Invasion success of a widespread invasive predator may be explained by a high predatory efficacy but may be influenced by pathogen infection

Invasive alien species (IAS) can drive community change through ecological interactions. Parasites and pathogens can play an important role in community function including mitigating or enhancing IAS impacts. Despite this, the degree to which pathogen pressure influences IAS impacts remains poorly understood. We quantified the predatory behaviour of the highly invasive alien harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and two UK native species, the 7-spot (Coccinella septempunctata) and 2-spot (Adalia bipunctata) ladybirds, using comparative functional response experiments. We investigated the impacts of pathogen infection on the predatory ability of the ladybirds by exposing individuals to Beauveria bassiana, a widespread entomopathogen. Invasive H. axyridis was a more efficient predator than both the native A. bipunctata and C. septempunctata, often having higher attack and/or lower prey handling time coefficients, whereas native A. bipunctata were the least efficient predators. These differences were found in both adult and larval life-stages. Beauveria bassiana infection significantly altered the predatory efficiency of adult and larval ladybird predators. The effects of pathogenic infection differed between species and life-stage but in many cases infection resulted in a reduced predatory ability. We suggest that the interactions between IAS and pathogens are integral to determining invasion success and impact

Invasion success of a widespread invasive predator may be explained by a high predatory efficacy but may be influenced by pathogen infection

Invasive alien species (IAS) can drive community change through ecological interactions. Parasites and pathogens can play an important role in community function including mitigating or enhancing IAS impacts. Despite this, the degree to which pathogen pressure influences IAS impacts remains poorly understood. We quantified the predatory behaviour of the highly invasive alien harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and two UK native species, the 7-spot (Coccinella septempunctata) and 2-spot (Adalia bipunctata) ladybirds, using comparative functional response experiments. We investigated the impacts of pathogen infection on the predatory ability of the ladybirds by exposing individuals to Beauveria bassiana, a widespread entomopathogen. Invasive H. axyridis was a more efficient predator than both the native A. bipunctata and C. septempunctata, often having higher attack and/or lower prey handling time coefficients, whereas native A. bipunctata were the least efficient predators. These differences were found in both adult and larval life-stages. Beauveria bassiana infection significantly altered the predatory efficiency of adult and larval ladybird predators. The effects of pathogenic infection differed between species and life-stage but in many cases infection resulted in a reduced predatory ability. We suggest that the interactions between IAS and pathogens are integral to determining invasion success and impact

Perceived influence and college students’ diet and physical activity behaviors: an examination of ego-centric social networks

Abstract Background Obesity is partially a social phenomenon, with college students particularly vulnerable to changes in social networks and obesity-related behaviors. Currently, little is known about the structure of social networks among college students and their potential influence on diet and physical activity behaviors. The purpose of the study was to examine social influences impacting college students’ diet and physical activity behaviors, including sources of influence, comparisons between sources’ and students’ behaviors, and associations with meeting diet and physical activity recommendations. Methods Data was collected from 40 students attending college in Hawaii. Participants completed diet and physical activity questionnaires and a name generator. Participants rated nominees’ influence on their diet and physical activity behaviors as well as compared nominees' behaviors to their own. Descriptive statistics were used to look at perceptions of influence across network groups. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between network variables and odds of meeting recommendations. Results A total of 325 nominations were made and included: family (n = 116), college friends (n = 104), high school friends (n = 87), and significant others (n = 18). Nearly half of participants were not from Hawaii. Significant others of non-Hawaii students were perceived to be the most influential (M(SD) = 9(1.07)) and high school friends the least influential (M(SD) = 1.31(.42)) network. Overall, perceived influence was highest for diet compared to physical activity, but varied based on comparisons with nominees’ behaviors. Significant others were most often perceived has having similar (44 %) or worse (39 %) eating behaviors than participants, and those with similar eating behaviors were perceived as most influential (M(SD) = 9.25(1.04)). Few associations were seen between network variables and odds of meeting recommendations. Conclusions Among the groups nominated, high school friends were perceived as least influential, especially among students who moved a long distance for college. Intervention strategies addressing perceived norms and using peer leaders may help promote physical activity among college students, while diet interventions may need to involve significant others in order to be successful. Testing of these types of intervention strategies and continued examination of social networks and their influences on diet and physical activity behaviors are needed

The Impact of Culinary Skills Training on the Dietary Attitudes and Behaviors of Children and Parents

