Search

Plants are frequently used as design components for various types of interior settings. Design professionals may specify plants because of a subconscious awareness of the human need for natural contact, or as in may cases, such as in a "sunspace", because it is traditional to do so. Past studies by behavioral and horticulture researchers have documented human preference for plants, and have shown that plants positively affect people psychologically, but little research has been done to determine whether the use of plants in interior environments can influence human behavior. Interior plantscaping is a vital and expanding type of agribusiness, with millions of dollars being spent each year to install and maintain plants specified by design professionals. Plants are frequently used for clients in industry, health care, hospitality, retail, education, and in personal residences. Demonstrating that plants influence human physical behavior in interior environments would increase their value as interior design components, and provide a powerful sales tool to the plantscaping industry. Because of the potential importance of understanding more about the influence of plants in interior spaces on human behavior, this research examines whether user behavior patterns and spatial perceptions can be changed by the simple addition of interior plantscaping. This study was conducted to determine whether the introduction of trees and plants into an underutilized area of a newly constructed interior atrium would affect user perceptions of, and/or behaviors in the space. User perceptions of and activities within the atrium were recorded on questionnaires and behavioral maps, both before and after the installation of Ficus trees and Chinese Evergreen plants. Surveys were used to collect demographic information, suggestions for improving the atrium, and to determine user perceptions via the use of 13 polar adjective pairs on a six point semantic differential scale. Maps were used to record user behaviors on the lower atrium level where the plants were placed. The majority of data were analyzed descriptively by frequencies and percentages. Semantic differential analysis was done using two-tailed t-tests at p = .05. T-tests did not prove to be significant. There was mean movement of perceived perceptions from pre- to post-test. User behavior on the lower atrium level appeared to be affected by plant installation. A preference was shown for napping under the trees, and users spent more time on that atrium level when the trees and plants were present. Master of Science

The purpose of this research was to incorporate a potato product into bread as a partial replacement for wheat flour and to describe a collaborative process for the development of bread products in three Soviet communities. Six potato flake breads and six cooked-mashed potato breads, with and without added gluten, were evaluated in a pilot study. Consumer acceptance scores indicated no significant differences among the twelve bread products. Four bread products, 29% and 45% cooked-mashed potato breads without added gluten, 15% potato flake bread with added gluten, and a 100% wheat flour bread, were selected for objective measurements, descriptive sensory evaluation, and central location acceptance testing. The four breads were not significantly different in the objective measurements of standing height, percent protein and amino acid content The three potato breads had the highest moisture percent loss on day 1. Texture analysis indicated the 45% bread had the highest texture measurements from the day of baking through day 4. The control "rapid" bread had the lowest analysis of freshness measurements. Staling, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry, indicated the potato breads had significantly reduced staling rates when compared to 100% wheat flour bread. Eleven trained panelists judged ten characteristics of the control and potato breads. The panelists perceived the potato breads to be more moist than the control. The other sensory characteristics of the control and potato breads were judged as similar. Central location acceptance testing in Alaska and the Soviet Far East indicated that the potato breads were acceptable and consumers indicated they would buy the breads if they were available. Across all locations the locally purchased control bread was liked significantly less than the potato breads. A collaborative process was designed for development of food products in Soviet and Alaskan communities. Ph. D.