Niche Theory Analysis of Sustainable Strategic Relationships among MICE Destinations: A Case of New Zealand

This study aimed to analyze the competitive relationship among meetings, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) destinations with reference to the notion of niche businesses in New Zealand; and to explore the existence of cooperative strategies between neighboring destinations. The data were collected from Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Reports on the Convention Activity Survey (CAS) in New Zealand. The study contributes towards an innovative and better understanding of the dynamics of sustainable destination competitiveness. It broadens the scope of MICE industry research by exploring new insights on the notion of destination competition and makes a theoretical connection between niche theory and the importance of coopetition. By investigating the case of MICE destinations of four northern central islands in New Zealand, this study provides information on the strategic significance of niche marketing for global destinations preparing for entrance into this market.

An entrepreneurial activity implementation and assessment among pharmacy students amid the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

Objective: To implement and assess innovation and entrepreneurship (IE) learning experience in professional pharmacy students using presentations based on the Shark Tank model. Methods: First-year doctor of pharmacy students were invited to participate in an IE learning experience emphasising the importance of self-care needs of the society during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Students’ proposals were assessed by Sharks (inquisitors) based on a grading rubric, and a post-activity survey captured students’ reflections of their experience. Results: Twelve students participated in the IE activity, and presented their proposals virtually in a Shark Tank style format. Students’ scores for the proposals ranged from 87.5% (capable entrepreneurs) to 56.8% (incapable entrepreneurs), with the winner receiving a gift certificate. Survey ratings given by students on a scale of one to five for the IE activity were overwhelmingly favourable, with both the activity (4.73 (1.09)) and presentation style (4.27 (0.37)) viewed to be timely and relevant. Conclusion: An IE learning activity was implemented and assessed in the pharmacy programme using Shark Tank style presentations. The authors believe such initiatives, conducted either virtually or face-to-face, could serve as prototypes for professional pharmacy schools interested in creating exciting ways to implement IE activities in their programmes.

Development of Online Child Support Activities by Older Adults; An Action Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Japanese communities have been attempting a novel type of childcare support, wherein community-dwelling older adults form a specialized group (support group) that aims to provide child support activities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the group gathered children and mothers in community spaces and conducted events. However, on-site support had to be halted due to the pandemic. In this study, we report a case of action research aimed at shifting the activities online. First, a suitable online support plan was explored by hosting several discussions with child-rearing mothers. A questionnaire survey was then conducted to determine the most-sought intervention contents (N=19). Finally, based on the results, an intervention was conducted. As a result of the discussions, the hosting of online programs was set as the main goal. Out of the ten activities studied, the three most popular activities were programming (n=17), English conversation (n=16), and science workshop (n=15). Based on the results, an online science workshop that built a Bottleium, a small aquarium using a bottle, was hosted. Eight children participated in the event. A post-activity survey revealed that all participants attended the online activity for the first time, and the parents were happy to have joined the activity that entertained their child during the quarantine period. Furthermore, focus group interviews were conducted with the support group; they reported being satisfied with the outcome and recognized the importance of their role as member of support group. The results suggest the positive effect of this project on both older adults and the children.

An Ultra-Processed Food Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Lower Diet Quality in Portuguese Adults and the Elderly: The UPPER Project

This study aimed to identify dietary patterns (DPs) and their associations with sociodemographic factors and diet quality in Portuguese adults and the elderly. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2015–2016), with two non-consecutive dietary 24 h recalls. Food items were classified according to the NOVA system and its proportion (in grams) in the total daily diet was considered to identify DPs by latent class analysis, using age and sex as concomitant variables. Multinomial logistic and linear regressions were performed to test associations of DPs with sociodemographic characteristics and diet quality, respectively. Three DPs were identified: “Traditional” (higher vegetables, fish, olive oil, breads, beer and wine intake), “Unhealthy” (higher pasta, sugar-sweetened beverages, confectionery and sausages intake) and “Diet concerns” (lower intake of cereals, red meat, sugar-sweetened and alcoholic beverages). “Unhealthy” was associated with being younger and lower intake of dietary fiber and vitamins and the highest free sugars and ultra-processed foods (UPF). “Diet concerns” was associated with being female and a more favorable nutrient profile, but both DPs presented a higher contribution of UPF than the “Traditional” DP. These findings should be considered for the design of food-based interventions and public policies for these age groups in Portugal.

Diet Quality of Australian Children and Adolescents on Weekdays versus Weekend Days: A Secondary Analysis of the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011–2012

Daily routines may influence children and adolescents’ eating patterns, however the influence of days of the week on dietary intake has rarely been explored. This study aimed to examine discretionary choices intake in the context of diet quality on weekdays versus weekends. A secondary analysis was conducted using the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011–2012. Differences in discretionary choices intake and diet quality on weekdays versus weekends, were examined using ANCOVA analyses. Associations between child and parent-proxy characteristics and weekday/weekend discretionary choices intake were examined using multivariable regression models. Primary analyses included 2584 Australian 2–17-year-olds. There were small differences in discretionary choices intake and diet quality between weekdays and weekends in all age subgroups. Compared to weekdays, intakes on weekends were characterized by a higher intake of discretionary choices, and lower total Dietary Guidelines Index for Children and Adolescents (DGI-CA) scores across the age subgroups (all p < 0.01). Parent-proxy discretionary choices intake and child age were predictors of weekday and weekend discretionary choices intake. Parent-proxy obesity weight status compared with healthy weight status was a predictor of weekend intake, while parent-proxy education level was a predictor of weekday discretionary choices intake. Future intervention strategies should target discretionary choices intake on both weekdays and weekends.

