State Of Florida Research Articles

Marasmius vagus (the Wandering Creamsicle), One of Florida’s Most Common Lawn Mushrooms

Marasmius vagus is one of the most common lawn mushrooms in the state of Florida. The purpose of this publication is to introduce Floridians to this mushroom, provide basic information about its biology, and aid in identification. Written by Sarah Prentice and Matthew E. Smith, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, February 2024.

Using Smartphone Technology to Track Real-Time Changes in Anxiety/Depression Symptomatology Among Florida Cannabis Users.

Recent scientific attention has focused on the therapeutic effectiveness of cannabis use on a variety of physical and mental ailments. The present study uses smartphone technology to assess self-reported experiences of Florida cannabis users to understand how cannabis may impact anxiety and depression symptomatology. Several hundred Releaf App™ users from the state of Florida provided anonymous, real-time reports of their symptoms of anxiety and/or depression immediately before and after cannabis use sessions. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to analyze the data at the symptom and user level. Results showed that for the majority of users, cannabis use was associated with a significant decrease in depression and anxiety symptomatology. While symptom type, doses per session, consumption method, and CBD levels were significant predictors of relief change, their effect sizes were small and should be interpreted with caution. At the user level, those who had positive relief outcomes in anxiety reported more doses and sessions, and those in the depression group reported more sessions. Our results generally support the therapeutic effectiveness of cannabis against depression/anxiety symptomatology. Future work should include standardized statistics and effect size estimates for a better understanding of each variable's practical contribution to this area of study.

Assessing the impact of irrigation and nitrogen management on potato performance under varying climate in the state of Florida, USA

Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer management in irrigated potato crops grown on sandy soils in subtropical regions such as in northeastern Florida, USA is essential to sustain a high yield and to minimize leaching. N applications in this region typically occur at approximately 25–30 days prior to planting (Npre), at emergence (Neme), and at tuber initiation (Nti). However, recent studies suggest that applying N near planting (Npl) enhances fertilizer N use efficiency (FNUE). We combined experimentation with modeling to assess irrigation and N management options for potato in northeastern Florida. We first aimed to evaluate the DSSAT/CSM-SUBSTOR-Potato model using two-year irrigated field experiments conducted on sandy soils with variable N rates and application timings. CSM-SUBSTOR-Potato accurately simulated aboveground plus tuber dry weight [Relative root mean squared error (RRMSE) = 26.4%, Willmott’s index (d) = 0.98] and N accumulation (RRMSE = 28.6%, d = 0.97). Soil moisture and mineral N were captured well overall, but they were often underestimated due to a water table influence that is currently not considered in DSSAT. Subsequently, CSM-SUBSTOR-Potato was applied to simulate tuber yield, N leaching, and FNUE under scenarios of irrigation scheduling and N-fertilizer application (rate/timing) strategies, focusing on Npre versus Npl aiming to improve resource use efficiency. The simulations indicated that a target of 60% and 70% of the available soil water can be safely used as an irrigation strategy to achieve a high yield, while reducing irrigation water applied and N leached to the environment. Overall Npl increased crop N uptake by 10%, tuber yield by 7%, reduced N leached by 13%, and consequently increasing FNUE by 9%, compared to Npre across the irrigation treatments. Thus, Npl should be preferred in sandy soils and climate-risky subtropical environments, along with Neme and Nti as key timings to synchronize N supply with potato growth.

Centipedegrass for Florida Lawns

Centipedegrass is a commonly grown, low input turfgrass used in landscapes throughout the state of Florida. This factsheet provide science based information on the culture and management of centipedegrass including mowing, irrigation, pest control, and cultural practices.

