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Title: HAITIAN AMERICAN MOTHERS' HEALTH AND DIETARY BELIEFS CONCERNING THEIR INFANTS.
Creator: Schooler, Daniel, Lieberman, Leslie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Studies on the effects of immigration are becoming more important as the number of immigrants into the United States continues to grow. This study was implemented in order to discover the infant feeding practices and beliefs of Haitians living in Central Florida. A food frequency card sort and interview were conducted with thirty-four Haitian mothers. Mothers were asked to identify which foods they fed their children. Foods pictured on the cards included a majority of Haitian staple foods,...
Show moreStudies on the effects of immigration are becoming more important as the number of immigrants into the United States continues to grow. This study was implemented in order to discover the infant feeding practices and beliefs of Haitians living in Central Florida. A food frequency card sort and interview were conducted with thirty-four Haitian mothers. Mothers were asked to identify which foods they fed their children. Foods pictured on the cards included a majority of Haitian staple foods, some of which are primary to the American diet as well. Low food feeding frequencies were generally attributed to lack of access to foods or lack of funds. Inexpensive foods, such as rice and beans, which are staples to the Haitian diet, remain prevalent in infant feeding among Haitians living in the United States. However, more American starches like potatoes and cereals are replacing other Haitian staples, such as yams and yuca. This study suggests that dietary acculturation among Haitian Americans is occurring, but not rapidly in this population. Furthermore, women did not express a strong relationship between beliefs about particular foods and infant health.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002434, ucf:47705
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002434

Title: USING THE KETOGENIC DIET AS AN ADJUVANT TO CANCER THERAPY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Creator: Risola, Melanie L, Lee, Eunkyung, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Evidence shows that a conventional western diet may contribute to the proliferation of cancer cells, affecting their prognosis. The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy and safety of using the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant to traditional cancer therapy. The systematic literature search was performed in October 2018 on two search engines: EBSCOhost (Medline, CINHAL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and...
Show moreCancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Evidence shows that a conventional western diet may contribute to the proliferation of cancer cells, affecting their prognosis. The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy and safety of using the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant to traditional cancer therapy. The systematic literature search was performed in October 2018 on two search engines: EBSCOhost (Medline, CINHAL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Web of Science using the following key terms: ketogenic diet, high fat and low-carbohydrate diet, Atkins diet, cancer or neoplasms+. The search limitations included clinical studies among adult cancer patients. A total of 544 publications were initially identified. After the first title/abstract screening, 22 articles were eligible for full-text screening; finally, 3 were eligible for data extraction. We synthesized the effects of the ketogenic diet on cancer progression and safety by extracting and summarizing data on 4 items: 1) study characteristics, 2) characteristics of study participants, 3) diet composition and duration, and 4) key findings for efficacy and safety. Although only 3 studies were included, it was observed that more patients who adhered to the ketogenic diet than patients who did not experienced stability of disease and response to treatment. Patients who received the ketogenic diet also experienced a decrease in tumor size, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and triglyceride levels at 90 days. No statistically significant anthropometric changes were experienced; patients weight was maintained. However, more clinical evidence is necessary before applying the ketogenic diet in an oncological setting.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000499, ucf:45661
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000499

Title: THE EFFECT OF DIETARY INTERVENTIONS ON FETAL BIRTH WEIGHTS IN PREGNANT ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Creator: Nath, Seeta, D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Nutrition status during adolescent pregnancy and childbearing is a complex, multifaceted condition that can impact the health status of the teen mother and her baby. Adolescent mothers are at higher risk for low birth weight infants because of the unique dietary requirements needed to accommodate for both the growth needs of the adolescent mother and her unborn child. The purpose of this research was to examine dietary interventions that have the greatest effect on fetal birth weight outcomes...
Show moreNutrition status during adolescent pregnancy and childbearing is a complex, multifaceted condition that can impact the health status of the teen mother and her baby. Adolescent mothers are at higher risk for low birth weight infants because of the unique dietary requirements needed to accommodate for both the growth needs of the adolescent mother and her unborn child. The purpose of this research was to examine dietary interventions that have the greatest effect on fetal birth weight outcomes in adolescent mothers. Secondly, this study explored dietary nutrients effective in reducing the likelihood of complications commonly associated with low birth weight infants in adolescent pregnancy. A systematic literature review was conducted from the following online databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medical Literature On-line (MEDLINE), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and PsycInfo. Initial search terms included 'adolescent', 'nutrition', 'diet', and 'prenatal'. Further search items included 'weight' and 'outcome'. Selected articles included those published between 2000-2013, written in English, and peer-reviewed. Significant evidence supported positive birth weight outcomes for dietary supplementation with zinc and calcium, and BMI-specific weight gains for adolescent pregnancy. No significant evidence was provided on the effect of iron and fatty acid composition on birth weight outcomes. Results for other dietary interventions and their effects on fetal birth weight were either inconclusive or absent. Discovering dietary interventions that work best in prenatal care of adolescent populations will allow for more individually-tailored, dietary specific interventions to be developed to combat the prevalence of low fetal birth weight infants in adolescent pregnancy.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004646, ucf:45278
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004646

