Chinese Immigrants with Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus: Nutritional Self-Management Approach

Background: Chinese immigrants (CIs) with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) generally have poor control in their diet regimen. Due to the variation in body mass, physiology, and cultural differences as compare with the general American population, special attention must be conducted in treating diabetes in Cis, emphasizing culturally sensitive care and nutrition therapy that acknowledge the differences. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to assess cultural challenges in self-management for CIs living with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and evaluate the effectiveness of a diabetic nutritional self-management guide tailored to this population. Theoretical Framework: Havelock’s theory of change is a model emphasized for understanding and intervening of the possibility that people might be resistant to behavior changes. Methods: Thirty-five foreign-born CIs were selected. The project was comprised of two phases to include pretest and posttest self-assessment questionnaires in addition to pretest and posttest A1C levels to evaluate the effectiveness of a custom meal plan. Results: Result findings were non-significant. However, female CIs were noted to have superiority for diet management as compared with male CIs. The two groups had no significant difference in age and cultural characteristics. Conclusion: The goal of the implementation of this project was to improve self-care for Chinese diabetic patients through behavior training and change in policy making. Social and cultural norms were identified that had great influence on an individual’s overall health knowledge. Increasing health care providers’ overall cultural competency was expected to promote better health outcome and ease the complexity of the acculturation process. However, the management of the diet did not have a significant change for the improvement of A1c. Future recommendations include the exploration of the immensity of change in cultural diet and acculturation

A multiplexed human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 diagnostic for cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer is a major problem in the developing world and low- resource settings where standard screening techniques are not accessible. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be successfully treated when detected early. Therefore, there exists a high clinical need to screen for cervical cancer early. The etiological agent of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), with 70% of cases related to HPV genotypes 16 and 18. I sought to increase access to screening by developing a fully integrated and multiplexed molecular diagnostic assay to extract, amplify, detect, and distinguish HPV16 and HPV18 DNA on a low-cost paperfluidic platform for point- of-care (POC) applications. Isothermal (one temperature) loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) was used to amplify HPV DNA instead of the traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that requires multiple temperatures. The amplified HPV16 and HPV18 DNA were differentially detected on a simple lateral flow strip – similar to that used in a pregnancy test – generating a visible colorimetric readout for each specific genotype. LAMP amplification is difficult to characterize and current methods were insufficient in providing specificity at the level needed for a multiplexed assay. Therefore, a novel characterization strategy was developed based on fluorescence to distinguish positive LAMP amplification products. This workflow used differential fluorescent tags to identify whether HPV16 DNA or HPV18 DNA was present and simplified complex nonspecific LAMP smears to a specific band pattern. After singleplex HPV16 and HPV18 LAMP assays were optimized with the new workflow, the two singleplex assays were successfully combined into one multiplex reaction with 12 primers, a nontrivial feat. Each assay step – DNA extraction, amplification, and detection – was optimized and integrated into a single chip that can control the timing of each step. Several chip configurations were tested to determine the optimal chip form factor, and a small subset of clinical samples were tested to demonstrate feasibility in low-resource settings. With this diagnostic platform, asymptomatic patients positive for HPV16 DNA and HPV18 DNA can be screened more closely, allocating precious resources to those most at risk, a beneficial use in both low-resource settings and the USA

Franchising And The Internet: An Example of Knowledge Mangement in New Zealand Business

“The newest innovations, which we label information technologies, have begun to alter the manner in which we do business and create value, often in ways not readily foreseeable even five years ago.” [1]. The Internet is a technology that has revolutionised business and the manner in which it is conducted. Recent studies suggest that e-commerce will explode to over US$6 trillion in 2 years time. This paper discusses how the Internet can be used in one particular facet of business: franchising. The manner in which services are provided through the use of Internet sites and the strategies by which these can be implemented are covered, examining the different types of sites, and the roles of the franchisor and franchisee in development. The benefits that can be experienced are outlined, and vary from advertising both the franchise concept and the products or services provided, improving communication between parties, and providing the opportunity for collaborative ventures. Up until now the degree to which the Internet has been adopted by Franchises in New Zealand has been limited, with some notable exceptions. However recent surveys reveal that its acceptance is increasing, and that franchise systems recognise that the use of technology poses opportunities in the years to come

