bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of a Physical Activity Intervention for Seniors
Authors: Jancey Jonine M. , Lee Andy H. , Howat Peter A. , Clarke Ann , Wang Kui , Shilton Trevor 
Published: June 2010

Purpose. To determine whether a tailored, 6-month, neighborhood-based, physical activity intervention for people aged 65 to 74 years could increase their total physical activity levels and to identify factors associated with physical activity times. Design. A longitudinal, prospective, intervention study. Setting. Perth, Western Australia. Subjects. A total of 573 older adults, recruited from 30 intervention (n = 260) and 30 control (n = 313) neighborhoods. Initial response rates were 74% (260/352) in the intervention group and 82% (313/382) in the control group, which provided the 573 adults for participation in the study. A total of 413 participants (177 and 236 in the intervention and control groups, respectively) completed the program. Intervention. A neighborhood-based physical activity intervention. Measures. A self-reported questionnaire administered at three time points. Physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Personal and demographic information, including perceived financial struggle and proximity to friends, were collected. Analysis. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance, and generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results. The intervention resulted in a significant increase in total average physical activity times of 2.25 hours per week (p < .001). The GEE analysis confirmed significant increases in physical activity from baseline to midpoint (p = .002) and to postintervention (p = .031). Perception of financial struggle (p = .020) was positively associated with physical activity time spent by participants, whereas having no friends or acquaintances living nearby (p = .037) had a significant negative correlation. The main limitation of this study was the restricted duration of the intervention. Conclusion. The program was successful in increasing weekly mean time for physical activity in seniors and in identifying factors that affect their commitment to physical activities.
The Association of Television Viewing with Snacking Behavior and Body Weight of Young Adults
Authors: Thomson Maria , Spence John C. , Raine Kim , Laing Lory 
Published: June 2010

Purpose. Investigate whether TV viewing and recognition of snack food advertisements were associated with snack food consumption and the odds of being overweight or obese. Design. Cross-sectional internet-based survey. Setting. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Subjects. Undergraduate university students aged 18 to 25 years (N = 613). Measures. Self-reported TV viewing, energy-dense snack consumption, snacking while viewing TV, and body weight. Analysis. Hypothesis testing was completed using multiple analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and logistic regression. Results. Students reporting medium or high TV viewership snacked more frequently while watching TV and recognized more advertising than students who were considered low viewers. High viewers also reported more consumption of energy-dense snacks than low viewers. Snacking frequency appeared to be related to TV viewing and place of residence, but the association between snacking frequency and TV viewing was not accounted for by advertising. Conversely, the association between TV viewing and consumption of energy-dense snacks was accounted for by advertising recognition. Finally, male students (odds ratio [OR], 2.78; 99% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–4.59) and medium (OR, 3.11;99% CI, 1.37–7.08) and high (OR, 5.47; 99% CI, 1.97–15.16) TV viewers had higher odds of being overweight or obese. Conclusions. Associations were found among TV viewing, energy-dense snack consumption, and snacking behavior, and between TV viewing and body weight status.
Computer-Mediated Intervention Tailored on Transtheoretical Model Stages and Processes of Change Increases Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Urban African-American Adolescents
Authors: Di Noia Jennifer , Contento Isobel R. , Prochaska James O. 
Published: June 2010

