Aspects of Particle Physics Beyond the Standard Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Xiaochuan

This dissertation describes a few aspects of particles beyond the Standard Model, with a focus on the remaining questions after the discovery of a Standard Model-like Higgs boson. In specific, three topics are discussed in sequence: neutrino mass and baryon asymmetry, naturalness problem of Higgs mass, and placing constraints on theoretical models from precision measurements. First, the consequence of the neutrino mass anarchy on cosmology is studied. Attentions are paid in particular to the total mass of neutrinos and baryon asymmetry through leptogenesis. With the assumption of independence among mass matrix entries in addition to the basis independence, Gaussian measure is the only choice. On top of Gaussian measure, a simple approximate U(1) flavor symmetry makes leptogenesis highly successful. Correlations between the baryon asymmetry and the light-neutrino quantities are investigated. Also discussed are possible implications of recently suggested large total mass of neutrinos by the SDSS/BOSS data. Second, the Higgs mass implies fine-tuning for minimal theories of weak-scale supersymmetry (SUSY). Non-decoupling effects can boost the Higgs mass when new states interact with the Higgs, but new sources of SUSY breaking that accompany such extensions threaten naturalness. I will show that two singlets with a Dirac mass can increase the Higgs mass while maintaining naturalness in the presence of large SUSY breaking in the singlet sector. The modified Higgs phenomenology of this scenario, termed "Dirac NMSSM", is also studied. Finally, the sensitivities of future precision measurements in probing physics beyond the Standard Model are studied. A practical three-step procedure is presented for using the Standard Model effective field theory (SM EFT) to connect ultraviolet (UV) models of new physics with weak scale precision observables. With this procedure, one can interpret precision measurements as constraints on the UV model concerned. A detailed explanation is

Hearing shapes of drums: Mathematical and physical aspects of isospectrality

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Giraud, Olivier; Thas, Koen; LPT

2010-07-15

In a celebrated paper ''Can one hear the shape of a drum?'' M. Kac [Am. Math. Monthly 73, 1 (1966)] asked his famous question about the existence of nonisometric billiards having the same spectrum of the Laplacian. This question was eventually answered positively in 1992 by the construction of noncongruent planar isospectral pairs. This review highlights mathematical and physical aspects of isospectrality.

Aspects of physical medicine and rehabilitation in geriatrics.

PubMed

Pils, Katharina

2016-02-01

Specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation are important partners during the ageing process: health promotion and prevention for fit elderly people, training and rehabilitation for prefrail people and support for frail people focusing on usage of what is left and dignity in the latest period of life. The main focus is the relationship between IC diagnoses and functioning in everyday life based on the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). The diseases lead to possible treatments; functioning shows the importance of rehabilitative strategies in a team approach. Physiatrists are experts on this complex issue.The main goal of rehabilitative strategies during life course is to maintain function, improve quality of life and delay dependency and need of care.Three settings are chosen to show the different aspects of physical medicine and rehabilitation: health promotion and prevention, rehabilitation and palliative-rehabilitative procedures in long-term care. The non-pharmaceutical treatment of pain, the geriatric assessment, knowledge in discharge management and team communications are important skills.

The Impact of Explicit Teaching of Methodological Aspects of Physics on Scientistic Beliefs and Interest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korte, Stefan; Berger, Roland; Hänze, Martin

2017-05-01

We assessed the impact of teaching methodological aspects of physics on students' scientistic beliefs and subject interest in physics in a repeated-measurement design with a total of 142 students of upper secondary physics classes. Students gained knowledge of methodological aspects from the pre-test to the post-test and reported reduced scientistic beliefs, both from their own views and from their presumed prototypical physicists' views. We found no direct impact of teaching on students' subject interest in physics. As path analysis indicates, this result can be traced back to opposing paths: Lower scientistic beliefs of students attenuate subject interest while lower presumed scientistic beliefs that they hold of physicists foster subject interest. This finding is in accordance with the self-to-prototype matching theory that predicts an impact of the overlap between students' self-image and their prototypical image on subject interest in physics.

Data Based Physical Education for the Severely Handicapped.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunn, John M.; Morehouse, Jim W.

The paper provides an overview of a data based physical education program for the severely handicapped which has been developed at Oregon State University's Department of Physical Education in cooperation with the Special Education Department of Teaching Research. Concepts which form the basis of the model include that there is no way of…

Robot ZORA in rehabilitation and special education for children with severe physical disabilities: a pilot study

PubMed Central

Lexis, Monique A.S.; de Witte, Luc P.

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of ZORA robot-based interventions in rehabilitation and special education for children with severe physical disabilities. A two-centre explorative pilot study was carried out over a 2.5-month period involving children with severe physical disabilities with a developmental age ranging from 2 to 8 years. Children participated in six sessions with the ZORA robot in individual or in group sessions. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data on aspects of feasibility, usability, barriers and facilitators for the child as well as for the therapist and to obtain an indication of the effects on playfulness and the achievement of goals. In total, 17 children and seven professionals participated in the study. The results of this study show a positive contribution of ZORA in achieving therapy and educational goals. Moreover, sessions with ZORA were indicated as playful. Three main domains were indicated to be the most promising for the application of ZORA: movement skills, communication skills and cognitive skills. Furthermore, ZORA can contribute towards eliciting motivation, concentration, taking initiative and improving attention span of the children. On the basis of the results of the study, it can be concluded that ZORA has potential in therapy and education for children with severe physical disabilities. More research is needed to gain insight into how ZORA can be applied best in rehabilitation and special education. PMID:28837499

Robot ZORA in rehabilitation and special education for children with severe physical disabilities: a pilot study.

PubMed

van den Heuvel, Renée J F; Lexis, Monique A S; de Witte, Luc P

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of ZORA robot-based interventions in rehabilitation and special education for children with severe physical disabilities. A two-centre explorative pilot study was carried out over a 2.5-month period involving children with severe physical disabilities with a developmental age ranging from 2 to 8 years. Children participated in six sessions with the ZORA robot in individual or in group sessions. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data on aspects of feasibility, usability, barriers and facilitators for the child as well as for the therapist and to obtain an indication of the effects on playfulness and the achievement of goals. In total, 17 children and seven professionals participated in the study. The results of this study show a positive contribution of ZORA in achieving therapy and educational goals. Moreover, sessions with ZORA were indicated as playful. Three main domains were indicated to be the most promising for the application of ZORA: movement skills, communication skills and cognitive skills. Furthermore, ZORA can contribute towards eliciting motivation, concentration, taking initiative and improving attention span of the children. On the basis of the results of the study, it can be concluded that ZORA has potential in therapy and education for children with severe physical disabilities. More research is needed to gain insight into how ZORA can be applied best in rehabilitation and special education.

The Fifth Symposium on Numerical and Physical Aspects of Aerodynamic Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

This volume contains the papers presented at the Fifth Symposium on Numerical and Physical Aspects of Aerodynamic Flows, held at the California State University, Long Beach, from 13 to 15 January 1992. The symposium, like its immediate predecessors, considers the calculation of flows of relevance to aircraft, ships, and missiles with emphasis on the solution of two-dimensional unsteady and three-dimensional equations.

Lung Cancer in Patients with Severe Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Critical Aspects.

PubMed

Bargagli, Elena; Bonti, Viola; Ferrari, Katia; Rosi, Elisabetta; Bindi, Alessandra; Bartolucci, Maurizio; Chiara, Moroni; Voltolini, Luca

2017-01-01

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare interstitial lung disease limited to the lung with an undefined etiopathogenesis and a very short life expectancy (less than 5 years). IPF susceptibility has been associated with several genetic and environmental risk factors and the prognosis is conditioned by comorbidities such as gastro-esophageal reflux, depression, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer. At 5 years follow-up, 15% of IPF patients develop lung cancer, which can significantly reduce their survival. Because diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as surgical, radiation or pharmacological treatments may induce acute exacerbations and increase mortality, the management of lung cancer in IPF patients is a very difficult task. This study discusses advantages and disadvantages of lung cancer treatments in patients with severe IPF, highlighting several controversial aspects on this topic, including potential nintedanib treatment. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Motivational and evolutionary aspects of a physical exercise training program: a longitudinal study

PubMed Central

Rosa, João P. P.; de Souza, Altay A. L.; de Lima, Giscard H. O.; Rodrigues, Dayane F.; de Aquino Lemos, Valdir; da Silva Alves, Eduardo; Tufik, Sergio; de Mello, Marco T.

2015-01-01

Several studies have indicated that motivational level and prior expectations influence one’s commitment to physical activity. Moreover, these aspects are not properly described in terms of proximal (SDT, Self Determination Theory) and distal (evolutionary) explanations in the literature. This paper aims to verify if level of motivation (BREQ-2, Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2) and expectations regarding regular physical exercise (IMPRAF-54) before starting a 1-year exercise program could determine likelihood of completion. Ninety-four volunteers (53 women) included a completed protocol group (CPG; n = 21) and drop-out group (n = 73). The IMPRAF-54 scale was used to assess six different expectations associated with physical activity, and the BREQ-2 inventory was used to assess the level of motivation in five steps (from amotivation to intrinsic motivation). Both questionnaires were assessed before starting a regular exercise program. The CPG group presented higher sociability and lower pleasure scores according to IMPRAF-54 domains. A logistic regression analysis showed that a one-point increment on sociability score increased the chance of completing the program by 10%, and the same one-point increment on pleasure score reduced the chance of completing the protocol by 16%. ROC curves were also calculated to establish IMPRAF-54 cutoffs for adherence (Sociability – 18.5 points – 81% sensibility/50% specificity) and dropout (Pleasure – 25.5 points – 86% sensibility/20% specificity) of the exercise protocol. Our results indicate that an expectation of social interaction was a positive factor in predicting adherence to exercise. Grounded in SDT and its innate needs (competence, autonomy, relatedness), physical exercise is not an end; it is a means to achieve autonomy and self-cohesion. The association of physical activity with social practices, as occurs in hunter-gathering groups, can engage people to be physically active and can provide

Physical Activity in Individuals with Severe Mental Illness: Client versus Case Manager Ratings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bezyak, Jill L.; Chan, Fong; Lee, Eun-Jeong; Catalano, Denise; Chiu, Chung-Yi

2012-01-01

The "Physical Activity Scale for Individuals With Physical Disabilities" was examined as a physical activity measure for people with severe mental illness. Case manager ratings were more closely related to body mass index than clients' ratings, challenging the accuracy of self-report physical activity measures for individuals with severe mental…

78 FR 12219 - Excepted Service-Appointment of Persons With Intellectual Disabilities, Severe Physical...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-22

... Intellectual Disabilities, Severe Physical Disabilities, and Psychiatric Disabilities AGENCY: U.S. Office of... physical disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. The regulation removes an unnecessary burden for these... appointment of people with mental retardation, severe physical disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. As...

Medical aspects of pediatric rehabilitation after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Cantore, Lisa; Norwood, Kenneth; Patrick, Peter

2012-01-01

Recovery from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is prolonged, complicated and challenging. Medical rehabilitation is the bridge from acute medical care and stabilization to community reintegration. The process of caring for the recovering brain introduces unknown challenges of neural plasticity with demands to restore and to also move the child and family back to the developmental trajectory they once knew. While the ongoing focus is to maintain and advance medical stability, co- morbid conditions are addressed, and a plan for ongoing health is established. While no one manuscript can cover all of the medical aspects, this article will present in a "systems review" manner the most challenging and demanding medical conditions that children may confront following severe brain injury.

Not urbanization level but socioeconomic, physical and social neighbourhood characteristics are associated with presence and severity of depressive and anxiety disorders.

PubMed

Generaal, Ellen; Timmermans, Erik J; Dekkers, Jasper E C; Smit, Johannes H; Penninx, Brenda W J H

2018-03-15

Which neighbourhood factors most consistently impact on depression and anxiety remains unclear. This study examines whether objectively obtained socioeconomic, physical and social aspects of the neighbourhood in which persons live are associated with the presence and severity of depressive and anxiety disorders. Cross-sectional data are from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety including participants (n = 2980) with and without depressive and anxiety disorders in the past year (based on DSM-based psychiatric interviews). We also determined symptom severity of depression (Inventory of Depression Symptomatology), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory) and fear (Fear Questionnaire). Neighbourhood characteristics comprised socioeconomic factors (socioeconomic status, home value, number of social security beneficiaries and percentage of immigrants), physical factors (air pollution, traffic noise and availability of green space and water) and social factors (social cohesion and safety). Multilevel regression analyses were performed with the municipality as the second level while adjusting for individual sociodemographic variables and household income. Not urbanization grade, but rather neighbourhood socioecononomic factors (low socioeconomic status, more social security beneficiaries and more immigrants), physical factors (high levels of traffic noise) and social factors (lower social cohesion and less safety) were associated with the presence of depressive and anxiety disorders. Most of these neighbourhood characteristics were also associated with increased depressive and anxiety symptoms severity. These findings suggest that it is not population density in the neighbourhood, but rather the quality of socioeconomic, physical and social neighbourhood characteristics that is associated with the presence and severity of affective disorders.

Psychosocial aspects of working with video display terminals (VDTs) and employee physical and mental health.

PubMed

Smith, M J

1997-10-01

Psychosocial aspects of using video display terminals (VDTs) have been recognized as contributors to employees' mental and physical health problems for more than 15 years. Yet, little has been done by employers to change work organization conditions to improve the psychosocial work environment of VDT users. Thus, psychosocial aspects of work are emerging as one of the biggest problems for VDT users in the late 1990s. This paper explores how psychosocial aspects of VDT work are related to job stress, and their consequences for mental and physical health. Using the research literature, it defines various aspects of work organization and job design that have been shown to be related to VDT users' ill-health. Some of the important work design aspects uncovered include a lack of employee skill use, monotonous tasks, high job demands and work pressure, a lack of control over the job, poor supervisory relations, fear of job loss, and unreliable technology. These are the same job stressors that have been defined as problematic for a variety of blue collar jobs in previous research. Work organization improvements for healthier VDT jobs are proposed. These include organizational support, employee participation, improved task content, increased job control, reasonable production standards, career development, enhanced peer socialization, and improved workstation ergonomics. These organizational improvements are derived from a more detailed organizational strategy for job stress reduction. A model of job redesign through proper 'balancing' of work organization features is discussed.

Physics and Physics Education at Clarion University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aravind, Vasudeva

Clarion University is located in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania. We are a primarily undergraduate public institution serving about 6000 students. We graduate students who take different career paths, one of them being teaching physics at high schools. Since educating teachers of tomorrow requires us to introduce currently trending, research proven pedagogical methods, we incorporate several aspects of physics pedagogies such as peer instruction, flipped classroom and hands on experimentation in a studio physics lab format. In this talk, I discuss some of our projects on physics education, and seek to find potential collaborators interested in working along similar lines.

Comprehensive Microcomputer Applications for Severely Physically Handicapped Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rushakoff, G. Evan; Lombardino, Linda J.

1983-01-01

Explained for educators of severly physically handicapped (SPH) children are basic component parts of the microcomputer system, adaptations for children unable to use a standard keyboard, and applications for communication, academic work, writing, creative arts, recreation, future employment, and young SPH children. Factors educators should…

Dual-aspect monism à la Pauli and Jung perforates the completeness of physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atmanspacher, Harald

2012-12-01

In the mid 19th century, the physicist Wolfgang Pauli and the psychologist Carl Gustav Jung developed a philosophical position for the mind-matter problem that is today called dual-aspect monism. They conjectured a picture in which the mental and the material arise as two complementary aspects of one underlying psychophysically neutral reality to which they cannot be reduced and to which direct empirical access is impossible. This picture suggests structural, persistent,re-producible mind-matter correlations by splitting the underlying reality into aspects. In addition, it suggests induced, occasional, evasive mind-matter correlations above and below, respectively, those stable baseline correlations. These correlations, and the way they arise, suggest that the domain of the physical is not completely independent of the domain of the mental, and both are not independent from the assumed reality underlying them. Some ideas are presented of how these relationships might be conceived.

Benefits of Distinguishing between Physical and Social-Verbal Aspects of Behavior: An Example of Generalized Anxiety.