A study of cultural orientation and attitudes and meaning toward play: A cross cultural investigation among emerging adulthood in the People Republic of China, Hong Kong, and United States

The purpose of this study was to examine play among emerging adults in the People Republic of China, Hong Kong, and the United States. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the respondents\u27 perceptions of play and their personal cultural orientation. The study also explored the relationship between respondents\u27 perceptions of play\u27s importance and their cultural orientation. Respondents\u27 frequency of play was also studied to determine whether there were relationships between frequency of play, countries of origin, and personal cultural orientation. Finally, the study considered the interactive effects among perceptions of play, play\u27s importance, personal cultural orientation, and countries of origin. The study was organized as a non-experimental research design. Written questionnaires were distributed to 322 respondents. A total of 301 completed instruments were return, which yielded a 93.4 % response rate. Data were collected from students who were enrolled in physical education, recreation and leisure courses during the 2010-2011 academic years at the University of Northern Iowa in the U.S. (n=139), Zhejiang University in the PRC (n=70), and the Community College of City University of Hong Kong in HK (n=92). The research instrument in the present study was a self-reported questionnaire that was divided into six main sections: (a) perceptions of play; (b) frequency of play; (c) frequencies of play; (d) personal cultural orientation; (e) criteria for reaching adulthood; and (f) demographics. Play was important for emerging adults in this study for the following reasons: (a) for socialization, (b) for relaxation, (c) to challenge skill and ability, (d) to express emotion, (e) to expend energy, (f) to establish identity, (g) to develop mature interpersonal relationships, and (h) for development. This study demonstrated that personal cultural orientations have significant effects on perceptions of play and play\u27s importance. Moreover, more females than males perceived play as creativity, expression, and learning. Female emerging adults were: (a) more focused on social status, respect, wealth, rights, and privileges (POW); (b) unwilling to take risks (RSK); and (c) tolerant of ambiguity and uncertain situations (AMB) than were male respondents. This research found that emerging adults identified perceptions of play within four categories: (a) intrinsic goal/outcome benefits; (b) intrinsic non goal/outcome benefits; (c) relationship non goal/outcome benefits; and (d) relationship non goal/outcome benefits. Emerging adults perceived play\u27s importance within four categories: (a) for development and socialization; (b) for relaxation; (c) to establish identity; and (d) for expression. Emerging adults in HK perceived team sports, social activities, and card games as the most frequent activities they engaged in during play. Emerging adults in HK indicated that all activities they engaged in during play involved other people. In addition, emerging adults in the PRC perceived team sports, entertainment, and travel as the most frequent activities they engaged in during play. The results of this study have added to the body of knowledge related to Chinese definitions of play and play benefits for emerging adults. The study suggest the need for additional research to gain a greater understanding of Chinese definitions of play and the benefits of play for emerging adults in different countries

A fully integrated paperfluidic molecular diagnostic chip for the extraction, amplification, and detection of nucleic acids from clinical samples

Paper diagnostics have successfully been employed to detect the presence of antigens or small molecules in clinical samples through immunoassays; however, the detection of many disease targets relies on the much higher sensitivity and specificity achieved via nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). The steps involved in NAAT have recently begun to be explored in paper matrices, and our group, among others, has reported on paper-based extraction, amplification, and detection of DNA and RNA targets. Here, we integrate these paper-based NAAT steps into a single paperfluidic chip in a modular, foldable system that allows for fully integrated fluidic handling from sample to result. We showcase the functionality of the chip by combining nucleic acid isolation, isothermal amplification, and lateral flow detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 DNA directly from crude cervical specimens in less than 1 hour for rapid, early detection of cervical cancer. The chip is made entirely of paper and adhesive sheets, making it low-cost, portable, and disposable, and offering the potential for a point-of-care molecular diagnostic platform even in remote and resource-limited settings.U54 EB015403 - NIBIB NIH HHS; U54 EB015408 - NIBIB NIH HHS; U54-EB015403-S1 - NIBIB NIH HH

