157 research outputs found

    Debe ser dirigida: Theories of community organizing for research management in the context of rural Ecuador

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    This research analysis and literature review discusses the factors that mobilize individuals to take an active role in community-led resource management. After reviewing major contemporary theories of resource management such as Elinor Ostrom\u27s polycentric theory, CPR theories, and Arnstein\u27s ladder, the essay then applies these theories to the context of the Quijos Valley in Ecuador, where the author conducted informal interviews with community members both involved and not-involved in managing fragile soil ecosystems. The literature review considers the idea that individuals are more likely to take an active role in research management when there are strong community bonds, and highlights the importance of considering post-colonial and cultural perspectives when discussing the barriers to participation in resource management

    Sedentary behavior-inducing randomized control intervention on various health-related outcomes in active, young adults

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    An expansive body of literature has established the positive effects of physical activity on a number of health-related outcomes, including chronic disease prevention (both physiological and psychological). In addition to growing information regarding the benefits of physical activity, recent research has suggested the need to focus future studies on the effects of sedentary behavior (independent of physical activity) on one’s wellbeing. The majority of existing research on sedentary behavior, however, has used cross-sectional study designs. The few experimental studies on sedentary behavior have primarily focused on minimizing prolonged sedentary behavior among inactive individuals, rather than inducing sedentary behavior. We hypothesized that if indeed there is an independent causal relationship between prolonged sedentary behavior and worse health-related parameters, increasing sedentary behavior among ‘active’ individuals should similarly induce negative changes in these parameters. The purpose of this study was to build upon the existing body of sedentary behavior literature by examining the effects of a one-week sedentary behavior intervention (where sedentary behavior was increased) on cognitive function, sleep, and mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, mood and quality of life). Participants confirmed to be active (i.e., acquiring 150 min/week of physical activity) via self-report and accelerometry were randomly assigned into a sedentary behavior intervention group (n = 26) or a control group (n = 13). For one week, the intervention group eliminated exercise and minimized steps to ?5000 steps/day whereas the control group continued normal physical activity levels. Both groups completed various cognitive tests, as well as a comprehensive survey assessing sleep, life satisfaction, anxiety, depression, and mood, both pre and post-intervention. The intervention group resumed normal physical activity levels for one week post-intervention and then completed the survey once more. Significant group x time interaction effects were observed in all health outcomes with the exception of cognitive function. In conclusion, a one-week sedentary behavior-inducing intervention has deleterious effects on sleep, life satisfaction, anxiety, depression, and mood in an active, young adult population. To promote and maintain desirable levels of these health outcomes among active individuals, consistent regular physical activity may be necessary

    SPINY AMARANTH CONTROL AND AMINOPYRALID PERSISTENCE IN KENTUCKY PASTURES

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    Spiny amaranth is a problematic weed of heavily grazed pastures in Kentucky and surrounding states. The first objective was to evaluate spiny amaranth control when herbicides are applied before and after emergence. Spiny amaranth seed collected in 2008 were seeded in rows in the fall (November) and the following spring (March) in fields located near Lexington and Princeton, KY. Treatments consisted of five application dates and five herbicides plus an untreated control arranged in a split-split plot design. The following parameters were measured: fresh weight, plant height and percent visual control. At both locations pendimethalin applied in November, March and April before spiny amaranth emergence gave the greatest control and significantly reduced fresh weight biomass compared to other treatments. June applications of 2,4-D reduced plant height and provided 80 control. Fresh weight biomass and height were also reduced with dicamba, aminopyralid and aminocyclopyrachlor applied in June compared to pendimethalin and the untreated control. A soybean bioassay was conducted to measure soil dissipation of aminopyralid, a common pasture herbicide active ingredient. Soil samples were collected from two sites in Lexington and Princeton. During a season of above average rainfall aminopyralid had dissipated from the soil within 16 weeks at Lexington and by 4 weeks at Princeton

    Pilot Experimentation of the Accuracy of Accelerometer Activity Count-Derived Breaks in Sedentary Time

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    Introduction: The purpose of this study was toconduct a pilot experimentation of the accuracy of the ActiGraph GT9X model in detecting breaks from sedentary behavior. Methods: Participants completed six transitional-based sedentary break activities while wearing an ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer. Data were processed using both the default filter and low-frequency extension filter. Direct observation was used as the criterion to observe a break in sedentary behavior. Trial 1 included the transition from sitting to standing; trial 2, sitting to walking for 30 sec; trial 3, sitting to walking for 1 min; trial 4, standing to walking for 30 sec; trial 5, standing to walking for 1 min; and trial 6, standing to sitting. Results: For both the default and low-frequency filter, the accelerometer only detected a break 10% of the time for trial 1. Accuracy was also low (<40%) for trial 6. However, accuracy was perfect (100%) for trials 2-5. Conclusion: The ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer was inaccurate in detecting a sedentary break when transitioning from a sitting to standing position but was accurate for other transitional shifts

    A cognitive-behavioral group intervention for parents of youth with chronic pain: Development, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness.