Purpose. To examine the efficacy of an intervention based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. Design. Pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study. Setting. Youth services agencies located in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Agencies were assigned to computer intervention (CIN) and nonintervention control study arms. Subjects. A total of 507 African-American adolescents ages 11 to 14 years. Intervention. Youths in the CIN arm completed four 30-minute intervention sessions tailored on TTM stages and processes of change. Measures. Self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption and stages, pros, cons, and self-efficacy for consumption. Analysis. Intervention effects were examined with analysis of covariance models that were controlled for demographic variables and baseline measures of each outcome. Chi-square analyses were used to examine between-arm differences in youths' stage progressions. Results. After adjustment by covariates, pros (p < .025) and fruit and vegetable consumption (p < .001) varied significantly with study arm. Youths in the CIN arm had higher pro scores and fruit and vegetable consumption than controls. More youths in the CIN arm than in the control arm progressed to later stages and maintained recommended intake levels (p < .05). Conclusions. A TTM-based intervention can increase fruit and vegetable intake and effect positive changes in TTM variables related to intake among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents.
Assessing Management Support for Worksite Health Promotion: Psychometric Analysis of the Leading by Example (LBE) Instrument
Authors: Della Lindsay J. , DeJoy David M. , Goetzel Ron Z. , Ozminkowski Ronald J. , Wilson Mark G. 
Published: June 2010

Purpose. Describe the development of the leading by example (LBE) instrument. Methods. A total of 135 responses from employees of a private corporation working at 11 different worksites were factor analyzed in 2005. Exploratory factor analysis was used to obtain an initial factor structure. Factor validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis methods. A second sample was collected in 2006 from the same population (N = 178) and was used to confirm the factor structure via confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's α and item-total correlations provided information on the reliability of the factor subscales. Results. Four subscales were identified: business alignment with health promotion objectives, awareness of the health-productivity link, worksite support for health promotion, and leadership support for health promotion. Factor by group comparisons revealed that the initial factor structure was effective in detecting differences in organizational support for health promotion across different employee groups. Conclusions. Management support for health promotion can be assessed using the LBE, a brief self-report questionnaire. Researchers can use the LBE to diagnose, track, and evaluate worksite health promotion programs.
Multi-Ethnic Adolescents' Attitudes toward Smoking: A Focus Group Analysis
Authors: Mitschke Diane B. , Matsunaga Doris Segal , Loebl Karen , Tatafu Elitei , Robinett Hali 
Published: June 2010

Purpose. To explore young, multi-ethnic adolescents' attitudes and influences related to cigarette smoking for the purpose of developing and producing a youth-led, tobacco-prevention drama. Design. Focus groups and demographic surveys. Setting. Island of Oahu, Hawaii. Participants. Fifty-four multi-ethnic youth, ranging in age from 10 to 14 years, participated. The study was promoted in schools with a large representation of Hawaiian, Filipino, and Pacific Islander students. Methods. Each of five focus groups was audio-recorded, and an observer recorded extensive notes throughout the sessions. Content analysis consisted of coding focus group notes for recurrent themes and using the audio recording as confirmation. Results. Just more than one quarter (n = 15) of the youth had tried smoking, and two-thirds (n = 35) currently lived with someone who smoked. Participants expressed the feeling of being surrounded by smoking influences at home, in their communities, and at school. Youth were negatively affected by family members' tobacco use, and they desired skills that could enable them to help family members stop using tobacco. Conclusion. Family influences may play an important role in youth attitudes toward tobacco use, especially given the cultural significance of extended family and of filial piety that are reflected in many traditional, Asian and Pacific Islander families. Interventions targeting youth in Asian and Pacific Islander communities should incorporate key cultural references to the extended family and to a respect for elders to establish relevance in the life experiences of young people in these population groups.
Exploring Obesogenic Food Environments in Edmonton, Canada: The Association between Socioeconomic Factors and Fast-Food Outlet Access
Authors: Hemphill Eric , Raine Kim , Spence John C. , Smoyer-Tomic Karen E. 
Published: June 2010

