Distribution fitting and parameterization of individual operator work routine times for small dairy parlors.

A time and motion study was conducted at 13 small dairy farms with average herd sizes less than 100 cows. Parlors were configured with 3 to 6 stalls per side. A data acquisition methodology was developed using a video camera to gather work routine time data in the parlors. A computer-based data logger was used to extract individual event durations during video playback. Each parlor's video record was reviewed in the laboratory so that work routine times across all parlors and operators could be pooled to estimate typical operator performance. There were 34 operator work routine times associated with various procedures in milking parlors that were evaluated in this study. Individual times were compiled for each work routine and a data-fitting program called UNIFIT was used to fit the data to 1 of 4 data models: gamma, lognormal, Weibull, and Pearson #5. Each of 34 work routine variables was fitted, tested, and plotted to determine how well each of those models fit the actual data. Distributions for Pearson #5, lognormal, gamma, and Weibull models were best fitted to 12, 10, 8, and 4 work routine times, respectively. More common tasks such as attaching the milker, grabbing a towel, and drying the udder were more consistently executed and had smaller variances than routines in which the operator would leave the pit to go to the milk room or disassembled the milk collector after milking. One of the better fitting models was the lognormal distribution for the time to "attach milker," which had a low relative discrepancy to the P-P plot (model probability vs. data probability) of 0.019 and a moderate chi(2) test value of 0.358, thus demonstrating a good fit of the model to the data. Simulation tests were compared with observed data to validate models for work routine times and demonstrated that the models accurately predict parlor throughput in small- to medium-sized parlors.

Sex differences in barriers to contraceptive use among adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To examine sex differences in barriers to contraceptive use by using a national sample of 4539 participants from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. STUDY DESIGN: The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health used a study design in which data from Wave 1 were collected between 1994 and 1995. Participants older than 15 years or sexually active were queried regarding various real or potential barriers to contraceptive use. RESULTS: Boys were significantly more likely than girls to believe that using birth control interferes with pleasure during intercourse, is difficult to obtain, is morally wrong, is expensive, is bothersome, involves too much planning, and makes people think they are seeking sex. Significant differences were observed between boys and girls on a summative barrier scale. CONCLUSIONS: Male adolescents held stronger views regarding barriers to contraceptive use. More effective and relevant programming can take place at the school and community levels to address these potential barriers on the basis of sex differences.

Perceptions of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted disease risk among low-income adults: a pilot study.

Sexual risk-taking research and subsequent intervention programs have focused almost exclusively on adolescents and men who have sex with men. In comparison, less research has been conducted into adult heterosexual risk-taking behavior. The purposes of this pilot study were to test a survey instrument, assess how low-income adults perceive their risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) infection, and determine the degree to which condom use is a function of age. The Health Belief Model was used to guide the development of the survey instrument. In the Health Belief Model, age is a mediating factor that influences a person's likelihood to take action to change his or her lifestyle. Respondents perceived that their vulnerability to infection declined because of increased age and decreased frequency of coitus. Condom use was found to significantly decline as the age of the respondents increased. Although this is only a pilot study, the findings highlight the need for HIV and STD education for all age groups and genders.

Fruit and vegetable intake and weight-control behaviors among US youth.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and weight control behaviors among youth. METHODS: Data (N = 16,262) were derived from the 1997 national school-based Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). RESULTS: Results indicated that adolescents in this study, especially females, were at risk for inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. Weight-control behaviors were high especially among females. CONCLUSION: Although some weight-control behaviors may be hazardous, adolescents who were practicing weight-control behaviors engaged in the positive dietary behavior of consuming more servings of fruits and vegetables.

Pediatric injuries resulting from use of all-terrain vehicles.

Annually, 20,000 children are injured while operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The purpose of this paper was to review child-ATV injuries in Arkansas and identify any areas in need of further investigation. An analysis of emergency-medical-service transports was done for children 0-19 years who had ATV-related injuries in Arkansas from 1998 to 1999. Prehospital-reported child-ATV emergencies were identified, separated by county, and emergency encounter rates were calculated. Our results indicate that emergency medical services (EMS) transported 319 children in Arkansas from 1998 to 1999. ATV injury information is limited in Arkansas, but available data indicate high injury rates existed for many rural counties.

A review of current weight management: research and recommendations.

PURPOSE: To review current research and recommendations on weight loss and weight control and provide suggestions for health care providers who furnish weight management counseling. DATA SOURCES: Scientific publications, clinical guidelines, and government sources. CONCLUSIONS: Research reaffirms the long-held understanding that weight loss can be accomplished only through a reduction in the number of calories consumed and an increase in exercise. Weight maintenance requires life-long behavioral change combining moderate exercise, lower fat intake, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as social support. Fad diets and medications are not the answer to long-term weight maintenance. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The essential components of a weight loss or weight management program include: calorie reduction of 300-500 calories per day, appropriate exercise, variety in food choices, increased consumption of grains, fruits, and vegetables, and reduction of fat to no more than 30% of daily calories. Clients should be referred to dietitian and exercise consultants as needed.