Title: The Elite Meroitic Experience on Sai Island, Sudan: Using Stable Isotope Analysis to Identify Patterns related to Sex and Age for the Interpretation of Social Identity.
Creator: Brock, Alexandria, Dupras, Tosha, Schultz, John, Zavodny, Emily, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The research conducted for this thesis utilized stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the diet of 35 individuals from an elite Meroitic (350 BC (-) 300 AD) cemetery (site 8.B.5A) located on Sai Island, Sudan, with a focus on adult age categories and biological sex, to understand intra-class variation in diet. Stable carbon and nitrogen values from human bone collagen were used to understand elite social organization, social practice, and gender roles in the Meroitic period through the lens...
Show moreThe research conducted for this thesis utilized stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the diet of 35 individuals from an elite Meroitic (350 BC (-) 300 AD) cemetery (site 8.B.5A) located on Sai Island, Sudan, with a focus on adult age categories and biological sex, to understand intra-class variation in diet. Stable carbon and nitrogen values from human bone collagen were used to understand elite social organization, social practice, and gender roles in the Meroitic period through the lens of social identity and post-processual theories. The samples were grouped based on biological sex, median age, and assigned age categories (young, middle, and old adult). The isotopic values of each group were compared to determine if any differences could be identified to create social identity profiles. Carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 stable isotope values indicate that the elite class was relatively homogenous in their diet, but there were some statistically significant differences. The percentage of C4 plants in the diet showed that the majority of females had a diet of approximately 25% C4 plants, while the majority of the males had a diet of 25-50% C4 plants. These values suggest females were eating a more homogeneous diet possibly based on lower status foods, which are primarily in the C3 plant category. The different ranges of nitrogen and carbon isotope values in the male (-18.05‰ to -12.66‰ ?13C and 8.62‰ to 11.94‰ ?15N) and female (-17.92‰ to -16.43‰ ?13C and 11.05‰ to 14.59‰ ?15N) samples may indicate a much broader diet in males and/or differential geographic origins and residency patterns between males and females. The isotopic values may indicate particular Meroitic and Nubian cultural practices such as the production and consumption of a C4 plant based beer. Lastly, this research demonstrates the ability to ascertain intra-class differences from isotope values derived from human bone collagen.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007434, ucf:52723
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007434

Title: The Crypt People from the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Stanislaus and Vladislaus, Vilnius, Lithuania: Reconstruction of Life Histories Using Stable Isotope Analysis.
Creator: Schotten, Kaylee, Dupras, Tosha, Schultz, John, Williams, Lana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Stable isotope analyses of multiple tissue types have been used to reconstruct life histories of individuals from past populations. This thesis presents the life history reconstructions of a unique population recovered from a 16th to 18th century cathedral crypt located in Vilnius, Lithuania. The sample consists of 23 individuals (21 males, one possible female, and one juvenile). Stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope analyses were performed on bone and dentin collagen, and on bone and...
Show moreStable isotope analyses of multiple tissue types have been used to reconstruct life histories of individuals from past populations. This thesis presents the life history reconstructions of a unique population recovered from a 16th to 18th century cathedral crypt located in Vilnius, Lithuania. The sample consists of 23 individuals (21 males, one possible female, and one juvenile). Stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope analyses were performed on bone and dentin collagen, and on bone and enamel hydroxyapatite, resulting in eight isotope values per individual, providing both childhood and adult dietary and migration information. For bone collagen the average ?13C isotope ratio is -19.9‰ +/- 0.4 and for ?15N is 11.8‰ +/- 0.9. The average ?13C isotope ratio for collagen extracted from dentin is -19.5‰ +/- 0.4 and for ?15N is 11.4‰ +/- 0.9. The bone apatite average ?13C ratio is -14.2‰ +/- 0.9, and the average ?13C enamel ratio enamel is -13.5‰ +/- 1.5. These values indicate a diet in both early childhood and adulthood that was heavily reliant on C3 plants; a result supported by previous isotopic studies from Lithuania and surrounding countries. The average ?18OVSMOW bone apatite ratio is 26.1‰ +/- 1.0 and the average enamel ?18OVSMOW ratio is 24.9‰ +/- 1.5. The ?18O isotope values suggest that the majority of these individuals were born elsewhere and migrated to the city of Vilnius sometime after their childhood years. Stable isotope analyses, in combination with macroscopic examination, aids in the understanding of those who were buried in this unique location.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006230, ucf:51057
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006230

Title: ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LOW-CARBOHYDRATE DIET SCORE AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS AMONG ADULTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE NHANES 2005-2016.
Creator: Charles, Elta N, Lee, Eunkyung, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting Americans. There is a lack of literature discussing the link between diet and prognosis of those already diagnosed with DM. Objective: To provide insight into which diet is better for the outlook of diabetes mellitus by examining the associations between the low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and three diabetes-related health indicators: blood hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, and retinopathy. Methods: A...
Show moreBackground: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting Americans. There is a lack of literature discussing the link between diet and prognosis of those already diagnosed with DM. Objective: To provide insight into which diet is better for the outlook of diabetes mellitus by examining the associations between the low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and three diabetes-related health indicators: blood hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, and retinopathy. Methods: A total of 3,313 U.S. adults with DM were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016. Presence of retinopathy was ascertained through self-reporting. Dietary intake was measured with 24- hour dietary recalls, and LCD scores were calculated from the proportion of energy of three macronutrients. Scores ranged from 0-30, with a higher score indicating lower carbohydrate intake. Results: There was no significant difference in HbA1c levels between the highest and the lowest quintile of LCD score (mean = 7.42% [95% CI: 7.23, 7.61] vs. 7.32% [95% CI: 7.13, 7.51]). There was no significant association between blood triglyceride levels and LCD score, comparing quintile 1 to quintile 5 (mean= 168.64 mg/dl; 95% CI = [150.14, 187.14] vs. mean= 162.44 mg/dl; 95% CI = [143.76, 181.11]). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of having retinopathy comparing the highest to the lowest quintile was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.72). Conclusion: Proportion of carbohydrate in diet was not associated with DM prognosis factors. Future studies should focus on carbohydrate quality as well as quantity.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000476, ucf:45834
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000476

