Exploring the Relationship Between Daily Steps, Body Mass Index and Physical Self-Esteem in Female Australian Adolescents

Current research suggests that a decline in physical activity occurs some time during the adolescent years, but at what specific age is unknown. Determination of the age at which physical activity levels decline and possible contributors to this phenomenon, are needed to increase Australian healthcare knowledge. The participants involved in the study were female adolescents (n = 297) aged 13-15 years from a high school in Southeast Queensland, Australia. The purpose of this study was to: (a) determine mean steps per day, using pedometers, for grade 8 through 10 girls, (b) determine body mass index (BMI) by measuring height (cm) and weight (kg), and (c), using the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile (CY-PSPP) questionnaire, identify determinants of physical self-worth in Australian female adolescents and their relationship to activity level and BMI. The study revealed that a significant drop-off in pedometer-determined mean daily steps occurred at grade ten, or approximately 15 years of age. A significant inverse relationship between mean daily steps and BMI was found (r = ¯.251, p<.0001). The study also revealed negative correlations between BMI and all self-perceptions (p<.05), except strength, which showed a positive correlation (p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between level of physical activity and all self-perceptions, except Global Self-Worth, which showed no significant difference

IMPROVEMENTS IN SUSTAINABILITY OF GRAVITY-FED WATER SYSTEMS IN THE COMARCA NGÄBE-BUGLÉ, PANAMA: SPRING CAPTURES AND CIRCUIT RIDER MODEL

Gravity-flow aqueducts are used to bring clean water from mountain springs in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, Panama, to the homes of the indigenous people who reside there. Spring captures enclose a spring to direct the flow of water into the transmission line. Seepage contact springs are most common, with water appearing above either hard basalt bedrock or a dense clay layer. Spring flows vary dramatically during wet and dry seasons, and discharge points of springs can shift, sometimes enough to impact the capture structure and its ability to properly collect all of the available water. Traditionally, spring captures are concrete boxes. The spring boxes observed by the author were dilapidated or out of alignment with the spring itself, only capturing part of the discharge. An improved design approach was developed that mimics the terrain surrounding the spring source to address these issues. Over the course of a year, three different spring sites were evaluated, and spring captures were designed and constructed based on the new approach. Spring flow data from each case study demonstrate increased flow capture in the improved structures. Rural water systems, including spring captures, can be sustainably maintained by the Circuit Rider model, a technical support system in which technical assistance is provided for the operation of the water systems. During 2012-2013, the author worked as a Circuit Rider and facilitated a water system improvement project while exploring methods of community empowerment to increase the capacity for system maintenance. Based on these experiences, recommendations are provided to expand the Circuit Rider model in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé under the Panamanian Ministry of Health’s Water and Sanitation Project (PASAP

Lymphedema Self-Management by Breast Cancer Survivors: A Focus on Psychosocial and Occupational Performance Factors

For American women, breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. The average lifetime risk of developing this disease is approximately 12% according to the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society, 2019). Medical interventions, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to name a few for breast cancer, supports survivorship and longevity; however, many late and lasting effects from breast cancer treatment present themselves in the lives of women. One of the residual effects of breast cancer treatment can be damage to the lymphatic system resulting in lymphedema occurring anywhere from 5% of women following sentinel node biopsy, 13% of women after standard axillary dissection, and 22% of women following surgery and radiotherapy (Rockson & Rivera, 2011). Peer-reviewed research supported the idea that breast cancer related lymphedema may influence psychosocial status and occupational performance factors. Few occupational therapy professionals address psychosocial status and occupational performance when caring for this population. Recommendations as a result of this project include creating an integrated mindbody approach towards physical management, occupational performance, and psychosocial factors to help women live meaningful lives. Occupational performance and psychosocial factors are intertwined through the lens of an occupational therapy practitioner. The purpose of this project was to examine current evidence of occupational performance and psychosocial factors related to daily selfmanagement and health education for women living with breast cancer related lymphedema and propose strategies for improving occupational therapy services for these women. The approach for disseminating this evidence and knowledge is through three knowledge translation projects. The three knowledge translation projects included writing an article for a practice magazine, creating a poster presentation for a state conference, and submitting a proposal for a short course at a national conference

Evaluating complex digital resources

Squires (1999) discussed the gap between HCI (Human Computer Interaction) and the educational computing communities in their very different approaches to evaluating educational software. This paper revisits that issue in the context of evaluating digital resources, focusing on two approaches to evaluation: an HCI and an educational perspective. Squires and Preece's HCI evaluation model is a predictive model ‐ it helps teachers decide whether or not to use educational software ‐ whilst our own concern is in evaluating the use of learning technologies. It is suggested that in part the different approaches of the two communities relate to the different focus that each takes: in HCI the focus is typically on development and hence usability, whilst in education the concern is with the learner and teacher use

