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Description
Objective: Vinegar consumption studies have demonstrated possible therapeutic effects in reducing HbA1c and postprandial glycemia. The purpose of the study was to closely examine the effects of a commercial vinegar drink on daily fluctuations in fasting glucose concentrations and postprandial glycemia, and on HbA1c, in individuals at risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D). Design: Thirteen women and one man (21-62 y; mean, 46.0±3.9 y) participated in this 12-week parallel-arm trial. Participants were recruited from a campus community and were healthy and not diabetic by self-report. Participants were not prescribed oral hypoglycemic medications or insulin; other medications were allowed if use was stable for > 3 months. Subjects were randomized to one of two groups: VIN (8 ounces vinegar drink providing 1.5 g acetic acid) or CON (1 vinegar pill providing 0.04 g acetic acid). Treatments were taken twice daily immediately prior to the lunch and dinner meals. Venous blood samples were drawn at trial weeks 0 and 12 to measure insulin, fasting glucose, and HbA1c. Subjects recorded fasting glucose and 2-h postprandial glycemia concentrations daily using a glucometer. Results: The VIN group showed significant reductions in fasting capillary blood glucose concentrations (p=0.05) that were immediate and sustained throughout the duration of the study. The VIN group had reductions in 2-h postprandial glucose (mean change of −7.6±6.8 mg/dL over the 12-week trial), but this value was not significantly different than that for the CON group (mean change of 3.3±5.3 mg/dL over the 12-week trial, p=0.232). HbA1c did not significantly change (p=0.702), but the reduction in HbA1c in the VIN group, −0.14±0.1%, may have physiological relevance. Conclusions: Significant reductions in HbA1c were not observed after daily consumption of a vinegar drink containing 1.5 g acetic acid in non-diabetic individuals. However, the vinegar drink did significantly reduce fasting capillary blood glucose concentrations in these individuals as compared to a vinegar pill containing 0.04 g acetic acid. These results support a therapeutic effect for vinegar in T2D prevention and progression, specifically in high-risk populations.
ContributorsQuagliano, Samantha (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Appel, Christy (Committee member) / Dixon, Kathleen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
There are multivariate factors that not only play a role in an individual's ability to lose weight, but may create barriers to his or her success. One such factor is internalized weight bias (IWB), which is inversely associated with weight loss outcomes and body satisfaction, and directly associated with psychosocial maladjustments such as depression and binge eating. This study examined the relationship between internalized weight bias and weight loss outcomes using a coding scheme developed for an online weight loss forum to see whether results would be consistent with self-administered surveys that measure IWB. The coding scheme was developed using an exploratory factor analysis of a survey composed of existing measures of IWB. Participants' posts within an online weight loss forum were coded and participants given a weekly IWB score that was compared to weekly weight loss using mixed model analysis. No significance was found between IWB and weight loss outcomes in this study, however, the coding scheme developed is a novel approach to measuring IWB, and the categories identified from latent constructs of IWB may be used in the future to determine the dimensions that exist within it. Ultimately, a better understanding of IWB could lead to the development of targeted weight loss interventions that address the beliefs and attitudes held by individuals who experience it.
ContributorsEscajeda, Janessa (Author) / Hekler, Eric (Thesis advisor) / Barroso, Cristina (Thesis advisor) / Dixon, Kathleen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
This study examined the effect of consuming pinto, black, and dark red kidney beans with white rice in comparison to a white rice only control meal on the glycemic response of adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). These bean and rice combinations are part of many traditional diets. Seventeen subjects with T2D treated by diet and/or metformin were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: white rice (control), pinto beans/rice, black beans/rice, and dark red kidney beans/rice. All treatments were portioned by weight and matched for available carbohydrate content of ∼ 50 grams. Capillary whole blood samples were collected at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes posttreatment and assessed for glucose concentration using the YSI Stat Plus Analyzer. Net change glucose responses were significantly lower for the pinto, black, and dark red kidney bean and rice meals than control at 90, 120 and 150 minutes posttreatment (P < 0.05). Incremental area under the curve (iAUC) values were also significantly reduced for the bean/rice meals containing pinto (P < 0.01) and black beans (P < 0.05) in contrast to the rice control. Results suggest that the combination of whole beans and rice may be beneficial to those with T2D to assist with blood glucose management.
ContributorsThompson, Sharon (Author) / Winham, Donna M (Thesis advisor) / Beezhold, Bonnie (Committee member) / Dixon, Kathleen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
Water makes up about 45-70% of a human body's total weight. It is estimated that 80% of the human brain's tissue is composed of water. Cognitive productivity is altered when the body is in a mere 2% dehydrated state. Several cognitive functions impacted by dehydration include: visual motor tracing, short-term recall, attentiveness, and mathematic efficiency. It is estimated that 80% of the U.S. adult population endures the majority of their day in a mildly dehydrated state.
