UW-L Master's Theses

Nurtrient intake in female collegiate track and field athletes

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Nurtrient intake in female collegiate track and field athletes Benson, Marni The purpose of this study was first, to determine if Division III female track and field athletes met the nutrient recommendations and second, to identify barriers the athletes faced trying to receive adequate nutrient intake. Twenty-six females were tested once during their competitive season for an interview and basic background information. The testing session included discussion of a twenty-four hour eating behavior journal (EBJ), eating habits, physical activity record, and background questionnaire. An ANOVA was used to determine any differences that occurred in nutrients between events. Frequencies of participants meeting the nutritional requirements were used to determine if athletes fell above or below recommendations. Frequency tests were also conducted on the questionnaire to determine barriers to healthy eating. The dietary intake of Division III female track and field athletes was found insufficient for an active athletic population. Frequencies revealed that being rushed during meal time was the main encountered barrier.

Special education teachers' personal time and money

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Special education teachers' personal time and money Tewalt, Brandon Because of state and federal budget deficits. teachers are using thcir own time and rnoney to meet student nceds. This research seeks to determine the amount of time and money spent on work related duties. Specific research questions include: How much personal time and money are Wisconsin's K-12 speclal educators using to meet expectations, and what do they purchase? Three hundred fourteen Wisconsin K- 1 2 special educators across four CESAs (#I, #4, # 8, and +I 2) completed a survey regarding their personal time and money spcnt on work-related expenditures. The majority of special educator's participation indicated they did spend pcrsonal time and money on work-related duties, supplies and professional development. Special educators indicate TEPs consume the largest portion of personal time, while classroom supplies deplete the largcst portion persona1 money spent on work-related supplies. The majority (31%-54% of respondents) of special educators reported spending personal money on professional development. However, the majority (63%-78% of respondents) of spccial educators reported the NCLB was not the reason for spending personal time and money on workrelated activitres and expenditures.

Diagnosis, prevalence, and prevention of the spread of the parasite Heterosporis sp. (Microsporida: Pleistophoridae) in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and other freshwater fish in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and in Lake Ontario

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Diagnosis, prevalence, and prevention of the spread of the parasite Heterosporis sp. (Microsporida: Pleistophoridae) in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and other freshwater fish in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and in Lake Ontario Miller, Peggy A previously unknown microsporidian parasite that severely degrades muscle of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) from lakes in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Lake Ontario was identified as belonging to the genus Heterosporis. This parasite is characterized by pyriform-shaped spores that are contained in sporophorocysts. In the wild, yellow perch, burbot (Lota lota), mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi), trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), northern pike (Esox lucius), walleye (Sander vitreus) and rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) harbor Heterosporis naturally, but laboratory studies showed that 12 other fish species are susceptible to infection. In laboratory trials, smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) consumed significantly more fathead minnows infected with Heterosporis sp. than uninfected. Microscopically, Heterosporis sp. infection can be detected in the muscle of fish two weeks after exposure, and visually identified after seven weeks. To confirm infection, a PCR diagnostic assay was developed. Heterosporis spores are rendered noninfective by freezing, desiccation for 24 h, exposure to 2,200 mg/L bleach, and aging in air-exposed water for six months. This parasite can infect a wide range of fish species which can lead to devastating losses in commercial and sport fishing; however, there are preventative measures that may limit the spread of the parasite.

Prevalence of the components of the female athlete triad in college aged females

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Prevalence of the components of the female athlete triad in college aged females Davis, Jessica The purpose of this study was to observe if any component or combination of components of the Female Athlete Triad existed in active college aged females. Thirtyfive college aged females who were moderately active and not using any oral contraceptives participated in this study. All participants recorded their physical activity for three days and nutrient intake for 24 hours in order to obtain energy expenditure and intake. In addition, questions concerning their menstrual cycle history were also asked. Finally, a DEXA scan was used to obtain bone mineral density and body composition. Frequencies of each component of the triad were tallied and showed none of the participants met the criteria for all three of the components. Only one participant showed signs for low energy availability and irregular menstrual cycles. In addition, no other combination of the components existed. Overall, our results do not suggest that physically active college aged females are at risk for the Female Athlete Triad.

Differences in resilience among African-American, inner city students with and without severe disruptive behaviors

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Differences in resilience among African-American, inner city students with and without severe disruptive behaviors Carlson, Sarah Students labeled as EBD have the poorest academic and life outcomes of any category of special education students, due to inappropriate, problematic behaviors and lack of social skills and problem-solving skills. The current study examined differences in resilience between African American inner city students placed in EBD/MRP classrooms due to severe behavior problems and African American inner city students in regular education to see if lower self-ratings in resilience (social bonding, personal competence, and /or social competence) to deal with the life stresses and risk factors might account in part for students being placed in EBD/MRP classrooms. Data was collected through self-ratings on the Individual Protective Factors Index: A measure of adolescent resilience and results for the samples were compared using an independent samples t-test. No significant differences were found between the two samples on the domains of Social Bonding, Personal Competence, and Social Bonding. A statistically significant difference was found between Personal Competence as compared to Social Competence and Social Bonding for the combined sample, with Personal Competence being significantly higher. Strategies for schools, teachers, and school psychologists to increase positive outcomes for students labeled as EBD as well as suggestions for promoting resilience among all students were discussed.

The effects of an adventure education unit versus a traditional sport unit on self-esteem in middle school boys and girls

Mon, 29 Oct 2001 22:58:59 GMT

The effects of an adventure education unit versus a traditional sport unit on self-esteem in middle school boys and girls Nielson, Bret M. This study examined the effects of adventure education and a traditional sport unit on self-esteem in middle school boys and girls. The study also examined the correlation between Hellison's levels of responsibility and self-esteem. Hellison's levels of responsibility is a performance grade each subject gave himself/herself on their perceived level of responsibility for each class period. The sample included 53 male and female students from St. Mary's school. The subjects were randomly placed into one of two groups. The treatment group (N = 27) participated in a ten-class period adventure education unit. The control group (N = 26) participated in a ten-class period floor hockey unit. Subjects completed a pre/post test questionnaire measuring their perceived self-esteem. This instrument was a modified version of Rosenberg's 40-point Likert scale. An independent samples t-test yielded no significant difference between group means (p = .091). A change in self-esteem was measured by subtracting the posttest score from the pretest score. The t-test yielded no significant difference in self-esteem from either group. A one-way ANCOVA test indicated no significant difference between groups (p=.148). A Pearson Product Moment-Correlation Coefficient test found no significant relationship between Hellison's levels of responsibility and self-esteem. The treatment group yielded an (r = .789) and documented high levels; of self-esteem and social responsibility, but is unclear as to the extent of the correlation between self-esteem and the student's level of responsibility. The results of this study indicate no significant difference in self-esteem from an adventure education unit or a traditional sport unit. It also found no significant correlation between self-esteem and Hellison's levels of responsibility.

Age, growth, and food habits of catostomidae in pool 8 of the Upper Mississippi River