Purpose. To explore the relationship between the placement of fast-food outlets and neighborhood-level socioeconomic variables by determining if indicators of lower socioeconomic status were predictive of exposure to fast food. Design. A descriptive analysis of the fast-food environment in a Canadian urban center, using secondary analysis of census data and Geographic Information Systems technology. Setting. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Measures. Neighborhoods were classified as High, Medium, or Low Access based on the number of fast-food opportunities available to them. Neighborhood-level socioeconomic data (income, education, employment, immigration status, and housing tenure) from the 2001 Statistics Canada federal census were obtained. Analysis. A discriminant function analysis was used to determine if any association existed between neighborhood demographic characteristics and accessibility of fast-food outlets. Results. Significant differences were found between the three levels of fast-food accessibility across the socioeconomic variables, with successively greater percentages of unemployment, low income, and renters in neighborhoods with increasingly greater access to fast-food restaurants. A high score on several of these variables was predictive of greater access to fast-food restaurants. Conclusion. Although a causal inference is not possible, these results suggest that the distribution of fast-food outlets relative to neighborhood-level socioeconomic status requires further attention in the process of explaining the increased rates of obesity observed in relatively deprived populations.
The Effect of Objectively Measured Crime on Walking in Minority Adults
Authors: McDonald Noreen C. 
Published: June 2010

Purpose. Evaluate the relationship between neighborhood crime and the amount of daily walking by minority adults. Design. This was a cross-sectional study of minority adult walking behavior and crime. Setting. Oakland, California was chosen as the study area because of the substantial spatial variation in levels of criminal activity combined with detailed information on walking trips. Participants. The study was restricted to minority adults who responded to the 2000 Bay Area Travel Survey and lived in Oakland, California (n = 359). Method. Data on leisure and utilitarian walking were collected through the 2000 Bay Area Travel Survey and combined with crime data from the Oakland Police Department. A negative binomial model was used to test if violent, property, or quality of life crimes had significant associations with daily minutes walked, controlling for individual and neighborhood covariates. Results. The model showed a significant negative association between violent crime and minutes walked per day (b = - .07; p = .016). Neither property nor quality of life crimes were correlated with amount of walking. Conclusions. Reductions in violent crime may increase opportunities for minority residents in urban areas to participate in physical activity such as walking thereby providing another reason to pursue anticrime measures. Urban designers' efforts to increase physical activity by improving neighborhood walkability may consider violent crime prevention in their designs.
Maternal behaviour in peripartum influences preweaning kit mortality in cage-bred wild rabbits.
Authors: González-Redondo P.   
Published: June 2010

