ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8676-0224
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-11-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-07-2013
DOI: 10.1111/DMCN.12232
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-10-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-020-09563-Y
Abstract: Instagram provides an opportunity to deliver low cost, accessible and appealing physical activity content. This study evaluated the feasibility of delivering an exercise program for young women using Instagram. A single-group pre- and post-intervention trial examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week Instagram-delivered program with young inactive women ( n = 16 M = 23 years), which prescribed running and body weight exercises to complete three times per week. Daily Instagram posts delivered the exercises, video demonstrations and motivational content. Feasibility was evaluated by examining exposure (Instagram posts viewed per week), engagement (likes, comments and tags on Instagram posts number of exercise sessions completed per week retention, defined as completion of the online survey at weeks 6 and 12), and acceptability [whether the program increased participants’ motivation to exercise (1 = strongly disagree-5 = strongly agree) satisfaction with the program (1 = not satisfied-5 = very satisfied)]. Preliminary efficacy was evaluated by comparing baseline and 12-week self-reported physical activity (IPAQ short-form) and fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscle strength 1 = very poor-5 = very good, International Fitness Scale) using the Exact sign test. On average, participants reported seeing six posts in their Instagram feed per week. Posts received an average of five likes (IQR = 3–6). A total of four comments and one tag were observed across all posts. On average, participants reported completing two exercise sessions per week. Retention was 88% at 6 weeks but dropped to 56% at 12 weeks. Participants reported increased motivation to exercise (Mdn = 4, IQR = 3–4) and were satisfied with the program (Mdn = 4, IQR = 3–4). Only self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness showed a meaningful, though nonsignificant, improvement (MdnΔ = 1, IQR = 0–1, p = .06). Although Instagram has the potential to deliver a low cost, convenient exercise program for young women, additional research is needed to identify methods of improving engagement (interaction with the Instagram content, exercise sessions completed, and retention in the program). Future research could examine the use of behaviour change theory and provide information that enables participants to tailor the exercises to their interests and needs. Additionally, the use of objective assessments of physical activity and fitness among a larger participants s le is needed.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-06-2011
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.490868
Abstract: Postural management is used to help address the musculoskeletal and participation issues associated with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to identify the factors influencing postural management in special schools. A purpose-designed, cross-sectional, descriptive survey was sent to teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists working with children with moderate-to-severe CP, aged 5-12 years, in special schools within South Australia. The instrument included four main areas: demographics, perceived benefits of postural management, factors facilitating or hindering the implementation of postural management programmes and suggestions for improvement. Results were analysed descriptively. Forty-three therapists and 18 teachers completed the survey (response rate 81%). The most common factors hindering postural management were positioning equipment being unavailable or difficult to use, lack of time and school staff's knowledge and skills to carry out postural management. Facilitating factors included therapy staff providing a written postural management programme, open and regular communication between therapy and school staff and timetabling of postural management into the daily routine. Numerous factors impact on postural management for students in special schools. Practical solutions highlighted were increased training for school staff, timetabling of postural management into students' routines and provision of written postural management programmes.
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 15-05-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-06-2023
Abstract: A measurement of the top-quark mass ( m t ) in the $$ t\\overline{t} $$ t t ¯ → lepton + jets channel is presented, with an experimental technique which exploits semileptonic decays of b -hadrons produced in the top-quark decay chain. The distribution of the invariant mass m ℓμ of the lepton, ℓ (with ℓ = e, μ ), from the W -boson decay and the muon, μ , originating from the b -hadron decay is reconstructed, and a binned-template profile likelihood fit is performed to extract m t . The measurement is based on data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.1 fb − 1 of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV pp collisions provided by the Large Hadron Collider and recorded by the ATLAS detector. The measured value of the top-quark mass is m t = 174 . 41 ± 0 . 39 (stat.) ± 0 . 66 (syst.) ± 0 . 25 (recoil) GeV, where the third uncertainty arises from changing the P ythia 8 parton shower gluon-recoil scheme, used in top-quark decays, to a recently developed setup.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-10-2023
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 23-12-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-03-2202
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.13029
Abstract: Evidence shows children gain more weight during the summer holidays versus the school year. To examine within‐child differences in activity and diet behaviours during the summer holidays versus the school year. Children (mean age 9.4 years 37% male) wore accelerometers (GENEActiv n = 133), reported activities (Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents n = 133) and parents reported child diet ( n = 133) at five timepoints over 2 years capturing school and summer holiday values. Mixed‐effects models were used to compare school and summer holiday behaviours. Children spent less time in moderate‐ to vigorous‐physical activity (−12 min/day p = 0.001) and sleep (−12 min/day p 0.001) and more time sedentary (+27 min/day p 0.001) during summer holidays versus the school year. Screentime (+70 min/day p 0.001), domestic/social activities (+43 min/day p = .001), self‐care (+24 min/day p 0.001), passive transport (+22 min/day p = 0.001) and quiet time (+16 min/day p = 0.012) were higher during the summer holidays, compensating for less time in school‐related activities (−164 min/day p 0.001). Diet quality was lower (−4 points p 0.001) and children consumed fewer serves of fruit (−0.4 serves p 0.001) during the summer holidays versus the school year. Children are displaying poorer activity and diet behaviours during the summer holidays, which may contribute to accelerated weight gain over the holiday period.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2023
Abstract: The inclusive top-quark pair ( $$ t\\overline{t} $$ t t ¯ ) production cross-section $$ {\\sigma}_{t\\overline{t}} $$ σ t t ¯ is measured in proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 5 . 02 TeV, using 257 pb − 1 of data collected in 2017 by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. The $$ t\\overline{t} $$ t t ¯ cross-section is measured in both the dilepton and single-lepton final states of the $$ t\\overline{t} $$ t t ¯ system and then combined. The combination of the two measurements yields $$ {\\sigma}_{t\\overline{t}}=67.5\\pm 0.9\\left(\\textrm{stat}.\\right)\\pm 2.3\\left(\\textrm{syst}.\\right)\\pm 1.1\\left(\\textrm{lumi}.\\right)\\pm 0.2\\left(\\textrm{beam}\\right)\\textrm{pb}, $$ σ t t ¯ = 67.5 ± 0.9 stat . ± 2.3 syst . ± 1.1 lumi . ± 0.2 beam pb , where the four uncertainties reflect the limited size of the data s le, experimental and theoretical systematic effects, and imperfect knowledge of both the integrated luminosity and the LHC beam energy, giving a total uncertainty of 3.9%. The result is in agreement with theoretical quantum chromodynamic calculations at next-to-next-to-leading order in the strong coupling constant, including the resummation of next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic soft-gluon terms, and constrains the parton distribution functions of the proton at large Bjorken- x .
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11543-6
Abstract: A search for supersymmetry involving the pair production of gluinos decaying via off-shell third-generation squarks into the lightest neutralino $$(\\tilde{\\chi }^0_1)$$ ( χ ~ 1 0 ) is reported. It exploits LHC proton–proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy $$\\sqrt{s} = 13$$ s = 13 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 collected with the ATLAS detector from 2015 to 2018. The search uses events containing large missing transverse momentum, up to one electron or muon, and several energetic jets, at least three of which must be identified as containing b -hadrons. Both a simple kinematic event selection and an event selection based upon a deep neural-network are used. No significant excess above the predicted background is found. In simplified models involving the pair production of gluinos that decay via off-shell top (bottom) squarks, gluino masses less than 2.44 TeV (2.35 TeV) are excluded at 95% CL for a massless $$\\tilde{\\chi }^0_1.$$ χ ~ 1 0 . Limits are also set on the gluino mass in models with variable branching ratios for gluino decays to $$b\\bar{b}\\tilde{\\chi }^0_1,$$ b b ¯ χ ~ 1 0 , $$t\\bar{t}\\tilde{\\chi }^0_1$$ t t ¯ χ ~ 1 0 and $$t\\bar{b}\\tilde{\\chi }^-_1/\\bar{t}b\\tilde{\\chi }^+_1.$$ t b ¯ χ ~ 1 - / t ¯ b χ ~ 1 + .
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-06-2023
Abstract: This article presents a search for new resonances decaying into a Z or W boson and a 125 GeV Higgs boson h , and it targets the $$ \\nu \\overline{\\nu}b\\overline{b} $$ ν ν ¯ b b ¯ , $$ {\\ell}^{+}{\\ell}^{-}b\\overline{b} $$ ℓ + ℓ − b b ¯ , or $$ {\\ell}^{\\pm}\\nu b\\overline{b} $$ ℓ ± νb b ¯ final states, where ℓ = e or μ , in proton-proton collisions at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV. The data used correspond to a total integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 collected by the ATLAS detector during Run 2 of the LHC at CERN. The search is conducted by examining the reconstructed invariant or transverse mass distributions of Zh or Wh candidates for evidence of a localised excess in the mass range from 220 GeV to 5 TeV. No significant excess is observed and 95% confidence-level upper limits between 1.3 pb and 0.3 fb are placed on the production cross section times branching fraction of neutral and charged spin-1 resonances and CP-odd scalar bosons. These limits are converted into constraints on the parameter space of the Heavy Vector Triplet model and the two-Higgs-doublet model.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-10-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12913-021-07096-7
Abstract: Wearable activity monitors (WAMs, e.g. Fitbits and research accelerometers) show promise for helping health care professionals (HCPs) measure and intervene on patients’ activity patterns. This study aimed to describe the clinical use of WAMs within South Australia, barriers and enablers, and future opportunities for large-scale clinical use. A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews. Participants were HCPs with experience using WAMs in South Australian clinical settings. Commencing with participants identified through the research team’s professional networks, snowball recruitment continued until all identified eligible HCPs had been invited. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the research aims, with quantitative data analysed descriptively, and qualitative data analysed thematically. 18 participants (physiotherapists n = 8, exercise physiologists n = 6, medical consultants n = 2, and research personnel recommended by medical consultants n = 2), represented 12 discrete “hubs” of WAM use in clinical practice, spanning rehabilitation, orthopaedics, geriatrics, intensive care, and various inpatient-, outpatient-, community-based hospital and private-practice settings. Across the 12 hubs, five primarily used Fitbits® (various models), four used research-grade accelerometers (e.g. GENEActiv, ActivPAL and StepWatch accelerometers), one used Whoop Bands® and another used smartphone-based step counters. In three hubs, WAMs were used to observe natural activity levels without intervention, while in nine they were used to increase (i.e. intervene on) activity. Device selection was typically based on ease of availability (e.g. devices borrowed from another department) and cost-economy (e.g. Fitbits® are relatively affordable compared with research-grade devices). Enablers included device characteristics (e.g. accuracy, long battery life, simple metrics such as step count) and patient characteristics (e.g. motivation, rehabilitation population, tech-savvy), whilst barriers included the HCPs’ time to download and interpret the data, multidisciplinary team attitudes and lack of protocols for managing the devices. At present, the use of WAMs in clinical practice appears to be fragmented and ad hoc, though holds promise for understanding patient outcomes and enhancing therapy. Future work may focus on developing protocols for optimal use, system-level approaches, and generating cost-benefit data to underpin continued health service funding for ongoing/wide-spread WAM use.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2013
Abstract: Retirement is a major life transition during which people restructure everyday activities however little is known about this. The primary aim of the Life After Work study is to comprehensively measure changes in time use and patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and its associations with health and wellbeing, across the retirement transition. A target s le of 120 participants aged 50 years and over will be recruited in two Australian state capital cities, Adelaide and Brisbane. Participants will undertake a battery of assessments approximately 3 months prior to retirement, and 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement. Measures will include self-reported use of time (using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults), objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviour (using Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers), self-reported health and well-being (using a battery of questionnaires including the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Australian Unity Personal Well-being Index (AUPWI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS21), Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), retirement circumstances and socio-demographic characteristics, objectively assessed anthropometric measures (height, weight and waist circumference), and resting blood pressure. Multivariate mixed models will be used to examine changes in use of time, health and well-being across retirement. The results will provide important new information that will inform the development of lifestyle and policy interventions to address and improve health and well-being in retirement.
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 05-05-2023
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 11-05-2023
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 05-09-2023
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2019
Abstract: Purpose : This study investigated the relationship between outdoor time and physical activity (PA), sedentary time (SED), and body mass index z scores among children from 12 lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, and high-income countries. Methods : In total, 6478 children (54.4% girls) aged 9–11 years participated. Outdoor time was self-reported, PA and SED were assessed with ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers, and height and weight were measured. Data on parental education, neighborhood collective efficacy, and accessibility to neighborhood recreation facilities were collected from parent questionnaires. Country latitude and climate statistics were collected through national weather data sources. Gender-stratified multilevel models with parental education, climate, and neighborhood variables as covariates were used to examine the relationship between outdoor time, accelerometry measures, and body mass index z scores. Results : Each additional hour per day spent outdoors was associated with higher moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (boys: +2.8 min/d girls: +1.4 min/d), higher light-intensity PA (boys: +2.0 min/d girls: +2.3 min/d), and lower SED (boys: −6.3 min/d girls: −5.1 min/d). Effect sizes were generally weaker in lower-middle-income countries. Outdoor time was not associated with body mass index z scores. Conclusions : Outdoor time was associated with higher PA and lower SED independent of climate, parental education, and neighborhood variables, but effect sizes were small. However, more research is needed in low- and middle-income countries.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-06-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11434-W
Abstract: Searches for new phenomena inspired by supersymmetry in final states containing an $$e^+e^-$$ e + e - or $$\\mu ^+\\mu ^-$$ μ + μ - pair, jets, and missing transverse momentum are presented. These searches make use of proton–proton collision data with an integrated luminosity of $$139~\\text {fb}^{-1}$$ 139 fb - 1 , collected during 2015–2018 at a centre-of-mass energy $$\\sqrt{s}=13~$$ s = 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Two searches target the pair production of charginos and neutralinos. One uses the recursive-jigsaw reconstruction technique to follow up on excesses observed in $$36.1~\\text {fb}^{-1}$$ 36.1 fb - 1 of data, and the other uses conventional event variables. The third search targets pair production of coloured supersymmetric particles (squarks or gluinos) decaying through the next-to-lightest neutralino $$(\\tilde{\\chi }_2^0)$$ ( χ ~ 2 0 ) via a slepton $$(\\tilde{\\ell })$$ ( ℓ ~ ) or Z boson into $$\\ell ^+\\ell ^-\\tilde{\\chi }_1^0$$ ℓ + ℓ - χ ~ 1 0 , resulting in a kinematic endpoint or peak in the dilepton invariant mass spectrum. The data are found to be consistent with the Standard Model expectations. Results are interpreted using simplified models and exclude masses up to 900 GeV for electroweakinos, 1550 GeV for squarks, and 2250 GeV for gluinos.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-01-2018
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2020
Abstract: Background : Substantial evidence links activity domains with health and well-being however, research has typically examined time-use behaviors independently, rather than considering daily activity as a 24-hour time-use composition. This study used compositional data analysis to estimate the difference in physical and mental well-being associated with reallocating time between behaviors. Methods : Participants (n = 430 74% female 41 [12] y) wore an accelerometer for 7 days and reported their body mass index health-related quality of life (QoL) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Regression models determined whether time-use composition, comprising sleep, sedentary behavior, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), was associated with well-being. Compositional isotemporal substitution models estimated the difference in well-being associated with reallocating time between behaviors. Results : Time-use composition was associated with body mass index and physical health-related QoL. Reallocating time to MVPA from sleep, sedentary behavior, and LPA showed favorable associations with body mass index and physical health-related QoL, whereas reallocations from MVPA to other behaviors showed unfavorable associations. Reallocations from LPA to sedentary behavior were associated with better physical health–related QoL and vice versa. Conclusion : Results reinforce the importance of MVPA for physical health but do not suggest that replacing sedentary behavior with LPA is beneficial for health and well-being.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-08-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11736-Z
Abstract: The identification of b -jets, referred to as b -tagging, is an important part of many physics analyses in the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider and an accurate calibration of its performance is essential for high-quality physics results. This publication describes the calibration of the light-flavour jet mistagging efficiency in a data s le of proton–proton collision events at $$\\sqrt{s}=13$$ s = 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 . The calibration is performed in a s le of Z bosons produced in association with jets. Due to the low mistagging efficiency for light-flavour jets, a method which uses modified versions of the b -tagging algorithms referred to as flip taggers is used in this work. A fit to the jet-flavour-sensitive secondary-vertex mass is performed to extract a scale factor from data, to correct the light-flavour jet mistagging efficiency in Monte Carlo simulations, while simultaneously correcting the b -jet efficiency. With this procedure, uncertainties coming from the modeling of jets from heavy-flavour hadrons are considerably lower than in previous calibrations of the mistagging scale factors, where they were dominant. The scale factors obtained in this calibration are consistent with unity within uncertainties.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-08-2023
Abstract: This paper describes a search for the single production of an up-type vector-like quark ( T ) decaying as T → Ht or T → Zt . The search utilises a dataset of pp collisions at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV collected with the ATLAS detector during the 2015–2018 data-taking period of the Large Hadron Collider, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 . Data are analysed in final states containing a single lepton with multiple jets and b -jets. The presence of boosted heavy resonances in the event is exploited to discriminate the signal from the Standard Model background. No significant excess above the Standard Model expectation is observed, and 95% CL upper limits are set on the production cross section of T quarks in different decay channels. The results are interpreted in several benchmark scenarios to set limits on the mass and universal coupling strength ( κ ) of the vector-like quark. For singlet T quarks, κ values above 0.53 are excluded for all masses below 2.3 TeV. At a mass of 1.6 TeV, κ values as low as 0.35 are excluded. For T quarks in the doublet scenario, where the production cross section is much lower, κ values above 0.72 are excluded for all masses below 1.7 TeV, and this exclusion is extended to κ above 0.55 for low masses around 1.0 TeV.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-03-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-023-01414-4
Abstract: Weather is a potentially important influence on how time is allocated to sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity across the 24-h day. Extremes of weather (very hot, cold, windy or wet) can create undesirable, unsafe outdoor environments for exercise or active transport, impact the comfort of sleeping environments, and increase time indoors. This 13-month prospective cohort study explored associations between weather and 24-h movement behaviour patterns. Three hundred sixty-eight adults (mean age 40.2 years, SD 5.9, 56.8% female) from Adelaide, Australia, wore Fitbit Charge 3 activity trackers 24 h a day for 13 months with minute-by-minute data on sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) collected remotely. Daily weather data included temperature, rainfall, wind, cloud and sunshine. Multi-level mixed-effects linear regression analyses (one model per outcome) were used. Ninety thousand eight hundred one days of data were analysed. Sleep was negatively associated with minimum temperature (-12 min/day change across minimum temperature range of 31.2 °C, p = 0.001). Sedentary behaviour was positively associated with minimum temperature (+ 12 min/day, range = 31.2 oC, p = 0.006) and wind speed (+ 10 min/day, range = 36.7 km/h, p 0.001), and negatively associated with sunshine (-17 min/day, range = 13.9 h, p 0.001). LPA was positively associated with minimum temperature (+ 11 min/day, range = 31.2 °C, p = 0.002), cloud cover (+ 4 min/day, range = 8 eighths, p = 0.008) and sunshine (+ 17 min/day, range = 13.9 h, p 0.001), and negatively associated with wind speed (-8 min/day, range = 36.7 km/h, p 0.001). MVPA was positively associated with sunshine (+ 3 min/day, range = 13.9 h, p 0.001) and negatively associated with minimum temperature (-13 min/day, range = 31.2 oC, p 0.001), rainfall (-3 min/day, range = 33.2 mm, p = 0.006) and wind speed (-4 min/day, range = 36.7 km/h, p 0.001). For maximum temperature, a significant ( p 0.05) curvilinear association was observed with sleep (half-U) and physical activity (inverted-U), where the decrease in sleep duration appeared to slow around 23 °C, LPA peaked at 31 oC and MVPA at 27 °C. Generally, adults tended to be less active and more sedentary during extremes of weather and sleep less as temperatures rise. These findings have the potential to inform the timing and content of positive movement behaviour messaging and interventions. The study was prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (Trial ID: ACTRN12619001430123).
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 15-01-2014
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 06-09-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-01-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12874-020-0896-4
Abstract: This study examined the criterion validity of the online Active Australia Survey, using accelerometry as the criterion, and whether self-report bias was related to level of activity, age, sex, education, body mass index and health-related quality of life. The online Active Australia Survey was validated against the GENEActiv accelerometer as a direct measure of activity. Participants ( n = 344) wore an accelerometer for 7 days, completed the Active Australia Survey, and reported their health and demographic characteristics. A Spearman’s rank coefficient examined the association between minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity recorded on the Active Australia Survey and GENEActiv accelerometer. A Bland-Altman plot illustrated self-report bias (the difference between methods). Linear mixed effects modelling was used to examine whether participant factors predicted self-report bias. The association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reported on the online Active Australia Survey and accelerometer was significant ( r s = .27, p .001). Participants reported 4 fewer minutes per day on the Active Australia Survey than was recorded by accelerometry (95% limits of agreement −104 – 96 min) but the difference was not significant ( t (343) = −1.40, p = .16). Self-report bias was negatively associated with minutes of accelerometer-recorded moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and positively associated with mental health-related quality of life. The online Active Australia Survey showed limited criterion validity against accelerometry. Self-report bias was related to activity level and mental health-related quality of life. Caution is recommended when interpreting studies using the online Active Australia Survey.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-03-2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 23-01-2021
DOI: 10.1093/TBM/IBAA139
Abstract: Technology-based physical activity programs are a novel solution to the major public health issue of physical inactivity. However, to be successful, there must be a large and population-appropriate uptake, which depends heavily on promotion. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an advertising c aign to disseminate a physical activity smartphone app. The experiment used a 3 × 3 × 3 full-factorial design, examining platforms (Facebook Facebook Messenger Instagram), selling-techniques (hard-sell—sending viewers directly to (a) Apple Store or (b) Google Play, and soft-sell—sending viewers from an ad to a (c) landing-page, then to an app store) and themes (Health and Wellbeing Body and Self-Confidence Social Enjoyment). Outcomes were reach, click-through, and app downloads. Advertisements reached 1,373,273 people, achieving 2,989 clicks and 667 downloads. Instagram and Facebook Messenger had higher reach compared to Facebook (F[2,27] = 27.17, p & .001), whilst Facebook and Facebook Messenger both produced higher click-through (F[2,27] = 8.98, p & .001) and downloads (F[2,27] = 4.649, p = .018). Selling-technique differed, with soft-selling ads producing greater reach (F[2,27] = 4,616.077, p & .001) however, both hard-selling ads (Apple Store and Google Play) had greater click-through (F[2,27] = 10.77, p & .001) and downloads (F[2,27] = 3.791, p & .001). Advertising theme varied, with Social Enjoyment themes producing less click-through (F[2,27] = 5.709, p = .009) and downloads (F[2,27] = 5.480, p = .010). We recommend future studies to consider Facebook and Facebook Messenger, using hard-selling techniques, with themes relating to Health and Wellbeing and Body and Self-Confidence.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-12-2020
Abstract: Artificial intelligence virtual health assistants are a promising emerging technology. This study is a process evaluation of a 12-week pilot physical activity and diet program delivered by virtual assistant “Paola”. This single-arm repeated measures study (n = 28, aged 45–75 years) was evaluated on technical performance (accuracy of conversational exchanges), engagement (number of weekly check-ins completed), adherence (percentage of step goal and recommended food servings), and user feedback. Paola correctly asked scripted questions and responded to participants during the check-ins 97% and 96% of the time, respectively, but correctly responded to spontaneous exchanges only 21% of the time. Participants completed 63% of weekly check-ins and conducted a total of 3648 exchanges. Mean dietary adherence was 91% and was lowest for discretionary foods, grains, red meat, and vegetables. Participants met their step goal 59% of the time. Participants enjoyed the program and found Paola useful during check-ins but not for spontaneous exchanges. More in-depth knowledge, personalized advice and spontaneity were identified as important improvements. Virtual health assistants should ensure an adequate knowledge base and ability to recognize intents and entities, include personality and spontaneity, and provide ongoing technical troubleshooting of the virtual assistant to ensure the assistant remains effective.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-08-2021
DOI: 10.1093/TBM/IBAB101
Abstract: Social media provides a convenient platform for health c aigns. However, practitioners designing such c aigns are faced with a number of decisions regarding advertising formats and appeals. This study set out to compare the effectiveness of two advertising formats (image vs. video) and two advertising appeals (benefits of being active vs. app attributes and features) for promoting a physical-activity smartphone app. The advertising experiment was conducted on Facebook and employed a 2 × 2 full-factorial experimental design, examining two advertising formats: image versus video and two advertising appeals: benefit versus attribute. Outcome measures were advertisement cost (number of viewers reached according to the amount spent) and consumer engagement (rates of advertisement click-through and app downloads). Chi-Square analysis revealed that advertisement cost was found to differ according to the type of advertising format used, with image advertisements achieving a greater audience reach than video advertisements (χ 2(1) = 905.292, p & .001). Consumer engagement also differed according to advertising format and appeal: images achieved high rates of advertisement click-through (2.7% vs. 1.9% χ 2(1) = 196.9, p & .001) and app downloads (0.6% vs. 0.5% χ 2(1) = 4.0, p = .044) compared with videos. Furthermore, benefit appeal advertisements were more effective than attribute appeals, yielding a greater rate of advertisement click-through (2.8% vs. 1.8% χ 2(1) = 282.2, p & .001) and app downloads (0.7% vs. 0.4% χ 2(1) =106.0, p & .001). Overall, image advertisements were seen to be the most cost-effective and engaging. Advertisements employing a benefit appeal achieved greater consumer engagement than and attribute appeal advertisements.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-07-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11578-9
Abstract: A search for pair production of doubly charged Higgs bosons ( $$H^{\\pm \\pm }$$ H ± ± ), each decaying into a pair of prompt, isolated, and highly energetic leptons with the same electric charge, is presented. The search uses a proton–proton collision data s le at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 recorded by the ATLAS detector during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This analysis focuses on same-charge leptonic decays, $$H^{\\pm \\pm } \\!\\rightarrow \\ell ^{\\pm } \\ell ^{\\prime \\pm }$$ H ± ± → ℓ ± ℓ ′ ± where $$\\ell , \\ell ^\\prime \\!=\\!e, \\mu , \\tau $$ ℓ , ℓ ′ = e , μ , τ , in two-, three-, and four-lepton channels, but only considers final states which include electrons or muons. No evidence of a signal is observed. Corresponding upper limits on the production cross-section of a doubly charged Higgs boson are derived, as a function of its mass $$m(H^{\\pm \\pm })$$ m ( H ± ± ) , at 95% confidence level. Assuming that the branching ratios to each of the possible leptonic final states are equal, $$\\mathcal {B}(H^{\\pm \\pm } \\rightarrow e^\\pm e^\\pm ) = \\mathcal {B}(H^{\\pm \\pm } \\rightarrow e^\\pm \\mu ^\\pm ) = \\mathcal {B}(H^{\\pm \\pm } \\rightarrow \\mu ^\\pm \\mu ^\\pm ) = \\mathcal {B}(H^{\\pm \\pm } \\rightarrow e^\\pm \\tau ^\\pm ) = \\mathcal {B}(H^{\\pm \\pm } \\rightarrow \\mu ^\\pm \\tau ^\\pm ) = \\mathcal {B}(H^{\\pm \\pm } \\rightarrow \\tau ^\\pm \\tau ^\\pm ) = 1/6$$ B ( H ± ± → e ± e ± ) = B ( H ± ± → e ± μ ± ) = B ( H ± ± → μ ± μ ± ) = B ( H ± ± → e ± τ ± ) = B ( H ± ± → μ ± τ ± ) = B ( H ± ± → τ ± τ ± ) = 1 / 6 , the observed (expected) lower limit on the mass of a doubly charged Higgs boson is 1080 GeV (1065 GeV) within the left-right symmetric type-II seesaw model, which is the strongest limit to date produced by the ATLAS Collaboration. Additionally, this paper provides the first direct test of the Zee–Babu neutrino mass model at the LHC, yielding an observed (expected) lower limit of $$m(H^{\\pm \\pm })$$ m ( H ± ± ) = 900 GeV (880 GeV).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-07-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11582-Z
Abstract: This paper presents a search for dark matter, $$\\chi $$ χ , using events with a single top quark and an energetic W boson. The analysis is based on proton–proton collision data collected with the ATLAS experiment at $$\\sqrt{s}=$$ s = 13 TeV during LHC Run 2 (2015–2018), corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 . The search considers final states with zero or one charged lepton (electron or muon), at least one b -jet and large missing transverse momentum. In addition, a result from a previous search considering two-charged-lepton final states is included in the interpretation of the results. The data are found to be in good agreement with the Standard Model predictions and the results are interpreted in terms of 95% confidence-level exclusion limits in the context of a class of dark matter models involving an extended two-Higgs-doublet sector together with a pseudoscalar mediator particle. The search is particularly sensitive to on-shell production of the charged Higgs boson state, $$H^{\\pm }$$ H ± , arising from the two-Higgs-doublet mixing, and its semi-invisible decays via the mediator particle, a : $$H^{\\pm } \\rightarrow W^\\pm a (\\rightarrow \\chi \\chi )$$ H ± → W ± a ( → χ χ ) . Signal models with $$H^{\\pm }$$ H ± masses up to 1.5 TeV and a masses up to 350 GeV are excluded assuming a $$\\tan \\beta $$ tan β value of 1. For masses of a of 150 (250) GeV, $$\\tan \\beta $$ tan β values up to 2 are excluded for $$H^{\\pm }$$ H ± masses between 200 (400) GeV and 1.5 TeV. Signals with $$\\tan \\beta $$ tan β values between 20 and 30 are excluded for $$H^{\\pm }$$ H ± masses between 500 and 800 GeV.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-08-2022
Abstract: A direct search for Higgs bosons produced via vector-boson fusion and subsequently decaying into invisible particles is reported. The analysis uses 139 fb − 1 of pp collision data at a centre-of-mass energy of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The observed numbers of events are found to be in agreement with the background expectation from Standard Model processes. For a scalar Higgs boson with a mass of 125 GeV and a Standard Model production cross section, an observed upper limit of 0 . 145 is placed on the branching fraction of its decay into invisible particles at 95% confidence level, with an expected limit of 0 . 103. These results are interpreted in the context of models where the Higgs boson acts as a portal to dark matter, and limits are set on the scattering cross section of weakly interacting massive particles and nucleons. Invisible decays of additional scalar bosons with masses from 50 GeV to 2 TeV are also studied, and the derived upper limits on the cross section times branching fraction decrease with increasing mass from 1 . 0 pb for a scalar boson mass of 50 GeV to 0 . 1 pb at a mass of 2 TeV.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-05-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1469-8749.2007.00450.X
Abstract: Participation in regular physical activity (PA) provides health, psychological, and physiological benefits for people with and without a physical disability. This study investigated the physical and sedentary activity patterns of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). A cross-sectional, descriptive, postal survey was used, consisting of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), self-reported level of gross motor function (based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS]), and specific questions regarding weekly sedentary activities. Following piloting to determine test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation [ICC] for PA=0.90 total weekly sedentary time=0.84) and concurrent validity (survey PA score vs pedometry, Pearson's r=0.24 survey PA score vs accelerometry, r=-0.21 survey weekly sedentary time vs logbook, r=0.38), the survey was mailed to all adolescents with CP in South Australia registered with Novita Children's Services (n=219). One hundred and twelve valid surveys were returned (76 males, 36 females age range 11-17y, mean age 13y 11mo [SD 23mo] GMFCS Level I, n=42 Level II, n=27 Level III, n=10 Level IV, n=17 Level V, n=15 level not reported, n=1). Results were compared with recent normative age- and sex-matched data sets. Key findings were that PA level of adolescents with CP was related to level of gross motor function and inversely related to age, and that adolescents with CP were less physically active than their peers without disability. Comparisons with normative data sets suggested that adolescents with CP tend to participate in less structured and lower intensity PA compared with non-disabled adolescents, though sedentary activity patterns (TV and computer use) of adolescents with and without CP were similar.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 28-08-2018
Abstract: martphone apps are a promising tool for delivering accessible and appealing physical activity interventions. Given the large growth of research in this field, there are now enough studies using the “gold standard” of experimental design—the randomized controlled trial design—and employing objective measurements of physical activity, to support a meta-analysis of these scientifically rigorous studies. his systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of smartphone apps for increasing objectively measured physical activity in adults. total of 7 electronic databases (EMBASE, EmCare, MEDLINE, Scopus, Sport Discus, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched from 2007 to January 2018. Following the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome and Study Design format, studies were eligible if they were randomized controlled trials involving adults, used a smartphone app as the primary or sole component of the physical activity intervention, used a no- or minimal-intervention control condition, and measured objective physical activity either in the form of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes or steps. Study quality was assessed using a 25-item tool based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist. A meta-analysis of study effects was conducted using a random effects model approach. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine whether intervention effectiveness differed on the basis of intervention length, target behavior (physical activity alone vs physical activity in combination with other health behaviors), or target population (general adult population vs specific health populations). ollowing removal of duplicates, a total of 6170 studies were identified from the original database searches. Of these, 9 studies, involving a total of 1740 participants, met eligibility criteria. Of these, 6 studies could be included in a meta-analysis of the effects of physical activity apps on steps per day. In comparison with the control conditions, smartphone apps produced a nonsignificant (P=.19) increase in participants’ average steps per day, with a mean difference of 476.75 steps per day (95% CI −229.57 to 1183.07) between groups. Sensitivity analyses suggested that physical activity programs with a duration of less than 3 months were more effective than apps evaluated across more than 3 months (P=.01), and that physical activity apps that targeted physical activity in isolation were more effective than apps that targeted physical activity in combination with diet (P=.04). Physical activity app effectiveness did not appear to differ on the basis of target population. his meta-analysis provides modest evidence supporting the effectiveness of smartphone apps to increase physical activity. To date, apps have been most effective in the short term (eg, up to 3 months). Future research is needed to understand the time course of intervention effects and to investigate strategies to sustain intervention effects over time.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-03-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0248008