BRILLA: Shining on Through a Pandemic

This article highlights the community partnership between a primary school Dual Language program and university Spanish students. In this submission related to personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of classroom teachers within the BRILLA (Bilingual Readiness through Interaction, Language, Literacy and Alliances) program is explored. Teachers are the light bearers who make human connection and authentic learning happen in-person and over screens; pandemic, or no pandemic, they shine

Lessons Learned: COVID-19 in Post-Corrections Secured Behavioral Rehabilitation

Background: The COVID-19 case rate on June 5, 2020, for prisoners in the United States (US) was 5.5 times higher than the US population case rate (Saloner et al., 2020). Secure facilities were challenged to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. One secure behavioral rehabilitation facility made many changes to facility and program protocols to meet this challenge. Methods: The purpose of this program evaluation was to assess newly implemented infection control measures at a secure behavioral rehabilitation facility and to inform policy and procedure recommendations for the mitigation of COVID-19 transmission in congregate living facilities in the future. Case rates, percent positivity, and case fatality rates were used as surrogate measures to evaluate this facility\u27s COVID-19 program. A PRECEDE/PROCEED logic model was used to guide the program evaluation. Results: Attack rates varied significantly by unit, from 1 resident case (3.94%) to 31 cases (92.26%). The 7-day rolling average ranged from 0.0% to 4.34% positivity during the study period, and 205/355.6 residents (57.56%) were infected during the 3-month study period. Conclusions: COVID-19 places significant logistical and human strain on residents, employees, and administrators of secured congregate settings. Despite extensive infection control measures the study facility experienced a significant number of cases, special hospitalizations, and deaths. Further research is recommended to define adequate infection control measures to vulnerable populations in such settings

Reviews

500 Computing Tips for Teachers and Lecturers by Phil Race and Steve McDowell, London: Kogan Page, 1996. ISBN: 0–7494–1931–8. 135 pages, paperback. £15.99

Regional Differences in Presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli Virulence-Associated Genes in the Environment in the North West and East Anglian regions of England

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli is carried in the intestine of ruminant animals, and outbreaks have occurred after contact with ruminant animals or their environment. The presence of STEC virulence genes in the environment was investigated along recreational walking paths in the North West and East Anglia regions of England. In all, 720 boot sock samples from walkers’ shoes were collected between April 2013 and July 2014. Multiplex PCR was used to detect E. coli based on the amplification of the uidA gene and investigate STEC-associated virulence genes eaeA, stx1 and stx2. The eaeA virulence gene was detected in 45·5% of the samples, where stx1 and/or stx2 was detected in 12·4% of samples. There was a difference between the two regions sampled, with the North West exhibiting a higher proportion of positive boot socks for stx compared to East Anglia. In univariate analysis, ground conditions, river flow and temperature were associated with positive boot socks. The detection of stx genes in the soil samples suggests that STEC is present in the English countryside and individuals may be at risk for infection after outdoor activities even if there is no direct contact with animals. Significance and Impact of the Study: Several outbreaks within the UK have highlighted the danger of contracting Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli from contact with areas recently vacated by livestock. This is more likely to occur for STEC infections compared to other zoonotic bacteria given the low infectious dose required. While studies have determined the prevalence of STEC within farms and petting zoos, determining the risk to individuals enjoying recreational outdoor activities that occur near where livestock may be present is less researched. This study describes the prevalence with which stx genes, indicative of STEC bacteria, were found in the environment in the English countryside

IMPROVING INTERACTION BETWEEN TECHNICAL AND CONTRACTING PERSONNEL AT NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, PHILADELPHIA DIVISION

Organizational policy changes in contracting have created a competency gap in the pre-award phase contracting activities for acquisition professionals working in technical departments seeking procurement of products or services. Considering current contracting policies and perceived knowledge gaps in the technical community with respect to contract development, the goal of this research is to examine the organizational structure and policies of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) to ensure maximum efficacy of the contracting process. The primary objective of this research is to determine what organizational policies, capability gaps, or other challenges hinder communication and collaboration between the technical and contracting departments at NSWCPD. A secondary objective of this research is to determine what initiatives can be taken at NSWCPD to improve interaction between these two working groups and to document a comprehensive strategic plan for implementation. The research team found several areas worth addressing to improve the efficacy of contract artifact development at NSWCPD. Recommendations are provided to address the communication gap, including establishing an integrated product team to improve the quality of contracting artifacts and networking amongst those teams through working groups, and to capitalize on modern technologies to ensure the production of contracting artifacts are up to speed with current technology.Civilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited