A Digitial Health Action Process Approach Intervention to Promote Resistance Training in Healthy Adult Novices

Introduction: There is little research to date that has been conducted testing theory-based interventions to increase resistance training. We assessed the relative efficacy of Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) based digital intervention for performing resistance training (RT). Methods: The RTinHome study was a three-phase study which recruited adults aged 18-35 not meeting the strength training recommendations. In Phase I, all participants received two Zoom based training sessions over a one-week period. In Phase II, participants were randomized to a no contract control or to a 4-week, HAPA based digital coaching intervention. In Phase III (follow-up) there was no contact with all enrolled participants for four weeks. Attitude and self-efficacy were assessed after the first training session in Phase I. Attitude, self-efficacy, coping planning, behavioral expectations, and intention were assessed at the end of Phase I, at the end of Phase II, and at the end of Phase III. A structural equation model was fit to each data collection point to test treatment effects on behavior. It was hypothesized that the intervention would have positive effects on behavior at the end of Phase II and III. Results: There were significant resistance training behavioral differences between the groups, favoring the intervention group, at the end of Phase II in adherence for both the previous week (last 7 days) (.50 SE=.24; p=0.040) and the previous four weeks (1.92 SE=.90; p=0.033) but not during Phase III. From Phase I to Phase II the intervention had significant effects on self-efficacy (.68 SE =.26), intention (.77 SE=.27), behavioral expectations (19.7 SE=5.3), and coping planning (.43 SE.13). Changes in self-efficacy (2.07 SE=0.83) and intention (3.0 SE=.61) had significant effects on RT behavior at the end of Phase II. In a multiple mediation model, intention mediated the effects of the intervention in Phase II (2.64 SE=.83). Conclusion: The intervention had effects on RT behavior at the end of Phase II but group differences were no longer significant at the end of Phase III

Assignment of the gene for cytosolic alanine aminotransferase (AAT1) to human chromosome 8

The segregation of human cytosolic alanine aminotransferase (AAT1) and the individual human chromosomes has been studied in 27 secondary and tertiary rat hepatoma-human (liver) fibroblast hybrids. The staining solution used to visualize AAT activity on starch gels was specific for AAT since it was visualized only when all components of the stain were present. The locus for human AAT1 has been assigned to chromosome 8

Promoting community socio-ecological sustainability through technology: A case study from Chile

The importance of community learning in effecting social change towards ecological sustainability has been recognised for some time. More recently, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to promote socio-ecological sustainability has been shown to have potential in community education for sustainable development (ESD). The effective design and use of technology for community learning implies an understanding of a range of cross- dimensional factors including: socio-cultural characteristics and needs of the target audience; considerations of available and culturally responsive types of technology; and non-formal pedagogical ESD strategies for community empowerment. In addition, both technology itself and social communities are dynamically evolving and complex entities. This article presents a case study which evaluated the potential of ICT for promoting ecological literacy and action competence amongst community members in southern Chile. The case study addressed the ecological deterioration of a lake, which is having deep social, economic, recreational and cultural implications locally. The authors’ research involved developing a theoret- ical framework for the design, implementation and use of ICT for community learning for sustainability. The framework was based on key ideas from ESD, ICT and community education, and was underpinned by a systems thinking approach to account for the dynamism and complexity of such settings. Activity theory provided a frame to address overarching socio-cultural elements when using technology as a mediating tool for community learning. The authors’ findings suggest that the use of an ICT tool, such as a website, can enhance ecological literacy in relation to a local socio-ecological issue

Population genetics of Glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) in Central Portugal

Abstract The isoenzymes of red cell glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) was investigated in the population of Central Portugal. A variant of GPX1 with mobility consistent with GPX1*2 was detected with a frequency of: GPX1*2=0,005 (N=221)