Green products purchase intention: a study of Sibu Sarawak

Of late, members of the public have become very concerned with both environmental issues and the role of the individual and their mindset towards keeping a healthy environment. The reason for this is because it has been identified that some of the main causes of environmental deterioration is due to the current rapid growth in technology and consumers’ consumption. The objective of this research is to identify the significant driver of green products purchase intention among residents of Sibu. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action as the underpinning basis, the study utilized a survey approach, with self-administered questionnaires. A total of 384 usable questionnaires were used for the purpose of analysis. The purposive sampling technique was used to distribute adapted questionnaires amongst the designated sample size. The results revealed that attitudes towards green purchase, health consciousness, attitudes towards the environment, and social influence led to consumers’ green products purchase intention

A survey: Knowledge about breast cancer and health beliefs towards screening practice among menopausal and postmenopausal women

Breast cancer is a major health problem with high mortality in women worldwide and has become the third most prevalent disease among women in Hong Kong. Knowledge about breast cancer is closely related to health beliefs towards screening practices for breast cancer. This study examined knowledge about breast cancer and breast cancer screening (BCS) beliefs among menopausal and postmenopausal women. A total of 213 eligible women, mostly aged 55 to 60, who were housewives or retired and were educated at secondary school level or above, were selected. A survey using the Chinese Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs (CBCSB) questionnaire was conducted. The results revealed that menopausal and postmenopausal women had better health beliefs towards breast cancer screening practices. Education was found to be positively associated with attitudes of BCS health beliefs. It indicates that education can affect attitudes towards breast cancer screening practice. Most of the women presented inadequate knowledge and they wished to receive more information about breast cancer although they were well-educated. It is important to note that knowledge about breast cancer cannot be effectively delivered to the at-risk women. In addition, menopausal and postmenopausal women can be more likely to seek more information about the effectiveness and side effects of the medication for breast cancer. Therefore, treatment about effectiveness, side effects, and prices ought to be included in current educational programs and healthcare services in the promotion schemes. Healthcare professionals should also pay more attention to better BCS practices in community-based educational programs with information on preventive measures for breast cancer to menopausal and postmenopausal women, particularly to those in lower socioeconomic classes

Menopausal-specific quality of life among women in Hong Kong

This study aimed to explore the menopausal-specific quality of life and assess its relationship with the sociodemographic characteristics in menopausal and post-menopausal women in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 218 women aged between 45 and 80 or over. The quality of life was assessed by Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOLTM). Results showed that the mean scores for vasomotor domain: 2.59 ± 1.71; psycho-social domain: 2.77 ± 1.39; physical domain: 2.89 ± 1.23 and sexual domain 2.60 ± 1.16. The physical domain had the highest score in menopausal and post-menopausal women. Univariate analysis demonstrated that younger and less educated working post-menopausal women perceive lower quality of life. Our findings suggest that menopausal-related symptoms affect the quality of life

A survey of the perceived lifestyle risks of breast cancer in menopausal and postmenopausal women in Hong Kong

Breast cancer ranks as the most common cause of cancer death in women. If menopausal and postmenopausal women know the lifestyle risks associated with breast cancer and its preventive measures, they will make appropriate choices in order to enjoy their life and have a better chance of preventing this disease. This study attempted to explore perceived beliefs with regard to the lifestyle risks associated with breast cancer among menopausal and postmenopausal women in Hong Kong. A survey was designed that used a self-reporting questionnaire to assess the perceived beliefs of 223 women. Results showed that more than half of the participants held misconceptions about lifestyle breast cancer risks. Only those women who were well-educated and were worried about having breast cancer performed breast screening for cancer. The findings of this study suggest that health care professionals should channel resources to educate menopausal and postmenopausal women about the risks of breast cancer and to promote awareness of breast wellness and the value of breast cancer screening