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted lifestyle behaviour as public health initiatives aim to “flatten the curve”. This study examined changes in activity patterns (physical activity, sedentary time, sleep), recreational physical activities, diet, weight and wellbeing from before to during COVID-19 restrictions in Adelaide, Australia. This study used data from a prospective cohort of Australian adults (parents of primary school-aged children n = 61, 66% female, aged 41±6 years). Participants wore a Fitbit Charge 3 activity monitor and weighed themselves daily using Wi-Fi scales. Activity and weight data were extracted for 14 days before (February 2020) and 14 days during (April 2020) COVID-19 restrictions. Participants reported their recreational physical activity, diet and wellbeing during these periods. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine change over time. Participants slept 27 minutes longer (95% CI 9–51), got up 38 minutes later (95% CI 25–50), and did 50 fewer minutes (95% CI -69–-29) of light physical activity during COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, participants engaged in more cycling but less swimming, team sports and boating or sailing. Participants consumed a lower percentage of energy from protein (-0.8, 95% CI -1.5–-0.1) and a greater percentage of energy from alcohol (0.9, 95% CI 0.2–1.7). There were no changes in weight or wellbeing. Overall, the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on lifestyle were small however, their impact on health and wellbeing may accumulate over time. Further research examining the effects of ongoing social distancing restrictions are needed as the pandemic continues.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 22-05-2023
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 24-03-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-05-2017
DOI: 10.1002/OBY.21792
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2010.00502.X
Abstract: This study aimed to explore sleep duration in young Australians on different types of days across weight classes. Use of time and anthropometric data were collected on 8,866 nights from 3,884 9-18 year old Australians. The association between sleep duration and weight status was examined using factorial ANOVA for four day types: S-S (to bed and waking on school days) S-NS (to bed on school day and waking on non-school day) NS-NS (to bed and waking on non-school days) NS-S (to bed on non-school day and waking on school day). Sleep duration varied with weight status when all day types were considered together (p=0.0012). Obese adolescents slept less than normal and underweight adolescents. However, the relationship varied for different day types with the strongest relationship for NS-S days (on which obese children slept 65 min less than very underweight children, p<0.0001). The association between weight status and sleep duration showed consistent gradients across weight categories, but only for certain day types. These patterns cast light on the direction of causation in the obesity-sleep duration relationship. Findings suggest that short sleep duration contributes to obesity, or that a third unidentified factor has an impact on both.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2023
Abstract: A search for flavour-changing neutral current (FCNC) tqH interactions involving a top quark, another up-type quark ( q = u, c ), and a Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson decaying into a τ -lepton pair ( H → τ + τ − ) is presented. The search is based on a dataset of pp collisions at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV that corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Two processes are considered: single top quark FCNC production in association with a Higgs boson ( pp → tH ), and top quark pair production in which one of top quarks decays into Wb and the other decays into qH through the FCNC interactions. The search selects events with two hadronically decaying τ -lepton candidates ( τ had ) or at least one τ had with an additional lepton ( e , μ ), as well as multiple jets. Event kinematics is used to separate signal from the background through a multivariate discriminant. A slight excess of data is observed with a significance of 2.3 σ above the expected SM background, and 95% CL upper limits on the t → qH branching ratios are derived. The observed (expected) 95% CL upper limits set on the t → cH and t → uH branching ratios are $$ 9.4\\times {10}^{-4}\\left({4.8}_{-1.4}^{+2.2}\\times {10}^{-4}\\right) $$ 9.4 × 10 − 4 4.8 − 1.4 + 2.2 × 10 − 4 and $$ 6.9\\times {10}^{-4}\\left({3.5}_{-1.0}^{+1.5}\\times {10}^{-4}\\right) $$ 6.9 × 10 − 4 3.5 − 1.0 + 1.5 × 10 − 4 , respectively. The corresponding combined observed (expected) upper limits on the dimension-6 operator Wilson coefficients in the effective tqH couplings are C cϕ 1 . 35 (0 . 97) and C uϕ 1 . 16 (0 . 82).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2023
Abstract: A search for light long-lived neutral particles with masses in the O (MeV–GeV) range is presented. The analysis targets the production of long-lived dark photons in the decay of a Higgs boson produced via gluon–gluon fusion or in association with a W boson. Events that contain displaced collimated Standard Model fermions reconstructed in the calorimeter or muon spectrometer are selected in 139 fb − 1 of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV pp collision data collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Background estimates for contributions from Standard Model processes and instrumental effects are extracted from data. The observed event yields are consistent with the expected background. Exclusion limits are reported on the production cross-section times branching fraction as a function of the mean proper decay length cτ of the dark photon, or as a function of the dark-photon mass and kinetic mixing parameter that quantifies the coupling between the Standard Model and potential hidden (dark) sectors. A Higgs boson branching fraction above 1% is excluded at 95% CL for a Higgs boson decaying into two dark photons for dark-photon mean proper decay lengths between 10 mm and 250 mm and dark photons with masses between 0.4 GeV and 2 GeV.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-06-2023
Abstract: A search for the electroweak production of pairs of charged sleptons or charginos decaying into two-lepton final states with missing transverse momentum is presented. Two simplified models of R -parity-conserving supersymmetry are considered: direct pair-production of sleptons $$ \\left(\\overset{\\sim }{\\ell}\\overset{\\sim }{\\ell}\\right) $$ ℓ ~ ℓ ~ , with each decaying into a charged lepton and a $$ {\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^0 $$ χ ~ 1 0 neutralino, and direct pair-production of the lightest charginos $$ \\left({\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^{\\pm }{\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^{\\mp}\\right) $$ χ ~ 1 ± χ ~ 1 ∓ , with each decaying into a W -boson and a $$ {\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^0 $$ χ ~ 1 0 . The lightest neutralino $$ \\left({\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^0\\right) $$ χ ~ 1 0 is assumed to be the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP). The analyses target the experimentally challenging mass regions where $$ m\\left(\\overset{\\sim }{\\ell}\\right)-m\\left({\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^0\\right) $$ m ℓ ~ − m χ ~ 1 0 and $$ m\\left({\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^{\\pm}\\right)-m\\left({\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^0\\right) $$ m χ ~ 1 ± − m χ ~ 1 0 are close to the W -boson mass (‘moderately compressed’ regions). The search uses 139 fb − 1 of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV proton-proton collisions recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. No significant excesses over the expected background are observed. Exclusion limits on the simplified models under study are reported in the $$ \\left(\\overset{\\sim }{\\ell },{\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^0\\right) $$ ℓ ~ χ ~ 1 0 and $$ \\left({\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^{\\pm }{\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^0\\right) $$ χ ~ 1 ± χ ~ 1 0 mass planes at 95% confidence level (CL). Sleptons with masses up to 150 GeV are excluded at 95% CL for the case of a mass-splitting between sleptons and the LSP of 50 GeV. Chargino masses up to 140 GeV are excluded at 95% CL for the case of a mass-splitting between the chargino and the LSP down to about 100 GeV.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2018
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 04-08-2017
Abstract: he disproportionate burden of noncommunicable disease among Indigenous Australians living in remote Indigenous communities (RICs) is a complex and persistent problem. Smartphones are increasingly being used by young Indigenous adults and therefore represent a promising method to engage them in programs seeking to improve nutritional intake. his study aimed to consult RIC members to inform the content of a smartphone app that can be used to monitor and reduce sugar-sweetened beverage intake in RICs. he study was conducted in two phases. The formative phase involved a simulated grocery selection activity with think aloud (“think aloud shop”), a semistructured interview, a questionnaire outlining current smartphone and app use, and a paper prototyping activity. A preliminary end-user testing phase involved a think aloud prototype test and a semistructured interview regarding user satisfaction. Convenience s ling was used to recruit 20 18- to 35-year-old smartphone users for each phase from two RICs in the Northern Territory, Australia. Thematic analysis of transcribed audio recordings was used to identify determinants of food choice from the think aloud shop themes related to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) from the eating behaviors interview and usability, comprehension, and satisfaction with the app from the preliminary end-user testing. martphone use in RICs is currently different to that found in urban environments in particular, extremely low use of Facebook, restricted variety of phone types, and limited Internet access. Findings regarding promoting app engagement indicate that utilizing an opt-in approach to social features such as leader boards and team challenges is essential. The inclusion of games was also shown to be important for satisfaction, as were the use of audio features, contextually embedded dissemination, and streamlined app design for comprehension in this target group. his research provides critical insights and concrete recommendations for the development of lifestyle improvement apps targeted toward disadvantaged young adults in nonurban settings, specifically RICs. It serves as a framework for future app development projects using a consultative user-centered design approach, supporting calls for the increased use of this strategy in app development.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-08-2018
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2017.204
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-07-2023
Abstract: This paper presents a search for a new Z ′ vector gauge boson with the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider using pp collision data collected at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 . The new gauge boson Z ′ is predicted by L μ − L τ models to address observed phenomena that can not be explained by the Standard Model. The search examines the four-muon (4 μ ) final state, using a deep learning neural network classifier to separate the Z ′ signal from the Standard Model background events. The di-muon invariant masses in the 4 μ events are used to extract the Z ′ resonance signature. No significant excess of events is observed over the predicted background. Upper limits at a 95% confidence level on the Z ′ production cross-section times the decay branching fraction of pp → Z ′ μμ → 4 μ are set from 0.31 to 4.3 fb for the Z ′ mass ranging from 5 to 81 GeV. The corresponding common coupling strengths, g Z ′ , of the Z ′ boson to the second and third generation leptons above 0.003 – 0.2 have been excluded.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-07-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11700-X
Abstract: The exclusive production of pion pairs in the process $$pp\\rightarrow pp\\pi ^+\\pi ^-$$ p p → p p π + π - has been measured at $$\\sqrt{s}={7}\\,\\text {TeV}$$ s = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC, using $${80}\\,{\\upmu \\textrm{b}}^{-1}$$ 80 μ b - 1 of low-luminosity data. The pion pairs were detected in the ATLAS central detector while outgoing protons were measured in the forward ATLAS ALFA detector system. This represents the first use of proton tagging to measure an exclusive hadronic final state at the LHC. A cross-section measurement is performed in two kinematic regions defined by the proton momenta, the pion rapidities and transverse momenta, and the pion–pion invariant mass. Cross-section values of $$4.8 \\pm 1.0 \\mathrm {\\ (stat)} {~}^{+0.3}_{-0.2} \\mathrm {\\ (syst)}\\ {\\upmu \\textrm{b}}$$ 4.8 ± 1.0 ( stat ) - 0.2 + 0.3 ( syst ) μ b and $$9 \\pm 6 \\mathrm {\\ (stat)} {~}^{+2}_{-2} \\mathrm {\\ (syst)}\\ {\\upmu \\textrm{b}} $$ 9 ± 6 ( stat ) - 2 + 2 ( syst ) μ b are obtained in the two regions they are compared with theoretical models and provide a demonstration of the feasibility of measurements of this type.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-06-2023
Abstract: This paper presents a search for hypothetical massive, charged, long-lived particles with the ATLAS detector at the LHC using an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 of proton–proton collisions at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV. These particles are expected to move significantly slower than the speed of light and should be identifiable by their high transverse momenta and anomalously large specific ionisation losses, d E/ d x . Trajectories reconstructed solely by the inner tracking system and a d E/ d x measurement in the pixel detector layers provide sensitivity to particles with lifetimes down to $$ \\mathcal{O} $$ O (1) ns with a mass, measured using the Bethe–Bloch relation, ranging from 100 GeV to 3 TeV. Interpretations for pair-production of R -hadrons, charginos and staus in scenarios of supersymmetry compatible with these particles being long-lived are presented, with mass limits extending considerably beyond those from previous searches in broad ranges of lifetime.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-03-2018
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12276
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-06-2023
Abstract: A generic search for resonances is performed with events containing a Z boson with transverse momentum greater than 100 GeV, decaying into e + e − or μ + μ − . The analysed data collected with the ATLAS detector in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV at the Large Hadron Collider correspond to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 . Two invariant mass distributions are examined for a localised excess relative to the expected Standard Model background in six independent event categories (and their inclusive sum) to increase the sensitivity. No significant excess is observed. Exclusion limits at 95% confidence level are derived for two cases: a model-independent interpretation of Gaussian-shaped resonances with the mass width between 3% and 10% of the resonance mass, and a specific heavy vector triplet model with the decay mode W ′ → ZW → ℓℓqq .
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-07-2016
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1066450
Abstract: To examine the associations between physical activity, health-related quality of life and happiness in young people with cerebral palsy. A total of 70 young people with cerebral palsy (45 males, 25 females mean age 13 years 11 months, SD 2 years 0 month) took part in a cross-sectional, descriptive postal survey assessing physical activity (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents), functional ability (Gross Motor Function Classification System), quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0) and happiness (single Likert-scale item). Relationships between physical activity, quality of life and happiness were examined using backward stepwise linear regression. Physical activity significantly predicted physical quality of life (R(2 )= 0.64, β = 6.12, p = 0.02), social quality of life (R(2 )= 0.28, β = 9.27, p < 0.01) and happiness (R(2 )= 0.08, β = 0.9, p = 0.04). Physical activity was not associated with emotional or school quality of life. This study found a positive association between physical activity, social and physical quality of life, and happiness in young people with cerebral palsy. Findings underscore the potential benefits of physical activity for the wellbeing of young people with cerebral palsy, in addition to its well-recognised physical and health benefits. Physical activity is a key predictor of quality of life and happiness in young people with cerebral palsy. Physical activity is widely recognised as having physical health benefits for young people with cerebral palsy however, this study also highlights that it may have important benefits for wellbeing, quality of life and happiness. This emphasises the need for clinical services and intervention studies aimed specifically at increasing physical activity amongst children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2023
Abstract: Measurements of transverse energy-energy correlations and their associated azimuthal asymmetries in multijet events are presented. The analysis is performed using a data s le corresponding to 139 fb − 1 of proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV, collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The measurements are presented in bins of the scalar sum of the transverse momenta of the two leading jets and unfolded to particle level. They are then compared to next-to-next-to-leading-order perturbative QCD calculations for the first time, which feature a significant reduction in the theoretical uncertainties estimated using variations of the renormalisation and factorisation scales. The agreement between data and theory is good, thus providing a precision test of QCD at large momentum transfers Q . The strong coupling constant α s is extracted as a function of Q , showing a good agreement with the renormalisation group equation and with previous analyses. A simultaneous fit to all transverse energy-energy correlation distributions across different kinematic regions yields a value of $$ {\\alpha}_{\\textrm{s}}\\left({m}_Z\\right)=0.1175\\pm 0.0006{\\left(\\exp .\\right)}_{-0.0017}^{+0.0034}\\left(\\textrm{theo}.\\right) $$ α s m Z = 0.1175 ± 0.0006 exp . − 0.0017 + 0.0034 theo . , while the global fit to the asymmetry distributions yields $$ {\\alpha}_{\\textrm{s}}\\left({m}_Z\\right)=0.1185\\pm 0.0009{\\left(\\exp .\\right)}_{-0.0012}^{+0.0025}\\left(\\textrm{theo}.\\right) $$ α s m Z = 0.1185 ± 0.0009 exp . − 0.0012 + 0.0025 theo . .
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2023
Abstract: Measurements of differential cross sections are presented for inclusive isolated-photon production in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV provided by the LHC and using 139 fb − 1 of data recorded by the ATLAS experiment. The cross sections are measured as functions of the photon transverse energy in different regions of photon pseudorapidity. The photons are required to be isolated by means of a fixed-cone method with two different cone radii. The dependence of the inclusive-photon production on the photon isolation is investigated by measuring the fiducial cross sections as functions of the isolation-cone radius and the ratios of the differential cross sections with different radii in different regions of photon pseudorapidity. The results presented in this paper constitute an improvement with respect to those published by ATLAS earlier: the measurements are provided for different isolation radii and with a more granular segmentation in photon pseudorapidity that can be exploited in improving the determination of the proton parton distribution functions. These improvements provide a more in-depth test of the theoretical predictions. Next-to-leading-order QCD predictions from JETPHOX and SHERPA and next-to-next-to-leading-order QCD predictions from NNLOJET are compared to the measurements, using several parameterisations of the proton parton distribution functions. The measured cross sections are well described by the fixed-order QCD predictions within the experimental and theoretical uncertainties in most of the investigated phase-space region.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-05-2017
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12162
Abstract: No studies have examined if mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) can be an alternative screening tool for obesity in an international s le of children differing widely in levels of human development. Our aim is to determine whether MUAC could be used to identify obesity in children from 12 countries in five major geographic regions of the world. This observational, multinational cross-sectional study included 7337 children aged 9-11 years. Anthropometric measurements were objectively assessed, and obesity was defined according to the World Health Organization reference data. In the total s le, MUAC was strongly correlated with adiposity indicators in both boys and girls (r > 0.86, p < 0.001). The accuracy level of MUAC for identifying obesity was high in both sexes and across study sites (overall area under the curve of 0.97, sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 90%). The MUAC cut-off value to identify obesity was ~25 cm for both boys and girls. In country-specific analyses, the cut-off value to identify obesity ranged from 23.2 cm (boys in South Africa) to 26.2 cm (girls in the UK). Results from this 12-country study suggest that MUAC is a simple and accurate measurement that may be used to identify obesity in children aged 9-11 years. MUAC may be a promising screening tool for obesity in resource-limited settings.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-05-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12887-022-03322-1
Abstract: Lower socioeconomic status is associated with poorer wellbeing among children. Identifying how children participate in after-school activities and how after-school activities are associated with wellbeing may inform interventions to improve wellbeing among children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This study explored whether children’s after-school activities varied by socioeconomic status and examined the associations between after-school activities and wellbeing in low socioeconomic status children. This study analysed cross-sectional data from 61,759 school students in years 4 to 9 who completed the 2018 South Australian Wellbeing and Engagement Collection. Students reported the number of days per week they participated in 12 activities (after-school care, homework, music lessons or practice, youth organisations, sports, television, videogames, social media, reading, chores, arts and crafts, and socialising with friends) during the after-school period (3-6 pm) and their wellbeing (happiness, sadness, worry, engagement, perseverance, optimism, emotion regulation, and life satisfaction). Socioeconomic status was measured by parents' highest education level obtained from school enrolment data. Linear multilevel models were used to examine whether frequency of after-school activities varied by socioeconomic status. Multilevel ordered logit models were used to analyse the association between after-school activities and wellbeing amongst participants in the low socioeconomic status category. After-school activities differed according to socioeconomic status high socioeconomic status children did more frequent sport, homework, and reading and low socioeconomic status children did more frequent screen-based activities (TV, videogames and social media). Among children from low socioeconomic status backgrounds, higher wellbeing was associated most consistently with more frequent sports participation, homework, reading and spending time with friends and less frequent videogames, social media and after-school care. Children's wellbeing is positively associated with socioeconomic status. Amongst children from disadvantaged backgrounds, participating in sport, spending time with friends and getting less screen time may be protective for wellbeing. The results suggest that programming targeted at increasing sports participation and reducing screen time amongst children from low socioeconomic status backgrounds may support their wellbeing.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2023
Abstract: Measurements of Higgs boson production cross-sections are carried out in the diphoton decay channel using 139 fb − 1 of pp collision data at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. The analysis is based on the definition of 101 distinct signal regions using machine-learning techniques. The inclusive Higgs boson signal strength in the diphoton channel is measured to be $$ {1.04}_{-0.09}^{+0.10} $$ 1.04 − 0.09 + 0.10 . Cross-sections for gluon-gluon fusion, vector-boson fusion, associated production with a W or Z boson, and top associated production processes are reported. An upper limit of 10 times the Standard Model prediction is set for the associated production process of a Higgs boson with a single top quark, which has a unique sensitivity to the sign of the top quark Yukawa coupling. Higgs boson production is further characterized through measurements of Simplified Template Cross-Sections (STXS). In total, cross-sections of 28 STXS regions are measured. The measured STXS cross-sections are compatible with their Standard Model predictions, with a p -value of 93%. The measurements are also used to set constraints on Higgs boson coupling strengths, as well as on new interactions beyond the Standard Model in an effective field theory approach. No significant deviations from the Standard Model predictions are observed in these measurements, which provide significant sensitivity improvements compared to the previous ATLAS results.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 23-04-2017
Abstract: Poor academic performance has been linked with particular lifestyle behaviors, such as unhealthy diet, short sleep duration, high screen time, and low physical activity. However, little is known about how lifestyle behavior patterns (or combinations of behaviors) contribute to children's academic performance. We aimed to compare academic performance across clusters of children with common lifestyle behavior patterns. We clustered participants (Australian children aged 9-11 years, n = 284) into four mutually exclusive groups of distinct lifestyle behavior patterns, using the following lifestyle behaviors as cluster inputs: light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity sedentary behavior and sleep, derived from 24-hour accelerometry self-reported screen time and diet. Differences in academic performance (measured by a nationally administered standardized test) were detected across the clusters, with scores being lowest in the Junk Food Screenies cluster (unhealthy diet/high screen time) and highest in the Sitters cluster (high nonscreen sedentary behavior/low physical activity). These findings suggest that reduction in screen time and an improved diet may contribute positively to academic performance. While children with high nonscreen sedentary time performed better academically in this study, they also accumulated low levels of physical activity. This warrants further investigation, given the known physical and mental benefits of physical activity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-10-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-08-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1651-2227.2012.02804.X
Abstract: Both reduced moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and increased screen time have been implicated in the aetiology of childhood overweight/obesity. This study aimed to determine which behaviour had the stronger association with overweight/obesity. 2200 randomly selected 9- to 16-year-old Australians provided four 24-h use-of-time recalls. Participants were classified into weight status categories and as high or low physical active, and high or low screen time according to Australian guidelines (≥60 min MVPA ≤120 min recreational screen time daily). Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) for overweight/obesity for each screen time and MVPA category. Increased likelihood of overweight or obese was often associated with high screen time (ORs, 2.13-2.55 for boys and 1.47-1.72 for girls), but only sometimes and less strongly associated with low MVPA (ORs, 0.49-2.55 for boys and 1.06-1.47 for girls). Analyses conducted for combined screen time and MVPA categories showed screen time to be a stronger indicator of weight status than physical activity, especially in boys. Overweight and obesity were more strongly associated with screen time than physical activity. Screen time may be an important target for interventions aimed at reducing childhood overweight and obesity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-01-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-07-2018
DOI: 10.1111/CCH.12497
Abstract: The 3 "movement behaviours" of sleep, screen time, and physical activity are associated with a wide range of health outcomes in children. This study examined whether these behaviours cluster together within in iduals in Australian primary school children. Three datasets including 4,449 9- to 11-year-old children were interrogated-(a) Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL), (b) the International Study of Children, Obesity, Lifestyle and Environment (ISCOLE), and (c) the National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NCNPAS). The surveys measured movement behaviours using different instruments (accelerometry, use of time recall, and questionnaires) and different operationalizations of compliance. Observed frequencies of compliance with various combinations of guidelines were compared with expected frequencies based on the assumption of independence, using chi-square tests. Compliance with the sleep guidelines was relatively high (72%, 75%, and 79% in the OPAL, ISCOLE, and NCNPAS datasets, respectively), and compliance with the screen (18%, 35%, and 22%) and physical activity (33%, 57%, and 87%) guidelines was generally lower. Against expectation, there was no evidence of clustering in any of the datasets (p > .99). Compliance with movement behaviour guidelines does not cluster within in iduals in 9- to 11-year-old Australian children. It may be unlikely that fostering compliance with one guideline will have a flow-on effect to the others. Temporal trade-offs (i.e., the need to choose one movement behaviour above another) in the 24-hr day may contribute to the lack of clustering.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-06-2013
DOI: 10.1002/OBY.20430
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: 16-09-2011
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.5665/SLEEP.1266
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 16-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-06-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11579-8
Abstract: Cross-sections for the production of a Z boson in association with two photons are measured in proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The data used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 recorded by the ATLAS experiment during Run 2 of the LHC. The measurements use the electron and muon decay channels of the Z boson, and a fiducial phase-space region where the photons are not radiated from the leptons. The integrated $$Z(\\rightarrow \\ell \\ell )\\gamma \\gamma $$ Z ( → ℓ ℓ ) γ γ cross-section is measured with a precision of 12% and differential cross-sections are measured as a function of six kinematic variables of the $$Z\\gamma \\gamma $$ Z γ γ system. The data are compared with predictions from MC event generators which are accurate to up to next-to-leading order in QCD. The cross-section measurements are used to set limits on the coupling strengths of dimension-8 operators in the framework of an effective field theory.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11583-Y
Abstract: A study of the charge conjugation and parity ( $$\\textit{CP}$$ CP ) properties of the interaction between the Higgs boson and $$\\tau $$ τ -leptons is presented. The study is based on a measurement of $$\\textit{CP}$$ CP -sensitive angular observables defined by the visible decay products of $$\\tau $$ τ -leptons produced in Higgs boson decays. The analysis uses 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 of proton–proton collision data recorded at a centre-of-mass energy of $$\\sqrt{s}= 13$$ s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Contributions from $$\\textit{CP}$$ CP -violating interactions between the Higgs boson and $$\\tau $$ τ -leptons are described by a single mixing angle parameter $$\\phi _{\\tau }$$ ϕ τ in the generalised Yukawa interaction. Without constraining the $$H\\rightarrow \\tau \\tau $$ H → τ τ signal strength to its expected value under the Standard Model hypothesis, the mixing angle $$\\phi _{\\tau }$$ ϕ τ is measured to be $$9^{\\circ } \\pm 16^{\\circ }$$ 9 ∘ ± 16 ∘ , with an expected value of $$0^{\\circ } \\pm 28^{\\circ }$$ 0 ∘ ± 28 ∘ at the 68% confidence level. The pure $$\\textit{CP}$$ CP -odd hypothesis is disfavoured at a level of 3.4 standard deviations. The results are compatible with the predictions for the Higgs boson in the Standard Model.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-07-2019
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 14-10-2019
Abstract: earable trackers for monitoring physical activity (PA) and total sleep time (TST) are increasingly popular. These devices are used not only by consumers to monitor their behavior but also by researchers to track the behavior of large s les and by health professionals to implement interventions aimed at health promotion and to remotely monitor patients. However, high costs and accuracy concerns may be barriers to widespread adoption. his study aimed to investigate the concurrent validity of 6 low-cost activity trackers for measuring steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and TST: Geonaut On Coach, iWown i5 Plus, MyKronoz ZeFit4, Nokia GO, VeryFit 2.0, and Xiaomi MiBand 2. free-living protocol was used in which 20 adults engaged in their usual daily activities and sleep. For 3 days and 3 nights, they simultaneously wore a low-cost tracker and a high-cost tracker (Fitbit Charge HR) on the nondominant wrist. Participants wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer on the hip at daytime and a BodyMedia SenseWear device on the nondominant upper arm at nighttime. Validity was assessed by comparing each tracker with the ActiGraph GT3X+ and BodyMedia SenseWear using mean absolute percentage error scores, correlations, and Bland-Altman plots in IBM SPSS 24.0. arge variations were shown between trackers. Low-cost trackers showed moderate-to-strong correlations (Spearman i r /i =0.53-0.91) and low-to-good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.51-0.90) for measuring steps. Weak-to-moderate correlations (Spearman i r /i =0.24-0.56) and low agreement (ICC=0.18-0.56) were shown for measuring MVPA. For measuring TST, the low-cost trackers showed weak-to-strong correlations (Spearman i r /i =0.04-0.73) and low agreement (ICC=0.05-0.52). The Bland-Altman plot revealed a variation between overcounting and undercounting for measuring steps, MVPA, and TST, depending on the used low-cost tracker. None of the trackers, including Fitbit (a high-cost tracker), showed high validity to measure MVPA. his study was the first to examine the concurrent validity of low-cost trackers. Validity was strongest for the measurement of steps there was evidence of validity for measurement of sleep in some trackers, and validity for measurement of MVPA time was weak throughout all devices. Validity ranged between devices, with Xiaomi having the highest validity for measurement of steps and VeryFit performing relatively strong across both sleep and steps domains. Low-cost trackers hold promise for monitoring and measurement of movement and sleep behaviors, both for consumers and researchers.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-05-2018
DOI: 10.1002/OSP4.271
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2008
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-10-2010
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2009.211
Abstract: Popular media, health experts and researchers talk about a paediatric 'obesity epidemic' with exponentially increasing rates of obesity and overweight. However, some recent reports suggest that prevalence may have plateaued. This study examined trends in the prevalence of Australian childhood overweight and obesity since 1985. Specifically, it aimed to determine whether there have been (a) overall increases in average body mass index (BMI), (b) differential patterns of change within age groups and (c) increases in BMI within each weight-status category. Forty-one Australian studies of childhood weight status conducted between 1985 and 2008 were reviewed. The studies included data on 264 905 Australians aged 2-18 years, with raw data being available on 70 758 children (27%). Children were classified as overweight or obese based on BMI using the criteria of Cole et al. (BMJ, 2000). The prevalence estimates were adjusted for age and sex, and plotted against measurement year using Lowess plots and two-linear-segment models. Where raw data were available, BMI z-scores (UK 1990 standard) were plotted against measurement year for all children and children in various age groups. Lowess plots and two-linear-segment models were used to assess secular trends in BMI z-scores pre- and post-1996 within age, gender and weight-status categories. There has been a plateau, or only slight increase, in the percentage of boys and girls classified as overweight or obese, with almost no change over the last 10 years. In boys and girls, prevalence rates have settled around 21-25% for overweight and obesity together, and 5-6% for obesity alone. Similar trends were found for BMI z-scores. These patterns were fairly consistent across the age span. Within each weight-status category, average BMI has not increased. Although levels of Australian paediatric overweight remain high, the prevalence of overweight and obesity seems to have flattened and has not followed the anticipated exponential trajectory.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-12-2011
Abstract: There is conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between socio-economic position (SEP) and physical activity in adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between SEP and characteristics of physical activity in Australian adolescents using a high-resolution use-of-time tool. Use-of-time and pedometer data were collected on a random s le of 2071 9-16-year-old Australian children. Use-of-time was recorded using a computerised 24-h use-of-time recall, the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults. Reported household income was used as a marker of SEP. There were no differences in self-reported minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across the income bands and only very small differences in the number of daily steps. However, the mix of MVPA components varied across income bands, with adolescents from low-SEP families experiencing less sport but more active transport. Because the mean rate of energy expenditure was greater in sport than in other forms of MVPA (play, active transport or chores), there were significant differences in MVPA-related and total daily energy expenditure across income bands, with the lower bands having significantly lower values. Differences in total daily energy expenditure were almost entirely explained by differences in energy expenditure associated with sport. Physical activity patterns vary across SEP bands in Australian adolescents, with sport being the major locus of differences. Instruments which do not account for the energy costs of various activities may fail to detect important relationships.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-11-2022
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-022-10785-0
Abstract: A search for the pair production of heavy leptons as predicted by the type-III seesaw mechanism is presented. The search uses proton–proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to $$139\\,\\text {fb}^{-1}$$ 139 fb - 1 of integrated luminosity recorded by the ATLAS detector during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider. The analysis focuses on final states with three or four electrons or muons from the possible decays of new heavy leptons via intermediate electroweak bosons. No significant deviations above the Standard Model expectation are observed upper and lower limits on the heavy lepton production cross-section and masses are derived respectively. These results are then combined for the first time with the ones already published by ATLAS using the channel with two leptons in the final state. The observed lower limit on the mass of the type-III seesaw heavy leptons combining two, three and four lepton channels together is 910 GeV at the 95% confidence level.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-023-01480-8
Abstract: Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA) refers to brief bouts of vigorous intensity physical activity performed as part of daily living. VILPA has been proposed as a novel concept to expand physical activity options among the least active. As a nascent area of research, factors which impede or encourage VILPA in physically inactive adults are yet to be explored. Such information is pertinent in the design of future interventions. We examined the barriers and enablers of VILPA among physically inactive adults using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model as a conceptual framework. We recruited a s le of self-identified physically inactive middle-aged and older adults ( N = 78) based in Australia to take part in 19 online focus groups across three age groups: young-middle (age 35–44), middle (age 45–59) and old (age 60–76). We analyzed interviews using a critical realist approach to thematic analysis. Identified barriers and enablers were subsequently mapped onto the COM-B model components. The data generated 6 barriers and 10 enablers of VILPA that corresponded to COM-B concepts. Barriers included physical limitations (physical capability), perceptions of aging, need for knowledge (psychological capability), environmental constraints (physical opportunity), perceptions of effort and energy, and fear (automatic motivation). Enablers included convenience, reframing physical activity as purposeful movement, use of prompts and reminders (physical opportunity), normalization of taking the active option, gamification (social opportunity), sense of achievement, health improvements, personally salient rewards (reflective motivation), identity fit, and changing from effortful deliberation to habitual action (automatic motivation). The barriers and enablers of VILPA span capability, opportunity, and motivation beliefs. Promoting the time-efficient nature and simplicity of VILPA requiring no equipment or special gym sessions, the use of prompts and reminders at opportune times, and habit formation strategies could capitalize on the enablers. Addressing the suitability of the small bouts, the development of specific guidelines, addressing safety concerns, and explicating the potential benefits of, and opportunities to do, VILPA could ameliorate some of the barriers identified. Future VILPA interventions may require limited age customization, speaking to the potential for such interventions to be delivered at scale.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-07-2023
