Impact of Outdoor Activities in Different Landscape Environments on the Physical and Mental Health of College Students

To investigate whether outdoor activities have an improvement effect on the emotions of young people and the differences in the impact of outdoor activities on the emotions of young people under different landscape environmental conditions,the participating students are asked to engage in outdoor activities in different landscape environments and divided into four groups.Each group is assigned to engage in outdoor activities in four types of landscape areas:open lawn area,low shrub area,dense forest area,and waterfront area.The activities include outdoor yoga and making leaf mandalas.The results show that outdoor yoga has the best effect on reducing pulse and blood pressure and regulating emotions in open lawn area and waterfront area,followed by leaf mantras in waterfront area and outdoor yoga in dense forest area.However,both activities have no significant effect in low shrub area.

Relationship between physical activity and specific working memory indicators of depressive symptoms in university students

BACKGROUND The detection rate of depression among university students has been increasing in recent years,becoming one of the main psychological diseases that endangers their physical and mental health.According to statistics,self-harm and suicide,for which there is no effective intervention,are the second leading causes of death.AIM To explore the relationship between different elements and levels of physical activity and college students’depression-symptom-specific working memory indicators.METHODS Of 143 college students were analyzed using the Beck Depression Self-Rating Scale,the Physical Activity Rating Scale,and the Working Memory Task.RESULTS There was a significant difference between college students with depressive symptoms and healthy college students in completing verbal and spatial working memory(SWM)tasks correctly(all P<0.01).Physical Activity Scale-3 scores were significantly and positively correlated with the correct rate of the verbal working memory task(r=0.166)and the correct rate of the SWM task(r=0.210)(all P<0.05).There were significant differences in the correct rates of verbal and SWM tasks according to different exercise intensities(all P<0.05)and different exercise durations(all P<0.05),and no significant differences in the correct rates of verbal and SWM tasks by exercise frequency(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION An increase in physical exercise among college students,particularly medium-and high-intensity exercise and exercise of 30 min or more,can improve the correct rate of completing working memory tasks.

Effects of Study-Abroad Experiences on Chinese Students’ L2 Learning Activities and Study-Abroad Motivations

This study explores how overseas exchange opportunities might influence Chinese students ’engagement in L2 learning activities and how far such opportunities may satisfy their motivation to study abroad. The analysis of the data, collected and filtered from carefully designed questionnaires and interviews, showed that students ’ L2 learning activities and study-abroad motivations underwent changes after their overseas experiences. Regarding the former, the overseas environment was the cause of the change because it provided students with more chances to talk with native speakers and increased the frequency of their using L2 in their daily life. Regarding the latter, the decline of the students ’ major study-abroad motivations was partly because they tended to treat L2 learning as a tool for realizing other goals and partly because the students had got other important motivations. In view of these findings, suggestions were raised to help future students get better prepared for their overseas study or short-term exchange life.

Research on the Improvement Path of the Mental Health of the Elderly From the Perspective of College Students’Volunteer Service Activities

The elderly are the main objects of college students’volunteer service activities.At present,there are various forms of college students’volunteer service activities,which are highly valued by colleges and universities and popular among college students.In order to further improve the mental health of the elderly,it could be achieved through paths like strengthening volunteering cooperation with aged services agencies,implementing the volunteer service mechanism of“one person-one file,one person-one policy”for the elderly,establishing a mental health mentor system for volunteer service activities,improving the mental health knowledge level of college student volunteers,carrying out a series of voluntary service activities with the theme of mental health,attaching importance on cultivating the positive and optimistic attitude of the elderly in volunteer service activities,and launching volunteer service activities to enrich the spiritual and cultural life of the elderly.

A Study on the Participation of Foreign Students in Local Cultural and Folk Activities in Wenzhou

The number of foreign students studying in Wenzhou, China has increased dramatically as a result of the Belt and Road Initiative. Learning the motivations and leisure constraints of foreign students' participation in local cultural and folk activities in Wenzhou is beneficial to promoting cultural adaptation, strengthening Chinese cultural self-confidence, and improving Wenzhou's international image. Based on the hierarchical model of leisure constraints (personal constraints, interpersonal constraints, and structural constraints), this study has tended to focus on the leisure constraints for foreign students participating in local folk and cultural activities in Wenzhou. A total of seven participants were included in the analysis.