Consumption of avocado and associations with nutrient, food, and anthropometric measures in a representative survey of Australians: a secondary analysis of the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey

Avocados are a rich source of nutrients including monounsaturated fats, dietary fibre, potassium and magnesium, as well as phytochemicals. However, no epidemiological analysis for the associations between avocado consumption and participant anthropometric measures has been conducted in Australia. The present study aimed to perform a secondary analysis of the 2011-2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) to quantify avocado consumption in the Australian population and explore the associations between avocado intakes, consumption of nutrients and food groups based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs) and anthropometric measurements. Usual avocado consumption in the 2011–2012 NNPAS was determined using the multiple source method regression model. The relationship between avocado consumption and intakes of key nutrients and food groups, and participant weight, BMI and waist circumference were examined using linear regression. Mean avocado intake was 2.56 (95% CI: 2.37, 2.75) grams per day with 15.9 % of Australians considered to be ‘avocado consumers’ (n=21,526,456 population size; n=12,153 observations). Greater consumption (g) of avocados was associated with significantly higher consumption of monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, dietary fibre, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium, as well as ‘whole grains’, ‘vegetables’, ‘fruit’ and ‘meat and alternatives’ food groups. Greater consumption (g) avocados was associated with significantly lower consumption of carbohydrates and discretionary foods. When adjusted for covariates, greater consumption of avocados was significantly associated with a lower body weight (p=0.034), BMI (p<0.001), and waist circumference (p<0.001). Avocados may be incorporated into an eating pattern, and may be beneficial in weight management.

The food and nutrient intake of 5- to 12-year-old Australian children during school hours: a secondary analysis of the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey

Objective: School food intake of Australian children is not comprehensively described in literature, with limited temporal, nationally representative data. Greater understanding of intake at school can inform school-based nutrition promotion. This study aimed to describe the dietary intake of primary-aged children during school hours and its contribution to daily intake. Design: This secondary analysis used nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the 2011 to 2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Dietary intake was assessed using validated 24-h dietary recalls on school days. Descriptive statistics were undertaken to determine energy, nutrients, food groups and food products consumed during school hours, as well as their contributions to total daily intake. Associations between school food intake and socio-demographic characteristics were explored. Setting: Australia. Participants: Seven hundred and ninety-five children aged 5–12 years. Results: Children consumed 37 % of their daily energy and 31–43 % of select nutrient intake during school hours, with discretionary choices contributing 44 % of school energy intake. Most children consumed less than one serve of vegetables, meat and alternatives or milk and alternatives during school hours. Commonly consumed products were discretionary choices (34 %, including biscuits, processed meat), bread (17 %) and fruit (12 %). There were limited associations with socio-economic position variables, apart from child age. Conclusions: Children’s diets were not aligned with national recommendations, with school food characterised by high intake of discretionary choices. These findings are consistent with previous Australian evidence and support transformation of the Australian school food system to better align school food consumption with recommendations.

1431Dietary patterns and diet quality of Portuguese children and adolescents: the UPPER project

Background Based on a classification that considers the nature, extent and purpose of food processing, this study aims to identify dietary patterns (DPs) and their associations with diet quality. Methods Sample from the 2015-2016 National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 1153;3-17y). Dietary intake from 2 non-consecutive 24h-recalls. Foods classified by NOVA system into 42 subgroups from 4 groups: unprocessed/minimally processed (G1), processed culinary ingredients (G2), processed (G3) and ultra-processed (UPF) (G4). Percentage of grams related to total daily grams consumed were considered to identify DPs by latent class analysis. Adjusted linear regressions were performed to test association with nutritional indicators. Results Subjects followed 3 DPs: “Unhealthy” (51%), “Traditional” (36%), and “Dairy” (13%). Consumption in NOVA groups/subgroups differentiated them: “Unhealthy”, high in G4 and low in G1; “Traditional”, high in G1, G2 and G3, but also some subgroups from G4; and “Dairy”, high in milk, yogurt and milk-based beverages from G1 or G4 and low in most G3 subgroups. Energy from UPF represented 39% in “Unhealthy” and 34-35% in “Traditional” and “Dairy”. Compared to “Traditional” DP, “Unhealthy” was higher in free sugars, and lower in fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, folates, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. “Dairy” had lower total energy, energy density, fats and sodium, and higher carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Conclusions “Unhealthy” had the worst nutrient profile, although all DPs presented significant consumption of UPF. This should be considered in food-based interventions and school-feeding policies. Key messages Half of Portuguese &lt;18 years presented an “Unhealthy” DP.