Wed, 29 Oct 1975 22:58:59 GMT

Age, growth, and food habits of catostomidae in pool 8 of the Upper Mississippi River Bur, Michael Thomas Age, growth, and food habits of ten catostomids from Pool 8 of of the Upper Mississippi River were determined. The catostomids studied were the bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus Valenciennes), small-mouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus Rafinesque), river carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer Rafinesque), quillback carpsucker (Carpiodes syprinus Lesueuer), spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops Rafinesque), Shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum Lesueur), silver redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum Rafinesque), golden redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum Rafinesque), and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni Lacepede). Thirty-eight ecotypes were investigated from June through August, 1975. Catostomids were collected from the main channel and backwater areas by use of gillnets, hoopnets, frame nets, seine nets and a boomhocker. Four species (spotted sucker, shorthead, silver and golden redhorse) comprised 94.2% of the catostomids collected from Pool 8. The shorthead redhorse was the most abundant catostomid collected. The shorthead redhorse consisted of eight age groups (0-VII). The period of greatest growth occurred during their second year when they increased their size by 106.4 mm. The most important food item was Tendipedidae larvae by both number (75.8%) and volume (41.2%). There were 10 age groups of silver redhorse collected (0-IX), of which 60.4% were represented by age groups IV-VI. The greatest increase during the second year of growth (l33.0 mm). The most important food items were Tendipedidae larvae (73.3% by number), and was Sphaeriidae (59.5% by volume). The golden redhorse exhibited seven age groups (0-V and VII), with 68.0% belonging to age groups III and IV. The greatest mean annual increment was 108.4 mm, which occurred. during the third year of growth. Food items of importance for golden redhorse included Tendipedidae larvae, Trichoptera larvae, and Ephemeroptera larvae. The spotted sucker was represented by seven age groups (0-VI), of which 38.5% belonged to the IV age class. The greatest mean annual 1ncrement was 105.1 mm and occurred during the second year of growth. Crustaceans were the principle food consumed (98.5% by volume). The remaining members of the Family Catostomidae comprised 5.8% of the individuals collected. The true relative abundance of these groups was perhaps not determined because of sampling only in selected areas and the use of gear that was selective for movements by fish.

A Qualitative study of international students' perceptions of academic and social needs being attended to by professionals at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Fri, 29 Oct 1999 22:58:59 GMT

A Qualitative study of international students' perceptions of academic and social needs being attended to by professionals at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Herlevi, Chrystal M. This case study was designed using interviews and a positioned subjects approach to investigate perceptions of international students concerning their academic and social experiences at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-L). The study explored the following research questions: (1) What factors play a role in international students' initial adjustment and expectations / goals at the UW-L? (2) What have international students experienced academically and socially and what do they perceive as their most important academic and social needs? (3) How have international students perceived academic and social interaction and support by professionals and other students? and (4) What additional support strategies can professionals implement to assist with the academic and social adjustment and development needs of international students? Utilizing a purposeful sampling procedure, ten male international students and six female international students who were enrolled in an advanced speaking English as a Second Language (ESL) course were interviewed in the Spring of 1999. The data were analyzed by identifying themes, which emerged from the transcribed interviews and supplemental sources of evidence based on the research questions of the study and specific coding categories. The coding categories used in this study were perspectives held by participants, participants' way of thinking about people and objects, and participants' relationships and social structures. This case study suggested that international students at the UW-L perceived their academic and social experiences and needs to be important in their adjustment to the university. Findings supported that initial adjustment and expectations / goals were related to cultural and developmental factors and language and academic concerns. Participants' academic experiences were positive with professionals and in classroom experiences. Social support from other international students, from professionals and students who provided information about social activities on campus, and from the residence hall environment were positive. Recommendations were made for additional, narrowed and longitudinal comparison studies centered on these issues. Continual assessment of the academic and social needs of international students, and further research on the adaptation and development of international students, with particular emphasis on psychosocial and stage development is also recommended.

Patterns of artificial tanning use and the perceived risk of skin cancer by high school students in a midwestern city

Sun, 29 Oct 1995 22:58:59 GMT

Patterns of artificial tanning use and the perceived risk of skin cancer by high school students in a midwestern city Johnson, Angela Marie This prospective prevalence study was designed to identify patterns of artificial tanning use and determine the perceived risk of skin cancer among adolescents at two high schools. Four hundred and sixty subjects completed a 2 part, 41-item questionnaire. Results indicated that females were significantly (< .05) more knowledgeable of risks of artificial tanning devices (ATD), and used ATD's more than males (chi-square value = 29.738). Similar results indicated that juniors were more knowledgeable (p < .05) and used A.T.D's more frequently (chi-square value = 21.121) than freshmen subjects. Perceptions of the seriousness of skin cancer varied significantly (p < .05) between female and male subjects. This was not true between freshmen and junior subjects (p > .05). All subjects varied significantly in the distribution of perceptions regarding 1) how treatable skin cancer is, 2) how preventable skin cancer is, 3) how likely subjects will get skin cancer, and 4) how often they think about skin cancer. There were no significant differences (p > .05) between either group (e.g., females vs. males or freshmen vs. juniors) regarding reported number of visits to tanning salons, length of tanning session, and use of eye protection. There were also no significant associations (p > .05) between subjects' perception of getting skin cancer in the future and knowledge of tanning booths, length of tanning session, and use of eye protection. Recommendations are made for future research.

