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Beef cattle follow a daily, cyclical pattern of grazing, rumination, and digestion that coincides with their environment and season. Traditionally backgrounding operations hand feed any supplement in the morning. However, this practice may interrupt typical grazing patterns during early morning and subsequent rumination during the heat of the day. Self-fed concentrate feeds containing intake limiters are used to minimize the labor associated with hand feeding and allow cattle to eat throughout the day. The objectives of this experiment were to investigate the effect of supplement feeding time on performance and grazing behavior of backgrounded beef steers. Crossbred beef steers (n = 54; 7 ± 1 m of age; body weight, BW = 243 ± 2 kg) were sourced from a regional cattleman's association and grazed on tall fescue pasture (Festuca arundinacea) at the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Glade Spring, VA from October 1 to November 7, 2019. Cattle were stratified by BW and source and allotted to 9 pasture groups (6 steers per pasture) in a randomized design. Pasture groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (3 pastures per treatment): 1) steers hand-fed supplement at 0930 h (AM), 2) steers hand-fed supplement at 1330 h (PM), or 3) steers fed a self-feeder supplement with an intake limiter (SELF). Hand-fed groups were fed a commercial commodity blend (38% corn gluten feed pellets, 30% cracked corn, 22% soy hull pellets, and 10% dried distillers grains) daily at 1.5% BW on an as fed basis. The SELF supplement was a blend of 70% cracked corn and 30% of an intake limiter-containing pellet that was formulated to maintain voluntary supplement intake at 1.5% BW on an as fed basis. Cattle were weighed on 2 consecutive days at the start and end of the experiment, and feed adjustments were made following three interim weigh-ins. Motion-sensing cameras were used to monitor cattle visits to the feeder and waterer portions of the pasture. Treatment did not impact (P = 0.13) BW, flesh condition score (FCS), dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and backfat thickness. SELF steers were significantly more feed efficient than the AM supplemented groups (P = 0.03) and tended to be a greater G:F ratio (P = 0.08) for the PM supplemented groups vs. AM supplemented steers. Steers with access to a self-feeder showed behavioral differences to hand supplemented cattle, with more feeder visits in a 24 h period (P = 0.01) compared to AM and PM steers. Despite these behavioral observations, any disruption in natural grazing behavior was not dramatic enough to negatively influence backgrounded cattle growth performance. / Master of Science / Grazing beef cattle tend to follow a general pattern of grazing, rumination, and digestion that coincides with their environment and the time of year. Backgrounded cattle managed in pasture-based systems are traditionally offered supplemental feedings in the morning. However, this practice could be decreasing how efficiently cattle utilize forage resources. Natural grazing behaviors are more intense preceding the heat of the day and interruption of morning grazing bouts could decrease forage intake by causing cattle to come to the feeder to consume supplement feedings. To examine how feeding time potentially influences performance and grazing behavior of backgrounded beef cattle, 52 crossbred beef steers 7 to 8 months of age and weighing 243 kg were grazed on tall fescue pastures at the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center from October 1 to November 8, 2019. Cattle were supplemented with either a commodity blend or cracked corn mixed with an intake limiter. Cattle were sourced from 4 local producers and allotted to 9 pastures by body weight (BW) and source. Pasture groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (3 pastures per treatment): 1) steers hand-fed supplement at 0930 h (AM), 2) steers hand-fed supplement at 1330 h (PM), or 3) steers fed a self-feeder supplement with an intake limiter (SELF). Hand-fed groups were fed a commercial commodity blend (38% corn gluten feed pellets, 30% cracked corn, 22% soy hull pellets, and 10% dried distillers grains) daily at 1.5% BW on an as fed basis. The SELF supplement was a blend of 70% cracked corn and 30% of an intake limiter-containing pellet that was formulated to maintain voluntary supplement intake at 1.5% BW on an as fed basis. Adjustments were made to the average BW of pasture groups, following three interim weigh dates at d 11, d 21, and d 30, to keep intake levels accurately at 1.5% BW. Flesh condition scores (FCS) were assigned