Raptor rehabilitation in Florida: Admission reasons, care duration, and release rates during the last fifteen years

Abstract Wildlife rehabilitators treat thousands of raptors yearly, providing an opportunity to better understand species’ biology, the changing environment, and the dangers raptors encounter in the wild. However, that data is siloed within individual facilities, making it challenging to understand the wider impact of rehabilitation and the dangers raptors face. Data were collected from 50 facilities across the state of Florida, United States of America, from 2009 to early 2023, representing 54,574 patients of 39 species. Patient intake at these facilities doubled between 2010 and 2020 over a relatively stable number of facilities (average = 31.5/year) with an average release rate of 36.6% (range 31.7 – 41.5%). Release rates varied significantly from 21% to 57% between species with over 100 recorded patients. Comparing release rates with the “cause for admission” provided a more nuanced understanding of what was affecting raptor patients and their release rates. Trauma was the most common cause of admission (40.2%) and has been relatively consistent year over year. For those patients with more specific identification attributes, 65% were male, 50% were adults, and patients spent an average of 16.6 days in care. The data provided in this study has the potential to make fundamental changes to raptor rehabilitation policies and encourage more collaboration between rehabilitators and researchers for the betterment of the patients in care.

Geographical Variation in Ophthalmological Care Correlates to Economic Well-being in Florida

Purpose: This study aims to quantify the relationship between economic disadvantage and access to eye care in the state of Florida by synthesizing multiple metrics of care. The access metrics presented can help policymakers target interventions to areas most in need and monitor progress towards improving access. Material and Methods: Data from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services were analyzed with the Distressed Community Index (DCI), a metric developed by Economic Innovation Group which stratifies zip codes into 5 levels of economic well-being. An association between DCI and eye providers per capita was assessed using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Included are the 920 Florida zip codes included in the Economic Innovation Group’s Distressed Community Index (DCI). The Economic Innovation Group states all zip codes in the United States with populations greater than 500 are included in the DCI data set. Results: In Florida, 42.6% of zip codes have neither an ophthalmologist nor an optometrist. Number of providers per capita significantly differs by DCI category (p<.001) with areas of lowest deprivation having an average of 0.23 ± 0.37 providers per thousand residents and areas of highest deprivation having 0.09 ± 0.19 providers per thousand. DCI quintiles of highest deprivation were significantly more likely to not have an eye provider (p<.001) with 30.5% of zip codes in the lowest deprivation quintile having no providers vs. 62.2% in that of the highest deprivation quintile. Discussion: Findings indicate that economically disadvantaged zip codes have significantly less access to eye care compared to their more affluent counterparts. Given that Florida has the highest current prevalence and projected per capita prevalence of visual impairment, investigation and efforts to maximize access to ophthalmological care is paramount.

(364) Development of a Men’s Health Report Card for the State of Florida

Abstract Introduction Collecting regional health data that identifies causes of morbidity and mortality is imperative in order to guide the planning and implementation of programs and policies that will ultimately improve men’s health. Unintentional impact accidents are a major source of morbidity and mortality for young males across the United States. Other potentially reversible behaviors that have adverse behaviors that n’s health include smoking, vaping, and failing to undergo recommended cancer screenings. Corroborating this data on a regional level within our state of Florida, as well as understanding the prevalence of activities and behaviors that may adversely impact men’s health is important to build a strategy that reverses these trends. Objective The overarching goal was to develop a Men’s Health Report Card for the State of Florida which elucidated important health data that could be used to drive an evidence-based men’s health initiative for our state. In this study, we sought to evaluate the impact of accidental injuries on mortality and define specifics associated with those accidental injuries that may be used to mitigate the incidence of accidental deaths, Methods Data was obtained from various sources to develop a Men's Health Report Card for the State of Florida. The sources include the United States Census Bureau (USCB), the State Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health (FDH). The demographic data obtained from the USCB includes information on the population size, age distribution, race, and ethnicity breakdown within Florida. FDH contributed health indicator data from multiple sources. This data includes information from death certificates, providing insight into the leading causes of death for men in Florida, including COVID-19 death reports specific to gender and age. USCB American Community Survey provides data on social determinants of health, such as high school graduation rates and income levels falling below the federal poverty guidelines. CDC National Center for Health Statistics Mortality in the United States Report provides data on life expectancy in Florida and the United States organized by race and sex. The data spanned from the years 2015 and 2018. Results Figure 1 highlights some of the important information that was gleaned with regard to the state of Men’s Health in Florida. On average, Floridian men had a 5- year shorter life expectancy at birth than their female counterparts. Leading causes of male deaths in our state include heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lung disease, and cerebrovascular disease. The relative incidence of these sources of mortality is age dependent. It is notable that among young males, ages 18-54 years old, unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide accounted for approximately 75% of male deaths. With respect to health behaviors: smoking and vaping, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, alcohol abuse, and not wearing a seat belt remain highly prevalent among Floridian males. Notable among the cancer screenings, 30% of Floridian men over 50 years have never had a colonoscopy and 40% of men 50 years and older have never had a serum PSA test. Finally, it is notable that 15% of Floridian males could not see a physician due to cost, and close to 20% had no healthcare insurance coverage. Conclusions The State of Florida Men’s Health Report card defines significant causes of morbidity and mortality for Floridian males. As can be seen in this report, many of the sources of morbidity and mortality arise from unhealthy lifestyle choices, which if addressed could potentially reverse some of these trends. Racial, ethnic, and geographic health disparities among Floridian males exist and will require further work in the future to remedy this situation. Disclosure No.

