Community Centers In City Research Articles

Assessing the scale and spread of an experiential teaching kitchen in after-school programming among school-age children.

To scale-out an experiential teaching kitchen in Parks and Recreation centres' after-school programming in a large urban setting among predominantly low-income, minority children. We evaluated the implementation of a skills-based, experiential teaching kitchen to gauge programme success. Effectiveness outcomes included pre-post measures of child-reported cooking self-efficacy, attitudes towards cooking, fruit and vegetable preference, intention to eat fruits and vegetables and willingness to try new fruits and vegetables. Process outcomes included attendance (i.e., intervention dose delivered), cost, fidelity and adaptations to the intervention. After-school programming in Parks and Recreation Community centres in Nashville, TN. Predominantly low-income minority children aged 6-14 years. Of the twenty-five city community centres, twenty-one successfully implemented the programme, and nineteen of twenty-five implemented seven or more of the eight planned sessions. Among children with pre-post data (n 369), mean age was 8·8 (sd 1·9) years, and 53·7 % were female. All five effectiveness measures significantly improved (P < 0·001). Attendance at sessions ranged from 36·3 % of children not attending any sessions to 36·6 % of children attending at least four sessions. Across all centres, fidelity was 97·5 %. The average food cost per serving was $1·37. This type of nutritional education and skills building experiential teaching kitchen can be successfully implemented in a community setting with high fidelity, effectiveness and organisational alignment, while also expanding reach to low-income, underserved children.

Development of a low-temperature-difference indirect-heating kinematic Stirling engine

Stirling engines can become a key component of distributed combined heat and power systems using renewable energy; however, their heat transfer surfaces suffer from overheating. To solve this, a low-temperature-difference indirect-heating kinematic Stirling engine employing a heat-transfer medium was developed. A new basic design method is devised by returning to the ideal Stirling cycle. The basic design of an engine optimized for temperature differences can be carried out using these criteria. To realize this basic design as an actual engine, an α+-type engine—the basic type suitable for low-temperature difference conditions—was developed. We developed a 10 kW-class engine using the basic design and type. Heat transfer oil was heated to 300 °C by burning wood biomass and circulated to the engine, which attained a maximum output of 14.3 kW, and a thermal efficiency of 15%. The engine was installed at the Minamisōma city community center and operates as a micro-combined heat and power system connected to the grid and independently during emergencies. The results show that the concept of the indirect heating low-temperature difference-type Stirling engine solves the main problem of its practical use, which can be used as a new distributed energy system.

Congregate Meals: Opportunities to Help Vulnerable Older Adults Achieve Diet and Physical Activity Recommendations.

Through diet and exercise interventions, community centers offer an opportunity to address health-related issues for some of the oldest, most vulnerable members of our society. The purpose of this investigation is to draw upon nationwide data to better characterize the population served by the congregate meals program and to gather more detailed information on a local level to identify opportunities for service enhancement to improve the health and well-being of older adults. We examined community center data from two sources: 2015 National Survey of Older Americans Act and surveys from two New York City community centers. To assess nationwide service delivery, we analyzed participant demographics, functional status defined by activities of daily living, and perceptions of services received. Participants from the two New York City community centers completed a four-day food record. Functional measures included the short physical performance battery, self-reported physical function, grip strength, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Nationwide (n=901), most participants rated the meal quality as good to excellent (91.7%), and would recommend the congregate meals program to a friend (96.0%). Local level data (n=22) were collected for an in-depth understanding of diet, physical activity patterns, body weight, and objective functional status measures. Diets of this small, local convenience sample were higher in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and lower in calcium, magnesium, and fiber than recommended by current United States Dietary Guidelines. Average time engaged in moderate physical activity was 254 minutes per week (SD=227), exceeding the recommended 150 minutes per week, but just 41% (n=9) and 50% (n=11) of participants engaged in strength or balance exercises, respectively. Research is warranted to test whether improvements in the nutritional quality of food served and access/supports for engaging in strength training within community centers could help older adults achieve diet and physical activity recommendations.