This study describes and models maternal nest-building and parturition behaviour in cage-bred wild rabbits (oryctolagus cuniculus), and its influence on the kits pre-weaning mortality. In a total of 91 litters, perinatal mortality was 33%; mortality during the nursing period was 16.05%, and therefore the accumulated mortality up to weaning was 43.94%. These mortality rates, higher than those described in the literature among domestic breeds, were linked to failures in maternal behaviour. Such failures included the non-introduction of straw into the nest box (41.8% of births), a lack of hair lining in the nest (28.6%), births in which one or all of the kits were born outside the nest box (18.7%), and births in which one or all of the kits were cannibalised by the doe (13.2%). Maternal behaviour in relation to the kits viability was modelled by performing multiple correspondence and cluster analyses with two dimensions and a 67.2% total inertia. The fi rst dimension (inertia: 0.400) was represented by the presence of hair in the nest box; the place where the kits were born (inside or outside the nest box), and the does previous experience (primiparous or multiparous), while the total number of kits born represents the second dimension (inertia: 0.272). Three maternal behaviour types were identified: types 1 and 3 representing births in which the failure of maternal behaviour at kindling led to high kit mortality. Maternal behaviour type 1 corresponds to primiparous does of parity orders 1 and 2 with a high number of total kits born and of stillborn kits. Type 3 births were characterised by all of the kits died during peripartum, with a high incidence of cannibalism. Type 2 included births of experienced does showing successful development of maternal behaviour, as well as high kits survival rates during the peripartum and nursing periods. Although wild rabbits are subject to the same modulating factors in the development of the maternal repertoire as domestic does, showed a lower preweaning viability due to the failure to display maternal behaviour during peripartum.<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Magnetic Control of Tubular Catalytic Microbots for the Transport, Assembly, and Delivery of Micro‐objects
Authors: Solovev Alexander A. , Sanchez Samuel , Pumera Martin , Mei Yong Feng , Schmidt Oliver G. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractRecently a significant amount of attention has been paid towards the development of man‐made synthetic catalytic micro‐ and nanomotors that can mimic biological counterparts in terms of propulsion power, motion control, and speed. However, only a few applications of such self‐propelled vehicles have been described. Here the magnetic control of self‐propelled catalytic Ti/Fe/Pt rolled‐up microtubes (microbots) that can be used to perform various tasks such as the selective loading, transportation, and delivery of microscale objects in a fluid is shown; for instance, it is demonstrated for polystyrene particles and thin metallic films (“nanoplates”). Microbots self‐propel by ejecting microbubbles via a platinum catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water. The fuel and surfactant concentrations are optimized obtaining a maximum speed of 275 µm s−1 (5.5 body lengths per second) at 15% of peroxide fuel. The microbots exert a force of around 3.77 pN when transporting a single 5 µm diameter particle; evidencing a high propulsion power that allows for the transport of up to 60 microparticles. By the introduction of an Fe thin film into the rolled‐up microtubes, their motion can be fully controlled by an external magnetic field.
Synthetic Hydrophilic Materials with Tunable Strength and a Range of Hydrophobic Interactions
Authors: Hoy Olha , Zdyrko Bogdan , Lupitskyy Robert , Sheparovych Roman , Aulich Dennis , Wang Jiafang , Bittrich Eva , Eichhorn Klaus‐Jochen , Uhlmann Petra , Hinrichs Karsten , Müller Marcus , Stamm Manfred , Minko Sergiy , Luzinov Igor 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe ability to vary, adjust, and control hydrophobic interactions is crucial in manipulating interactions between biological objects and the surface of synthetic materials in aqueous environment. To this end a grafted polymer layer (multi‐component mixed polymer brush) is synthesized that is capable of reversibly exposing nanometer‐sized hydrophobic fragments at its hydrophilic surface and of tuning, turning on, and turning off the hydrophobic interactions. The reversible switching occurs in response to changes in the environment and alters the strength and range of attractive interactions between the layer and hydrophobic or amphiphilic probes in water. The grafted layer retains its overall hydrophilicity, while local hydrophobic forces enable the grafted layer to sense and attract the hydrophobic domains of protein molecules dissolved in the aqueous environment. The hydrophobic interactions between the material and a hydrophobic probe are investigated using atomic force microscopy measurements and a long‐range attractive and contact‐adhesive interaction between the material and the probe is observed, which is controlled by environmental conditions. Switching of the layer exterior is also confirmed via protein adsorption measurements.
The effect of urea bond on structure and properties of toughened epoxy resins