PubMed

Trofimova, Irina; Sulis, William

2016-01-01

Temperament traits and mental illness have been linked to varying degrees of imbalances in neurotransmitter systems of behavior regulation. If a temperament model has been carefully structured to reflect weak imbalances within systems of behavior regulation, then in the presence of mental illness, these profiles should exhibit distinct patterns consistent with symptoms of mental illness. In contrast to other temperament models used in studies of anxiety disorders, the Functional Ensemble of Temperament (FET) model differentiates not only between emotionality traits, but also between traits related to physical, social-verbal and mental aspects of behavior. This paper analyzed the predictions of the FET model, which maps 12 functional aspects of behavior to symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as described in the DSM/ICD. As an example, the paper describes a study of the coupling of sex, age and temperament traits with GAD using the FET framework. The intake records of 116 clients in treatment with confirmed diagnosis of GAD in a private psychological practice were compared using ANOVA against records of 146 healthy clients using their scores on the FET-based questionnaire, in age groups 17-24, 25-45, 46-65. Patients with GAD in all age groups reported significantly lower Social Endurance, Social Tempo, Probabilistic reasoning (but not in physical aspects of behavior) and higher Neuroticism than healthy individuals, however, no effects on the scales of Motor Endurance or Tempo were found. These findings show the benefits of differentiation between motor-physical and social-verbal aspects of behavior in psychological assessment of mental disorders.

(Proceedings) 18th Advanced ICFA Beam Dynamics Workshop on Quantum Aspects of Beam Physics (QABP)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Pisin

2002-10-25

The 18th Advanced ICFA Beam Dynamics Workshop on ''Quantum Aspects of Beam Physics'' was held from October 15 to 20, 2000, in Capri, Italy. This was the second workshop under the same title. The first one was held in Monterey, California, in January, 1998. Following the footstep of the first meeting, the second one in Capri was again a tremendous success, both scientifically and socially. About 70 colleagues from astrophysics, atomic physics, beam physics, condensed matter physics, particle physics, and general relativity gathered to update and further explore the topics covered in the Monterey workshop. Namely, the following topics weremore » actively discussed: (1) Quantum Fluctuations in Beam Dynamics; (2) Photon-Electron Interaction in Beam handling; (3) Physics of Condensed Beams; (4) Beam Phenomena under Strong Fields; (5) Quantum Methodologies in Beam Physics. In addition, there was a newly introduced subject on Astro-Beam Physics and Laboratory Astrophysics.« less

Aesthetic Experience as an Aspect of Embodied Learning: Stories from Physical Education Student Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maivorsdotter, Ninitha; Lundvall, Suzanne

2009-01-01

In this article we explore aesthetic experience as an aspect of embodied learning with focus on the moving body. Our theoretical framework is mainly based on the work of John Dewey. In the first part of the article we identify our understanding of central concepts and draw some lines to their implication for physical education (PE). In the second…

Participant satisfaction in a study of stimulant, parent training, and risperidone in children with severe physical aggression.

PubMed

Rundberg-Rivera, E Victoria; Townsend, Lisa D; Schneider, Jayne; Farmer, Cristan A; Molina, Brooke B S G; Findling, Robert L; Gadow, Kenneth D; Bukstein, Oscar G; Arnold, L Eugene; Kolko, David J; Buchan-Page, Kristin A; McNamara, Nora K; Michel, Chenel; Austin, Adrienne; Kipp, Heidi; Rice, Robert R; Aman, Michael G

2015-04-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the satisfaction of families who participated in the Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression (TOSCA) study. TOSCA was a randomized clinical trial of psychostimulant plus parent training plus placebo (basic treatment) versus psychostimulant plus parent training plus risperidone (augmented treatment) for children with severe physical aggression, disruptive behavior disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Parents completed a standardized Parent Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ). Of the 168 families randomized, 150 (89.3%) provided consumer satisfaction data. When they were asked if they would join the study again if they had the option to repeat, 136 (91%) said "yes," 11 (7%) said "maybe," and one (<1%) said "no." When asked if they would recommend the study to other parents with children having similar problems, 147 (98%) said "yes" and 3 (2%) said "maybe." Between 71% (rating one aspect of the Parent Training) and 96% (regarding the diagnostic interview) endorsed study procedures using the most positive response option. Asked if there were certain aspects of the study that they especially liked, 64 (43%) spontaneously reported parent training. Treatment assignment (basic vs. augmented) and responder status were not associated with reported satisfaction. However, responder status was strongly associated with parent confidence in managing present (p<0.001) and future (p<0.005) problem behaviors. These findings indicate high levels of satisfaction with TOSCA study involvement and, taken together with previous pediatric psychopharmacology social validity studies, suggest high levels of support for the research experience. These findings may inform research bioethics and may have implications for deliberations of institutional review boards. Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression (The TOSCA Study), NCT00796302, clinicaltrials.gov .

Aspects of string phenomenology in particle physics and cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antoniadis, I.

2017-12-01

I discuss possible connections between several scales in particle physics and cosmology, such the the electroweak, inflation, dark energy and Planck scales. In particular, I discuss the physics of extra dimensions and low scale gravity that are motivated from the problem of mass hierarchy, providing an alternative to low energy supersymmetry. I describe their realization in type I string theory with D-branes and I present the main experimental predictions in particle accelerators and their implications in cosmology. I also show that low-mass-scale string compactifications, with a generic D-brane configuration that realizes the Standard Model by open strings, can explain the relatively broad peak in the diphoton invariant mass spectrum at 750 GeV recently reported by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations.

An Update on Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Part I): Epidemiology, Clinical Aspects, and Definition of Disease Severity.

PubMed

Martorell, A; García-Martínez, F J; Jiménez-Gallo, D; Pascual, J C; Pereyra-Rodriguez, J; Salgado, L; Vilarrasa, E

2015-11-01

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disorder that has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to underestimations of prevalence and the considerable impact of the condition on interpersonal relationships, physical appearance, self-esteem, and body image. Although hidradenitis suppurative has a significant psychological impact on patients and can even cause physical limitations when thick scarring results in limb mobility limitation, until very recently little evidence was available relating to its epidemiology, etiology, or pathogenesis. In this review, we highlight the latest advances in our understanding of the epidemiological and clinical aspects of hidradenitis suppurativa. We will also look at the different classification systems for hidradenitis suppurativa and discuss the emergence of skin ultrasound as a promising technique for monitoring the course of this chronic inflammatory disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and AEDV. All rights reserved.

Teaching School Physics. A UNESCO Source Book.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, John L., Ed.

This UNESCO source book on teaching physics in schools provides a synthesis of views and policies prevalent throughout the world with respect to physics education. The book's contents are contributed by educators from several nations who have been able to give an international outlook in the discussion of various aspects of physics education. The…

Contemporary Aspects of Atomic Physics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knott, R. G. A.

1972-01-01

The approach generally used in writing undergraduate textbooks on Atomic and Nuclear Physics presents this branch as historical in nature. Describes the concepts of astrophysics, plasma physics and spectroscopy as contemporary and intriguing for modern scientists. (PS)

[Socio-demographic aspects related to severity of malocclusion among 12-year-old Brazilian children].

PubMed

Bauman, José Mansano; Souza, João Gabriel Silva; Bauman, Claudiana Donato; Flório, Flávia Martão

2018-03-01

The scope of this study was to characterize malocclusion in 12-year-old Brazilian children and identify associated socio-demographic aspects. It is a cross-sectional and analytical study based on an Oral Health Survey (SB Brasil 2010). A sample of 5,539 was included, among which 41% had some degree of malocclusion according to the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Descriptive, bivariate and multiple multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted. Defined malocclusion was greater among those who rated their oral health as neither satisfied/nor dissatisfied (OR 1.24; CI95%1.03-1.50) and dissatisfied (OR 1.76; CI95%1.50-2.08). Severe malocclusion was greater among children in the Southeast (OR 1.44; CI95%1.06-1.96) and South (OR 1.52; CI95%1.05-2.19), male (OR 1.24; CI95%1.03-1.48), black/brown (OR 1.39; CI95%1.14-1.69) who rated their oral health as neither satisfied/nor dissatisfied (OR 1.79; CI95%1.41-2.26) and dissatisfied (OR 2.20; CI95%1.77-2.72). Very severe malocclusion was higher among residents of capitals (OR 1.36; CI95%1.07-1.71) who evaluated their oral health as neither satisfied/nor dissatisfied (OR 1.58; CI95%1.22-2.05) and dissatisfied (OR 2.44; CI95%1.96-3.03). The prevalence of malocclusion is high among Brazilian children, the severity being associated with socio-demographic aspects.

Screening for Physical Problems in Classrooms for Severely Handicapped Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dever, Richard; Knapczyk, Dennis

1980-01-01

The authors present a screening device with which teachers of severely handicapped students may detect the presence of a physical problem. The screening approach covers vision, auditory problems, seizures, orthopedic problems, and pain. (CL)

Radiation protection aspects of EMITEL Encyclopaedia of Medical Physics.

PubMed

Stoeva, M; Tabakov, S; Lewis, C; Tabakova, V; Thurston, J; Smith, P

2015-07-01

The Encyclopaedia of Medical Physics EMITEL was developed under the EU pilot project European Medical Imaging Technology e-Encyclopaedia for Lifelong Learning. This large reference material includes 3400 articles on 2100 pages supported by thousands of illustrations. All materials are available free at the website, www.emitel2.eu. The articles are grouped in seven categories--physics of: X-ray diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, radiation protection and general terms. The radiation protection part of EMITEL includes 450 articles. These were organised in several sub-groups including: nuclear and atomic physics; ionizing radiation interactions and biological effects; radiation detection and measurement; dosimetric quantities and units; and general radiation protection and international bodies. EMITEL project was developed over 3 y and attracted as contributors 250+ senior specialists from 35 countries. After its successful launching, EMITEL is actively used by thousands of professionals around the world. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Fostering Resilience through Art Education for Children with Severe Physical Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanson, Sarah

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study is to measure the effects of fostering resilience through art education for students with severe physical disabilities ages 7-21. Recent trends of fostering resilience through art education were explored. Current attitudes towards art education for severely disables individuals were also explored. Of particular interest…

Efficacy of early physical therapy in severe Bell's palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Nicastri, Maria; Mancini, Patrizia; De Seta, Daniele; Bertoli, Gianantonio; Prosperini, Luca; Toni, Danilo; Inghilleri, Maurizio; Filipo, Roberto

2013-01-01

Bell's palsy (BP) is the most frequent form of peripheral palsy of the facial nerve. Prognosis for recovery is good for most patients; in the remaining cases, different grades of residual impairment persist. Physical therapy, in association with drug administration, aims to improve outcomes. To assess the efficacy of early physical therapy in association with standard drug administration versus pharmacological therapy only, in terms of time to maximum gains and grade of recovery of function, and to examine who will most benefit from rehabilitation. From June 2008 to May 2010, 232 individuals were evaluated. The 87 patients meeting the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to the experimental group (prednisone and valacyclovir plus physical therapy, n = 39) or the control group (pharmacological therapy, n = 48) within 10 days of onset. Intention-to-treat analyses were done. The physical therapy had a significant effect on grade (P = .038) and time (P = .044) to recovery only in patients presenting with severe facial palsy (House-Brackmann [HB] grade V/VI). No significant differences were found between the study and control groups for outcome of synkinesis. Physical therapy appears to be effective only in the more severe BP (baseline HB grade V/VI), whereas less severe BP (baseline HB grade IV) results in complete spontaneous recovery, regardless of physical therapy.

On several aspects and applications of the multigrid method for solving partial differential equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dinar, N.

1978-01-01

Several aspects of multigrid methods are briefly described. The main subjects include the development of very efficient multigrid algorithms for systems of elliptic equations (Cauchy-Riemann, Stokes, Navier-Stokes), as well as the development of control and prediction tools (based on local mode Fourier analysis), used to analyze, check and improve these algorithms. Preliminary research on multigrid algorithms for time dependent parabolic equations is also described. Improvements in existing multigrid processes and algorithms for elliptic equations were studied.

Levels of physical activity in patients with severe psoriasis: a cross-sectional questionnaire study.

PubMed

Torres, Tiago; Alexandre, José Manuel; Mendonça, Denisa; Vasconcelos, Carlos; Silva, Berta Martins; Selores, Manuela

2014-04-01

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, secondary to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and premature atherosclerosis. Physical activity is a vital component in prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Few studies have examined the level of physical activity in psoriasis patients, using validated questionnaires or other objective assessment tools. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare physical activity undertaken by patients with severe psoriasis and healthy controls, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-S), a validated instrument for assessing physical activity. Ninety patients with severe plaque-type psoriasis and 160 healthy subjects were enrolled in the present study. Physical activity was evaluated using IPAQ-S. Psoriasis patients had reduced levels of physical activity compared with non-psoriasis patients, regardless of sex or whether the variable was continuous or categorical. The odds ratio for low-level physical activity for psoriasis patients, compared with controls, was 3.42 (95% CI 1.47-7.91), indicating that this severe psoriasis population did not undertake recommended levels of physical activity. Psoriasis patients exhibit decreased levels of physical activity, possibly for both psychological and physiological reasons. The lack of physical activity may contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in psoriasis patients, in addition to the intrinsic risks related to systemic inflammation and psoriasis-linked comorbidities. Regular physical activity should be encouraged in all psoriasis patients because of its beneficial effects on systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic comorbidities associated with psoriasis.

Severe Physical Intimate Partner Violence and the Mental and Physical Health of U.S. Caribbean Black Women.

PubMed

Lacey, Krim K; Mouzon, Dawne M

2016-09-01

Intimate partner violence is a threat to women's health. Relative to other racial/ethnic groups, African American and immigrant women are at an increased risk for violence. However, despite the growing presence of Caribbean Black immigrants in this country, few studies have examined the association between severe physical intimate partner violence (SPIPV) and the health of Caribbean Black women currently residing in the United States. This study examined the mental and physical health of U.S. Caribbean Black women with and without a history of SPIPV. We also explored the role of generational status-first, second, or third-in association with the physical and mental health of abused Caribbean Black women. Data from the National Survey of American Life, the largest and the only known representative study on Caribbeans residing in the United States, were analyzed. The World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was used to determine DSM-IV mental disorders. The presence of physical health conditions was based on respondents' self-reports of physician diagnoses. The findings indicate an association between SPIPV and the mental and physical health status of U.S. Caribbean Black women. Rates of physical conditions and mental health disorders were generally higher among women with a history of SPIPV than those without a history. Generational status also played a role in women's health outcomes. The study has interventions and preventive implications for both detecting and addressing the health needs of U.S. Caribbean Black women who experience severe physical abuse by an intimate partner.

The relationship between physical and psychological complaints and quality of life in severely injured patients.

PubMed

van Delft-Schreurs, C C H M; van Son, M A C; de Jongh, M A C; Lansink, K W W; de Vries, J; Verhofstad, M H J

2017-09-01

The purpose of this study was two-fold. The first goal was to investigate which variables were associated with the remaining physical limitations of severely injured patients after the initial rehabilitation phase. Second, we investigated whether physical limitations were attributable to the association between psychological complaints and quality of life in this patient group. Patients who were 18 years or older and who had an injury severity score (ISS)>15 completed a set of questionnaires at one time-point after their rehabilitation phase (15-53 months after their trauma). The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire was used to determine physical limitations. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Dutch Impact of Event Scale and the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire were used to determine psychological complaints, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument-BREF was used to measure general Quality of Life (QOL). Differences in physical limitations were investigated for several trauma- and patient-related variables using non-parametric independent-sample Mann-Whitney U tests. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate whether the decreased QOL of severely injured patients with psychological complaints could be explained by their physical limitations. Older patients, patients with physical complaints before the injury, patients with higher ISS scores, and patients who had an injury of the spine or of the lower extremities reported significantly more physical problems. Additionally, patients with a low education level, patients who were living alone, and those who were unemployed reported significantly more long-term physical problems. Severely injured patients without psychological complaints reported significantly less physical limitations than those with psychological complaints. The SMFA factor of Lower extremity dysfunction was a confounder of the association between psychological complaints

Evidence of unmet need in the care of severely physically disabled adults.

PubMed Central

Williams, M. H.; Bowie, C.

