Social capital and rural innovation process. The evaluation of the measure 124 \u201cCooperation for Development of New Products, Processes and Technologies in the Agriculture, Food and Forestry Sector\u201d in the Umbria Region (Italy)

The most recent theories on innovation point out the role of social networks, demonstrating how knowledge is intertwined with network communities and social capital represents an essential factor to comprehend innovation. The social network dimension of the innovation process is also acknowledged in the actual definition of an agricultural innovation system (AIS). This study attempts to assess the role played by social capital in agricultural innovation projects co-financed by the Measure 124 of the Rural Development Program (2007-2013) of the Umbria Region (Italy), based on the analysis of 5 evaluation criteria (relevance, innovation, effectiveness, sustainability, and social capital) in relation to 8 selected projects. The obtained results confirm the validity of the proposed methodology both for the purpose of internal monitoring of the project and for the assessment of the measure on the basis of tangible and intangible factors, such as social capital

Overweight and obesity as major, modifiable risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Wiley via the DOI in this record.The purpose of this review and meta-analysis was to evaluate overweight and obesity as risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women. Understanding these relationships during this life stage is important as early onset increases the risk for developing severe and persistent incontinence. A systematic search resulted in 497 citations, 14 of which were retained for review. Data were analysed by overweight and obesity and by subtype of urinary incontinence – stress, urge, mixed and severe. When compared with ‘normal’ body mass index, overweight was associated with a one-third increase in risk of urinary incontinence (relative risk = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–1.53), while the risk was doubled in women with obesity (relative risk = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–2.42). When estimates were pooled according to urinary incontinence subtype, there was no statistical difference in risk. Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of urinary incontinence, with a significantly greater risk observed for obesity. Clinical advice to young women at risk of, or presenting with, obesity should not be limited to metabolic health only but should emphasize the role of excess weight on pelvic floor weakening and subsequent risk of incontinence

Changing diet and physical activity behaviour in nurses using Intervention Mapping: Study protocol

This is the author accepted manuscript.Conference presentation (abstract)Introduction: Nursing is a stressful occupation, in which overtime and irregular shifts are common, and challenge the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, with 60% of nurses being overweight or obese, and 55% being classified as insufficiently active, the risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCD) is increased in this group. Because staff shortage and high turn-over are a common and currently issue in this workforce, improving nurses’ health could play an important role for job retention. So far, there is a lack in number and quality of studies promoting healthy lifestyles in this population. Objectives: To design a tailored intervention to promote healthy diet and PA behaviour in nurses Method / Design: Following the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, an initial Needs Assessment was performed combining literature review and focus groups (FG) data, to explore barriers to healthy diet and PA experienced by nurses. Selection of intervention strategies and behavioural change theoretical frameworks, were selected based on the needs assessment data and desirable outcomes. Intervention materials were developed using both an evidence-based approach and suggestions from FG participants. Results: The intervention will be implemented and evaluated in a 12-week pre-post-test study with n=50 nurses working full-time. Efficacy and uptake will be evaluated using the primary outcomes physical activity (including sedentary behaviour), and improved diet quality. Secondary outcomes will include changes in NCDs risk factors like BMI, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Conclusions: The use of a tailored intervention, developed in collaboration with future participants, has the potential to ensure participation, flexibility and sustainability in this hard-to-reach group. The adoption and maintenance of a healthy diet and PA, can improve nurses’ long-term health, hence potentially improving job retention. Limiting turn-over can contribute to overcome the current nursing shortage, which is predicted to increase in the next years

Le pacte agriurbain de la vallée ombrienne et les districts agricoles et culturels de Milan. Deux modèles de gestion des espaces agricoles périurbains

In peri-urban areas, the level of integration with the urban areas, the spatial organisation of the city and surroundings and the functions of agricultural system determine specific features of agricultural landscapes . The management of these areas is becoming increasingly important in order to guide the evolution orienteering the development in a perspective of spatial and functional integration. In Europe, some experiences of territorial planning as agricultural parks, agriurbain projects, agricultural districts, agriurbain pacts, pacts between city and countryside, are been developing. The success of these experiences, which often are expression of a new meaning of "rurality" are based on a strong participation and cohesion between the stakeholders thanks to practices of co-construction of space. The purpose of this paper is to present two experiments of co-construction of agriurbain territories : the agricultural and cultural district of Milan (Lombardia) and the agriurbain pact of Umbrian Valley (Umbria), analyzing the construction of the model, the intervention scales, the socio-economic actors involved and considering the role of policies implemented to manage these areas

