Using intervention mapping to develop a community garden program at the women's home

This culminating experience was a practice based intervention conducted by an organization, utilizing an intervention mapping approach for the program planning. It took place summer 2010 through spring 2011 and included incorporating a community garden into the Gusto wellness program at The Women's Home. This organization offers long-term residential care, and therapeutic services. Literature relating to community gardens and nutrition behavior change was reviewed. Short-term objectives included: 1) Conducting a needs assessment using focus groups, 2) Designing gardening program components based on intervention mapping guidelines, 3) Constructing a garden bed at Midtown Community Garden for use of The Women's Home, 4) Planning and implementing gardening education, and 5) Assessing feasibility of the garden program. The target population included 24 residents living at the residential dormitory of The Women's Home at the time of this project. The major variables are intervention mapping constructs including: 1) Needs assessment, 2) Preparing matrices of change objectives, 3) Selecting theory-informed intervention methods and practical strategies, 4) Producing program components and materials, 5) Planning program adoption, implementation, and sustainability, and 6) Planning for evaluation. The specific focus was lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) for this population. Focus group responses revealed interest in community garden participation. Matrices of change were developed for lack of FV access based on performance objectives for behavioral and environmental factors and related determinants and theory. Methods and strategies were developed to implement a community garden and encourage participation. Program components included initiating a garden club, networking activities, creating gardening curriculum, and participating at Midtown Community Garden. Adoption and implementation performance objectives were outlined, and many were carried out. Evaluation questions were designed and outcomes of the garden project were discussed. ^ Outcomes of the project included exposure of garden topics and activities for The Women's Home residents, focus group responses revealing an interest in gardening among this population, gardening program components designed based on intervention mapping steps, and a constructed garden bed that was used for planting vegetables and flowers through fall 2010. Limited resources and budget along with a lack of a residential coordinator at The Women's Home were the main limiting factors for this project. Future garden projects can be developed using the intervention mapping process.^

Colorectal cancer: An insight on dietary factors

Aim. To assess the relationships between dietary factors and colorectal cancer risk. ^ Methods. We looked at all the systematic reviews published in last ten years on the topic. ^ Results. For fruits-vegetables some studies1 were significant for heterogeneity and others2 were not. In study by Aune at al3 only fruits were significant, although all the studies had protective RR between 0.90 to 0.94. For folate only case-control group of studies, the study by Sanjoaquin et al4 was significant with p heterogeneity being 0.01 and all of them had protective effect with RR between 0.75 to 0.95, for dietary as well as total folate. For fiber study by Park et al5 p was insignificant at 0.14 an RR was 0.84. Vitamin B6 study by Larsson et al6 had significant p with RR 0.90. For dietary fat both Alexander7 and Liu8 concluded that there is insufficient evidence that dietary fat is an independent causative risk factor. Only one study by Norat et al9 out of three was able to achieve significant p heterogeneity for meat. All the studies reported RR between 1.14 to 1.35, clearly implicating meat as culprit for increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. ^ Conclusions. We would recommend the use of fruits and vegetables to be protective against colorectal cancer. Also meat consumption increases the risk of colorectal cancer.^ *Please refer to dissertation for references/footnotes.^

Ethnic differences in food availability at home among 3--5 year old preschoolers attending Head Start centers in 2008

Background. The childhood obesity epidemic has disproportionately impacted the lives of low-income, minority preschoolers and their families. Research shows that parents play a major role as "gatekeepers" who control what food is brought into the home and as role models for dietary practices. Currently, there is limited research regarding ethnic differences in families of low-income preschoolers. ^ Objective. The objective of this study was to look at ethnic differences in food availability at home among the low-income families of Hispanic and African American preschoolers attending Head Start centers in Harris County, Texas. ^ Design/Subjects. Descriptive data on food availability at home between Hispanic and African American families were used and analyzed for this study. Parents or primary caregivers (n = 718) of children enrolled at Head Start Centers in Houston, Texas completed the Healthy Home Survey. ^ Methods. In the Healthy Home Survey, participants were asked to answer open-ended questions regarding various types of foods currently available at home, such as fresh, canned or jarred, dried and frozen fruits; fresh, canned or jarred, and frozen vegetables; salty snacks, sweet snacks, candy, and soda. Descriptive analyses were conducted to identify significant differences between Hispanics and African Americans via a paired t-test to compare the means of variables between the study groups and a Pearson's chi-square or Fischer's exact (if cell size was <5) test calculated for food availability (food types) between ethnicities to determine differences in distributions. ^ Results. Although both Hispanics and African Americans reported having all categories of food types at home, there were statistically significant differences between ethnic groups. Hispanics were more likely to have fresh fruits and vegetables at home than African Americans. At the same time, more African American families reported having canned or jarred fruits and canned green/leafy vegetables than Hispanics. More Hispanic families reported having diet, regular, and both diet and regular sodas available compared to African American families. However, high percentages of unhealthy foods (including snacks and candy) were reported by both ethnicities. ^ Conclusions. The findings presented in this study indicate the implicit ethnic differences that exist in the food availability among low-income families of Hispanic and African American preschoolers. Future research should investigate the associations between food availability and children's weight status by ethnicity to identify additional differences that may exist.^