Participants were employees working full-time jobs with Arizona State University or Tri Star Motor Company. Employees had to be 18 or older were invited to join the study. Employees participating in the study lived within the the greater Phoenix area. Participants of all races, genders, activity statuses, and BMIs were encouraged to join.
A one-arm, pre-test, post-test study design was utilized. We examined whether the hydration status of participants in the intervention improved or worsened during the course of the intervention, and then attributed any such improvement or deterioration to the intervention. Urine collections from an afternoon sample were gathered before and after the one-week intervention. For the intervention, the participating offices received a water dispensing system in close proximity to employee desk spaces. A reusable water bottle was also given to each participant. Urine specific gravity (USG) was assessed in all urine samples to indicate hydration status, and all participants completed water intake surveys before and after the intervention.
From this study, the overall change in water intake over the course of the one-week intervention was 143 ounces/day. This is an average of adding two and a half 8 oz glasses of water each day of the week per participant. USG also decreased significantly at the end of the intervention in comparison to the baseline value. In the greater body of research, this study strengthens the viability of inputting a hydration station and offering reusable water bottles to employees. This cost-effective method is an easy way to incorporate employee wellness in the workplace. The benefit of employees to drink more water is numerous, including increased focus, mental reactivity, and overall mood and wellness.
Participants were employees working full-time jobs with Arizona State University or Tri Star Motor Company. Employees had to be 18 or older were invited to join the study. Employees participating in the study lived within the the greater Phoenix area. Participants of all races, genders, activity statuses, and BMIs were encouraged to join.
A one-arm, pre-test, post-test study design was utilized. We examined whether the hydration status of participants in the intervention improved or worsened during the course of the intervention, and then attributed any such improvement or deterioration to the intervention. Urine collections from an afternoon sample were gathered before and after the one-week intervention. For the intervention, the participating offices received a water dispensing system in close proximity to employee desk spaces. A reusable water bottle was also given to each participant. Urine specific gravity (USG) was assessed in all urine samples to indicate hydration status, and all participants completed water intake surveys before and after the intervention.
From this study, the overall change in water intake over the course of the one-week intervention was 143 ounces/day. This is an average of adding two and a half 8 oz glasses of water each day of the week per participant. USG also decreased significantly at the end of the intervention in comparison to the baseline value. In the greater body of research, this study strengthens the viability of inputting a hydration station and offering reusable water bottles to employees. This cost-effective method is an easy way to incorporate employee wellness in the workplace. The benefit of employees to drink more water is numerous, including increased focus, mental reactivity, and overall mood and wellness.
ContributorsWildermuth, Kelsi (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Dixon, Kathleen (Committee member) / Levinson, Simin (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
Vegetarian diets can provide an abundance of nutrients when planned with care. However, research suggests that vegetarian diets may have lower protein quality than omnivore diets. Current protein recommendations assume that vegetarians obtain a majority of their protein from animal products, like dairy and eggs. Studies have shown that this assumption may not be valid. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) may not be adequate in vegetarian populations with high protein requirements. The purpose of this study is to analyze dietary protein quality using the DIAAS (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score) method in both vegetarian and omnivore endurance athletes. 38 omnivores and 22 vegetarians submitted 7-day food records which were assessed using nutrition analysis software (Food Processor, ESHA Research, Salem, OR, USA). Dietary intake data was used to calculate DIAAS and determine the amount of available dietary protein in subject diets. Dietary data was compared with the subjects’ lean body mass (obtained using DEXA scan technology), and strength (quantified using peak torque of leg extension and flexion using an isokinetic dynamometer). Statistical analyses revealed significantly higher available protein intake in the omnivore athletes (p<.001). There were significant correlations between available protein intake and strength (p=.016) and available protein intake and lean body mass (p<.001). Omnivore subjects had higher lean body mass than vegetarian subjects (p=.011). These results suggest that vegetarian athletes may benefit from higher overall protein intakes to make up for lower dietary protein quality.