Title: TROPHIC STATUS OF A SMALL MAMMAL ASSEMBLAGE ON CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PEROMYSCUS POLIONOTUS NIVEIVENTRIS (SOUTHEASTERN BEACH MOUSE).
Creator: Keserauskis, Megan, Stout, I. Jack, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Successful translocation of a listed species into an area of previous occupation requires knowledge of the habitat needs. The presence of the necessary food items is critical to the successful establishment of a new population; this information is unknown for Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris, the southeastern beach mouse, a threatened subspecies on the east coast of Florida. I used fecal and stable isotope analysis to determine the diet of this subspecies at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station...
Show moreSuccessful translocation of a listed species into an area of previous occupation requires knowledge of the habitat needs. The presence of the necessary food items is critical to the successful establishment of a new population; this information is unknown for Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris, the southeastern beach mouse, a threatened subspecies on the east coast of Florida. I used fecal and stable isotope analysis to determine the diet of this subspecies at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Brevard County, Florida, between the autumn of 2003 and the spring of 2005. Six trapping grids were established, three in the dune/swale and three in the coastal scrub communities. Fecal and hair samples were collected and analyzed. The diet varied in the amount of 13C consumed between habitats and in the amount of both 15N and 13C consumed among grids within a habitat. There was no significant interaction between habitat and sex in the amount of either 15N or 13C consumed, and sexes also did not differ significantly. Fecal analysis uncovered the dominance in the diet of C3 plants. My data refuted the current belief, that the southeastern beach mouse prefers beach grass seeds of C4 plants, which were consumed but not in the frequency or quantity expected. I also analyzed the diet of Peromyscus gossypinus, the cotton mouse, and Sigmodon hispidus, the hispid cotton rat, using the two techniques. Both species consumed a combination of plant and arthropod material. Their diets varied between dune/swale and coastal scrub habitats. All three species' diets were significantly different, with Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris and Peromyscus gossypinus being the most similar. Both consume a greater proportion of arthropod material compared to the hispid cotton rat. Interspecific competition between the southeastern beach mouse and the cotton mouse may occur in times of limited resources.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001756, ucf:47290
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001756

Title: VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, AND PESCETARIAN CONSUMERS AND THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE GREEN MOVEMENT.
Creator: King, Cory, Massiah, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Entering into the 21st century, sustainable living has become a popular topic of concern for scientists and engineers, politicians, news reporters and individuals alike. Most importantly though, sustainable living has become popular to the modern consumer, and many firms are attempting to understand and cater their efforts to the ecologically conscious consumer. Previous studies have shown that the use of psychographics, as opposed to demographics, result in more significant results that can...
Show moreEntering into the 21st century, sustainable living has become a popular topic of concern for scientists and engineers, politicians, news reporters and individuals alike. Most importantly though, sustainable living has become popular to the modern consumer, and many firms are attempting to understand and cater their efforts to the ecologically conscious consumer. Previous studies have shown that the use of psychographics, as opposed to demographics, result in more significant results that can help firms identify ecologically conscious consumers. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the relationship between consumers who identify as pescetarian, vegetarian, or vegan, and their respective participation in the green movement in terms of their pro-environmental attitudes and their purchase behaviors. Consumers' reason for choosing an alternative diet, their relative commitment to the alternative diet, as well as their level of green participation based on the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale and the Ecologically Conscious Consumer Behavior (ECCB) scale was measure and analyzed. Additionally, a conclusion and discussion of the study, potential marketing implications, and suggestions for future studies will be reviewed.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004582, ucf:45195
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004582

Title: EXPLORING DIET, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH STATUS AMONG INDIVIDUALS IN THE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED POPULATION.
Creator: Devoe, Kelley R, Valdes, Anna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The primary purpose of this study is to determine if certain lifestyle and health behaviors (e.g. smoking, physical activity, diet) in the medically underserved population have any influence on particular health statuses. This study also looked to determine if these health behaviors resulted in particular medical aliments being more prevalent or specific to this community. The secondary purpose of this study aims to gain information that may help health care providers practicing in this...
Show moreThe primary purpose of this study is to determine if certain lifestyle and health behaviors (e.g. smoking, physical activity, diet) in the medically underserved population have any influence on particular health statuses. This study also looked to determine if these health behaviors resulted in particular medical aliments being more prevalent or specific to this community. The secondary purpose of this study aims to gain information that may help health care providers practicing in this community to earlier identify risk factors in patients before a medical problem becomes more severe, difficult and expensive to treat. A survey, adapted from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), was created to allow for the collection of descriptive statistical data. The survey contains questions on the various topics of diet, physical activity, chronic diseases, and self-perception of overall health status. The survey was distributed to 20 older adult participants at Hebni Nutrition, LLC, all from disadvantaged backgrounds. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Of the 20 surveys collected, about half of the respondents reported consuming close to the recommended fruit and vegetable servings and participating in regular physical activity. Furthermore, the participants reported rates of diabetes and hypertension well above average. This study's results were inconclusive as to whether any specific health behaviors among medically underserved individuals influence the prevalence of chronic diseases in this population; more likely a combination of many factors and overall poorer health habits that persist over a lifetime are contributors to chronic diseases among the medically underserved population.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000292, ucf:45892
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000292