The role of youth sports in public health

Study 1: Schools provide a range of opportunities for youth to be active, however, over the past decade, these opportunities have been declining. Sports teams are a promising venue to promote physical activity yet limited research has examined the gender an ethnic differences in sport participation. The purpose of this study is to examine trends in sport participation from 1991-2009 among US high school students. Secondly, we examined the association between gender and ethnicity with sports over time. This serial cross-sectional study used surveillance data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a probability based sample weighted to represent gender and race/ethnic subpopulations of US high school students. The findings of this paper reveal persistent gender and ethnic disparities for sports participation among US youth. Since sports teams may provide a substantial source of physical activity, greater efforts should be undertaken to increase the participation of girls, especially minorities, in sports teams. ^ Study 2: Sports team participation is congruent with teaching and supporting healthy eating, yet limited research has examined the association between sports participation and dietary behaviors. This study aims to determine the association between youth sports participation and dietary behaviors among elementary-aged children. Significant dose-response associations were observed between number of sports teams and consumption of most fruits and vegetables. The likelihood of eating fruit for boys increased with the number of sports teams (1 team: OR=1.89; 3 teams: OR=3.44, p<0.001) and the likelihood of consuming green vegetables for girls was higher with the number of sports teams (1 team: OR=1.50; 3 teams: OR=2.39; p<0.001). For boys, the odds of consuming fruit-flavored drinks was higher ( p=0.019) and the odds of drinking soda was lower (p=0.018) with participation in increasing number of sports teams whereas for girls, sports participation was positively associated with diet soda consumption (p=0.006). ^ Study 3: Parents and peers have been shown to have a strong influence over the physical activity, dietary, and sedentary behaviors of youth. Youth sports teams have the potential to offer physical activity, displace sedentary behaviors, and promote a healthy diet. The purpose of this study is to assess how peer and parental support for physical activity and healthy eating, coupled with sport participation, is associated obesity related risk factors including diet and sedentary behaviors. A secondary analysis of data from the School Physical Activity and Nutrition study, a state-representative survey, was conducted. Eighth (n=3,931) and 11th (n=2,785) grade students were categorized into four groups based upon the level of peer and parental support derived from a three item scale and their participation in sports (sports/high support, sports/low support, no sports/high support, no sports/low support). Linear models were conducted to determine the difference in means between these groups for the following outcome variables: previous day fruit and vegetable intake, scores for an unhealthy and healthy food index, and hours spent watching television, playing video games, and working on a computer. Eighth graders had significantly greater levels of parental support for healthy eating and physical activity compared to 11th grade. Both 8 th and 11th graders in the sport/high support for healthy eating from peers and parents scored significantly higher on the healthy food index than other groups. Eighth and 11th graders in the sport/high support for physical activity from peers participated in fewer hours of sedentary behaviors than any other group (p ≤ 0.032). Although it is thought that sport participation may offer opportunities to support a healthy diet and displace sedentary time by offering providing physical activity, our study found that parental and peer support for activity and healthy eating may further attenuate this association. Parents and peer support should be an important target when developing strategies to improve healthy diets and reduce sedentary time among youth, especially in the context of youth sports. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)^

Effect of Certified Organic Products on Soybean Aphid

The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), native to China, has become the most economically damaging insect in soybeans in northeast Iowa. Soybean aphid may have up to 18 generations per year, beginning with overwintering eggs on the alternate host buckthorn. In spring, winged aphids migrate from buckthorn to nearby emerged soybeans. Generations advance in these fields, and then another winged migration occurs in summer spreading from these fields to others. A third migration occurs in fall with aphids moving back to buckthorn. Depending on the season, soybean proximity to buckthorn, and soybean aphid migration patterns, populations of aphids tend to peak in soybeans anywhere from late July to early September. With higher aphid populations, the production of honeydew (the excrement of the aphid) and the resulting black fungus that grows on it (sooty mold) may become apparent. Aphid feeding may cause stunted plants, reduced pods and seeds, and may also transmit viruses that could cause mottling and distortion of leaves, reduced seed set, and discolored seeds.

