bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental and Policy Factors Associated with Overweight among Adults in Missouri
Authors: Catlin Tegan K. , Simoes Eduardo J. , Brownson Ross C. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To measure the association between environmental and policy factors (i.e., community perceptions, community infrastructure, and worksite infrastructure) and being overweight. Design. Cross-sectional data from the Missouri Cardiovascular Disease Survey, a one-time random-digit–dialed telephone interview of noninstitutionalized adults. Setting. Missouri, 1999 to 2000. Subjects. The response rate was 69.6%. A total of 2821 adults completed the interview. The sample was weighted to represent the population of Missouri: 52% female, 71% white, and 59% overweight. Measures. The survey comprised 92 closed-ended multiple-choice items. Overweight was defined as a body mass index greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 on the basis of self-reported height and weight. Results. After adjustment for demographic and behavioral factors, environmental variables associated with being overweight included negative (i.e., unsafe and unpleasant) community perceptions (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 2.3) and the absence of outdoor exercise facilities (OR = 1.2; CI = 1.0, 1.5). Worksite policy variables were not related to the outcome; however, negative community perceptions (OR = 2.8; CI = 1.5, 5.2) and the absence of sidewalks and shoulders (OR = 1.7; CI = 1.3, 2.4) were associated with overweight among employed persons. Conclusions. An ecological perspective, focusing on the physical and social environment, was adopted to address the subject of overweight and obesity. Results of this study show that negative perceptions of the physical environment and the absence of enabling infrastructure are modestly associated with overweight, in comparison with other known risk factors. Environmental and policy interventions that promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging physical activity and healthy eating may have an effect on reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Applying the Transtheoretical Model to Pregnancy and STD Prevention: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Horowitz Stephen M. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To conduct a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and pregnancy and STD prevention. Data Sources. Computer database search (Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts [ASSIA], Biological Abstracts, Criminal Justice Abstracts, CINAHL-Allied Health, Current Contents, Current Index to Journals in Education, Education Index, ERIC, Excerpta Medica, Family Index, Index Medicus, Medline, Multicultural Education Abstracts, PsychInfo, Psychological Abstracts, Research Alert, Social Science Citation Index, Social Work Abstracts, and Sociological Abstracts), and manual journal search. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. All English, peer-reviewed, original articles on the TTM as it relates to pregnancy and STD prevention published prior to December 31, 2001, were included. Editorials, commentaries, theses/dissertations, unpublished studies, technical reports, and books were not included. Data Extraction Methods. Articles were categorized as Intervention, Population (stage distribution), or Validation studies. Within each category, articles were subdivided into groups, summarized, and analyzed. Data Synthesis. The 32 articles reviewed included 9 intervention studies, 11 population studies, and 12 validation studies. Studies represented a variety of U.S. populations of a broad demographic range. Evidence both for and against criterion-related and construct validity of the TTM was found. Major Conclusions. Age, partner type, gender, reasons for engaging in safer sex behaviors (i.e., pregnancy vs. disease prevention), self-efficacy, sexual assertiveness, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of condom use were related to stage of change. The use of the TTM to reduce risk of pregnancy and STDs is a relatively new, but important, area of research. However, because of the wide-ranging differences in methodologies and samples, no strong conclusions about its effectiveness can yet be made.