1993-01-01

OBJECTIVE--To identify unmet needs in the care of severely disabled people aged 16-64. DESIGN--Detailed personal interview and physical assessment of physically disabled adults; personal or telephone interview with carers. SETTING--Somerset Health District. SUBJECTS--181 severely disabled adults and their carers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Independence in activities of daily living; identity of requirements for assessing communication disorders; appropriate provision of services and allowances. RESULTS--53 (29.3%) of the 181 disabled subjects had unmet needs for aids to allow independence in activities of daily living-namely, 43% of subjects (41/95) with progressive disorders and 14% of subjects (12/86) with non-progressive disorders. The prevalence of unmet need was higher among subjects whose sole regular professional contact was with health services personnel (48 (40.3%) of 119 subjects). Only 18 (31.6%) of the 57 subjects with communication disorders had ever been assessed by a speech therapist. CONCLUSIONS--This study shows that the needs of severely physically disabled adults in the community--especially those with progressive disorders--are being monitored inadequately by health professionals. PMID:8435649

The relationship between quality of life and physical fitness in people with severe mental illness.

PubMed

Perez-Cruzado, D; Cuesta-Vargas, A I; Vera-Garcia, E; Mayoral-Cleries, F

2018-05-02

Quality of life of people with severe mental illness may be decrease by the high occurrence of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Physical fitness emerges as a modifying factor in this population through physical activity and this modification could influence in the quality of life of this population. The aim of the present study is to determine the contribution of physical fitness to the quality of life of people with severe mental illness. In the current study, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist assessed 62 people with severe mental illness. Physical fitness was measured with a range of 11 fitness tests that covered flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. To assess quality of life the EQ-5D-3 L scale was used, which measures five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain-discomfort, and anxiety-depression). Significant correlations are presented between the quality of life and primary variables of physical fitness (balance, endurance, and upper limb strength). Endurance explained 22.9% of the variance of the quality of life in people with severe mental illness. Functional reach added another 36.2% variance to the prediction of quality of life. The results of the present study suggest that some variables of physical fitness are associated with quality of life in people with severe mental illness. The improvement in physical fitness of this population should be a primary objective. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02413164 "retrospective registered" Registered Febr 2017.

Adherence to physical activity recommendations and physical and mental health risk in people with severe mental illness in Uganda.

PubMed

Vancampfort, Davy; Probst, Michel; Basangwa, David; De Hert, Marc; Myin-Germeys, Inez; van Winkel, Ruud; Ward, Philip B; Rosenbaum, Simon; Mugisha, James

2017-11-29

This study investigated cardio-metabolic risk factors among patients with severe mental illness who do or do not meet the recommendations of 150min per week of physical activity. A secondary aim was to assess whether those that do meet the recommendations report lower levels of mental health symptoms. 107 (60♀) Ugandan in- and outpatients (mean age=34.4 ± 9.7 years) with severe mental illness (depression=7, bipolar disorder=55, schizophrenia=45) completed the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) method and Brief Symptoms Inventory -18. Participants were also screened for abdominal obesity (waist circumference>90cm), overweight (body mass index≥25) and hypertension (systolic pressure≥140mmHg and/or diastolic pressure≥90mmHg).48.6% (n = 52) of patients met the physical activity recommendations as assessed by the PAVS method. 41.1% (n = 44) were overweight, 40.2% (n = 43) had abdominal obesity and 23.4% (n = 25) had hypertension. Those who did not meet the physical activity recommendations were significantly older, had a higher BSI-18 somatisation score, and had a higher risk of overweight [relative risk (RR) = 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.59-4.99], abdominal obesity (RR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.13-2.93), and hypertension (RR = 2.16, 95%CI = 0.99-4.73). The PAVS is a feasible method of assessing physical activity among patients with severe mental illness in a low resource setting. The PAVS may have clinical utility for physical and mental health risk stratification. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural and functional aspects of social support as predictors of mental and physical health trajectories: Whitehall II cohort study.

PubMed

Hakulinen, Christian; Pulkki-Råback, Laura; Jokela, Markus; E Ferrie, Jane; Aalto, Anna-Mari; Virtanen, Marianna; Kivimäki, Mika; Vahtera, Jussi; Elovainio, Marko

2016-07-01

Social support is associated with better health. However, only a limited number of studies have examined the association of social support with health from the adult life course perspective and whether this association is bidirectional. Participants (n=6797; 30% women; age range from 40 to 77 years) who were followed from 1989 (phase 2) to 2006 (phase 8) were selected from the ongoing Whitehall II Study. Structural and functional social support was measured at follow-up phases 2, 5 and 7. Mental and physical health was measured at five consecutive follow-up phases (3-8). Social support predicted better mental health, and certain functional aspects of social support, such as higher practical support and higher levels of negative aspects in social relationships, predicted poorer physical health. The association between negative aspects of close relationships and physical health was found to strengthen over the adult life course. In women, the association between marital status and mental health weakened until the age of approximately 60 years. Better mental and physical health was associated with higher future social support. The strength of the association between social support and health may vary over the adult life course. The association with health seems to be bidirectional. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

ICT based technology to support play for children with severe physical disabilities.

PubMed

van den Heuvel, Renée; Lexis, Monique; de Witte, Luc

2015-01-01

Play is important for a child's development. Children with severe physical disabilities experience difficulties engaging in play. With the progress of technology the possibilities to support play are increasing. The purpose of this review was to gain insight into the possibilities and availability of ICT based technology to support play in children with severe physical disabilities. A systematic literature search within the databases PubMed, CINAHL, IEEE and ERIC was carried out. Three reviewers assessed titles and abstracts independently. Additionally, Google Scholar, conference proceedings and reference lists were used. The included publications reported on 27 different technologies, which can be classified into three main groups; robots, virtual reality systems and computer systems. There are several options that may have great potential in supporting play for this target group.

Role of Multiple Representations in Physics Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maries, Alexandru

2013-01-01

This thesis explores the role of multiple representations in introductory physics students' problem solving performance through several investigations. Representations can help students focus on the conceptual aspects of physics and play a major role in effective problem solving. Diagrammatic representations can play a particularly important role…

Introducing ZORA to Children with Severe Physical Disabilities.

PubMed

van den Heuvel, Renée; Lexis, Monique; de Witte, Luc

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to explore the potential of a ZORA-robot based intervention in rehabilitation and special education for children with (severe) physical disabilities from the professionals perspective. The qualitative results of this study will be presented. Professionals indicated meaningful application possibilities for ZORA. Overall, ZORA was able to improve motivation, concentration, taking initiative and attention span. Three domains could be identified to be most promising for application of ZORA: (re)learning of movement skills, cognitive skills and communication/social interaction skills.

Multiple sclerosis severity and concern about falling: Physical, cognitive and psychological mediating factors.

PubMed

van Vliet, Rob; Hoang, Phu; Lord, Stephen; Gandevia, Simon; Delbaere, Kim

2015-01-01

Concern about falling can have devastating physical and psychological consequences in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, little is known about physical and cognitive determinants for increased concern about falling inthis group. To investigate direct and indirect relationships between MS severity and concern about falling using structural equation modelling (SEM). Two hundred and ten community-dwelling people (21-73 years) with MS Disease Steps 0-5 completed several physical, cognitive and psychological assessments. Concern about falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Concern about falling was significantly associated with MS Disease Step and also balance, muscle strength, disability, previous falls, and executive functioning. SEM revealed a strong direct path between MS Disease Step and concern about falling (r = 0.31, p <  0.01), as well as indirect paths explained by impaired physical ability (r = 0.25, p <  0.01) and reduced cognitive function (r = 0.13, p <  0.01). The final model explained 51% of the variance of concern about falling in people with MS and had an excellent goodness-of-fit. The relationship between MS severity and increased concern about falling was primarily mediated by reduced physical ability (especially if this resulted in disability and falls) and less so by executive functioning. This suggests people with MS have a realistic appraisal of their concern about falling.

Parents who hit and scream: interactive effects of verbal and severe physical aggression on clinic-referred adolescents' adjustment.

PubMed

LeRoy, Michelle; Mahoney, Annette; Boxer, Paul; Gullan, Rebecca Lakin; Fang, Qijuan

2014-05-01

The goals of this study were first, to delineate the co-occurrence of parental severe physical aggression and verbal aggression toward clinic-referred adolescents, and second, to examine the interactive effects of parental severe physical aggression and verbal aggression on adolescent externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. This research involved 239 referrals of 11- to 18-year-old youth and their dual-parent families to a non-profit, private community mental health center in a semi-rural Midwest community. Multiple informants (i.e., adolescents and mothers) were used to assess parental aggression and adolescent behavior problems. More than half of clinic-referred adolescents (51%) experienced severe physical aggression and/or high verbal aggression from one or both parents. A pattern of interactive effects of mother-to-adolescent severe physical aggression and verbal aggression on adolescent behavior problems emerged, indicating that when severe physical aggression was present, mother-to-adolescent verbal aggression was positively associated with greater adolescent behavior problems whereas when severe physical aggression was not present, the links between verbal aggression and behavior problems was no longer significant. No interactive effects were found for father-to-adolescent severe physical aggression and verbal aggression on adolescent adjustment; however, higher father-to-adolescent verbal aggression was consistently linked to behavior problems above and beyond the influence of severe physical aggression. The results of this study should promote the practice of routinely assessing clinic-referred adolescents and their parents about their experiences of verbal aggression in addition to severe physical aggression and other forms of abuse. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Accelerometer-measured sedentary behaviour and physical activity of inpatients with severe mental illness.

PubMed

Kruisdijk, Frank; Deenik, Jeroen; Tenback, Diederik; Tak, Erwin; Beekman, Aart-Jan; van Harten, Peter; Hopman-Rock, Marijke; Hendriksen, Ingrid

2017-08-01

Sedentary behaviour and lack of physical activity threatens health. Research concerning these behaviours of inpatients with severe mental illness is limited but urgently needed to reveal prevalence and magnitude. In total, 184 inpatients (men n =108, women n =76, mean age 57,4, 20% first generation antipsychotics, 40% second generation antipsychotics, 43% antidepressants, mean years hospitalisation 13 years), with severe mental illness of a Dutch psychiatric hospital wore an accelerometer for five days to objectively measure total activity counts per hour and percentages in sedentary behaviour, light intensity physical activity and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Accelerometer data were compared with data of 54 healthy ward employees. Patients showed significantly less activity counts per hour compared to employees (p=0.02), although the differences were small (d=0.32). Patients were sedentary during 84% of the wear time (50min/h), spend 10% in light intensity physical activity and 6% in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Age was the only significant predictor, predicting less total activity counts/h in higher ages. Decreasing sedentary behaviour and improving physical activity in this population should be a high priority in clinical practice. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of lifestyle interventions in physical health management of patients with severe mental illness.

PubMed

Chacón, Fernando; Mora, Fernando; Gervás-Ríos, Alicia; Gilaberte, Inmaculada

2011-09-19

Awareness of the importance of maintaining physical health for patients with severe mental illnesses has recently been on the increase. Although there are several elements contributing to poor physical health among these patients as compared with the general population, risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and obesity are of particular significance due to their relationship with mortality and morbidity. These patients present higher vulnerability to cardiovascular risk factors based on several issues, such as genetic predisposition to certain pathologies, poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, high proportions of smokers and drug abusers, less access to regular health care services, and potential adverse events during pharmacological treatment. Nevertheless, there is ample scientific evidence supporting the benefits of lifestyle interventions based on diet and exercise designed to minimize and reduce the negative impact of these risk factors on the physical health of patients with severe mental illnesses.

Vocational Evaluation of Severely Physically Impaired Individuals: Considerations and Techniques.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bates, Laurence A.

In the past two decades, significant advances have been made in understanding the vocational potential of severely physically impaired adults. However, instruments to evaluate the vocational ability of these persons have been scarce or unsuitable, and attempts to adapt existing instruments or to develop new methods of evaluating these persons have…

Including Students with Severe, Multiple Disabilities in General Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Block, Martin E.; Klavina, Aija; Flint, Wayne

2007-01-01

Many children with severe disabilities never have the opportunity to try general physical education (GPE) because their Individualized Education Program (IEP) team feels that they will not be successful, will not benefit, or will not be safe. However, there are ways to safely, successfully, and meaningfully include children with severe…

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Frontal Lesions, and Social Aspects of Language Use: A Study of French-Speaking Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dardier, Virginie; Bernicot, Josie; Delanoe, Anaig; Vanberten, Melanie; Fayada, Catherine; Chevignard, Mathilde; Delaye, Corinne; Laurent-Vannier, Anne; Dubois, Bruno

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the social (pragmatic) aspects of language use by French-speaking individuals with frontal lesions following a severe traumatic brain injury. Eleven participants with traumatic brain injury performed tasks in three areas of communication: production (interview situation), comprehension (direct…

What Did They Learn in School Today? A Method for Exploring Aspects of Learning in Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quennerstedt, Mikael; Annerstedt, Claes; Barker, Dean; Karlefors, Inger; Larsson, Håkan; Redelius, Karin; Öhman, Marie

2014-01-01

This paper outlines a method for exploring learning in educational practice. The suggested method combines an explicit learning theory with robust methodological steps in order to explore aspects of learning in school physical education. The design of the study is based on sociocultural learning theory, and the approach adds to previous research…

Longitudinal changes in drug use severity and physical health-related quality of life among untreated stimulant users.

PubMed

Borders, Tyrone F; Booth, Brenda M; Falck, Russel S; Leukefeld, Carl; Wang, Jichuan; Carlson, Robert G

2009-11-01

The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether drug use severity is associated with physical health-related quality of life (HRQL) over time. Data are from a longitudinal, multi-state, natural history community study of users of cocaine and/or methamphetamine who were interviewed at 6-month intervals over 2 years with a 79% follow-up participation rate. Physical HRQL was assessed with the physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-8 Health Survey and drug, alcohol, and psychiatric severity were all assessed with the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). Random coefficient regression analyses were conducted to test for longitudinal associations between the independent variables and SF-8 PCS scores. Reductions in drug use severity over time were accompanied by only minor improvements in SF-8 PCS scores, underscoring the potential long-term harm of illicit drug use on physical health. Greater psychiatric severity was strongly associated with lower SF-8 PCS scores, suggesting that clinical attention to mental health issues could potentially lead to improvements in perceived physical health as well as among stimulant users.

Longitudinal Changes in Drug Use Severity and Physical Health-Related Quality of Life among Untreated Stimulant Users

PubMed Central

Borders, Tyrone F.; Booth, Brenda M.; Falck, Russel S.; Leukefeld, Carl; Wang, Jichuan; Carlson, Robert G.

2009-01-01

The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether drug use severity is associated with physical health-related quality of life (HRQL) over time. Data are from a longitudinal, multi-state, natural history community study of users of cocaine and/or methamphetamine who were interviewed at 6-month intervals over 2 years with a 79% follow-up participation rate. Physical HRQL was assessed with the physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-8™ Health Survey and drug, alcohol, and psychiatric severity were all assessed with the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). Random coefficient regression analyses were conducted to test for longitudinal associations between the independent variables and SF-8 PCS scores. Reductions in drug use severity over time were accompanied by only minor improvements in SF-8 PCS scores, underscoring the potential long-term harm of illicit drug use on physical health. Greater psychiatric severity was strongly associated with lower SF-8 PCS scores, suggesting that clinical attention to mental health issues could potentially lead to improvements in perceived physical health as well among stimulant users. PMID:19560873

Theoretical aspects of the equivalence principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damour, Thibault

2012-09-01

We review several theoretical aspects of the equivalence principle (EP). We emphasize the unsatisfactory fact that the EP maintains the absolute character of the coupling constants of physics, while general relativity and its generalizations (Kaluza-Klein, …, string theory) suggest that all absolute structures should be replaced by dynamical entities. We discuss the EP-violation phenomenology of dilaton-like models, which is likely to be dominated by the linear superposition of two effects: a signal proportional to the nuclear Coulomb energy, related to the variation of the fine-structure constant, and a signal proportional to the surface nuclear binding energy, related to the variation of the light quark masses. We recall various theoretical arguments (including a recently proposed anthropic argument) suggesting that the EP be violated at a small, but not unmeasurably small level. This motivates the need for improved tests of the EP. These tests are probing new territories in physics that are related to deep, and mysterious, issues in fundamental physics.