ContributorsZuelke, Corinne (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Wharton, Christopher (Christopher Mack), 1977- (Committee member) / Dixon, Kathleen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
ABSTRACT
Many natural interventions have been effective at lowering postprandial glucose concentrations (PPG) in research trials and, theoretically, should have favorable effects on the prevention and management of T2DM. Natural interventions include vinegar, nuts and exercise. Green tea has been demonstrated to also possessing antiglycemic effects. Thus, green tea, and its most abundant catechin EGCG, are being consumed for its potential health benefits in cancer prevention and in its inhibitory effects on α-amylase. Many studies have found EGCG to inhibit α-amylase an enzyme needed in the breakdown of carbohydrates (CHO). Other studies have looked at EGCG and its potential for lowering PPG concentrations due to its inhibitory effects on α-amylase in both mice and humans. Yet there is no research on Matcha tea specifically. Matcha tea is green tea in powder form; hence, it is consumed in its entirety unlike traditional teas which are steeped in bags. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Macha tea impacts PPG concentrations in healthy adults. Twelve subjects completed this randomized controlled, single blinded, crossover study. On three separate occasions the twelve subjects consumed a bagel and jam with either water, Lipton green tea, or Macha tea. Fasting blood glucose was taken upon their arrival. Once the tea or water and bagel with jam were consumed PPG concentrations were measured every 30 minutes until 120 minutes were reached. Results showed no statistically significant effects on PPG concentrations in either test groups (p=.960). However, this study did not measure EGCG levels in the tea provided. Therefore, further research should be done with known EGCG amounts to see its effects on PPG concentrations to fully rule out its potential.
Many natural interventions have been effective at lowering postprandial glucose concentrations (PPG) in research trials and, theoretically, should have favorable effects on the prevention and management of T2DM. Natural interventions include vinegar, nuts and exercise. Green tea has been demonstrated to also possessing antiglycemic effects. Thus, green tea, and its most abundant catechin EGCG, are being consumed for its potential health benefits in cancer prevention and in its inhibitory effects on α-amylase. Many studies have found EGCG to inhibit α-amylase an enzyme needed in the breakdown of carbohydrates (CHO). Other studies have looked at EGCG and its potential for lowering PPG concentrations due to its inhibitory effects on α-amylase in both mice and humans. Yet there is no research on Matcha tea specifically. Matcha tea is green tea in powder form; hence, it is consumed in its entirety unlike traditional teas which are steeped in bags. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Macha tea impacts PPG concentrations in healthy adults. Twelve subjects completed this randomized controlled, single blinded, crossover study. On three separate occasions the twelve subjects consumed a bagel and jam with either water, Lipton green tea, or Macha tea. Fasting blood glucose was taken upon their arrival. Once the tea or water and bagel with jam were consumed PPG concentrations were measured every 30 minutes until 120 minutes were reached. Results showed no statistically significant effects on PPG concentrations in either test groups (p=.960). However, this study did not measure EGCG levels in the tea provided. Therefore, further research should be done with known EGCG amounts to see its effects on PPG concentrations to fully rule out its potential.
ContributorsRomash, Roni (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Dixon, Kathleen (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
For as long as humans have been working, they have been looking for ways to get that work done better, faster, and more efficient. Over the course of human history, mankind has created innumerable spectacular inventions, all with the goal of making the economy and daily life more efficient. Today, innovations and technological advancements are happening at a pace like never seen before, and technology like automation and artificial intelligence are poised to once again fundamentally alter the way people live and work in society. Whether society is prepared or not, robots are coming to replace human labor, and they are coming fast. In many areas artificial intelligence has disrupted entire industries of the economy. As people continue to make advancements in artificial intelligence, more industries will be disturbed, more jobs will be lost, and entirely new industries and professions will be created in their wake. The future of the economy and society will be determined by how humans adapt to the rapid innovations that are taking place every single day. In this paper I will examine the extent to which automation will take the place of human labor in the future, project the potential effect of automation to future unemployment, and what individuals and society will need to do to adapt to keep pace with rapidly advancing technology. I will also look at the history of automation in the economy. For centuries humans have been advancing technology to make their everyday work more productive and efficient, and for centuries this has forced humans to adapt to the modern technology through things like training and education. The thesis will additionally examine the ways in which the U.S. education system will have to adapt to meet the demands of the advancing economy, and how job retraining programs must be modernized to prepare workers for the changing economy.
