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Few studies have focused on proportional control with multi-channel electromyographic (EMG) pattern recognition systems. In a simple proportional control algorithm, movement speed is often calculated by averaging the mean absolute values of all EMG channels. The aim of our study was to compare the performance of two types of pattern recognition control (simple proportional and binary on/off) to direct proportional control. Six EMG channels were collected from non-targeted forearm muscles of four healthy subjects. Subjects were prompted to perform eight medium force isometric repetitions of the following contractions: wrist flexion/extension, wrist pronation/supination, hand open/close, and no movement (rest). Control performances were measured during a one-dimensional position-tracking task using a custom-made graphical user interface. The results show that a simple proportional control algorithm for the pattern recognition system outperformed binary on/off control and was comparable to the performance achieved with direct proportional control.

Aim The aim of this study was to survey practice nurses in 2007 and 2012 to ascertain whether they are adequately equipped with knowledge, skills and resources, to provide nutrition education to people with type 2 diabetes in the Wellington region. Methods A self‐administered questionnaire was posted to 151 practice nurses in 2007 and a revised questionnaire to 150 practice nurses in 2012. Results Practice nurses continue to provide most of the dietary advice in general practices. Changes over the 5‐year period saw more nurses educating on hypoglycaemia, carbohydrate and alcohol. In most cases, appropriate resources are being used, with Diabetes NZ being the most popular source of patient resources. The number of nurses assessing the patients' diet and feeling confident in giving dietary education may have decreased over the 5‐year period. Conclusions Areas that could be addressed in future training sessions include giving culturally specific dietary advice, quick nutrition assessment skills, simple nutrition education techniques and ways to support patients to lose weight.

Innovative approaches to childhood obesity prevention are warranted in early care and education (ECE) settings, since intervening early among youth is recommended to promote and maintain healthy behaviors. The objective of the Meals for Good pilot was to explore feasibility of implementing a food bank-based catering model to ECE programs to provide more nutritious meals, compared to meals brought from home (a parent-prepared model). In 2014–2015, a 12-month project was implemented by a food bank in central Florida in four privately-owned ECE programs. An explanatory sequential design of a mixed-methods evaluation approach was utilized, including a pre-post menu analysis comparing parent-prepared meals to the catered meals, and stakeholder interviews to determine benefits and barriers. The menu analysis of lunches showed daily reductions in calories, fat, and saturated fat, but an increase in sodium in catered meals when compared to parent-prepared meals. Interviews with ECE directors, teachers, parents, and food bank project staff, identified several benefits of the catered meals, including healthfulness of meals, convenience to parents, and the ECE program's ability to market this meal service. Barriers of the catered meals included the increased cost to parents, transportation and delivery logistics, and change from a 5 to a 2-week menu cycle during summer food service. This pilot demonstrated potential feasibility of a food bank-ECE program partnership, by capitalizing on the food bank's existing facilities and culinary programming, and interest in implementing strategies focused on younger children. The food bank has since leveraged lessons learned and expanded to additional ECE programs.

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