Morphological and morphometric analysis of Nekemias arborea and Ampelopsis aconitifolia (Vitaceae)

Leaf morphology in angiosperms is not constrained by the leaf’s important function of providing energy through photosynthetic reactions. In just one family, Vitaceae, it is easy to observe among it’s over 900 species, various leaf shapes and sizes even among closely related species as well as within individual species. Observation of these leaf forms within species can be used to determine, for example where a vine transitions from the juvenile state to the adult state as well as their relationship to the spatial and temporal patterning of inflorescence initiation. Analysis of two species within the Ampelopsis clade, one that retained ancestral leaf characters, Nekemias arborea, was compared with a species containing derived leaf characters, Ampelopsis aconitifolia, so that leaf shape relationships between members of the grape family could be assessed. Knowledge about the members of the Ampelopsis clade can help to reveal a better understanding of the development of the very important commercial species, Vitis vinifera (grape). Leaf development along the vines of each species was tracked to draw comparisons and divergences in leaf shape. Structures along the vine, such as tendrils and axillary buds, were also noted to establish a vine pattern and to help determine whether a correlation exists between these traits and leaf shape changes. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe leaf initiation and shape elaboration from the shoot apical meristem. Landmarks on mature leaves were established using vein and dissection patterns and were statistically analyzed. Morphometric analysis using Elliptic Fourier Descriptors (EFD) was performed to establish relationships in leaf form between two species of within Vitaceae

Weight management for overweight and obese men delivered through professional football clubs : a pilot randomized trial

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Developmental analysis of Leea guineensis (Leeaceae)

Vitaceae is the grape family of flowering plants that is composed of twelve genera of woody plants (Jones et al., 2013). Vitis has been studied extensively for the commercial value of the fruit in the wine and grape production. However, not a lot of research has been done specifically on its basic biology such as leaf development within the family. Understanding the basic biology of the plant can help with understanding its growth habit and help with improving the overall health of the plant. For example, analyzing flowers and leaves is a good way to draw inferences about developmental similarities and differences across species in the Vitaceae. Although there can be small variations in development between species and even between individual plants, observing them for the patterns in which they share, with those related to them, can be instrumental in solidifying their evolutionary history. Through this research, I analyzed the morphology and development of Leea guineensis (Leeaceae) leaves and flowers. The results of this study will help in future research to compare Leea guineensis to two other basal Vitaceae species that belong to clade one; Rhoicissus digitata and Nekemias arborea. Understanding the results can also help to improve our ability to maintain the health of these species. Rhoicissus and Nekemias are the most basal of the Vitaceae, making them the prime subjects for comparison with Leeaceae due to a lack of derived characteristics that would draw them further from a shared ancestor (Gerrath et al., 2004)

Increasing physical activity in older adults using STARFISH, an interactive smartphone application (app); a pilot study

Background:Increasing physical activity in older adults has preventative and therapeutic health benefits. We have developed STARFISH, a smartphone application, to increase physical activity. This paper describes the features of STARFISH, presents the views of older users on the acceptability and usability of the app and reports the results of a six week pilot study of the STARFISH app in older adults. Methods:The operationalisation of the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) within the STARFISH app was mapped against the BCT Taxonomy of Michie et al. Sixteen healthy older adults (eight women and eight men; age 71.1 ± 5.2 years) used the app, in groups of four, for six weeks. Focus groups explored the user experience and objective measure of steps per day recorded. Results:Participants were very positive about using the STARFISH app, in particular the embedded BCTs of self-monitoring, feedback and social support (in the form of group rewards). Objective step data, available for eight participants, showed that step counts increased by an average of 14% (p = 0.077, d = 0.56). Conclusion:The STARFISH app was acceptable and straightforward to use for older adults. STARFISH has potential to increase physical activity in older adults; however, a fully powered randomised controlled trial is required

Fish and Wildlife Benefits of the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

Th e Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program that encourages the establishment and enhancement of a wide variety of fish and wildlife habitats of national, state, tribal, or local significance. Through voluntary agreements, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance to participants who installed habitat restoration and management practices. Since 1998, nearly $150 million has been dedicated to the program and over 2.8 million acres involving over 18,000 contracts have been enrolled. A wide range of habitat-enhancement actions are cost-shared through the program, affecting hundreds of target and non-target species. While few quantitative data exist describing how fish and wildlife have responded to terrestrial and aquatic habitats enrolled in the program, the popularity of WHIP among participants and funding partners and anecdotal evidence imply that tangible benefits to target species are being realized. Additional studies are needed to better understand how WHIP projects affect local habitat use by and population response of target and non-target species

'Coz football is what we all have': masculinities, practice, performance and effervescence in a gender-sensitised weight-loss and healthy living programme for men

In this paper we use a social practice approach to explore men's experience of Football Fans in Training (FFIT), a group-based weight management programme for men that harnesses men's symbolic attachment to professional football clubs to engage them in lifestyle change. FFIT is delivered by community coaches in clubs’ stadia and is gender-sensitised in relation to context, content and style of delivery. Using a ‘toolkit’ of concepts from the work of Bourdieu, Goffman and Durkheim we analysed data from 13 focus group discussions with participants, and fieldwork notes from programme observations to investigate the appeal and success of FFIT, and how it worked to support change. Our analysis builds on our work on the importance of shared symbolic commitment to the football club and being with ‘men like me’ to understand how the interaction context facilitated ‘effervescent’ experiences. These experiences encouraged men to make changes to their diet and physical activity, talk about them, practice performing them and implement them in their lives. Thus a social practice approach illuminated the social processes through which lifestyle change was achieved, and we argue that it can deepen and enrich both intervention design and evaluation. © 2016 The Authors. Sociology of Health & Illness published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation for SHIL

