New chromosome number records of South African Oxalis species

Chromosome numbers of only 49 Oxalis L. taxa have been published to date, of which just 23 represent southern African taxa. Chromosome counts for the follOW ing southern African taxa are recorded here for the first time: O. bifida Thunb., O. hirta L. var. tubiflora Salter and O. semiloba Sond A third record for O. truncatula Jacq is also presented here Two previous counts for th is species have been published, one revealing a tetraploid and the other a hexaploid condition. All four taxa Included here have a basic chromosome number of x = 7, O. bifida and O. truncatula are both diploid, whereas O. hirta var. tubiflora and O. semiloba were both found to be tetraploid. The diploid form of O. truneatula found here completes a polyploid series (2x, 4x and 6x) in this species. It is concluded that karyological data can greaUy aid our understanding of the massive diversification and speciation of Oxalis in southern Africa Further cytological studies are recommende

Inter-Observer Reliability for Large Exotic Felids

The objective of this study was to determine and refine the inter-observer reliability scores before a large exotic felid enrichment study was conducted in a zoological setting. Three felids housed at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium were used. An ethogram was adapted from previously published felid work. Three behavioral measures were compared; active, inactive and other. A total of 6 female observers were used. One trainer (Observer 1 = control) who had one year of behavioral research experience with large exotic felids was responsible for observer training prior to study commencement. To test for inter-observer reliability, three 10 minute videos were viewed (sessions 1 through 3). All observers independently reviewed these videos. Each observer scored the felids using a one minute scan sampling technique. For each session there were 10 data points collected per observer or 30 data points per observer over the three training sessions. Data will be presented descriptively. There were two data points from observer 5 that differed from Observer 1 (control). There was one data point from Observer 6 that differed from Observer 1 (control). Therefore, 177 / 180 data points were in agreement between Observer 1 (control) and observers 2 through 6. This resulted in an overall inter-observer agreement of \u3e 98% before the experiment began. In conclusion, when using multiple observers for a behavioral study it is critical to have highly skilled individuals so that the data collected is accurate so that any treatment effects can be determined

Individual and Family Correlates of Adolescents\u27 Sexual Behavior: Multiethnic Findings

The purpose of this study was to examine correlates of adolescent sexual activity, including age of first date, family composition, clarity of long term goals, and maternal and paternal views about premarital sex. There were 672 males and females, three races/ethnicities, both urban and suburban settings, and socioeconomic diversity. Sexual behavior was most related to parental views about premarital sex, adolescents’ own values toward premarital sex, clarity of adolescents’ long term goals, and the age when adolescents first learned about sexual intercourse. Important implications for sex education are discussed. Potential intervention variations by gender and race/ethnicity should be considered

The Impact of Future Orientation on the Avoidance of Teen Pregnancy

This study explores the relationship between future orientation and teens’ attitudes about pregnancy and avoidance behaviors. Participants were 91 adolescents, ages 15-19, surveyed using measures developed for this study that examined future orientation, attitudes to avoiding pregnancy, child-rearing responsibility, and perceptions about teen parenting. The results suggested that finishing high school was important in predicting a desire to avoid pregnancy. The perception that a teen pregnancy would make it difficult to achieve post-high school educational goals, specifically a college education, was also found to be important. Implications for school counselors and mental health professionals are discussed. Issues specific to non college-bound students are addressed

Newcomers to the Nebraska Panhandle: Why Did They Move Here?

Key Findings • New residents rated the high cost of living and urban congestion as the top reasons for leaving their previous community. • The top rated reasons newcomers move to their current communities involve community quality of life amenities: to find a simpler pace of life, to find a less congested place to live, and to be closer to relatives. Other reasons for moving to the Panhandle include the decreased cost of living, the quality of the natural environment and to find a higher paying job. • Families cite the better environment in which to raise children and better quality schools as reasons for moving to the Panhandle. • Job-related considerations are important factors in the decision to move, but community quality of life amenities can be the factors that ultimately lead persons to choose to move to the Nebraska Panhandle

Newcomers to the Nebraska Panhandle: Why Did They Move Here?

Key Findings • New residents rated the high cost of living and urban congestion as the top reasons for leaving their previous community. • The top rated reasons newcomers move to their current communities involve community quality of life amenities: to find a simpler pace of life, to find a less congested place to live, and to be closer to relatives. Other reasons for moving to the Panhandle include the decreased cost of living, the quality of the natural environment and to find a higher paying job. • Families cite the better environment in which to raise children and better quality schools as reasons for moving to the Panhandle. • Job-related considerations are important factors in the decision to move, but community quality of life amenities can be the factors that ultimately lead persons to choose to move to the Nebraska Panhandle

Newcomers to the Nebraska Panhandle: How Do We Keep Them Here?

Key Findings • Most new residents considered other locations before choosing their current location. • Most new residents view their new communities as friendly, trusting, and supportive. • Many new residents are involved in their new community, but are not as engaged as they were in their previous community. • Many new residents are either not planning to stay in their current community or aren’t sure of their plans. • Younger persons are more likely than older persons to be planning to leave or to be unsure of their plans. • The feeling of belonging in the community has the strongest relationship with the expectation of staying in the community

Comparative validation of the IPAQ and the 7-Day PAR among women diagnosed with breast cancer

BACKGROUND: The criterion-related validity and measurement bias of the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was compared to the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall (PAR). METHODS: Participants were women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and enrolled in the ongoing Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study. Women (N = 159, average age 57 years) wore an accelerometer for one week and then completed the IPAQ or the PAR. RESULTS: The validity correlation of the PAR was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the IPAQ (0.73 vs. 0.33, respectively). The PAR and IPAQ overestimated total physical activity by 13% vs. 247%, respectively. The PAR had better sensitivity (p = 0.14) and specificity (p < .01) than the IPAQ (100% vs. 71% and 84% vs. 59%, respectively) in predicting attainment of the ACSM physical activity guideline. CONCLUSION: The PAR was superior to the IPAQ in terms of validity, measurement bias, and screening statistics

Newcomers to the Nebraska Panhandle: How Do We Keep Them Here?

Key Findings • Most new residents considered other locations before choosing their current location. • Most new residents view their new communities as friendly, trusting, and supportive. • Many new residents are involved in their new community, but are not as engaged as they were in their previous community. • Many new residents are either not planning to stay in their current community or aren’t sure of their plans. • Younger persons are more likely than older persons to be planning to leave or to be unsure of their plans. • The feeling of belonging in the community has the strongest relationship with the expectation of staying in the community

Community Recruitment and Retention of New Residents: A Study Using a Market Assessment Process

In declining population regions, such as much of the rural Great Plains, many rural communities are competing for both employment opportunities and people to fill the work-force needs. While the former (jobs) has been traditionally emphasized in community development efforts, it is increasingly evident that new resident recruitment and retention is just as critical, if not more, to community sustainability. As part of a larger study of new resident migration into Nebraska’s Panhandle region, the purpose of this study was to explore new resident recruitment and retention patterns perceptions and development strategies from both sides of the market—the demand side (new residents) and the supply/provider side (communities marketing themselves as a desirable places to live). Using an iterative Delphi survey process of community practitioners, with input fed into the analysis from new-resident focus group findings, we were able to assess current market performance in terms of the relative effectiveness of new-resident recruitment and retention programs and draw implications for future improvement