Title: Estimation of Weaning Patterns in the Elite Meroitic Population (8-B-5.A) from Sai Island, Sudan Using Stable Nitrogen and Carbon Isotopes.
Creator: Gregoire, Rachel, Dupras, Tosha, Toyne, J. Marla, Zavodny, Emily, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research explores dietary patterns of elite non-adults from the Meroitic period (300 BC (-) AD 350) located in Sai Island, Sudan. The cemetery (8-B-5.A) is believed to have been in use during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Non-adults were chosen because they offer a unique, and often ignored, perspective into customs of past populations. Children require significant energy, which impacts how society feeds and cares for their young. Knowledge of their elite status in society will be...
Show moreThis research explores dietary patterns of elite non-adults from the Meroitic period (300 BC (-) AD 350) located in Sai Island, Sudan. The cemetery (8-B-5.A) is believed to have been in use during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Non-adults were chosen because they offer a unique, and often ignored, perspective into customs of past populations. Children require significant energy, which impacts how society feeds and cares for their young. Knowledge of their elite status in society will be consider to explore how this subset of the population may have differed in behavior. A significant factor of child life is access to food. One way to examine this aspect of past populations is to reconstruct infant weaning and feeding patterns using stable isotope analysis. This study analyzes stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes from the bone collagen of 31 non-adult individuals, ranging in age from 38 weeks to 16 years. Stable nitrogen isotopes are used to identify if the infants have higher trophic levels than their mothers, an indication of breastfeeding, and stable carbon isotopes are used to identify potential weaning foods. Taken together, and compared against sample ages, the longevity of the weaning process is considered, particularly when compared to adult male and female isotope values. Isotopic results indicate that non-adults in this population were weaned between 2-4 years of age and weaning foods were a combination of C3 and C4 plant food sources. Significant variation in isotope values was found in the younger non-adults, which indicates a potential difference in weaning style. These results can be built upon in further studies to further explore the motives of elite Meroitic parents.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007639, ucf:52491
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007639

Title: Nutrition Literacy and Demographic Variables as Predictors of Adolescent Weight Status in a Florida County.
Creator: Damato-Kubiet, Leslee, Sole, Mary, Bushy, Angeline, Conner, Norma, Berman, Steven, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Problem: In recent years, childhood obesity has increased to epidemic proportions across the United States (U.S.) in parallel with adult obesity, which often reflects poor dietary choices and bad nutritional habits. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of parent and adolescent nutrition literacy expressed as nutrition knowledge and skills, with total household income and parent level of education, as predictors of weight status in adolescents that live in a...
Show moreProblem: In recent years, childhood obesity has increased to epidemic proportions across the United States (U.S.) in parallel with adult obesity, which often reflects poor dietary choices and bad nutritional habits. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of parent and adolescent nutrition literacy expressed as nutrition knowledge and skills, with total household income and parent level of education, as predictors of weight status in adolescents that live in a Florida community. The secondary purpose of this study was to examine the implications for nutrition literacy levels within parent/adolescent dyads to identify public health initiatives aimed at adult and adolescent populations.Methods: A descriptive, correlational design was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 110 parent-adolescent dyads recruited from a free physical exam event hosted by a local health care facility. Three instruments were completed by each dyad: 1) demographic survey, 2) Nutrition Literacy Survey (NLS; knowledge), and 3) Newest Vital Sign (NVS; skills). Physiologic measurements for the study included anthropometric measurement of the adolescent child's height (cm) and weight (kg) without shoes and BMI scores were calculated. In addition to actual value, BMI was categorized as low/normal and overweight/obese for analysis. Paired t-tests were used to compare means for the NLS and NVS survey in parent-adolescent dyads. Bivariate correlation scores were computed between the two variables of parent/adolescent NLS and NVS scores. Lastly, regression models for examining adolescent BMI were compared with the independent variables of the study.Results: The sample of adult participants (n =110) comprised males (n = 30, 27%) and females (n =80, 73%) ranging in age from 34 to 55 years (M= 41.9, SD= 4.77). Adolescent participants (n=110) comprised males (n = 61, 55%) and females (n = 49, 45%) ranging in age from 13 to 17 years (M = 15.1, SD = 1.43). Adolescent male participants had higher BMI (27 + 3.48) than females (24 + 2.90), t (108) = 4.83, (p = (<) .001). Adolescent males were categorized more overweight/obese than females (67.2% versus 24.5%). The parent NLS mean score (M=19) indicated low overall levels of general nutrition knowledge whereas the adolescent NLS mean score (M=21.7) demonstrated greater aptitude for nutrition knowledge than parent scores. The parent NVS mean score (M=4.1) suggested adequate levels of nutrition skills. Likewise, the adolescent NVS mean score (M= 4.1) suggested adequate nutrition skills, similar to scores in the adult population. Spearman rho correlations yielded positive correlations between parent/adolescent nutrition knowledge, (rs = .224, p = .019), and parents' nutrition knowledge and skills (rs = .596, p (<) .001). Positive correlations were also noted between adolescents' nutrition knowledge and parents' nutrition skills (rs = .257, p = .007) and adolescents' nutrition knowledge and nutrition skills (rs = .260. p = .006). Three regression models were calculated to examine adolescent BMI with the independent variables of the study. Analysis of regression coefficients for each model indicated that none of the variables demonstrated significance as a predictor of adolescent BMI.Discussion/Implications: The results of the study suggest that parents and adolescents may have similar amounts of nutrition literacy when examining the constructs of nutrition knowledge and skills; however, BMI is not solely dependent on these skill sets. Examination of the factors that influence parents and adolescent children's weight status are important elements in shaping families adoption of sound dietary habits and improving health outcomes.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005154, ucf:50685
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005154

