Hands-on, Demonstration, and Videotape Laboratories for Non-Science Majors in a Food Science Course: Achievement, Attitude, and Efficiency

ABSTRACT: Student achievement, attitude, and instructional efficiency were determined for hands-on and for live and videotape demonstration laboratories for nonscience majors. Each of 3 laboratory sections experienced 3 different teaching methods for one 4-wk unit. No significant difference in achievement was found among the laboratory methods. An attitude survey indicated a significant positive change in attitude toward live demonstration, with a negative change toward the hands-on and videotape methods. Videotape demonstration was the most economical method based on monetary and time expenditures, followed by live demonstration. Findings support using a variety of laboratory teaching methods, with the particular method based on appropriateness to students' learning needs; particular information, lesson, or unit of study taught; and instructional purpose.     

Effects on muscle strength,maximal jump height,flexibility and postural sway after soccer and Zumba exercise among female hospital employees: a 9-month randomised controlled trial

This 9-month randomised controlled workplace physical activity trial investigated the effects of soccer and Zumba exercise, respectively, on muscle strength, maximal jump height, sit-and-reach flexibility and postural sway among female workers. A total of 107 female hospital employees aged 25–63 were cluster-randomised to a soccer group, a Zumba group or a control group. Training was conducted outside working hours as two to three 1-h weekly sessions the first 3 months and once a week the last 6 months. Tests were conducted at baseline, after 3 and 9 months. The soccer group improved maximal neck extension strength both after 3 (1.2 kg; P < 0.05) and 9 months (1.7 kg; P < 0.01) compared to the control group. The Zumba group improved maximal trunk extension strength (3.1 kg; P = 0.04) after 3 months, with improvements in postural sway velocity moment (?9.2 mm²/s; P < 0.05) and lower limb lean mass (0.4 kg; P < 0.05) after 9 months. No significant intervention effects were revealed in vertical jump height or sit-and-reach flexibility. The present study indicates that workplace-initiated soccer and Zumba exercise may be beneficial for improvement of the neck and trunk strength, which may have preventive effects with regard to future perceived muscle pain in the respective body regions. Furthermore, the Zumba group revealed positive effects on lower limb lean mass and postural sway compared to the control group.     

The impact of birthweight and adolescent health on educational attainment

This article examines the relationship between birthweight, adolescent health (general health and psychological distress) and high school completion in Norway, using survey data linked to longitudinal registry data (n?=?5,354). The findings show that the positive association between birthweight and high school completion can be attributed to socioeconomic status. General adolescent health is explained by socioeconomic status combined with risk- and protective behavior. Psychological distress is mediated by having a close relationship with family and friends among the most affluent students, but not among the lower-income students. Among the lower-income students it was, instead, absence from school and feeling comfortable in class that mediated the association between psychological distress and high school completion, net of other factors.     

The northern light: from mystery to modern space science

As the name implies, the northern light is visible only at high latitudes, and it is therefore not surprising that Scandinavian scientists have been prominent in research on its origin and nature. This article reviews the history of its observation and the development of an understanding of its true origin.     

Soccer and Zumba as health-promoting activities among female hospital employees: a 40-weeks cluster randomised intervention study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological effects of soccer and Zumba among female hospital employees during a 40-week intervention period. Hospital employees (n = 118) were cluster-randomised to either a soccer group (n = 41), a Zumba group (n = 38) or a control group (n = 39). Both training groups were encouraged to perform 1-h training sessions twice a week outside working hours throughout the 40 weeks. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), blood pressure and body composition were measured and blood samples collected before and after the intervention period. Using intention-to-treat analyses, the Zumba group improved VO₂ max compared to the control group (2.2 mL · kg^?1 · min^?1, 95% CI, 0.9, 3.5, P = 0.001), with no significant increase in the soccer group (1.1 mL · kg^?1 · min^?1, 95% CI, ?0.2, 2.4, P = 0.08). Both intervention groups reduced total body fat mass and fat percentage compared to the control group (P < 0.01). In the soccer group, but not the Zumba group, a significant difference in lower limb bone mineral density and bone mineral content was observed in comparison to the control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the soccer group, but not the Zumba group, had increased plasma osteocalcin (6.6 µg · L^?1, 95% CI, 2.2, 11.0, P < 0.01) and decreased plasma leptin (?6.6 µg · L^?1, 95% CI, ?12.5, ?0.7, P < 0.05) compared to the control group. The present study suggests that workplace-initiated soccer and Zumba training comprising 1–2 sessions per week outside working hours may promote physiological health among female hospital employees.