Wellness Assessment: A Rationale, A Measure, and Physical/Psychological Components.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shuffield, Gilda; Dana, Richard H.

Wellness, or holistic health, represents a positive attitude toward the integration of physical and psychological aspects of lifestyle. There have been few attempts to assess wellness that contain more than questionnaire items across several component areas. This paper describes a test battery that includes physical (nutrition, cardiorespiratory…

A search for extraterrestrial eukaryotes: physical and paleontological aspects.

PubMed

Chela-Flores, J

1998-10-01

Physical and biochemical aspects of a proposed search for extraterrestrial eukaryotes (SETE) are considered. Such a program should approach the distinction between a primitive eukaryote and an archaebacteria. The emphasis on gene silencing suggests a possible assay suitable for a robotic investigation of eukaryoticity, so as to be able to decide whether the first steps towards eukaryogenesis have been taken in an extraterrestrial planet, or satellite. The experiment would consist of searching for cellular division and the systematic related delay in replication of heterochromatic chromosome segments. It should be noticed that the direct search for a membrane-bounded set of chromosomes does not necessarily determine eukaryotic identity, as there are prokaryotes that have membrane-bounded nucleoids. A closer look at the protein fraction of chromatin (mainly histones) does not help either, as there are some eukaryotes that may lack histones; there are also some bacteria as well as archaebacteria with histone-like proteins in their nucleoids. Comments on the recent suggestion of possible environments for a SETE program are discussed: the deep crust of Mars, and the Jovian satellite Europa, provided the existence of an ocean under its ice-covered surface is confirmed by the current Galileo mission.

Anaerobic muscle strengthening physical activity and depression severity among USA adults.

PubMed

Cangin, Causenge; Harris, Randall; Binkley, Philip; Schwartzbaum, Judith; Focht, Brian

2018-06-01

We investigated the association between depression and anaerobic physical activity (while controlling aerobic physical activity), using a nationally representative sample of USA adults ( n  = 7354) who participated in the cross sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2006). We defined depression using the validated "Patient Health Questionnaire" (PHQ 9 ) scale of 0-27 as PHQ 9   ≥  10. Severity of depression was classified by clinically established PHQ 9 levels: mild (5-9), dysthymic (10-14), moderate (15-19), and major depression ( ≥ 20). We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios of depression associated with distinct types of activity (only aerobic, only anaerobic, combined regime). We used multinomial logistic regression to examine associations of anaerobic activity with various severity levels of depression (mild, dysthymic, moderate, and major depression) with adjustment for aerobic activity. Women had higher prevalence of depression than men (8.4% versus 5.7%), whereas anaerobic muscle strengthening activity was more common in men than women (35% versus 24%). Adjusting for aerobic activity , anaerobic activity was inversely associated with depression (PHQ 9   ≥  10) in women under 50 (OR = 0.57; 95%CI = 0.41-0.81), all women (OR = 0.59; 0.43-0.80), men under 50 (OR = 0.85; 0.58-1.2), and all men (OR = 0.72; 0.51-1.01). Anaerobic activity was inversely associated with severity level of depressive symptoms in women and men. The combined regimen of anaerobic muscle strengthening activity and meeting the Physical Activity Guideline for America (PAGA) was related to the lowest odds ratio of depression in women (OR = 0.50; 95%CI = 0.33-0.75) and men (OR = 0.39; 95%CI = 0.23-0.62). Independent of aerobic physical activity, anaerobic muscle strengthening activity is significantly and inversely associated with depression among USA adults.

Social aspects of classroom learning: Results of a discourse analysis in an inquiry-oriented physical chemistry class

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Nicole M.

Engaging students in classroom discourse offers opportunities for students to participate in the construction of joint understandings, to negotiate relationships between different types of evidence, and to practice making evidence-based claims about science content. However, close attention to social aspects of learning is critical to creating inquiry-oriented classroom environments in which students learn with understanding. This study examined the social influences that contribute to classroom learning in an inquiry-oriented undergraduate physical chemistry class using the Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) approach. A qualitative approach to analyzing classroom discourse derived from Toulmin's (1968) model of argumentation was used to document patterns in classroom reasoning that reflect normative aspects of social interaction. Adapting the constructs of social and sociomathematical norms from the work of Yackel and Cobb (1996), I describe social aspects of the classroom environment by discussing normative aspects of social interaction (social norms) and discipline-specific criteria related to reasoning and justification in chemistry contexts, referred to here as sociochemical norms. This work discusses four social norms and two sociochemical norms that were documented over a five-week period of observation in Dr. Black's POGIL physical chemistry class. In small group activities, the socially established expectations that students explain reasoning, negotiate understandings of terminology and symbolic representations, and arrive at a consensus on critical thinking questions shaped small group interactions and reasoning. In whole class discussion, there was an expectation that students share reasoning with the class, and that the instructor provide feedback on student reasoning in ways that extended student contributions and elaborated relationships between macroscopic, particulate, and symbolic-level ideas. The ways in which the class constructed

Parents' Use of Physical Interventions in the Management of Their Children's Severe Challenging Behaviour

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allen, David; Hawkins, Sarah; Cooper, Viv

2006-01-01

Background: Although training staff supporting people with challenging behaviour in physical interventions has become accepted practice, parents are often left to fend for themselves while managing equivalent behaviours. The study explores parents' experience of managing severe challenging behaviours, their use of physical interventions and access…

Severe physical punishment and mental health problems in an economically disadvantaged population of children and adolescents.

PubMed

Bordin, Isabel Altenfelder Santos; Paula, Cristiane Silvestre; do Nascimento, Rosimeire; Duarte, Cristiane Seixas

2006-12-01

To estimate the prevalence of severe physical punishment of children/adolescents in a low-income community, and to examine child mental health problems as a potential correlate. This study is a Brazilian cross-sectional pilot study of the World Studies of Abuse in Family Environments. A probabilistic sample of clusters including all eligible households (women aged 15-49 years, son/daughter < 18 years) was evaluated. One mother-child pair was randomly selected per household (n = 89; attrition = 11%). Outcome (severe physical punishment of children/adolescents by mother/father) was defined as shaking (if age physical/mental health); mother (education, unemployment, physical/mental health, harsh physical punishment in childhood, marital violence); father (unemployment, drunkenness). Severe marital violence was defined as kicking, hitting, beating or use of /threat to use a weapon. The following standardized questionnaires were applied by trained interviewers: World Studies of Abuse in Family Environments Core Questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist, Self-Report Questionnaire. Outcome prevalence was 10.1%. Final logistic regression models identified two correlates: maternal harsh physical punishment in childhood (total sample, OR = 5.3, p = 0.047), and child/adolescent mental health problems (sub-sample aged 4-17 years, n = 67, OR = 9.1, p = 0.017). Severe physical punishment of children/adolescents is frequent in the studied community. The victims have a higher probability of becoming future perpetrators. When intrafamilial violence occurs, child/adolescent mental health may be compromised.

Social, Psychological, And Physical Aspects Of The Work Environment Could Contribute To Hypertension Prevalence.

PubMed

Rehkopf, David H; Modrek, Sepideh; Cantley, Linda F; Cullen, Mark R

2017-02-01

Studies on the physical and social characteristics of the workplace have begun to provide evidence for the role of specific workplace factors on health. However, the overall contribution of the workplace to health has not been considered. Estimates of the influences on health across domains of the work environment are a critical first step toward understanding what level of priority the workplace should take as the target for public policies to improve health. The influences or contribution of these domains on health in the work environment are particularly useful to study since they are potentially modifiable through changes in policies and environment. Our analysis used detailed data from blue-collar industrial workers at two dozen Alcoa plants. It includes work environmental measures of psychological hazards, physical hazards, and the workplace social environment, to estimate the overall importance of the workplace environment for hypertension. Our findings suggest that social, psychological, and physical aspects of the work environment could contribute to a substantial proportion of hypertension prevalence. These attributes of the workplace could thus be a useful target for improving workforce health. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

Culturally Responsive Instruction for Students with Multiple or Severe Physical Impairments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glimps, Blanche Jackson; Ford, Theron

2006-01-01

Are there students with physical disabilities who are so severely impaired that their culture can not be taken into consideration? Growing numbers of preschool and school age children with such disabilities are from non-European countries including Africa, South America, East Asia, and the Caribbean Islands. In addition, children who are American…

Interrelating Selected Aspects of Home Economics and Physical Education for a Health Program in the Middle School at the Sixth Grade Level.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lamb, Virginia Malzahn

This study was conducted to develop, implement, and evaluate a 9-week unit interrelating the health aspects of home economics and physical education at the sixth grade level. The curriculum, which emphasizes physical, social, and mental health, was designed by: (1) diagnosing needs of the students, (2) formulating specific objectives, (3)…

Physical activity level and risk of death: the severance cohort study.

PubMed

Mok, Yejin; Won, Soyoung; Kimm, Heejin; Nam, Chungmo; Ohrr, Heechoul; Jee, Sun Ha

2012-01-01

Physical activity decreases deaths from cardiovascular disease and other causes; however, it is unclear whether physical activity is associated with cancer incidence and death in Asian populations. Data from 59 636 Koreans aged 30 to 93 years were collected using a questionnaire and medical examination at the Severance Hospital Health Promotion Center between 1994 and 2004. Study participants were followed for a mean duration of 10.3 years. In the exercising group, the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed a lower risk of cancer death (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.62-0.85) in men but not in women. Those who exercised, as compared with those who did not, had lower risks of all-cause death (men: HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.60-0.76; women: HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.53-0.79) and noncancer death (men: 0.63, 0.53-0.75; women: 0.52, 0.39-0.69). Physical activity was inversely associated with risk of noncancer death among men and women. Physical activity was associated with lower risks of cancer death and noncancer death.

Physical Theory in Biology: An Interdisciplinary Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lumsden, Charles J.; And Others

1979-01-01

Describes an interdisciplinary course which explores the relationships between physics and biology in terms of their conceptual structures and mathematical frameworks. Highlights the course content, its system of cross-disciplinary literature resources, and several innovative aspects of the method used for evaluating students. (Author/GA)

Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. II. Barriers to care, monitoring and treatment guidelines, plus recommendations at the system and individual level

PubMed Central

DE HERT, MARC; COHEN, DAN; BOBES, JULIO; CETKOVICH-BAKMAS, MARCELO; LEUCHT, STEFAN; M. NDETEI, DAVID; W. NEWCOMER, JOHN; UWAKWE, RICHARD; ASAI, ITSUO; MÖLLER, HANS-JURGEN; GAUTAM, SHIV; DETRAUX, JOHAN; U. CORRELL, CHRISTOPH

2011-01-01

Physical disorders are, compared to the general population, more prevalent in people with severe mental illness (SMI). Although this excess morbidity and mortality is largely due to modifiable lifestyle risk factors, the screening and assessment of physical health aspects remains poor, even in developed countries. Moreover, specific patient, provider, treatment and system factors act as barriers to the recognition and to the management of physical diseases in people with SMI. Psychiatrists can play a pivotal role in the improvement of the physical health of these patients by expanding their task from clinical psychiatric care to the monitoring and treatment of crucial physical parameters. At a system level, actions are not easy to realize, especially for developing countries. However, at an individual level, even simple and very basic monitoring and treatment actions, undertaken by the treating clinician, can already improve the problem of suboptimal medical care in this population. Adhering to monitoring and treatment guidelines will result in a substantial enhancement of physical health outcomes. Furthermore, psychiatrists can help educate and motivate people with SMI to address their suboptimal lifestyle, including smoking, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. The adoption of the recommendations presented in this paper across health care systems throughout the world will contribute to a significant improvement in the medical and related psychiatric health outcomes of patients with SMI. PMID:21633691

Only physical aspects of quality of life are significantly improved by bilateral subthalamic stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Drapier, Sophie; Raoul, Sylvie; Drapier, Dominique; Leray, Emmanuelle; Lallement, François; Rivier, Isabelle; Sauleau, Paul; Lajat, Youen; Edan, Gilles; Vérin, Marc

2005-05-01

The well known global improvement of quality of life (QoL) after bilateral high frequency chronic deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is in contrast to behavioral disturbances as observed after surgery. Indeed the impact of DBS on physical versus mental aspects of QoL in PD remains unknown. To assess the influence of bilateral STN DBS on physical versus mental aspects of QoL in Parkinson's disease. The results of 27 patients for the Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ39) and Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF36) were compared before surgery and after 12 months of bilateral STN DBS. Comparing off-dopa conditions before versus 12 months after surgery, both UPDRS part II and part III significantly improved: 32.6% and 52%, respectively. UPDRS part I scores did not change significantly at 12 months. As for PDQ39, the global score significantly improved after surgery (21.1 %) as did four subscores: mobility (25.6 %), activity of daily living (34.5 %), stigma (40.1 %) and bodily discomfort (30 %). Three PDQ39 subscores, however, showed no significant changes: emotional well-being (10.7 %), social support (3.2%) and cognition (8.5 %) and one item even worsened: communication (-7.7 %). In SF36, only physical items significantly improved. Using clinician's based rating scale, bilateral STN DBS showed significant improvement in PD patients at 12 month follow up. However, using patient's self-assessment scales, the clinical benefit of STN DBS was more subtle: physical items of QoL significantly improved, whereas mental items such as emotional well-being, social support, cognition and communication showed no improvement. Our results are suggestive of a dissociation of motor and non-motor symptoms control after bilateral STN DBS in PD patients.

Studies of the physical aspects of intumescence using advance diagnostics methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeed, Hussain; Huang, Hua Wei; Zhang, Yang

2014-04-01

The use of intumescent paints as an active fire protection method has gained immense interest in recent years. A significant aspect of research has focused on studying the chemical aspects of the system to improve performance. The dynamics and physical aspects of intumescence in real time fire conditions are still unclear. The present research uses an experimental approach where diagnostics techniques such as thermal imaging camera was used to study intumescent characteristics that have been not been reported in great detail. T-panels are a substitute to the most commonly used part in construction, the I-beam. Studies were conducted using a cone calorimeter that provided a uniform heat flux through radiation on steel T-panel samples. The complex nature of char movement was recorded and a novel algorithm was used to track the growing char laye07r. The samples are designed to cater to different fire conditions. Therefore, the degree of intumescence was observed to be very different in the samples. The samples designed for low temperature cellulosic fires focus on high degree of intumesce. Whereas, mechanical strength is the focus for samples used in high temperature turbulent hydrocarbon fire conditions. The variation in the internal structure of the sample is presented. Furthermore, the phenomenon is phase shift is discussed. The phase shift is an essential part of the process of intumescence when the majority of intumescence occurs. It was observed to be different in all the samples. The movement of the samples is a property of great interest. This is because if any part of the substrate is exposed then the formulation does not meet strict commercialisation criterion. The movement was diagonal in nature as compared to flat panels where it is perpendicular. This is due tot the heating pattern of the plate that results in the web part of the panel to influence the growth of char on the flange part of the panel. A special case of char cracking is also highlighted and

[The effect of physical therapy on the most severe forms of knee structral changes caused by osteoarthritis].

PubMed

Kapidzić-Basić, Nedima; Dzananović, Dzevad; Kapidzić-Duraković, Suada; Kikanović, Sahza; Mulić-Bacić, Suada; Hotić-Hadziefendić, Asja

2011-01-01

In the most severe form of structural changes on knee caused by osteoarthritis non-surgical treatment provide minimal results and a question of its purpose is being raised. Aim of the study was to examine the possibilities of physical treatment of patients with the most severe degree of structural changes caused by knee osteoarthritis. Examination was conducted on 60 patients that were on physical treatment because of the knee OA. Structural changes are evaluated by Kellgren-Lawrence scale, functional ability by Lequesne index, and pain by Visual analog scale. Physical treatment lasted for 4 weeks. After the physical treatment there was a significant improvement of functional ability (p = 1.78E-07), but the size of improvement was reduced by the level of structural changes. It was significantly lower in IV class in relation to III and II class (p < 0.05). Physical treatment has lower affect by patients with the most severe form of structural changes caused by knee osteoarthritis, but it still can help patients to ease the appearance of complete dependence on other people's help.