ContributorsCunningham, Reed P. (Author) / DeSerpa, Allan (Thesis director) / Haglin, Brett (Committee member) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
Social-emotional learning (SEL) methods are beginning to receive global attention in primary school education, yet the dominant emphasis on implementing these curricula is in high-income, urbanized areas. Consequently, the unique features of developing and integrating such methods in middle- or low-income rural areas are unclear. Past studies suggest that students exposed to SEL programs show an increase in academic performance, improved ability to cope with stress, and better attitudes about themselves, others, and school, but these curricula are designed with an urban focus. The purpose of this study was to conduct a needs-based analysis to investigate components specific to a SEL curriculum contextualized to rural primary schools. A promising organization committed to rural educational development is Barefoot College, located in Tilonia, Rajasthan, India. In partnership with Barefoot, we designed an ethnographic study to identify and describe what teachers and school leaders consider the highest needs related to their students' social and emotional education. To do so, we interviewed 14 teachers and school leaders individually or in a focus group to explore their present understanding of “social-emotional learning” and the perception of their students’ social and emotional intelligence. Analysis of this data uncovered common themes among classroom behaviors and prevalent opportunities to address social and emotional well-being among students. These themes translated into the three overarching topics and eight sub-topics explored throughout the curriculum, and these opportunities guided the creation of the 21 modules within it. Through a design-based research methodology, we developed a 40-hour curriculum by implementing its various modules within seven Barefoot classrooms alongside continuous reiteration based on teacher feedback and participant observation. Through this process, we found that student engagement increased during contextualized SEL lessons as opposed to traditional methods. In addition, we found that teachers and students preferred and performed better with an activities-based approach. These findings suggest that rural educators must employ particular teaching strategies when addressing SEL, including localized content and an experiential-learning approach. Teachers reported that as their approach to SEL shifted, they began to unlock the potential to build self-aware, globally-minded students. This study concludes that social and emotional education cannot be treated in a generalized manner, as curriculum development is central to the teaching-learning process.
ContributorsBucker, Delaney Sue (Author) / Carrese, Susan (Thesis director) / Barab, Sasha (Committee member) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor, Contributor) / School of Civic & Economic Thought and Leadership (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
Construction is a defining characteristic of geometry classes. In a traditional classroom, teachers and students use physical tools (i.e. a compass and straight-edge) in their constructions. However, with modern technology, construction is possible through the use of digital applications such as GeoGebra and Geometer’s SketchPad.
Many other studies have researched the benefits of digital manipulatives and digital environments through student completion of tasks and testing. This study intends to research students’ use of the digital tools and manipulatives, along with the students’ interactions with the digital environment. To this end, I conducted exploratory teaching experiments with two calculus I students.
In the exploratory teaching experiments, students were introduced to a GeoGebra application developed by Fischer (2019), which includes instructional videos and corresponding quizzes, as well as exercises and interactive notepads, where students could use digital tools to construct line segments and circles (corresponding to the physical straight-edge and compass). The application built up the students’ foundational knowledge, culminating in the construction and verbal proof of Euclid’s Elements, Proposition 1 (Euclid, 1733).
The central findings of this thesis are the students’ interactions with the digital environment, with observed changes in their conceptions of radii and circles, and in their use of tools. The students were observed to have conceptions of radii as a process, a geometric shape, and a geometric object. I observed the students’ conceptions of a circle change from a geometric shape to a geometric object, and with that change, observed the students’ use of tools change from a measuring focus to a property focus.
I report a summary of the students’ work and classify their reasoning and actions into the above categories, and an analysis of how the digital environment impacts the students’ conceptions. I also briefly discuss the impact of the findings on pedagogy and future research.
Many other studies have researched the benefits of digital manipulatives and digital environments through student completion of tasks and testing. This study intends to research students’ use of the digital tools and manipulatives, along with the students’ interactions with the digital environment. To this end, I conducted exploratory teaching experiments with two calculus I students.
In the exploratory teaching experiments, students were introduced to a GeoGebra application developed by Fischer (2019), which includes instructional videos and corresponding quizzes, as well as exercises and interactive notepads, where students could use digital tools to construct line segments and circles (corresponding to the physical straight-edge and compass). The application built up the students’ foundational knowledge, culminating in the construction and verbal proof of Euclid’s Elements, Proposition 1 (Euclid, 1733).
The central findings of this thesis are the students’ interactions with the digital environment, with observed changes in their conceptions of radii and circles, and in their use of tools. The students were observed to have conceptions of radii as a process, a geometric shape, and a geometric object. I observed the students’ conceptions of a circle change from a geometric shape to a geometric object, and with that change, observed the students’ use of tools change from a measuring focus to a property focus.
I report a summary of the students’ work and classify their reasoning and actions into the above categories, and an analysis of how the digital environment impacts the students’ conceptions. I also briefly discuss the impact of the findings on pedagogy and future research.
ContributorsSakauye, Noelle Marie (Author) / Roh, Kyeong Hah (Thesis director) / Zandieh, Michelle (Committee member) / School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
This document is a proposal for a research project, submitted as an Honors Thesis to Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University. The proposal summarizes previous findings and literature about women survivors of domestic violence who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as well as outlining the design and measures of the study. At this time, the study has not been completed. However, it may be completed at a future time.
ContributorsKunst, Jessica (Author) / Hernandez Ruiz, Eugenia (Thesis director) / Belgrave, Melita (Committee member) / School of Music (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05