Title: Interpreting Diet and Nutritional Stress in Napoleon's Grand Army using Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Analysis.
Creator: Holder, Sammantha, Dupras, Tosha, Schultz, John, Williams, Lana, Toyne, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A mass grave containing the remains of at least 3269 Napoleonic soldiers from 1812 was discovered in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2001. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses were performed on collagen from 78 femoral samples to explore dietary variation within the sample. Starvation and nutritional distress were also evaluated through the examination of nitrogen enrichment in bone collagen. Clinical studies have demonstrated that enriched nitrogen isotope values can indicate periods of...
Show moreA mass grave containing the remains of at least 3269 Napoleonic soldiers from 1812 was discovered in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2001. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses were performed on collagen from 78 femoral samples to explore dietary variation within the sample. Starvation and nutritional distress were also evaluated through the examination of nitrogen enrichment in bone collagen. Clinical studies have demonstrated that enriched nitrogen isotope values can indicate periods of nutritional stress and starvation; however, this is the first study to examine its use as a diagnostic indicator of starvation in a historical population using bone tissue. According to the carbon isotope data, a vast majority of the soldiers in this sample consumed predominantly C3 plants with only five individuals consuming more than 50% of their plant dietary protein in the form of C4 plants, with ?13C ratios for this sample ranging from -19.22‰ to -11.76‰ and a mean of -17.18‰. This conforms to expectations given that a majority of human plant consumption in Europe is C3 pathway plants. Twenty-nine individuals exhibit enriched ?15N values, with ?15N values for this sample ranging from 7.14‰ to 13.63‰ and a mean of 10.49‰. The combination of historical and isotopic evidence suggests prolonged nutritional stress may be the cause of enrichment in this sample. The results of this study demonstrate the applicability of this method on archaeological samples as a line of evidence in the investigation of starvation and famine.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005004, ucf:49982
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005004

Title: Childhood diet and mobility at medieval (1240s AD) Solt-T(&)#233;telhegy, Hungary as reconstructed from stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope analysis.
Creator: Gugora, Ariana, Dupras, Tosha, Williams, Lana, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Between 2005 and 2009, archaeologists excavated more than 100 skeletons from the medieval (1240s AD) Hungarian site of Solt-T(&)#233;telhegy. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses were conducted on dental enamel and dentin from 24 individuals to examine their childhood diet. Although previous stable isotopic research has described the diet of medieval European peoples, this is the first such study on a medieval Hungarian population. The enamel ?13C values range from -14.4â€° to -8.6â€°,...
Show moreBetween 2005 and 2009, archaeologists excavated more than 100 skeletons from the medieval (1240s AD) Hungarian site of Solt-T(&)#233;telhegy. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses were conducted on dental enamel and dentin from 24 individuals to examine their childhood diet. Although previous stable isotopic research has described the diet of medieval European peoples, this is the first such study on a medieval Hungarian population. The enamel ?13C values range from -14.4â€° to -8.6â€°, with a mean of -11.1â€°, while the dentin ?13C values range from -19.4â€° to -14.9â€°, with an average of -17.4â€°. These data indicate that C3 plants were the main plant type consumed by the majority of this population, with the exception of a few individuals, who appear to have included C4 plants in their diet. These results are to be expected, given the dominance of C3 over C4 plants in medieval Central Europe. Thus, based on historical and isotopic evidence, the outliers may have spent their childhoods elsewhere and later migrated into the Solt-T(&)#233;telhegy area. The ?15N values range from 9.5â€° to 11.6â€°, with a mean of 10.6â€°, indicating that animal protein was prevalent in the diets of the sample population. Despite clear signs of status differences indicated by burial location, stable nitrogen values also point to relatively egalitarian access to animal protein amongst the individuals. The enamel ?18Op values range from 23.6â€° to 27.2â€°, with an average of 25.1â€°, suggesting that multiple migrations occurred into the study site. The results of this study show that the dietary and mobility information gleaned from stable isotope analysis can be used to interpret the lifeways of archaeological peoples. ?
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005623, ucf:50213
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005623

Title: The Foods and Crops of the Muisca: A Dietary Reconstruction of the Intermediate Chiefdoms of Bogota (Bacata) and Tunja (Hunza), Colombia.
Creator: Garcia, Jorge, Chase, Arlen, Chase, Diane, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Muisca people of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia had an exceptionally complex diet, which is the result of specific subsistence strategies, environmental advantages, and social restrictions. The distinct varieties of microclimates, caused by the sharp elevations in this part of the Andes, allows for a great biodiversity of plants and animals that was accessible to the native population. The crops of domesticated and adopted plants of the Muisca include a wide variety of tubers, cereals...
Show moreThe Muisca people of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia had an exceptionally complex diet, which is the result of specific subsistence strategies, environmental advantages, and social restrictions. The distinct varieties of microclimates, caused by the sharp elevations in this part of the Andes, allows for a great biodiversity of plants and animals that was accessible to the native population. The crops of domesticated and adopted plants of the Muisca include a wide variety of tubers, cereals, fruits, and leaves that are described in detail in this thesis. The Muisca used an agricultural method known as microverticality where the different thermic floors are utilized to grow an impressive variety of species at various elevations and climates. This group also domesticated the guinea pig, controlled deer populations and possibly practiced pisiculture, patterns that are also described in this text. Some of the foods of the Muisca were restricted to specific social groups, such as the consumption of deer and maize by the chiefly classes and the consumption of roots and tubers by the lower class, hence the complexity of their dietary practices. The utensils utilized in the preparation and processing of foods, including ceramics and stone tools were once of extreme importance in the evolution of the Muisca diet and form an important part of this research as well as the culinary methods that are described in the Spanish chronicles and by contemporary experts. The majority of food products utilized by the Muisca in antiquity are still part of the diet of contemporary Colombians and the current uses of these foods can allow us to understand how these products were used by this pre-Columbian society. On the other hand, knowledge of the practices used by the Muisca can facilitate the preservation of these foods in the modern diet and avoid the introduction and replacement of these foods by non-native products, which can be less nutritious.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004199, ucf:48994
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004199