Personal Assistant Support for Students with Severe Physical Disabilities in Postsecondary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hedrick, Bradley N.; Stumbo, Norma J.; Martin, Jay K.; Martin, Liam G.; Nordstrom, David L.; Morrill, Joshua H.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this exploratory research is to document the level of personal assistance support provided to students with severe physical disabilities by disability support services in higher education institutions across the United States. A national survey was conducted of members of the Association of Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)…

The Relationship Between Approach to Activity Engagement, Specific Aspects of Physical Function, and Pain Duration in Chronic Pain.

PubMed

Andrews, Nicole E; Strong, Jenny; Meredith, Pamela J

2016-01-01

To examine: (1) the relationships between habitual approach to activity engagement and specific aspects of physical functioning in chronic pain; and (2) whether or not these relationships differ according to pain duration. Outpatients (N=169) with generalized chronic pain completed a set of written questionnaires. Categories of "approach to activity engagement" were created using the confronting and avoidance subscales of the Pain and Activity Relations Questionnaire. An interaction term between "approach to activity engagement" categories and pain duration was entered into analysis with age, sex, pain intensity, the categorical "approach to activity engagement" variable, and pain duration, in 9 ordinal regression models investigating functioning in a variety of daily activities. The "approach to activity engagement" category predicted the personal care, lifting, sleeping, social life, and traveling aspects of physical functioning but, interestingly, not the performance skills used during these activities, that is, walking, sitting, and standing. The interaction term was significant in 2 models; however, the effect of pain duration on associations was the inverse of that theorized, with the relationship between variables becoming less pronounced with increasing duration of pain. The results of this study do not support the commonly held notion that avoidance and/or overactivity behavior leads to deconditioning and reduced physical capacity over time. Findings do, however, suggest that a relationship exists between avoidance and/or overactivity behavior and reduced participation in activities. Implications for the clinical management of chronic pain and directions for further research are discussed.

Career transitions for persons with severe physical disabilities: integrating technological and psychosocial skills and accommodations.

PubMed

Lash, M; Licenziato, V

1995-01-01

This article describes a vocational training program entitled, 'Careers in Automation for Persons with Severe Physical Disabilities', that was developed by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Tufts University School of Medicine in collaboration with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Its goal is to secure employment for individuals with severe physical impairments by using computers and technology as job related accommodations. Psychosocial, educational, and vocational profiles are presented for 24 clients over 4 years. Three case studies involving persons with traumatic, chronic and developmental disabilities illustrate the importance of matching technological accommodations with employer needs and personal preferences. Discussion of employment outcomes illustrates that the effective use of computers and technology by persons with disabilities is best measured not by the degree of sophistication and engineering of systems and devices, but by employer and employee satisfaction with job performance and productivity.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in individuals with psoriasis: associations with body surface area and subjective disease severity.

PubMed

Wilson, P B

2013-10-01

Psoriasis is associated with serious comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These comorbidities are related to low physical activity in the general population. Limited research has evaluated physical activity in psoriasis, and thus, the purpose of this investigation was to compare physical activity between individuals with and without psoriasis as well as explore the associations between measures of psoriasis severity and physical activity. Cross-sectional study using data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Self-reported psoriasis diagnosis and psoriasis severity were regressed on moderate/vigorous physical activity, as measured objectively by accelerometers. Measures of psoriasis severity included rating of psoriasis as a problem in life and body surface area involvement. A total of 4316 individuals had data on psoriasis, moderate/vigorous physical activity, and relevant covariates, with 3.6% (population weighted) of participants (N.=117) reporting a diagnosis of psoriasis. A psoriasis diagnosis was not associated with moderate/vigorous physical activity, and furthermore, body surface area involvement was not associated with moderate/vigorous physical activity among participants with psoriasis. However, every tertile increase in psoriasis as a problem in life was associated with 28% less moderate/vigorous physical activity, which remained significant after adjusting for covariates and removing outliers. While a diagnosis of psoriasis and body surface area involvement do not appear to be associated with less moderate/vigorous physical activity, individuals that rate their psoriasis to be a large problem engage in less moderate/vigorous physical activity.

Relationships between Personal Assistance and Productivity among Japanese Adults with Severe Physical Disabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nosek, Margaret A.

1991-01-01

Examined relationship between personal assistance and level of productivity, using sample of 30 Japanese adults with severe physical disabilities. Found that married individuals who used nonfamily, paid assistants were among most satisfied; and married, older, and less educated individuals were among most productive. (Author/NB)

Some physical aspects of fluid-fluxed melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patiño Douce, A.

2012-04-01

Fluid-fluxed melting is thought to play a crucial role in the origin of many terrestrial magmas. We can visualize the fundamental physics of the process as follows. An infinitesimal amount of fluid infiltrates dry rock at the temperature of its dry solidus. In order to restore equilibrium the temperature must drop, so that enthalpy is released and immediately reabsorbed as enthalpy of melting. The amount of melt produced must be such that the energy balance and thermodynamic equilibrium conditions are simultaneously satisfied. We wish to understand how an initially dry rock melts in response to progressive fluid infiltration, under both batch and fractional melting constraints. The simplest physical model for this process is a binary system in which one of the components makes up a pure solid phase and the other component a pure fluid phase, and in which a binary melt phase exists over certain temperature range. Melting point depression is calculated under the assumption of ideal mixing. The equations of energy balance and thermodynamic equilibrium are solved simultaneously for temperature and melt fraction, using an iterative procedure that allows addition of fluid in infinitesimal increments. Batch melting and fractional melting are simulated by allowing successive melt increments to remain in the system (batch) or not (fractional). Despite their simplified nature, these calculations reveal some important aspects of fluid-fluxed melting. The model confirms that, if the solubility of the fluid in the melt is sufficiently high, fluid fluxed melting is an efficient mechanism of magma generation. One might expect that the temperature of the infiltrating fluid would have a significant effect on melt productivity, but the results of the calculations show this not to be the case, because a relatively small mass of low molecular weight fluid has a strong effect on the melting point of minerals with much higher molecular weights. The calculations reveal the somewhat

Rotational energy in a physical pendulum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monteiro, Martín; Cabeza, Cecilia; Marti, Arturo C.

2014-03-01

Smartphone usage has expanded dramatically in recent years worldwide. This revolution also has impact in undergraduate laboratories where different experiences are facilitated by the use of the sensors usually included in these devices. Recently, in several articles published in the literature, the use of smartphones has been proposed for several physics experiments. Although most previous articles focused on mechanical experiments, an aspect that has received less attention is the use of rotation sensors or gyroscopes. Indeed, the use of these sensors paves the way for new experiments enabling the measurement of angular velocities. In a very recent paper the conservation of the angular momentum is considered using rotation sensors.3 In this paper we present an analysis of the rotational energy of a physical pendulum.

Severe Physical Violence and Black Women’s Health and Well-Being

PubMed Central

Sears, Karen Powell; Matusko, Niki; Jackson, James S.

2015-01-01

Objectives. We evaluated the association between intimate partner violence and the mental and physical health status of US Caribbean Black and African American women. Methods. We used 2001 to 2003 cross-sectional data from the National Survey of American Life—the most detailed study to date of physical and mental health disorders of Americans of African descent. We assessed participants’ health conditions by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (Washington, DC; American Psychological Association) Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Results. We found differences in health conditions between abused African American and Caribbean Black women. There were increased risks for lifetime dysthymia, alcohol dependence, drug abuse, and poor perceived health for African American victims of partner abuse, and binge eating disorder was associated with partner violence among Caribbean Black women. Conclusions. Severe intimate partner violence was associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes for US Black women, with different patterns between African American and Caribbean Blacks. Understanding intimate partner violence experiences of US Black women requires recognition of key intragroup differences, including nativity and immigrant status, and their differential relationships to women’s health. PMID:24922123

Software Aspects of IEEE Floating-Point Computations for Numerical Applications in High Energy Physics

ScienceCinema

Arnold, Jeffrey

2018-05-14

Floating-point computations are at the heart of much of the computing done in high energy physics. The correctness, speed and accuracy of these computations are of paramount importance. The lack of any of these characteristics can mean the difference between new, exciting physics and an embarrassing correction. This talk will examine practical aspects of IEEE 754-2008 floating-point arithmetic as encountered in HEP applications. After describing the basic features of IEEE floating-point arithmetic, the presentation will cover: common hardware implementations (SSE, x87) techniques for improving the accuracy of summation, multiplication and data interchange compiler options for gcc and icc affecting floating-point operations hazards to be avoided. About the speaker: Jeffrey M Arnold is a Senior Software Engineer in the Intel Compiler and Languages group at Intel Corporation. He has been part of the Digital->Compaq->Intel compiler organization for nearly 20 years; part of that time, he worked on both low- and high-level math libraries. Prior to that, he was in the VMS Engineering organization at Digital Equipment Corporation. In the late 1980s, Jeff spent 2½ years at CERN as part of the CERN/Digital Joint Project. In 2008, he returned to CERN to spent 10 weeks working with CERN/openlab. Since that time, he has returned to CERN multiple times to teach at openlab workshops and consult with various LHC experiments. Jeff received his Ph.D. in physics from Case Western Reserve University.

Eye gaze performance for children with severe physical impairments using gaze-based assistive technology-A longitudinal study.

PubMed

Borgestig, Maria; Sandqvist, Jan; Parsons, Richard; Falkmer, Torbjörn; Hemmingsson, Helena

2016-01-01

Gaze-based assistive technology (gaze-based AT) has the potential to provide children affected by severe physical impairments with opportunities for communication and activities. This study aimed to examine changes in eye gaze performance over time (time on task and accuracy) in children with severe physical impairments, without speaking ability, using gaze-based AT. A longitudinal study with a before and after design was conducted on 10 children (aged 1-15 years) with severe physical impairments, who were beginners to gaze-based AT at baseline. Thereafter, all children used the gaze-based AT in daily activities over the course of the study. Compass computer software was used to measure time on task and accuracy with eye selection of targets on screen, and tests were performed with the children at baseline, after 5 months, 9-11 months, and after 15-20 months. Findings showed that the children improved in time on task after 5 months and became more accurate in selecting targets after 15-20 months. This study indicates that these children with severe physical impairments, who were unable to speak, could improve in eye gaze performance. However, the children needed time to practice on a long-term basis to acquire skills needed to develop fast and accurate eye gaze performance.

Robots and ICT to support play in children with severe physical disabilities: a systematic review.

PubMed

van den Heuvel, Renée J F; Lexis, Monique A S; Gelderblom, Gert Jan; Jansens, Rianne M L; de Witte, Luc P

2015-09-02

Play is an essential part of children's lives. Children with physical disabilities experience difficulties in play, especially those with severe physical disabilities. With the progress of innovative technology, the possibilities to support play are increasing. The purpose of this literature study is to gain insight into the aims, control options and commercial availability of information and communication technology (ICT) and robots to support play (especially play for the sake of play) in children with severe physical disabilities. A systematic literature search in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, IEEE and ERIC was carried out. Titles and abstracts were assessed independently by three reviewers. In addition, studies were selected using Google Scholar, conference proceedings and reference lists. Three main groups of technology for play could be distinguished: robots (n = 8), virtual reality systems (n = 15) and computer systems (n = 4). Besides, ICT and robots developed for specific therapy or educational goals using play-like activities, five of the in total 27 technologies in this study described the aim of "play for play's sake". Many ICT systems and robots to support play in children with physical disabilities were found. Numerous technologies use play-like activities to achieve therapeutic or educational goals. Robots especially are used for "play for play's sake". Implications for Rehabilitation This study gives insight into the aims, control options and commercial availability for application of robots and ICT to support play in children with severe physical disabilities. This overview can be used in both the fields of rehabilitation and special education to search for new innovative intervention options and it can stimulate them to use these innovative play materials. Especially robots may have great potential in supporting "play for play's sake".

Physical health of patients with severe mental illness: an intervention on medium secure forensic unit.

PubMed

Vasudev, Kamini; Thakkar, Pratish B; Mitcheson, Nicola

2012-01-01

Patients with severe mental illness (SMI) treated with antipsychotic medication are at increased risk of metabolic side-effects like weight gain, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia. This study aims to examine the feasibility of maintaining a physical health monitoring sheet in patients' records and its impact on physical health of patients with SMI, over a period of one year. A physical health monitoring sheet was introduced in all the patients' records on a 15-bedded male medium secure forensic psychiatric rehabilitation unit, as a prompt to regularly monitor physical health parameters. An audit cycle was completed over a one year period. The data between baseline and re-audit were compared. At baseline, 80 per cent of the patients were identified as smokers, 80 per cent had increased body mass index (BMI) and 87 per cent had raised cardiovascular risk over the next ten years. Appropriate interventions were offered to address the risks. At re-audit, the physical health monitoring sheets were up to date in 100 per cent of patients' records. The serum lipids and cardiovascular risk over the next ten years reduced over time. No significant change was noted on the parameters including BMI, central obesity, high blood pressure and smoking status. This was a pilot study and was limited by the small sample size, male gender only and the specific nature of the ward. There is a need for improved access to physical health care in long-stay psychiatric settings. A more robust lifestyle modification programme is required to positively influence the physical health parameters in this cohort of patients. Introduction of a physical health monitoring sheet in patients' records led to regular screening of cardiovascular risks and subsequent increased prescribing of hypolipidaemic agents in individuals with severe mental illness.

Fundamental and functional aspects of mesoscopic architectures with examples in physics, cell biology, and chemistry.

PubMed

Kalay, Ziya

2011-08-01

How small can a macroscopic object be made without losing its intended function? Obviously, the smallest possible size is determined by the size of an atom, but it is not so obvious how many atoms are required to assemble an object so small, and yet that performs the same function as its macroscopic counterpart. In this review, we are concerned with objects of intermediate nature, lying between the microscopic and the macroscopic world. In physics and chemistry literature, this regime in-between is often called mesoscopic, and is known to bear interesting and counterintuitive features. After a brief introduction to the concept of mesoscopic systems from the perspective of physics, we discuss the functional aspects of mesoscopic architectures in cell biology, and supramolecular chemistry through many examples from the literature. We argue that the biochemistry of the cell is largely regulated by mesoscopic functional architectures; however, the significance of mesoscopic phenomena seems to be quite underappreciated in biological sciences. With this motivation, one of our main purposes here is to emphasize the critical role that mesoscopic structures play in cell biology and biochemistry.

Computerized physical activity training for persons with severe mental illness - experiences from a communal supported housing project.

PubMed

Gyllensten, Amanda Lundvik; Forsberg, Karl-Anton

2017-11-01

To study the effectiveness of Exergames in communal psychiatry for persons with severe mental illness, a randomized cluster study was performed. The hypothesis was to increase physical activity habits to improve somatic health. To identify factors promoting or impeding the use of the Exergames. Assessments of BMI, blood pressure, physical fitness, SF36, GAF and social interactions were studied at baseline and 10 months. An integrated methods design using content analysis of focus group interviews was integrated with a statistical analysis. Forty-three persons were randomized to the intervention and 30 to the control group. The qualitative interviews included 18 users, 11 staffs and one technical assistant. There were no significant between-group changes in physical activity behaviours or somatic health parameters after 10 months. Only 5% of the intervention group made systematic use of the intervention. Technological difficulties and staff attitudes were found to be barriers. The Exergames were perceived as technically complicated. The staff did not see playing TV games as important and negative attitudes were found. Exergames was not a successful intervention to increase physical activity behaviours in persons with severe mental illness in the community. Exergames and motivation for physical activity in this group is problematic. Implications for rehabilitation There are difficulties to change passive physical activity habits for persons with severe mental illness, living in sheltered housing conditions in the community due to negative symptoms with depression, low motivation and bad self -confidence. An exergame intervention was not successful in this group of persons. No somatic health benefits were found. Simple physical activities and offering different choices meeting different user needs should be offered. Ensuring user and staff engagement, good technical knowledge and good monitoring is a need for a successful intervention, if Exergames are offered as an

Gender differences in addiction severity.