Abstract: This paper presents measurements of charged-hadron spectra obtained in pp , p +Pb, and Pb+Pb collisions at $$ \sqrt{s} $$ s or $$ \sqrt{s_{\textrm{NN}}} $$ s NN = 5 . 02 TeV, and in Xe+Xe collisions at $$ \sqrt{s_{\textrm{NN}}} $$ s NN = 5 . 44 TeV. The data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC have total integrated luminosities of 25 pb − 1 , 28 nb − 1 , 0.50 nb − 1 , and 3 μ b − 1 , respectively. The nuclear modification factors R p Pb and R AA are obtained by comparing the spectra in heavy-ion and pp collisions in a wide range of charged-particle transverse momenta and pseudorapidity. The nuclear modification factor R p Pb shows a moderate enhancement above unity with a maximum at p T ≈ 3 GeV the enhancement is stronger in the Pb-going direction. The nuclear modification factors in both Pb+Pb and Xe+Xe collisions feature a significant, centrality-dependent suppression. They show a similar distinct p T -dependence with a local maximum at p T ≈ 2 GeV and a local minimum at p T ≈ 7 GeV. This dependence is more distinguishable in more central collisions. No significant | η |-dependence is found. A comprehensive comparison with several theoretical predictions is also provided. They typically describe R AA better in central collisions and in the p T range from about 10 to 100 GeV.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-10-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-07-2023
Abstract: A search for flavour-changing neutral-current decays of a top quark into an up-type quark (either up or charm) and a light scalar particle X decaying into a bottom anti-bottom quark pair is presented. The search focuses on top-quark pair production where one top quark decays to qX , with X → $$ b\\overline{b} $$ b b ¯ , and the other top quark decays according to the Standard Model, with the W boson decaying leptonically. The final state is thus characterised by an isolated electron or muon and at least four jets. Events are categorised according to the multiplicity of jets and jets tagged as originating from b -quarks, and a neural network is used to discriminate between signal and background processes. The data analysed correspond to 139 fb − 1 of proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, recorded with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The 95% confidence-level upper limits between 0.019% and 0.062% are derived for the branching fraction $$ \\mathcal{B} $$ B ( t → uX ) and between 0.018% and 0.078% for the branching fraction $$ \\mathcal{B} $$ B ( t → cX ), for masses of the scalar particle X between 20 and 160 GeV.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-06-2021
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.13295
Abstract: A vast body of evidence regarding eHealth interventions for nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and obesity exists. This scoping review of systematic reviews aimed to evaluate the current level of evidence in this growing field. Seven electronic databases were searched for systematic reviews published until October 27, 2019. The systematic reviews must have included adult participants only and have evaluated eHealth behavioral interventions with the primary aim of changing nutrition, physical activity, and sedentary behavior or treating or preventing overweight and obesity. One hundred and six systematic reviews, published from 2006 to 2019, were included. Almost all (n = 98) reviews evaluated the efficacy of interventions. Over half (n = 61) included interventions focused on physical activity, followed by treatment of obesity (n = 28), nutrition (n = 22), prevention of obesity (n = 18), and sedentary behavior (n = 6). Many reviews (n = 46) evaluated one type of eHealth intervention only, while 60 included two or more types. Most reviews (n = 67) were rated as being of critically low methodological quality. This scoping review identified an increasing volume of systematic reviews evaluating eHealth interventions. It highlights several evidence gaps (e.g., evaluation of other outcomes, such as reach, engagement, or cost effectiveness), guiding future research efforts in this area.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41746-023-00856-1
Abstract: Chatbots (also known as conversational agents and virtual assistants) offer the potential to deliver healthcare in an efficient, appealing and personalised manner. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of chatbot interventions designed to improve physical activity, diet and sleep. Electronic databases were searched for randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, and pre-post trials that evaluated chatbot interventions targeting physical activity, diet and/or sleep, published before 1 September 2022. Outcomes were total physical activity, steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), fruit and vegetable consumption, sleep quality and sleep duration. Standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated to compare intervention effects. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess chatbot type, intervention type, duration, output and use of artificial intelligence. Risk of bias was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment tool. Nineteen trials were included. S le sizes ranged between 25–958, and mean participant age ranged between 9–71 years. Most interventions ( n = 15, 79%) targeted physical activity, and most trials had a low-quality rating ( n = 14, 74%). Meta-analysis results showed significant effects (all p 0.05) of chatbots for increasing total physical activity (SMD = 0.28 [95% CI = 0.16, 0.40]), daily steps (SMD = 0.28 [95% CI = 0.17, 0.39]), MVPA (SMD = 0.53 [95% CI = 0.24, 0.83]), fruit and vegetable consumption (SMD = 0.59 [95% CI = 0.25, 0.93]), sleep duration (SMD = 0.44 [95% CI = 0.32, 0.55]) and sleep quality (SMD = 0.50 [95% CI = 0.09, 0.90]). Subgroup analyses showed that text-based, and artificial intelligence chatbots were more efficacious than speech/voice chatbots for fruit and vegetable consumption, and multicomponent interventions were more efficacious than chatbot-only interventions for sleep duration and sleep quality (all p 0.05). Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that chatbot interventions are efficacious for increasing physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, sleep duration and sleep quality. Chatbot interventions were efficacious across a range of populations and age groups, with both short- and longer-term interventions, and chatbot only and multicomponent interventions being efficacious.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEEP.2015.02.534
Abstract: The present study investigated the effectiveness of a school-based sleep education programme in improving key sleep behaviours, sleep knowledge, and sleep hygiene. A cross-sectional cluster-randomised controlled trial with two groups (Intervention and Control) and three assessment time points [baseline, immediately post intervention (6 weeks post baseline) and follow-up (18 weeks post baseline)] was employed. A total of 296 students (mean age = 12.2 ± 0.6 years 59% female) from 12 schools in Adelaide, South Australia, were recruited, with 149 participants in the Intervention group and 147 in the Control group. The intervention consisted of four classroom lessons delivered at weekly intervals, followed by a group project on sleep topics, which students presented at a parental information evening. Sleep patterns were assessed objectively (actigraphy, n = 175) and subjectively (time-use recall, n = 251) at three time points. Sleep knowledge and sleep hygiene (n = 296) were also measured. Generalised estimating equations were used to compare changes in the Intervention and Control groups. The programme increased time in bed by 10 min (p = 0.03) for the Intervention group relative to the Control group, due to a 10-min delay in wake time (p = 0.00). These changes were not sustained at follow-up. There was no impact on sleep knowledge or sleep hygiene. Investment in the sleep health of youth through sleep education is important but changes to sleep patterns are difficult to achieve. More intensive programmes, programmes with a different focus or programmes targeting different age groups may be more effective.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-04-2017
Abstract: nline social networks continue to grow in popularity, with 1.7 billion users worldwide accessing Facebook each month. The use of social networking sites such as Facebook for the delivery of health behavior programs is relatively new. he primary aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a Web-based beginners’ running program for adults aged 18 to 50 years, delivered via a Facebook group, in increasing physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness. total of 89 adults with a mean age of 35.2 years (SD 10.9) were recruited online and via print media. Participants were randomly allocated to receive the UniSA Run Free program, an 8-week Web-based beginners’ running intervention, delivered via a closed Facebook group (n=41) that included daily interactive posts (information with links, motivational quotes, opinion polls, or questions) and details of the running sessions or to the control group who received a hard copy of the running program (n=48). Assessments were completed online at baseline, 2 months, and 5 months. The primary outcome measures were self-reported weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness. Secondary outcomes were social support, exercise attitudes, and self-efficacy. Analyses were undertaken using random effects mixed modeling. Compliance with the running program and engagement with the Facebook group were analyzed descriptively. oth groups significantly increased MVPA across the study period (P=.004) however, this was significantly higher in the Facebook group (P=.04). The Facebook group increased their MVPA from baseline by 140 min/week versus 91 min for the control at 2 months. MVPA remained elevated for the Facebook group (from baseline) by 129 min/week versus a 50 min/week decrease for the control at 5 months. Both groups had significant increases in social support scores at 2 months (P=.02) however, there were no group by time differences (P=.16). There were no significant changes in the other outcomes. A process evaluation revealed relatively high levels of engagement with the Facebook group during the 8-week intervention (eg, mean number of interactions 35 [SD 41]). n 8-week beginners’ running program delivered through Facebook produced sizable and sustained changes in weekly MVPA and received strong engagement and positive feedback from participants. Future research investigating this intervention approach is warranted in other populations and health behaviors. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001500448 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371607& isReview=true (Archived by WebCite at xSAuz4NW)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-08-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11790-7
Abstract: A search for pair-produced vector-like quarks using events with exactly one lepton ( e or $$\\mu $$ μ ), at least four jets including at least one b -tagged jet, and large missing transverse momentum is presented. Data from proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $$\\sqrt{s}=$$ s = 13 $$\\text {TeV}$$ TeV , recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC from 2015 to 2018 and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 , are analysed. Vector-like partners T and B of the top and bottom quarks are considered, as is a vector-like X with charge $$+5/3$$ + 5 / 3 , assuming their decay into a W , Z , or Higgs boson and a third-generation quark. No significant deviations from the Standard Model expectation are observed. Upper limits on the production cross-section of T and B quark pairs as a function of their mass are derived for various decay branching ratio scenarios. The strongest lower limits on the masses are 1.59 $$\\text {TeV}$$ TeV assuming mass-degenerate vector-like quarks and branching ratios corresponding to the weak-isospin doublet model, and 1.47 $$\\text {TeV}$$ TeV (1.46 $$\\text {TeV}$$ TeV ) for exclusive $$T \\rightarrow Zt$$ T → Z t ( $$B/X \\rightarrow Wt$$ B / X → W t ) decays. In addition, lower limits on the T and B quark masses are derived for all possible branching ratios.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 26-09-2017
Abstract: lectronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) approaches to address low physical activity levels, sedentary behavior, and unhealthy diets have received significant research attention. However, attempts to systematically map the entirety of the research field are lacking. This gap can be filled with a bibliometric study, where publication-specific data such as citations, journals, authors, and keywords are used to provide a systematic overview of a specific field. Such analyses will help researchers better position their work. he objective of this review was to use bibliometric data to provide an overview of the eHealth and mHealth research field related to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet. he Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection was searched to retrieve all existing and highly cited (as defined by WoS) physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet related eHealth and mHealth research papers published in English between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2016. Retrieved titles were screened for eligibility, using the abstract and full-text where needed. We described publication trends over time, which included journals, authors, and countries of eligible papers, as well as their keywords and subject categories. Citations of eligible papers were compared with those expected based on published data. Additionally, we described highly-cited papers of the field (ie, top ranked 1%). he search identified 4805 hits, of which 1712 (including 42 highly-cited papers) were included in the analyses. Publication output increased on an average of 26% per year since 2000, with 49.00% (839/1712) of papers being published between 2014 and 2016. Overall and throughout the years, eHealth and mHealth papers related to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet received more citations than expected compared with papers in the same WoS subject categories. The Journal of Medical Internet Research published most papers in the field (9.58%, 164/1712). Most papers originated from high-income countries (96.90%, 1659/1717), in particular the United States (48.83%, 836/1712). Most papers were trials and studied physical activity. Beginning in 2013, research on Generation 2 technologies (eg, smartphones, wearables) sharply increased, while research on Generation 1 (eg, text messages) technologies increased at a reduced pace. Reviews accounted for 20 of the 42 highly-cited papers (n=19 systematic reviews). Social media, smartphone apps, and wearable activity trackers used to encourage physical activity, less sedentary behavior, and/or healthy eating were the focus of 14 highly-cited papers. his study highlighted the rapid growth of the eHealth and mHealth physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet research field, emphasized the sizeable contribution of research from high-income countries, and pointed to the increased research interest in Generation 2 technologies. It is expected that the field will grow and ersify further and that reviews and research on most recent technologies will continue to strongly impact the field.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1155/2015/390352
Abstract: This study examined patients’ preference ratings for receiving support via remote communication to increase their lifestyle physical activity. Methods . People with musculoskeletal disorders ( n = 221 of 296 eligible) accessing one of three clinics provided preference ratings for “how much” they wanted to receive physical activity support via five potential communication modalities. The five ratings were generated on a horizontal analogue rating scale (0 represented “not at all” 10 represented “very much”). Results . Most ( n = 155 , 70%) desired referral to a physical activity promoting intervention. “Print and post” communications had the highest median preference rating (7/10), followed by email and telephone (both 5/10), text messaging (1/10), and private Internet-based social network messages (0/10). Desire to be referred was associated with higher preference for printed materials (coefficient = 2.739, p 0.001 ), telephone calls (coefficient = 3.000, p 0.001 ), and email (coefficient = 2.059, p = 0.02 ). Older age was associated with lower preference for email (coefficient = −0.100, p 0.001 ), texting (coefficient = −0.096, p 0.001 ), and social network messages (coefficient = −0.065, p 0.001 ). Conclusion . Patients desiring support to be physically active indicated preferences for interventions with communication via print, email, or telephone calls.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-07-2023
Abstract: Differential cross-section measurements of Zγ production in association with hadronic jets are presented, using the full 139 fb − 1 dataset of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV proton–proton collisions collected by the ATLAS detector during Run 2 of the LHC. Distributions are measured using events in which the Z boson decays leptonically and the photon is usually radiated from an initial-state quark. Measurements are made in both one and two observables, including those sensitive to the hard scattering in the event and others which probe additional soft and collinear radiation. Different Standard Model predictions, from both parton-shower Monte Carlo simulation and fixed-order QCD calculations, are compared with the measurements. In general, good agreement is observed between data and predictions from MATRIX and MiNNLO PS , as well as next-to-leading-order predictions from M ad G raph 5_ a MC@NLO and S herpa .
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-10-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12887-020-02352-X
Abstract: Globally, millions of children attend Outside School Hours Care. Children’s activity in this setting is critical to meeting daily physical activity recommendations. Guidelines are evidence-based statements intended to optimise practice. This study aimed to identify guidelines used in Outside School Hours Care for physical activity and screen time and summarise their content and methods of development. Outside School Hours Care guidelines for children aged 5 to 12 years were identified by systematically searching Medline, Emcare, Embase, Scopus, ERIC, Sportsdiscus, TROVE, ProQuest, UpToDate, NICE, SIGN and Google in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search was conducted in March 2019 and results screened independently by two authors. Data were synthesized narratively. Nine guideline documents were identified from grey literature only ( n = 8 USA, n = 1 Canada). The included guidelines focused predominantly on the after school care period ( n = 9 vs n = 2 for the before school period). All had recommendations for physical activity, whilst 7 included screen time recommendations. There was considerable variability across the physical activity and screen time recommendations, though taken together, they recommended 30–60 min of moderate- to- vigorous physical activity and less than 60 min of recreational screen time per session. All guidelines were developed by expert/stakeholder panels, but none followed rigorous guideline development methods. Limited published guidelines for physical activity and screen time in Outside School Hours Care exist. There is a variation in duration and intensity of physical activity recommended, whilst screen time recommendations are more consistent. Guidelines designed with rigorous tools and for other world regions are warranted.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-05-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-11-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-11-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NU13114040
Abstract: Whilst there is considerable evidence to support the efficacy of physical activity and dietary interventions in disease and death prevention, translation of knowledge into practice remains inadequate. We aimed to examine the uptake, retention, acceptability and effectiveness on physical activity, physical function, sitting time, diet and health outcomes of a Healthy Eating Activity and Lifestyle program (HEALTM) delivered under real-world conditions. The program was delivered to 430 adults living across rural South Australia. Participants of the program attended weekly 2 h healthy lifestyle education and exercise group-based sessions for 8 weeks. A total of 47 programs were delivered in over 15 communities. In total, 548 referrals were received, resulting in 430 participants receiving the intervention (78% uptake). At baseline, 74.6% of participants were female, the mean age of participants was 53.7 years and 11.1% of participants identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Follow-up assessments were obtained for 265 participants. Significant improvements were observed for walking, planned physical activity, incidental physical activity, total physical activity, 30 s chair stand, 30 s arm curl, 6 min walk, fruit consumption and vegetable consumption, sitting time and diastolic blood pressure. Positive satisfaction and favourable feedback were reported. The healthy lifestyle program achieved excellent real-world uptake and effectiveness, reasonable intervention attendance and strong program acceptability amongst rural and vulnerable communities.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-023-01416-2
Abstract: For adults, vacations represent a break from daily responsibilities of work – offering the opportunity to re-distribute time between sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across the 24-h day. To date, there has been minimal research into how activity behaviour patterns change on vacation, and whether any changes linger after the vacation. This study examined how daily movement behaviours change from before, to during and after vacations, and whether these varied based on the type of vacation and vacation duration. Data collected during the Annual Rhythms In Adults’ lifestyle and health (ARIA) study were used. 308 adults (mean age 40.4 years, SD 5.6) wore Fitbit Charge 3 fitness trackers 24 h a day for 13 months. Minute-by-minute movement behaviour data were aggregated into daily totals. Multi-level mixed-effects linear regressions were used to compare movement behaviours during and post-vacation (4 weeks) to pre-vacation levels (14 days), and to examine the associations with vacation type and duration. Participants took an average of 2.6 (SD = 1.7) vacations of 12 (SD = 14) days’ ( N = 9778 days) duration. The most common vacation type was outdoor recreation (35%) followed by family/social events (31%), rest (17%) and non-leisure (17%). Daily sleep, LPA and MVPA all increased (+ 21 min [95% CI = 19,24] p 0.001, + 3 min [95% CI = 0.4,5] p 0.02, and + 5 min [95% CI = 3,6] p 0.001 respectively) and sedentary behaviour decreased (-29 min [95% CI = -32,-25] p 0.001) during vacation. Post-vacation, sleep remained elevated for two weeks MVPA returned to pre-vacation levels and LPA and sedentary behaviour over-corrected, with LPA significantly lower for 4 weeks, and sedentary behaviour significantly higher for one week. The largest changes were seen for “rest” and “outdoor” vacations. The magnitude of changes was smallest for short vacations ( 3 days). Vacations are associated with favourable changes in daily movement behaviours. These data provide preliminary evidence of the health benefits of vacations. The study was prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (Trial ID: ACTRN12619001430123).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2010
Abstract: Much attention has been paid to adolescents' screen time, however very few studies have examined non-screen sedentary time (NSST). This study aimed to (1) describe the magnitude and composition of screen sedentary time (SST) and NSST in Australian adolescents, (2) describe the socio-demographic correlates of SST and NSST, and (3) determine whether screen time is an adequate surrogate for total sedentary behaviour in this population. 2200 9-16 year old Australians provided detailed use of time data for four days. Non-screen sedentary time (NSST) included time spent participating in activities expected to elicit METs whilst seated or lying down (other than sleeping), excluding screen-based activities (television, playing videogames or using computers). Total sedentary time was the sum of screen time and NSST. Adolescents spent a mean (SD) of 345 (105) minutes/day in NSST, which constituted 60% of total sedentary time. School activities contributed 42% of NSST, socialising 19%, self-care (mainly eating) 16%, and passive transport 15%. Screen time and NSST showed opposite patterns in relation to key socio-demographic characteristics, including sex, age, weight status, household income, parental education and day type. Because screen time was negatively correlated with NSST (r = -0.58), and exhibited a moderate correlation (r = 0.53) with total sedentary time, screen time was only a moderately effective surrogate for total sedentary time. To capture a complete picture of young people's sedentary time, studies should endeavour to measure both screen time and NSST.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-03-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-023-15232-7
Abstract: Fitspiration is a social media phenomenon purported to inspire viewers to lead healthier lifestyles but can result in negative psychological outcomes such as body dissatisfaction. This study aimed to develop a tool to audit Instagram fitspiration accounts and screen for content that could have potentially negative psychological effects. This study developed and implemented an audit tool to (1) identify credible fitspiration accounts (i.e., accounts that do not portray potentially harmful or unhealthy content) and (2) describe the content of identified accounts. The most recent 15 posts of 100 leading Instagram fitspiration accounts were audited. Accounts were deemed non-credible and were excluded if they contained fewer than four fitness-related posts or portrayed nudity or inappropriate clothing, sexualisation or objectification, extreme body types, “thinspiration”, or negative messages. Many accounts contained fewer than four fitness-related posts (n = 41), sexualisation or objectification (n = 26), nudity or inappropriate clothing (n = 22), and/or extreme body types (n = 15). Three accounts failed on all four criteria, while 13, 10 and 33 failed on three, two, or one criterion, respectively. Therefore, only 41% of accounts were considered credible. Inter-rater reliability (percentage agreement and Brennan and Prediger’s coefficient κ q ) was high (Stage 1: 92% agreement [95% CI 87, 97], κ q 0.84 [95% CI 0.73, 0.95] Stage 2: 93% agreement [95% CI 83, 100], κ q 0.85 [95% CI 0.67, 1.00]). Account holders of credible fitspiration accounts were predominantly female (59%), aged 25–34 (54%), Caucasian (62%), and from the United States (79%). Half held a qualification related to physical activity or physical health (e.g., personal trainer, physiotherapy 54%). Most included accounts included an exercise video (93%) and ex le workout (76%). While many popular Instagram fitspiration accounts offered credible content such as ex le workouts, many accounts contained sexualisation, objectification or promotion of unhealthy or unrealistic body shapes. The audit tool could be used by Instagram users to ensure the accounts they follow do not portray potentially harmful or unhealthy content. Future research could use the audit tool to identify credible fitspiration accounts and examine whether exposure to these accounts positively influences physical activity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-09-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-06-2023
Abstract: A search for long-lived particles decaying into hadrons is presented. The analysis uses 139 fb − 1 of pp collision data collected at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the LHC using events that contain multiple energetic jets and a displaced vertex. The search employs dedicated reconstruction techniques that significantly increase the sensitivity to long-lived particles decaying in the ATLAS inner detector. Background estimates for Standard Model processes and instrumental effects are extracted from data. The observed event yields are compatible with those expected from background processes. The results are used to set limits at 95% confidence level on model-independent cross sections for processes beyond the Standard Model, and on scenarios with pair-production of supersymmetric particles with long-lived electroweakinos that decay via a small R -parity-violating coupling. The pair-production of electroweakinos with masses below 1.5 TeV is excluded for mean proper lifetimes in the range from 0.03 ns to 1 ns. When produced in the decay of $$ m\\left(\\overset{\\sim }{g}\\right) $$ m g ~ = 2 . 4 TeV gluinos, electroweakinos with $$ m\\left({\\overset{\\sim }{\\chi}}_1^0\\right) $$ m χ ~ 1 0 = 1 . 5 TeV are excluded with lifetimes in the range of 0.02 ns to 4 ns.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-09-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-11-2022
Abstract: A simultaneous measurement of the three components of the top-quark and top-antiquark polarisation vectors in t -channel single-top-quark production is presented. This analysis is based on data from proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 , collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Selected events contain exactly one isolated electron or muon, large missing transverse momentum and exactly two jets, one being b -tagged. Stringent selection requirements are applied to discriminate t -channel single-top-quark events from the background contributions. The top-quark and top-antiquark polarisation vectors are measured from the distributions of the direction cosines of the charged-lepton momentum in the top-quark rest frame. The three components of the polarisation vector for the selected top-quark event s le are $$ {P}_{x^{\\prime }} $$ P x ′ = 0 . 01 ± 0 . 18, $$ {P}_{y^{\\prime }} $$ P y ′ = − 0 . 029 ± 0 . 027, $$ {P}_{z^{\\prime }} $$ P z ′ = 0 . 91 ± 0 . 10 and for the top-antiquark event s le they are $$ {P}_{x^{\\prime }} $$ P x ′ = − 0 . 02 ± 0 . 20, $$ {P}_{y^{\\prime }} $$ P y ′ = − 0 . 007 ± 0 . 051, $$ {P}_{z^{\\prime }} $$ P z ′ = 0 . 79 ± 0 . 16. Normalised differential cross-sections corrected to a fiducial region at the stable-particle level are presented as a function of the charged-lepton angles for top-quark and top-antiquark events inclusively and separately. These measurements are in agreement with Standard Model predictions. The angular differential cross-sections are used to derive bounds on the complex Wilson coefficient of the dimension-six $$ \\mathcal{O} $$ O tW operator in the framework of an effective field theory. The obtained bounds are C tW ∈ [ − 0 . 9 , 1 . 4] and C itW ∈ [ − 0 . 8 , 0 . 2], both at 95% confidence level.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 26-10-2015
Abstract: Prolonged sedentary behaviour has been associated with a number of chronic health conditions. This issue is compounded by inactivity increasing with age. This systematic review aimed to identify evidence regarding changes in sedentary behaviours as people move into retirement. Nine databases (Ageline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, SportDiscus and Web of Science) were searched in May 2014. Search terms included retirement, time use and a range of sedentary behaviours, with no date limit. Articles were selected and appraised for risk of bias by two independent reviewers. Due to the variations in measures used for reporting, data synthesis of results was qualitative. Two studies measured total sitting time and reported declines across retirement. Several studies examined self-reported time spent in specific sedentary leisure activities and generally reported increases in duration, prevalence or frequency (television: 7/9 studies reading: 4/6 studies). Few other sedentary behaviours were considered. Changes in sedentary time across retirement are currently poorly understood with varying patterns of change identified by different study methodologies (total sitting time versus specific leisure sedentary activities). Future research that simultaneously investigates changes in a comprehensive range of sedentary behaviours across retirement is required. To date, findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving the health of this population need to be targeted at specific sedentary behaviours to provide maximum benefit.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-08-2022
Abstract: A measurement of inclusive and differential fiducial cross-sections for the production of the Higgs boson decaying into two photons is performed using 139 fb − 1 of proton-proton collision data recorded at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The inclusive cross-section times branching ratio, in a fiducial region closely matching the experimental selection, is measured to be 67 ± 6 fb, which is in agreement with the state-of-the-art Standard Model prediction of 64 ± 4 fb. Extrapolating this result to the full phase space and correcting for the branching ratio, the total cross-section for Higgs boson production is estimated to be 58 ± 6 pb. In addition, the cross-sections in four fiducial regions sensitive to various Higgs boson production modes and differential cross-sections as a function of either one or two of several observables are measured. All the measurements are found to be in agreement with the Standard Model predictions. The measured transverse momentum distribution of the Higgs boson is used as an indirect probe of the Yukawa coupling of the Higgs boson to the bottom and charm quarks. In addition, five differential cross-section measurements are used to constrain anomalous Higgs boson couplings to vector bosons in the Standard Model effective field theory framework.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-08-2019
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 29-03-2012
Abstract: The way an in idual uses one’s time can greatly affect his or her health. The purpose of this article was to examine the cross-sectional cross-elasticity relationships for use of time domains in a s le of Australian adolescents. This study analyzed 24-hour recall time use data collected using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults ( N = 2,200). Using simple linear regression, the authors calculated the difference in time devoted to a reference activity (i.e., screen time, sleep, or social) given 1 hour extra in the time devoted to a criterion activity (i.e., physical activity). The most elastic activities were screen time and school-related time. Every additional hour committed to physical activity was associated with 32 minutes less screen time. This relationship was more pronounced in obese adolescents (−56 minutes screen time) compared with normal (−31 minutes) and overweight (−27 minutes) adolescents. Promising behavior patterns exist, with screen time appearing as a highly elastic behavior.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-11-2019
DOI: 10.2196/14645
Abstract: The success of a mobile phone app in changing health behavior is thought to be contingent on engagement, commonly operationalized as frequency of use. This subgroup analysis of the 2 intervention arms from a 3-group randomized controlled trial aimed to examine user engagement with a 100-day physical activity intervention delivered via an app. Rates of engagement, associations between user characteristics and engagement, and whether engagement was related to intervention efficacy were examined. Engagement was captured in a real-time log of interactions by users randomized to either a gamified (n=141) or nongamified version of the same app (n=160). Physical activity was assessed via accelerometry and self-report at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Survival analysis was used to assess time to nonuse attrition. Mixed models examined associations between user characteristics and engagement (total app use). Characteristics of super users (top quartile of users) and regular users (lowest 3 quartiles) were compared using t tests and a chi-square analysis. Linear mixed models were used to assess whether being a super user was related to change in physical activity over time. Engagement was high. Attrition (30 days of nonuse) occurred in 32% and 39% of the gamified and basic groups, respectively, with no significant between-group differences in time to attrition (P=.17). Users with a body mass index (BMI) in the healthy range had higher total app use (mean 230.5, 95% CI 190.6-270.5 F2=8.67 P .001), compared with users whose BMI was overweight or obese (mean 170.6, 95% CI 139.5-201.6 mean 132.9, 95% CI 104.8-161.0). Older users had higher total app use (mean 200.4, 95% CI 171.9-228.9 F1=6.385 P=.01) than younger users (mean 155.6, 95% CI 128.5-182.6). Super users were 4.6 years older (t297=3.6 P .001) and less likely to have a BMI in the obese range (χ22=15.1 P .001). At the 3-month follow-up, super users were completing 28.2 (95% CI 9.4-46.9) more minutes of objectively measured physical activity than regular users (F1,272=4.76 P=.03). Total app use was high across the 100-day intervention period, and the inclusion of gamified features enhanced engagement. Participants who engaged the most saw significantly greater increases to their objectively measured physical activity over time, supporting the theory that intervention exposure is linked to efficacy. Further research is needed to determine whether these findings are replicated in other app-based interventions, including those experimentally evaluating engagement and those conducted in real-world settings. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000113358 www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12617000113358.aspx
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 31-03-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-09-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-07-2023
Abstract: A model-independent search for new physics leading to final states containing a Higgs boson, with a mass of 125.09 GeV, decaying to a pair of photons is performed with 139 fb − 1 of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV pp collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. This search examines 22 final states categorized by the objects that are produced in association with the Higgs boson. These objects include isolated electrons or muons, hadronically decaying τ -leptons, additional photons, missing transverse momentum, and hadronic jets, as well as jets that are tagged as containing a b -hadron. No significant excesses above Standard Model expectations are observed and limits on the production cross section at 95% confidence level are set. Detector efficiencies are reported for all 22 signal regions, which can be used to convert detector-level cross-section limits reported in this paper to particle-level cross-section constraints.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 27-07-2023
DOI: 10.1001/JAMANETWORKOPEN.2023.26038
Abstract: Obesity is a major global health concern. A better understanding of temporal patterns of weight gain will enable the design and implementation of interventions with potential to alter obesity trajectories. To describe changes in daily weight across 12 months among Australian adults. This cohort study conducted between December 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021 in Adelaide, South Australia, involved 375 community-dwelling adults aged 18 to 65 years. Participants wore a fitness tracker and were encouraged to weigh themselves, preferably daily but at least weekly, using a body weight scale. Data were remotely gathered using custom-developed software. Time assessed weekly, seasonally, and at Christmas/New Year and Easter. Data were visually inspected to assess the overall yearly pattern in weight change. Data were detrended (to remove systematic bias from intrain idual gradual increases or decreases in weight) by calculating a line of best fit for each in idual’s annual weight change relative to baseline and subtracting this from each participant’s weight data. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression analysis was used to compare weight across days of the week and seasons and at Christmas/New Year and Easter. Of 375 participants recruited, 368 (mean [SD] age, 40.2 [5.9] years 209 [56.8%] female mean [SD] baseline weight, 84.0 [20.5] kg) provided at least 7 days of weight data for inclusion in analyses. Across the 12-month period, participants gained a median of 0.26% body weight (218 g) (range, −29.4% to 24.0%). Weight fluctuated by approximately 0.3% (252 g) each week, with Mondays and Tuesdays being the heaviest days of the week. Relative to Monday, participants’ weight gradually decreased from Tuesday, although not significantly so (mean [SE] weight change, 0.01% [0.03%] P = .83), to Friday (mean [SE] weight change, −0.18% [0.03%] P & .001) and increased across the weekend to Monday (mean [SE] weight change for Saturday, −0.16% [0.03%] P & .001 mean [SE] weight change for Sunday, −0.10% [0.03%] P & .001). Participants’ weight increased sharply at Christmas/New Year (mean [SE] increase, 0.65% [0.03%] z score, 25.30 P & .001) and Easter (mean [SE] weight change, 0.29% [0.02%], z score, 11.51 P & .001). Overall, participants were heaviest in summer (significantly heavier than in all other seasons), were lightest in autumn (mean [SE] weight change relative to summer, −0.47% [0.07%] P & .001), regained some weight in winter (mean [SE] weight change relative to summer, −0.23% [0.07%] P = .001), and became lighter in spring (mean [SE] weight change relative to summer, −0.27% [0.07%] P & .001). In this cohort study of Australian adults with weekly and yearly patterns in weight gain observed across 12 months, high-risk times for weight gain were Christmas/New Year, weekends, and winter, suggesting that temporally targeted weight gain prevention interventions may be warranted.