A 2-Year Stage of Change Evaluation of Dietary Fat and Fruit and Vegetable Intake Behaviors of Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients
Authors: Frame C. Jeffrey , Green Claudia G. , Herr David G. , Taylor Martha L. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To track the 2-year movement of cardiac rehabilitation patients through the stages of change for dietary fat reduction and increasing fruit and vegetable intake. Design. A cross-sectional, longitudinal evaluation of a convenience sample of cardiac rehabilitation patients. Setting. Department of Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Greensboro, North Carolina. Subjects. Subjects (n = 118) were predominately white, overweight, married men with a history of tobacco use. Intervention. Group nutrition education sessions for 12 weeks. Measures. Stage of change assessments for dietary fat reduction and increasing fruit and vegetable intake were performed at the start (baseline), conclusion (3 months), and 2 years after cardiac rehabilitation. Results. Baseline staging demonstrated patients' efforts to reduce dietary fat intake (preparation, 10.2%; action, 35.6%; maintenance, 47.5%). The assessment at 2 years staged 87.3% of the population in the maintenance stage. In contrast, the precontemplation (30.0%), contemplation (7.6%), and preparation (49.2%) stages dominated baseline staging for modifying fruit and vegetable intake. Patients in the precontemplation and contemplation stages increased to 58.5% at 2 years. Conclusions. Cardiac rehabilitation patients are in different stages for two food behaviors linked to the same illness. Results support the appropriateness of nutrition education that emphasizes instrumental information for affecting fat reduction behaviors. Modifying fruit and vegetable intake behaviors is more appropriately addressed with noninstrumental interventions that emphasize health benefits and barriers to change.
Using Self-Efficacy and a Transtheoretical Model to Develop a Physical Activity Intervention for Obese Women
Authors: Dallow Cindy Byfield , Anderson Jennifer 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To assess the effectiveness of applying behavior change theory to a physical activity intervention for obese, sedentary women. Design. A 48-week randomized controlled trial. Subjects were randomized to one of two intervention groups. Setting. A university classroom and a local health club. Subjects. Fifty-eight sedentary, obese women. Interventions. A 24-week theory-based physical activity program that aims to change the way subjects think and behave in relation to physical activity (treatment group, n = 29) and a traditionally structured exercise program (control group, n = 29). Measures. Questionnaires on physical activity, stage of change, processes of change, and self-efficacy were completed at baseline, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks. Results. Twenty-seven of the 29 participants in the treatment group and 17 participants in the control group completed the study. Analysis of variance revealed significant and positive changes in measures of eight processes of change, self-efficacy, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in the treatment group at 24 weeks. All but one of these changes were maintained at 48 weeks. In the control group, significant changes occurred in only two processes of change, and no change occurred in self-efficacy, physical activity, or cardiorespiratory fitness at 24 or 48 weeks. Conclusion. A theory-based intervention is more likely to change the way obese women think and behave in relation to physical activity than a traditional exercise program that does not incorporate behavior change theory.
Correlates of Employees' Perceptions of a Healthy Work Environment
Authors: Lowe Graham S. , Schellenberg Grant , Shannon Harry S. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. This study analyzed correlates of workers' perceptions of the extent to which their work environment is healthy and how these perceptions influence job satisfaction, employee commitment, workplace morale, absenteeism, and intent to quit. Design. One-time cross-sectional telephone survey. Setting. Canadian employees in 2000. Subjects. A randomly chosen, nationally representative sample of 2500 employed respondents, using a household sampling frame. The response rate was 39.2%. Self-employed individuals were excluded, leaving a subsample of 2112 respondents. Measures. The dependent variable was the response to the item, “The work environment is healthy” (5-point strongly agree–strongly disagree Likert scale). Independent variables used in bivariate and ordinary least-squares regression analyses included sociodemographic characteristics, employment status, organizational characteristics, and scales that measured job demands, intrinsic rewards, extrinsic rewards, communication/social support, employee influence, and job resources. Perceptions of a healthy work environment were related to job satisfaction, commitment, morale (measured on a 5-point scale), number of self-reported absenteeism days in the past 12 months, and whether or not the respondent had looked for a job with another employer in the past 12 months. Results. The strongest correlate of a healthy work environment was a scale of good communication and social support (beta = .27). The next strongest was a job demands scale (beta = –.15.) Employees in self-rated healthier work environments had significantly ( p < 0.01) higher job satisfaction, commitment and morale, and lower absenteeism and intent to quit. Conclusions. The study supports a comprehensive model of workplace health that targets working conditions, work relationships, and workplace organization for health promotion interventions.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity in Perth, Australia
Authors: Giles-Corti Billie , Macintyre Sally , Clarkson Johanna P. , Pikora Terro , Donovan Robert J. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To examine associations between environmental and lifestyle factors and overweight or obesity. Design. A cross-sectional survey and an environmental scan of recreational facilities. Setting. Metropolitan Perth, Western Australia. Subjects. Healthy sedentary workers and homemakers aged 18 to 59 years (n = 1803) living in areas within the top and bottom quintiles of social disadvantage. Measures. Four lifestyle factors, one social environmental factor, and five physical environment factors (three objectively measured). Results. After adjustment for demographic factors and other variables in the model, overweight was associated with living on a highway (odds ratio [OR], 4.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62–11.09) or streets with no sidewalks or sidewalks on one side only (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03–1.78) and perceiving no paths within walking distance (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.08–1.86). Poor access to four or more recreational facilities (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.11–2.55) and sidewalks (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, .98–2.68) and perceiving no shop within walking distance (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.01–3.36) were associated with obesity. Conversely, access to a motor vehicle all the time was negatively associated with obesity (OR, .56; 95% CI, .32–.99). Watching 3 or more hours of television daily (ORs, 1.92 and 1.85, respectively) and rating oneself as less active than others (ORs, 1.66 and 4.05, respectively) were associated with both overweight and obesity. After adjustment for individual demographic factors and all other variables in the model, socioeconomic status of area of residence and leisure-time physical activity were not associated with overweight or obesity. Conclusion. Factors that influence overweight and obesity appear to differ, but aspects of the physical environment may be important. Objectively measured neighborhood environment factors warrant further investigation.
Smoking Cessation Attempts in Relation to Prior Health Care Charges: The Effect of Antecedent Smoking-Related Symptoms?
Authors: Martinson Brian C. , O'Connor Patrick J. , Pronk Nicolaas P. , Rolnick Sharon J. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. We hypothesize that elevated charges among former smokers reflect differential cessation of sicker individuals. We ascertained the relationship between prior health care charges and time to smoking cessation. Design. Prospective, observational study using panel survey data and administrative health plan records. Setting. A large managed care organization in Minnesota. Subjects. A stratified random sample of 8000 health plan members 40 years and older, yielding 611 current smokers at baseline. Measures. Smoking cessation measured via self-report survey. Health care charges, mortality, and disenrollment data derived from automated health plan databases. Results. Among smoking adults without chronic disease diagnoses at baseline, a first attempt at quitting smoking was positively associated with the presence of any inpatient charges (relative risk [RR], 1.9; p < .05) or any emergency department or urgent care charges (RR, 1.4; p < .10). We also observed positive associations between total charges and ambulatory charges in the top tertile (RR, 1.5 and 1.6, respectively; p < .05) with a first attempt at quitting smoking, further suggesting graded relationships. Among smoking adults with one or more of four chronic disease diagnoses at baseline, being in the top two tertiles of total charges or ambulatory care charges was predictive of a subsequent attempt at quitting smoking. Conclusions. Higher health care charges, particularly from ambulatory (primary care clinic) settings, predicted smoking cessation among both individuals with and without chronic diseases. These charges may be proxies for other factors, such as smoking-related symptoms or physician advice or messaging regarding smoking cessation.