A prediction model for polypharmacy: are older, educated women more susceptible to an adverse drug event?

INTRODUCTION: This study attempts to account for variation in the number of prescription medications concurrently consumed in geriatric populations. METHODS: Data were selected from The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, III, 1988-1994 (NHANES III), Adult Household Questionnaire, a complex, multistage, clustered sampling of civilian, non-institutionalized populations, which included a volunteer sample of 5,249 individuals aged 65 and older who participated in NHANES III survey, representing four broad geographic regions and twelve states. RESULTS: Age, income, and educational level accounted for nine percent of the variation in the number of prescription medications concurrently taken (p < 0.0001); though non-significant, there were gender differences regarding polypharmacy; in addition, there were significant differences with respect to educational levels by region and age by region (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Educational level accounted for the most variation in polypharmacy. Women, on average, consumed more prescription medications than men. Older, more educated women may be most likely to engage in polypharmaceutical consumption, suggesting a greater likelihood of an adverse drug event.

Osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of female collegiate athletes.

Female athletes often engage in harmful dietary and weight control practices that can impair bone health and hinder performance. To promote related positive health behavior practices, nutrition educators may be more effective if they understand the osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among female athletes. A questionnaire including items related to osteoporosis and dietary calcium knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral practices was administered to 114 female collegiate athletes (19.6+/-1.4 years). Self-reported intakes of dairy product consumption were also obtained; subjects were asked how many times per week they drank milk and ate cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. The mean score for osteoporosis knowledge was 7.1+/-1.9 (out of 10 items). The mean score for favorable responses to attitude items was 2.1+/-0.8 (out of 3 items). Correct responses to dietary calcium knowledge items were 2.2+/-0.7 (out of 3 items). On average, subjects consumed 2.4+/-1.6 servings of dairy products per day; 31% of subjects consumed the recommended 3 or more servings per day. Osteoporosis knowledge, osteoporosis attitudes, and dietary calcium knowledge were not correlated (p > .05) with dairy product intake. Because of the importance of achieving a high peak bone mass to prevent osteoporosis, our data suggest that further research is needed regarding other factors that might influence dairy product intake among female athletes.

The future of nuclear medicine technology: are we ready for advanced practice?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical skills, commonly performed by nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs), that are beyond the entry-level practice guidelines and to determine NMTs' interest in the development of an advanced practice career pathway for nuclear medicine technology. METHODS: The Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section (SNMTS) conducted a survey of 1000 technologists certified by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) to determine which advanced clinical skills were being performed by NMTs and the level of training required to perform these skills. RESULTS: Those who responded to the survey were older and tended to have more years of experience and a higher level of responsibility as compared to the average technologist. Sixty-two percent of the respondents thought the SNMTS should develop an advanced practice career pathway, and 85% thought that advanced practice education should be delivered in nontraditional formats such as nights, weekends, and by distance education. CONCLUSION: NMTs reported a high level of interest in an advanced practice career pathway that could be completed while they remained employed.

Dairy-product intake and hip fracture among older women: issues for health behavior.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between dairy-product intake and hip fracture among a national sample of women aged 50 years and older. Univariate analyses using SAS procedures showed dairy-product intake was significantly associated with hip fracture. Women who had suffered hip fracture reported higher dairy use than women who had not experienced these fractures, a finding that is dramatically inconsistent with the literature. This finding may reflect positive behavioral changes resulting from the hip fracture event. Further research must focus on changes in health behavior after fracture, which may assist in understanding the roles of specific theories of health behavior. Application of principles of health behavior could improve the effectiveness of preventive treatment programs for osteoporosis.

Prospective social-psychological factors of adolescent smoking progression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of social-psychological risk factors to predict adolescent smoking behavior. METHODS: Nonsmoking adolescents (n = 4032) who participated in the 1989 and 1993 Teenage Attitudes and Practices Surveys (TAPS I) were selected for analyses. Four multivariate logistic models were used to examine (a) adolescents' smoking initiation, (b) adults' smoking initiation, (c) adolescents' progression to regular smoking, and (d) adults' progression to regular smoking. A series of social-psychological variables were measured. RESULTS: All four models were significant. However, no social-psychological factors were consistently significant in all four models, except white ethnicity. Data showed that social-psychological factors are less able to predict the transition from nonsmoking to experimental smoking than that from nonsmoking to regular smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Future prospective studies should measure both social-psychological and smoking acquisition factors at closer intervals to more accurately examine potential relationships.

Osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine correlates for osteoporosis diagnosis and hip fracture among a national sample of women. DESIGN: Data were extracted from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). This large-scale data set was collected by the National Center for Health Statistics. SAMPLE: The sample for this study included 2,336 women aged 50 years and older who resided in household interviewed for NHANES III. METHODS: Predictors for examination included age, race, heredity, body mass index, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol use, and dairy product use. Analyses were conducted using SAS procedures. FINDINGS: Correlates for screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis included age and race. Risk factors predicting hip fracture included age, race, low body mass index, and inactivity. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Recommendations emphasize screening of high-risk women, achieving and maintaining healthy body weights for underweight women, and obtaining moderate physical activity.