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 19-07-2023
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 10-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-07-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-11420-5
Abstract: The inverse relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration and childhood adiposity is well established. Less is known about how characteristics of MVPA accumulation may be associated with adiposity, independent of MVPA duration. This study aimed to investigate how the MVPA characteristics of children, other than duration (bout length, time of day, day-to-day consistency, intensity), were associated with adiposity. Cross-sectional study of the Australian arm of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) (participants: n = 424, age range 9–11, 44% male). Adiposity was determined by percent body fat via bioelectrical impedance. MVPA duration and characteristics (bout length, time of day, consistency, intensity) were derived from 7-day, 24-h accelerometry. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine the in idual and multivariate associations between MVPA characteristics and adiposity. Univariate analyses showed that higher MVPA duration (β range = − 0.26,-0.15), longer bouts of MVPA (β range = 0.15,0.22) and higher MVPA intensity (β range = − 0.20,-0.13) were all inversely associated with adiposity (all p 0.05). When models were adjusted for MVPA duration, only MVPA intensity (β range = − 0.16,-0.04) showed consistent significant associations with adiposity. Characteristics of MVPA other than duration and intensity appear to be unrelated to adiposity.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 06-2022
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2015
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 22-08-2023
DOI: 10.1001/JAMANETWORKOPEN.2023.30098
Abstract: Little is known about temporal trends in children’s well-being and how the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced the well-being of young Australians. Certain demographic groups may be more vulnerable to experiencing declines in well-being. To examine well-being trends over 6 consecutive years among South Australian students and explore the influence of sociodemographic characteristics. Longitudinal analyses of annual (2017 to 2022) cross-sectional data of students in grades 4 through 9 (n = 40 392 to 56 897 per year) attending South Australian government schools from the Well-being and Engagement Collection (WEC) census. Calendar year (2017-2022) and sociodemographic characteristics (sex, school grade, parental education, language spoken at home, residential region) from school enrollment records. Students self-reported life satisfaction, optimism, happiness, cognitive engagement, emotional regulation, perseverance, worry, and sadness. Over 6 years (2017 to 2022), a total of 119 033 students (mean [SD] age, 12.1 y 51.4% male) participated in this study. Most well-being measures declined over time, with consistent worsening of well-being from 2020 onward. For ex le, compared with 2017, sadness was 0.26 (95% CI, 0.25-0.27) points higher in 2020 (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.27) and remained elevated by more than 0.26 points (SMD, 0.27) in 2021 and 2022. At almost every time point, greatest well-being was reported by students of male sex (except cognitive engagement and perseverance), in earlier school grades, with highest parental education, speaking a language other than English at home, and residing in outer regional and remote settings (for satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation). Sociodemographic differences in well-being were generally consistent over time however, sex differences widened from 2020 for all indicators except cognitive engagement and perseverance. For ex le, between 2017 and 2022, sadness increased by 0.27 (95% CI, 0.25-0.29) more points among females than males (SMD, 0.28). In this longitudinal analysis of annual census data, there were downward trends in students’ well-being, especially since 2020. The largest sociodemographic disparities were observed for students of female sex, those in later school grades, and those with lowest parental education. Urgent and equitable support for the well-being of all young people, particularly those facing disparity, is imperative.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 18-05-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-05-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-07-2023
Abstract: A search for Higgs boson pair production in events with two b -jets and two τ -leptons is presented, using a proton–proton collision dataset with an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 collected at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. Higgs boson pairs produced non-resonantly or in the decay of a narrow scalar resonance in the mass range from 251 to 1600 GeV are targeted. Events in which at least one τ -lepton decays hadronically are considered, and multivariate discriminants are used to reject the backgrounds. No significant excess of events above the expected background is observed in the non-resonant search. The largest excess in the resonant search is observed at a resonance mass of 1 TeV, with a local (global) significance of 3 . 1 σ (2 . 0 σ ). Observed (expected) 95% confidence-level upper limits are set on the non-resonant Higgs boson pair-production cross-section at 4.7 (3.9) times the Standard Model prediction, assuming Standard Model kinematics, and on the resonant Higgs boson pair-production cross-section at between 21 and 900 fb (12 and 840 fb), depending on the mass of the narrow scalar resonance.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-06-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11479-X
Abstract: A measurement of observables sensitive to effects of colour reconnection in top-quark pair-production events is presented using 139 $$\\hbox {fb}^{-1}$$ fb - 1 of 13 TeV proton–proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Events are selected by requiring exactly one isolated electron and one isolated muon with opposite charge and two or three jets, where exactly two jets are required to be b -tagged. For the selected events, measurements are presented for the charged-particle multiplicity, the scalar sum of the transverse momenta of the charged particles, and the same scalar sum in bins of charged-particle multiplicity. These observables are unfolded to the stable-particle level, thereby correcting for migration effects due to finite detector resolution, acceptance and efficiency effects. The particle-level measurements are compared with different colour reconnection models in Monte Carlo generators. These measurements disfavour some of the colour reconnection models and provide inputs to future optimisation of the parameters in Monte Carlo generators.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-07-2023
Abstract: This paper presents direct searches for lepton flavour violation in Higgs boson decays, H → eτ and H → μτ , performed using data collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The searches are based on a data s le of proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb − 1 . Leptonic ( τ → ℓν ℓ ν τ ) and hadronic ( τ → hadrons ν τ ) decays of the τ -lepton are considered. Two background estimation techniques are employed: the MC-template method, based on data-corrected simulation s les, and the Symmetry method, based on exploiting the symmetry between electrons and muons in the Standard Model backgrounds. No significant excess of events is observed and the results are interpreted as upper limits on lepton-flavour-violating branching ratios of the Higgs boson. The observed (expected) upper limits set on the branching ratios at 95% confidence level, $$ \\mathcal{B} $$ B ( H → eτ ) 0 . 20% (0 . 12%) and $$ \\mathcal{B} $$ B ( H → μτ ) 0 . 18% (0 . 09%), are obtained with the MC-template method from a simultaneous measurement of potential H → eτ and H → μτ signals. The best-fit branching ratio difference, $$ \\mathcal{B} $$ B ( H → μτ ) → $$ \\mathcal{B} $$ B ( H → eτ ), measured with the Symmetry method in the channel where the τ -lepton decays to leptons, is (0 . 25 ± 0 . 10)%, compatible with a value of zero within 2 . 5 σ .
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-04-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-022-13135-7
Abstract: Outside school hours care (OSHC) is accessed by millions of children internationally. Recently, physical activity and screen time guidelines in OSHC were developed. This study described the current physical activity and screen time scheduling in Australian OSHC, obtained sector feedback on the guidelines and compared current- with best-practice. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to n = 3551 Australian OSHC directors. Participants reported scheduling for physical activity and screen time opportunities in before- and after-school care. Feedback was sought on the new guidelines, including barriers and enablers for implementation. Scheduling data were used to evaluate whether services were currently meeting the new guidelines that is if time allocated matched with time recommended. Five hundred and sixty-six directors participated (response rate 16%). Physical activity and screen time practices varied widely (e.g., after-school physical activity opportunity ranged from 15 to 150 min, mean 74, SD 28 after-school screen time opportunity ranged from 15 to 195 min, mean 89, SD 43), with state ( p = 0.002) and socioeconomic (based on postcode p 0.001) differences. Most participants (54–81%) agreed that the guideline’s recommended physical activity and screen time durations were appropriate, however, only 40% of participants’ OSHC services’ programs actually met the guidelines. Physical activity and screen time scheduling in OSHC is highly variable. Despite support for the guidelines, current scheduling practice in the majority of OSHC services surveyed do not meet best practice guidelines.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 13-07-2015
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.4086
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-07-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11699-1
Abstract: The flavour-tagging algorithms developed by the ATLAS Collaboration and used to analyse its dataset of $$\\sqrt{s} = 13$$ s = 13 TeV pp collisions from Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider are presented. These new tagging algorithms are based on recurrent and deep neural networks, and their performance is evaluated in simulated collision events. These developments yield considerable improvements over previous jet-flavour identification strategies. At the 77% b -jet identification efficiency operating point, light-jet (charm-jet) rejection factors of 170 (5) are achieved in a s le of simulated Standard Model $$t\\bar{t}$$ t t ¯ events similarly, at a c -jet identification efficiency of 30%, a light-jet ( b -jet) rejection factor of 70 (9) is obtained.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
Abstract: The trichomonads are a remarkably successful lineage of ancient, predominantly parasitic protozoa. Recent molecular analyses have revealed extensive duplication of certain genetic loci in trichomonads. Consequently, their genomes are exceptionally large compared to other parasitic protozoa. Retention of these large gene expansions across different trichomonad families raises the question: do these duplications afford an advantage? Many duplicated genes are linked to the parasitic lifestyle and some are regulated differently to their paralogues, suggesting they have acquired new functions. It is proposed that these large genomes encode a Swiss army knife of sorts, packed with a multitude of tools for use in many different circumstances. This may have bestowed trichomonads with the extraordinary versatility that has undoubtedly contributed to their success.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2015
Abstract: To date, most health-related time-use research has investigated behaviors in isolation more recently, however, researchers have begun to conceptualize behaviors in the form of multidimensional patterns or clusters. The study employed 2 techniques: radar graphs and centroid vector length, angles and distance to quantify pairwise time-use cluster similarities among adolescents living in Australia (N = 1853) and in New Zealand (N = 679). Based on radar graph shape, 2 pairs of clusters were similar for both boys and girls. Using vector angles (VA), vector length (VL) and centroid distances (CD), 1 pair for each sex was considered most similar (boys: VA = 63°, VL = 44 and 50 units, and CD = 48 units girls: VA = 23°, VL = 65 and 85 units, and CD = 36 units). Both methods employed to determine similarity had strengths and weaknesses. Conclusions: The description and quantification of cluster similarity is an important step in the research process. An ability to track and compare clusters may provide greater understanding of complex multidimensional relationships, and in relation to health behavior clusters, present opportunities to monitor and to intervene.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2022
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-022-10472-0
Abstract: This paper presents studies of Bose–Einstein correlations (BEC) in proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, using data from the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Data were collected in a special low-luminosity configuration with a minimum-bias trigger and a high-multiplicity track trigger, accumulating integrated luminosities of 151 $$\upmu $$ μ b $$^{-1}$$ - 1 and 8.4 nb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 , respectively. The BEC are measured for pairs of like-sign charged particles, each with $$|\eta | 2.5$$ | η | 2.5 , for two kinematic ranges: the first with particle $$p_{\mathrm {T}} 100$$ p T 100 MeV and the second with particle $$p_{\mathrm {T}} 500$$ p T 500 MeV. The BEC parameters, characterizing the source radius and particle correlation strength, are investigated as functions of charged-particle multiplicity (up to 300) and average transverse momentum of the pair (up to 1.5 GeV). The double-differential dependence on charged-particle multiplicity and average transverse momentum of the pair is also studied. The BEC radius is found to be independent of the charged-particle multiplicity for high charged-particle multiplicity (above 100), confirming a previous observation at lower energy. This saturation occurs independent of the transverse momentum of the pair.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-02-2015
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 15-11-2017
Abstract: ngagement in electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) behavior change interventions is thought to be important for intervention effectiveness, though what constitutes engagement and how it enhances efficacy has been somewhat unclear in the literature. Recently published detailed definitions and conceptual models of engagement have helped to build consensus around a definition of engagement and improve our understanding of how engagement may influence effectiveness. This work has helped to establish a clearer research agenda. However, to test the hypotheses generated by the conceptual modules, we need to know how to measure engagement in a valid and reliable way. The aim of this viewpoint is to provide an overview of engagement measurement options that can be employed in eHealth and mHealth behavior change intervention evaluations, discuss methodological considerations, and provide direction for future research. To identify measures, we used snowball s ling, starting from systematic reviews of engagement research as well as those utilized in studies known to the authors. A wide range of methods to measure engagement were identified, including qualitative measures, self-report questionnaires, ecological momentary assessments, system usage data, sensor data, social media data, and psychophysiological measures. Each measurement method is appraised and ex les are provided to illustrate possible use in eHealth and mHealth behavior change research. Recommendations for future research are provided, based on the limitations of current methods and the heavy reliance on system usage data as the sole assessment of engagement. The validation and adoption of a wider range of engagement measurements and their thoughtful application to the study of engagement are encouraged.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-01-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-020-10054-3
Abstract: Almost one in three Australian adults are now obese, and the rate continues to rise. The causes of obesity are multifaceted and include environmental, cultural and lifestyle factors. Emerging evidence suggests there may be temporal patterns in weight gain related, for ex le, to season and major festivals such as Christmas, potentially due to changes in diet, daily activity patterns or both. The aim of this study is to track the annual rhythm in body weight, 24 h activity patterns, dietary patterns, and wellbeing in a cohort of Australian adults. In addition, through data linkage with a concurrent children’s cohort study, we aim to examine whether changes in children’s body mass index, activity and diet are related to those of their parents. A community-based s le of 375 parents aged 18 to 65 years old, residing in or near Adelaide, Australia, and who have access to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile device or a computer and home internet, will be recruited. Across a full year, daily activities (minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) will be measured using wrist-worn accelerometry (Fitbit Charge 3). Body weight will be measured daily using Fitbit wifi scales. Self-reported dietary intake (Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies V3.2), and psychological wellbeing (WHOQOL-BREF and DASS-21) will be assessed eight times throughout the 12-month period. Annual patterns in weight will be examined using Lowess curves. Associations between changes in weight and changes in activity and diet compositions will be examined using repeated measures multi-level models. The associations between parent’s and children’s weight, activity and diet will be investigated using multi-level models. Temporal factors, such as day type (weekday or weekend day), cultural celebrations and season, may play a key role in weight gain. The aim is to identify critical opportunities for intervention to assist the prevention of weight gain. Family-based interventions may be an important intervention strategy. Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12619001430123 . Prospectively registered on 16 October 2019.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 16-02-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2022-106195
Abstract: To synthesise the evidence on the effects of physical activity on symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adult populations. Umbrella review. Twelve electronic databases were searched for eligible studies published from inception to 1 January 2022. Systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials designed to increase physical activity in an adult population and that assessed depression, anxiety or psychological distress were eligible. Study selection was undertaken in duplicate by two independent reviewers. Ninety-seven reviews (1039 trials and 128 119 participants) were included. Populations included healthy adults, people with mental health disorders and people with various chronic diseases. Most reviews (n=77) had a critically low A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews score. Physical activity had medium effects on depression (median effect size=−0.43, IQR=−0.66 to –0.27), anxiety (median effect size=−0.42, IQR=−0.66 to –0.26) and psychological distress (effect size=−0.60, 95% CI −0.78 to –0.42), compared with usual care across all populations. The largest benefits were seen in people with depression, HIV and kidney disease, in pregnant and postpartum women, and in healthy in iduals. Higher intensity physical activity was associated with greater improvements in symptoms. Effectiveness of physical activity interventions diminished with longer duration interventions. Physical activity is highly beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety and distress across a wide range of adult populations, including the general population, people with diagnosed mental health disorders and people with chronic disease. Physical activity should be a mainstay approach in the management of depression, anxiety and psychological distress. CRD42021292710.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2016.05.009
Abstract: How people use their time has health implications, but use of time may be influenced by factors such as age, sex, education and health. This study aimed to provide detailed information on the daily activity patterns of older working people. 139 older Australian adults (aged 50-79 years) undertook comprehensive interviews on their use of time. This paper presents a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline findings from a longitudinal study. Use of time was measured using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA), administered via computer-assisted phone interview. Activity patterns were described, and compared on the basis of sex, education and health status. The main activities undertaken were sleep (mean 466min/day), work (mean 233min/day) and chores (mean 160min/day), with little time spent on physical activity (mean 13min/day). Women spent more time doing chores (p<0.001) while men spent more time on vigorous activities (p<0.001). Participants with "fair" health spent less time on inside chores (p=0.05) and grooming (p=0.02) than healthier participants. Healthy lifestyle interventions for older workers should aim to increase physical activity levels by targeting specific activities, depending on sex and health status.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-07-2023
Abstract: A search for the leptonic charge asymmetry ( $$ {A}_{\\textrm{c}}^{\\ell } $$ A c ℓ ) of top-quark-antiquark pair production in association with a W boson ( $$ t\\overline{t}W $$ t t ¯ W ) is presented. The search is performed using final states with exactly three charged light leptons (electrons or muons) and is based on $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV proton-proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN during the years 2015–2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 . A profile-likelihood fit to the event yields in multiple regions corresponding to positive and negative differences between the pseudorapidities of the charged leptons from top-quark and top-antiquark decays is used to extract the charge asymmetry. At reconstruction level, the asymmetry is found to be −0 . 12 ± 0 . 14 (stat.) ± 0 . 05 (syst.). An unfolding procedure is applied to convert the result at reconstruction level into a charge-asymmetry value in a fiducial volume at particle level with the result of −0 . 11 ± 0 . 17 (stat.) ± 0 . 05 (syst.). The Standard Model expectations for these two observables are calculated using Monte Carlo simulations with next-to-leading-order plus parton shower precision in quantum chromodynamics and including next-to-leading-order electroweak corrections. They are $$ -{0.084}_{-0.003}^{+0.005} $$ − 0.084 − 0.003 + 0.005 (scale) ± 0 . 006 (MC stat.) and $$ -{0.063}_{-0.004}^{+0.007} $$ − 0.063 − 0.004 + 0.007 (scale) ± 0 . 004 (MC stat.) respectively, and in agreement with the measurements.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JNEB.2015.12.006
Abstract: Because physical inactivity and unhealthy diets are highly prevalent, there is a need for cost-effective interventions that can reach large populations. Electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) solutions have shown promising outcomes and have expanded rapidly in the past decade. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the state of the evidence for the use of eHealth and mHealth in improving physical activity and nutrition behaviors in general and special populations. The role of theory in eHealth and mHealth interventions is addressed, as are methodological issues. Key recommendations for future research in the field of eHealth and mHealth are provided.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.APMR.2012.11.030
Abstract: To review the literature for the criterion validity of pedometers for use in child and adult populations with physical disabilities. Academic Search Premier, ERIC, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, AMED, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases, searched from inception to September 7, 2011. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed articles, included populations with physical disabilities, and reported primary data for pedometer validity in comparison with direct observation. A consensus approach was used to apply the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 163 articles identified in the database searches (excluding duplicates), 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed independently by 2 reviewers, using a purpose-designed appraisal tool, with a consensus approach used to settle disagreement. A single reviewer extracted data relating to s le size, participant characteristics, pedometer model, main variables tested, duration of tests, and method of direct observation. The methodologic quality of the studies was generally high however, there was a wide variation of population and methodology between studies. The correlation between pedometer step counts and directly observed step counts was moderate to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient, .52-.87), and percent errors ranged from 0.5% to 24.7%. Secondary variables reported included the effect of speed of movement, pedometer placement, comparison of pedometer makes/models, and test-retest reliability. Available evidence suggests that pedometers are valid for use in clinical and research settings in people with physical disabilities. Further research examining the validity of pedometers in less heterogeneous populations of people with disabilities is warranted to determine validity for specific disability populations and to determine optimal pedometer placement.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-07-2023
Abstract: A search for diphoton resonances in the mass range between 10 and 70 GeV with the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is presented. The analysis is based on pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb − 1 at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV recorded from 2015 to 2018. Previous searches for diphoton resonances at the LHC have explored masses down to 65 GeV, finding no evidence of new particles. This search exploits the particular kinematics of events with pairs of closely spaced photons reconstructed in the detector, allowing examination of invariant masses down to 10 GeV. The presented strategy covers a region previously unexplored at hadron colliders because of the experimental challenges of recording low-energy photons and estimating the backgrounds. No significant excess is observed and the reported limits provide the strongest bound on promptly decaying axion-like particles coupling to gluons and photons for masses between 10 and 70 GeV.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 03-06-2019
DOI: 10.2196/12484
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.PUHE.2017.07.010
Abstract: To examine whether meeting vs not meeting movement/non-movement guidelines (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA], screen time, sleep duration), and combinations of these recommendations, are associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children from 12 countries in five major geographic regions of the world and explore whether the associations vary by study site. Observational, multinational cross-sectional study. This study included 6106 children aged 9-11 years from sites in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, India, Kenya, Portugal, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Participants completed the KIDSCREEN-10 to provide a global measure of their HRQoL. Sleep duration and MVPA were assessed using 24-h accelerometry. Screen time was assessed through self-report. Meeting the recommendations was defined as ≥60 min/day for MVPA, ≤2 h/day for screen time, and between 9 and 11 h/night for sleep duration. Age, sex, highest parental education, unhealthy diet pattern score, and body mass index z-score were included as covariates in statistical models. In the full s le, children meeting the screen time recommendation, the screen time + sleep recommendation, and all three recommendations had significantly better HRQoL than children not meeting any of these guidelines. Differences in HRQoL scores between sites were also found within combinations of movement/non-movement behaviors. For ex le, while children in Australia, Canada, and USA self-reported better HRQoL when meeting all three recommendations, children in Kenya and Portugal reported significantly lower HRQoL when meeting all three recommendations (relative to not meeting any). Self-reported HRQoL is generally higher when children meet established movement/non-movement recommendations. However, differences between study sites also suggest that interventions aimed at improving lifestyle behaviors and HRQoL should be locally and culturally adapted.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 11-06-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1080/09593980500321093
Abstract: Outcome measurements are used to determine the effectiveness of patient management. This study aimed to identify the outcome measures used in the physiotherapy management of lung transplant patients in Australia and New Zealand, and the factors influencing their use. A cross-sectional, descriptive, qualitative design was used to survey physiotherapists working with pre and post lung transplant patients in all major transplant centres and associated hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. The survey instrument was developed in consultation with transplant physiotherapists. The instrument included three main areas demographics, specific outcome measures and therapist perceptions regarding the usefulness of current measurement tools. Physiotherapists participating in this survey were sent a copy of the survey tool and then were interviewed by phone. Eighteen physiotherapists (response rate 86%) from seventeen hospitals completed the survey. On average, participants estimated that their physiotherapy departments had managed 19 (SD 28, range 1-100) pre-transplant patients and 26 (SD 55.9, range 0-200) post-transplant patients in the past year. The most common outcome measures used were exercise tolerance tests, dyspnea scores, and ability to carry out activities of daily living. Time, reliability/validity issues and equipment requirements were reported to be the key factors influencing the use of outcome measures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 13-10-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JOSH.12631
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was an association between dietary patterns and children's academic performance. This cross-sectional study involved 315 children aged 9-11 years from 26 schools in Australia. Academic performance was measured in 4 domains (reading, writing, numeracy, and language-subdomains: spelling, grammarm and punctuation) using the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). A self-reported child questionnaire collected dietary intake data. "Core" (healthy) and "noncore" (unhealthy) dietary patterns were derived using principal components analysis. The noncore pattern was associated with lower NAPLAN scores across all academic domains (mean: -12.6, 95% CI: -18.7 to -6.4, r Academic performance was deleteriously associated with a nutrient-poor, energy-dense diet, yet not associated with a nutritious diet.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 30-05-2018
Abstract: The health effects of daily activity behaviours (physical activity, sedentary time and sleep) are widely studied. While previous research has largely examined activity behaviours in isolation, recent studies have adjusted for multiple behaviours. However, the inclusion of all activity behaviours in traditional multivariate analyses has not been possible due to the perfect multicollinearity of 24-h time budget data. The ensuing lack of adjustment for known effects on the outcome undermines the validity of study findings. We describe a statistical approach that enables the inclusion of all daily activity behaviours, based on the principles of compositional data analysis. Using data from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment, we demonstrate the application of compositional multiple linear regression to estimate adiposity from children’s daily activity behaviours expressed as isometric log-ratio coordinates. We present a novel method for predicting change in a continuous outcome based on relative changes within a composition, and for calculating associated confidence intervals to allow for statistical inference. The compositional data analysis presented overcomes the lack of adjustment that has plagued traditional statistical methods in the field, and provides robust and reliable insights into the health effects of daily activity behaviours.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-08-2016
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 21-12-2021
DOI: 10.2196/31737
Abstract: Virtual assistants can be used to deliver innovative health programs that provide appealing, personalized, and convenient health advice and support at scale and low cost. Design characteristics that influence the look and feel of the virtual assistant, such as visual appearance or language features, may significantly influence users’ experience and engagement with the assistant. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the experimental research examining how design characteristics of virtual health assistants affect user experience, summarize research findings of experimental research examining how design characteristics of virtual health assistants affect user experience, and provide recommendations for the design of virtual health assistants if sufficient evidence exists. We searched 5 electronic databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and ACM Digital Library) to identify the studies that used an experimental design to compare the effects of design characteristics between 2 or more versions of an interactive virtual health assistant on user experience among adults. Data were synthesized descriptively. Health domains, design characteristics, and outcomes were categorized, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the body of research. Results for each study were categorized as positive, negative, or no effect, and a matrix of the design characteristics and outcome categories was constructed to summarize the findings. The database searches identified 6879 articles after the removal of duplicates. We included 48 articles representing 45 unique studies in the review. The most common health domains were mental health and physical activity. Studies most commonly examined design characteristics in the categories of visual design or conversational style and relational behavior and assessed outcomes in the categories of personality, satisfaction, relationship, or use intention. Over half of the design characteristics were examined by only 1 study. Results suggest that empathy and relational behavior and self-disclosure are related to more positive user experience. Results also suggest that if a human-like avatar is used, realistic rendering and medical attire may potentially be related to more positive user experience however, more research is needed to confirm this. There is a growing body of scientific evidence examining the impact of virtual health assistants’ design characteristics on user experience. Taken together, data suggest that the look and feel of a virtual health assistant does affect user experience. Virtual health assistants that show empathy, display nonverbal relational behaviors, and disclose personal information about themselves achieve better user experience. At present, the evidence base is broad, and the studies are typically small in scale and highly heterogeneous. Further research, particularly using longitudinal research designs with repeated user interactions, is needed to inform the optimal design of virtual health assistants.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-06-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11559-Y
Abstract: This paper reports a search for Higgs boson pair ( hh ) production in association with a vector boson ( $$W\\ {\\text {o}r}\\ Z$$ W o r Z ) using 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 of proton–proton collision data at $$\\sqrt{s}=13\\,\\text {TeV}$$ s = 13 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The search is performed in final states in which the vector boson decays leptonically ( $$W\\rightarrow \\ell \\nu ,\\, Z\\rightarrow \\ell \\ell ,\\nu \\nu $$ W → ℓ ν , Z → ℓ ℓ , ν ν with $$\\ell =e, \\mu $$ ℓ = e , μ ) and the Higgs bosons each decay into a pair of b -quarks. It targets Vhh signals from both non-resonant hh production, present in the Standard Model (SM), and resonant hh production, as predicted in some SM extensions. A 95% confidence-level upper limit of 183 (87) times the SM cross-section is observed (expected) for non-resonant Vhh production when assuming the kinematics are as expected in the SM. Constraints are also placed on Higgs boson coupling modifiers. For the resonant search, upper limits on the production cross-sections are derived for two specific models: one is the production of a vector boson along with a neutral heavy scalar resonance H , in the mass range 260–1000 GeV, that decays into hh , and the other is the production of a heavier neutral pseudoscalar resonance A that decays into a Z boson and H boson, where the A boson mass is 360–800 GeV and the H boson mass is 260–400 GeV. Constraints are also derived in the parameter space of two-Higgs-doublet models.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-07-2021
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11837-9
Abstract: A determination of the jet energy scale is presented using proton–proton collision data with a centre-of-mass energy of $$\\sqrt{s}=13$$ s = 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 collected using the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Jets are reconstructed using the ATLAS particle-flow method that combines charged-particle tracks and topo-clusters formed from energy deposits in the calorimeter cells. The anti- $$k_\\textrm{t}$$ k t jet algorithm with radius parameter $$R=0.4$$ R = 0.4 is used to define the jet. Novel jet energy scale calibration strategies developed for the LHC Run 2 are reported that lay the foundation for the jet calibration in Run 3. Jets are calibrated with a series of simulation-based corrections, including state-of-the-art techniques in jet calibration such as machine learning methods and novel in situ calibrations to achieve better performance than the baseline calibration derived using up to 81 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 of Run 2 data. The performance of these new techniques is then examined in the in situ measurements by exploiting the transverse momentum balance between a jet and a reference object. The b -quark jet energy scale using particle flow jets is measured for the first time with around 1% precision using $$\\gamma $$ γ +jet events.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 16-11-2018
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.9397
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 09-05-2019
Abstract: he success of a mobile phone app in changing health behavior is thought to be contingent on engagement, commonly operationalized as frequency of use. his subgroup analysis of the 2 intervention arms from a 3-group randomized controlled trial aimed to examine user engagement with a 100-day physical activity intervention delivered via an app. Rates of engagement, associations between user characteristics and engagement, and whether engagement was related to intervention efficacy were examined. ngagement was captured in a real-time log of interactions by users randomized to either a gamified (n=141) or nongamified version of the same app (n=160). Physical activity was assessed via accelerometry and self-report at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Survival analysis was used to assess time to nonuse attrition. Mixed models examined associations between user characteristics and engagement (total app use). Characteristics of super users (top quartile of users) and regular users (lowest 3 quartiles) were compared using italic t /italic tests and a chi-square analysis. Linear mixed models were used to assess whether being a super user was related to change in physical activity over time. ngagement was high. Attrition (30 days of nonuse) occurred in 32% and 39% of the gamified and basic groups, respectively, with no significant between-group differences in time to attrition ( italic P /italic =.17). Users with a body mass index (BMI) in the healthy range had higher total app use (mean 230.5, 95% CI 190.6-270.5 italic F /italic sub /sub =8.67 italic P /italic & .001), compared with users whose BMI was overweight or obese (mean 170.6, 95% CI 139.5-201.6 mean 132.9, 95% CI 104.8-161.0). Older users had higher total app use (mean 200.4, 95% CI 171.9-228.9 italic F /italic sub /sub =6.385 italic P /italic =.01) than younger users (mean 155.6, 95% CI 128.5-182.6). Super users were 4.6 years older (t sub /sub =3.6 italic P /italic & .001) and less likely to have a BMI in the obese range (χ sup /sup sub /sub =15.1 italic P /italic & .001). At the 3-month follow-up, super users were completing 28.2 (95% CI 9.4-46.9) more minutes of objectively measured physical activity than regular users ( italic F /italic sub ,272 /sub =4.76 italic P /italic =.03). otal app use was high across the 100-day intervention period, and the inclusion of gamified features enhanced engagement. Participants who engaged the most saw significantly greater increases to their objectively measured physical activity over time, supporting the theory that intervention exposure is linked to efficacy. Further research is needed to determine whether these findings are replicated in other app-based interventions, including those experimentally evaluating engagement and those conducted in real-world settings.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-09-2021
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.13331
Abstract: Childhood obesity is a public health concern. Electronic and mobile health (e‐& mHealth) approaches can facilitate the delivery of interventions for obesity prevention and treatment. Synthesizing reviews of e‐& mHealth interventions to improve weight and weight‐related behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet) is useful to characterize the current scope of the literature and identify opportunities for future reviews and studies. Using a scoping review methodology, we aimed to evaluate the breadth and methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of e‐& mHealth interventions targeting weight and weight‐related behaviors in children and adolescents aged years. A systematic search of seven databases was conducted, including reviews published between 2000 and 2019. Review characteristics were extracted, and methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Forty‐five systematic reviews and meta‐analyses were included. All reviews evaluated intervention efficacy (100%), but few assessed other aspects (20% in total) such as cost‐effectiveness. Smartphone applications (47%), text messages (44%), and websites (35%) were the main modalities. Weight (60%), physical activity (51%), and diet (44%) were frequently assessed, unlike sedentary behavior (8%). Most reviews were rated as having critically low or low methodological quality (97%). Reviews that identify the effective active ingredients of interventions and explore metrics beyond efficacy are recommended.