Homing, swimming behavior, range, activity patterns and reaction to increasing water levels of walleyes (stizostedion vitreum vitreum) as determined by radio-telemetry in navigational pools 7 and 8 of the upper Mississippi River during spring, 1976

Fri, 29 Oct 1976 22:58:59 GMT

Homing, swimming behavior, range, activity patterns and reaction to increasing water levels of walleyes (stizostedion vitreum vitreum) as determined by radio-telemetry in navigational pools 7 and 8 of the upper Mississippi River during spring, 1976 Bahr, David Mark Twelve walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) were tagged with radio transmitters between 13 March and 26 April 1976 in the tailwater area of lock and dam 7. The objectives of the study were to determine the walleye's homing ability, behavior patterns, range, diel activity patterns and reaction to increasing water levels. Three walleyes were displaced a minimum of 10 km from the capture site and all exhibited homing behavior as defined by Crowe (1962). The walleyes in the tailwater area were located in 15 separate areas that were classified as either eddies or backwaters. The fishes were located in eddies 39% of the tracking hours and in backwater areas 52.7% of the tracking hours. Only 8.3% of the hours were spent travelling in the main channel. Two types of swimming patterns became recognizable. Random swimming was defined as movement having either no specific direction of travel, a slow rate of travel (10-300 m/hr) or the fish traversing small distances 127 m/movement). Directional swimming was characterized by rapid movement between study areas (300-1200 m/hr), usually in relatively straight lines and the fish traveled farther (547 m/movement). The walleyes rested (no movement) twice as much time as was spent swimming. They rested more at night than during the day; however, when they were active, they were more active during the night. The fishes showed four distinct modes in activity during the night. The fishes showed four distinct modes in activity at 0230, 0630, 1130 and 1830 hours with the highest peak at 0230 hours. There were diel habitat preferences where location in backwater areas would peak between 2100 and 0300 hours and eddy location would peak between 2100 and 0300 hours and eddy location would peak between 0900 and 1500 hours. During the study period the walleyres ranged upstream to Lock and Dam 6 and downstream to Lock and Dam 8, a minimum distance of 56.3 km. Rising water levels associated with spring runoff had no apparent effect on the walleye's behavior.

Characterization of a unclassified virus and survey for its presence in Wisconsin bluegill populations

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Characterization of a unclassified virus and survey for its presence in Wisconsin bluegill populations Barbknecht, Marisa Bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) are important both ecologically and as sport fish. Viral disease is a threat to bluegills and other fish species. Six viruses of bluegills have been previously described, many which are able to infect other fish species. In 2001, the La Crosse Fish Health Center (LFHC) isolated a novel bluegill virus (BLGV) collected from a bluegill kill in Montana Lake in northeastern Wisconsin. Since then, the LFHC has reported multiple presumptive BLGV isolations from 14 Wisconsin locations during routine inspections of hatchery fish and wild fish health surveys, but has had no confirmatory assay. Using BLGV genomic sequence obtained during this study, a diagnostic RT-PCR for BLGV was developed. The assay confirmed BLGV isolation from 5 of 17 locations included in a preliminary survey for the virus in Wisconsin bluegills, and the LFHC has used it to confirm more recent cell culture isolations from bluegills and black crappies from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio. Analysis of the genomic sequence shows BLGV is most closely related to members of the Parechovirus genus within the family Picornaviridae. However, more analysis must be performed before we can determine if BLGV should be placed within the Parechovirus genus or within a new genus.