Factors Related to Engaging in Physical Activity: A Mixed Methods Study of Female University Students

Objective: As a needs assessment for intervention, quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, knowledge, and weight control status related to physical activity in female university students within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A two-phase mixed method design was used. In Phase I, 362 students participated in an online survey, and in Phase II, 33 students participated in five focus group discussions. Ages of participants ranged from 18 to 45 years old, with 18 - 25 year olds making up over 74% of the sample. Results: Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, along with weight control status of trying to lose weight, were found to be significant predictors of intention to follow physical activity recommendations, which in turn were the strongest predictor of physical activity. Knowledge was not found to be significant. Group discussions revealed barriers to meeting physical activity recommendations, which included lack of companionship and social support, lack of motivation, time and cost restrictions, and lack of privacy in the gym. Social norms exerted both positive and negative influences. Conclusion: The mixed method approach provided a deeper insight into the influential factors pertaining to physical activity among female students, and results could be used in further research to develop effective interventions.

Open Approach-Based Subject Matter： A New Aspect of Mathematical Activity Fostering Students＇ Creativity

This study compares the subject matter appeared on traditional Thai textbooks and Japanese textbooks and analyzes how extension and integration sequence on Japanese textbooks evokes students＇ mathematical creativity. The data were collected from the series of four lessons in the fifth grade by teaching experiment methodology conducted following the professional development project implemented lesson study and open approach in Thailand. The results show that extension and integration sequence is an appropriate subject matter to generate lesson for problem-solving classroom. The sequence of lesson leads students to excitement, curiosity, confidence and intimacy in mathematics that are powerful effects of mathematical creativity. Students can produce the different and various ways to solve problems that indicate their divergent thinking.

Psychological Study on the Influence of Physical Exercise on College Students’ Anxiety

This study aims to explore the impact of physical exercise on the anxiety level of college students.We collected physical exercise data and anxiety self-assessment results from college students of different grades,genders,and ages from multiple universities in Guangdong Province through a questionnaire survey.The study used standardized scales to evaluate participants’physical exercise types,frequencies,intensities,and anxiety levels.The data analysis results showed that there is a significant negative correlation between college students’physical exercise and anxiety level,that is,the more frequent and intense the physical exercise,the lower the anxiety level.In addition,there are differences in the effect of different types of physical exercises on anxiety relief,with aerobic exercises such as running and swimming showing more significant anxiety-relieving effects.The research results provide valuable references for psychological health education and anxiety intervention strategies in universities and suggest promoting physical exercise to effectively alleviate college students’anxiety.

A Study on Effective Strategies for Improving English Writing and Teaching to College Students

This paper studies how to effectively improve the English writing skills of college students.It introduces the importance of English writing skills and the current situation,and finds that college students generally have problems such as insufficient vocabulary and frequent grammatical errors;it analyses the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and modern teaching methods,with the traditional method focusing too much on the form,while the modern method may neglect the consolidation of basic knowledge and personalized needs.Effective strategies for university students are proposed,including classroom teaching,personalised instruction and practical activities.In classroom teaching,writing tasks with practical application scenarios are designed and diversified teaching methods are used.In personalised instruction,students’needs are understood and targeted instruction is provided.In practical activities,diverse writing tasks are designed and effective feedback mechanisms are established.Finally,the contributions of the study and future research directions are summarised.

Situational interest impacts college students’physical activity in a design-based bike exergame

Background:Active videogames or exergames have been used as an innovative way to promote physical activity(PA)among various populations.A player’s interest in active videogames is associated with the fun and entertaining nature of the games and may trigger situational interest,thus increasing engagement.The goal of this study was to examine the impact of situational interest dimensions on college students’PA when playing the design-based bike exergame Greedy Rabbit(Vescape,Berlin,Germany).Methods:Sixty undergraduate students(age:20.8±1.3 years,mean±SD,18-25 years old;51.7%males)were recruited from the kinesiology department of a university located in the southern region of Belgium.The participants were assigned to an experimental group(n=41)or a control group(n=19)based on an incremental cycling test.Students in the experimental group engaged in 1 session of Greedy Rabbit(Vescape)while students in the control group engaged in 1 session of a placebo version of Greedy Rabbit(Vescape).The length of the sessions ranged from 24 min to 31 min.Results:Results for the control group indicated that the players’PA metrics(cadence:F(19,360)=1.43,p=0.11;heart rate:F(19.360)=1.16,p=0.29;oxygen consumption:F(19,360)=0.83,p=0.67)were stable during the exergame.Results for the experimental group demonstrated the effects of time on the players’PA metrics and revealed significant associations between the change in the players’situational interest dimensions and PA metrics(cadence:F(19,800)=26.30,p<0.01;heart rate:F(19,800)=19.77,p<0.01;oxygen consumption:F(19,800)=10.04,p<0.01).Conclusion:An approach using a design-based exergame may be a relevant strategy for promoting levels of PA that yields positive health-related outcomes among college students.

Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity and Related Factors in Spanish University Students

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of readiness of change for physical activity (PA), sociodemographic factors, lifestyle and physical activity status (PAS) on perceived barriers among Spanish university students. Participants: Seven hundred and seventy two (n = 772) men and women ages 17-39 at a north-west regional university in Spain participated in the study. Methods: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the States of Change for Physical Activity Behaviour Questionnaire and the Self-perceived Barriers for Physical Activity Questionnaire were used. Description, correlation and multiple regression analyses were completed. Results: Participants self-perceived low average-score barriers (2.6 ± 1.4 over 10.0). The 3-higher scores barriers corresponded to “too much work”;“lack of time for exercise” and “laziness”. Gender, PAS and self-perceived health were shown to be associated with perceived barriers. Conclusions: University institutions should consider those factors that predict barriers to PA to develop effective intervention programs.

Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Black and White Female College Students at Two- and Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Objective: We compared fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, physical activity (PA), and overweight/ obesity among Black and White females attending two- and four-year colleges. Methods: We recruited 24,055 students at six colleges in the Southeast to complete an online survey, yielding 4840 responses (20.1% response rate). The current analyses focused on the 2276 Black and White females. Results: Binary logistic regression analyses indicated that recommended FV intake among White females was associated with greater extraversion (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.00, 1.11, p = 0.05) and greater conscientiousness (OR = 1.08, CI 1.02, 1.14, p = 0.01), whereas among Black females correlates included greater openness to experience (OR = 1.08, CI 1.01, 1.15, p = 0.03). Ordinal logistic regression analyses indicated that, among White females, greater PA was associated with attending a four-year college (Beta = 0.27, CI 0.01, 0.53, p = 0.04), whereas among Black females, correlates were with younger age (Beta = -0.01, CI -0.17, -0.03, p = 0.003) and greater emotional stability (Beta = 0.07, CI 0.01, 0.13, p = 0.02). Binary logistic regression analyses indicated that, among White females, being overweight or obese was associated with older age (OR = 1.08, CI 1.01, 1.16, p = 0.03), attending a two-year college (OR = 1.62, CI 1.22, 2.16, p = 0.001), and lower satisfaction with life (OR = 0.96, CI 0.94, 0.98, p = 0.002), whereas among Black females, being overweight or obese was associated with older age (OR = 1.87, CI 1.10, 1.28, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Identifying factors related to obesity-related factors is critical in developing interventions targeting factors associated with overweight and obesity among Black and White females attending two- and four-year colleges. Moreover, understanding different college settings and the contextual factors associated with overweight/obesity is critical.

Physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors in university students in the city of Leon, Mexico

Objectives: Recent changes in life style have increased obesity, smoking and sedentary habits in the entire population. Obesity and overweight frequency have trebled in Mexico in the last few decades. The presence and frequency of cardiovascular risk factors were determined in students at the Universidad DeLa Salle Bajío, both newly admitted and in advanced years. Material and methods: Anthropometric variables, serum glucose, total cholesterol levels, blood hemoglobin and hematocrit were obtained and assessed in 4814 students, 1507 recently admitted and 1507 advanced students. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 15.3%, sedentariness 33.8%, hypercholesterolemia 8.16%, smoking habits 15.8%, and alcohol consumption 12.1%. Body mass index (BMI) (23.5 ± 4 vs. 22.7 ± 4), waist/ abdomen index (0.84 ± 0.06 vs. 0.83 ± 0.06) and serum cholesterol (3.54 mmol/L ± 0.79 vs. 3.98 mmol/L ± 0.77) were greater in the advanced students