Publisher: The Haworth Press
Date: 2008
Abstract: Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) is an important outcome in the delivery of health care. Research on the HRQOL in young people with cerebral palsy (CP) has relied on proxy-reports from parents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-reported HRQOL of young people with CP. A survey was mailed to 229 adolescents with CP in South Australia, of which 118 responded (51.5%). Seventy-one participants 11 to 17 years of age, self-reported HRQOL on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL). Thirty-eight youth were deemed by their parent/guardian as having insufficient cognitive ability to self-report HRQOL and nine respondents returned their surveys incomplete. The mean PedsQL Physical Function score was 57.3 (SD = 24.3), the mean Psychosocial Function score was 64.5 (SD = 15.9), and the Overall PedsQL score was 62.0 (SD = 16.7). Compared to norms for children without disabilities, 67% of participants had an Overall PedsQL score greater than 1 SD below the mean. PedsQL scores were related to gross motor function classification level (Spearman's rho = -0.54), number of health issues (rho = -0.51), and socioeconomic status (rho = 0.28), but not age, gender, quality of sleep, or whether parent assistance was needed to complete the PedsQL. The results have implications for policy and efforts to identify and address barriers to full and satisfying participation in mainstream schools and community activities.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 10-12-2018
DOI: 10.2196/10911
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-09-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12890-021-01669-2
Abstract: Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of cystic fibrosis (CF) management, yet the Australian CF Data Registry (ACFDR) currently does not record physiotherapy-related data. This study aimed to gather opinions from lead Australian CF physiotherapists regarding the importance and feasibility of collecting physiotherapy-related data on the ACFDR. A three-round online Delphi survey was conducted to gather expert stakeholder opinion and consensus agreement. Lead physiotherapists from all 23 Australian CF centres were invited to participate. Round one explored the potential benefits, barriers and importance of recording three physiotherapy-related domains on the ACFDR: airway clearance, physical activity and fitness. Subsequent rounds were developed based on the findings from the previous round and sought consensus (80% agreement) for the inclusion of physiotherapy-related data on the ACFDR and for the most appropriate methods of collecting such data. The response rate was 80% for all rounds. Participants agreed that collection of airway clearance, physical activity and fitness data on the ACFDR was important and feasible. Findings suggested that airway clearance and physical activity should be collected using self-reported questionnaires, while fitness should be measured using a field-based test. Australian lead CF physiotherapists believe that collection of airway clearance, physical activity and fitness on the ACFDR is important and feasible. Future work is needed to pilot the data collection procedure to examine its feasibility in real-world clinical settings. This study demonstrates how Delphi methodology can provide a contemporary summary of expert clinicians’ opinion that may underpin nation-wide health service improvement.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 10-07-2020
DOI: 10.2196/17558
Abstract: Poor diet and physical inactivity are leading modifiable causes of death and disease. Advances in artificial intelligence technology present tantalizing opportunities for creating virtual health coaches capable of providing personalized support at scale. This proof of concept study aimed to test the feasibility (recruitment and retention) and preliminary efficacy of physical activity and Mediterranean-style dietary intervention (MedLiPal) delivered via artificially intelligent virtual health coach. This 12-week single-arm pre-post study took place in Adelaide, Australia, from March to August 2019. Participants were inactive community-dwelling adults aged 45 to 75 years, recruited through news stories, social media posts, and flyers. The program included access to an artificially intelligent chatbot, Paola, who guided participants through a computer-based in idualized introductory session, weekly check-ins, and goal setting, and was available 24/7 to answer questions. Participants used a Garmin Vivofit4 tracker to monitor daily steps, a website with educational materials and recipes, and a printed diet and activity log sheet. Primary outcomes included feasibility (based on recruitment and retention) and preliminary efficacy for changing physical activity and diet. Secondary outcomes were body composition (based on height, weight, and waist circumference) and blood pressure. Over 4 weeks, 99 potential participants registered expressions of interest, with 81 of those screened meeting eligibility criteria. Participants completed a mean of 109.8 (95% CI 1.9-217.7) more minutes of physical activity at week 12 compared with baseline. Mediterranean diet scores increased from a mean of 3.8 out of 14 at baseline, to 9.6 at 12 weeks (mean improvement 5.7 points, 95% CI 4.2-7.3). After 12 weeks, participants lost an average 1.3 kg (95% CI –0.1 to –2.5 kg) and 2.1 cm from their waist circumference (95% CI –3.5 to –0.7 cm). There were no significant changes in blood pressure. Feasibility was excellent in terms of recruitment, retention (90% at 12 weeks), and safety (no adverse events). An artificially intelligent virtual assistant-led lifestyle-modification intervention was feasible and achieved measurable improvements in physical activity, diet, and body composition at 12 weeks. Future research examining artificially intelligent interventions at scale, and for other health purposes, is warranted.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-06-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-07-2023
Abstract: Differential and double-differential distributions of kinematic variables of leptons from decays of top-quark pairs ( $$ t\\overline{t} $$ t t ¯ ) are measured using the full LHC Run 2 data s le collected with the ATLAS detector. The data were collected at a pp collision energy of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb − 1 . The measurements use events containing an oppositely charged eμ pair and b -tagged jets. The results are compared with predictions from several Monte Carlo generators. While no prediction is found to be consistent with all distributions, a better agreement with measurements of the lepton p T distributions is obtained by reweighting the $$ t\\overline{t} $$ t t ¯ s le so as to reproduce the top-quark p T distribution from an NNLO calculation. The inclusive top-quark pair production cross-section is measured as well, both in a fiducial region and in the full phase-space. The total inclusive cross-section is found to be $$ {\\sigma}_{t\\overline{t}}=829\\pm 1\\ \\left(\\textrm{stat}\\right)\\pm 13\\ \\left(\\textrm{syst}\\right)\\pm 8\\ \\left(\\textrm{lumi}\\right)\\pm 2\\ \\left(\\textrm{beam}\\right)\\ \\textrm{pb}, $$ σ t t ¯ = 829 ± 1 stat ± 13 syst ± 8 lumi ± 2 beam pb , where the uncertainties are due to statistics, systematic effects, the integrated luminosity and the beam energy. This is in excellent agreement with the theoretical expectation.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-07-2023
Abstract: A search for new phenomena has been performed in final states with at least one isolated high-momentum photon, jets and missing transverse momentum in proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV. The data, collected by the ATLAS experiment at the CERN LHC, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 . The experimental results are interpreted in a supersymmetric model in which pair-produced gluinos decay into neutralinos, which in turn decay into a gravitino, at least one photon, and jets. No significant deviations from the predictions of the Standard Model are observed. Upper limits are set on the visible cross section due to physics beyond the Standard Model, and lower limits are set on the masses of the gluinos and neutralinos, all at 95% confidence level. Visible cross sections greater than 0.022 fb are excluded and pair-produced gluinos with masses up to 2200 GeV are excluded for most of the NLSP masses investigated.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-12-2018
DOI: 10.2196/11321
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-11-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-02-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
Abstract: To describe New Zealand adolescent time use clusters and correlate cluster profiles. Data were from the cross-sectional 2008/2009 National Survey of Children and Young People's Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviours, which surveyed a random s le of 10-16 year-old New Zealanders (study subset n=679). Time use data were collected using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults, and collapsed into 17 age-adjusted variables for sex-specific cluster analysis. Cluster associations with socio-demographic, anthropometric, physical activity and dietary variables were analysed. Three time use clusters were discovered for both boys and girls. For boys, the Techno-active cluster was characterised by high levels of team sports and TV the Quiet movers cluster by transport (active and passive) and quiet time and the Social studious cluster by reading, study activities and social interaction. The boys' clusters were associated with ethnicity. The girls'Social sporty cluster was characterised by sports and social interaction the Screenie tasker cluster by TV, computer, chores and work and the Super studious cluster by reading, study and school-based activities. The girls' time use cluster membership was associated with weight status and serves of extra foods. Distinct sex-specific time use clusters and correlate profiles exist among NZ adolescents. These findings may assist the development of targeted time use interventions to improve adolescent health and well-being.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2017.02.018
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate how daily use of time changes across the retirement transition and how these changes may differ according to socio-demographic characteristics. This longitudinal cohort study was based on interviews with 124 people at pre-retirement and at three, six and 12 months after retirement. The Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA), a computer-assisted telephone interview, measured use of time. Random effects mixed modelling (REMM) was used to examine time use changes across retirement, and ANCOVA to investigate the extent of the change by sex, education and health. Apart from the decrease in time spent in work across retirement (-122min/day, p<0.001), less time was also spent in both active and passive transport (-26min/day, p<0.001). There were significant increases in time spent on Chores (+55min/day, p<0.001), Screen time (+32min/day, p<0.001), Sleep (+32min/day, p<0.001), Quiet time (+17min/day, p=0.02), Self-care (+8min/day, p=0.01) and Physical activity (+7min/day, p=0.01). There was little variation in change between sex, education and health sub-groups. Most changes occurred at retirement, with time use patterns fairly stable between three and 12 months post-retirement. The small amount of time spent in physical activity, combined with less time spent in active transport and increased time spent watching television, indicate the need for a more active lifestyle.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2022
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-022-10489-5
Abstract: A search for long-lived charginos produced either directly or in the cascade decay of heavy prompt gluino states is presented. The search is based on proton–proton collision data collected at a centre-of-mass energy of $$\\sqrt{s}$$ s = 13 T $$\\text {eV}$$ eV between 2015 and 2018 with the ATLAS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 136 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 . Long-lived charginos are characterised by a distinct signature of a short and then disappearing track, and are reconstructed using at least four measurements in the ATLAS pixel detector, with no subsequent measurements in the silicon-microstrip tracking volume nor any associated energy deposits in the calorimeter. The final state is complemented by a large missing transverse-momentum requirement for triggering purposes and at least one high-transverse-momentum jet. No excess above the expected backgrounds is observed. Exclusion limits are set at 95% confidence level on the masses of the chargino and gluino for different chargino lifetimes. Chargino masses up to 660 (210) G $$\\text {eV}$$ eV are excluded in scenarios where the chargino is a pure wino (higgsino). For charginos produced during the cascade decay of a heavy gluino, gluinos with masses below 2.1 T $$\\text {eV}$$ eV are excluded for a chargino mass of 300 G $$\\text {eV}$$ eV and a lifetime of 0.2 ns.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPEDS.2016.12.048
Abstract: To evaluate the relationship between children's lifestyles and health-related quality of life and to explore whether this relationship varies among children from different world regions. This study used cross-sectional data from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment. Children (9-11 years) were recruited from sites in 12 nations (n = 5759). Clustering input variables were 24-hour accelerometry and self-reported diet and screen time. Health-related quality of life was self-reported with KIDSCREEN-10. Cluster analyses (using compositional analysis techniques) were performed on a site-wise basis. Lifestyle behavior cluster characteristics were compared between sites. The relationship between cluster membership and health-related quality of life was assessed with the use of linear models. Lifestyle behavior clusters were similar across the 12 sites, with clusters commonly characterized by (1) high physical activity (actives) (2) high sedentary behavior (sitters) (3) high screen time/unhealthy eating pattern (junk-food screenies) and (4) low screen time/healthy eating pattern and moderate physical activity/sedentary behavior (all-rounders). Health-related quality of life was greatest in the all-rounders cluster. Children from different world regions clustered into groups of similar lifestyle behaviors. Cluster membership was related to differing health-related quality of life, with children from the all-rounders cluster consistently reporting greatest health-related quality of life at sites around the world. Findings support the importance of a healthy combination of lifestyle behaviors in childhood: low screen time, healthy eating pattern, and balanced daily activity behaviors (physical activity and sedentary behavior). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01722500.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-09-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-07-2022
DOI: 10.1002/PPUL.26069
Abstract: To evaluate feasibility of the Alfred Step Test Exercise Protocol (A‐STEP) for the assessment of exercise capacity in adults and children with cystic fibrosis (CF) in adults to test whether demographics and/or lung function correlated with exercise capacity. Adults and children with stable CF from two centres completed the A‐STEP (a recently developed incremental maximal‐effort step test). Feasibility was evaluated by: usefulness for exercise capacity assessment (measures of exercise capacity were: level reached, exercise‐induced desaturation, and achievement of at least one maximal effort criteria) safety operational factors time to complete floor and/or ceiling effects. We used multiple linear regression to test whether demographics and/or lung function correlated with exercise capacity. A total of 49 participants: 38 adults (18 male), percent predicted (pp) forced expiration in one second (FEV 1 ) 29–109, aged 22–48 years and 11 children (6 male), ppFEV 1 68–107, aged 10–15 years were included. Levels reached (mean ( SD ) [range]) were 10.2 (2.4) [6–15] (adults), 10.1 (2.5) [7–14] (children) desaturation (change between baseline and peak‐exercise SpO 2 ): was 8.4 (3.8 [0–15]% (adults), 2.0 (2.0) [0–7]% (children). A total of 8 (21%) adults and no children desaturated % SpO 2 . At least one criterion for maximal effort was reached by 33 (84%) adults and 10 (91%) children. There were no adverse events. The A‐STEP was straightforward to use and carried out by one operator. A total of 26 (68.4%) adults and 7 (63.6%) children completed the test within the recommended 8–12 min. All participants completed a minimum of 6 levels, and completed the test before the final 16th level. In adults, ppFEV 1 and ppFVC correlated with the level reached ( r = 0.55 p = .001 and r = 0.66, p = .0001) and desaturation ( r = 0.55, p = .001 and r = 0.45, p = .005). In adults and children with stable CF, the A‐STEP was feasible, safe, and operationally easy to use for the assessment of exercise capacity, without floor or ceiling effects. In adults, lung function correlated with exercise capacity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-08-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2021
Abstract: Measurements of single-, double-, and triple-differential cross-sections are presented for boosted top-quark pair-production in 13 TeV proton–proton collisions recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The top quarks are observed through their hadronic decay and reconstructed as large-radius jets with the leading jet having transverse momentum ( p T ) greater than 500 GeV. The observed data are unfolded to remove detector effects. The particle-level cross-section, multiplied by the $$ t\\overline{t}\\to WWb\\overline{b} $$ t t ¯ → WWb b ¯ branching fraction and measured in a fiducial phase space defined by requiring the leading and second-leading jets to have p T 500 GeV and p T 350 GeV, respectively, is 331 ± 3(stat.) ± 39(syst.) fb. This is approximately 20% lower than the prediction of $$ {398}_{-49}^{+48} $$ 398 − 49 + 48 fb by P owheg +P ythia 8 with next-to-leading-order (NLO) accuracy but consistent within the theoretical uncertainties. Results are also presented at the parton level, where the effects of top-quark decay, parton showering, and hadronization are removed such that they can be compared with fixed-order next-to-next-to-leading-order (NNLO) calculations. The parton-level cross-section, measured in a fiducial phase space similar to that at particle level, is 1 . 94 ± 0 . 02(stat.) ± 0 . 25(syst.) pb. This agrees with the NNLO prediction of $$ {1.96}_{-0.17}^{+0.02} $$ 1.96 − 0.17 + 0.02 pb. Reasonable agreement with the differential cross-sections is found for most NLO models, while the NNLO calculations are generally in better agreement with the data. The differential cross-sections are interpreted using a Standard Model effective field-theory formalism and limits are set on Wilson coefficients of several four-fermion operators.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-03-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-023-15382-8
Abstract: High demand for services has resulted in lengthy waiting times being experienced across mental health services, both across Australia and internationally. Timely access to services is necessary to optimise the effectiveness of treatment, and prevent further mental health decline, risk of suicidality and hospitalisation for clients waiting for services to commence. The present study aims to better understand the experiences of in iduals who are waiting for ongoing mental health services to commence and their preferences for additional support whilst on the waitlist, as a means to recommend alternative supports. A link to the cross-sectional, anonymous survey was sent via text message to 2,147 clients of a mental health service, with a reminder text message sent approximately one week subsequent to those who did not opt out of the communication. Eligibility criteria included having been a client of the service in the previous 12 months, having spent time on the waiting list, being aged 16 or over and having sufficient English proficiency. A total of 334 participants responded to the needs assessment survey, 277 (82.9%) of which resided in the metropolitan region and 57 (17.1%) residing in the country region. Of the respondents, the majority presented with generalised anxiety anic attacks ( n = 205, 61.4%), followed by life stressors (e.g., financial concerns, relationships, n = 196, 58.7%) and lack of motivation/loss of interest ( n = 196, 58.7%). Most respondents (52.7%) waited 4–12 months for ongoing services to commence and almost half (47%) reported that their mental health deteriorated during this time. Of the additional support options, most participants expressed interest in additional mental health supports (78.4%, n = 262), such as telephone support and access to online materials. There was significant interest in other supports such as exercise support (57.4%, n = 192), sleep education (56.6%, n = 190) and healthy eating support (41%, n = 137). Mental health services are experiencing significant waiting times, increasing the risk of mental health deterioration for persons waiting for services to commence. However, the findings demonstrate that there is interest for alternative support options, such as lifestyle interventions, in the interim. Desire for lifestyle support services, particularly in-person exercise programs and self-directed sleep, was especially high amongst the population of respondents within this study. Future work to rigorously develop and evaluate such lifestyle support services for mental health clients is warranted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2016.02.010
Abstract: To examine the relationships between children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behaviours, and academic performance. This study investigated cross-sectional relationships between children's accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns, and academic performance using a standardised, nationally-administered academic assessment. A total of 285 Australian children aged 9-11 years from randomly selected schools undertook 7-day 24h accelerometry to objectively determine their MVPA and sedentary behaviour. In the same year, they completed nationally-administered standardised academic testing (National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy NAPLAN). BMI was measured, and socio-demographic variables were collected in a parent-reported survey. Relationships between MVPA, sedentary behaviour and academic performance across five domains were examined using Generalised Linear Mixed Models, adjusted for a wide variety of socio-demographic variables. Higher academic performance was strongly and consistently related to higher sedentary time, with significant relationships seen across all five academic domains (range F=4.13, p=0.04 through to F=18.65, p=<0.01). In contrast, higher academic performance was only related to higher MVPA in two academic domains (writing F=5.28, p=0.02, and numeracy F=6.28, p=0.01) and was not related to language, reading and spelling performance. Findings highlight that sedentary behaviour can have positive relationships with non-physical outcomes. Positive relationships between MVPA and literacy and numeracy, as well as the well documented benefits for MVPA on physical and social health, suggest that it holds an important place in children's lives, both in and outside of school.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-10-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-020-01368-8
Abstract: Recently revised public health guidelines acknowledge the health benefits of regular intermittent bouts of vigorous intensity incidental physical activity done as part of daily living, such as carrying shopping bags, walking uphill, and stair climbing. Despite this recognition and the advantages such lifestyle physical activity has over continuous vigorous intensity structured exercise, a scoping review we conducted revealed that current research in this area is, at best, rudimentary. Key gaps include the absence of an empirically-derived dose specification (e.g., minimum duration of lifestyle physical activity required to achieve absolute or relative vigorous intensity), lack of acceptable measurement standards, limited understanding of acute and chronic (adaptive) effects of intermittent vigorous bouts on health, and paucity of essential information necessary to develop feasible and scalable interventions (e.g., acceptability of this kind of physical activity by the public). To encourage collaboration and research agenda alignment among groups interested in this field, we propose a research framework to further understanding of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA). This framework comprises four pillars aimed at the development of: (a) an empirical definition of VILPA, (b) methods to reliably and accurately measure VILPA, (c) approaches to examine the short and long-term dose–response effects of VILPA, and (d) scalable and acceptable behavioural VILPA-promoting interventions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 09-08-2022
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 04-08-2022
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 08-08-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-02-2023
Abstract: Background: Rehabilitation robotics is a field of study which aims to understand and augment rehabilitation through the use of robotics devices. Objective: This proof of concept study aimed to test the safety (no. adverse events, incidence of infection), feasibility (program demand, adherence, participant satisfaction) and efficacy (Peak Oxygen uptake (VO2peak), 6-min walk test, gait speeds, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, quality of life) of Lokomat® and Armeo®Spring training in children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) during or soon after cancer treatment. Method: This was a 6-week single arm pre-post study. Cancer patients with significant musculoskeletal, neurological, gait and/or upper limb deficiency aged 5 to 25 years were recruited. The rehabilitation program included access to two robotic orthoses: the Lokomat® and/or Armeo®Spring. Robotic devices utilised real-time biofeedback and computer games to engage and guide participants through a repetitive functional range of movement aimed at improving functional deficiencies. Progressive increases in exercise intensity and duration were encouraged. Results: Twentey-eight participants were approached for study twenty-one consented. Seventy-six percent completed the six-week intervention with an overall adherence of 83%. The mean participant satisfaction score was 8.8/10. Forty-nine adverse events were recorded throughout the course of the study, forty-five grade 1, three grade 2 and one grade 3. No adverse events led to withdrawal from the study. Preliminary efficacy results indicate large beneficial effects on VO2peak (r = 0.63), 10 m comfortable pace walk (r = 0.51) and maximal pace walk (r = 0.60), 6-min walk test (r = 0.60), maximal back and leg strength (r = 0.71), trunk flexibility (r = 0.60), The European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C30) (r = 0.61), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT F) r = 0.53 and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, satisfaction (r = 0.88) and performance scores (r = 0.83), and moderate beneficial effects on Leisure Score Index (LSI) (r = 0.30). Conclusion: Our results suggest that Lokomat® and Armeo®Spring training is safe and feasible for use in children and AYAs who are currently undergoing or have recently completed cancer therapy. A larger controlled trial investigating the efficacy of robotics rehabilitation in this cohort is warranted.
