>Etude in e minor - Pius Cheung</p><p> </p><p>Ripple - Akira Miyoshi</p><p> </p><p>Purity 2 - Thomasz Golinski</p><p>Magical Sphere - Rodrigo F. Marques</p><p> </p><p>Asventuras - Alexej Gerrasimez</p><p> </p><p>Octabones - Adi Morag</p><p>Tango Suite for two Guitars, Nr. 2 - Astor Piazzolla</p><p> </p><p>Annanstans - Erik Natanael</p><p> </p><p>Lemuria, the Fallen Civilization - Csaba Marján</p><p>Prelude in g minor - Sergei Rachmaninoff</p><p></p><p>Medverkande :</p><p>Elias Gustafsson</p><p>Rasmus Hansson Jönsson</p><p>Filmen är min Examenskonsert</p><p></p><p>Inspelningen av konserten startar först efter några minuter.</p>

Doctor of Philosophy / Curriculum and Instruction Programs / Margaret G. Shroyer / The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to examine the impact of lesson study professional development on teacher self-efficacy and outcome expectancy using Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory as a framework (1977). The focus of this lesson study was implementing Common Core State Standards for mathematics. Thirteen K-6 teachers participated in the lesson study professional development, completed a pre/post Mathematics Teaching Efficacy and Expectancy Beliefs Inventory (MTEEBI) and completed ongoing journaling prompts while the researcher conducted observations throughout the process. Qualitative and quantitative data gathered in this research indicated the lesson study professional development had a positive impact on both self-efficacy and outcome expectancy of the teacher participants. Though the teachers possessed a satisfactory level of self-efficacy and outcome expectancy at the onset of the study, a measurable gain was evident. Comparison of the pre and post MTEEBI surveys, through statistical analysis using a Paired-Samples t-test, indicated a significant positive change in both self-efficacy and outcome expectancy scores. Though growth for both constructs was significant at the .05 level of probability, self-efficacy growth was greater than outcome expectancy. This finding is supported in historical research of the challenge of yielding outcome expectancy growth. The qualitative analysis of observations and journal prompts corroborated the MTEEBI results, indicating a majority of the teachers’ self-efficacy and outcome expectancy beliefs were positively impacted by the lesson study professional development. Bandura’s four sources of efficacy (mastery experiences, modeling, verbal/social persuasion, physiological responses) positively impacted personal self-efficacy, while three of the four sources (mastery experiences, modeling, physiological responses) impacted outcome expectancy. Qualitative data indicated mastery experiences were most critical for both constructs. Lesson study professional development is a natural catalyst for addressing Bandura’s four sources of efficacy and thus building self-efficacy and outcome expectancy. Given the demands of rigorous educational reform, lesson study professional development is a promising approach to positively impact teacher self-efficacy and outcome expectancy, through engaging Bandura’s four sources of efficacy to develop and strengthen these beliefs. Therefore lesson study ought to be a more frequent component of teacher professional development and teacher preparation.