Caracteres físico-químicos del hospedero preferencial de Grapholita molesta : brotes y frutos de duraznero, Mendoza, Argentina

Grapholita molesta (Busck) es una plaga que tiene como principal hospedero el duraznero donde produce daños en brotes y frutos. El estudio de características físicoquímicas, en dichos órganos vegetales (pH, sólidos solubles, acidez y contenido de vitamina C) puede brindar información sobre los hábitos alimentarios de dicha plaga. Los objetivos del trabajo fueron: 1) Determinar características físico-químicas como pH, sólidos solubles, acidez y vitamina C en brotes y frutos de duraznero (cvs. Bowen y Fortuna) durante el período vegetativo y 2) Establecer la influencia de las características investigadas en relación con los daños producidos por la especie, en el mismo monte frutal, hasta la cosecha de los frutos. El máximo daño, en brotes y en frutos, se observó hacia el final de la evaluación, previo a la cosecha. Teniendo en cuenta las determinaciones analíticas de brotes y frutos y la evaluación de sus daños, la plaga puede alcanzar un desarrollo óptimo cuando el pH está comprendido entre 3.76 y 5.93, el contenido de sólidos solubles entre 6 y 12 %, la acidez oscila entre 0.17 a 0.39 g%g de ácido cítrico y el contenido de vitamina C está comprendido entre 7.05 y 61.9 mg%g.

Identificación de la pobreza rural y algunas estrategias de intervención : Mendoza (Argentina)

En Mendoza, Argentina, más del 60 % de los productores agrícolas tiene predios menores de 10 ha, algunos de ellos con modelos productivos que no alcanzan para la sustentabilidad del grupo familiar. La presente investigación identifica la situación actual de la población estudiada, mediante variables de ingreso familiar, grado de asociativismo, características de la comercialización y algunas prácticas de gestión, para establecer comparaciones entre grupos poblacionales. Se trabajó en una muestra de productores regantes del Río Mendoza. Para los de menos de 10 ha se agregó un cuestionario complementario que indagó sobre niveles de asociación y sus resultados. Se analizó con mayor detalle el sector vitícola y olivícola con nuevas encuestas y entrevistas en profundidad. El 42 % de los productores tiene vid, el 30 % olivos y el 28 % horticultura, fruticultura y floricultura. El mayor nivel de asociación se encuentra entre los viticultores. En los demás sectores, éste es muy bajo o nulo. En la comparación de grupos, los mayores niveles de pobreza están en los productores de menos de 10 ha y baja tecnología. Además, en el sector vitícola, los menores niveles de ingreso se encuentran en aquellos no asociados y en toda la población estudiada la pobreza es mayor en el sector asalariado que en los propietarios de la tierra. Este proyecto identifica la capacitación como una de las acciones para mejorar la situación socioeconómica de los productores.

Efectos de la carga frutal en durazneros

Para determinar el efecto de la carga frutal sobre el peso de frutos y la distribución de calibres se realizó un ensayo en durazneros variedades Bowen, Andross y Ross. Árboles en plena producción, conducidos en vaso tipo californiano e implantados a 6x5 m fueron raleados manualmente 20 días después de iniciado el endurecimiento de carozo. La carga frutal quedó establecida en el rango de 750 a 1 350 frutos/planta en Bowen y Ross y entre 850 y 1400 frutos/planta en Andross. Se realizaron evaluaciones de tamaño final de frutos, producción total y producción destinada a mitades. En las tres variedades se estableció un alto grado de correlación entre la carga frutal y los tres parámetros de evaluación y se observó una respuesta similar a diferentes niveles de carga frutal. A medida que se incrementó la carga frutal, se lograron aumentos en la producción total, aunque disminuyó el peso de frutos. La producción destinada a mitades aumentó en relación con la carga frutal, hasta alcanzar valores máximos con cargas de 1 150 frutos/planta. Luego se estabilizó y, superado un valor crítico en la carga frutal, empezó a disminuir. Para todo el rango de carga utilizado, el peso de frutos y la producción total fueron mayores en Ross. Esta variedad también logró los máximos valores de producción destinada a mitades. Andross superó a Bowen en los tres parámetros evaluados.

