Mindfulness is a critical dimension in current school physical activity programs (e.g., physical education, intramural, and interscholastic physical activities). School physical activity programs are a key vehicle used in developing healthy active lifestyles among children and youth; however, the absence of mindfulness in these programs has given rise to numerous problems (such as body-mind dualism and stress) that interfere with attaining program objectives. This paper discusses what mindfulness is, why it is needed, and how mindfulness can be integrated into school physical activity programming. The integration of mindfulness can help develop a healthy lifestyle for a whole child; in turn, our school physical activity programs can be re-conceptualized and transformed to deliver this objective on a perpetual basis.

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Due to the key roles of auxins as master regulators of plant growth, there is considerable interest in the development of compounds with auxin-like properties for growth management and weed control applications. Herein, we describe the design and multistep synthesis of ten compounds bearing combinations of functional groups commonly associated with auxin-type properties. Following synthesis, these compounds were tested against multiple weed species as well as sweet corn. In general, while these structures were not quite as active as commercial auxin mimic herbicides, multiple compounds exhibited broadleaf weed activity with concurrent selectivity in sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharum). In addition, differential results were observed upon subtle changes to structure, providing insights into the structural properties required for activity.

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Heterocyclic changes in the chemical structure of existing herbicides may provide new options for weed management. Pyridine and pyrimidine analogues of dichlobenil were evaluated for weed control in ornamental production. All compounds were preemergently applied at 1, 5, and 10 kg/ha to large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and Japanese holly (Ilex crenata). The pyrimidine analogue, 4,6-dichloropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile, controlled large crabgrass and common purslane similar to the active ingredient in dichlobenil at 10 kg/ha.