Non-covalent interactions underpin the whole of chemistry and biology, but their study is extremely difficult in complicated biological systems. This thesis presents the application of synthetic molecular balances for gaining fundamental insights into the physicochemical phenomena that govern molecular recognition processes. Chapter 1 reviews the use of small synthetic molecules that exist in two conformational states via slow rotation of a bond, in the quantification of non-covalent interactions. Chapter 2 presents a new molecular torsion balance, based on a slowly rotating tertiary formyl amide for the study of non-covalent interactions. The incorporation of a fluorine atom in one of the rings allows the quantification of solvent effects in a wide range of solvents. Intramolecular electrostatic interactions and intermolecular solvation effects (but not solvophobic effects) are shown to be important in determining the position of the conformational equilibria. Correlations with calculated molecular properties show that solvent effects are fully dissected, revealing the idealistic behavior of the system in the gas phase. Chapter 3 discusses through-space substituent effects on the properties of aromatic rings. Electronic communication between both electron-rich and electron-deficient substituents with the electron density of an adjacent aromatic ring is predicted by molecular electrostatic potential calculations. The effect is confirmed to occur experimentally and is quantified using synthetic molecular balances. Chapter 4 describes the work done towards the investigation of solvent bridging interactions in molecular torsion balances. No experimental evidence of bridging interactions was observed. This might be attributed to the entropic penalty associated with this binding mode, or the non-ideal geometry of the potential bridging sites. Chapter 5 outlines a steric blocking effect observed in certain balances with bulky substituents in chloroform and dichloromethane. Chapter 6 presents synthetic procedures and compound characterisation including a thorough analysis of NMR data obtained in this study.

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The health of the veteran population within the United States has become a matter of ever-increasing concern, and many individuals who have attained veteran status are experiencing health issues following their discharge from the military. Despite such concerns, there are often not enough resources available to assist these individuals to the degree necessary in an expedient manner. The purpose of this case study was to use social cognitive theory to understand the physical activity of veterans following their time in service. Through the use of social cognitive theory, this study explored the thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors of 11 veterans to determine how their physical fitness levels were affected following their time in the service. Data were collected by interview over the course of a 1-month period by visiting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital a minimum of 3 days per week and a content analysis of interview transcripts led to the presented results. Results indicated that expectations of physical activity were realistic post service, and self-efficacy and self-control levels were high. Veterans indicated the beneficence of physical activity as a means of promoting overall wellbeing; however, paticipants also indicated dissatisfaction with the available options to them through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The results provided clear direction as to the steps that can be taken to work to increase the physical activity levels of veterans. Potential social change implications resulting from the study could lead to improvements in understanding of veteran health statuses.