Continuity planning for local public health agencies in northern Wisconsin -- providing essential public health services after displacement

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Continuity planning for local public health agencies in northern Wisconsin -- providing essential public health services after displacement Garske, Gary The Continuity Planning in Public Health Survey (CPPHS) was developed to assess the awareness of continuity planning (CP) within the Northwoods Public Health Preparedness Consortium of Northern Wisconsin. Study participants were comprised of 15 females and 2 males. Respondents worked within public health in a managerial or supervisory capacity, with a mean of 10.2 years work experience within their current positions. A total of 17 surveys were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov one-sample test for survey item analyses, along with qualitative analyses. Response rate was 77.27%. The Ss assessed: 1) statistical significance in the awareness and implementation of CP, 2) statistical verification regarding the use of CP within preparedness plans, and 3) statistical assessment of public health capacity within the challenges and benefits of CP, following displacement, which is not being able to work from the normal place of business. The data enabled the researcher to qualify trends in responses to answer three research questions. Recommendations are offered for improving awareness and implementation of CP within public health.

Can a point-of-decision-prompt intervention increase stair use? -- an analysis of a community intervention

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Can a point-of-decision-prompt intervention increase stair use? -- an analysis of a community intervention Luchini, Alyson This study was part of a large initiative known as Activate Fox Cities being undertaken in the Fox Cities, in Eastern Wisconsin. The purpose of this study was to assess reported stair use, reaction to the point-of-decision-prompts, perceived barriers, and in addition would provide recommendations regarding stair use at five Fox Cities locations through a survey format. This study was of importance due to two significant problems. First, there is a growing overweight and obesity epidemic in the United States, and the need for effective solutions to reduce chronic, lifestyle related disease and to increase physical activity rates. Secondly, according to the United Way Fox Cities, the 2006 Fox Cities Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) showed that chronic diseases are the leading causes of death in the Fox Cities. A descriptive study was conducted using a survey format to collect data. A pre-intervention (n=503) and post-intervention (n=304) survey was administered, with collected data being statistically analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings from this study indicated that a pointof- decision-prompt intervention could be effective in increasing stair use in the workplace. The data also provided insight into barriers toward stair use, reaction to pointof- decision-prompts, and effects of prompts on overall health with some significant data results being found.

The physiological effects of slacklining on balance and core strength

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:58:59 GMT

The physiological effects of slacklining on balance and core strength Mahaffey, Benjamin The purpose of this study was to examine the affect of slacklining on core strength and balance in college age students. Subjects consisted of students enrolled in two activity classes at a Midwest Division III university campus. Students enrolled in the circus arts class formed the experimental group, which consisted of a four-week slacklining treatment; and students in the indoor rock climbing class acted as the control group and did no slacklining during the training period. The researchers administered core strength and balance tests on both groups before and after the four-week training protocol using the Biering-Sorenson (BST), right and left lateral bridge (RLB and LLB), trunk flexor (TF) test and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Upon examining the results of a MANOVA and a repeated measures ANOVA test, there are no significant differences between the experimental and control groups with regard to mean core strength at a 5% level of significance (p=0.140). However repeated measures ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference in the normalized mean balance scores between the experimental and control group at a 5% level of significance (p=0.004). With this information further research into the relationship between slacklining and balance should be investigated.

Determining the binding partners of PKA in the axoneme of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagella

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Determining the binding partners of PKA in the axoneme of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagella Boateng, Lindsy The structural axoneme found in both cilia and flagella is critical for proper embryonic development, brain development, functional eyesight, mucosal clearing of the lungs, and fertility. Though much of the axoneme structure has been determined, the regulation of these structures must be understood to develop therapies for blindness, Kartagener's syndrome, ciliary disease, and infertility. Protein Kinase A (PKA) has been shown to regulate motility of the axoneme in mammals, as well as the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Mammalian PKA localizes to specific sites in the cell via A Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs). In this study, the putative AKAP binding domain of PKA was cloned from Chlamydomonas into a pET22b+ expression vector and fused to a HIS tag. Protein was successfully expressed and purified. The purified AKAP binding domain was used in blot overlays and column affinity experiments to detect if Chlamydomonas PKA binds other axonemal proteins including RSP3, a known AKAP. Potential protein binding was detected; however, the binding was inconsistent and was not able to be confirmed as a true interaction. This PKA clone will be useful in future studies that may determine which proteins PKA binds in the axoneme, and therefore, how it functions to regulate motility.