(351) Examining Sexual Well-Being in Cis-Gendered, HIV- Positive African American Women at-risk for Anal Cancer

Abstract Introduction Although considered to be relatively rare in women, the prevalence of anal cancer is high among persons living with HIV. According to the CDC, cis-gendered Black women accounted for 91% of all new HIV infections in the U.S., with the greatest concentration being in the Southern United States (U.S.). Anal cancer poses significant emotional, social, and physical challenges, with potential implications for their sexual health and overall well-being. The State of Florida, located in the Southern U.S. has one of the highest rates of anal cancer in the country. Our objective is to explore the intersection between anal cancer risk, depression and women’s sexual well-being, highlighting the various psychological factors that may influence quality of life and sexual function. Sexual dysfunction and anal cancer are both addressed late among Black women, compared to non-Hispanic White women. Anal cancer as well as sexual dysfunction decrease quality of life, and as black women are at a higher risk of both, it is imperative to address these two conditions in this specific population. An intervention is proposed, therefore, to implement an adaptation of an evidenced-based, online intervention that improves psychological well-being for a population of cis-gendered Black women with HIV. Objective The primary outcome of this pilot study is to assess intervention feasibility/acceptability in a clinic-based population of Black women with HIV, living in South Florida, co-diagnosed with ano-genital dysplasia. Secondary outcomes are to assess intervention effectiveness on depression, quality of life, and sexual well-being. Methods Baseline demographic profile (age, ethnicity), behavioral health (alcohol, smoking and illicit drug use), gynecological profile, depressive symptoms and sexual well-being will be collected for a total of N=30, cis-gendered women of Black race, with HIV. The online intervention will be conducted over a two-month period. Three months post-baseline, participants will be measured regarding depressive symptoms and sexual well-being. Chi-square or Fisher's Exact will compare categorical variables, and T-Tests will compare pre-intervention to post-intervention means. Given the exploratory nature of this study, significance will be assessed at p<0.10. Results Results Pending. Conclusions The current treatment options for anal cancer have a significant impact on women’s sexual well-being. Options for treatment include chemotherapy, radiation, and various surgical procedures. Women are oftentimes left in pain and discomfort from these procedures, leading to uncomfortable sexual intercourse as well as altered bowel function. Chemotherapy/radiation also contributes to increased fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and body image changes. All these factors have been found to decrease sexual desire. In addition, the literature points to significant, negative, change in psychological status, for women undergoing anal cancer treatment. Findings will elucidate the potential for the intervention to improve well-being among this population of women with HIV, at-risk for anal cancer. Disclosure No.

(365) Understanding Suicide Trends Among Floridian Males; An Essential Component of a Men’s Health Initiative

Abstract Introduction Collecting regional health data is imperative to guide the planning and implementation of programs and policies that will ultimately improve men’s health. Suicide is a leading cause of mortality among males of all age groups within the United States. Understanding the demographics of male suicide, as well as age, racial, and ethnic disparities is critical in developing targeted solutions to this devastating problem. Objective The objectives were to identify the magnitude of male suicide within the State of Florida in terms of overall incidence. Additionally, we sought to identify age, racial, and ethnic disparities within the state, as well as any potential trends in these variables. A description of the various disparities of the modality used to commit suicide was of interest, as well. Methods Data was obtained from the United States Census Bureau, the State Department of Health, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Included within a number of reports prepared by these organizations were demographic data on population size, age, race, and ethnicity within our state. The Florida Department of Health provided health indicator data from several different sources, which included death certificates and results from the 2015 and 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). The BRFSS is an annual random sample, state-based, telephone survey used to collect data from Florida residents regarding individual health practices and risk behaviors. Finally, we used the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ National Center for Health Statistics Mortality in the United States Report to obtain life expectancy at birth data in Florida and in the US by both race and sex. Causes of death for suicide were coded based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Comparative data was developed in the context of age, race/ethnicity, and mechanism of suicide. Results Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death in Floridian men ages 18-54, accounting for 1,700 deaths annually. Floridian males have more than three times the rate of suicide deaths compared to females. In 2021, non-Hispanic and White men had the highest suicide death rate per 100,000 individuals at 24.3 and 24 respectively compared to Black men at 10.3. (see Figure 1). In 2021, firearms were used in the majority of suicide deaths across the state and all age groups, accounting for 63%. Suffocation accounted for 21%, followed by poisoning at 8%. Conclusions This study corroborates national data suggesting that suicide is a major health problem that preferentially impacts males. Racial, ethnic, and geographic health disparities among Floridian males exist as demonstrated by accumulated data on suicide death rates. This data is extremely important for Men’s Health experts to recognize and understand. A continued focus on strengthening data and research on suicide is needed to provide prevention initiatives and strategies targeted towards these vulnerable populations. Disclosure No.

Abstract WMP84: The Impact of Pre-Morbid Antidepressant Exposure on the Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The Florida Stroke Registry

Antidepressants (AD), particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are amongst the most frequently prescribed medications. Concerns have been raised regarding their potential increased risk of bleeding complications including intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) as they are known to affect platelet function. In the large Florida Stroke Registry (FSR), we sought to determine if pre-morbid use of AD impacted the risk of ICH Methods: Data collected from Jan 2010-Jun 2023 in FSR, GWTG statewide stroke registry comprised of 170 hospitals in the state of Florida was used to identify ischemic (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke cases with and without prior use of AD. Multivariate regression with generalized estimating equations, were used to determine whether premorbid-AD use was associated with an increased risk of ICH vs. ischemic stroke Results: A total of 219,558 stroke cases were identified (mean age 70.26±14.45; 52% male), among those 14% had pre-morbid AD use (age 72.13±13.23, 39% male). Patients on pre-morbid AD (vs no AD) were more likely White (75% vs. 62%) female (61% vs. 46%), with higher rates of vascular risk factors [(HTN (83%), DM (40%), HLD (61%), prior TIA (39%)]. The percentage of ICH was 11% and 14% amongst AD users and non-AD users respectively. In a multivariate model adjusting by multiple covariates, prior use of AD was not associated with an increased likelihood of presenting with ICH as opposed to IS (OR=0.72, 0.42-1.21). In the sensitivity analysis of subgroups of patients with data regarding the class of AD (SSRIs, Non-SSRIs) (n=657) or prior antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapies (n=740) premorbid SSRI use (vs no AD use) was not associated with increase ICH risk (OR=1.39, 95%CI 0.81-2.38 and OR=0.84, 0.64-1.10) Discussion In this large registry-based study we did not find an association between prior use of AD and increased risk of ICH as opposed to IS. Additionally, our findings were consistent among stroke patients with prior use of either antiplatelet or anticoagulants. These findings challenge the prevailing literature notion that AD, particularly SSRIs are linked to an increased risk of hemorrhages of all type. However, clinicians should consider individual patient's presentation, comorbidities and preferences when prescribing AD

Temperature sensitive electricity demand and policy implications for energy transition: a case study of Florida, USA

