3,671 research outputs found
Sleep hygiene behaviours in Iranian adolescents: an application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Poor sleep quality and inadequate sleep in adolescents are a rising
trend globally. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)—which centres
on an individual’s attitude toward performing the behaviour, subjective
norms and perceived behavioural control—has been applied to examine
sleep hygiene behaviours in young adults. We expanded on prior works
by using a longitudinal design to examine the effects of TPB factors,
together with sleep hygiene knowledge and planning constructs, on
sleep hygiene behaviours and on sleep quality and health in a group of
Iranian adolescents. A total of 1822 healthy adolescents (mean
age = 13.97) from 25 high schools in Qazvin, Iran, completed a selfreported
survey at baseline and 6 months later. Structural equation modelling
(SEM) was used to delineate the pathway from adolescents’ sleep
hygiene knowledge, TPB constructs of their behavioural intentions and
sleep hygiene behaviours and their sleep quality and self-reported
health. The SEM model demonstrated that although behavioural
intention, coping planning and action planning predicted the sleep
hygiene behaviours positively 6 months later with acceptable model fit
[comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.936; Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) = 0.902;
root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.080; standardized
root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.044], sleep hygiene
knowledge did not predict behavioural intentions significantly. Sleep
hygiene behaviours were associated with sleep quality and psychiatric
wellbeing. Thus, the TPB, combined with coping and action planning, is
useful in understanding the sleep hygiene behaviours of adolescents.
Health-care providers may want to emphasize TPB constructs and
coping and action planning to improve adolescents’ sleep hygiene
behaviours, rather than rely solely upon increasing adolescents’ sleep
hygiene knowledge
Local scales on curves and surfaces
In this paper, we extend our previous work on the study of local scales of a
function to studying local scales on curves and surfaces. In the case of a
function f, the local scales of f at x is computed by measuring the deviation
of f from a linear function near x at different scales t's. In the case of a
d-dimensional surface E, the analogy is to measure the deviation of E from a
d-plane near x on E at various scale t's. We then apply the theory of singular
integral operators on E to show useful properties of local scales. We will also
show that the defined local scales are consistent in the sense that the number
of local scales are invariant under dilation
BNCI systems as a potential assistive technology: ethical issues and participatory research in the BrainAble project
This paper highlights aspects related to current research and thinking about ethical issues in relation to Brain Computer Interface (BCI) and Brain-Neuronal Computer Interfaces (BNCI) research through the experience of one particular project, BrainAble, which is exploring and developing the potential of these technologies to enable people with complex disabilities to control computers. It describes how ethical practice has been developed both within the multidisciplinary research team and with participants. Results: The paper presents findings in which participants shared their views of the project prototypes, of the potential of BCI/BNCI systems as an assistive technology, and of their other possible applications. This draws attention to the importance of ethical practice in projects where high expectations of technologies, and representations of “ideal types” of disabled users may reinforce stereotypes or drown out participant “voices”. Conclusions: Ethical frameworks for research and development in emergent areas such as BCI/BNCI systems should be based on broad notions of a “duty of care” while being sufficiently flexible that researchers can adapt project procedures according to participant needs. They need to be frequently revisited, not only in the light of experience, but also to ensure they reflect new research findings and ever more complex and powerful technologies
Mutual information rate and bounds for it
The amount of information exchanged per unit of time between two nodes in a
dynamical network or between two data sets is a powerful concept for analysing
complex systems. This quantity, known as the mutual information rate (MIR), is
calculated from the mutual information, which is rigorously defined only for
random systems. Moreover, the definition of mutual information is based on
probabilities of significant events. This work offers a simple alternative way
to calculate the MIR in dynamical (deterministic) networks or between two data
sets (not fully deterministic), and to calculate its upper and lower bounds
without having to calculate probabilities, but rather in terms of well known
and well defined quantities in dynamical systems. As possible applications of
our bounds, we study the relationship between synchronisation and the exchange
of information in a system of two coupled maps and in experimental networks of
coupled oscillators
The relationship between children’s overweight and quality of life: A comparison of Sizing Me Up, PedsQL and Kid-KINDL
Designing a physical activity parenting course : parental views on recruitment, content and delivery
Background
Many children do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity (PA) and spend too much time screen-viewing (SV). High levels of SV (e.g. watching TV, playing video games and surfing the internet) and low levels of PA have been associated with adverse health outcomes. Parenting courses may hold promise as an intervention medium to change children’s PA and SV. The current study was formative work conducted to design a new parenting programme to increase children’s PA and reduce their SV. Specifically, we focussed on interest in a course, desired content and delivery style, barriers and facilitators to participation and opinions on control group provision.
Methods
In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with thirty two parents (29 female) of 6–8 year olds. Data were analysed thematically. An anonymous online survey was also completed by 750 parents of 6–8 year old children and descriptive statistics calculated.
Results
Interview participants were interested in a parenting course because they wanted general parenting advice and ideas to help their children be physically active. Parents indicated that they would benefit from knowing how to quantify their child’s PA and SV levels. Parents wanted practical ideas of alternatives to SV. Most parents would be unable to attend unless childcare was provided. Schools were perceived to be a trusted source of information about parenting courses and the optimal recruitment location. In terms of delivery style, the majority of parents stated they would prefer a group-based approach that provided opportunities for peer learning and support with professional input. Survey participants reported the timing of classes and the provision of childcare were essential factors that would affect participation. In terms of designing an intervention, the most preferred control group option was the opportunity to attend the same course at a later date.
Conclusions
Parents are interested in PA/SV parenting courses but the provision of child care is essential for attendance. Recruitment is likely to be facilitated via trusted sources. Parents want practical advice on how to overcome barriers and suggest advice is provided in a mutually supportive group experience with expert input
An Exploratory study of compliance with dietary recommendations among college students majoring in health-related disciplines: application of the transtheoretical model
Compliance with food group and nutrient recommendations, and self-efficacy, stage of change, perceived barriers and benefits for healthy eating were assessed among a convenience sample of college students majoring in health-related disciplines. Dietary and psychosocial data were collected using three-day food records and scales, respectively. Means (SD), frequencies, and percents were calculated on all data, and logistic regressions were used to determine whether any of the psychosocial correlates predicted the stage of change for healthy eating. Noncompliance with food group recommendations ranged from 53% for the meat/meat alternates group to 93% for the vegetables/juice group, whereas noncompliance with nutrient recommendations ranged from 26% for cholesterol to 99% for potassium. A majority of students (57%) self-classified in the preaction and 40% in the action stages of change for eating healthy. The students' self-efficacy to eat healthy was highest in positive/social situations and lowest when experiencing emotional upset. The most important perceived barrier to healthy eating was that friends/roommates do not like to eat healthy foods, and the most important perceived benefit was that eating healthy foods provides the body with adequate nutrients. The difficult/inconvenient self-efficacy subscale predicted the stage of change for healthy eating. These students would benefit from interactive learning opportunities that teach how to purchase and prepare more whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables, enhance their self-efficacy for making healthy food choices when experiencing negative emotions, and overcome perceived barriers to healthy eating
Psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire and Weight Bias Internalization Scale in children and adolescents
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Correction to: PiggyBac mutagenesis and exome sequencing identify genetic driver landscapes and potential therapeutic targets of EGFR-mutant gliomas
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article
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