창원시 주민자치센터의 서비스에 대한 만족도와 개선방안 : 주민자치센터 이용자 중심으로

본 연구의 목적은 창원시의 통합 출범에 따라 주민자치센터의 운영 현황을 살펴보고, 주민자치센터의 이용자에 대한 서비스 만족을 조사하여 창원시 주민자치센터의 활성화를 위한 정책과제를 도출하는 것이다. 주민자치센터의 활발한 운영은 지역주민들의 적극적인 참여와 이용자들의 만족도가 높아야 가능하다. 본 연구는 주민자치센터의 이용자 만족도 제고를 위한 영향요인을 프로그램, 시설, 강사, 홍보 측면으로 구분하여 그 요인의 영향을 살펴보았다. 분석결과, 4가지의 영향요인이 만족도에 유의미한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났고, 각 행정구별로 주민자치센터의 만족도에 유의미하게 영향을 미치는 요인으로 5개구에서 공통적으로 프로그램과 시설 요인은 유의미한 영향을 미치고, 강사와 홍보요인은 다소 차이가 있는 것으로 확인되었다.BR 결론적으로, 창원시 주민자치센터의 만족도를 제고하기 위해서 프로그램, 시설, 강사, 홍보 측면에서 개선방안을 마련할 필요성 있다. 프로그램 측면에서 유사기관과 연계를 통한 프로그램의 다양화, 프로그램 내용 및 시간 등의 내실화가 필요하다. 시설측면에서 노후시설의 개선, 운영 프로그램과의 조화를 위해 유사기관과 연계하여 시설을 공유․운영 등 양적․질적으로 개선하여야 한다. 지역별 차이는 있지만, 강사측면에서는 우수한 강사의 확보, 홍보측면에서 다양한 홍보방안 및 강화가 필요하다. 마지막으로 주민자치센터의 원활한 운영과 만족도를 제고하기 위하여 자체재원 확보가 뒷받침되어야 할 것이다.

Is Meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Protein Related to Body Composition among Older Adults?: Results from the Cardiovascular Health of Seniors and Built Environment Study.

Studies suggest protein intake may be associated with lower body weight, but protein has also been associated with preservation of lean body mass. Understanding the role of protein in maintaining health for older adults is important for disease prevention among this population. Cross-sectional study of the relationship of dietary protein on body composition. New York City community centers. 1,011 Black, White, and Latino urban men and women 60-99 years of age. Protein intake was assessed using two interviewer-administered 24-hour recalls, and body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of fat mass (kg) (FM), fat free mass (kg) (FFM), and impedance resistance (Ohms). Indices of FM and FFM were calculated by dividing BIA measurements by height squared (m2), and percent FFM was calculated by dividing FFM by the sum of FM and FFM. Log linear models adjusting for age (continuous), race/ethnicity, education, physical activity (dichotomized at the median), hypertension, diabetes, and total calories (continuous). Just 33% of women and 50% of men reported meeting the RDA for protein. Both fat free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were negatively associated with meeting the RDA for protein (Women: FFMI -1.78 95%CI [-2.24, -1.33], FMI -4.12 95% CI [-4.82, -3.42]; Men: FFMI -1.62 95% CI [-2.32, -0.93] FMI -1.80 95% CI [-2.70, -0.89]). After accounting for confounders, women and men consuming at least 0.8 g/kg/day had a 6.2% (95% CI: 5.0%, 7.4%) and a 3.2% (95% CI 1.1%, 5.3%) higher percent fat free mass, respectively. FFM, FFMI, FM, and FMI were inversely related to meeting the RDA for protein. Meeting the RDA for protein of at least 0.8g/kg/day was associated with a higher percentage of fat free mass among older adults. These results suggest meeting the protein recommendations of at least 0.8 g/kg/day may help to promote lower overall body mass, primarily through loss of fat mass rather than lean mass.

Out-of-School Time and African American Students: Linking Concept to Practice &lt;em&gt;(Editor’s Commentary)&lt;/em&gt;

This year, The Journal of Negro Education issued a Call for Papers for a special issue to advance scholarship focused on understanding health, family, environmental, and social determinants of academic success among school-age African American students. The purpose of this special issue is to explore out-of-school time experiences and conditions that impact academic success among African American students.The available statistics about Black students reveal pervasive challenges related to their progress in school. The potential consequences of Black students maintaining persistently high rates of suspension, grade retention, dropout, placement in special education, and underrepresentation in AP classes are far-reaching and threaten the long-term viability of our nation. Out-of-school time (OST) programs play a vital role in promoting academic success among Black students.Many OST programs are vigorously and intentionally focused on academic achievement and provide direct academic enrichment activities such as tutoring and homework help. However, OST programming often goes beyond a targeted focus on academic achievement. Specifically, even the more purely academic programs often take a more holistic approach, infusing mentoring, college readiness, and identity development components into their programs as a means of bolstering academic success. Such approaches provide a diverse programmatic setting in which academic achievement can be fostered.The purpose of this editorial is to identify the specific mechanisms by which OST programs build effective bridges to encouraging and affirming academic success among Black students, to connect a theoretical construct to the applications presented in this issue. Conceptually, we believe that existing OST programs that focus on workforce development, healthy lifestyles, safety and structure, and strengthening families can incorporate key elements that will influence Black students' adjustment to school.KEY COMPONENTS OF OST PROGRAMSIn 2014, we examined research literature across the four domain areas presented in Figure 1 under contract with D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation (www.dctrust.org). We found many functional components that had promise for OST programs focused on those goals and aspects of OST programs that work across domains. Good OST programs, regardless of focus, typically ascribe to a well-developed model of youth development in which a positive view of young people, their abilities and their value is actively promoted. Furthermore, academic aspects, such as school readiness and college promotion also permeated a cross-section of effective OST programs.Based on the examination of the literature and conversations with OST practitioners in Washington, DC, we compiled a list of key components of effective OST programs. This list was used to frame a dialogue with OST programs in Washington, DC who provided services to Black males. The literature search that led to identifying the specific components is also indicated on Table 1.Consistent with the concepts that link OST to academic success, articles in this issue and empirical quantitative or qualitative studies that address the personal and health, family, social and environmental determinants of academic success among Black students. The articles promote strength-based research and convey a contextualized understanding of problems, consider community assets, and offer culturally congruent strategies to foster academic growth among Black students through constructive OST activities.[Reference]REFERENCESBaker, A., Gilley, J., James, J., & Kimani, M. (2012). High Five to Healthy Living: A healthy intervention program for youth at an inner city community center. Journal of Community Health, 37, 1-9.Children's Aid Society. (2006). The African American Male Initiative: Creating success, summary report of the study group of experts meeting. …

키넥트를 이용한 걷기게임 '팔도강산3' 개발 및 효과성 연구

We have developed a serious game for the elderly named ‘Paldokangsan3’ as a next version of ‘Paldokangsan2’ which was a walking game with memorization in shopping streets using controllers of hand buttons and foot boards with PC developed in 2012. The interface of had buttons and food boards were changed into the interface of motion capture with the aid of Kinect. The expected effects are improvement of memorization, improvement of concentration ability to find out items in the vision, improvement of vitality through physical walking actions, as well as improvement of mental health through entertainment activities of game play. We have tested 25 volunteers of more than 65 years old in Cheonan city community center for the elderly for 2 weeks. We got the result that the game play was showing positive effectiveness on memorization, physical exercise and self-esteem in mental health area of the elderly. Keyword : Serious Game, Game for Elderly, Walking Game, Kinect, Motion Capture Received: Dec. 27, 2013 Accepted: Jan. 14, 2014 Corresponding Author: KyungSik Kim(Hoseo University) E-mail: kskim@hoseo.edu ISSN: 1598-4540 / eISSN: 2287-8211 C The Korea Game Society. All rights reserved. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.otg/licenses/by-nc/3.0), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