Promoting Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from SAGE Publications via the DOI in this recordObjective. To systematically review the effectiveness of intervention studies promoting diet and physical activity (PA) in nurses. Data Source. English language manuscripts published between 1970 and 2014 in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE, as well as those accessed with the PICO tool, were reviewed. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. Inclusion criteria comprised (1) nurses/student nurses working in a health care setting and (2) interventions where PA and/or diet behaviors were the primary outcome. Exclusion criteria were (1) non–peer-reviewed articles or conference abstracts and (2) interventions focused on treatment of chronic conditions or lifestyle factors other than PA or diet in nurses. Data Extraction. Seventy-one full texts were retrieved and assessed for inclusion by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. Data Synthesis. Extracted data were synthesized in a tabular format and narrative summary. Results. Nine (n = 737 nurses) studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality of the studies was low to moderate. Four studies reported an increase in self-reported PA through structured exercise and goal setting. Dietary outcomes were generally positive, but were only measured in three studies with some limitations in the assessment methods. Two studies reported improved body composition without significant changes in diet or PA. Conclusions. Outcomes of interventions to change nurses’ PA and diet behavior are promising, but inconsistent. Additional and higher quality interventions that include objective and validated outcome measures and appropriate process evaluation are required

Shift work and the risk of cardiovascular disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis including dose–response relationship

This is the final version. Available from Nordic Association of Occupational Safety and Health (NOROSH) via the DOI in this record.Objectives The aim of this review was to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events associated with shift work and determine if there is a dose–response relationship in this association. Method Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for cohort or case–control control study designs in any population, reporting exposure to shift work as the main contributing factor to estimate CVD risk. For each study, adjusted relative risk (RR) ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted, and used to calculate the pooled RR using random-effect models. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore potential heterogeneity sources. Potential non-linear dose–response relationships were examined using fractional polynomial models. Results We included 21 studies with a total of 173 010 unique participants. The majority of the studies were ranked low-to-moderate risk of bias. The risk of any CVD event was 17% higher among shift workers than day workers. The risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity was 26% higher (1.26, 95% CI 1.10–1.43, I2= 48.0%). Sub-group analysis showed an almost 20% higher risk of CVD and CHD mortality among shift workers than those who did not work shifts (1.22, 95% CI 1.09–1.37, I2= 0% and 1.18, 95% CI 1.06–1.32 I2=0%; respectively). After the first five years of shift work, there was a 7.1% increase in risk of CVD events for every additional five years of exposure (95% CI 1.05–1.10). Heterogeneity of the pooled effect size (ES) estimates was high (I2=67%), and meta-regression analysis showed that sample size explained 7.7% of this. Conclusions The association between shift work and CVD risk is non-linear and seems to appear only after the first five years of exposure. As shift work remains crucial for meeting production and service demands across many industries, policies and initiatives are needed to reduce shift workers’ CVD risk

Changing diet and physical activity in time-poor populations

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recor

Diet and physical activity behaviour in nurses: a qualitative study

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Taylor & Francis (Routledge) via the DOI in this record .Issue addressed: Previous research has shown that approximately 60% of nurses in Australia are overweight or obese, insufficiently active and have an unhealthy diet. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of nurses’ determinants contributing to these behaviours. This will inform a needs assessment for a future workplace health promotion program (WHPP) in this group. Methods: Four focus group discussions (n = 17) were conducted with a convenience sample of nurses aged 25–59 years from three hospitals in the Brisbane metropolitan area. Questions addressed barriers and motivation towards diet and physical activity (PA), and suggestions for future WHPP. Data were analysed with Nvivo10 following a thematic analysis with a realistic approach using Self-determination theory as a framework. Results: Work environment was the main barrier for healthy diet behaviours. Long working hours and lack of breaks challenged nurses’ self-control and self-regulation when making dietary choices. Fatigue was the main barrier for PA. However, relaxation, feeling energised before work and better sleep after working night shifts motivated nurses to do PA. Social environment at work seemed to be an effective external motivation to encourage healthy diet and regular PA. Goal-setting, self-monitoring and social support at work were identified as potential WHHP strategies. Conclusion: The workplace and job demands negatively impacts nurses’ lifestyle behaviours. Future interventions should include social support from colleagues, which could motivate nurses to make healthier food choices at work and be more active outside work.IPRSS and UQ Centennial bursar

Can Inulin-Enriched Cereal Products Improve Mucosal Immunity In Athletes?

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordTroo Food

A microstrip gas chamber with true two-dimensional and pixel readout

A true two-dimensional μstrip gas chamber has been constructed and successfully tested. This new detector has an effective substrate thickness of less than 2 μm. An ion implanted oxide layer of 1.8 μm thickness provides the necessary insulation between the front and back plane and permits collection on the back electrodes of a large fraction of the induced charge. The back electrode signal is used to measure the coordinate along the anode strips (X-Y readout) or to provide true space points (pixel readout). Very good imaging capabilities have been obtained in both cases. A flux of 107 particles/mm2 s has been measured without significant gain loss. No charging effect has been observed after three days continuously running at a flux of 104 particles/mm2 s, while a 15% gain loss, probably due to ageing effects, has been measured after collection on the strips of a charge corresponding to the more than six years of running at the design luminosity of LHC, at 50 cm from the beam axis