10 - Capitalist Globalisation and the Role of the International Community in Resource Conflicts in Africa
Authors: Amuwo Adekunle 
Published: November 2011

The principal thesis of this paper is that under contemporary capitalist globalisation, the so-called international community constitutes more of the problem than the solution in the continent’s resource and allied conflicts. We argue that the geo-strategic and geo-political interests of major western and other powers and the transnational capitalist class (TCC), which tend to defend and enhance these interests, have over the past several decades either been the root cause of resource con- flicts on the African continent or have fuelled, exacerbated and pro- longed them. The almost devotional attitude of the continent’s ruling elites to the values and institutions of capitalist globalisation – and its resultant unequal distribution of the gains and pains of market reforms – have equally contributed to resource conflicts. While there is a complex interplay between internal and external factors and actors, on-balance external causation has, by far, dwarfed internal explanations of con- flicts. African societies and peoples have thus suffered an unmitigated internationalisation, exploitation and pillage of their rich tropical hard- wood, gems, mineral and oil resources. The paper proposes a strategic coalition of victims of capitalist globalisation and capitalist militarisation in Africa and elsewhere (nations, societies, communities and peoples) to systematically confront and oppose the most invidious rocess that has turned Africa’s resource blessing into resource burden.
Near Field Communication-based telemonitoring with integrated ECG recordings
Authors: Kumpusch H. , Hayn D. , Leitner M. , Scherr D. , Fruhwald F.M. , Schreier G. , Morak J. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryObjective: Telemonitoring of vital signs is an established option in treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). In order to allow for early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) which is highly prevalent in the CHF population telemonitoring programs should include electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. It was therefore the aim to extend our current home monitoring system based on mobile phones and Near Field Communication technology (NFC) to enable patients acquiring their ECG signals autonomously in an easy-to-use way.Methods: We prototypically developed a sensing device for the concurrent acquisition of blood pressure and ECG signals. The design of the device equipped with NFC technology and Bluetooth allowed for intuitive interaction with a mobile phone based patient terminal. This ECG monitoring system was evaluated in the course of a clinical pilot trial to assess the system’s technical feasibility, usability and patient’s adherence to twice daily usage.Results: 21 patients (4f, 54 ± 14 years) suffering from CHF were included in the study and were asked to transmit two ECG recordings per day via the telemonitoring system autonomously over a monitoring period of seven days. One patient dropped out from the study. 211 data sets were transmitted over a cumulative monitoring period of 140 days (overall adherence rate 82.2%). 55% and 8% of the transmitted ECG signals were sufficient for ventricular and atrial rhythm assessment, respectively.Conclusion: Although ECG signal quality has to be improved for better AF detection the developed communication design of joining Bluetooth and NFC technology in our telemonitoring system allows for ambulatory ECG acquisition with high adherence rates and system usability in heart failure patients.
Current Collecting Grids for ITO‐Free Solar Cells
Authors: Galagan Yulia , Zimmermann Birger , Coenen Erica W.C. , Jørgensen Mikkel , Tanenbaum David M. , Krebs Frederik C. , Gorter Harrie , Sabik Sami , Slooff Lenneke H. , Veenstra Sjoerd C. , Kroon Jan M. , Andriessen Ronn 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIndium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) free polymer solar cells prepared by ink jet printing a composite front electrode comprising silver grid lines and a semitransparent PEDOT:PSS conductor are demonstrated. The effect of grid line density is explored for a large series of devices and a careful modeling study enabling the identification of the most rational grid structure is presented. Both optical and light beam induced current (LBIC) mapping of the devices are used to support the power loss model and to follow the evolution of the performance over time. Current generation is found to be evenly distributed over the active area initially progressing to a larger graduation in areas with different performance. Over time coating defects also become much more apparent in the LBIC images.