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    Background: Caregiving for a youth with chronic pain is associated with unique stressors. Parents can play important roles for youth coping and functional outcomes, although parents often report uncertainty about how to support their youth and may benefit from learning evidence-based strategies. However, few parent-targeted interventions for pediatric chronic pain exist, particularly delivered within a group format. Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the development of a parent-targeted group intervention within an outpatient interdisciplinary pediatric chronic pain clinic and to assess preliminary feasibility and effectiveness. Method: The development and content of the intervention are described in detail. Feasibility was assessed via enrollment, attendance, and attrition. Effectiveness was assessed via parent self-reported responses to pain and psychological flexibility (PF) before and after treatment. Results: Seventy parents consented and participated in the 5-week group intervention (2 hr/session). Preliminary results demonstrated adequate feasibility, with attendance rates at 61.4% and attrition rates at 24.3%. After treatment, there were significant moderate- to large-sized decreases in 3 of 4 parent behaviors assessed (protectiveness, monitoring, minimizing) and large-sized increases in PF. Conclusions: This group intervention for parents can produce positive changes in self-reported parent behavior and PF and may be a feasible way to intervene within an outpatient interdisciplinary setting. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved

    The Impact of Sleep Quality Combined with Physical Activity on Autonomic Function (24-hour HRV) in College Students

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    Long-term poor sleep quality is associated with health outcomes that can lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Both cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity (PA) are associated with improvements in autonomic function and heart rate variability (HRV). Markers of fitness and sleep were explored to determine the degree of contribution to autonomic dysfunction. A total of 15 subjects, (age = 20.6±0.5; BMI = 23.9±1.0) completed 7 days of physical activity and sleep assessment via accelerometry. Participants then completed a graded exercise test to determine cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), followed by a 24-H HRV measurement. HRV through LF:HF ratio was negatively associated with moderate physical activity (MPA) (4.6% ± 0.7), percent in MPA, total moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and percentage spent in MVPA (2.6 ± 0.4 vs. 4.1 ± 1.7, p = 0.04). Students that obtained less than 7 hours of sleep tended to participate in lighter intensities of physical activity (333.6 ± 71.1 vs. 261.5 ± 68.3). Individuals that obtained more than 7 hours of sleep spent more time in vigorous exercise (3.2 ± 3.1 vs. 6.7 ± 4.5). Having a lower HRV status is associated with less time participating in MVPA. This demonstrates the importance of MVPA written for the general population and should be applied to college students, especially those that may lack proper sleep

    Experimental effects of brief, single bouts of walking and meditation on mood profile in young adults

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    Background: To examine the effects of an acute bout of aerobic exercise and meditation on mood state among young adults. Methods: Participants (N= 66, mean age = 21.3 years) were randomly assigned to walk,meditate, or sit (control) for 10 minutes. Participants’ mood state was monitored before and after the intervention using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. Results: Significant group x time interaction effects were observed for the POMS composite scores (P=0.05). When evaluating three POMS sub scales separately (depression/dejection,anger/hostility, and fatigue/inertia), only fatigue/inertia was found to have a significant group x time effect (P=0.04). Post hoc paired t tests revealed that fatigue/inertia sub scale scores significantly decreased from baseline to post-intervention in both the exercise (P=0.03) and meditation (P<0.001) groups. However, POMS composite scores decreased significantly in the meditation group (P<0.001) but not in the exercise group (P=0.10). Conclusion: A 10-minute bout of brisk walking and meditation both improved mood state,when compared to an inactive control group. A single bout of brisk walking or meditation may offer suitable strategies to improve mood state among young adults

    Somatic Symptom Disorder, Conversion Disorder, and Chronic Pain: Pediatric Clinician Perspectives

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    Objectives: The appropriateness and relevance of somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) diagnoses are in question as they relate to pediatric chronic pain. This survey-based study on pediatric chronic pain explores how these psychiatric diagnoses are made and perceived and how treatment of patients is approached by Canadian health care professionals working in pediatric chronic pain clinics. Method: Health care professionals (N = 50) completed the survey, which contained both qualitative and quantitative items. Results: Of participants, 88% reported moderate/advanced training in pain, whereas only 26% reported moderate/advanced training in somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder. Somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder were reportedly diagnosed in approximately 17% and 5% of young people with chronic pain, respectively; however, overall, the participants were not confident or only slightly confident when diagnosing these disorders. There were no major differences in the reported interventions used to treat pain, somatic symptom disorder, or conversion disorder. Conclusions: These results highlight the need for standardized training in pain and psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment; diagnostic guidelines; and how to best provide this training to health care staff who work with young people with chronic pain

    Quality of Life in Youth with Chronic Pain: An Examination of Youth and Parent Resilience and Risk Factors

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    Objectives: Pediatric chronic pain has often been examined from a risk perspective, and relatively less is known about the individual and family-level resilience factors that help youth with chronic pain maintain their quality of life. This cross-sectional study: (a) examined the relations among purported youth and parent resilience (youth pain acceptance and pain self-efficacy, parent psychological flexibility) and risk (youth pain intensity, parent protectiveness) factors with youth quality of life, and (b) tested exploratory statistical mechanisms that may explain relations between parent and youth variables. Methods: Participants included 122 youth (10 to 17 years; M=14.26, SD=2.19) seen in an interdisciplinary pediatric chronic pain program and a parent. Youth completed measures of their average pain, quality of life, pain acceptance, and pain self-efficacy. Parents completed measures of their pain-related psychological flexibility and behavioral responses to pain (i.e., protectiveness, distraction, monitoring, minimizing). Results: Youth pain acceptance, pain self-efficacy, and parent psychological flexibility were highly positively correlated with each other, and with overall youth quality of life. Evidence for a buffering effect of pain acceptance and pain self-efficacy on the association between pain intensity and quality of life was not found. Protectiveness was found to be a significant mediator of the relation between parental psychological flexibility and youth quality of life. Discussion: The results are discussed in the context of the resilience-risk framework and current understandings of the role of parental factors for pediatric chronic pain
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