Background: Summer camps can serve as a modality for dietary interventions. However, camp-based strategies that improve dietary behaviors of children are unclear. Poor diet disproportionately affects low-income and minority children, making the examination of camp-based dietary interventions an important focus. Purpose: To assess the impact of a camp\u27s culinary skills sessions on perceptions of child involvement in meal preparation and changes in attitudes and self-efficacy related to cooking. Methods: A mixed-methods design with quantitative pre–post assessments and interviews. Results: Parents positively received the program, especially lessons on kitchen safety. Participants and parents highlighted the camp\u27s focus on healthy eating as important. They also noted increases in participants\u27 enjoyment of cooking, willingness to try new foods, and culinary abilities. Quantitative data showed increases in participants\u27 frequency of involvement in home meal preparation and self-efficacy for culinary skills. Discussion: Incorporating hands-on, culinary training in a summer camp aimed at low-income, minority children was feasible and well accepted, and showed improvements in dietary behaviors. Future studies should focus on increasing parent involvement and incorporating take-home lessons. Translation to Health Education Practice: Hands-on, culinary skills training should be incorporated into camps aimed at dietary change to increase children\u27s self-efficacy and potentially influence home food environments

Examination of Associations between Physical Activity and Eating Identities among College-aged Adults Living in Hawai\u27i

While physical activity and diet behaviors are correlated, mechanisms underlying associations have rarely been examined. This study examined associations between physical activity identity and eating identity among college-aged adults in Hawai\u27i to provide guidance for future multiple behavior change interventions. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected between September 2013 and January 2014. Participants were 40 college students attending 4-year and 2-year institutions within the University of Hawai\u27i system. Total physical activity identity score and dimensions were measured using the Athlete Identity Questionnaire. Eating identity subtypes were measured using the Eating Identity Type Inventory. Associations between physical activity identity total score, 4 physical activity identity dimensions (appearance, importance, competence, and encouragement), and 4 eating identity subtypes (healthy, emotional, meat, and picky) were examined using multiple linear regressions. A significant positive association was found between total physical activity identity score and the healthy eating subtype and a negative association with the picky eating subtype. The physical activity dimension importance had a significant positive association with the healthy eating subtype, appearance a negative association with the emotional eating subtype, and competence a positive association with the meat eating subtype but a negative association with the picky eating subtype. The findings suggest important overlap in identities for physical activity and diet. Measurement of physical activity identity and eating identity as well as tailored intervention strategies should be incorporated into more behavior change research

Examination of Associations between Physical Activity and Eating Identities among College-aged Adults Living in Hawai'i.

While physical activity and diet behaviors are correlated, mechanisms underlying associations have rarely been examined. This study examined associations between physical activity identity and eating identity among college-aged adults in Hawai'i to provide guidance for future multiple behavior change interventions. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected between September 2013 and January 2014. Participants were 40 college students attending 4-year and 2-year institutions within the University of Hawai'i system. Total physical activity identity score and dimensions were measured using the Athlete Identity Questionnaire. Eating identity subtypes were measured using the Eating Identity Type Inventory. Associations between physical activity identity total score, 4 physical activity identity dimensions (appearance, importance, competence, and encouragement), and 4 eating identity subtypes (healthy, emotional, meat, and picky) were examined using multiple linear regressions. A significant positive association was found between total physical activity identity score and the healthy eating subtype and a negative association with the picky eating subtype. The physical activity dimension importance had a significant positive association with the healthy eating subtype, appearance a negative association with the emotional eating subtype, and competence a positive association with the meat eating subtype but a negative association with the picky eating subtype. The findings suggest important overlap in identities for physical activity and diet. Measurement of physical activity identity and eating identity as well as tailored intervention strategies should be incorporated into more behavior change research

Fit with Faith: An Exploratory Study Examining a Behavior Change Intervention for African-American Clergy and Their Spouses

Fit with Faith is a 10-week, diet, physical activity, and stress reduction intervention for African-American clergy and spouses, which included: meetings, phone calls, a behavior tracking app. Survey, 24-h recall, accelerometer, anthropometric, and blood pressure data were collected. Wilcoxon signed ranked tests were used for analyses. In this one-arm study, clergy and spouses (n = 20) attended most meetings and calls, but only half posted daily goals or tracked behaviors using the app. Spouses’ body mass index (BMI) decreased and physical activity self-regulation cognitive scores increased pre-post intervention. Statistically significant changes in BMI, systolic blood pressure, and self-regulations scores also were seen among younger (\u3c 51 years) participants (n = 8). As positive changes were seen mostly among women and younger participants, more research is needed on how to engage all clergy in behavior change programs

Filling the Gaps: The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Addressing the Health Needs of Today’s Latino Communities

Research on the acceptability of faith-based health promotion programs by Latino communities in the Bible Belt is limited. This study examined the needs, barriers, and facilitators related to such programs in Memphis, TN. Thirty Latino community members and ten faith leaders participated in focus groups and in-depth interviews, respectively. Health needs identified included diet, dental care, and screenings, while barriers included cost, education, lack of prevention-seeking behaviors, and need for Spanish language services. Faith leaders were aware of more health resources than community members. Despite being receptive and acknowledging the need for faith-based programs aimed at prevention and filling healthcare gaps, concerns regarding the influence of religious doctrine on health interventions were expressed by members of both groups. Faith leaders, practitioners, and community members must work together to overcome barriers related to trust and health behavior norms