The demand for electricity is soaring, propelled not only by population and GDP growth but also the pressing effects of climate change. This study seeks to address the uncertainties surrounding future electricity demand by projecting monthly consumption in Florida, USA, taking into account diverse climate scenarios and their potential impacts. Our approach involves utilizing the degree-day method and constructing an energy consumption regression model grounded in historical data. Key variables, including population, employment, GDP, electricity prices, temperature, and daylight hours, are systematically analyzed. This model acts as the fundamental basis for forecasting future electricity needs in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors across the state of Florida up to the year 2050, considering different climate scenarios. Under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenario, the residential sector foresees a substantial 63% increase in electricity demand from 2001–2019 to 2050. Under the more extreme RCP 8.5 scenario, this surge climbs to 65%. Meanwhile, the commercial and industrial sectors are expected to witness a 47% and 54% upswing in demand under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. Intriguingly, heightened demand for cooling during scorching summers outweighs the reduced need for heating in winter, particularly in the residential sector. The current renewable energy policies fall short of addressing the impending climate-driven surge in electricity demand. To combat this, our recommendation is the implementation of a Renewable Portfolio Standard, aimed at significantly enhancing the proportion of renewables in Florida's electricity mix. This paper concludes with a set of crucial policy recommendations, imperative for steering a sustainable transition to renewable energy and effectively managing the impacts of extreme heat on people's lives. These recommendations serve as a strategic roadmap for navigating the evolving landscape of electricity demand amidst the complex challenges posed by climate change.

Spatial Decision Support Systems for Study Critical Freight Corridors

Efficient freight mobility plays a major role in the economy, and its performance is closely related to the quality of the transportation system. Requirements for funding transportation infrastructure projects often do not specify the analytical tools planners should use to request funding. Critical Urban and Rural Freight Corridors are sections of the National Highway Freight Network providing critical connectivity of goods and must have improved system performance. This paper offers a method for identifying these corridors using a multi-criteria spatial decision support system (MC-SDSS). The developed framework attributes a score to highway corridors (links) based on policy eligibility and prioritization. We apply the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to structure the problem and consider different stakeholder preferences and available data. The product of this study is a tool for decision-makers to optimize the selection of critical freight corridors and analyze alternatives. Using the State of Florida as a case study, this study applied different scenarios to demonstrate the applicability of the method. Results show that the GIS-based MCDM was efficient in enabling comparison and automatization of the problem, which contains a large set of feasible corridors, multiple conflicting criteria, and several stakeholders involved. In contrast with the current State’s critical freight corridor designation process, the proposed approach is based on an automated method, making the corridor selection process faster and more comprehensive.

Safeguarding Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease From Climate-driven Extreme Heat and Hurricanes.

5wPatients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) who receive in-center hemodialysis are disproportionately vulnerable to extreme weather events, including hurricanes and heat waves, that may disrupt access to healthcare providers, and life-sustaining treatments. This current era of climate-driven compounding disasters is progressively elevating the level of threat to the health and well-being of patients with ESKD. This analysis brings together multi-disciplinary expertise to explore the contours of this increasingly complex risk landscape. Despite the challenges, important advances have been made for safeguarding this medically high-risk patient population. Hemodialysis services providers have devised innovative systems for preparing their patients and sustaining, or rapidly reestablishing, hemodialysis services in the aftermath of a disaster, and maintaining open lines of communication with their caseloads of ESKD patients throughout all phases of the event. A description of lessons learned along the path towards improved patient support in disasters, is provided. The article concludes with a detailed case example, describing dialysis providers' effective response throughout Hurricane Ian's passage across the State of Florida in 2022. Based on lessons learned, this analysis outlines strategies for protecting patients with ESKD that may be adapted for future climate-potentiated disaster scenarios.

Shortage of Black physicians: Florida Black medical student enrollment from 2013 to 2021

On average, Black patients have substantially better health outcomes when they are under the care of Black physicians. The percentage of Black physicians in America has remained at approximately 5% for nearly half a century, even though Black people comprise 14% of the United States population. We used data from the Association of American Medical Colleges and Florida medical schools to examine two important research questions. First, we hypothesized that since the state of Florida has the twelfth largest percentage of Black residents, Florida medical schools enrolled a higher percentage of Black first-year students compared to the national average. We found that Florida medical schools that provided data enrolled a higher percentage of Black first-year students (13.5%) than the national average (9%), which supported our first hypothesis. Second, we hypothesized that the percentage of Black first-year medical students enrolled nationally was higher in 2021 compared to 2013, correlating with the emergence and rise of social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter. We found that the national average of enrolled Black first-year medical students was 6% in 2013 and 9% in 2021, which supported our second hypothesis. An increase in the percentage of Black medical students and physicians could help diminish race-based health and class inequity in America, leading to a significant increase in the health of many Black people.