Envases para frutas y hortalizas frescas

La calidad con que llegan las frutas al consumidor depende, en gran medida, del material del envase. Dado las exigencias cada vez mayores, tanto del mercado de exportación como del interno, es importante la adecuada selección del material para envase y embalaje. El envase apropiado es el que soluciona problemas fisiológicos propios de la fruta, la protege prolongando su conservación y, al mismo tiempo, resalta su presentación sin incrementar considerablemente el precio del producto final.

Hortalizas mínimamente procesadas en los supermercados de Buenos Aires

Previo a la crisis socioeconómica argentina de 2001, la distribución porcentual en la venta de frutas y hortalizas a nivel nacional era de 70% en comercios tradicionales y 30% en supermercados, y en centros urbanos 55 y 45%, respectivamente, valores que se mantuvieron luego de la caída coyuntural en la participación de la venta en supermercados. En el 2000, los productos hortícolas mínimamente procesados alcanzaron niveles de participación en supermercados cercanos al 10% sobre la facturación total de las mismas; luego de la crisis se redujo casi al 5%. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la tendencia general del mercado y la oferta de productos mínimamente procesados en 2006 para detectar las preferencias de los consumidores. Se relevaron 58 bocas de expendio según cadenas de supermercados en Capital Federal y Gran Buenos Aires. Los productos relevados fueron seleccionados por datos históricos de venta y espacio en góndola. Se registró: forma de presentación, peso por unidad de venta, precio, volúmenes de venta y firmas elaboradoras. Actualmente, la participación de los productos mínimamente procesados en la venta de frutas y verduras de los supermercados alcanza el 8,86%. El 61% de la venta se concentra en 15% de las bocas de expendio pertenecientes a cadenas de mayor venta y nivel adquisitivo, 85% se ubica en el cordón norte de Capital Federal y del Gran Buenos Aires.

La dinámica mercantil de las mujeres rioplatenses frente al resquebrajamiento del Antiguo Régimen (1806-1810)

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar la dinámica mercantil de las mujeres rioplatenses en el marco de los acontecimientos que se suscitaron entre 1806 y 1810. Explorar la mecánica de los comportamientos previos a esa etapa resulta fundamental para observar los cambios que se produjeron después. A fin de examinar tales cambios se recurre a una serie de variables: las formas de participación en la práctica mercantil, esto es, si cargaban los frutos y efectos a su cuenta y riesgo, y/o a través de terceros o experimentaban con las dos modalidades, el grado de inserción y permanencia en la actividad para definirlas en función de la mayor o menor regularidad en el ejercicio comercial, los rubros comercializados y la relación con las rutas del intercambio oceánico y regional

La dinámica mercantil de las mujeres rioplatenses frente al resquebrajamiento del Antiguo Régimen (1806-1810)

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar la dinámica mercantil de las mujeres rioplatenses en el marco de los acontecimientos que se suscitaron entre 1806 y 1810. Explorar la mecánica de los comportamientos previos a esa etapa resulta fundamental para observar los cambios que se produjeron después. A fin de examinar tales cambios se recurre a una serie de variables: las formas de participación en la práctica mercantil, esto es, si cargaban los frutos y efectos a su cuenta y riesgo, y/o a través de terceros o experimentaban con las dos modalidades, el grado de inserción y permanencia en la actividad para definirlas en función de la mayor o menor regularidad en el ejercicio comercial, los rubros comercializados y la relación con las rutas del intercambio oceánico y regional

La dinámica mercantil de las mujeres rioplatenses frente al resquebrajamiento del Antiguo Régimen (1806-1810)

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar la dinámica mercantil de las mujeres rioplatenses en el marco de los acontecimientos que se suscitaron entre 1806 y 1810. Explorar la mecánica de los comportamientos previos a esa etapa resulta fundamental para observar los cambios que se produjeron después. A fin de examinar tales cambios se recurre a una serie de variables: las formas de participación en la práctica mercantil, esto es, si cargaban los frutos y efectos a su cuenta y riesgo, y/o a través de terceros o experimentaban con las dos modalidades, el grado de inserción y permanencia en la actividad para definirlas en función de la mayor o menor regularidad en el ejercicio comercial, los rubros comercializados y la relación con las rutas del intercambio oceánico y regional