Dump truck‐related deaths in construction, 1992–2007
Authors: McCann Michael , Cheng Mei‐Tai 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundDump trucks are universally used in construction and other industries to haul materials to the location and to remove waste materials.MethodsThe source for dump truck‐related fatality data was the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) Research File.ResultsFrom 1992 to 2007, 829 construction workers were killed in dump truck‐related incidents nationwide. Of those, 336 were dump truck operators with 215 deaths occurring in street and highway incidents. Another 343 deaths involved workers on foot, three‐quarters struck by dump trucks. Sixty‐four of the construction workers killed were maintaining dump trucks, 22 when caught between the truck frame and a falling dump truck bed. Of the 86 other deaths, 55 involved streets and highways.ConclusionsRecommendations include: (i) improving the reporting of seat belt usage in fatality reports; (ii) requiring use of seat belts; (iii) requiring the use of backup alarms, spotters, or other methods to alert dump truck operators to workers in their blind spots; (iv) prohibiting direct dumping at river banks and embankments; (v) using cameras or radar to enforce stopping at railway crossings; and (xi) enforcing worker safety practices (e.g., lockout/tagout procedures on elevated dump truck beds). Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:450–457, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymeric Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a Heterogeneous Organocatalyst: From Photochemistry to Multipurpose Catalysis to Sustainable Chemistry
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Xinchen , Antonietti Markus 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPolymeric graphitic carbon nitride materials (for simplicity: g‐C3N4) have attracted much attention in recent years because of their similarity to graphene. They are composed of C, N, and some minor H content only. In contrast to graphenes, g‐C3N4is a medium‐bandgap semiconductor and in that role an effective photocatalyst and chemical catalyst for a broad variety of reactions. In this Review, we describe the “polymer chemistry” of this structure, how band positions and bandgap can be varied by doping and copolymerization, and how the organic solid can be textured to make it an effective heterogenous catalyst. g‐C3N4and its modifications have a high thermal and chemical stability and can catalyze a number of “dream reactions”, such as photochemical splitting of water, mild and selective oxidation reactions, and—as a coactive catalytic support—superactive hydrogenation reactions. As carbon nitride is metal‐free as such, it also tolerates functional groups and is therefore suited for multipurpose applications in biomass conversion and sustainable chemistry.
Poly‐D, L‐lactide and levofloxacin‐blended beads: A sustained local releasing system to treat osteomyelitis
Authors: Cao Hong , Chen Liao‐bin , Liu Yan‐song , Xiu Han , Wang Hui 
Published: November 2011

AbstractOsteomyelitis is the inflammation of bone which is treated by a high dose of antibiotics given intravenously for 4–6 weeks. However, at present locally administered antibiotic such as gentamicin poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bead is nonbiodegradable and a secondary surgery is often inevitable. This study described the biodegradable material poly‐D, L‐lactide (PLA) with 80 kDa molecular weight that could be used as a potential antibiotic carrier for local drug release. PLA was first dissolved in tetrahydrofuran followed by blending with levofloxacin (LFX) in a physical way. The blend was then molded into beads. The optimized weight ratio between PLA and LFX was designated as 45 : 15. Glass transition temperature and surface ultramicrostructure of the beads were measured. In vitro tests of drug release and bacteriostasis demonstrated that the PLA–LFX beads released high concentrations of antibiotic for the period of time (i.e., 6 weeks), which is needed to treat bone infection. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation of poly(L‐lactide) microparticles by a supercritical antisolvent process with a mixed solvent
Authors: Chen Chang , Zhan Shiping , Zhang Miaomiao , Liu Zhijun , Li Zhiyi 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPoly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) microparticles were prepared by a supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process with a mixed solvent. Five factors, namely, the molar percentage of acetone, pressure, temperature, flow rate, and concentration of the solution, were optimized by a four‐level orthogonal array design. By analysis of variance, the concentration of the solution showed a significant effect on the PLLA microparticle size. The effects of the mixed solvent (dichloromethane/acetone) at different mixing ratios, pressures, and temperatures on the morphology of the PLLA microparticles were also investigated. The thermal properties of PLLA before and after the SAS process were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicate that the molar percentage of acetone had a significant effect on the morphology of the PLLA microparticles. The microparticles prepared with the mixed solvent were much smaller than those prepared with dichloromethane alone under the same conditions. Furthermore, the particle size distribution was more uniform in the case of the mixed solvent. The particle size decreased with increasing pressure, whereas it showed no significant change with increasing temperature. The results also show that the thermal properties of PLLA could be improved through the SAS process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012