Diving for Data: Florida Sea Grant’s Great Goliath Grouper Count

Every summer, divers across Florida don their masks and fins and embark on a mission to provide data about one of the world’s largest groupers. The Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara, hereafter referred to as goliath grouper) is a large, long-lived reef species that can reach lengths exceeding 2 m and ages of at least 37 years (Bullock et al., 1992). Occurring in subtropical/​tropical waters of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, the species suffered significant overfishing and population declines through the 1980s. In 1990, the harvest of goliath grouper was prohibited in the United States, and the species remains protected from harvest in all federal waters of the United States at this time (although the state of Florida recently approved a limited, highly regulated harvest opportunity for goliath grouper in state waters; FWC, 2022). The state of Florida has historically been a center of abundance for this species, and although numbers have been rebuilding in some areas since the moratorium, stock assessment remains complicated and the status of the population is unclear (Koenig et al., 2011; SEDAR, 2016; Locascio et al., 2023).

Non-linear impacts of harmful algae blooms on the coastal tourism economy

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) occur in water bodies throughout the globe and can have multi-faceted impacts on tourism. However, little is known of the magnitude of economic losses to the tourism sector as a result of HABs. There is limited understanding of the empirical relationships between HAB intensity and duration, and the effects of this phenomenon on the tourism sector. This study is based in the state of Florida, USA, a notable sun, sand, and sea destination in the western hemisphere, where blooms of a marine harmful algae are a recurrent threat to coastal tourism. The empirical framework is based on a month and county-level panel database that combines sales by tourism-related businesses with observations from the official HAB surveillance system of the state of Florida. We use time and space fixed-effects regressions to estimate the loss in tourism revenue associated with one additional day of red tide. Results indicate that impacts of HABs on tourism do not follow a linear pattern with increasing HAB concentrations, but rather appear to follow an inverted-U pattern. In other words, higher concentrations of the HAB organism do not necessarily imply higher economic losses, suggesting that the impacts of HABs on tourism are not driven solely by the biophysical element of cell density. Rather, these impacts appear to be mediated and amplified by human dimensions. The loss to tourism-related businesses due to the 2018 Florida red tide bloom was estimated to be $2.7 billion USD, which implies that HABs and their impact on tourism can be considered as a potential ‘billion-dollar’ disaster.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Older adults who depend on others for care are especially vulnerable to harm in a disaster. However, the extent to which they are protected depends on the setting in which they live. State and federal regulations require nursing homes and assisted living communities to have preparedness plans that specifically address the needs of their residents. For older adults living at home, however, protections are far less prescriptive, and in some cases lacking altogether, despite the increasing numbers of disabled older adults receiving care in their homes. In this policy-based study, we examined disaster preparedness for community-dwelling older adults in high-disaster states with high populations of older adults. We found that while many of the states required home-based providers to respond to the post-disaster needs of their older adult clients, few took steps to ensure that before the storm they were prepared. In this study, the state of Florida was an exception, with policies calling for service providers to identify and contact at-risk clients before and after an event. The plan further identifies disaster preparedness as a key component of a livable community. Hurricane Ian struck Fort Myers, Florida, in September 2022. Older adults made up a majority of the 148 killed during and immediately after the storm. Many others lost their homes. In the context of this recent event, we will discuss not only the state and local policies, but the practices that affect the health and well-being of community-dwelling older adults faced with a major disaster.