Body Shape Dissatisfaction, Weight Status and Physical Activity among a Sample University Students in Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of body shape dissatisfaction, weight and physical activity status among university students and predictors for body shape dissatisfaction. A cross sectional study was carried out in a sample comprising of 368 female and male university students aged 18 years or more at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. Body weight, height, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and physical activity level were used as assessment tools. Chi-square and independent sample T-test were used to assess gender difference. Linear regression analysis was conducted to examine predictors of the body shape dissatisfaction. Overall, 65% of students had normal BMI, more males then females overweight (23%), while more females underweight (16.8%). Females have higher body shape dissatisfaction (33.5%) then males (21.4%), half of males inactive and this percentage increased in females to (73.8%). Overweight males were more dissatisfied with their body shape (10.7%) than females (6.3%). Almost one fifth of inactive males dissatisfied comparable to quarter inactive females dissatisfied with their body shape. Younger age is predictor for body shape dissatisfaction in both genders, also weight in males. BMI and being married female was predictor for body shape dissatisfaction. Collectively results indicate that body shape dissatisfaction and inactive lifestyle were prevalent among females than male’s age, weight;BMI and marital status was the most predictor for body shape dissatisfaction. However developing educational program to promote body shape satisfaction and active lifestyle will be very useful especially among females.

Using Teacher Goal Boards to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity among Elementary Students

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and understand the potential impact on elementary students’ perceptions of, and intentions related to, healthy eating and physical activity when their classroom teacher sets and shares goals related to these health behaviors. Methods: Participants in this study included 16 teachers and 229 students of grades 3 - 6 at a large elementary school in the Western United States. Participating students were surveyed before and after a six-week intervention conducted by classroom teachers that consisted of a weekly displaying of Teacher Goal Boards in a prominent classroom location and sharing of goals set for the week. Teacher reports of the previous week’s goals occurred each Monday prior to sharing and posting of new goals for the new week. Results: Respondents reported significantly higher post-test values for over half of pre-post comparisons. Respondents were more likely to intend to be physically active (post = 52.6% vs. pre = 39.0%, p = 0.003), to eat nutritious foods (52.0% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.001), and to maintain a healthy body weight (62.8% vs. 52.2%, p = 0.022). Similar results were found for summary measures. Intention to be physically active, to eat healthy, to maintain a healthy weight, as well as descriptive norms for physical activity and perception and value of personal health behaviors were all significantly higher at post-test. Discussion: This study and its findings are significant because teacher participants were able to significantly and positively impact on students’ behavioral intent, subjective norms, and perception and value of personal health behaviors amongst students without spending additional time on formal health promotion and education instruction. Conclusion: Schools should incentivize and encourage faculty and staff to engage in a variety of health behaviors to improve both personal health outcomes and role model health behaviors for students.

Investigating College Students’ Diet and Physical Activity Behaviors Regarding Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention in China

We aimed to investigate if college students’ dietary and physical activity adhered to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines, the Composing Editorial Board of Physical Activity Guidelines, and WHO recommendation for NCDs prevention. Methods: A 3-day (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) 24-hour (24-HRs) dietary recall was conducted to record details of participants’ food consumption. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to examine the influence of the identified demographic variables (including BMI, gender, major, family monthly income, and place of household registration) on the 8 food groups’ consumption. We analyzed the effect of the various demographic variables on sodium intake by the student’s t-test. The questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form, was utilized to assess participants’ physical activity (PA) level. The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney was applied to analyze participants’ physical activity. Results: Our research indicated participants consumed much fewer fruits and vegetables and excessive meats on average for both males and females regarding NCDs prevention. Conclusion: Participants’ dietary intake did not comply with the Chinese Dietary Guide-lines recommendation for chronic diseases prevention. Nutrition knowledge and health education are needed for college students. .

Physical Activity and Leisure in the Daily Life of Nursing Students

The aim of this paper was to describe the routine of Brazilian nursing students, identifying the activities that are part of their daily life, highlighting how much time they dedicate for physical activity practice in their leisure time. The participants of this cross-sectional study were 141 nursing students from a public university in the State of São Paulo. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, three closed questions about physical activities and one open question in which the students described their daily life activities. For analysis, we used the chi-squared-test and content analysis. Although academic, household and work activities take up most of the students’ week, some dedicate a portion of their daily live to enjoy leisure periods with physical activities, sedentary behavior and sociocultural activities. Some options of activities seem to be related to Brazilian cultural aspects that are pointed out in this paper. Some recommendations were made, aiming at improving the health of students as well as the importance of a healthier school environment.