Title: STABLE ISOTOPE TURNOVER RATES AND DIET-TISSUE DISCRIMINATION IN THE SKIN OF WEST INDIAN MANATEES: IMPLICATIONS FOR EVALUATING THEIR FEEDING ECOLOGY AND HABITAT USE.
Creator: Alves, Christy, Worthy, Graham, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is an herbivorous marine mammal that occupies freshwater, estuarine, and marine habitats. Despite being considered endangered, relatively little is known about the feeding ecology of either of the two recognized subspecies, the Florida manatee (T.m. latirostris) and Caribbean or Antillean manatee (T.m. manatus). A better understanding of their respective feeding preferences and habitat use is essential to establish criteria on which conservation...
Show moreThe West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is an herbivorous marine mammal that occupies freshwater, estuarine, and marine habitats. Despite being considered endangered, relatively little is known about the feeding ecology of either of the two recognized subspecies, the Florida manatee (T.m. latirostris) and Caribbean or Antillean manatee (T.m. manatus). A better understanding of their respective feeding preferences and habitat use is essential to establish criteria on which conservation plans can be based. The present study expands on previous work on manatee feeding ecology by both assessing the application of stable isotope analysis to manatee tissue and providing critical baseline parameters for accurate isotopic data interpretation. The present study was the first to calculate stable isotope turnover rate in the skin of any marine mammal. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were examined over a period of more than one year in the epidermis of rescued Florida manatees that were transitioning from a diet of aquatic forage to terrestrial forage (lettuce) in captivity. Mean half-life for 13C turnover in manatee epidermis was 55 days and mean half-life for 15N turnover was 42 days. Due to these slow turnover rates, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis in manatee epidermis is useful in summarizing average dietary intake over a long period of time rather than assessing recent diet. In addition to turnover rate, a diet-tissue discrimination value of 2.8‰ for 13C was calculated for long-term captive manatees on a lettuce diet. Turnover and diet-tissue discrimination results were subsequently used to interpret carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data in epidermis samples collected from free-ranging manatees in Florida, Belize, and Puerto Rico. This study was the first application of stable isotope analysis to Antillean manatees. Regional differences in stable isotope ratios in manatee skin were consistent with ratios in plant samples collected in those regions. Signatures in the skin of manatees sampled in Belize and Puerto Rico indicated a diet composed mainly of seagrasses, whereas those of Florida manatees exhibited greater variation. Mixing model results indicated manatees sampled from Crystal River and Homosassa Springs had an overall average intake of primarily freshwater vegetation whereas manatees sampled from Big Bend Power Plant, Ten Thousand Islands, and Warm Mineral Springs fed primarily on seagrasses. Possible diet-tissue discrimination values for 15N ranged from 1.0 to 1.5‰. Stable isotope analysis can be successfully applied to interpret manatee feeding behavior over a long period of time, specifically the use of freshwater vegetation vs. seagrasses, and can aid in improving conservation efforts.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001599, ucf:47161
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001599

Title: Trace Element Analysis of Human Dentition from the Elite Meroitic Cemetery at Sedeinga, Sudan to Determine Dietary Consumption and Cultural Behaviors.
Creator: Lee, Tiffany, Dupras, Tosha, Schultz, John, Williams, Lana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Minimal research has been conducted on the human skeletal remains from this site, and this research is aimed toward adding knowledge of the Nubian culture for the period between the 1st c. AD to the 4th c. AD, particularly focusing on answering the following questions: 1) Was intra- individual variation present in dietary consumption or cultural behaviors based on elements found within an individual's multiple molars after analysis; 2) Was an inter-individual variation apparent, based on...
Show moreMinimal research has been conducted on the human skeletal remains from this site, and this research is aimed toward adding knowledge of the Nubian culture for the period between the 1st c. AD to the 4th c. AD, particularly focusing on answering the following questions: 1) Was intra- individual variation present in dietary consumption or cultural behaviors based on elements found within an individual's multiple molars after analysis; 2) Was an inter-individual variation apparent, based on developmental age through permanent molars, that indicated a distinction between dietary consumption against all individuals; and 3) Based on known medicinal and cosmetic use of kohl in neighboring societies, as well as archaeological evidence found at Sedeinga, if individuals will have used kohl based on observed increased levels of lead or antimony? A trace element analysis was performed on an archaeological sample from 13 individuals consisting of 21 first, second, and third permanent molars excavated from the elite Nubian Meroitic Cemetery of Sedeinga, located in northern Sudan. Elemental analysis was performed using Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). A total of 13 trace elements including Ca44 and P31; minor elements Mg24, S32, C13, and Sr88; metals Fe56, Cu63, Zn66, Sb121, and Pb208; and La139 and U238 were analyzed for each sample with concentration values mapped and analyzed. The data collected during laser ablation was utilized to create two-dimensional detection and concentration maps of each tooth using MATLAB(&)#174; software. Analysis of concentration values confirmed dietary change from early childhood to late adolescence across the population. Probable use of antimony and lead-based kohl was determined from high concentration values mapped in dentition. Two-dimensional mapping of trace elements within teeth have revealed cultural and dietary changes across the population.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007579, ucf:52580
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007579