Predictors for osteoporosis diagnosis among postmenopausal women: results from a national survey.

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem in the U.S. today resulting in premature mortality, deformity, pain, loss of function, and disability. Diagnosis of osteoporosis is key to obtaining treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine risk factors that are correlated with osteoporosis diagnosis among a national sample of postmenopausal women. Factors associated with osteoporosis diagnosis included age, race, and family history. Health care providers, including physicians, dietitians, nurses, physical therapists and social workers, can play a key role in improving diagnoses among at-risk women. They can work together to increase awareness and improve knowledge regarding the risk factors for osteoporosis including body mass index, physical activity, smoking and nutritional status.

Risk factors for hip fracture among southern older women.

BACKGROUND: Older women are considered at risk for hip fracture; fracture rates are highest in the southern region of the United States. The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model for osteoporotic hip fracture among a national sample of southern women aged 50 years and older. METHODS: Subjects were participants in the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, Phase 1. Data were collected by the National Center for Health Statistics. Predictors examined included age, race, heredity, body mass index, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol use, and dairy product use. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 953 women aged 50 years and older. The predictive model included older age, black race, Hispanic race, and low body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations emphasize weight gain for underweight women and promotion of healthy body weights for women of all ages.

Osteoporotic fracture among older U.S. women: risk factors quantified.

The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model for osteoporotic fracture among a national sample of 2,325 women ages 50 years and older. Predictors for examination included age, race, heredity, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking status, alcohol use, and dairy product use. Analyses were conducted using Standard Analysis System (SAS) procedures. Strong risk factors predicting osteoporotic fracture included age, race, low BMI, and inactivity. Recommendations emphasize screening of high-risk women, achieving and maintaining health body weights for underweight women, and obtaining moderate physical activity. Promotion of healthy body weights for women of all ages is emphasized. Recommendations also include encouraging widespread physician, patient, and public education regarding osteoporotic fracture.

Physical activity and osteoporotic fracture among older women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the importance of physical activity in the occurrence of osteoporotic fracture and to examine the impact of exercise frequency on osteoporotic fracture among a national sample of women aged 50 years and older. DESIGN AND SETTING: This study involved female participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), Phase 1. SUBJECTS: The sample consisted of 2,325 women aged 50 years and older who were interviewed for Phase 1 of NHANES III. MEASUREMENTS: Predictor variables that were examined in this study included heredity, age, race, body mass index, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol use, and dairy product intake. Multivariate analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Race, age, body mass index, and inactivity were significant risk factors Predicting the occurrence of osteoporotic fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Athletic trainers in clinical settings are in an ideal position to educate female patients about risk factors for osteoporotic fracture. The clinical athletic trainer may incorporate balance training, generalized strengthening, and other fall-prevention activities into rehabilitation programs in order to help prevent osteoporotic injuries.

Preventing relapse in weight control: a discussion of cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Weight maintenance is the most difficult part of weight control. People who diet and regain weight often experience negative physiological effects and lowered self-esteem each time they regain weight. This suggests the need for successful weight maintenance programs. Health-care professionals can develop and implement maintenance programs using cognitive and behavior-change strategies which include ways to cope with relapse. This paper describes the physiological and emotional problems associated with weight maintenance and explores the use of cognitive and behavioral concepts in addressing these issues.

Adaptation of the membrane fatty acid composition by growth in the presence of n-alkanols influences glycosyltransferase expression in Streptococcus salivarius.

Growth of Streptococcus salivarius ATCC 25975 in the presence of n-alkanols in the series methanol to decan-1-ol led to a decrease in the unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio. Each member of the set of n-alkanols which was examined over a range of concentrations possessed a point at which extracellular glucosyltransferase (GTF) production was minimal; increasing the concentration of the n-alkanol past this point stimulated GTF production. This effect was greatest with hexan-1-ol although it was observed to a lesser extent with pentan-1-ol and heptan-1-ol. Reduced cell-associated fructosyltransferase activity was observed with increasing concentrations of each n-alkanol. Growth in the presence of 25 mM-propan-1-ol gave rise to a fatty acid profile in which 55% of the fatty acids were of an odd chain length. S. salivarius ATCC 25975 was shown to be able to utilize ethanol in a similar manner to propan-1-ol by growing it in the presence of 400 mM-[14C]ethanol. Analysis of the membrane lipids at the stationary phase of growth indicated that 17.6% of the carbon of the fatty acids was derived from ethanol. A leaky adh mutant, S. salivarius MJ 37501, was isolated. The leaky nature of the mutant enabled it to incorporate reduced levels of odd-chain-length fatty acids into its membrane lipids when grown in the presence of 100 mM-propan-1-ol, but not when grown in the presence of 25 mM-propan-1-ol. S. salivarius ATCC 25975 therefore metabolized propan-1-ol (and ethanol) via a constitutive alcohol dehydrogenase.