PERCEIVED FEASIBILITY TO IMPLEMENT A TASK-ORIENTED EXERCISE PROGRAM BY FITNESS STAFF AT SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES

Abstract Older adults who relocate to senior living communities have a desire to maintain their independence. The fitness infrastructure within these communities is a great platform to deliver evidence-based exercise programs to support residents’ independence, especially for those who have experienced activity limitations. Task-oriented exercise incorporates daily activities into exercise strategies and has been recommended as an approach to reduce late-life disability. The current study used an interview research design to determine the feasibility of implementing 3-Step Workout for Life, a task-oriented program, in senior living communities. The 3-Step Workout for Life program consists of gym-based group resistance exercise and home-based one-on-one activity exercise. Fourteen fitness instructors from different communities, with independent living units, in the state of Florida completed the study. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and underwent thematic analysis. Instructors perceived the screening procedure to select and enroll residents in this program could help match residents to the right fitness program. The gym-based group resistance exercise is compatible with existing instructor-led fitness programs. Although instructors perceived the home-based one-on-one activity exercise positively, such as the potential benefits for frail residents who do not attend the gym, they acknowledged several barriers to implementing this exercise. Major barriers include their job responsibility restricting them from working in the resident’s home, their belief that activity exercise should be better delivered by a rehabilitation professional, and limited staff to support the one-on-one format. The next step is to collaborate with community stakeholders to address these barriers and build capacity to implement task-oriented exercise programs.

Stark differences in spatial gradients of Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) productivity in two Florida, USA, estuaries

The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a foundation species in U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coast estuaries because of its numerous ecosystem services and importance to local fisheries. Concerns about the persistence and sustainable harvesting of oysters in the state of Florida is growing due to environmental factors (e.g., increased predation, salinity, and disease) and increased harvesting pressure. Thus, we need to understand which estuary locations are best suited for conservation or restoration efforts. Here, we use a combination of field experiments and modeling to assess the potential oyster productivity at sites throughout two estuaries at the same latitude but in different ocean basins: Apalachicola Bay (Gulf of Mexico coast) and the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM, Atlantic coast). Our population model used the per-recruit approach from fisheries science, allowing us to combine field data on growth and mortality to estimate productivity (measured as lifetime spawning output) in an elegant way, without requiring assumptions about unknown larval supply processes. Subtidal Apalachicola Bay oysters exhibit an expected pattern, with greater productivity in the inner estuary nearer the river mouth and predation reducing productivity in the seaward direction. In contrast, intertidal GTM oysters do not exhibit strong spatial gradients, with little effect of predators and slightly higher productivity near the river mouth; intertidal oysters in Apalachicola exhibited similar productivity and lack of predator effect. We attribute these differences in oyster productivity to differences in tidal exposure, the predator community, and hydrology of oyster reefs at the two study sites. Thus, we would give diverging recommendations for spatial prioritization of restoration and conservation efforts. Additionally, these results lead us to caution against generalized statements about spatial patterns of oyster productivity within estuaries without consideration of the predation context.

Evaluation of Florida-grown Barley for Brewing Applications: Yield, Fermentability, and Volatile Compounds

The state of Florida ranks third in the United States in beer production by volume, yet does not boast a commercially viable barley crop. This presents a potential market for Florida-grown barley. Despite similarities between the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones of Florida and traditional barley-growing regions, there persists a lack of best management practices for the successful cultivation and establishment of a barley crop in Florida. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential viability of eight spring-type barley varieties grown in Florida by comparing crop yields, extract, fermentability, and volatile compounds. Barley is not a typical crop grown in Florida, however, the inclusion would provide welcome diversification options for Florida farmers to grow over winter. This study is an initial investigation into the use of Florida barley as an ingredient in beer production. The average yields of the eight varieties ranged from 31.5 ± 6.8 to 42.9 ± 11.8 bushels per acre (1,695–2,308 kg/ha) for the optimal planting dates, which are comparable to similar growing regions. Fine Grind (f.g.) extract concentrations were highest in Copeland, Esma, Pinnacle, and Opera barley varieties, ranging from 68.4 to 73.6% dry basis (d.b.). Concerning fermentability, Copeland and Esma had the lowest final attenuation among the Florida-grown barleys (1.51 and 1.92°P, respectively). There were minor differences in volatile compounds between the control and experimental barleys. The results of this study support the possible viability of Florida-grown barley for brewing applications that prioritize using local ingredients.