Thesis (M.S.V.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1979. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Bibliography: p. 65. / by Michael Naimark. / M.S.V.S.

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Large quantities of manufactured nanomaterials (MNM) are released into the environment by human activity each year. The entry of MNM into the terrestrial food webs, which has the potential for far-reaching impacts, begins with the uptake by plant species from the soil. These processes can be affected by MNM physico-chemical properties such as size, chemical composition, surface charge, etc., of which our knowledge is still incomplete. To bridge some of the gaps in our understanding of these processes and, specifically, to determine whether the physico-chemical properties of the MNM are predictive of their behavior in terrestrial food chains, we conducted a series of experiments using different MNM and model organisms. First, we synthesized functionalized CeO2 MNM having different charges and exposed tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv Micro-Tom) to them. We found that plant growth and the rate of root-to-shoot translocation were functions of surface charge and exposure concentration. Mechanisms of entry into roots were examined using recent advances in high-resolution synchrotron X-ray microscopy to show that a combination of apoplastic and symplastic routes was used by the particles to penetrate to the interior of the roots. Our results also illustrate that these particles have drastically different tissue distribution patterns depending on their surface charges. Second, we exposed tomato plants with these CeO2 MNM and fed the leaves to the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). Differential trophic transfer was observed as a function of the surface charge of the particles. An uptake and elimination study was conducted to obtain a time course of Ce dynamics. Despite no observed overall biomagnification across trophic levels, these differentially charged CeO2 MNMs had higher bioaccumulation factors than that of ionic Ce3+. The uptake-elimination dynamics were influenced by the surface charge of the NPs. Positively charged NPs had higher bioaccumulation factors and assimilation efficiencies but lower elimination rate than neutral and negatively charged CeO2 MNMs. Finally, to determine if studies conducted with highly purified, lab synthesized materials, were predictive of behavior of commercial nanopesticide formulations, we studied the dietary uptake of Cu(OH)2 MNMs by hornworms feeding on surface-contaminated tomato leaves. We compared lab-synthesized copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) nanowire with the widely used fungicide KOCIDE® 3000, whose active ingredient is nano-needles of copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2). The difference in their toxicity and accumulation/elimination dynamics was found to correlate with the solubility of the materials. We have shown that the physico-chemical properties of MNM affect the toxicity, bio-distribution and trophic transfer of MNM in terrestrial ecosystems. With the increase of MNM release into the environment as a result of the rapid development of nanotechnology, these results have important implications for the evaluation of environmental risks associated with these MNMs and may help the application of nanotechnology to evolve to be more environmentally friendly.

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia create challenges for those living with neurodegenerative cognitive impairment and their care partners. Pharmacological approaches for treatment of challenging behaviors seen in dementia have limited success and serious side effects. Because of this, nonpharmacological approaches are being investigated with increasing frequency. Of particular interest are nonpharmacological approaches involving environmental stimulation to change behaviors. Success of such approaches relies on sensory processing systems, personal preferences, and environmental congruence. There is limited evidence describing behaviors of persons with cognitive impairment in relation to these components. Currently, there is no guiding model for implementation of environmental and sensory-based strategies with this population. The overall goal of this project is to elaborate on an emerging model describing the relationship among environment, behavior, sensation, and cognitive impairment for community-dwelling adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Three studies allow for deeper understanding of this relationship. Study one compared behaviors seen in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with exhibited behaviors of individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Of neurological conditions similar to dementia, ASD has been chosen as an exemplar for comparison of behavioral expression because evidence supports sensory-based theory and interventions to improve behaviors for those with ASD. Results indicate that ASD behaviors are reported in those assessed, with highest rates of behaviors in those with young age of onset and advanced cognitive impairment severity. Study two described presentation of behavior, sensory processing, and environment for community-dwelling adults with cognitive impairment in the context of the caregiver situation. Findings reflect dyadic experiences for the person with cognitive impairment and the primary care partner. Emergent themes included consideration of the passage of time, environmental contexts, behavioral adjustments while aging, and overall influences of living with cognitive impairment. Sensory processing assessment using the Adult Sensory Profile identified that all participants had some atypical sensory processing patterns, highlighting a need for attention to environmental congruence to promote adaptive behaviors. Using data collected in study one and study two, a model was created describing interactions among the person with cognitive impairment, sensation, and the environment as these interactions evolve over time. Areas for future research are conceptualized for implementation of the model. Future research is needed for assessment of the model to test for validity and reliability. Creation of an instrument is needed to place individuals within the model given their behavior and cognitive impairment progression. And, future research is needed to create and test interventions in order to aid in environmental congruence. Long-term goals are to improve care for adults with cognitive impairment and dementia via environmental interventions.