PubMed

Díaz-Mesa, Eva M; García-Portilla, Paz; Fernández-Artamendi, Sergio; Sáiz, Pilar A; Bobes Bascarán, Teresa; Casares, María José; Fonseca, Eduardo; Al-Halabí, Susana; Bobes, Julio

2016-06-14

Gender has been associated with substance use disorders (SUD). However, there are few studies that have evaluated gender differences in a global and a standardized way, and with a large sample of patients with SUD. Our goal is to analyze the role of gender in addiction severity throughout multiple life domains, using the Addiction Severity Index-6 (ASI-6). A naturalistic, multicenter and prospective study was conducted. A total of 221 patients with SUD (80.1% men) were interviewed with the ASI-6. Our results indicate that the Recent Summary Scores (RSSs) of men and women are similar, with the exception of Psychiatric and Partner- Problems, where women showed higher severity (p = .017 and p = .013, respectively). Statistically significant gender differences were found in certain aspects of the ASI-6 domains: men have more problems of physical health, legal issues, and alcohol and other substance use; and woman score higher in problems of mental health, social network, subjective evaluations of SUD consequences, and treatment needs. These results should be taken into account to improve the identification, prevention, and treatment of SUD.

Physical activity and quality of life in long-term hospitalized patients with severe mental illness: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Deenik, Jeroen; Kruisdijk, Frank; Tenback, Diederik; Braakman-Jansen, Annemarie; Taal, Erik; Hopman-Rock, Marijke; Beekman, Aartjan; Tak, Erwin; Hendriksen, Ingrid; van Harten, Peter

2017-08-18

Increasing physical activity in patients with severe mental illness is believed to have positive effects on physical health, psychiatric symptoms and as well quality of life. Till now, little is known about the relationship between physical activity and quality of life in long-term hospitalized patients with severe mental illness and knowledge of the determinants of behavioural change is lacking. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and quality of life, and explore modifiable psychological determinants of change in physical activity in long-term hospitalized patients with severe mental illness. In 184 inpatients, physical activity was measured using an accelerometer (ActiGraph GTX+). Quality of life was assessed by EuroQol-5D and WHOQol-Bref. Attitude and perceived self-efficacy towards physical activity were collected using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale and the Multidimensional Self Efficacy Questionnaire, respectively. Patient and disease characteristics were derived retrospectively from electronic patient records. Associations and potential predictors were analysed using hierarchical regression. Physical activity was positively related with and a predictor of all quality of life outcomes except on the environmental domain, independent of patient and disease characteristics. However, non-linear relationships showed that most improvement in quality of life lies in the change from sedentary to light activity. Attitude and self-efficacy were not related to physical activity. Physical activity is positively associated with quality of life, especially for patients in the lower spectrum of physical activity. An association between attitude and self-efficacy and physical activity was absent. Therefore, results suggest the need of alternative, more integrated and (peer-)supported interventions to structurally improve physical activity in this inpatient population. Slight changes from sedentary

Cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorder labels in family practice acted as markers of physical health severity.

PubMed

Prior, James A; Kadam, Umesh T

2011-05-01

Family practitioner diagnostic labels applied in consultation provide a signpost for treatment and management. Yet, it is unknown whether each label reflects the health of the respective patient group. Consultation records of 7,799 patients aged 50 years and older from six family practices were linked to a cross-sectional baseline health survey. Associations between six mutually exclusive cardiovascular disease and nine mutually exclusive musculoskeletal disorder categories, and physical health severity as measured by the Short Form-12 questionnaire were examined. There were 2,447 (31.4%) cardiovascular disease and 3,321 (42.6%) musculoskeletal disorder consulters. The mean physical health scores ranged from 38.38 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37.8-39.0) for hypertension to the poorest score of health 28.98 (95% CI: 27.5-30.5) for consulters with heart failure, whereas in the musculoskeletal disorder group, scores ranged from 44.85 (95% CI: 42.2-47.5) for soft tissue disorder to 28.79 (95% CI: 26.8-30.8) for consulters with inflammatory polyarthropathy (trend P<0.001). This trend in the association between diagnostic categories and physical health severity within both spectrums remained after adjustment for confounders. Specific diagnostic labels for selected chronic illness indicate the severity of physical health for the corresponding consulting population. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physical fitness, functional ability and quality of life in children with severe haemophilia: a pilot study.

PubMed

van der Net, J; Vos, R C; Engelbert, R H H; van den Berg, M H; Helders, P J M; Takken, T

2006-09-01

In the Netherlands comparable levels of sports-participation between persons with haemophilia and healthy controls have been reported. This raises the question if children with haemophilia under the currently available prophylaxis do reach comparable levels of physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as their healthy peers. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of physical fitness, functional ability and quality of life and to determine the feasibility to safely test the exercise capacity of boys with severe haemophilia A. Thirteen subjects participated in this study. Physical fitness was determined using the measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) attained during a graded maximal exercise test to volitional exhaustion. Joint health, physical activity levels and health-related quality of life (Haemo-Qol) were also measured. Mean VO2peak was 1.86+/-0.77 L min-1 (Z-score: -0.39+/-1.61) which was not significantly different from reference values. Relative VO2peak was 47.42+/-8.29 mL min-1 kg-1 (Z-score: -0.52+/-1.43), which did not differ significantly from reference values either. One boy suffered a joint bleeding one day after the test. Haemo-Qol scores in parents and children ranged from 3.2% to 36.7% (100% reflects poor outcome). Relationship between the child or parent reports of Haemo-QoL and both absolute and relative VO2peak ranged from R=0.00 and R=0.4. Exercise testing in children with severe haemophilia A was a safe procedure. Patients with severe haemophilia A with good joint health and no limitations of activities have comparable physical fitness and physical active lifestyle with healthy peers and good HRQoL.

PREFACE Physical Aspects of Developmental Biology: 21st Century Perspectives 'On Growth and Form' Physical Aspects of Developmental Biology: 21st Century Perspectives 'On Growth and Form'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutson, M. Shane

2008-04-01

There is a long and circuitous route from an organism_s genome to its steady-state adult form—all of which falls under the wide umbrella of developmental biology. Given this breadth, how does one answer the question: what is the mechanism by which developmental event X takes place? The answer depends strongly on what one considers an acceptable explanation. In some scientific circles, the answer would focus on the regulatory genes involved. In others, the focus would be on the signaling pathways activated, or on the associated cellular movements, or maybe even on the intra- and intercellular forces. In the long term, the goal must be to provide an explanation that connects all of these perspectives. During the last several decades, molecular biology has made enormous progress towards understanding development from the genome-side. Unfortunately, progress has been much slower on the relevant physical biology—which had a huge head start in the late 19th century age of developmental mechanics. It is just a slight exaggeration to claim that we_ve made little progress on the physical side since D_Arcy Thompson_s On Growth and Form in 1917. Hopefully, such statements will be recognized as large exaggerations in years to come as developmental mechanics is now in resurgence. This special issue of Physical Biology brings together current work in developmental mechanics from an international cadre of scientists—including physicists, biologists and engineers. The works include both models and experiments. They span scales from subcellular microrheology to finite element models of entire embryos. I hope that students looking for one of these articles will dive into the rest. The field of developmental mechanics is in the process of training a new generation of students who are comfortable with both the necessary biology and physics. Enormous opportunities are available for those who can work across those traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Development and Validation of Scientific Literacy Achievement Test to Assess Senior Secondary School Students' Literacy Acquisition in Physics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adeleke, A. A.; Joshua, E. O.

2015-01-01

Physics literacy plays a crucial part in global technological development as several aspects of science and technology apply concepts and principles of physics in their operations. However, the acquisition of scientific literacy in physics in our society today is not encouraging enough to the desirable standard. Therefore, this study focuses on…

Factors associated with current and severe physical side-effects after prostate cancer treatment: What men report.

PubMed

Steentjes, L; Siesling, S; Drummond, F J; van Manen, J G; Sharp, L; Gavin, A

2018-01-01

We identified patient and disease characteristics associated with (1) "current" physical side-effects of any severity; and (2) "severe" physical side-effects "ever" experienced by 3,348 (54%) prostate cancer (PCa) survivors in Ireland diagnosed 2-18 years previously. Postal questionnaires collected symptoms at diagnosis, post-biopsy complications, comorbidities, primary treatments and physical side-effects post-treatment (urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, libido loss, bowel problems, breast changes, hot flushes, and fatigue, "ever" and "current" at time of questionnaire completion). Men were grouped by "early" (localised) and "late" (locally advanced/advanced) disease at diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified patient and disease-related factors associated with post-treatment side-effects. Complications post-biopsy were associated with higher risk of "current" libido loss and impotence. Radical prostatectomy was associated with higher risk of "current" and "severe" incontinence, libido loss and impotence in both early and late disease. In early disease, brachytherapy was associated with lower risk of "current" fatigue and "severe" impotence. Comorbidities were associated with higher risk of "current" experience of four side-effects (incontinence, libido loss, bowel problems, fatigue). Men on active surveillance/watchful-waiting reported lower risk of sexual dysfunction. These findings could inform development of tailored information on side-effects, which, in turn, could inform treatment decision-making and post-treatment monitoring. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Change in Pain and Physical Function Following Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity

PubMed Central

King, Wendy C.; Chen, Jia-Yuh; Belle, Steven H.; Courcoulas, Anita P.; Dakin, Gregory F.; Elder, Katherine A.; Flum, David R.; Hinojosa, Marcelo W.; Mitchell, James E.; Pories, Walter J.; Wolfe, Bruce M.; Yanovski, Susan Z.

2016-01-01

IMPORTANCE The variability and durability of improvements in pain and physical function following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are not well described. OBJECTIVES To report changes in pain and physical function in the first 3 years following bariatric surgery, and to identify factors associated with improvement. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 is an observational cohort study at 10 US hospitals. Adults with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery were recruited between February 2005 and February 2009. Research assessments were conducted prior to surgery and annually thereafter. Three-year follow-up through October 2012 is reported. EXPOSURES Bariatric surgery as clinical care. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes were clinically meaningful presurgery to postsurgery improvements in pain and function using scores from the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (ie, improvement of ≥5 points on the norm-based score [range, 0–100]) and 400-meter walk time (ie, improvement of ≥24 seconds) using established thresholds. The secondary outcome was clinically meaningful improvement using the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (ie, improvement of ≥9.7 pain points and ≥9.3 function points on the transformed score [range, 0–100]). RESULTS Of 2458 participants, 2221 completed baseline and follow-up assessments (1743 [78.5%] were women; median age was 47 years; median body mass index [BMI] was 45.9; 70.4% underwent RYGB; 25.0% underwent LAGB). At year 1, clinically meaningful improvements were shown in 57.6% (95% CI, 55.3%-59.9%) of participants for bodily pain, 76.5% (95% CI, 74.6%-78.5%) for physical function, and 59.5% (95% CI, 56.4%-62.7%) for walk time. Additionally, among participants with severe knee or disability (633), or hip pain or disability (500) at baseline, approximately three-fourths experienced joint

Literacy Instruction for Young Children with Severe Speech and Physical Impairments: A Systematic Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stauter, Donna W.; Myers, Sarah R.; Classen, Audra I.

2017-01-01

Children with severe speech and physical impairment who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) present unique challenges in literacy development. Traditional reading instruction has not met these students' needs. Occupational therapy and speech therapy provide supports to mediate limitations to literacy instruction. A systematic…

Various aspects of physical activity among Lithuanian adolescents.

PubMed

Bergier, Barbara; Bergier, Józef; Wojtyła, Andrzej

2012-01-01

Studies of the physical activity of 17-year-old adolescents attending selected schools in Lithuania were conducted in 2010 with the use of the IPAQ. The adolescents differed with respect to the scope of leisure time possessed. Considerably more boys than girls indicated that they had a sufficient amount of leisure time, but to the contrary, considerably more girls than boys declared that they possessed an insufficient amount of free time. The majority of schoolchildren were characterized by a high level of physical activity, with the larger group being boys. Low activity was not observed among boys, and in only a few girls. Moderate effort constituted the highest percentage of physical activity among adolescents, whereas an intensive activity - the lowest. Considering the total area of activity, there dominated occupational activity (education), while its smallest percentage was devoted to sports and recreation. Boys evaluated their physical efficacy in more negative terms than girls. Adolescents with a higher self-reported efficacy were characterized by higher physical activity. The majority of adolescents had a normal BMI. Girls and boys had different preferences concerning motor activities. Girls mainly used walks, bicycle riding, and running, while boys also chose bicycle riding and running, and played sports games. The adolescents also had new expectations - girls reported mainly horse riding, aerobics and dancing, whereas boys mentioned football and bodybuilding fitness exercises.

Visual communication interface for severe physically disabled patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savino, M. J.; Fernández, E. A.

2007-11-01

During the last years several interfaces have been developed to allow communication to those patients suffering serious physical disabilities. In this work, a computer based communication interface is presented. It was designed to allow communication to those patients that cannot use neither their hands nor their voice but they can do it through their eyes. The system monitors the eyes movements by means of a webcam. Then, by means of an Artificial Neural Network, the system allows the identification of specified position on the screen through the identification of the eyes positions. This way the user can control a virtual keyboard on a screen that allows him to write and browse the system and enables him to send e-mails, SMS, activate video/music programs and control environmental devices. A patient was simulated to evaluate the versatility of the system. Its operation was satisfactory and it allowed the evaluation of the system potential. The development of this system requires low cost elements that are easily found in the market.

Changes in the physical and mechanical properties of Al-Mg alloy processed by severe plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasnoveikin, V. A.; Kozulin, A. A.; Skripnyak, V. A.; Moskvichev, E. N.; Borodulin, D. A.

2017-12-01

This paper presents the results of studies into the effect of severe plastic deformation on the microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of coarse-grained Al-Mg alloy 1560 in the as-received state with an average grain size of 50 µm. Severe plastic deformation is performed by four-pass equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), which results in the formation of an ultrafine-grained structure with an average grain size of 3 µm in the alloy. Analysis of experimental data revealed that the physical and mechanical properties change significantly after severe plastic deformation. The microhardness of the ECAPed alloy increases by 50%, tensile yield strength by 80%, and ultimate strength by 44% in comparison with these parameters in the as-received state. The constants of approximating functions have been determined for the experimental stress-strain curves of the alloy specimens in the as-received and ECAPed states.

Laboratory space physics: Investigating the physics of space plasmas in the laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howes, Gregory G.

2018-05-01

Laboratory experiments provide a valuable complement to explore the fundamental physics of space plasmas without the limitations inherent to spacecraft measurements. Specifically, experiments overcome the restriction that spacecraft measurements are made at only one (or a few) points in space, enable greater control of the plasma conditions and applied perturbations, can be reproducible, and are orders of magnitude less expensive than launching spacecraft. Here, I highlight key open questions about the physics of space plasmas and identify the aspects of these problems that can potentially be tackled in laboratory experiments. Several past successes in laboratory space physics provide concrete examples of how complementary experiments can contribute to our understanding of physical processes at play in the solar corona, solar wind, planetary magnetospheres, and the outer boundary of the heliosphere. I present developments on the horizon of laboratory space physics, identifying velocity space as a key new frontier, highlighting new and enhanced experimental facilities, and showcasing anticipated developments to produce improved diagnostics and innovative analysis methods. A strategy for future laboratory space physics investigations will be outlined, with explicit connections to specific fundamental plasma phenomena of interest.

A Physics Course for Non-Physical Science Teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cottle, Paul D.

1997-11-01

A two semester introductory physics sequence exclusively for undergraduates and graduate students in science education who were not seeking certification in physics was taught at Florida State for the first time in 1996-97. The course emphasized building understanding in both qualitative and quantitative aspects of physics through group learning approaches to laboratories and written problem assignments, assessments which required detailed written explanations, and frequent interactions between the instructor and individual students. This talk will briefly outline the structure of the course and some of the more interesting observations made by the group of science education graduate students and faculty who evaluated aspects of the course.

Tense, Aspect and the Verbs of Motion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pahomov, George S.

1979-01-01

To help students learn the imperfect and perfect aspects of Russian verbs, principles of math and physics can be utilized. This Orbit-Trajectory-Stasis method presents verbs of motion by avoiding tense, and suggests new verbal configurations for exploring both conceptual and concrete aspects. Appendices further illustrate the approach. (PMJ)

Teaching mindfulness meditation to adults with severe speech and physical impairments: An exploratory study.