on a scal of 1 to 9, with 1 considered emaciated and 9 excessively fat. 12th rib fat thickness (FT) was measured using an Aloka 500SC ultrasound. Both measurements were taken on the first and final day of the experiment. Motion-sensing cameras were installed in each pasture to capture pictures every one-minute following motion detection. Subsequent pictures were used to analysis the number of feed and water visits, along with time of day, in an attempt to characterize intake behavior. There were no major differences seen by treatment groups for BW, flesh condition score, DMI, ADG, and backfat thickness. Cattle on the SELF treatment had greater G:F than AM, with PM cattle being intermediate and not different than either. Steers with access to a self-feeder visited the feeder more than double the number of times in a 24 h period than either of the hand supplemented group. Despite differences in observed cattle behavior, any disruption in natural grazing behavior did not negatively influence performance of backgrounded steers.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) offer an efficient method for cooling and heating buildings, reducing energy usage and operating cost. In hot, arid regions such as Texas and the southwest United States, building load imbalance towards cooling causes design and performance challenges to GSHP systems in residential and commercial building applications. An integrated building load and GSHP model is developed in this thesis to test approaches to reduce GSHP cost, to properly size ground heat exchanger (GHEX) installations and to offer methods to improve GSHP performance in commercial buildings. The integrated model is comprised of a three-story office building, heat pumps, air handling system and a GHEX. These component models were integrated in the Matlab® Simulink® modeling environment, which allows for easy model modification and expansion. The building-load model was developed in HAMBASE, which simulates the thermal and hygric response of each zone in the building to external weather and internal loads. The building-load model was validated using the ASHRAE 140-2007 Standard Method of Test and with results from EnergyPlus. The heat pump model was developed as a performance map, based on data commonly provided by heat pump manufacturers. This approach allows for easy expansion of the number and type of heat pump models supported. The GHEX model was developed at Oklahoma State University and is based on Eskilson’s g-function model of vertical borehole operation. The GHEX model accurately represents the interaction between boreholes and the ground temperature response over short and long time-intervals. The GHEX model uses GLHEPRO files for parameter inputs. Long time-interval simulations of the integrated model are provided to assess the sensitivity of the GSHP system to various model parameters. These studies show that: small changes in the total GHEX length reduce system cost with minimal impact on performance; increased borehole spacing improves system performance with no additional cost; supplemental heat rejection reduces installation costs and improves system performance; industry-recommended design cutoff temperatures properly size the GHEX system; and, while cooling is the greatest contributor to operating cost in the southwest and southcentral United States, heating is the limiting design case for GHEX sizing. / text

Food Security is a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (FAO, 1996). 17% of Kentuckians are food insecure (Kentucky Department of Agriculture, 2016). This study explored the quality of life (QoL) impact of the Bluegrass Double Dollars (BGDD) program on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants through secondary data analysis. Utilizing the categories of quality of life indicators established by The Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress (CMEPSP) the results from this study concluded that participating in the BGDD program provides some level of quality of life benefits.

This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of participation in a Supplemental Instruction (SI) program on student test performance in a second-level developmental mathematics class in a four-year university setting. This research deviated from past research on Supplemental Instruction in that it examined effects of the program at the end of each test block rather than at the end of the course only. The quasi-experimental design was precipitated by an inability to control factors of participation and limited sample size. Test data were analyzed using analysis of variance; final course grades were analyzed using chi-square.