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 09-08-2022
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 31-01-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-02-2014
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-04-2019
DOI: 10.3390/NU11040848
Abstract: The purpose of this review is to summarize the scientific contributions of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) in extending our understanding about obesity in children from around the world. ISCOLE was a multi-national study of 9 to 11 year-old children from sites in 12 countries from all inhabited continents. The primary purpose was to investigate relationships between lifestyle behaviors and obesity, and the influence of higher-order characteristics such as behavioral settings, and physical, social and policy environments. ISCOLE has made several advances in scientific methodology related to the assessment of physical activity, dietary behavior, sleep and the neighborhood and school environments. Furthermore, ISCOLE has provided important evidence on (1) epidemiological transitions in obesity and related behaviors, (2) correlates of obesity and lifestyle behaviors at the in idual, neighborhood and school levels, and (3) 24-h movement behaviors in relation to novel analytical techniques. A key feature of ISCOLE was the development of a platform for international training, data entry, and data quality for multi-country studies. Finally, ISCOLE represents a transparent model for future public-private research partnerships across low, middle and high-income countries.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-07-2015
DOI: 10.1002/OBY.21152
Abstract: The aim was to assess associations between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in a multinational study of children from 12 countries representing a wide range of human development. The s le included 6,025 children 9-11 years of age. Behavioral risk factors included nocturnal sleep duration, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), television viewing (TV time), and healthy and unhealthy diet pattern scores. Multilevel analyses were used to obtain odds ratios for obesity expressed per standard deviation of each behavioral risk factor. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for obesity from multilevel, multivariable models were 0.79 (0.71-0.90) for nocturnal sleep duration, 0.52 (0.45-0.60) for MVPA, 1.15 (1.05-1.27) for TV time, 1.08 (0.96-1.20) for healthy diet score, and 0.93 (0.83-1.04) for unhealthy diet score in boys and 0.71 (0.63-0.80) for nocturnal sleep duration, 0.43 (0.35-0.53) for MVPA, 1.07 (0.96-1.19) for TV time, 1.05 (0.93-1.19) for healthy diet score, and 0.96 (0.82-1.11) for unhealthy diet score in girls. Behavioral risk factors are important correlates of obesity in children, particularly low MVPA, short sleep duration, and high TV viewing.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-06-2013
DOI: 10.1111/DMCN.12181
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, validity, and optimal placement of pedometers in children with cerebral palsy (CP) who ambulate without aids. Seventeen participants aged 7 to 17 years with CP (eight males, nine females mean age 12y 4mo SD 3y 2mo), who could ambulate without aids, wore four New Lifestyles pedometers (NL-1000) on an elasticized waist belt. Fourteen participants had hemiplegia, two diplegia, and one triplegia all were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I (n=8) or II (n=9). Participants completed 3-minute walking and running trials around an indoor course and were videotaped to verify the actual number of steps taken during each trial. Inter-pedometer reliability was determined by comparing pedometer readings using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Validity was determined by comparing pedometer step counts with video step counts using ICC, t-tests, and Bland-Altman plots. Optimal pedometer placement was determined using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to compare the percentage error for pedometers positioned on the dominant and non-dominant hips. Excellent reliability (ICC 0.88-0.99) and validity (ICC 0.78-0.95) were demonstrated with no significant difference between the video step counts and pedometer step counts. There was no significant difference between the step counts recorded by pedometers on the dominant and non-dominant hips. This study showed that NL-1000 pedometers have a high degree of reliability and validity in ambulant children with CP in controlled conditions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-07-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-11298-3
Abstract: Time spent in daily activities (sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity) has important consequences for health and wellbeing. The amount of time spent varies from day to day, yet little is known about the temporal nature of daily activity patterns in adults. The aim of this review is to identify the annual rhythms of daily activity behaviours in healthy adults and explore what temporal factors appear to influence these rhythms. Six online databases were searched for cohort studies exploring within-year temporal patterns (e.g. season effects, vacation, cultural festivals) in sleep, sedentary behaviour or physical activity in healthy 18 to 65-year-old adults. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias scoring were performed in duplicate. Extracted data was presented as mean daily minutes of each activity type, with transformations performed as needed. Where possible, meta-analyses were performed using random effect models to calculate standardised mean differences (SMD). Of the 7009 articles identified, 17 studies were included. Studies were published between 2003 and 2019, representing 14 countries and 1951 participants, addressing variation in daily activities across season ( n = 11), Ramadan ( n = 4), vacation ( n = 1) and daylight savings time transitions ( n = 1). Meta-analyses suggested evidence of seasonal variation in activity patterns, with sleep highest in autumn (+ 12 min) sedentary behaviour highest in winter (+ 19 min) light physical activity highest in summer (+ 19 min) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity highest in summer (+ 2 min) when compared to the yearly mean. These trends were significant for light physical activity in winter (SMD = − 0.03, 95% CI − 0.58 to − 0.01, P = 0.04). Sleep appeared 64 min less during, compared to outside Ramadan (non-significant). Narrative analyses for the impact of vacation and daylight savings suggested that light physical activity is higher during vacation and that sleep increases after the spring daylight savings transition, and decreases after the autumn transition. Research into temporal patterns in activity behaviours is scarce. Existing evidence suggests that seasonal changes and periodic changes to usual routine, such as observing religious events, may influence activity behaviours across the year. Further research measuring 24-h time use and exploring a wider variety of temporal factors is needed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-09-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00737-014-0461-4
Abstract: Test-retest reliability of the English version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has not been established. This study aimed to address this gap in psychometrics by examining test-retest reliability in a s le of 118 Australian mothers with babies aged under 12 months, with a mean of 2.82 (SD 1.38) days between test occasions. The EPDS was found to have a high level of test-retest reliability for total scores (ICC = 0.92) and PND risk categories (90.7 % agreement).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2016.09.014
Abstract: To describe secular trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Australian children in each state and territory. Systematic search and numerical meta-analysis. A systematic search was conducted to identify all sources that objectively measured the height and weight of Australian children (aged 2-18 years) and had a s le size of at least 300. Raw and summary data were requested from authors and ided into age×sex×state×yearly slices to derive estimates of the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Following a double arcsine transformation to facilitate meta-analysis, all estimates were standardised for age, stratified by sex and analysed using s le-weighted non-linear regressions. The systematic search identified 73 eligible sources (47 raw and 26 summary datasets), with 72.8% of data sourced from Victoria and South Australia. Prevalence trends varied from state to state, with three states or territories showing a marked plateau, two showing a decline in the more recent years and three showing continued linear increases. Tasmania and Northern Territory generally had the highest prevalence (30.2% and 24.3% overweight and obesity respectively), and the Australian Capital Territory had the lowest (12.4% overweight and obesity). Prevalence, as well as prevalence trends, varied amongst Australian states and territories. At a national level, the prevalence trend has nearly plateaued for the past 15 years. However, upward prevalence trends appear to be persisting in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Findings highlight the need for ongoing efforts to address the issue of childhood obesity.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-12-2017
DOI: 10.2196/MHEALTH.8651
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2010
DOI: 10.1123/PES.22.1.34
Abstract: This study examined the convergent validity of a computerized use of time diary (MARCA) relative to pedometry. Participants aged 9–16 years wore a pedometer and completed the MARCA. Comparing pedometer data and self-report data collected for the same day ( n = 297 participants), the correlation (Spearman’s rho) with PAL was 0.54 and with MVPA was 0.50. Comparing mean daily step counts over 6–7 days with averaged self-report data collected on different days ( n = 1713 participants) Spearman’s rho for PAL was 0.45 and for MVPA was 0.44. Thus, the MARCA showed validity similar or superior to most self-report instruments for young people.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-10-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-10-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-03-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DMCN.12736
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate fatigue, and its correlates, in children and adolescents with physical disabilities. Sixty-five young people aged 8 to 17 years (35 males, 30 females mean age 13y 2mo, SD 2y 8mo) with mild to moderate physical disabilities (Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire levels 7-10) were recruited. Self-reported fatigue was measured using the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Physical activity was measured using 7-day hip-worn accelerometer. Associations between fatigue, physical activity, and socio-demographic characteristics were examined using analysis of covariance, with significance (α) set at 0.05. Results were compared with normative data from other paediatric populations. Among children with physical disabilities, fatigue was associated with being physically inactive (F-statistic=4.42, p=0.040), female (F=4.37, p=0.042), and of low socio-economic status (F=3.94, p=0.050). Fatigue was not associated with age, weight status, or functional impairment. Young people with physical disabilities experienced high levels of fatigue compared with other paediatric health populations, and comparable to the paediatric cancer population. Fatigue is an important issue for young people with physical disabilities. Clinicians and researchers working with this group should be mindful that fatigue is likely to impact on an in idual's ability to undertake new treatment regimens or interventions. Interventions aimed at reducing fatigue are warranted. Increasing physical activity might play a role in reducing fatigue.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 17-10-2018
Abstract: o date, many online health behavior programs developed by researchers have not been translated at scale. To inform translational efforts, health researchers must work with marketing experts to design cost-effective marketing c aigns. It is important to understand the characteristics of end users of a given health promotion program and identify key market segments. his study aimed to describe the characteristics of the adopters of Active Team, a gamified online social networking physical activity app, and identify potential market segments to inform future research translation efforts. articipants (N=545) were Australian adults aged 18 to 65 years who responded to general advertisements to join a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the Active Team app. At baseline they provided demographic (age, sex, education, marital status, body mass index, location of residence, and country of birth), behavioral (sleep, assessed by the Pittsburgh Quality Sleep Index) and physical activity (assessed by the Active Australia Survey), psychographic information (health and well-being, assessed by the PERMA [Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement] Profile depression, anxiety and stress, assessed by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS-21] and quality of life, assessed by the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12]). Descriptive analyses and a k-medoids cluster analysis were performed using the software R 3.3.0 (The R Foundation) to identify key characteristics of the s le. luster analyses revealed four clusters: (1) younger inactive women with poor well-being (218/545), characterized by a higher score on the DASS-21, low mental component summary score on the SF-12, and relatively young age (2) older, active women (153/545), characterized by a lower score on DASS-21, a higher overall score on the SF-12, and relatively older age (3) young, active but stressed men (58/545) with a higher score on DASS-21 and higher activity levels and (4) older, low active and obese men (30/545), characterized by a high body mass index and lower activity levels. nderstanding the characteristics of population segments attracted to a health promotion program will guide the development of cost-effective research translation c aigns. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12617000113358 www.anzctr.org .au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371463 R2-10.1186/s12889-017-4882-7
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 30-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-05-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11427-9
Abstract: This paper presents a measurement of b -jet production in Pb+Pb and pp collisions at $$\\sqrt{s_{_\\text {NN}}}=5.02$$ s NN = 5.02 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The measurement uses 260 $$\\text {pb}^{-1}$$ pb - 1 of pp collisions collected in 2017 and 1.4 $$\\text {nb}^{-1}$$ nb - 1 of Pb+Pb collisions collected in 2018. In both collision systems, jets are reconstructed via the anti- $$k_{t}$$ k t algorithm. The b -jets are identified from a s le of jets containing muons from the semileptonic decay of b -quarks using template fits of the muon momentum relative to the jet axis. In pp collisions, b -jets are reconstructed for radius parameters $$R= 0.2$$ R = 0.2 and $$R= 0.4$$ R = 0.4 , and only $$R= 0.2$$ R = 0.2 jets are used in Pb+Pb collisions. For comparison, inclusive $$R= 0.2$$ R = 0.2 jets are also measured using 1.7 $$\\text {nb}^{-1}$$ nb - 1 of Pb+Pb collisions collected in 2018 and the same pp collision data as the b -jet measurement. The nuclear modification factor, $$R_\\text {AA}$$ R AA , is calculated for both b -jets and inclusive jets with $$R= 0.2$$ R = 0.2 over the transverse momentum range of 80–290 GeV. The nuclear modification factor for b -jets decreases from peripheral to central collisions. The ratio of the b -jet $$R_\\text {AA}$$ R AA to inclusive jet $$R_\\text {AA}$$ R AA is also presented and suggests that the $$R_\\text {AA}$$ R AA for b -jets is larger than that for inclusive jets in central Pb+Pb collisions. The measurements are compared with theoretical calculations and suggest a role for mass and colour-charge effects in partonic energy loss in heavy-ion collisions.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 20-11-2019
Abstract: How people use their time has been linked with their health. For ex le, spending more time being physically active is known to be beneficial for health, whereas long durations of sitting have been associated with unfavourable health outcomes. Accordingly, public health messages have advocated swapping strategies to promote the reallocation of time between parts of the time-use composition, such as “Move More, Sit Less”, with the aim of achieving optimal distribution of time for health. However, the majority of research underpinning these public health messages has not considered daily time use as a composition, and has ignored the relative nature of time-use data. We present a way of applying compositional data analysis to estimate change in a health outcome when fixed durations of time are reallocated from one part of a particular time-use composition to another, while the remaining parts are kept constant, based on a multiple linear regression model on isometric log ratio coordinates. In an ex le, we examine the expected differences in Body Mass Index z-scores for reallocations of time between sleep, physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-09-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12890-022-02141-5
Abstract: Physiotherapy-related data, such as airway clearance techniques (ACTS), physical activity and aerobic fitness are not consistently included in international cystic fibrosis (CF) data registries. This study aimed to pilot the collection of ACTS, physical activity and fitness in a hospital CF clinic, as a step towards informing future national implementation. This study was undertaken in a CF clinic within a major tertiary hospital. Patients and families were invited to participate. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on ACT use and those aged ≥ 10 years completed a physical activity questionnaire (Core Indicators and Measures of Youth Health Survey) and aerobic fitness test (the A-STEP test). Participants also completed a survey to explore the tolerance and acceptability of the fitness test, and the perceived accuracy of the self-reported data collection. Forty patients agreed to participate in the study (mean age = 9.8, SD = 4.1 years old 52.5% female). All patients and/or families that were approached agreed to participate and completion rate for the ACTs and physical activity surveys was 98% and 100% (respectively). Completion rate for the fitness test was 55%, due to time constraints. Most participants agreed (≥ 90%) they could accurately provide ACT and physical activity data, and the assessments were tolerable and acceptable. Patients with CF and their families are able to and can acceptably provide physiotherapy-related data, and collecting self-report ACTs and physical activity data is highly feasibly during routine CF clinic visits. However, aerobic fitness testing using the A-STEP test may be less feasible in clinic environments, due to time constraints.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-06-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11477-Z
Abstract: This paper presents a statistical combination of searches targeting final states with two top quarks and invisible particles, characterised by the presence of zero, one or two leptons, at least one jet originating from a b -quark and missing transverse momentum. The analyses are searches for phenomena beyond the Standard Model consistent with the direct production of dark matter in pp collisions at the LHC, using 139 fb $$^{-\\text {1}}$$ - 1 of data collected with the ATLAS detector at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The results are interpreted in terms of simplified dark matter models with a spin-0 scalar or pseudoscalar mediator particle. In addition, the results are interpreted in terms of upper limits on the Higgs boson invisible branching ratio, where the Higgs boson is produced according to the Standard Model in association with a pair of top quarks. For scalar (pseudoscalar) dark matter models, with all couplings set to unity, the statistical combination extends the mass range excluded by the best of the in idual channels by 50 (25) GeV, excluding mediator masses up to 370 GeV. In addition, the statistical combination improves the expected coupling exclusion reach by 14% (24%), assuming a scalar (pseudoscalar) mediator mass of 10 GeV. An upper limit on the Higgs boson invisible branching ratio of 0.38 ( $$\\text {0.30}^{+\\text {0.13}}_{-\\text {0.09}}$$ 0.30 - 0.09 + 0.13 ) is observed (expected) at 95% confidence level.
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 16-08-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-10-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DMCN.12608
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-06-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-07-2023
Abstract: A search for high-mass charged and neutral bosons decaying to Wγ and Zγ final states is presented in this paper. The analysis uses a data s le of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV proton-proton collisions with an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 collected by the ATLAS detector during LHC Run 2 operation. The sensitivity of the search is determined using models of the production and decay of spin-1 charged bosons and spin-0/2 neutral bosons. The range of resonance masses explored extends from 1.0 TeV to 6.8 TeV. At these high resonance masses, it is beneficial to target the hadronic decays of the W and Z bosons because of their large branching fractions. The decay products of the high-momentum W/Z bosons are strongly collimated and boosted-boson tagging techniques are employed to improve the sensitivity. No evidence of a signal above the Standard Model backgrounds is observed, and upper limits on the production cross-sections of these bosons times their branching fractions to Wγ and Zγ are derived for various boson production models.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2023
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-10-2023
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2019
Abstract: Facebook has over 1.8 billion users and offers unique opportunities for health intervention delivery due to its popularity, flexibility, high engagement, and social connectedness. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Mums Step It Up (MSIU) Facebook app, a team-based, 50-day physical activity intervention for postpartum women. A total of 120 postpartum women were recruited and randomly allocated to 1 of 3 conditions: MSIU (n = 41), pedometer only (n = 39), and control (n = 40). Assessments were completed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Primary outcomes were accelerometer moderate to vigorous physical activity and self-reported walking. Analyses were undertaken on an intention to treat basis using random effects mixed modeling (P ≤ .05). Compliance and engagement with the MSIU app were analyzed, descriptively. There were no significant differences in changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (P = .81, 6 wk P = .91, 6 mo) or self-reported walking (P = .55, 6 wk P = .90, 6 mo) across the 3 conditions. High engagement with the MSIU app was evident, with participants on average visiting the app 26 times and logging steps for 48/50 days. Although engagement with the MSIU app was promising, the nonsignificant results suggest that further work needs to be done to enhance efficacy for postpartum women.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-09-2013
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 15-06-2023
DOI: 10.1001/JAMANETWORKOPEN.2023.18478
Abstract: Low levels of physical activity during hospitalization are thought to contribute to a range of poor outcomes for patients. Using wearable activity trackers during hospitalization may help improve patient activity, sedentary behavior, and other outcomes. To evaluate the association of interventions that use wearable activity trackers during hospitalization with patient physical activity, sedentary behavior, clinical outcomes, and hospital efficiency outcomes. OVID MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, EmCare, PEDro, SportDiscuss, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to March 2022. The Cochrane Central Register for Controlled trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization Clinical Trials Registry were also searched for registered protocols. No language restrictions were imposed. Randomized clinical trials and nonrandomized clinical trials of interventions that used wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity or reduce sedentary behavior in adults (aged 18 years or older) who were hospitalized were included. Study selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal were conducted in duplicate. Data were pooled for meta-analysis using random-effects models. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline was followed. The primary outcomes were objectively measured physical activity or sedentary behavior. Secondary outcomes included clinical outcomes (eg, physical function, pain, mental health), and hospital efficiency outcomes (eg, length of stay, readmission). Fifteen studies with a total of 1911 participants were included, representing various surgical cohorts (4 studies), stroke rehabilitation (3 studies), orthopedic rehabilitation (3 studies), mixed rehabilitation (3 studies), and mixed medical (2 studies). All studies were included in meta-analyses. There was a significant association between wearable activity tracker interventions with higher overall physical activity (standardized mean difference, 0.35 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.54 I 2 = 72% P & .002) and less sedentary behavior (mean difference, −35.46 min/d 95% CI, −57.43 to −13.48 min/d I 2 = 0 P = .002), and a significant association between wearable activity tracker interventions with improvements in physical function (standardized mean difference, 0.27 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.46 I 2 = 0 P = .006) compared with usual care. There was no significant association between wearable activity tracker interventions with pain, mental health, length of stay, or readmission risk. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, interventions that used wearable activity trackers with patients who are hospitalized were associated with higher physical activity levels, less sedentary behavior, and better physical functioning compared with usual care.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEH.2019.09.006
Abstract: Previous studies have linked short sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and late sleep timing with lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children. However, almost all studies relied solely on self-reported sleep information, and most studies were conducted in high-income countries. To address these gaps, we studied both device-measured and self-reported sleep characteristics in relation to HRQoL in a s le of children from 12 countries that vary widely in terms of economic and human development. The study s le included 6,626 children aged 9-11 years from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, India, Kenya, Portugal, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Waist-worn actigraphy was used to measure total sleep time, bedtime, wake-up time, and sleep efficiency on both weekdays and weekends. Children also reported ratings of sleep quantity and quality. HRQoL was measured by the KIDSCREEN-10 survey. Multilevel regression models were used to determine the relationships between sleep characteristics and HRQoL. Results showed considerable variation in sleep characteristics, particularly duration and timing, across study sites. Overall, we found no association between device-measured total sleep time, sleep timing or sleep efficiency, and HRQoL. In contrast, self-reported ratings of poor sleep quantity and quality were associated with HRQoL. Self-reported, rather than device-based, measures of sleep are related to HRQoL in children. The discrepancy related to sleep assessment methods highlights the importance of considering both device-measured and self-reported measures of sleep in understanding its health effects.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-020-01061-Z
Abstract: Children’s activity patterns in the periods before and after school make a key contribution to achieving 24-h movement guidelines. There are currently no national-level guidelines informing physical activity and screen time practices in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) programs anywhere in the world. This study aimed to work with industry, government and academic stakeholders to develop draft physical activity and screen time guidelines for use in Australian OSHC. A 4-round online Delphi survey was conducted from May 2019 to January 2020. The Delphi participants included national and international experts and stakeholders from academia, education, government, health and the OSHC sectors. Round 1 consisted of open-ended questions exploring physical activity, screen time and sedentary behaviour in various periods of OSHC (before school, after school and vacation care). In rounds 2 and 3, participants rated the importance of items generated from the first round for inclusion in national guidelines using a Likert scale (1–9). Consensus was defined a priori as ≥80% of respondents rating an item as “critically important” (score 7–9). Between rounds 3 and 4, the guideline development panel used the consensus items, systematic review evidence, and followed the GRADE process, to draft the guidelines. In round 4, participants were invited to provide feedback on the draft guidelines and comment on barriers and enablers to implementation. Sixty-seven stakeholders agreed to participate, with response rates 61, 81, 54 and 72% for the four rounds respectively. Of the 123 items generated across the three rounds, 48 statements achieved consensus agreement as critically important for inclusion in the guidelines. These included offering a variety of physical activities (free play, playground and equipment) and restriction of screen time. The final round provided feedback on the draft guidelines. The wording of the guidelines was found to be appropriate and preliminary enablers and barriers to implementation were identified. This world-first expert and stakeholder consultation has underpinned the development of the draft Australian guidelines for physical activity and screen time in OSHC. Ongoing work is needed to further refine the guidelines, determine current rates of compliance with the guidelines and implement the guidelines into practice.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2018.10.025
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine whether meeting movement behavior recommendations (i.e., ≥60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA] per day, ≤2 h of recreational screen time per day, and between 9 and 11 h of nightly sleep), and combinations of these recommendations, are associated with dietary patterns of children. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2011 and 2013 and included 5873 children 9-11 years of age from 12 countries around the world. MVPA and nightly sleep duration were measured using 24-hour waist-worn accelerometry. Screen time habits were assessed via self-report. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary patterns, and the whole diet was described by two components derived from principal component analysis: "healthy" and "unhealthy" dietary pattern scores. Covariates included in the multilevel statistical models included age, sex, highest parental education, and body mass index z-score. A healthier dietary pattern score was observed when more movement behavior recommendations were met. Among the three movement behaviors, limiting screen time habits to the recommended amount was most strongly associated with healthier dietary patterns. Similarly, a less unhealthy dietary pattern was observed when more movement behavior recommendations were met. Surprisingly, the highest unhealthy dietary pattern was associated with children meeting the MVPA recommendation alone. Combinations including ≤2 h of screen time per day were those most strongly associated with a less unhealthy dietary pattern. Findings were similar across study sites and in boys and girls. In conclusion, meeting more movement behavior recommendations is generally associated with better dietary patterns in children from around the world, with limiting screen time habits showing the strongest relationships.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-08-2022
Abstract: This paper presents updated Monte Carlo configurations used to model the production of single electroweak vector bosons ( W , Z/γ ∗ ) in association with jets in proton-proton collisions for the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. Improvements pertaining to the electroweak input scheme, parton-shower splitting kernels and scale-setting scheme are shown for multi-jet merged configurations accurate to next-to-leading order in the strong and electroweak couplings. The computational resources required for these set-ups are assessed, and approximations are introduced resulting in a factor three reduction of the per-event CPU time without affecting the physics modelling performance. Continuous statistical enhancement techniques are introduced by ATLAS in order to populate low cross-section regions of phase space and are shown to match or exceed the generated effective luminosity. This, together with the lower per-event CPU time, results in a 50% reduction in the required computing resources compared to a legacy set-up previously used by the ATLAS collaboration. The set-ups described in this paper will be used for future ATLAS analyses and lay the foundation for the next generation of Monte Carlo predictions for single vector-boson plus jets production.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2012.11.885
Abstract: To describe time use clusters and correlate-cluster profiles of Australian youth. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional national survey. Data were from the National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, a random s le (n=1853) of 9-16 years old Australians (February-August 2007). Time use data were collected using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults, and collapsed into 17 age-adjusted variables for sex-specific cluster analysis. Cluster associations with socio-demographic, anthropometric, health and dietary variables were analysed. For boys (n=930), the Social tasker cluster was characterised by social interaction and chores & work, the Techno-active cluster by team sport and TV and the Techno-studious cluster by video games and study. Average daily pedometer steps, age and remoteness were significant cluster correlates. For the girls (n=923), the Social screenie cluster was characterised by TV and social interaction, the Quiet actives cluster by quiet time and non-team sport and the Techno-studious cluster by video games and study. Pedometer steps, age, parental income and education, parent-child age difference, "extra foods", fat and fruit intakes were significant correlates. Distinct sex-specific time use clusters and profiles exist among Australian youth. These findings may assist the development of targeted time use interventions to improve health and well-being.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-07-2023
Abstract: A search for forward proton scattering in association with light-by-light scattering mediated by an axion-like particle is presented, using the ATLAS Forward Proton spectrometer to detect scattered protons and the central ATLAS detector to detect pairs of outgoing photons. Proton-proton collision data recorded in 2017 at a centre-of-mass energy of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV were analysed, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 14.6 fb − 1 . A total of 441 candidate events were selected. A search was made for a narrow resonance in the diphoton mass distribution, corresponding to an axion-like particle (ALP) with mass in the range 150–1600 GeV. No excess is observed above a smooth background. Upper limits on the production cross section of a narrow resonance are set as a function of the mass, and are interpreted as upper limits on the ALP production coupling constant, assuming 100% decay branching ratio into a photon pair. The inferred upper limit on the coupling constant is in the range 0.04–0.09 TeV − 1 at 95% confidence level.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-07-2023
Abstract: A search for vector-like leptons in multilepton (two, three, or four-or-more electrons plus muons) final states with zero or more hadronic τ -lepton decays is presented. The search is performed using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 of proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. To maximize the separation of signal and background, a machine-learning classifier is used. No excess of events is observed beyond the Standard Model expectation. Using a doublet vector-like lepton model, vector-like leptons coupling to third-generation Standard Model leptons are excluded in the mass range from 130 GeV to 900 GeV at the 95% confidence level, while the highest excluded mass is expected to be 970 GeV.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-05-2013
Abstract: Physical activity is reduced during the post-partum period. Facebook is frequently used by Australian mothers, and offers flexibility, high levels of engagement and the ability to disseminate information and advice via social contacts. The Mums Step it Up Program is a newly developed 50 day team-based physical activity intervention delivered via a Facebook app. The program involves post-partum women working in teams of 4–8 friends aiming to achieve 10,000 steps per day measured by a pedometer. Women are encouraged to use the app to log their daily steps and undertake social and supportive interactions with their friends and other participants. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Mums Step it Up Program. A s le of 126 women up to 12 months post-partum will be recruited through community-based health and family services. Participants will be randomly allocated into one of three groups: control, pedometer only and the Mums Step it Up Program. Assessments will be completed at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months. The primary outcome (objective physical activity) and the secondary outcomes (sleep quality and quantity, depressive symptoms, weight and quality of life) will be used to determine the effectiveness of the Mums Step it Up Program compared with the control and pedometer only groups. Analyses will be undertaken on an intention-to-treat-basis using random effects mixed modeling. The effect of theorized mediators (physical activity attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control) will also be examined. This study will provide information about the potential of a Facebook app for the delivery of health behavior interventions. If this intervention proves to be effective it will be released on a mass scale and promoted to the general public. Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN12613000069752
Publisher: Kasetsart University and Development Institute
Date: 2021
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 19-12-2019
Abstract: oor diet and physical inactivity are leading modifiable causes of death and disease. Advances in artificial intelligence technology present tantalizing opportunities for creating virtual health coaches capable of providing personalized support at scale. his proof of concept study aimed to test the feasibility (recruitment and retention) and preliminary efficacy of physical activity and Mediterranean-style dietary intervention (MedLiPal) delivered via artificially intelligent virtual health coach. his 12-week single-arm pre-post study took place in Adelaide, Australia, from March to August 2019. Participants were inactive community-dwelling adults aged 45 to 75 years, recruited through news stories, social media posts, and flyers. The program included access to an artificially intelligent chatbot, Paola, who guided participants through a computer-based in idualized introductory session, weekly check-ins, and goal setting, and was available 24/7 to answer questions. Participants used a Garmin Vivofit4 tracker to monitor daily steps, a website with educational materials and recipes, and a printed diet and activity log sheet. Primary outcomes included feasibility (based on recruitment and retention) and preliminary efficacy for changing physical activity and diet. Secondary outcomes were body composition (based on height, weight, and waist circumference) and blood pressure. ver 4 weeks, 99 potential participants registered expressions of interest, with 81 of those screened meeting eligibility criteria. Participants completed a mean of 109.8 (95% CI 1.9-217.7) more minutes of physical activity at week 12 compared with baseline. Mediterranean diet scores increased from a mean of 3.8 out of 14 at baseline, to 9.6 at 12 weeks (mean improvement 5.7 points, 95% CI 4.2-7.3). After 12 weeks, participants lost an average 1.3 kg (95% CI –0.1 to –2.5 kg) and 2.1 cm from their waist circumference (95% CI –3.5 to –0.7 cm). There were no significant changes in blood pressure. Feasibility was excellent in terms of recruitment, retention (90% at 12 weeks), and safety (no adverse events). n artificially intelligent virtual assistant-led lifestyle-modification intervention was feasible and achieved measurable improvements in physical activity, diet, and body composition at 12 weeks. Future research examining artificially intelligent interventions at scale, and for other health purposes, is warranted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2019.09.009
Abstract: Appealing approaches to increasing physical activity levels are needed. This study evaluated whether a social and gamified smartphone app (Active Team) could be one such approach. A 3-group cluster RCT compared the efficacy of Active Team with a basic self-monitoring app and waitlist control group. Australian adults (N=444, mean age of 41 years, 74% female) were recruited in teams (n=121) and randomly assigned (1:1:1) to the Active Team (n=141, 39 teams), self-monitoring app (n=160, 42 teams), or waitlist group (n=143, 40 teams). Data were collected in 2016-2017, and analysis was conducted in 2018-2019. Active Team is a 100-day app-based, gamified, online social networking physical activity intervention. The primary outcome was change in objective physical activity from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included objective physical activity at 9 months and self-reported physical activity, quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress, well-being, and engagement. Mixed models indicated no significant differences in objective physical activity between groups at 3 (F=0.17, p=0.84 Cohen's d=0.03, 95% CI= -0.21, 0.26) or 9 months (F=0.23, p=0.92 d=0.06, 95% CI= -0.17, 0.29) and no significant differences for secondary outcomes of quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress, or well-being. Self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was significantly higher in the Active Team group at the 9-month follow-up (F=3.05, p=0.02 d=0.50, 95% CI=0.26, 0.73). Engagement was high the Active Team group logged steps on an average of 72 (SD=35) days and used the social and gamified features an average of 89 (SD=118) times. A gamified, online social networking physical activity intervention did not change objective moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, though it did increase self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and achieve high levels of engagement. Future work is needed to understand if gamification, online social networks, and app-based approaches can be leveraged to achieve positive behavior change. This study is registered at Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (protocol: ANZCTR12617000113358).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-04-2018
Abstract: Whether outdoor time is linked to dietary patterns of children has yet to be empirically tested. The objective of this study was to examine the association between outdoor time and dietary patterns of children from 12 countries around the world. This multinational, cross-sectional study included 6229 children 9–11 years of age. Children self-reported the time that they spent outside before school, after school and on weekends. A composite score was calculated to reflect overall daily outdoor time. Dietary patterns were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and two components were used for analysis: healthy and unhealthy dietary pattern scores. On average, children spent 2.5 h outside per day. After adjusting for age, sex, parental education, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, screen time and body mass index z-score, greater time spent outdoors was associated with healthier dietary pattern scores. No association was found between outdoor time and unhealthy dietary pattern scores. Similar associations between outdoor time and dietary patterns were observed for boys and girls and across study sites. Greater time spent outside was associated with a healthier dietary pattern in this international s le of children. Future research should aim to elucidate the mechanisms behind this association.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 14-02-2014
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.2952
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-08-2022
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-022-10588-3
Abstract: A search for the Higgs boson decaying into a pair of charm quarks is presented. The analysis uses proton–proton collisions to target the production of a Higgs boson in association with a leptonically decaying W or Z boson. The dataset delivered by the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of "Equation missing" and recorded by the ATLAS detector corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 139 $$\text{ fb}^{-1}$$ fb - 1 . Flavour-tagging algorithms are used to identify jets originating from the hadronisation of charm quarks. The analysis method is validated with the simultaneous measurement of WW , WZ and ZZ production, with observed (expected) significances of 2.6 (2.2) standard deviations above the background-only prediction for the $$(W/Z)Z(\rightarrow c{\bar{c}})$$ ( W / Z ) Z ( → c c ¯ ) process and 3.8 (4.6) standard deviations for the $$(W/Z)W(\rightarrow cq)$$ ( W / Z ) W ( → c q ) process. The $$(W/Z)H(\rightarrow c {\bar{c}})$$ ( W / Z ) H ( → c c ¯ ) search yields an observed (expected) upper limit of 26 (31) times the predicted Standard Model cross-section times branching fraction for a Higgs boson with a mass of "Equation missing" , corresponding to an observed (expected) constraint on the charm Yukawa coupling modifier $$|\kappa _c| 8.5~(12.4)$$ | κ c | 8.5 ( 12.4 ) , at the 95% confidence level. A combination with the ATLAS $$(W/Z)H, H\rightarrow b{\bar{b}}$$ ( W / Z ) H , H → b b ¯ analysis is performed, allowing the ratio $$\kappa _c / \kappa _b$$ κ c / κ b to be constrained to less than 4.5 at the 95% confidence level, smaller than the ratio of the b- and c-quark masses, and therefore determines the Higgs-charm coupling to be weaker than the Higgs-bottom coupling at the 95% confidence level.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-07-2019
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 19-03-2018
DOI: 10.2196/12053
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-02-2023
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2016
Abstract: This study investigated associations between weather conditions, physical activity, and sedentary time in primary school-aged children in Australia and Canada. Cross-sectional data on 9–11-year-old children from the Australian ( n = 491) and Canadian ( n = 524) sites of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment were used. Minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous-physical-activity (MVPA) and sedentary time were determined from 7-day, 24-h accelerometry (Actigraph GT3X+ triaxial accelerometer). Day-matched weather data (temperature, rainfall, snowfall, relative humidity, wind speed) were obtained from the closest weather station to participants’ schools. Covariates included parental highest education level, day type, sex, and BMI z-scores. Generalized mixed model analyses allowing for clustering of participants within schools were completed. Scatterplots with Loess curves were created for maximum temperature, MVPA, and sedentary time. Daily maximum temperature was significantly associated with MVPA and sedentary time in Australia (MVPA p = .05, sedentary p = .01) and Canada ( p .001, p = .001). Rainfall was negatively associated with MVPA in Australia ( p .001) and positively associated with sedentary time in Canada ( p = .02). MVPA and sedentary time appear to be optimal when the maximum temperature ranges between 20°C and 25°C in both countries. The findings have implications for study design and interpretation for surveillance and intervention studies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-04-2015
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 29-05-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-11-2013
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2214.2011.01352.X
Abstract: No studies to date have examined the daily time spent across a variety of activity types (sleep, screen time, physical activity, domestic and school-related) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). To investigate the activity patterns of adolescents with CP and contrast them with those of typically developing (TD) adolescents, using a use-of-time approach. Forty-one Australian adolescents with CP and 82 TD adolescents matched for age, sex, weight status and socio-economic status undertook structured interviews using a validated computerized use of time recall administered over 4 days. Time devoted to sleep, screen time, physical activity, domestic and school-related activity were compared using anova and Mann-Whitney tests. Adolescents with CP spent less time in physical activity (91 vs. 147 min/day, P= 0.0003), and in particular, its sub-components of active transport (28 vs. 52 min/day, P= 0.0013) and team sports (25 vs. 39 min/day, P= 0.04). They experienced significantly more quiet time (116 vs. 80 min/day, P= 0.0025) but spent less time in social interaction (6 vs. 22 min/day, P= 0.0016). There were no significant differences in sleep, screen time, domestic activities or school-related time. By and large, the activity patterns of ambulatory adolescents with CP were similar to their TD peers. Results highlight physical activity in younger adolescents (11-13 years) as an area for targeted interventions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-019-7671-7
Abstract: Emerging evidence suggests that children become fatter and less fit over the summer holidays but get leaner and fitter during the in-school period. This could be due to differences in diet and time use between these distinct periods. Few studies have tracked diet and time use across the summer holidays. This study will measure rates of change in fatness and fitness of children, initially in Grade 4 (age 9 years) across three successive years and relate these changes to changes in diet and time use between in-school and summer holiday periods. Grade 4 Children attending Australian Government, Catholic and Independent schools in the Adelaide metropolitan area will be invited to participate, with the aim of recruiting 300 students in total. Diet will be reported by parents using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Assessment Tool. Time use will be measured using 24-h wrist-worn accelerometry (GENEActiv) and self-reported by children using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (e.g. chores, reading, sport). Measurement of diet and time use will occur at the beginning (Term 1) and end (Term 4) of each school year and during the summer holiday period. Fitness (20-m shuttle run and standing broad jump) and fatness (body mass index z -score, waist circumference, %body fat) will be measured at the beginning and end of each school year. Differences in rates of change in fitness and fatness during in-school and summer holiday periods will be calculated using model parameter estimate contrasts from linear mixed effects model. Model parameter estimate contrasts will be used to calculate differences in rates of change in outcomes by socioeconomic position (SEP), sex and weight status. Differences in rates of change of outcomes will be regressed against differences between in-school and summer holiday period diet and time use, using compositional data analysis. Analyses will adjust for age, sex, SEP, parenting style, weight status, and pubertal status, where appropriate. Findings from this project may inform new, potent avenues for intervention efforts aimed at addressing childhood fitness and fatness. Interventions focused on the home environment, or alternatively extension of the school environment may be warranted. Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12618002008202 . Retrospectively registered on 14 December 2018.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-06-2018
Abstract: eb-based interventions that provide personalized physical activity advice have demonstrated good effectiveness but rely on self-reported measures of physical activity, which are prone to overreporting, potentially reducing the accuracy and effectiveness of the advice provided. his study aimed to examine whether the effectiveness of a Web-based computer-tailored intervention could be improved by integrating Fitbit activity trackers. articipants received the 3-month TaylorActive intervention, which included 8 modules of theory-based, personally tailored physical activity advice and action planning. Participants were randomized to receive the same intervention either with or without Fitbit tracker integration. All intervention materials were delivered on the Web, and there was no face-to-face contact at any time point. Changes in physical activity (Active Australia Survey), sitting time (Workforce Sitting Questionnaire), and body mass index (BMI) were assessed 1 and 3 months post baseline. Advice acceptability, website usability, and module completion were also assessed. total of 243 Australian adults participated. Linear mixed model analyses showed a significant increase in total weekly physical activity (adjusted mean increase=163.2 95% CI 52.0-274.5 P=.004) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (adjusted mean increase=78.6 95% CI 24.4-131.9 P=.004) in the Fitbit group compared with the non-Fitbit group at the 3-month follow-up. The sitting time and BMI decreased more in the Fitbit group, but no significant group × time interaction effects were found. The physical activity advice acceptability and the website usability were consistently rated higher by participants in the Fitbit group. Non-Fitbit group participants completed 2.9 (SD 2.5) modules, and Fitbit group participants completed 4.4 (SD 3.1) modules. ntegrating physical activity trackers into a Web-based computer-tailored intervention significantly increased intervention effectiveness. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001555448 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371793 (Archived by WebCite at 3ioTxQX2)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2014.01.004
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate changes in use of time when undertaking a structured exercise program. This study used a randomized, multi-arm, controlled trial design. A total of 129 insufficiently active adults aged 18-60 years were recruited and randomly allocated to one of three groups, a Moderate or Extensive six-week exercise group (150 and 300 additional minutes of exercise per week, respectively) or a Control group. Prescribed exercise was accumulated through both group and in idual sessions. Use of time was measured at baseline and end-program using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults, a computerized 24-h recall instrument. Daily minutes of activity in activity domains and energy expenditure zones were determined. Relative to changes in the control group, daily time spent in the physical activity [F (2, 108)=20.21, p<0.001] and Active Transport [F (2, 108)=3.71, p=0.03] time use domains significantly increased in the intervention groups by 21-45 min/day. Comparatively, the intervention groups spent significantly less time watching television [F (2, 108)=5.02, p=0.008 -50-52 min/day], relative to Controls. Additionally, time spent in the moderate to vigorous energy expenditure zone had significantly increased in the intervention groups by end-program [F (2, 108)=6.35, p=0.002 48-50 min/day], relative to Controls. This study is the first to comprehensively map changes in time use across an exercise program. The results suggest that exercise interventions should be mindful not only of compliance but also of "isotemporal displacement" of behaviors.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-2015
DOI: 10.4278/AJHP.141204-CIT-605
Abstract: Despite their popularity and potential to promote health in large populations, the effectiveness of online social networks (e.g., Facebook) to improve health behaviors has been somewhat disappointing. Most of the research examining the effectiveness of such interventions has used randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It is asserted that the modest outcomes may be due to characteristics specific to both online social networks and RCTs. The highly controlled nature of RCTs stifles the dynamic nature of online social networks. Alternative and ecologically valid research designs that evaluate online social networks in real-life conditions are needed to advance the science in this area.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEH.2017.10.010
Abstract: To examine the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES household income and parental education) and objectively measured sleep patterns (sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and bedtime) among children from around the world and explore how the relationships differ across country levels of human development. Multinational, cross-sectional study from sites in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, India, Kenya, Portugal, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment. A total of 6040 children aged 9-11 years. Sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and bedtime were monitored over 7 consecutive days using waist-worn accelerometers. Multilevel models were used to examine the relationships between sleep patterns and SES. In country-specific analyses, there were no significant linear trends for sleep duration and sleep efficiency based on income and education levels. There were significant linear trends in 4 countries for bedtime (Australia, United States, United Kingdom, and India), generally showing that children in the lowest income group had later bedtimes. Later bedtimes were associated with lowest level of parental education in only 2 countries (United Kingdom and India). Patterns of associations between sleep characteristics and SES were not different between boys and girls. Sleep patterns of children (especially sleep duration and efficiency) appear unrelated to SES in each of the 12 countries, with no differences across country levels of human development. The lack of evidence for an epidemiological transition in sleep patterns suggests that efforts to improve sleep hygiene of children should not be limited to any specific SES level.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11584-X
Abstract: This paper presents the muon momentum calibration and performance studies for the ATLAS detector based on the pp collisions data s le produced at $$\\sqrt{s}$$ s = 13 TeV at the LHC during Run 2 and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 $${\\textrm{fb}}^{-1}$$ fb - 1 . An innovative approach is used to correct for potential charge-dependent momentum biases related to the knowledge of the detector geometry, using the $$Z\\rightarrow \\mu ^{+}\\mu ^{-}$$ Z → μ + μ - resonance. The muon momentum scale and resolution are measured using s les of $$J/\\psi \\rightarrow \\mu ^{+}\\mu ^{-}$$ J / ψ → μ + μ - and $$Z\\rightarrow \\mu ^{+}\\mu ^{-}$$ Z → μ + μ - events. A calibration procedure is defined and applied to simulated data to match the performance measured in real data. The calibration is validated using an independent s le of $$\\Upsilon \\rightarrow \\mu ^{+}\\mu ^{-}$$ Υ → μ + μ - events. At the Z $$(J/\\psi )$$ ( J / ψ ) peak, the momentum scale is measured with an uncertainty at the 0.05% (0.1%) level, and the resolution is measured with an uncertainty at the 1.5% (2%) level. The charge-dependent bias is removed with a dedicated in situ correction for momenta up to 450 GeV with a precision better than 0.03 $${\\textrm{TeV}}^{-1}$$ TeV - 1 .
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-02-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1469-8749.2010.03899.X
Abstract: Evidence-based recommendations regarding which exercise tests to use in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) are lacking. This makes it very difficult for therapists and researchers to choose the appropriate exercise-related outcome measures for this group. This study aimed to identify a core set of exercise tests for children and adolescents with CP. Fifteen experts (10 physical therapists/researchers and five exercise physiologists three from the Netherlands, two from the USA, one from the UK, five from Canada, and four from Australia) participated in a Delphi survey which took four stages to achieve a consensus. Based on the information that was collected during the survey, a core set of measures was identified for levels I to IV of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). For children with CP classified at GMFCS levels I and II, tests were identified for two motor skills (walking and cycling). For the subgroup of children with CP classified at GMFCS level III, the tests that were identified related to walking, cycling, and arm cranking. For children with CP classified at GMFCS level IV, the tests included in the core set were related to cycling and arm cranking. The core set will help physical therapists, exercise physiologists, and other health professionals who work with children and adolescents with CP to decide which test(s) to use in clinical practice or research. This will facilitate comparability of results across studies and clinical programmes.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.3109/17477166.2011.605895
Abstract: Until quite recently, there has been a widespread belief in the popular media and scientific literature that the prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing. However, high quality evidence has emerged from several countries suggesting that the rise in the prevalence has slowed appreciably, or even plateaued. This review brings together such data from nine countries (Australia, China, England, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland and USA), with data from 467,294 children aged 2-19 years. The mean unweighted rate of change in prevalence of overweight and obesity was +0.00 (0.49)% per year across all age ×sex groups and all countries between 1995 and 2008. For overweight alone, the figure was +0.01 (0.56)%, and for obesity alone -0.01 (0.24)%. Rates of change differed by sex, age, socioeconomic status and ethnicity. While the prevalence of overweight and obesity appears to be stabilizing at different levels in different countries, it remains high, and a significant public health issue. Possible reasons for the apparent flattening are hypothesised.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 02-03-2016
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 09-08-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-01-2118
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2011.05.011
Abstract: While there is consistent evidence that rural adults in Australia are less active than their urban counterparts, studies relating geographical remoteness to activity patterns in Australian adolescents have yielded inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to describe objectively and subjectively measured patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviours across remoteness categories in a representative s le of 9-16 year old Australians. Cross-sectional observational study. 2071 Australian adolescents provided self-report use of time data on four days and wore a pedometer for at least 6 days within the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Comparisons of activity patterns were made across four objectively-determined remoteness categories (Major City, Inner Regional, Outer Regional and Remote), adjusting for household income, parental education and age. Adolescents living in major cities self-reported 11-29 min less moderate to vigorous physical activity each day than their counterparts living in geographically more remote areas, and took 150-850 fewer steps each day. While there were no differences in time spent in sport or active transport, differences in free play participation were significant. Males in major cities also reported higher levels of screen time. Differences were somewhat more marked among males than among females. Activity levels among Australian adolescents show contrasting patterns of geographical differences to those found in Australian adults. Higher levels of free play among rural Australian adolescents may be due to more available space and less fear of traffic and stranger risks.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-01-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-020-10100-0
Abstract: Regular engagement in physical activity has well-established physical and psychological health benefits. Despite this, over a quarter of the global adult population is insufficiently physically active. Physical activity interventions grounded in behaviour change theory, such as the social-cognitive theory, are widely considered to be more effective than non-theoretical approaches. Such interventions set out to intervene on the ultimate outcome (physical activity), but also influence intermediate factors (social-cognitive theory constructs) which in turn, are believed to influence physical activity behaviour. The primary aim of the study was to use mediation analysis to examine whether changes in the social-cognitive theory and related constructs, in particular self-efficacy, outcome expectations, intentions, barriers and goal setting, mediated the effects of a smartphone-based social networking physical activity intervention. Mediation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS Macro in SPSS to (i) calculate the regression coefficients for the effect of the independent variable (group allocation) on the hypothesised mediators (social-cognitive theory constructs), (ii) calculate the regression coefficient for the effect of the hypothesised mediators (social-cognitive theory constructs) on the dependent variable (objectively measured physical activity or self-report physical activity), independent of group assignment and (iii) determine the total, direct and indirect intervention effects. Data from 243 participants were included in the mediation analysis. There was no evidence of mediation for change in objectively measured MVPA or self-reported MVPA. There was no conclusive evidence that any of the social-cognitive theory constructs mediated the relationship between an app-based intervention and change in physical activity. Ongoing efforts to develop and understand components that make physical activity app-based interventions effective are recommended. This trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ( ACTRN12617000113358 , date of registration 23 January, 2017).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-07-2022
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-022-10366-1
Abstract: This article presents the results of two studies of Higgs boson properties using the $$WW^*(\\rightarrow e\\nu \\mu \\nu )jj$$ W W ∗ ( → e ν μ ν ) j j final state, based on a dataset corresponding to $${36.1}{{\\mathrm{fb}}^{-1}}$$ 36.1 fb - 1 of $$\\sqrt{s}=13$$ s = 13 TeV proton–proton collisions recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The first study targets Higgs boson production via gluon–gluon fusion and constrains the CP properties of the effective Higgs–gluon interaction. Using angular distributions and the overall rate, a value of $$\\tan (\\alpha ) = 0.0 \\pm 0.4 (\\mathrm {stat.}) \\pm 0.3 (\\mathrm {syst.})$$ tan ( α ) = 0.0 ± 0.4 ( stat . ) ± 0.3 ( syst . ) is obtained for the tangent of the mixing angle for CP-even and CP-odd contributions. The second study exploits the vector-boson fusion production mechanism to probe the Higgs boson couplings to longitudinally and transversely polarised W and Z bosons in both the production and the decay of the Higgs boson these couplings have not been directly constrained previously. The polarisation-dependent coupling-strength scale factors are defined as the ratios of the measured polarisation-dependent coupling strengths to those predicted by the Standard Model, and are determined using rate and kinematic information to be $$a_\\mathrm {L}=0.91^{+0.10}_{-0.18}$$ a L = 0 . 91 - 0.18 + 0.10 (stat.) $$^{+0.09}_{-0.17}$$ - 0.17 + 0.09 (syst.) and $$a_{\\mathrm {T}}=1.2 \\pm 0.4 $$ a T = 1.2 ± 0.4 (stat.) $$ ^{+0.2}_{-0.3} $$ - 0.3 + 0.2 (syst.). These coupling strengths are translated into pseudo-observables, resulting in $$\\kappa _{VV}= 0.91^{+0.10}_{-0.18}$$ κ VV = 0 . 91 - 0.18 + 0.10 (stat.) $$^{+0.09}_{-0.17}$$ - 0.17 + 0.09 (syst.) and $$\\epsilon _{VV} =0.13^{+0.28}_{-0.20}$$ ϵ VV = 0 . 13 - 0.20 + 0.28 (stat.) $$^{+0.08}_{-0.10}$$ - 0.10 + 0.08 (syst.). All results are consistent with the Standard Model predictions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-05-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11436-8
Abstract: In a special run of the LHC with $$\\beta ^{\\star } = 2.5$$ β ⋆ = 2.5 km, proton–proton elastic-scattering events were recorded at $$\\sqrt{s} = 13$$ s = 13 TeV with an integrated luminosity of $$340~\\upmu {\\text {b}}^{-1}$$ 340 μ b - 1 using the ALFA subdetector of ATLAS in 2016. The elastic cross section was measured differentially in the Mandelstam t variable in the range from $$-t = 2.5 \\cdot 10^{-4}$$ - t = 2.5 · 10 - 4 GeV $$^{2}$$ 2 to $$-t = 0.46$$ - t = 0.46 GeV $$^{2}$$ 2 using 6.9 million elastic-scattering candidates. This paper presents measurements of the total cross section $$\\sigma _{\\text {tot}}$$ σ tot , parameters of the nuclear slope, and the $$\\rho $$ ρ -parameter defined as the ratio of the real part to the imaginary part of the elastic-scattering litude in the limit $$t \\rightarrow 0$$ t → 0 . These parameters are determined from a fit to the differential elastic cross section using the optical theorem and different parameterizations of the t -dependence. The results for $$\\sigma _{\\text {tot}}$$ σ tot and $$\\rho $$ ρ are $$\\begin{aligned} \\sigma _{\\text {tot}}(pp\\rightarrow X) = 104.7 \\pm 1.1 \\ \\text{ mb },\\quad \\rho = 0.098 \\pm 0.011 . \\end{aligned}$$ σ tot ( p p → X ) = 104.7 ± 1.1 mb , ρ = 0.098 ± 0.011 . The uncertainty in $$\\sigma _{\\text {tot}}$$ σ tot is dominated by the luminosity measurement, and in $$\\rho $$ ρ by imperfect knowledge of the detector alignment and by modelling of the nuclear litude.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-08-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11508-9
Abstract: This paper presents a measurement of fiducial and differential cross-sections for $$W^{+}W^{-}$$ W + W - production in proton–proton collisions at $$\\sqrt{s}=13$$ s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 . Events with exactly one electron, one muon and no hadronic jets are studied. The fiducial region in which the measurements are performed is inspired by searches for the electroweak production of supersymmetric charginos decaying to two-lepton final states. The selected events have moderate values of missing transverse momentum and the ‘stransverse mass’ variable $$m_{\\textrm{T2}}$$ m T2 , which is widely used in searches for supersymmetry at the LHC. The ranges of these variables are chosen so that the acceptance is enhanced for direct $$W^{+}W^{-}$$ W + W - production and suppressed for production via top quarks, which is treated as a background. The fiducial cross-section and particle-level differential cross-sections for six variables are measured and compared with two theoretical SM predictions from perturbative QCD calculations.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 30-04-2018
Abstract: he popularity and reach of social media make it an ideal delivery platform for interventions targeting health behaviors, such as physical inactivity. Research has identified a dose-response relationship whereby greater engagement and exposure are positively associated with intervention effects, hence enhancing engagement will maximize the potential of these interventions. his study examined the social media activity of successful commercial activity tracker brands to understand which creative elements (message content and design) they use in their communication to their audience, which social media platforms attract the most engagement, and which creative elements prompted the most engagement. osts (n=509) made by Fitbit and Garmin on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram over a 3-month period were coded for the presence of creative elements. User engagement regarding the total number of likes, comments, or shares per post was recorded. Negative binomial regression analyses were used to identify creative elements associated with higher engagement. ngagement on Instagram was 30-200 times higher than on Facebook, or Twitter. Fitbit and Garmin tended to use different creative elements from one another. A higher engagement was achieved by posts featuring an image of the product, highlighting new product features and with themes of self-improvement (P .01). indings suggest that Instagram may be a particularly promising platform for delivering engaging health messaging. Health messages which incorporate inspirational imagery and focus on a tangible product appear to achieve the highest engagement. Fitbit and Garmin employed difference creative elements, which is likely to reflect differences in their target markets. This underscores the importance of market segmentation in health messaging c aigns.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-2021
Abstract: To evaluate the performance of Facebook advertisements for a physical activity smartphone app at different times of the year. A repeated cross-sectional study examined the cost and engagement levels of advertisements during 3 time points: Post-Easter April-May 2019 , Pre-Summer October 2019 , and New Year January 2020 . Advertisements were delivered on Facebook. The target population was Australian females aged 25-60 years. Cost was evaluated in terms of reach per dollar. Engagement was evaluated in terms of click-through and app downloads per reach. ANOVA and Chi-square were used to assess differences in reach per dollar, click-through, and app downloads per reach between time points. Reach per dollar was highest in Post-Easter, but declined in Pre-Summer and New Year (reach/$ 34.8 vs 31.5 vs 27.5 p = .004). Click-through was highest in New Year followed by Post-Easter, then Pre-Summer (click-through 3.2% vs 1.9% vs 1.2% p .001). New Year and Post-Easter advertisements achieved higher app downloads per reach than Pre-Summer (downloads 0.9% vs 0.7% vs 0.3% p .001). Facebook advertisements were cheaper in the first time-point, and appear to be getting more expensive (i.e. declining reach/$). Advertisements in the New Year achieved the highest click-through and app downloads per reach, suggesting a useful time of year to promote physical activity products.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-08-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12891-021-04561-6
Abstract: Despite well-established benefits of physical activity for knee osteoarthritis (OA), nine of ten people with knee OA are inactive. People with knee OA who are inactive often believe that physical activity is dangerous, fearing that it will further damage their joint(s). Such unhelpful beliefs can negatively influence physical activity levels. We aim to evaluate the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of integrating physiotherapist-delivered pain science education (PSE), an evidence-based conceptual change intervention targeting unhelpful pain beliefs by increasing pain knowledge, with an in idualised walking, strengthening, and general education program. Two-arm, parallel-design, multicentre randomised controlled trial involving 198 people aged ≥50 years with painful knee OA who do not meet physical activity guideline recommendations or walk regularly for exercise. Both groups receive an in idualised physiotherapist-led walking, strengthening, and OA/activity education program via 4x weekly in-person treatment sessions, followed by 4 weeks of at-home activities (weekly check-in via telehealth), with follow-up sessions at 3 months (telehealth) and 5 and 9 months (in-person). The EPIPHA-KNEE group also receives contemporary PSE about OA ain and activity, embedded into all aspects of the intervention. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes are physical activity level (step count wrist-based accelerometry) and self-reported knee symptoms (WOMAC Total score) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes are quality of life, pain intensity, global rating of change, self-efficacy, pain catastrophising, depression, anxiety, stress, fear of movement, knee awareness, OA/activity conceptualisation, and self-regulated learning ability. Additional measures include adherence, adverse events, blinding success, COVID-19 impact on activity, intention to exercise, treatment expectancy erceived credibility, implicit movement/environmental bias, implicit motor imagery, two-point discrimination, and pain sensitivity to activity. Cost-utility analysis of the EPIPHA-KNEE intervention will be undertaken, in addition to evaluation of cost-effectiveness in the context of primary trial outcomes. We will determine whether the integration of PSE into an in idualised OA education, walking, and strengthening program is more effective than receiving the in idualised program alone. Findings will inform the development and implementation of future delivery of PSE as part of best practice for people with knee OA. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12620001041943 (13/10/2020).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-06-2023
Abstract: A search is reported for excited τ -leptons and leptoquarks in events with two hadronically decaying τ -leptons and two or more jets. The search uses proton-proton ( pp ) collision data at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment during the Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider in 2015–2018. The total integrated luminosity is 139 fb − 1 . The excited τ -lepton is assumed to be produced and to decay via a four-fermion contact interaction into an ordinary τ -lepton and a quark-antiquark pair. The leptoquarks are assumed to be produced in pairs via the strong interaction, and each leptoquark is assumed to couple to a charm or lighter quark and a τ -lepton. No excess over the background prediction is observed. Excited τ -leptons with masses below 2.8 TeV are excluded at 95% CL in scenarios with the contact interaction scale Λ set to 10 TeV. At the extreme limit of model validity where Λ is set equal to the excited τ -lepton mass, excited τ -leptons with masses below 4.6 TeV are excluded. Leptoquarks with masses below 1.3 TeV are excluded at 95% CL if their branching ratio to a charm quark and a τ -lepton equals 1. The analysis does not exploit flavour-tagging in the signal region.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 05-2011
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.8.4.548
Abstract: Low physical activity has been associated with increased fatness and deceased fitness. This observational study aimed to describe the magnitude, composition, and time-distribution of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in Australian children. A total of 1132 10 to 13 year old schoolchildren completed a 24-h activity recall diary on 2 to 4 occasions. MVPA was defined as any activity requiring ≥3METs, including sport, play, active transport, chores, and other activities. MVPA was higher in boys than girls (173 vs 140 min/day P .0001), higher on nonschool days than school days (166 vs 143 min/day P .0001), and decreased with age (9 min/day per year of age). MVPA consisted of structured sport (37%), active transport (26%), unstructured play (24%), and chores/miscellaneous activities (13%). Every hour of MVPA was associated with a reduction in screen time (26.5 min), non-screen-based sedentary pastimes (8 min), and sleep (5.5 min). The least active quartile of children were more likely to be girls (OR = 3.4), have higher screen time, and sleep more. From 4:00−6:30 PM on school days there were large differences in participation between high-active and low-active children. Findings suggest MVPA interventions should target girls, screen time and focus on the after-school period.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-01-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JOSH.12357
Abstract: We attempted to determine whether there was a socioeconomic gradient in 9- to 11-year-old Australian children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and whether school facilities or policies supporting physical activity were associated with school-level socioeconomic status (SES) and MVPA. Children (N = 528) from 26 randomly selected schools participated in the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment. School-level SES was determined by the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage. MVPA was determined from 7-day, 24-hour accelerometry. School facilities (21 items) were evaluated with an objective school ground audit. School policies related to physical activity were collected (18 items) in a school administrator survey. Relationships among SES, MVPA, school facilities, and policies were examined using bivariate regression, correlation analyses, and analysis of variance. There was a clear SES gradient in daily and in-school MVPA. School facilities or physical activity policies were not associated with SES or in-school MVPA, with the exception of presence of a sports field which was associated with lower SES schools (p = .02) and lower in-school MVPA (p = .001). School-built, policy, and resource environments are similar across different SES-level schools. Therefore, some other mechanism must be underlying the SES gradients seen in MVPA participation in Australian children.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2017.05.013
Abstract: We investigated whether associations of neighborhood social environment attributes and physical activity differed among 12 countries and levels of economic development using World Bank classification (low/lower-middle-, upper-middle- and high- income countries) among 9-11 year old children (N=6161) from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle, and the Environment (ISCOLE). Collective efficacy and perceived crime were obtained via parental/guardian report. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed with waist-worn Actigraph accelerometers. Neighborhood environment by country interactions were tested using multi-level statistical models, adjusted for covariates. Effect estimates were reported by country and pooled estimates calculated across World Bank classifications for economic development using meta-analyses and forest plots. Associations between social environment attributes and MVPA varied among countries and levels of economic development. Associations were more consistent and in the hypothesized directions among countries with higher levels economic development, but less so among countries with lower levels of economic development.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 14-06-2021
DOI: 10.1136/THORAXJNL-2021-217271
Abstract: Breathlessness is a major cause of suffering and disability globally. The symptom relates to multiple factors including asthma and lung function, which are influenced by hereditary factors. No study has evaluated potential inheritance of breathlessness itself across generations. We analysed the association between breathlessness in parents and their offspring in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe, Spain and Australia generation study. Data on parents and offspring aged ≥18 years across 10 study centres in seven countries included demographics, self-reported breathlessness, asthma, depression, smoking, physical activity level, measured Body Mass Index and spirometry. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression accounting for clustering within centres and between siblings. A total of 1720 parents (mean age at assessment 36 years, 55% mothers) and 2476 offspring (mean 30 years, 55% daughters) were included. Breathlessness was reported by 809 (32.7%) parents and 363 (14.7%) offspring. Factors independently associated with breathlessness in parents and offspring included obesity, current smoking, asthma, depression, lower lung function and female sex. After adjusting for potential confounders, parents with breathlessness were more likely to have offspring with breathlessness, adjusted OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.9). The association was not modified by sex of the parent or offspring. Parents with breathlessness were more likely to have children who developed breathlessness, after adjusting for asthma, lung function, obesity, smoking, depression and female sex in both generations. The hereditary components of breathlessness need to be further explored.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-02-2019
DOI: 10.3390/NU11020351
Abstract: Eating in response to negative emotions (emotional eating, EE) may predispose an in idual to obesity. Yet, it is not well known how EE in children is associated with body mass index (BMI) and health behaviours (i.e., diet, physical activity, sleep, and TV-viewing). In the present study, we examined these associations in a cross-sectional s le of 5426 (54% girls) 9–11-year-old children from 12 countries and five continents. EE, food consumption, and TV-viewing were measured using self-administered questionnaires, and physical activity and nocturnal sleep duration were measured with accelerometers. BMI was calculated using measured weights and heights. EE factor scores were computed using confirmatory factor analysis, and dietary patterns were identified using principal components analysis. The associations of EE with health behaviours and BMI z-scores were analyzed using multilevel models including age, gender, and household income as covariates. EE was positively and consistently (across 12 study sites) associated with an unhealthy dietary pattern (β = 0.29, SE = 0.02, p 0.0001), suggesting that the association is not restricted to Western countries. Positive associations between EE and physical activity and TV viewing were not consistent across sites. Results tended to be similar in boys and girls. EE was unrelated to BMI in this s le, but prospective studies are needed to determine whether higher EE in children predicts the development of undesirable dietary patterns and obesity over time.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 23-04-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980018000976
Abstract: To examine the relationships between objectively measured sleep patterns (sleep duration, sleep efficiency and bedtime) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption (regular soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and fruit juice) among children from all inhabited continents of the world. Multinational, cross-sectional study. The International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE). Children ( n 5873) 9–11 years of age. Sleep duration was 12 min per night shorter in children who reported consuming regular soft drinks ‘at least once a day’ compared with those who reported consuming ‘never’ or ‘less than once a week’. Children were more likely to sleep the recommended 9–11 h/night if they reported lower regular soft drink consumption or higher sports drinks consumption. Children who reported consuming energy drinks ‘once a week or more’ reported a 25-min earlier bedtime than those who reported never consuming energy drinks. Children who reported consuming sports drinks ‘2–4 d a week or more’ also reported a 25-min earlier bedtime compared with those who reported never consuming sports drinks. The associations between sleep efficiency and SSB consumption were not significant. Similar associations between sleep patterns and SSB consumption were observed across all twelve study sites. Shorter sleep duration was associated with higher intake of regular soft drinks, while earlier bedtimes were associated with lower intake of regular soft drinks and higher intake of energy drinks and sports drinks in this international study of children. Future work is needed to establish causality and to investigate underlying mechanisms.
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 30-08-2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2010
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 25-08-2023
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 10-2023
Abstract: Background : Around 40% of Australian children do not participate in sport. Cost is a major barrier to participation, particularly for children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This study aimed to evaluate the uptake of a population-level children’s sports subsidy scheme, including sociodemographic differences in uptake. Methods : A state-wide cross-sectional analysis comparing sports voucher claimants (primary school-aged children with a valid Medicare or Australian visa number) from the 2019 financial year with population census data from South Australia. Chi-square was used to examine whether the percentage of eligible children who claimed a voucher differed based on age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and geographical remoteness. Subgroup analyses were conducted for the lowest 2 socioeconomic disadvantage deciles, split by gender. Scatterplots were used to compare sports between high and low SES children. Results : A total of 74,668 children claimed sports vouchers (45.5% of eligible children). Children who were relatively younger, female, from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and from major cities were least likely to claim the voucher. The 5 most common sports were Australian rules football (30.2%), netball (13.6%), soccer (13.1%), gymnastics (10.4%), and basketball (5.7%), with the popular sports similar for high and low SES children. Conclusions : Future work is needed to understand how Sports Voucher, and sport participation rates have changed over time, and to improve voucher uptake among girls, city dwellers, and low SES children.