PubMed

Goodrich, Elena; Wahbeh, Helané; Mooney, Aimee; Miller, Meghan; Oken, Barry S

2015-01-01

People with severe speech and physical impairments may benefit from mindfulness meditation training because it has the potential to enhance their ability to cope with anxiety, depression and pain and improve their attentional capacity to use brain-computer interface systems. Seven adults with severe speech and physical impairments (SSPI) - defined as speech that is understood less than 25% of the time and/or severely reduced hand function for writing/typing - participated in this exploratory, uncontrolled intervention study. The objectives were to describe the development and implementation of a six-week mindfulness meditation intervention and to identify feasible outcome measures in this population. The weekly intervention was delivered by an instructor in the participant's home, and participants were encouraged to practise daily using audio recordings. The objective adherence to home practice was 10.2 minutes per day. Exploratory outcome measures were an n-back working memory task, the Attention Process Training-II Attention Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and a qualitative feedback survey. There were no statistically significant pre-post results in this small sample, yet administration of the measures proved feasible, and qualitative reports were overall positive. Obstacles to teaching mindfulness meditation to persons with SSPI are reported, and solutions are proposed.

Breath-Figure Self-Assembly, a Versatile Method of Manufacturing Membranes and Porous Structures: Physical, Chemical and Technological Aspects

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The review is devoted to the physical, chemical, and technological aspects of the breath-figure self-assembly process. The main stages of the process and impact of the polymer architecture and physical parameters of breath-figure self-assembly on the eventual pattern are covered. The review is focused on the hierarchy of spatial and temporal scales inherent to breath-figure self-assembly. Multi-scale patterns arising from the process are addressed. The characteristic spatial lateral scales of patterns vary from nanometers to dozens of micrometers. The temporal scale of the process spans from microseconds to seconds. The qualitative analysis performed in the paper demonstrates that the process is mainly governed by interfacial phenomena, whereas the impact of inertia and gravity are negligible. Characterization and applications of polymer films manufactured with breath-figure self-assembly are discussed. PMID:28813026

Nuclear-Physics Aspects of Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion: Analysis of Promising Fuels and Gamma-Ray Diagnostics of Hot Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronchev, V. T.; Kukulin, V. I.

2000-12-01

A brief survey of nuclear-physics aspects of the problems of controlled thermonuclear fusion is given. Attention is paid primarily to choosing and analyzing an optimal composition of a nuclear fuel, reliably extrapolating the cross sections for nuclear reactions to the region of low energies, and exploring gamma-ray methods (as a matter of fact, very promising methods indeed) for diagnostics of hot plasmas (three aspects that are often thought to be the most important ones). In particular, a comparative nuclear-physics analysis of hydrogen, DT, and DD thermonuclear fuels and of their alternatives in the form of D3He, D6Li, DT6Li, H6Li, H11B, and H9Be is performed. Their advantages and disadvantages are highlighted; a spin-polarized fuel is considered; and the current status of nuclear data on the processes of interest is analyzed. A procedure for determining cross sections for nuclear reactions in the deep-subbarrier region is discussed. By considering the example of low-energy D+6Li interactions, it is shown that, at ion temperatures below 100 keV, the inclusion of nuclear-structure factors leads to an additional enhancement of the rate parameters <σv> for the ( d, pt) and ( d, nτ) channels by 10-40%. The possibility of using nuclear reactions that lead to photon emission as a means for determining the ion temperature of a thermonuclear plasma is discussed.

Manual physical therapy combined with high-intensity functional rehabilitation for severe lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries: a case series*

PubMed Central

Crowell, Michael S.; Deyle, Gail D.; Owens, Johnny; Gill, Norman W.

2016-01-01

Objectives Severe lower extremity trauma accounts for large healthcare costs and often results in elective amputation and poor long-term outcomes. The purpose of this case series is to describe an orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) approach combined with a return to run (RTR) clinical pathway consisting of high-intensity functional rehabilitation with a custom energy-storing orthosis. Methods Three consecutive male patients, aged 21–23 years, with severe lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries were treated with a combined intervention that included a mean (SD) of 12 (2·1) OMPT sessions and 24 (8·7) functional rehabilitation sessions over a mean of 6 weeks (1·0). Additional training with a custom energy-storing orthosis consisted of a mean of 15 (1·2) additional sessions over 4 weeks. Patient self-report outcome measures and a variety of physical performance tests captured change in function. Results Baseline lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and foot and ankle ability measure activities of daily living subscale (FAAM-ADL) scores indicated severe disability. All patients exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in at least one self-report outcome or physical performance test without a brace. Two of three patients exceeded the MCID for at least two physical performance tests after training with and utilizing a custom energy-storing orthosis. Discussion Clinically meaningful changes in self-reported function or physical performance were observed in all patients. A multi-modal approach, including manual therapy and functional exercise, may address the entire spectrum of impairments in patients with severe lower extremity trauma, resulting in improvements in both braced and un-braced function. PMID:27252581

Sexual Aggression Experiences Among Male Victims of Physical Partner Violence: Prevalence, Severity, and Health Correlates for Male Victims and Their Children.

PubMed

Hines, Denise A; Douglas, Emily M

2016-07-01

Although research has documented the prevalence and health correlates of sexual aggression among women who have experienced severe partner violence (PV), no research has documented the parallel issues among male victims of severe PV. Research also suggests that children of female victims of both physical and sexual PV have worse mental health than children of female victims of physical PV only, but no research has assessed the mental health of children whose fathers experienced both physical and sexual PV. We surveyed 611 men who experienced physical PV from their female partners and sought help. We assessed the types and extent of various forms of PV, the men's mental and physical health, and the mental health of their oldest child. Results showed that almost half of the men experienced sexual aggression in their relationship, and 28 % severe sexual aggression. Increasing levels of severity of sexual aggression victimization was associated with greater prevalence and types of other forms of PV. In addition, greater levels of severity of sexual aggression victimization among the men was significantly associated with depression symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, physical health symptoms, and poor health, and attention deficit and affective symptoms among their children. These associations held after controlling for demographics and other violence and trauma exposure. Discussion focused on the importance of broadening our conceptualization of PV against men by women to include sexual aggression as well.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists: prevalence, severity, risks, and responses.

PubMed

Cromie, J E; Robertson, V J; Best, M O

2000-04-01

Physical therapists are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Little is known of how therapists respond or of what actions they take to prevent injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of WMSDs in physical therapists, contributing risk factors, and their responses to injury. As part of a larger study, a systematic sample of 1 in 4 therapists on a state register (n=824) was surveyed. An 8-page questionnaire was mailed to each subject. Questions investigated musculoskeletal symptoms, specialty areas, tasks and job-related risk factors, injury prevention strategies, and responses to injury. Lifetime prevalence of WMSDs was 91%, and 1 in 6 physical therapists moved within or left the profession as a result of WMSDs. Younger therapists reported a higher prevalence of WMSDs in most body areas. Use of mobilization and manipulation techniques was related to increased prevalence of thumb symptoms. Risk factors pertaining to workload were related to a higher prevalence of neck and upper-limb symptoms, and postural risk factors were related to a higher prevalence of spinal symptoms. Strategies used to reduce work-related injury in industry may also apply to physical therapists. Increased risk of thumb symptoms associated with mobilization techniques suggests that further research is needed to establish recommendations for practice. The issues for therapists who move within or leave the profession are unknown, and further research is needed to better understand their needs and experiences.

[Severe legionellosis after abuse of anti-inflammatory drugs--diagnostic and intensive care aspects based on a case report].

PubMed

Bein, T; Ehret, W; Metz, C; Hobbhahn, J; Taeger, K

1995-06-01

Legionella infections are getting increasingly important as causes of severe pneumonias or of acute respiratory insufficiency. Consumptive or immunosuppressive underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiac insufficiency, alcohol-induced liver damage, malignant tumours or drug-induced immunosuppression after organ transplantation, are among the risk factors. Diagnosis is based on direct identification of the pathogen from body secretions by means of direct immunofluorescence. The serological immunoresponse often takes place long after outbreak of the disease or fails entirely to appear and is therefore only suitable for retrospective confirmation. Therapy of choice is an intravenous administration of erythromycin. There are now increasing pointers to the efficiency of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin. We report on the course of a severe case of legionnaire's disease with multiple organ failure occurring in a patient after bone marrow depression induced by anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment erythromycin resulted in a marked cholestasis, so that antibiotic treatment was changed to ciprofloxacin. This therapy as well as the supportive intensive-care treatment eventually led to the patient's complete recovery. Based on the case report, fundamental aspects of diagnostics, antibiotic treatment, intensive-care treatment and prognosis of severe cases of legionellosis are discussed.

Main and interactive effects of emotion dysregulation and HIV symptom severity on quality of life among persons living with HIV/AIDS.

PubMed

Brandt, Charles P; Jardin, Charles; Sharp, Carla; Lemaire, Chad; Zvolensky, Michael J

2017-04-01

HIV symptoms are associated with a poorer quality of life (QOL) among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Yet, there is little understanding of emotional factors that impact the relation between HIV symptom severity and QOL. The present study examined the main and interactive effects of emotion dysregulation and HIV symptom severity on multiple indices of QOL, including physical (impact of physical problems related to HIV), psychological (frequency of negative feelings), independence (necessity of medical treatment to function in daily life), social (feelings of acceptance), environmental (satisfaction with living conditions and medical care), and spiritual (fear of the future and death) among a sample of 74 PLWHA. Participants (72.9% male; mean age = 48.24, SD = 7.85) were recruited from AIDS Service Organizations in the United States. Results indicated that higher HIV symptom severity is significantly associated with lower physical and independence QOL, whereas higher emotion dysregulation is significantly associated with lower scores on all measured aspects of QOL. Additionally, results indicated that the interaction of emotion dysregulation and HIV symptom severity was significantly associated with both physical and environmental QOL. The form of the observed significant interactions indicated that HIV symptom severity was related to poorer QOL among those with lower (versus higher) emotion dysregulation. The present findings indicate that emotion dysregulation is related to QOL among PLWHA and may interact with HIV symptom severity to negatively impact certain aspects of QOL. Given the profound impact that HIV has on QOL, this finding is important in understanding these relations mechanistically, and may be important in the development of novel psychological treatment strategies.

Severe physical violence among intimate partners: a risk factor for vaginal bleeding during gestation in less privileged women?

PubMed

Moraes, Claudia Leite; Reichenheim, Michael; Nunes, Antônio Paulo

2009-01-01

To evaluate the role of severe physical violence within intimate partners on the occurrence of vaginal bleeding during gestation in less privileged women. Health service survey. Three large public maternities in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Five hundred and twenty-eight women who gave birth to full-term newborn infants were selected at random among the births that took place during the six months of fieldwork. Information on vaginal bleeding during gestation was obtained from medical records, pre-natal cards, and by means of a questionnaire addressed to the women giving birth. To collect severe physical violence data, use was made of the Portuguese version of the instrument Revised Conflict Tactics Scales, formally adapted for use in Brazil. Vaginal bleeding during gestation. After accounting for socio-economic, demographic, reproductive, and pregnant women's life-style variables, women who had been victims of two or more acts of severe physical violence were 2.74 (95% CI: 1.37-5.48) times more liable to present with vaginal bleeding during pregnancy than those who did not. Our findings suggest that physical violence increases the risk of vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. This result should encourage studies on whether intervention in violent relationships can reduce the risk of vaginal bleeding and other pregnancy complications.

[Meta-analyses of quarks, baryons and mesons--a "Cochrane Collaboration" in particle physics].

PubMed

Sauerland, Stefan; Sauerland, Thankmar; Antes, Gerd; Barnett, R Michael

2002-02-01

Within the last 20 years meta-analysis has become an important research technique in medicine for integrating the results of independent studies. Meta-analytical techniques, however, are much older. In particle physics for 50 years now the properties of huge numbers of particles have been assessed in meta-analyses. The Cochrane Collaboration's counterpart in physics is the Particle Data Group. This article compares methodological and organisational aspects of meta-analyses in medicine and physics. Several interesting parallels exist, especially with regard to methodology.

The physical challenges of early breastfeeding.

PubMed

Kelleher, Christa M

2006-11-01

Breastfeeding rates have recently increased in the United States and Canada and a majority of women now initiate breastfeeding. Feminist scholarship on breastfeeding has addressed a variety of issues related to women's breastfeeding experiences but has tended to ignore or downplay the potentially physically challenging aspects of early breastfeeding. This study, based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 52 women from Canada and the United States conducted at approximately one month postpartum, examines women's experiences of pain and discomfort associated with breastfeeding. The findings demonstrate that many women experienced pain and discomfort and that they were generally surprised by the extent, intensity and duration of discomfort and pain, which ranged from mild to severe. Several women indicated that the physical impact of breastfeeding affected their relationship with their baby; others indicated that they became hesitant to continue the practice due to feelings of physical vulnerability, pain and/or discomfort. Lastly, women's experiences of the physical implications of breastfeeding were influenced in part by assistance provided by health care practitioners, in both positive and negative ways. The practice of breastfeeding has the potential to challenge women's physicality. Feminist scholars addressing the topic of breastfeeding, women's postpartum health, and embodiment must more directly and comprehensively account for the potentially negative physical implications and demands associated with early breastfeeding.

Improving the physical health of people with severe mental illness: boundaries of care provision.

PubMed

Ehrlich, Carolyn; Kendall, Elizabeth; Frey, Nicolette; Kisely, Steve; Crowe, Elizabeth; Crompton, David

2014-06-01

There is compelling evidence that the physical health of people with severe mental illness is poor. Health-promotion guidelines have been recommended as a mechanism for improving the physical health of this population. However, there are significant barriers to the adoption of evidence-based guidelines in practice. The purpose of this research was to apply existing implementation theories to examine the capability of the health system to integrate physical health promotion into mental health service delivery. Data were collected within a regional city in Queensland, Australia. Fifty participants were interviewed. The core theme that emerged from the data was that of 'care boundaries' that influenced the likelihood of guidelines being implemented. Boundaries existed around the illness, care provision processes, sectors, the health-care system, and society. These multilevel boundaries, combined with participants' ways of responding to them, impacted on capability (i.e. the ability to integrate physical health promotion into existing practices). Participants who were able to identify strategies to mediate these boundaries were better positioned to engage with physical health-promotion practice. Thus, the implementation of evidence-based guidelines depended heavily on the capability of the workforce to develop and adopt boundary-mediating strategies. © 2013 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Some nuclear physics aspects of BBN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coc, Alain

2017-09-01

Primordial or big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) is now a parameter free theory whose predictions are in good overall agreement with observations. However, the 7 Li calculated abundance is significantly higher than the one deduced from spectroscopic observations. Nuclear physics solutions to this lithium problem have been investigated by experimental means. Other solutions which were considered involve exotic sources of extra neutrons which inevitably leads to an increase of the deuterium abundance, but this seems now excluded by recent deuterium observations.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Severely Obese Adults during a Two-Year Lifestyle Intervention Programme

PubMed Central

Kolotkin, Ronette L.; Natvig, Gerd Karin

2015-01-01

It is unknown how changes in physical activity may affect changes in quality of life (QoL) outcomes during lifestyle interventions for severely obese adults. The purpose of this study was to examine associations in the patterns of change between objectively assessed physical activity as the independent variable and physical, mental, and obesity-specific QoL and life satisfaction as the dependent variables during a two-year lifestyle intervention. Forty-nine severely obese adults (37 women; 43.6 ± 9.4 years; body mass index 42.1 ± 6.0 kg/m2) participated in the study. Assessments were conducted four times using Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), Obesity-Related Problems (OP) scale, a single item on life satisfaction, and accelerometers. The physical component summary (PCS) score and the mental component summary (MCS) score were used as SF-36 outcomes. Associations were determined using linear regression analyses and reported as standardized coefficients (stand. coeff.). Change in physical activity was independently associated with change in PCS (stand. coeff. = 0.35, P = .033), MCS (stand. coeff. = 0.51, P = .001), OP (stand. coeff. = −0.31,  P = .018), and life satisfaction (stand. coeff. = 0.39, P = .004) after adjustment for gender, age, and change in body mass index. PMID:25653871

Physical therapy as an adjunctive treatment for severe osteoarthritis in a Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).