Correlation and pathways of behavioral activation systems mediating physical activity level and depressive symptoms among college students

BACKGROUND Depression is a common mental disorder among college students.The main symptoms include being persistent low mood,sad emotional experiences,lack of pleasure,listlessness,and impaired cognitive function accompanied by tendencies of self-harm and suicide.AIM To clarify the pathways and effects of the behavioral activation system between physical activity and depressive symptoms in college students with depressive symptoms.METHODS This cross-sectional research screened 3047 college students.Of these,472 had depressive symptoms,with a depression detection rate of 15.49%.Furthermore,442 college students with depressive symptoms were analyzed.A one-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation,linear regression,and structural equation modeling analyses were used to explore the correlations and pathways of the interactions between the variables.RESULTS Depressive symptoms were significantly negatively correlated with physical activity(r=-0.175,P<0.001),the behavioral activation system(r=-0.197,P<0.001),and drive(r=-0.113,P=0.017).Furthermore,it was negatively correlated with fun-seeking(FS)(r=-0.055,P=0.251);however,it was not significant.Physical activity was significantly positively correlated with reward responsiveness(RR)(r=0.141,P=0.003)and drive(r=0.124,P=0.009)and not significantly positively correlated with FS(r=0.090,P=0.058).The mediating effect of RR between physical activity and depressive symptoms was significant[B=-0.025,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-0.051 to-0.008,P=0.001].The direct and total effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms and were significant(B=-0.150,95%CI:-0.233 to-0.073,P<0.001;B=-0.175,95%CI:-0.260 to-0.099,P<0.001),respectively.CONCLUSION As physical activity levels increased,depression scores among college students decreased.The mediating effect of RR between physical activity and depressive symptoms was significant.Therefore,colleges and universities should encourage college students with depression to increase their physical activity and improve their behavioral activation system.Particular attention should be paid to RR,which may reduce the prevalence of depressive symptoms.

An Empirical Study on Promoting Students’ Active Participation under“Task-based Teaching”in Adult ESL Classrooms

This paper focuses on a beginner adult ESL classroom aiming to enhance their participation under the guidance of“taskbased teaching”method. By incorporating three strategies of priming students to elicit their prior knowledge on certain topic, designing a sequence of tasks to scaffold students for the final produce and modelling with lower level students to ensure their under? standing of task instructions, the activeness could see a significant increase.

Professional values in nursing students in Jordan:baccalaureate nursing students’perception

Objective:Baccalaureate degree curricula consist of several professional values required for nursing students,which are taught in many ways.This study aimed to explore the perception of baccalaureate Jordanian nursing students regarding professional values and to assess the relationship between students’demographics and their perception of professional values.Methods:The study design was a descriptive,cross-sectional correlational design.A convenience sample of 182 Jordanian undergraduate nursing students enrolled at one of the most prominent universities in Jordan who completed and submitted a self-administered Nurses’Professional Values Scale(NPVS)was considered for this study.Results:The NPVS total score ranged from 37 to 130,with a relatively high total score mean(99.68 with a mean of 3.83 out of 5).The highest score domain in NPVS was“Justice”with a mean of 3.97,while the lowest ranked domain was“Activism”with a mean of 3.69.The correlation coefficient showed no statistically significant correlation between age nor accumulative students’average with a total score of Nurses Professional Values Scale-revised(NPVS-R)and its subdomains.The t test results showed that gender and type of students’enrollment(regular vs.upgrading)did not affect the means of NPVS-R and its subdomains.But differences were found to be statistically significant between the means of first year students and fourth year students in the total score of NPVS-R.Conclusions:Findings of the study alert nursing educators to pay more attention to the importance of promoting the values related to“activism”and“professionalism”among nursing students.Suggestions for enhancing the roles of peer supervision and providing peer review to colleagues would contribute to improving nursing students’performance and raising self-awareness because when nursing educators pay more attention to the items of these domains,better future nursing professionals,leaders,and researchers can be gained.Also,understanding nursing students’perceptions of the importance of professional values and the difficulties in its application would be vital to enlighten educators about the areas that need improvement.