Title: Estimated diets, diet overlap, and winter habitat associations of four grassland sparrows in Florida dry prairie.
Creator: Korosy, Marianne, Noss, Reed, Quintana-Ascencio, Pedro, Roth, James, Hinkle, Ross, Bowman, Reed, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: North American grassland birds show long-term population declines that generally exceed the declines of other bird groups. Efforts to conserve grassland birds require knowledge of diet and habitat requirements during both the breeding and nonbreeding periods of annual life cycles. This dissertation investigated sparrow habitat associations within two defined plant communities of the dry prairie ecosystem, the dry-mesic and wet-mesic prairie, for four prescribed fire treatments over two...
Show moreNorth American grassland birds show long-term population declines that generally exceed the declines of other bird groups. Efforts to conserve grassland birds require knowledge of diet and habitat requirements during both the breeding and nonbreeding periods of annual life cycles. This dissertation investigated sparrow habitat associations within two defined plant communities of the dry prairie ecosystem, the dry-mesic and wet-mesic prairie, for four prescribed fire treatments over two consecutive winters. Grasshopper and Henslow's sparrows showed higher relative abundance in wet-mesic prairie and Bachman's Sparrows were more abundant in dry-mesic prairie across all fire treatments. Abundances of Grasshopper and Bachman's sparrows were best predicted by plant community association and secondly by time since fire; whereas for Henslow's Sparrows, habitat and time since fire were equally important. Fall molt-period diets and diet overlap were modeled for resident Florida Grasshopper and Bachman's sparrows using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of bird feathers and potential food sources, e.g., arthropods and seeds. Grasshoppers (Orthoptera, including a variety of species foraging on both C3 and C4 herbs), spiders, dragonflies, flies, beetles and weevils comprised the majority of the diets of adult and juvenile Florida Grasshopper Sparrows and Bachman's Sparrows, but in differing proportions. Despite the similarity in reconstructed diets for the two sparrow species, analysis of diet overlap suggested that approximately half of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrows had diets consisting of higher trophic level prey than Bachman's Sparrows. Winter diets and diet overlap among Grasshopper, Henslow's, and Bachman's sparrows were reconstructed using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of feathers and potential arthropod and seed food sources. Sparrows were captured and recaptured in winter 2007-2008 using systematic flush-netting, removing a tail feather at first capture and then removing the regrown feather when birds were recaptured. Winter diets of all three sparrows included a variety of arthropods, grass seeds, and sedge seeds, but Bachman's Sparrow winter diets spanned greater trophic diversity than either of the migratory sparrows. Estimated diets of Henslow's and Grasshopper sparrows differed from that of Bachman's Sparrow but Henslow's Sparrow diets did not differ from Grasshopper Sparrow diets. This is the first study of fall and winter sparrow diets in Florida based on stable isotopes and the first study in peninsular Florida on habitat associations of ground-dwelling sparrows.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005363, ucf:50475
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005363

Title: INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDHOOD OBESITY: EVALUATING TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS TARGETING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND DIET.
Creator: DiPietro, Jessica, Norris, Anne, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Overweight and obese children have increased risks for multiple preventable diseases and conditions which can impair their physiological health and significantly increases the overall cost of their healthcare. Free mobile applications and technology for weight loss, dietary tracking, and physical activity may be quite useful for monitoring nutritional intake and exercise to facilitate weight loss. If so, nurses are well positioned to recommend such tools as part of their efforts to prevent...
Show moreOverweight and obese children have increased risks for multiple preventable diseases and conditions which can impair their physiological health and significantly increases the overall cost of their healthcare. Free mobile applications and technology for weight loss, dietary tracking, and physical activity may be quite useful for monitoring nutritional intake and exercise to facilitate weight loss. If so, nurses are well positioned to recommend such tools as part of their efforts to prevent childhood obesity and help children and parents better manage childhood obesity when it is present. However, there are no guidelines that nurses can use to determine what applications or technologies are most beneficial to children and their parents. The purpose of this project is to develop such guidelines based on a review of the scientific literature published in the last 5 years. Articles regarding healthy-lifestyle promoting mobile applications and technological approaches to health and fitness interventions were identified by searching articles indexed by CINAHL, Psychinfo, Medline, ERIC, IEEE Xplore, and Academic Search Premier. Identified articles were assessed using Melnyk's hierarchy of evidence and organized into tables so that implications for research and suggestions for practice could be made.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004616, ucf:45255
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004616