Leadership has been a much studied area within industrial and organizational psychology. Recently, scholars have begun to focus on the negative side of leadership; however, a lack of research has limited our understanding of toxic leadership. One step forward in this domain has been the development of the toxic triangle, which posits that toxic leaders are aided by toxic followers with a toxic environment. Although the leader has been studied within this triangle, relatively little has been researched regarding the follower or the environment. Specifically, that there has been a lack of research in the organizational environment that allows the rise of toxic leaders is concerning. In this study, a toxic work environment scale was developed to help capture pieces of organizational environments that contribute to the rise of toxic leadership. A refined scale was used along with a qualitative piece. Four other scales were used to establish convergent and divergent validity. From the results of this study, although refinement is needed, support for three of the dimensions was found: favoritism, perceived threat, and overall organizational climate. Additionally, through the qualitative portion, additional themes that emerged (e.g., bullying) could be utilized in future use of measures to help assess toxic work environment features. Finally, I recommend that researchers interested in the toxic triangle endeavor to conduct studies that examine all elements simultaneously.

The purpose of this study was to expand on previous literature by examining the role of racial identity attitudes in the workplace, which have been infrequently studied. The current study tested the relationships between workplace variables and racial identity attitude statuses, specifically in STEM fields. This study, using a national sample of 485 STEM employees, examined associations using bivariate correlations between two predictor variables (racial climate and racial/ethnic microaggressions) on three outcome variables (job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and person-organization fit). Moderation relationships of four variables (racial identity attitude statuses: Conformity, Dissonance, Immersion, Internalization) on the paths between the predictor and outcome variables were also examined using structural equation modeling. Results provide mixed support for hypothesized associations. Racial climate and microaggressions attitudes yielded significant direct associations with the workplace outcome variables and Dissonance and Immersion attitudes yielded moderation effects on the paths between predictor and outcome variables. Implications of these findings are discussed, as well as implications for future research, clinical interventions, and workplace recommendations.

Organizational assimilation is an ongoing and dynamic relationship between organization and individual member, where employees learn the expected norms of the organization and feel that they are able to attempt to make a change to the organization. Organizational members rely on social interactions within the organization to acquire the necessary knowledge they need to perform their roles, as well as support to attempt changes within the organization. This study proposes that feelings of inclusion, or the perception that an employee both belongs to and is unique within an organization, may be an influential construct associated with organizational assimilation and beneficial assimilation outcomes. This study conducts quantitative analysis of survey data collected from employees at a university in the Pacific Northwest, and considers the following components of organizational assimilation, organizational knowledge and individualization, and their potential connection to inclusion in the workplace. Inclusion in the workplace is conceptualized as social inclusion and task inclusion. This study finds that organizational knowledge and individualization are positively associated with social and task inclusion. This is useful to assimilation literature, because inclusion is not often considered when studying organizational assimilation. In addition, these results indicate that inclusion in the workplace is valuable to creating a workplace where employees feel that they can invest themselves in an organization, and are free to individualize their role or attempt to make some sort of change to the organization.

Rural adults engage in less physical activity and are less likely to meet activity recommendations than urban or suburban adults. Understanding determinants of this behavior can help design interventions for increasing activity levels. This series of studies examined the perceived determinants of physical activity in the social, physical, and policy environments of rural adults, using the following aims: Aim 1: A secondary analysis was conducted of a cross-sectional survey among 407 adults from two rural towns to examine determinants of physical activity separately by the domain in which this behavior occurs (i.e. home care, active living, etc.). Multiple regression analyses found that social characteristics (such as support from friends), policy attitudes (such as workplace incentives for exercise), and physical environmental factors (such as an activity-friendly neighborhood) were positively associated with total physical activity, active living, and sport. Barriers were negatively associated with these domains. No factors were associated with physical activity in work or home care. Physical activity determinants are specific to the domain of physical activity, and more research needs to be done to determine factors associated with physical activity in home or work. Aim 2: Measurement tools should be culturally relevant to a specific population for accurate measurement. Three focus groups were conducted (n=19) in a rural Midwestern county to tailor existing measurement tools to this population. Focus group members were asked about the activities they engaged in and facilitators and barriers to those activities. Important factors associated with physical activity include social support and modeling active behavior. Focus group members desired to see community buildings be open to the public for exercise. This study revealed contextual issues and cultural language for tailoring physical activity measurement tools for rural adults. Aim 3: Ecological models propose that the environment impacts behavior on several different levels. Using a tailored survey instrument, this study examined social, environmental, and policy-level determinants of physical activity at different levels of an ecological approach. A cross-sectional survey was given to 143 individuals residing in a rural Midwestern county. Test-retest reliability was examined using correlations and kappa statistics, and was found to be very good to substantial. Multiple regression analyses were conducted using general linear modeling. Social factors were associated with total physical activity; environmental factors were associated with active transport, house and yard work, vigorous activity, and walking; and policy factors were associated with physical activity at work, and moderate-intensity activity. Findings can be used to tailor physical activity interventions using an ecological approach in rural adults, based on the specific domain and intensity in which the activity occurs. These studies provide insight into the contextual factors that are associated with physical activity in rural Midwestern adults, and provide evidence that determinants should be examined and presented by the domain and intensity in which this behavior occurs. It is clear that social and physical environments and policy attitudes are associated with domain- and intensity-specific physical activity in this population.

