Predicted Outcome Value Theory in Ongoing Relationships

Theory and research reported in this paper provide both theoretical and methodological advances in the study of predicted outcome value theory (POV) in established, ongoing relationships. From a theoretical perspective, POV, previously a theory focused solely on initial interaction behaviors and consequences, is extended into the realm of ongoing relationships. The propositions of the theory are reformulated and hypotheses derived from them are tested. Overall, the results strongly support this extension and shed new light on its role in understanding the effect of unexpected events. Methodologically, the study provides a longitudinal approach for assessing ongoing relationships both before and after the occurrence of an unexpected event

Go!: results from a quasi-experimental obesity prevention trial with hospital employees

Abstract Background Worksite obesity prevention interventions using an ecological approach may hold promise for reducing typical weight gain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Go!, an innovative 12-month multi-component worksite obesity prevention intervention. Methods A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was utilized; 407 eligible hospital employees (intervention arm) and 93 eligible clinic employees (comparison arm) participated. The intervention involved pedometer distribution, labeling of all foods in the worksite cafeteria and vending machines (with calories, step equivalent, and a traffic light based on energy density signaling recommended portion), persuasive messaging throughout the hospital, and the integration of influential employees to reinforce healthy social norms. Changes in weight, BMI, waist circumference, physical activity, and dietary behavior after 6 months and 1 year were primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included knowledge, perceptions of employer commitment to employee health, availability of information about diet, exercise, and weight loss, perceptions of coworker support and frequency of health discussions with coworkers. A process evaluation was conducted as part of the study. Results Repeated measures ANCOVA indicated that neither group showed significant increases in weight, BMI, or waist circumference over 12 months. The intervention group showed a modest increase in physical activity in the form of walking, but decreases in fruit and vegetable servings and fiber intake. They also reported significant increases in knowledge, information, perceptions of employer commitment, and health discussions with peers. Employees expressed positive attitudes towards all components of the Go! intervention. Conclusions This low-intensity intervention was well-received by employees but had little effect on their weight over the course of 12 months. Such results are consistent with other worksite obesity prevention studies using ecological approaches. Implementing low-impact physical activity (e.g., walking, stair use) may be more readily incorporated into the worksite setting than more challenging behaviors of altering dietary habits and increasing more vigorous forms of physical activity. Trial Registration This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT01585480 ) on April 24, 2012

Developing and Integrating an Augmented Reality App for Teaching and Learning About Enzymes

In this chapter, we report on the development of an augmented reality (AR) app for teaching the working of enzymes . The aim of the study presented was to investigate how teachers and developers can work together in creating technology for education, in this case AR for teaching biology. In the project, four teachers from two secondary schools participated in a Lesson Study (LS) team with educators and developers of teacher training institutes and a professionals specializing in creating applications for virtual and augmented reality. We report on the process of development, the resulting app and lessons as well as on the first experiences in the classroom. The main conclusion on the process concerns the integration between lesson design and app development. Basic preparations on acquainting teachers with the use of AR and its content need to be made before starting the design and development cycl

Additional file 1: of Go!: results from a quasi-experimental obesity prevention trial with hospital employees

Example messages from the Go! campaign. (PDF 2598 kb

Virtual reality enzymes: an interdisciplinary and international project towards an inquiry-based pedagogy

Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is moving towards more inquiry-based and creativity-stimulating pedagogies. Part of a curriculum based on such pedagogies should be challenging learning activities that engage students in investigation. At the same time, it is imperative that such activities are developed and validated in collaboration with the teachers who will incorporate them in their lesson planning. In this project, educators, researchers, and developers from Singapore and the Netherlands are working closely to develop innovative tools that assist biology education. Model-based and virtual reality-enabled solutions are being studied through interdisciplinary and international collaboration among the project members from the two countries