The study was conducted to explore the role of social capital in the implementation of Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Programs (FVIP) through a case study of the Appalachian Farmacy (AF) program and to fill a gap in literature on social capital utility in the implementation and evaluation of FVIPs. The study was guided by a conceptual model adopted from Berkman et al. (2000) to identify the mechanisms through which social networks can impact health. A qualitative content analysis was conducted retrospectively on secondary data from the evaluation of AF program to identify social capital attributes. In addition, the study conducted two focus groups with AF participants and four interviews with AF program administrators to explore their perceptions on the role of social capital in the implementation of FVIPs using a phenomenological approach. The study utilized both inductive and deductive analysis techniques with the conceptual model as the guide for analysis. The Bengtsson’s four steps for conducting content analysis were used for AF content analysis and Tracy’s (2013) two-level coding was used to analyze the focus groups and interviews. All the findings were triangulated and mapped on the study’s framework to identify the main and emergent themes. The findings revealed the main avenues for social networks were: cooking classes, farmers markets, recruitment sites, and a low-income housing complex. The main social capital 3 mechanisms were: instrumental and informational social support; social participation and engagement; and social influence. The main actors in the networks were the program administrators, market vendors, and other participants. Lastly, the health pathways identified were the changes in perceptions towards diet and health. The emergent themes revealed that barriers to access and individual characteristics were potential moderating themes, and case management by the program administrators was a potential mediating theme to program implementation. The study showed that the model was effective in exploring social capital in FVIPs. It highlighted the role that social networks, program actors and social capital play in implementation of public health interventions. Social capital may play an important role in health promotion and more research is needed to identify the mediating influences of the model.

Introdução: A prevalência de condições crônicas em todo o mundo vem apresentando significativo crescimento, todavia os serviços de saúde, ainda, encontram-se, majoritariamente, organizados para o atendimento de condições agudas de saúde. Na saúde suplementar essa lógica não é diferente e considerando que o mercado de saúde suplementar responde, atualmente, pelo atendimento de parcela expressiva da população brasileira torna-se relevante a compreensão da qualidade nesse cenário. Objetivo: Compreender a percepção acerca da qualidade de um serviço de saúde suplementar, perspectiva do usuário. Caminho metodológico: Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, cujo cenário foram os serviços próprios de saúde de uma empresa de autogestão. Os participantes foram usuários desse serviço, localizado em Brasília-DF. Os dados foram coletados após anuência do Comitê de Ética, por meio de entrevista associada à estratégia da observação, no período entre agosto e outubro de 2014. O corpus de dados foi apresentado em forma de narrativas e analisados segundo a análise de conteúdo. Achados: A partir das narrativas foram estabelecidas cinco categorias de análise que possibilitaram ampliar a compreensão, a saber: o vínculo como elemento de liga na qualidade do cuidado; a família como cimento do cuidado da condição crônica; a relação biopolítica do cuidado; a percepção da condição crônica; e a integralidade e continuidade do cuidado. As categorias foram discutidas à luz da sociologia do quotidiano, proposta por Maffesoli, possibilitando a compreensão da construção do imaginário de qualidade e do cuidado dos participantes. Para análise interpretativa dos dados foi utilizado o referencial da Trajetória da Doença Crônica, apresentada por Bury. Considerações finais: O estudo permitiu compreender o imaginário de qualidade compartilhado por usuários de um serviço de autogestão, que apresentam características próprias no consumo e acesso a serviços de saúde, em muito relacionadas à cultura organizacional compartilhada. Assim, a qualidade para o usuário de uma autogestão apresenta como elementos fundamentais o vínculo, a integralidade solidariedade orgânica. / Introduction: The prevalence of chronic conditions around the world has shown significant growth, however health services also are, mostly, organized for the care of acute health conditions. In the health insurance that logic is no different and considering the supplementary health market is now responsible for a significant portion of care of the population becomes relevant to understanding the quality in this scenario. Aim: To comprehend the perception of the quality of a supplementary health service user perspective. Methods: A qualitative study, whose scenario was the very health services in a self-management company. The participants were users of that service, located in Brasilia. Data were collected after approval of the Ethics Committee, through interviews associated with the observation strategy in the period between August and October 2014. The data corpus was presented as a narrative and analyzed according to content analysis. Findings: From the narratives were established five categories of analysis that enabled broaden the understanding, namely: the link as an alloying element in quality of care; the family as cement care of chronic conditions; biopolitics relationship of care; the perception of chronic condition; and the completeness and continuity of care. The categories were discussed in light of everyday sociology proposed by Maffesoli, enabling the understanding of the quality of imaginary construction and care of the participants. For interpretative analysis of the data it was used the reference of Trajectory of Chronic Disease, presented by Bury. Final considerations: The study permitted to comprehend the quality of imaginary shared by users of a self-management service, which has specific characteristics in consumption and access to health services, closely related to the shared organizational culture. Thus, the quality for the user of a self-management features as fundamental elements the bond, integrality and organic solidarity.

As diferentes intensidades de luz ou até mesmo a sua qualidade podem desempenhar um papel importante em algumas das principais vias metabólicas envolvidas na síntese de compostos bioativos. A radiação ultravioleta B (UV-B), além de influenciar mudanças no DNA, na atividade fotossintética e no crescimento das plantas, pode induzir a síntese e o acúmulo de metabólitos secundários. Assim, para investigar a efetividade da radiação UV-B suplementar na pós-colheita, cáqui (Diospyros kaki) e goiaba (Psidium guajava) foram submetidos a 48 horas de tratamento e posteriormente analisados em relação ao seu conteúdo de carotenoides. O acúmulo de carotenoides ocorreu de forma significativa para ambas as frutas, porém em momentos diferentes. A fim de entender os efeitos exercidos pela radiação UV-B suplementar em alimentos fontes de outros compostos bioativos, maçãs (Malus domestica) foram submetidas a 36 horas de tratamento e acompanhadas por 21 dias de armazenamento. Os parâmetros de qualidade durante o armazenamento das frutas não foram influenciados pela radiação UV-B, ocorrendo apenas perda de firmeza e de peso em todas as frutas As diferentes classes de compostos fenólicos identificados e quantificados por HPLC-MS apresentaram comportamentos diversos após o tratamento. Ácidos hidroxicinâmicos e antocianinas foram positivamente afetados pela suplementação de radiação UV-B. Para avaliar os efeitos da radiação UV-B suplementar sobre os compostos bioativos durante a pré-colheita de alimentos, alfaces verdes e roxas (Lactuca sativa) foram submetidas a 1 hora de tratamento por dia durante duas semanas. O conteúdo de carotenoides nas alfaces verdes e de compostos fenólicos nas alfaces roxas foi significativamente maior após o tratamento com radiação suplementar. Neste contexto, a radiação UV-B pode ser considerada uma tecnologia promissora no que diz respeito à modulação de compostos bioativos em alimentos, tanto durante o cultivo quanto após a colheita. / Different light intensities or even their quality may play an important role in some of the major metabolic pathways involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds. In addition to influencing changes in DNA, photosynthetic activity and plant growth, ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B) may induce the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Therefore, to investigate the effectiveness of post-harvest UV-B radiation, kaki (Diospyros kaki) and guava (Psidium guajava) were submitted to 48 hours of treatment and then analyzed for their carotenoid content. The accumulation of carotenoids occurred in a significant way for both fruits, but at different times. In order to understand the effects exerted by supplemental UV-B radiation on food sources of other bioactive compounds, apples (Malus domestica) were subjected to 36 hours of treatment and accompanied by 21 days of storage. The quality parameters during fruit storage were not influenced by UV-B radiation, with only loss of firmness and weight occurring in all fruits. The different classes of phenolic compounds identified and quantified by HPLC-MS showed different behavior after treatment. Hydroxycinnamic acids and anthocyanins were positively affected by the supplementation of UV-B radiation. To evaluate the effects of supplemental UV-B radiation on bioactive compounds during food cultivation, green and red lettuces (Lactuca sativa) were subjected to 1 hour of treatment per day for two weeks. The carotenoid content in green lettuce and phenolic compounds in red lettuce was significantly higher after treatment with supplementary radiation. In this context, UV-B radiation can be considered a promising technology for the modulation of bioactive compounds in food, both during and after harvest.