Authors: Fang Jianglin , Zuo Ruilin , He Peng , Quan Yiwu , Chen Qingmin 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn this article, modified poly(oxypropylene) diamines were synthesized and used as a new flexible curing agent for epoxy resins. The purpose of modification is to introduce urea group into epoxy resins. The reaction rate, mechanical properties, glass transition temperature (Tg), and fracture surface morphology of these toughened epoxy resins were investigated. Because of urea groups, the reactivity between poly(oxypropylene) diamines and epoxy resins was significantly enhanced. At the same time, the urea groups resulted in strong intersegmental hydrogen bonding between modified poly(oxypropylene) chain, which reduced the compatibility of poly(oxypropylene) with epoxy resins and resulted in higher Tg of toughened epoxy. The modified sample had tensile strength of 15.8 MPa and ultimate elongation of 118% at room temperature, whereas the unmodified sample only had 6.2 MPa and 70%. The scanning electron microscope analysis showed that the modified system displayed tough fracture feature, whereas the unmodified system showed typical brittle fracture. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Intermolecular force and thermal properties of the sulfonyl epoxy blends cured with DGEBA epoxy
Authors: Chiu Yie‐Chan , Tsai Hsieh‐Chih , Chou I‐Chen , Li Shih‐Ming , Ma Chen‐Chi M. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe sulfonyl epoxy monomer (SEP) was synthesized and further to blend with the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the SEP/DGEBA blended materials increased from 103.7 to 163.8°C. The cross‐linking density and polymer chain self‐association intra‐molecular action affected more than that the polymer–polymer intermolecular action (hydrogen bonding) in the SEP blended with the DGEBA materials. The excess stabilization energy in the overall stabilization was only 0.00145% (14.5 ppm), which indicated that the polymer‐polymer intermolecular action was weak. The thermal degradation of the SEP segments could form various sulfate derivatives at lower temperature and analyzed by the TGA/GC/Mass. The sulfate derivatives could generate the thermal stable chars, which provided the “shielding effect” and antioxidation property. Additionally, these chars could also improve the protective effect and inhibit the thermal‐oxidation decomposition under the air atmosphere. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Square pegs in round holes — the implications of shell shape variation on the translocation of adultMargaritifera margaritifera(L.)
Authors: Preston S. J. , Harrison A. , Lundy M. , Roberts D. , Beddoe N. , Rogowski D. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe freshwater pearl musselMargaritifera margaritiferais endangered throughout Europe.Historically, mussels were described on the basis of shell characteristics. In more recent years with the advent of molecular techniques many ‘species’ of molluscs have been found to be ecophenotypes.The pearl mussel is found in numerous rivers throughout Ireland and the UK with varying degrees of superficial differences. It is has been thought that the most divergent form is found in the Nore River, Ireland,Margaritifera m. durrovensis.The current investigation considers shell shape differences (using morphometrics — elliptic Fourier descriptors) in mussels from a variety of rivers in Ireland in relation to river pH.Results suggest thatM. margaritiferahas a fairly plastic phenotype, with a gradient of shape change in relation to water pH.Margaritifera m. durrovensisdoes not appear to be morphologically unique from other populations studied, instead occurring at one end of the shell shape gradient.Findings also suggest that shell shape may be characteristic to individual rivers. The existence of phenotypically distinct groups ofMargaritifera margaritiferahas particularly important implications for the future conservation of the species.Ex situconservation and reintroduction efforts will need to consider both the genotypic and phenotypic suitability of mussels if translocation is to be used as a viable conservation tool in the future. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unintentional dispersal of aquatic invertebrates via footwear and motor vehicles in a Mediterranean wetland area
Authors: Waterkeyn Aline , Vanschoenwinkel Bram , Elsen Sanne , Anton‐Pardo Maria , Grillas Patrick , Brendonck Luc 
Published: June 2010

AbstractSeveral human activities, such as actions for nature conservation, research and recreational activities, are closely associated with inland aquatic habitats that are usually considered as isolated island habitats. In this study, the possibility of unintentional dispersal of aquatic invertebrates among water bodies via footwear and motor vehicles was investigated.Mud samples collected from boots and from the tyres and wheel cases of cars used for field work by biologists (Camargue, Southern France) were hatched under laboratory conditions and also checked for the presence of unhatched propagules. A large number of organisms hatched and invertebrate propagules from a wide range of taxa were encountered (includingArtemia, freshwater large branchiopods, Cladocera, Ostracoda, Rotifera, Turbellaria, Nematoda, etc.). The results also demonstrated that different research groups tend to transport the aquatic invertebrates typical for their respective study systems.Human dispersal of aquatic invertebrates has been studied mainly on large continental scales, such as in the case of transoceanic transport via ballast water in ships. This study provides evidence that dispersal via footwear and motor vehicles may result in frequent dispersal of aquatic invertebrates on a local scale, and we presume also occasionally over longer distances. Given the rapid spread of invasive zooplankton species (e.g.Artemia franciscanaencountered in this study), we promote caution and recommend cleaning before transport of any equipment which comes in contact with water or aquatic sediment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.