Title: Growing Health: Community Gardens and their Effects on Diet, Physical and Mental Health and Community.
Creator: Hanson, Brittany, Wright, James, Gay, David, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Recently, research on community gardens and their benefits to health and community has become very popular. However, this influx of research has failed to investigate challenges to successful community gardening. Some articles examine issues between community gardeners and the land owners, but other than these conflicts community garden challenges, like lack of participation and quality leadership, have not been discussed in the literature (Draper and Freedman, 2010). To allow future gardens...
Show moreRecently, research on community gardens and their benefits to health and community has become very popular. However, this influx of research has failed to investigate challenges to successful community gardening. Some articles examine issues between community gardeners and the land owners, but other than these conflicts community garden challenges, like lack of participation and quality leadership, have not been discussed in the literature (Draper and Freedman, 2010). To allow future gardens to be as successful as possible it is important to identify potential obstacles. Additionally, it is just as important to continue to examine possible benefits, for example, physical activity and health benefits of community gardening and the breadth of community issues possibly addressed by community gardeners. Continuing to research on community will allow for more successful gardens and encourage funding for these programs. This study examines how food insecurity, health and community cohesion issues can be affected by community gardens in Central Florida. It also investigates challenges community gardens often face. To do this I conducted structured interviews with community gardeners and semi-structured interviews with community garden leaders at several gardens throughout Orange County, Florida. The results show that community gardens have several benefits including increased consumption of fresh produce, improved physical activity, mental health and community cohesion. However, gardens are not without difficulties. About a third of the gardeners and the majority of the leaders said that lack of participation was a challenge they faced.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004382, ucf:49405
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004382

Title: Diet and Migration in Coastal Oaxaca: Identifying Effects of Political and Social Collapse through the Utilization of Stable Isotope Analysis.
Creator: Rumberger, Jacklyn, Barber, Sarah, Dupras, Tosha, Williams, Lana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study involves the investigation of diet and mobility among people living in the lower R(&)#237;o Verde Valley, Oaxaca, Mexico, during the Late Classic (AD 500-800) and Early Postclassic (AD 800-1200) periods. Specifically, this research focuses on how political and social collapse affected subsistence practices and diet, particularly maize agriculture and consumption, as well as human migration. Archaeological evidence suggests that R(&)#237;o Viejo, the region's largest urban center...
Show moreThis study involves the investigation of diet and mobility among people living in the lower R(&)#237;o Verde Valley, Oaxaca, Mexico, during the Late Classic (AD 500-800) and Early Postclassic (AD 800-1200) periods. Specifically, this research focuses on how political and social collapse affected subsistence practices and diet, particularly maize agriculture and consumption, as well as human migration. Archaeological evidence suggests that R(&)#237;o Viejo, the region's largest urban center before AD 800, experienced multiple periods of political fragmentation and instability during its long history, specifically during the Early Classic (AD 250 - 500) and Early Postclassic periods, making it an ideal place to test these relationships. Stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotopic analyses of human bone and tooth samples were used to reconstruct diet and create a life history for sampled individuals. Samples were extracted from the skeletal remains of individuals dating to the Late Classic (n=11) and Early Postclassic (n=11) periods. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values provide insight into maize consumption; in addition stable nitrogen isotope values also indicate the extent that aquatic resources were being exploited. Stable oxygen isotope values are used to determine if any of the individuals were foreigners and had migrated to the valley during their lifetime. Results demonstrate collapse following the Classic period led to a slight dietary shift that included a wider variety of resources, possibly aquatic. Human mobility also increased during this time as oxygen values display a wider range and indicate movement within the valley and along the coast.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006491, ucf:51399
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006491

diet (15)	+ -
Diet (3)	+ -
bioarchaeology (3)	+ -
physical activity (3)	+ -
Lithuania (2)	+ -

Meroitic (2)	+ -
Stable Isotopes (2)	+ -
Sudan (2)	+ -
migration (2)	+ -
stable isotope (2)	+ -
stable isotope analysis (2)	+ -
stable isotopes (2)	+ -
Adolescent (1)	+ -
Alytus (1)	+ -
Associations (1)	+ -
Atkins diet (1)	+ -
Bacata (1)	+ -
Bachman's Sparrow (1)	+ -
Birth weight (1)	+ -
Bogota (1)	+ -
Central Florida (1)	+ -
Chibcha (1)	+ -
Chiefdoms (1)	+ -
Colombia (1)	+ -
Dietary analysis (1)	+ -
Dietary reconstruction (1)	+ -
Early Postclassic (1)	+ -
Florida (1)	+ -
Florida Grasshopper Sparrow (1)	+ -
Grasshopper Sparrow (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (15)	+ -
Honors Collection (6)	+ -

University of Central Florida (21)	+ -
Dupras, Tosha (8)	+ -
Schultz, John (6)	+ -
Williams, Lana (6)	+ -
Lee, Eunkyung (2)	+ -

Zavodny, Emily (2)	+ -
Alves, Christy (1)	+ -
Barber, Sarah (1)	+ -
Berman, Steven (1)	+ -
Bowman, Reed (1)	+ -
Brock, Alexandria (1)	+ -
Bushy, Angeline (1)	+ -
Charles, Elta N (1)	+ -
Chase, Arlen (1)	+ -
Chase, Diane (1)	+ -
Conner, Norma (1)	+ -
D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee (1)	+ -
Damato-Kubiet, Leslee (1)	+ -
Devoe, Kelley R (1)	+ -
DiPietro, Jessica (1)	+ -
Garcia, Jorge (1)	+ -
Gay, David (1)	+ -
Gregoire, Rachel (1)	+ -
Gugora, Ariana (1)	+ -
Hanson, Brittany (1)	+ -
Hinkle, Ross (1)	+ -
Holder, Sammantha (1)	+ -
Jasinski, Jana (1)	+ -
Keserauskis, Megan (1)	+ -
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