Chronicles of Oklahoma

Article depicts the design and construction of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Ardmore, Oklahoma in the late nineteenth century. Sally M. Gray focuses on the vision Reverend Joseph Carden had for this church and the plans that led to its construction

Do weight management programmes delivered at professional football clubs attract and engage high risk men? A mixed-methods study

Background: The prevalence of obesity in men in the UK is amongst the highest in Europe but men are less likely than women to use existing weight loss programmes. Developing weight management programmes which are appealing and acceptable to men is a public health priority. Football Fans in Training (FFIT), a men-only weight management programme delivered to groups of men at top professional football clubs, encourages men to lose weight by working with, not against, cultural ideals of masculinity. To inform further development of interventions in football club settings, the current study explored who is attracted to FFIT and why overweight/obese men choose to take part.  Methods. A mixed-methods study analysing baseline data on 747 men aged 35-65 years with BMI ≥ 28 kg/m² who were participants in a randomised controlled trial of FFIT, and data from 13 focus group discussions with 63 men who had attended the programme.  Results: Objectively-measured mean body mass index was 35.3 kg/m ² (sd 4.9). Overall over 90% of participants were at very high or extremely high risk of future ill-health. Around three-quarters of participants in all age groups were at 'very high' risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease (72%, 73% and 80% of men aged 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64 years respectively). A further 21%, 16% and 13% were at 'extremely high' risk. Qualitative data revealed that the powerful 'draw' of the football club attracted men otherwise reluctant to attend existing weight management programmes. The location and style of delivery of early FFIT sessions fostered team spirit; men appreciated being with others 'like them' and the opportunity to undertake weight management in circumstances that enhanced physical and symbolic proximity to something they valued highly, the football club.  Conclusions: The delivery of a weight management intervention via professional football clubs attracted men at high risk of ill-health. The setting enabled men to join a weight management programme in circumstances that felt 'right' rather than threatening to themselves as men. FFIT is an example of how to facilitate health promotion activities in a way that is consistent with, rather than challenging to, common ideals of masculinity.

Investigating primary preservice teachers’ ultraviolet radiation awareness and perceived ability to teach sun safety

Issue addressed Sun protection practices in Australian primary schools remain inconsistent. Therefore, this study investigates primary PSTs sun protective sun behaviours, ultraviolet (UV) radiation awareness and perceived ability to teach sun safety. Methods A convenience sample of undergraduate PSTs (N = 275; mean age = 23.13 years) enrolled at one Western Australian university completed an online survey. Descriptive analyses provided features of the data. Factors associated with sun protection behaviours and perceived knowledge and skill to teach sun safety were explored using multivariable logistic regression models. Results Lesser than 10% of participants reported using sun protective measures daily (midday shade use: 6.5%; sunscreen: 7.6%; hat: 4.4%). Only 56.3% reported they understand the UV index, with 68.0% rarely/never using it to aid sun protection. Under half the participants reported they felt they had the knowledge (38.5%) or skills (40%) to effectively teach sun safety in primary schools. Regression analysis revealed gender, undergraduate, year and skin sensitivity were not predictors of UV index use (P \u3e .05) or perceived knowledge of sun safety (P \u3e .05). Skin sensitivity was the strongest predictor for shade usage (P = .02), hat usage (P = .05) and perceived skill to teach sun safety (P = .02). Conclusions Survey data indicate UV radiation is inconsistently understood by PSTs. Many felt that they did not have the required knowledge or skill to teach sun safety effectively. So what? Improving PSTs UV radiation knowledge while at university is a potential opportunity to improve sun safety delivery in primary schools. A targeted intervention for PSTs is warrante

Scale-up and scale-out of a gender-sensitized weight management and healthy living program delivered to overweight men via professional sports clubs: the wider implementation of Football Fans in Training (FFIT)

Increasing prevalence of obesity poses challenges for public health. Men have been under-served by weight management programs, highlighting a need for gender-sensitized programs which can be embedded into routine practice or adapted for new settings/populations, to accelerate the process of implementing programs which are successful and cost-effective under research conditions. To address gaps in examples of how to bridge the research to practice gap, we describe the scale-up and scale-out of Football Fans in Training (FFIT), a weight management and healthy living program in relation to two implementation frameworks. The paper presents the development, evaluation and scale-up of FFIT, mapped onto the PRACTIS guide; outcomes in scale-up deliveries and the scale-out of FFIT through programs delivered in other contexts (other countries, professional sports, target groups, public health focus). FFIT has been scaled-up through a single-license franchise model in over 40 UK professional football clubs to 2019 (and 30 more from 2020) and scaled-out into football and other sporting contexts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, England and other European countries. The successful scale-up and scale-out of FFIT demonstrates that, with attention to cultural constructions of masculinity, public health interventions can appeal to men and support them in sustainable lifestyle change