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 21-08-2023
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 19-05-2020
DOI: 10.2196/16674
Abstract: Wearable trackers for monitoring physical activity (PA) and total sleep time (TST) are increasingly popular. These devices are used not only by consumers to monitor their behavior but also by researchers to track the behavior of large s les and by health professionals to implement interventions aimed at health promotion and to remotely monitor patients. However, high costs and accuracy concerns may be barriers to widespread adoption. This study aimed to investigate the concurrent validity of 6 low-cost activity trackers for measuring steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and TST: Geonaut On Coach, iWown i5 Plus, MyKronoz ZeFit4, Nokia GO, VeryFit 2.0, and Xiaomi MiBand 2. A free-living protocol was used in which 20 adults engaged in their usual daily activities and sleep. For 3 days and 3 nights, they simultaneously wore a low-cost tracker and a high-cost tracker (Fitbit Charge HR) on the nondominant wrist. Participants wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer on the hip at daytime and a BodyMedia SenseWear device on the nondominant upper arm at nighttime. Validity was assessed by comparing each tracker with the ActiGraph GT3X+ and BodyMedia SenseWear using mean absolute percentage error scores, correlations, and Bland-Altman plots in IBM SPSS 24.0. Large variations were shown between trackers. Low-cost trackers showed moderate-to-strong correlations (Spearman r=0.53-0.91) and low-to-good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.51-0.90) for measuring steps. Weak-to-moderate correlations (Spearman r=0.24-0.56) and low agreement (ICC=0.18-0.56) were shown for measuring MVPA. For measuring TST, the low-cost trackers showed weak-to-strong correlations (Spearman r=0.04-0.73) and low agreement (ICC=0.05-0.52). The Bland-Altman plot revealed a variation between overcounting and undercounting for measuring steps, MVPA, and TST, depending on the used low-cost tracker. None of the trackers, including Fitbit (a high-cost tracker), showed high validity to measure MVPA. This study was the first to examine the concurrent validity of low-cost trackers. Validity was strongest for the measurement of steps there was evidence of validity for measurement of sleep in some trackers, and validity for measurement of MVPA time was weak throughout all devices. Validity ranged between devices, with Xiaomi having the highest validity for measurement of steps and VeryFit performing relatively strong across both sleep and steps domains. Low-cost trackers hold promise for monitoring and measurement of movement and sleep behaviors, both for consumers and researchers.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-07-2023
Abstract: A search for heavy Higgs bosons produced in association with a vector boson and decaying into a pair of vector bosons is performed in final states with two leptons (electrons or muons) of the same electric charge, missing transverse momentum and jets. A data s le of proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider between 2015 and 2018 is used. The data correspond to a total integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 . The observed data are in agreement with Standard Model background expectations. The results are interpreted using higher-dimensional operators in an effective field theory. Upper limits on the production cross-section are calculated at 95% confidence level as a function of the heavy Higgs boson’s mass and coupling strengths to vector bosons. Limits are set in the Higgs boson mass range from 300 to 1500 GeV, and depend on the assumed couplings. The highest excluded mass for a heavy Higgs boson with the coupling combinations explored is 900 GeV. Limits on coupling strengths are also provided.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 09-2019
Abstract: Background : Homophily is the tendency to associate with friends similar to ourselves. This study explored the effects of homophily on team formation in a physical activity challenge in which “captains” signed up their Facebook friends to form teams. Methods : This study assessed whether participants (n = 430) were more similar to their teammates than to nonteammates with regard to age, sex, education level, body mass index, self-reported and objectively measured physical activity, and negative emotional states and whether captains were more similar to their own teammates than to nonteammates. Variability indices were calculated for each team, and a hypothetical variability index, representing that which would result from randomly assembled teams, was also calculated. Results : Within-team variability was less than that for random teams for all outcomes except education level and depression, with differences (SDs) ranging from +0.15 (self-reported physical activity) to +0.47 (age) ( P .001 to P = .001). Captains were similar to their teammates except in regard to age, with captains being 2.6 years younger ( P = .003). Conclusions : Results support hypotheses that self-selected teams are likely to contain in iduals with similar characteristics, highlighting potential to leverage team-based health interventions to target specific populations by instructing in iduals with risk characteristics to form teams to help change behavior.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-07-2023
Abstract: A search for resonances in events with at least one isolated lepton ( e or μ ) and two jets is performed using 139 fb − 1 of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV proton–proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Deviations from a smoothly falling background hypothesis are tested in three- and four-body invariant mass distributions constructed from leptons and jets, including jets identified as originating from bottom quarks. Model-independent limits on generic resonances characterised by cascade decays of particles leading to multiple jets and leptons in the final state are presented. The limits are calculated using Gaussian shapes with different widths for the invariant masses. The multi-body invariant masses are also used to set 95% confidence level upper limits on the cross-section times branching ratios for the production and subsequent decay of resonances predicted by several new physics scenarios.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-06-2023
Abstract: The electroweak production of $$ Z\\left(\\nu \\overline{\\nu}\\right)\\gamma $$ Z ν ν ¯ γ in association with two jets is studied in a regime with a photon of high transverse momentum above 150 GeV using proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV at the Large Hadron Collider. The analysis uses a data s le with an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 collected by the ATLAS detector during the 2015–2018 LHC data-taking period. This process is an important probe of the electroweak symmetry breaking mechanism in the Standard Model and is sensitive to quartic gauge boson couplings via vector-boson scattering. The fiducial $$ Z\\left(\\nu \\overline{\\nu}\\right)\\gamma jj $$ Z ν ν ¯ γjj cross section for electroweak production is measured to be $$ {0.77}_{-0.30}^{+0.34} $$ 0.77 − 0.30 + 0.34 fb and is consistent with the Standard Model prediction. Evidence of electroweak $$ Z\\left(\\nu \\overline{\\nu}\\right)\\gamma jj $$ Z ν ν ¯ γjj production is found with an observed significance of 3.2 σ for the background-only hypothesis, compared with an expected significance of 3.7 σ . The combination of this result with the previously published ATLAS observation of electroweak $$ Z\\left(\\nu \\overline{\\nu}\\right)\\gamma jj $$ Z ν ν ¯ γjj production yields an observed (expected) signal significance of 6.3 σ (6.6 σ ). Limits on anomalous quartic gauge boson couplings are obtained in the framework of effective field theory with dimension-8 operators.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 14-08-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-07-2023
Abstract: A search for a new heavy scalar or pseudo-scalar Higgs boson ( H/A ) produced in association with a pair of top quarks, with the Higgs boson decaying into a pair of top quarks ( H/A → $$ t\\overline{t} $$ t t ¯ ) is reported. The search targets a final state with exactly two leptons with same-sign electric charges or at least three leptons. The analysed dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 of proton–proton collisions collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Two multivariate classifiers are used to separate the signal from the background. No significant excess of events over the Standard Model expectation is observed. The results are interpreted in the context of a type-II two-Higgs-doublet model. The observed (expected) upper limits at 95% confidence level on the $$ t\\overline{t}H/A $$ t t ¯ H / A production cross-section times the branching ratio of H/A → $$ t\\overline{t} $$ t t ¯ range between 14 (10) fb and 6 (5) fb for a heavy Higgs boson with mass between 400 GeV and 1000 GeV, respectively. Assuming that only one particle, either the scalar H or the pseudo-scalar A , contributes to the $$ t\\overline{t}t\\overline{t} $$ t t ¯ t t ¯ final state, values of tan β below 1.2 or 0.5 are excluded for a mass of 400 GeV or 1000 GeV, respectively. These exclusion ranges increase to tan β below 1.6 or 0.6 when both particles are considered.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-03-2020
DOI: 10.1111/MCN.12984
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-06-2023
Abstract: Cross-section measurements for a Z boson produced in association with high-transverse-momentum jets ( p T ≥ 100 GeV) and decaying into a charged-lepton pair ( e + e − , μ + μ − ) are presented. The measurements are performed using proton–proton collisions at $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. Measurements of angular correlations between the Z boson and the closest jet are performed in events with at least one jet with p T ≥ 500 GeV. Event topologies of particular interest are the collinear emission of a Z boson in dijet events and a boosted Z boson recoiling against a jet. Fiducial cross sections are compared with state-of-the-art theoretical predictions. The data are found to agree with next-to-next-to-leading-order predictions by NNLO jet and with the next-to-leading-order multi-leg generators M ad G raph 5_ a MC@NLO and S herpa .
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 18-08-2023
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 17-05-2023
DOI: 10.3389/FDGTH.2023.1063277
Abstract: Major illnesses such as cancer, and other traumatic life events, can lead to sudden increases in supportive care needs. This study aimed to describe engagement, acceptability and satisfaction with a supportive care networking app under real-world conditions. A total of 10,952 in iduals used the app during the study period (2018–2022). The app is designed to enable “captains” to assemble a network of friends and family members to provide timely, and in idually tailored, supportive care (including assistance with tasks such as taking children to school, cooking meals, grocery shopping, and transport to appointments). Engagement was determined from server data, whilst acceptability and satisfaction were captured using purposed-designed surveys. Users were mostly female (76%) and aged between 30 and 49 years (61%). The most common reason for using the app was sudden illness (web: 81% mobile: 64%). An average of 42 tasks were requested per network, with a 32% acceptance rate. Significantly more tasks were requested (web: 52.2 tasks per network mobile: 31.7 tasks per network p & 0.001) and accepted (web: 43.2% mobile: 20.2% p & 0.001) in the web app vs. the mobile app. Task requests in the web app most commonly related to food (43% of requested tasks), social (15% of requested tasks) and children (13% of requested tasks). The task acceptance rate differed by task categories ( p & 0.001), with tasks relating to transport, medical appointments and children accepted at the highest rates (56%, 52% and 49%, respectively). Acceptability and satisfaction data suggested that the app was well received and overall, participants were satisfied with the app. Findings suggested that this support care networking app achieved widespread uptake for a wide variety of supportive care tasks. Future research focused on optimizing engagement with the mobile app and examining the effectiveness of the app for improving patient and hospital outcomes is warranted.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-01-2013
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2012.212
Abstract: To determine whether sleep timing behaviour is associated with energy intake and diet quality in children and adolescents. Cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative survey data. A total of 2200 participants of the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey aged 9-16 years with 2 days of food intake data, 4 days of use of time data and complete anthropometry. Participants were grouped into one of four sleep-wake behaviour categories: early bed-early rise (EE) early bed-late rise (EL) late bed-early rise (LE) and late bed-late rise (LL). The four categories were compared for body mass index (BMI) z-score, energy intake and diet quality assessed using the Dietary Guideline Index for Children and Adolescents. Analyses were adjusted for survey design, sociodemographic characteristics, sleep duration and physical activity level (PAL). In adjusted multivariate regression models with sleep timing behaviour group as the independent variable, the 'LL' category compared with the 'EE' category had a higher BMI z-score (β=0.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06 to 0.34, P=0.007), and lower diet quality (β=-4.0, 95% CI -5.7 to -2.3, P<0.001). Children and adolescents who went to bed late also had a higher intake of extra foods (that is, energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods) while those whom went to bed early consumed more fruit and vegetables. Energy intake was associated with sleep duration (β=-4.5 kJ, 95% CI -6.7 to -2.4, P<0.001), but not sleep timing behaviour. Late bedtimes and late wake up times are associated with poorer diet quality, independent of sleep duration, PAL and child and sociodemographic characteristics.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-01-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-06-2023
Abstract: A search for pair-produced scalar and vector leptoquarks decaying into quarks and leptons of different generations is presented. It uses the full LHC Run 2 (2015–2018) data set of 139 fb − 1 collected with the ATLAS detector in proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $$ \\sqrt{s} $$ s = 13 TeV. Scalar leptoquarks with charge −(1 / 3) e as well as scalar and vector leptoquarks with charge +(2 / 3) e are considered. All possible decays of the pair-produced leptoquarks into quarks of the third generation ( t, b ) and charged or neutral leptons of the first or second generation ( e, μ, ν ) with exactly one electron or muon in the final state are investigated. No significant deviations from the Standard Model expectation are observed. Upper limits on the production cross-section are provided for eight models as a function of the leptoquark mass and the branching ratio of the leptoquark into the charged or neutral lepton. In addition, lower limits on the leptoquark masses are derived for all models across a range of branching ratios. Two of these models have the goal of providing an explanation for the recent B -anomalies. In both models, a vector leptoquark decays into charged and neutral leptons of the second generation with a similar branching fraction. Lower limits of 1980 GeV and 1710 GeV are set on the leptoquark mass for these two models.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-08-2016
DOI: 10.1002/OBY.21618
Abstract: Household factors (electronic media equipment, play equipment, physical activity in the home, and social support) have been associated with childhood moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), but little is known about how these factors differ across erse countries. The objective was to explore household correlates of objective MVPA in children from 12 countries. Overall, 5,859 nine- to eleven-year-old children from 12 countries representing a range of human and socioeconomic development indicators wore an accelerometer for 7 days and parents reported on household factors. Multilevel general linear models explored associations among household factors and MVPA variables controlling for age, sex, and parental education. Across sites, children with at least one piece of bedroom electronic media had lower MVPA (∼4 min/day P < 0.001) than those who did not. More frequent physical activity in the home and yard, ownership of more frequently used play equipment, and higher social support for physical activity were associated with more MVPA (all P < 0.001). The association between play equipment ownership and MVPA was inconsistent across countries (interaction P < 0.01). With the exception of play equipment ownership, modifiable household factors showed largely consistent and important associations with MVPA across high-, mid-, and low-income countries.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-06-2023
Abstract: Exclusive production of dielectron pairs, γγ → e + e − , is studied using $$ {\mathcal{L}}_{\textrm{int}} $$ L int = 1 . 72 nb − 1 of data from ultraperipheral collisions of lead nuclei at $$ \sqrt{s_{\textrm{NN}}} $$ s NN = 5 . 02 TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The process of interest proceeds via photon–photon interactions in the strong electromagnetic fields of relativistic lead nuclei. Dielectron production is measured in the fiducial region defined by following requirements: electron transverse momentum $$ {p}_{\textrm{T}}^e $$ p T e 2 . 5 GeV, absolute electron pseudorapidity |η e | 2 . 5, dielectron invariant mass m ee 5 GeV, and dielectron transverse momentum $$ {p}_{\textrm{T}}^{ee} $$ p T ee 2 GeV. Differential cross-sections are measured as a function of m ee , average $$ {p}_{\textrm{T}}^e $$ p T e , absolute dielectron rapidity | y ee |, and scattering angle in the dielectron rest frame, |cos θ * |, in the inclusive s le, and also with a requirement of no activity in the forward direction. The total integrated fiducial cross-section is measured to be $$ 215\pm 1{\left(\textrm{stat}.\right)}_{-20}^{+23}\left(\textrm{syst}.\right)\pm 4\left(\textrm{lumi}.\right) $$ 215 ± 1 stat . − 20 + 23 syst . ± 4 lumi . μ b. Within experimental uncertainties the measured integrated cross-section is in good agreement with the QED predictions from the Monte Carlo programs S tarlight and S uper C hic , confirming the broad features of the initial photon fluxes. The differential cross-sections show systematic differences from these predictions which are more pronounced at high |y ee | and | cos θ * | values.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-12-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-012-0008-7
Abstract: The ActivityStat hypothesis suggests that when physical activity is increased or decreased in one domain, there will be a compensatory change in another domain, in order to maintain an overall stable level of physical activity or energy expenditure over time. The ActivityStat debate is gaining momentum in the literature and most of the research to date is based on observational studies. The objective of this paper is to conceptually clarify the ActivityStat hypothesis and to examine the experimental research aiming to demonstrate or refute compensation using a systematic review process. A systematic review was conducted using electronic database searches with the aim of detecting studies experimentally investigating the ActivityStat hypothesis or compensation in physical activity or energy expenditure. Included studies were critically appraised using a specifically designed tool to address the conceptual considerations of the ActivityStat hypothesis. Searches identified 28 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Publications spanned 26 years and had multiple methodological approaches, including randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, crossover designs, cluster randomized controlled trials and pre-post trials. Populations of the included studies ranged from children, to adults and the elderly, across a range of weight statuses and used both aerobic, resistance and mixed-exercise interventions. The timeframe of interventions ranged from 1 day to 4 years and outcomes were measured using doubly labelled water, accelerometry, heart rate monitoring, resting metabolic rate, indirect calorimetry, pedometry, subjective recall questionnaire and the activity-related time index. Fifteen of 28 included studies provided evidence of compensation, while 13 did not. Subgroup analyses by population, type and duration of intervention, weight status and study quality also showed mixed findings. There is a substantial body of experimental literature investigating compensation that has largely been overlooked in the ActivityStat debate. However, this evidence is currently inconclusive and lacks a cohesive approach to the question of an ActivityStat. Recommendations for the design of future experimental research investigating the ActivityStat hypothesis are presented.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-054558
Abstract: Despite extensive evidence of its benefits and recommendation by guidelines, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains highly underused with only 20%–50% of eligible patients participating. We aim to implement and evaluate the Country Heart Attack Prevention (CHAP) model of care to improve CR attendance and completion for rural and remote participants. CHAP will apply the model for large-scale knowledge translation to develop and implement a model of care to CR in rural Australia. Partnering with patients, clinicians and health service managers, we will codevelop new approaches and refine/expand existing ones to address known barriers to CR attendance. CHAP will codesign a web-based CR programme with patients expanding their choices to CR attendance. To increase referral rates, CHAP will promote endorsement of CR among clinicians and develop an electronic system that automatises referrals of in-hospital eligible patients to CR. A business model that includes reimbursement of CR delivered in primary care by Medicare will enable sustainable access to CR. To promote CR quality improvement, professional development interventions and an accreditation programme of CR services and programmes will be developed. To evaluate 12-month CR attendance/completion (primary outcome), clinical and cost-effectiveness (secondary outcomes) between patients exposed (n=1223) and not exposed (n=3669) to CHAP, we will apply a multidesign approach that encompasses a prospective cohort study, a pre-post study and a comprehensive economic evaluation. This study was approved by the Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/20/SAC/78) and by the Department for Health and Wellbeing Human Research Ethics Committee (2021/HRE00270), which approved a waiver of informed consent. Findings and dissemination to patients and clinicians will be through a public website, online educational sessions and scientific publications. Deidentified data will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. ACTRN12621000222842.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-06-2016
Abstract: the aim of this study was to explore the associations between use of time and momentary hedonic affect ('enjoyment') in adults in the peri-retirement period. a total of 124 adults [61 males, 63 females age 62 (4) years] completed a computerised use-of-time recall on 4 days at each of four time points (3-6 months pre-, 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement), as well as surveys regarding self-reported health, well-being, sleep quality and loneliness. They reported how much they enjoyed each activity on a 0-10 scale. An in idual Enjoyment Index was calculated as the time-weighted average of each participant's enjoyment ratings. Time-weighted enjoyment ratings were also calculated for nine mutually exclusive and exhaustive activity domains (Sleep, Chores, Work, Social, Screen Time, Self-care, Quiet Time, Transport, Physical Activity) and sub-domains. the mean (±SD) Enjoyment Index was 7.43 ± 0.61, and was significantly and positively associated with well-being (P = 0.003 to P < 0.0001) and sleep quality (P = 0.03 to P < 0.0001), and negatively associated with loneliness (P = 0.003 to P < 0.0001). Mean Enjoyment Index values increased significantly (P < 0.0001) from pre-retirement (7.19 ± 0.82) to post-retirement (7.46 ± 0.89, 7.42 ± 0.91 and 7.49 ± 0.89 at 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement). There were significant differences in enjoyment across domains, with Physical Activity (7.86 ± 1.11) and Social (7.66 ± 0.85) being the most enjoyable, and Work (7.10 ± 0.89) and Chores (7.09 ± 0.85) the least enjoyable. enjoyment of everyday activities increased after retirement and remained elevated for at least 12 months. Work appears to constitute a relative hedonic deficit.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 26-02-2018
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.7862
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-10-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-06-2026
Abstract: The incidence of infectious complications, compared with the general population and the pre-transplant status of the recipient, increases substantially following kidney transplantation, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The potent immunosuppressive therapy given to prevent graft rejection in kidney transplant recipients results in an increased susceptibility to a wide range of opportunistic infections including bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Over the last five years, several advances have occurred that may have changed the burden of infectious complications in kidney transplant recipients. Due to the availability of direct-acting antivirals to manage donor-derived hepatitis C infection, this has opened the way for donors with hepatitis C infection to be considered in the donation process. In addition, there have been the development of medications targeting the growing burden of resistant cytomegalovirus, as well as the discovery of the potentially important role of the gastrointestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of post-transplant infection. In this narrative review, we will discuss these three advances and their potential implications for clinical practice.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-04-2018
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.8954
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2023
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1039/C3FO60506J
Abstract: The in vitro amylolysis of both granular and cooked maize starch and the diffusion of glucose in the presence of 1% and 2% cereal soluble fibre polysaccharides (arabinoxylan and mixed linkage beta-glucan) were studied at various levels of shear mixing in order to identify potential molecular mechanisms underlying observed glycemia-reducing effects of soluble fibres in vivo. The presence of soluble fibres increased viscosity by ca. 10× and 100× for 1% and 2% concentrations respectively. Despite this large difference in viscosity, measured digestion and mass transfer coefficients were only reduced by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5 at the same mixing speed. In contrast, introduction of mixing in the digesting and diffusing medium significantly increased the rate of amylolytic starch digestion and mass transfer of glucose. This effect is such that mixing at high speeds negates the hindering effect of the 100× increased viscosity imparted by the presence of 2% soluble fibre this is essentially captured by the Reynolds number (the ratio of inertial and viscous forces) that defines the flow kinematics. The modest reduction of in vitro starch hydrolysis and glucose diffusion at increased viscosity suggests that the established benefits of soluble fibres on post-prandial glycaemia, in terms of attenuation of the overall rate and extent of dietary starch conversion to blood glucose, are not primarily due to a direct effect of viscosity. Alternative hypotheses are proposed based on gastric emptying, restriction of turbulent flow, and/or stimulation of mucus turnover.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-06-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11573-0
Abstract: This paper presents the observation of four-top-quark ( $$t\\bar{t}t\\bar{t}$$ t t ¯ t t ¯ ) production in proton-proton collisions at the LHC. The analysis is performed using an integrated luminosity of 140 $$\\hbox {fb}^{-1}$$ fb - 1 at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV collected using the ATLAS detector. Events containing two leptons with the same electric charge or at least three leptons (electrons or muons) are selected. Event kinematics are used to separate signal from background through a multivariate discriminant, and dedicated control regions are used to constrain the dominant backgrounds. The observed (expected) significance of the measured $$t\\bar{t}t\\bar{t}$$ t t ¯ t t ¯ signal with respect to the standard model (SM) background-only hypothesis is 6.1 (4.3) standard deviations. The $$t\\bar{t}t\\bar{t}$$ t t ¯ t t ¯ production cross section is measured to be $$22.5^{+6.6}_{-5.5}$$ 22 . 5 - 5.5 + 6.6 fb, consistent with the SM prediction of $$12.0 \\pm 2.4$$ 12.0 ± 2.4 fb within 1.8 standard deviations. Data are also used to set limits on the three-top-quark production cross section, being an irreducible background not measured previously, and to constrain the top-Higgs Yukawa coupling and effective field theory operator coefficients that affect $$t\\bar{t}t\\bar{t}$$ t t ¯ t t ¯ production.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-05-2023
Abstract: The total and differential Higgs boson production cross-sections are measured through a combined statistical analysis of the H → ZZ * → 4 ℓ and H → γγ decay channels. The results are based on a dataset of 139 fb − 1 of proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The measured total Higgs boson production cross-section is $$ {55.5}_{-3.8}^{+4.0} $$ 55.5 − 3.8 + 4.0 pb, consistent with the Standard Model prediction of 55 . 6 ± 2 . 5 pb. All results from the two decay channels are compatible with each other, and their combination agrees with the Standard Model predictions. A combined statistical interpretation of the measured fiducial cross-sections as a function of the Higgs boson transverse momentum is performed in order to probe the Yukawa couplings to the bottom and charm quarks. A similar interpretation is performed by including also the constraints from the measurements of Higgs boson production in association with a W or Z boson in the H → $$ b\\overline{b} $$ b b ¯ and $$ c\\overline{c} $$ c c ¯ decay channels.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-07-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-023-16277-4
Abstract: Obesity is a growing, global public health issue. This study aimed to describe the weight management strategies used by a s le of Australian adults examine the socio-demographic characteristics of using each strategy and examine whether use of each strategy was associated with 12-month weight change. This observational study involved a community-based s le of 375 healthy adults (mean age: 40.1 ± 5.8 years, 56.8% female). Participants wore a Fitbit activity monitor, weighed themselves daily, and completed eight online surveys on socio-demographic characteristics. Participants also recalled their use of weight management strategies over the past month, at 8 timepoints during the 12-month study period. Most participants (81%) reported using at least one weight management strategy, with exercise hysical activity being the most common strategy at each timepoint (40–54%). Those who accepted their current bodyweight were less likely to use at least one weight management strategy (Odds ratio = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.22–0.64, p 0.01) and those who reported being physically active for weight maintenance had a greater reduction in bodyweight, than those who did not (between group difference: -1.2 kg, p 0.01). The use of supplements and fasting were associated with poorer mental health and quality of life outcomes (p 0.01). The use of weight management strategies appears to be common. Being physically active was associated with greater weight loss. In iduals who accepted their current body weight were less likely to use weight management strategies. Fasting and the use of supplements were associated with poorer mental health. Promoting physical activity as a weight management strategy appears important, particularly considering its multiple health benefits.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-12-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12196
Abstract: The relationship between children's adiposity and lifestyle behaviour patterns is an area of growing interest. The objectives of this study are to identify clusters of children based on lifestyle behaviours and compare children's adiposity among clusters. Cross-sectional data from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment were used. the participants were children (9-11 years) from 12 nations (n = 5710). 24-h accelerometry and self-reported diet and screen time were clustering input variables. Objectively measured adiposity indicators were waist-to-height ratio, percent body fat and body mass index z-scores. sex-stratified analyses were performed on the global s le and repeated on a site-wise basis. Cluster analysis (using isometric log ratios for compositional data) was used to identify common lifestyle behaviour patterns. Site representation and adiposity were compared across clusters using linear models. Four clusters emerged: (1) Junk Food Screenies, (2) Actives, (3) Sitters and (4) All-Rounders. Countries were represented differently among clusters. Chinese children were over-represented in Sitters and Colombian children in Actives. Adiposity varied across clusters, being highest in Sitters and lowest in Actives. Children from different sites clustered into groups of similar lifestyle behaviours. Cluster membership was linked with differing adiposity. Findings support the implementation of activity interventions in all countries, targeting both physical activity and sedentary time.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-07-2021
Abstract: irtual assistants can be used to deliver innovative health programs that provide appealing, personalized, and convenient health advice and support at scale and low cost. Design characteristics that influence the look and feel of the virtual assistant, such as visual appearance or language features, may significantly influence users’ experience and engagement with the assistant. his scoping review aims to provide an overview of the experimental research examining how design characteristics of virtual health assistants affect user experience, summarize research findings of experimental research examining how design characteristics of virtual health assistants affect user experience, and provide recommendations for the design of virtual health assistants if sufficient evidence exists. e searched 5 electronic databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and ACM Digital Library) to identify the studies that used an experimental design to compare the effects of design characteristics between 2 or more versions of an interactive virtual health assistant on user experience among adults. Data were synthesized descriptively. Health domains, design characteristics, and outcomes were categorized, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the body of research. Results for each study were categorized as positive, negative, or no effect, and a matrix of the design characteristics and outcome categories was constructed to summarize the findings. he database searches identified 6879 articles after the removal of duplicates. We included 48 articles representing 45 unique studies in the review. The most common health domains were mental health and physical activity. Studies most commonly examined design characteristics in the categories of visual design or conversational style and relational behavior and assessed outcomes in the categories of personality, satisfaction, relationship, or use intention. Over half of the design characteristics were examined by only 1 study. Results suggest that empathy and relational behavior and self-disclosure are related to more positive user experience. Results also suggest that if a human-like avatar is used, realistic rendering and medical attire may potentially be related to more positive user experience however, more research is needed to confirm this. here is a growing body of scientific evidence examining the impact of virtual health assistants’ design characteristics on user experience. Taken together, data suggest that the look and feel of a virtual health assistant does affect user experience. Virtual health assistants that show empathy, display nonverbal relational behaviors, and disclose personal information about themselves achieve better user experience. At present, the evidence base is broad, and the studies are typically small in scale and highly heterogeneous. Further research, particularly using longitudinal research designs with repeated user interactions, is needed to inform the optimal design of virtual health assistants.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-04-2018
DOI: 10.1093/TBM/IBY006
Abstract: Social networking websites have attracted considerable attention as a delivery platform for physical activity interventions. Current evidence highlights a need to enhance user engagement with these interventions to actualize their potential. The purpose of this study was to determine which post type generates the most engagement from participants and whether engagement was related to change in physical activity in an intervention delivered via Facebook. Subgroup analysis of the intervention condition of a randomized controlled trial was conducted. The group moderator posted a new message to the private Facebook group each day of the program. The Facebook posts (n = 118) were categorized into the following types: moderator-initiated running program, multimedia, motivational, opinion polls, or discussion question and participant-initiated experience shares, or questions. Four metrics were used to measure volume of engagement with each post type, "likes," "comments," "poll votes," and "photo uploads." One-way ANOVA was used to determine whether engagement differed by post type and an independent s les t-test to determine differences in engagement between moderator and participant-initiated posts. Pearson correlation was used to examine associations between total engagement and change in physical activity. Engagement varied by post type. Polls elicited the greatest engagement (p ≤ .01). The most common form of engagement was "likes," and engagement was higher for moderator-initiated rather than participant-initiated posts (mean = 8.0 [SD 6.8] vs. 5.3 [SD 3.2] p ≤ .01). Total engagement with the Facebook group was not directly associated with change in physical activity (r = -.13, p = .47). However, engagement was associated with compliance with the running program (r = .37, p = .04) and there was a nonsignificant positive association between compliance and change in physical activity (r = .32, p = .08). Posts requiring a simple response generated the most engagement. Intervention moderators should facilitate familiarity between participants at the intervention outset, to encourage engagement between participants. Engagement was related to change in physical activity, and these recommendations should be incorporated to enhance engagement and efficacy of interventions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-07-2023
DOI: 10.1140/EPJC/S10052-023-11437-7
Abstract: A search for a WZ resonance, in the fully leptonic final state (electrons or muons), is performed using 139 fb $$^{-1}$$ - 1 of data collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The results are interpreted in terms of a singly charged Higgs boson of the Georgi–Machacek model, produced by WZ fusion, and of a Heavy Vector Triplet, with the resonance produced by WZ fusion or the Drell–Yan process. No significant excess over the Standard Model prediction is observed and limits are set on the production cross-section times branching ratio as a function of the resonance mass for these processes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-06-2023
Abstract: A measurement of single top-quark production in the s-channel is performed in proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb − 1 . The analysis is performed on events with an electron or muon, missing transverse momentum and exactly two b -tagged jets in the final state. A discriminant based on matrix element calculations is used to separate single-top-quark s-channel events from the main background contributions, which are top-quark pair production and W -boson production in association with jets. The observed (expected) signal significance over the background-only hypothesis is 3.3 (3.9) standard deviations, and the measured cross-section is $$ \\sigma ={8.2}_{-2.9}^{+3.5} $$ σ = 8.2 − 2.9 + 3.5 pb, consistent with the Standard Model prediction of $$ {\\sigma}^{\\textrm{SM}}={10.32}_{-0.36}^{+0.40} $$ σ SM = 10.32 − 0.36 + 0.40 pb.
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 23-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-03-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-11-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-16525-9
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe children’s daily compliance with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations across a week in different parts of the world, and to identify in idual- and school-level correlates that may explain differences in daily MVPA compliance. The s le included 6553 children aged 9–11 years from 12 countries, and multilevel statistical analyses were used, including both child- and school-level variables. Most children did not comply with the MVPA guidelines on a daily basis: Chinese children complied the least, whereas Finnish, Australian, Colombian, UK, and Kenyan children complied the most. Boys (rate ratio [RR] = 1.47) and children with higher unhealthy diet scores (RR = 1.08) complied more, but overweight/obese children (RR = 0.81), earlier maturing children (RR = 0.93), and those who spent more time in screen activities (RR = 0.98) and sleeping (RR = 0.96) had the lowest compliance. At the school level, children with access to playground or sport equipment (RR = 0.88, for both) tended to comply less, whereas those with access to a gymnasium outside the school hours complied more with the MVPA guidelines (RR = 1.14). Significant between-country differences in children’s daily MVPA compliance were observed, reflecting not only site characteristics, but also the importance of in idual traits and local school contexts.
Start Date: 2017
End Date: 2022
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2018
End Date: 2022
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2010
End Date: 2012
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2015
End Date: 2019
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2011
End Date: 2014
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2019
End Date: 2014
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded Activity