Enacting environmentally sustainable practices among ski resort areas within the U.S. has become an issue of mounting concern and attention. The state of Utah generates seven billion dollars a year from its tourism industry, with the majority coming from visitation to Utah’s fourteen ski resort areas. The state of Utah is highly tourism dependent and deems this sector as a central factor in the state’s economy. Thus, good environmental practices among these ski resort areas is not only important in their daily operations, but also to local community businesses and stakeholders who depend on a consistent influx of tourism dollars to remain economically viable. The ski resort areas of Utah vary in their level of implementation, reporting, and marketing of their specific environmental practices, and initiatives. This has led to gaps in reporting by each ski resort area and a lack of understanding among local business owners and community members in regards to what current environmental efforts are being undertaken by these resort areas, as well as their plans for the future. A qualitative study aimed at exploring the current level and future plans for the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices among Utah’s ski resort areas should help to create a more in-depth understanding of what each resort is doing to address this issue. It also serves to create a baseline summary report of the state of Utah’s ski resort area environmental practices as a whole. Fifteen key informant interviews were conducted throughout the ski resort areas of Utah with resort employees ranging from sustainability coordinators and marketing managers, to operations and budget directors. Methodologies used for the study and some of the preliminary findings are presented. These findings will focus on the current and future implementation of environmentally sustainable practices at each Utah ski resort area. Results from this study are intended to bridge the lack of communication amongst ski resort areas and local community members and businesses. This can help in creating a more interdisciplinary approach to this issue and generate new ideas and angles in approaching environmental sustainability among ski resort areas.

Despite a worsening obesity epidemic and despite the American Medical Association (AMA) declaring Obesity a disease (2013), few assessment tools exist that assist practitioners who are charged with identifying risk for development of OW/OB in children. The Center for Health Statistics (2017) reported a 40% rate in obesity in the adult population and 18.5% in children in the U.S. Successful weight loss maintenance after 1 to 2 years of non-invasive treatment is less than 1%, indicating obesity is nearly incurable, making prevention imperative. Assessing risk for OW/OB in children has proven difficult given the lack of validated tools. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the predictive validity and estimate the reliability of the Electronic Kids Dietary Index (E-KINDEX) to measure risk for development of overweight and obesity OW/OB in children aged 10 to 18. In addition, the relationship between quality of life perceptions and OW/OB in children was assessed. Methods. E-KINDEX, a 30-item questionnaire encompassing three dietary domains of food quality, dietary behaviors (attitudes), and dietary habits (Lazarou et al., 2011), was administered to 50 child participants who, with their parents’ consent, agreed to participate. The children also completed the quality of life questionnaire. The range for E-KINDEX scores was 1 (worst) to 87 (best) for assessment of the obesogenic environment that encompasses the immediate environment of the individual, factors that influence food quality, choices, and behaviors. Predictive validity was evaluated using multiple regression, factor analysis, and receiver operating curve statistics in SPSS; reliability was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to measure strength of relationships among OW/OB, E-KINDEX scores, and quality of life perceptions in the sample. Results. E-KINDEX overall score was significantly correlated with OW/OB (r = -340, n = 50, p = .008), as was Dietary Behaviors (r = -.593, n = 50, p = Discussion. Predictive validity of E-KINDEX subscales and overall were supported through achievement of aims of the study. Correlations between both E-KINDEX scores and child weights were significant and reliability supported by Cronbach’s alpha. Limitations included small sample size of 50 and accuracy of children self-report data in the presence of parents. Parental weight did not correlate with E-KINDEX, but should be studied further relative to the Obesogenic Environment. Physical activity was high in both OW/OB and lean groups. Validated Physical Activity tools are needed. Implications. Although refinement and further study are needed, E-KINDEX is a useful tool for clinicians to identify children at risk for the chronic disease of OW/OB before it develops, perhaps before risk factors become difficult to modify.