손잡이/발판 컨트롤러를 이용한 걷기게임 '팔도강산2' 개발 및 효과성 연구

ABSTRACT We have developed a serious game for the elderly named ‘Paldokangsan 2’ in 2012 as a next version of ‘Paldokangsan 1’. ‘Paldokangsan 1’ was a walking game for two people using controllers of armrests and footboards with PC. ‘Paldokangsan 2’ had additional purpose to assist cognitive, physical, and psychological functions of the elderly. Especially, walking activity was implemented in a way that a player walks around the old traditional market place in 1970’s while remembering and choosing healthy food to buy. We also developed two mini games for the elderly and people with functional disability with the similar purpose as ‘Paldokangsan2’. 219 older adults (age≧ 65) recruited from Asan city community center participated in the study. The result showed that the game play exerted positive effects on memory, concentration and vitality of the elderly.Keywords : Serious Game, Game for Elderly, Walking, Cognitivity, Memorization Received: Jan. 16, 2013 Revised: May 20, 2013 Accepted: Jun. 17, 2013Corresponding Author: KyungSik Kim(Hoseo University)E-mail: kskim@hoseo.eduISSN: 1598-4540 / eISSN: 2287-8211Ⓒ The Korea Game Society. All rights reserved. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.otg/licenses/by-nc/3.0), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

팔걸이/발판 컨트롤러를 이용한 걷기게임 '팔도강산' 개발 및 효과성 연구

본 연구진에서 개발 및 효과성을 연구한 '팔도강산'은 집에서 즐기는 전국명승지 구경을 컨셉으로 하는 여가활용 및 노인 복지형 게임이며 팔걸이와 발판 컨트롤러를 이용하는 사용자의 걷기행위를 통해서 진행하는 게임이다. 개발된 게임을 통해서 기대하는 효과성은 상호 협력과 경쟁을 통한 운동 체감성의 대리만족과, 노인들이 게임플레이를 통해서 얻는 활동력 및 지적기능 유지 등의 놀이치료 효과이다. 천안 노인종합복지관에서 65세 이상 노인 309명을 대상으로 테스트 실험한 결과 전체 실험자의 76.1%가 게임플레이에 전반적으로 만족한다고 답변하였고, 게임의 흥미도는 5점 만점에 평균 4.13점으로 조사되었다. 다시 게임을 플레이하겠냐는 질문에서 전체 응답자중 89.4%가 긍정적인 반응으로 설문에 응답했다. 노인들을 위한 관용성과 체감성이 살려진 기능성 게임을 개발하였음을 발견했다.

“High Five to Healthy Living”: A Health Intervention Program for Youth at an Inner City Community Center

Providing developmental programs to inner-city youth is a key component to promoting healthy lifestyles in urban communities. In this study, 46 adolescents, predominately African American youth (age 11-14), participated in the "High Five for Healthy Living" hygiene intervention program hosted at the NFL Youth Education Town of the Boys and Girls Club of Atlanta. Windshield surveys, key informant interviews and focus groups were conducted in order to identify the needs of the surrounding community and subsequently plan and implement a 5 week developmental module to meet these needs. Weekly modules were conducted focusing on oral hygiene, hand washing, physical activity, male/female personal hygiene, and nutrition/food safety. Surveys administered showed that a large percentage of students exhibited behavioral change following the completion of each module: 42% for oral hygiene, 88% for hand washing, 75% for physical activity, 88% for personal hygiene and 50% for nutrition/food safety. From these findings, it is evident that that African American adolescents can benefit from developmental programs targeted to address their specific community needs, and as a result implement personal lifestyle changes. Such interventions could potentially decrease in the prevalence of certain preventable diseases endemic to many low socioeconomic inner city communities.

Enhancing community system in China's recent health reform: An effort to improve equity in essential health care

This article reviews China's policy development on community health centers and examines effects on service selection, due to difference in funding level and profit seeking incentive. We summarize policies on community health centers since 1997 and identify the importance of joint action from seven government agencies in 2006. Using survey data in 2006 and 2007 from two cities with different financing capability and management strategy, we analyze service selection between these cities and before and after a funding policy change. With better financing capability (65 vs. 9 Yuan per resident) and a government backup for any loss, community centers in city A provide more high-cost services than city B such as house visits (275 vs. 6 per 10,000 residents) and house beds (52 vs. 1 per 10,000 residents). Both services are mostly demanded by residents. Joint action from related government agencies in 2006 is critical for the rapid development of community health system in China. With less funding, community centers have to restrict high-cost services. There is no evidence of shirking after initiating a fully funded financing policy. Economic disparity among cities is a major barrier for improving equity in basic health care.