PubMed

Wolfe, Tammy Culpepper; Stringer, Elizabeth; Krauss, Sue; Trout, Tim

2015-03-01

This case report describes a new physical therapy technique, specifically the Wolfe Kinetic Technique, as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of severe osteoarthritis in a 20-yr-old Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). This animal was managed with oral analgesics for 3 yr with fair to minimal response over time. Due to worsening of lameness and mobility, physical therapy was initiated. Ten treatment sessions were administered at 1-wk intervals. Within 1 mo the Komodo dragon exhibited marked improvement in gait and function, increased responsiveness to his environment, and increased mobility which continued to improve over the subsequent sessions. Although outcomes could not be measured by standardized objective measures, this study provides a reference for treatment of future cases and a foundation for future research substantiating treatment practices in animal physical therapy.

PATIENT'S RIGHT TO INFORMED CONSENT IN REPUBLIC SRPSKA: LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS (WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PHYSICAL REHABILITATION).

PubMed

Milinkovic, Igor; Majstorovic, Biljana

2014-12-01

The principle of informed consent, which requires a patient's fully-informed consent prior to the medical treatment, is closely connected with the value of human dignity. The realization and protection of a patient's dignity is not possible without his/her right to choose the character and scope of medical treatment. This goal cannot be adequately achieved within the traditional model of medical paternalism characterized by the physician's authoritative position. The first part of the article deals with the content and ethical significance of the informed consent doctrine. The legal framework of informed consent in Republic Srpska (RS), one of the two Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH)entities, is analyzed. Special reference is made to the relevance of the informed consent principle within the physical rehabilitation process. Although ethical aspects of physical rehabilitation are often overlooked, this medical field possesses a strong ethical dimension (including an appropriate realization of the patient's right to informed consent).

Study of the effectiveness of a participatory ergonomics intervention in reducing worker pain severity through physical exposure pathways.

PubMed

Laing, Andrew C; Frazer, Mardon B; Cole, Donald C; Kerr, Mickey S; Wells, Richard P; Norman, Robert W

2005-02-01

A participatory ergonomics programme was implemented in an automotive parts manufacturing factory. An ergonomics change team was formed composed of members from management and the organized labour union. It was hypothesized that the physical change projects implemented as part of this process would result in decreased worker exposures to peak and cumulative physical demands and reduced worker perceptions of physical effort and pain severity. A quasi-experimental design was employed, utilizing a sister plant in the corporation as a referent group. A longitudinal questionnaire approach was used to document pre-post changes in worker perceptions. In general, the physical change projects were rated as improvements by workers and were successful at reducing peak and/or cumulative mechanical exposures. However, there were few systematic changes in perceived effort or pain severity levels. Explanations include the confounding effects of differential production rate and staffing changes at the intervention and referent plants and/or insufficient overall intervention intensity due to a relatively short intervention period, plant and team ambivalence towards the process and the low overall impact on exposure of the particular changes implemented.

Premorbid personality characteristics and attachment style moderate the effect of injury severity on occupational outcome in traumatic brain injury: another aspect of reserve.

PubMed

Sela-Kaufman, Michal; Rassovsky, Yuri; Agranov, Eugenia; Levi, Yifat; Vakil, Eli

2013-01-01

The concept of "reserve" has been proposed to account for the mismatch between brain pathology and its clinical expression. Prior efforts to characterize this concept focused mostly on brain or cognitive reserve measures. The present study was a preliminary attempt to evaluate premorbid personality and emotional aspects as potential moderators in moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Using structural equation modeling and multiple regression analyses, we found that premorbid personality characteristics provided the most robust moderator of injury severity on occupational outcome. Findings offer preliminary support for premorbid personality features as another relevant reserve construct in predicting outcome in this population.

Effect of moderate to vigorous physical activity on long-term clinical outcomes and pain severity in fibromyalgia.

PubMed

Kaleth, Anthony S; Saha, Chandan K; Jensen, Mark P; Slaven, James E; Ang, Dennis C

2013-08-01

To evaluate the relationship between long-term maintenance of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and clinical outcomes in fibromyalgia (FM). Patients with FM (n = 170) received individualized exercise prescriptions and completed baseline and followup physical activity assessments using the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire at weeks 12, 24, and 36. The primary outcome was the change in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Physical Impairment (FIQ-PI) score. The secondary outcomes included improvements in overall well-being (FIQ total score), pain severity ratings, and depression. Using a threshold increase in MVPA of ≥10 metabolic equivalent hours/week above usual activities, 27 subjects (15.9%) increased and sustained (SUS-PA), 68 (40%) increased but then declined (UNSUS-PA), and 75 (44.1%) did not achieve (LO-PA) this benchmark. Compared to LO-PA subjects, both SUS-PA and UNSUS-PA subjects reported greater improvement in FIQ-PI (P < 0.01) and FIQ total score (P < 0.05). Additionally, the SUS-PA group reported greater improvement in pain severity compared to the LO-PA group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant group differences between SUS-PA and UNSUS-PA for any primary or secondary outcome measure. Increased participation in MVPA for at least 12 weeks improved physical function and overall well-being in patients with FM. Although sustained physical activity was not associated with greater clinical benefit compared with unsustained physical activity, these findings also suggest that performing greater volumes of physical activity is not associated with worsening pain in FM. Future research is needed to determine the relationship between sustained MVPA participation and subsequent improvement in patient outcomes. Copyright © 2013 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Which aspects of health differ between working and nonworking women with fibromyalgia? A cross-sectional study of work status and health.

PubMed

Palstam, Annie; Bjersing, Jan L; Mannerkorpi, Kaisa

2012-12-14

Women with fibromyalgia (FM) describe great difficulties in managing work. Reported work ability in women with FM varies from 34 to 77 percent in studies from different countries. Many factors are suggested to affect the ability to work in women with FM, including pain, fatigue, impaired physical capacity and activity limitations. However, it is difficult to define to which extent symptom severity can be compatible with work. The aim of this study was to investigate which aspects of health differ between working women with FM and nonworking women with FM. A cross-sectional study of 129 women of working age with FM which included clinical assessment, structured interviews, questionnaires and performance-based tests. The women were categorized as working or nonworking. Aspects of health are presented according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Working women with FM presented better health than nonworking women with FM in ratings of body function (FIQ pain p < 0.001, FIQ fatigue p = 0.006, FIQ stiffness p = 0.009, HADS-Depression p = 0.007). Ratings of overall health status were also significantly better in working women with FM than in nonworking women with FM (FIQ total, eight-item p = 0.001 and SF-36 PCS p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between working- and nonworking women in tests of physical capacity. FIQ pain was an independent explanatory factor for work in stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis (OR 0.95, CI 0.93- 0.98), p < 0.001. Working women with FM reported better health than nonworking women with FM in terms of pain, fatigue, stiffness, depression, disease specific health status and physical aspects of quality of life, which represent body functions and overall health status. However, they were equally impaired in tests of physical capacity. Moderate pain levels were compatible with work, while severe pain appeared to compromise work. Fatigue was better tolerated, as women scoring

Which aspects of health differ between working and nonworking women with fibromyalgia? A cross-sectional study of work status and health

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Women with fibromyalgia (FM) describe great difficulties in managing work. Reported work ability in women with FM varies from 34 to 77 percent in studies from different countries. Many factors are suggested to affect the ability to work in women with FM, including pain, fatigue, impaired physical capacity and activity limitations. However, it is difficult to define to which extent symptom severity can be compatible with work. The aim of this study was to investigate which aspects of health differ between working women with FM and nonworking women with FM. Methods A cross-sectional study of 129 women of working age with FM which included clinical assessment, structured interviews, questionnaires and performance-based tests. The women were categorized as working or nonworking. Aspects of health are presented according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results Working women with FM presented better health than nonworking women with FM in ratings of body function (FIQ pain p < 0.001, FIQ fatigue p = 0.006, FIQ stiffness p = 0.009, HADS-Depression p = 0.007). Ratings of overall health status were also significantly better in working women with FM than in nonworking women with FM (FIQ total, eight-item p = 0.001 and SF-36 PCS p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between working- and nonworking women in tests of physical capacity. FIQ pain was an independent explanatory factor for work in stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis (OR 0.95, CI 0.93- 0.98), p < 0.001. Conclusion Working women with FM reported better health than nonworking women with FM in terms of pain, fatigue, stiffness, depression, disease specific health status and physical aspects of quality of life, which represent body functions and overall health status. However, they were equally impaired in tests of physical capacity. Moderate pain levels were compatible with work, while severe pain appeared to

Medical and Sociocultural Aspects of Disability. Section III.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornhill, Herbert L.; And Others

This document contains four papers, discussing medical and sociocultural aspects of disability, presented at a national conference on the nonwhite disabled. In "Some Observations on Blacks and Physical Disability," Thornhill and Torres note the higher prevalence of physical disability among blacks and cite the example of more frequent lower…

Severe physical punishment: risk of mental health problems for poor urban children in Brazil

PubMed Central

Duarte, Cristiane S; Peres, Clovis A; Nascimento, Rosimeire; Curto, Bartira M; Paula, Cristiane S

2009-01-01

Abstract Objective To examine the relationship between specific types of child mental health problems and severe physical punishment, in combination with other important known risk factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in Embu, São Paulo, Brazil, as the Brazilian component of a multicountry survey on abuse in the family environment. From a probabilistic sample of clusters that included all eligible households (women aged 15–49 years with a son or daughter < 18 years of age), we randomly selected one mother–child pair per household (n = 813; attrition rate: 17.6%). This study focused on children aged 6–17 years (n = 480). Child Behaviour Checklist CBCL/6–18 was used to identify children with internalizing problems only, externalizing problems only, and both internalizing and externalizing problems (comorbidity). Severe physical punishment was defined as being hit with an object, being kicked, choked, smothered, burnt, scalded, branded, beaten or threatened with a weapon. We examined other potential correlates from four domains: child (gender, age, ever witnessing marital violence); mother (education, unemployment, anxiety or depression, marital violence); father (absence, drunkenness); and family (socioeconomic status). The WHO Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to identify maternal anxiety or depression (score > 7). Backward logistic regression analysis identified independent correlates and significant interactions. Findings Multivariate modelling showed that severe punishment was an independent correlate of comorbid internalizing and externalizing problems but was not associated with internalizing problems only. It increased the risk of externalizing problems alone only for children and adolescents not exposed to maternal anxiety or depression. Maternal anxiety or depression increased the risk only for children or adolescents not exposed to severe punishment. Conclusion Severe punishment may be related to child mental

Severe neurological impairment: legal aspects of decisions to reduce care.

PubMed

Beresford, H R

1984-05-01

Decisions to reduce care for patients with severe neurological impairment may raise legal questions. The laws of most states now authorize physicians to stop care for those who have suffered irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain ("brain death"). Where state law is not explicit, it is nevertheless probably lawful to regard brain death as death for legal purposes so long as currently accepted criteria are satisfied. Several courts have ruled that it is lawful to reduce care for patients in vegetative states, but have prescribed differing standards and procedures for implementing such decisions. The issue of whether parents can authorize physicians to reduce care for neurologically impaired children is the focus of current litigation. Implicit in this litigation is the question of how severe neurological impairment must be before parents and physicians may lawfully agree to reduce care. For severely impaired but not vegetative adults, there is some legal authority to justify certain decisions to reduce care. The issue of whether withholding feeding from a severely demented patient with life-threatening medical problems constitutes criminal behavior is now being considered by a state supreme court.

Effect of aquatic versus land based exercise programs on physical performance in severely burned patients: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Zoheiry, Ibrahim M; Ashem, Haidy N; Ahmed, Hamada Ahmed Hamada; Abbas, Rami

2017-12-01

[Purpose] To compare the effect of an aquatic-based versus a land-based exercise regimen on the physical performance of severely burned patients. [Subjects and Methods] Forty patients suffering from severe burn (total body surface area more than 30%) were recruited from several outpatient clinics in Greater Cairo. Their ages ranged between 20 to 40 years and were randomly assigned into two equal groups: group (A), which received an aquatic based exercise program, and group (B), which received a land-based exercise program. The exercise program, which took place in 12 consecutive weeks, consisted of flexibility, endurance, and lower and upper body training. Physical performance was assessed using 30 seconds chair stand test, stair climb test, 30 meter fast paced walk test, time up and go test, 6-minute walk test and a VO2max evaluation. [Results] Significantly increase in the 30 second chair stand, 6-minute walk, 30 meter fast paced walk, stair climb, and VO2 max tests and significantly decrease in the time up and go test in group A (aquatic based exercise) compared with group B (a land-based exercise) at the post treatment. [Conclusion] Twelve-week program of an aquatic program yields improvement in both physical performance and VO2 max in patients with severe burns.

Effect of aquatic versus land based exercise programs on physical performance in severely burned patients: a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Zoheiry, Ibrahim M.; Ashem, Haidy N.; Ahmed, Hamada Ahmed Hamada; Abbas, Rami

2017-01-01

[Purpose] To compare the effect of an aquatic-based versus a land-based exercise regimen on the physical performance of severely burned patients. [Subjects and Methods] Forty patients suffering from severe burn (total body surface area more than 30%) were recruited from several outpatient clinics in Greater Cairo. Their ages ranged between 20 to 40 years and were randomly assigned into two equal groups: group (A), which received an aquatic based exercise program, and group (B), which received a land-based exercise program. The exercise program, which took place in 12 consecutive weeks, consisted of flexibility, endurance, and lower and upper body training. Physical performance was assessed using 30 seconds chair stand test, stair climb test, 30 meter fast paced walk test, time up and go test, 6-minute walk test and a VO2max evaluation. [Results] Significantly increase in the 30 second chair stand, 6-minute walk, 30 meter fast paced walk, stair climb, and VO2 max tests and significantly decrease in the time up and go test in group A (aquatic based exercise) compared with group B (a land-based exercise) at the post treatment. [Conclusion] Twelve-week program of an aquatic program yields improvement in both physical performance and VO2 max in patients with severe burns. PMID:29643605

Semantic e-Science in Space Physics - A Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narock, T.; Yoon, V.; Merka, J.; Szabo, A.

2009-05-01

Several search and retrieval systems for space physics data are currently under development in NASA's heliophysics data environment. We present a case study of two such systems, and describe our efforts in implementing an ontology to aid in data discovery. In doing so we highlight the various aspects of knowledge representation and show how they led to our ontology design, creation, and implementation. We discuss advantages that scientific reasoning allows, as well as difficulties encountered in current tools and standards. Finally, we present a space physics research project conducted with and without e-Science and contrast the two approaches.

Respiratory, physical, and psychological benefits of breath-focused yoga for adults with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI): a brief pilot study report.

PubMed

Silverthorne, Colin; Khalsa, Sat Bir S; Gueth, Robin; DeAvilla, Nicole; Pansini, Janie

2012-01-01

This pilot study was designed to identify the potential benefits of breath-focused yoga on respiratory, physical, and psychological functioning for adults with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ten individuals with severe TBI who self-selected to attend weekly yoga classes and 4 no-treatment controls were evaluated. Participants were assessed at pretreatment baseline and at 3-month intervals for a total of 4 time points over 40 weeks. Outcomes of interest included observed exhale strength, ability to hold a breath or a tone, breathing rate, counted breaths (inhale and exhale), and heart rate, as well as self-reported physical and psycho-logical well-being. Repeated within-group analyses of variance revealed that the yoga group demonstrated significant longitudinal change on several measures of observed respiratory functioning and self-reported physical and psychological well-being over a 40-week period. Those in the control group showed marginal improvement on 2 of the 6 measures of respiratory health, physical and social functioning, emotional well-being, and general health. The small sample sizes precluded the analysis of between group differences. This study provides preliminary evidence that breath-focused yoga may improve respiratory functioning and self-perceived physical and psychological well-being of adults with severe TBI.

Physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) care pathways: adults with severe traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Pradat-Diehl, P; Joseph, P-A; Beuret-Blanquart, F; Luauté, J; Tasseau, F; Remy-Neris, O; Azouvi, P; Sengler, J; Bayen, É; Yelnik, A; Mazaux, J-M

2012-11-01

This document is part of a series of guidelines documents designed by the French Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Society (SOFMER) and the French Federation of PRM (FEDMER). These reference documents focus on a particular pathology (here patients with severe TBI). They describe for each given pathology patients' clinical and social needs, PRM care objectives and necessary human and material resources of the pathology-dedicated pathway. 'Care pathways in PRM' is therefore a short document designed to enable readers (physician, decision-maker, administrator, lawyer, finance manager) to have a global understanding of available therapeutic care structures, organization and economic needs for patients' optimal care and follow-up. After a severe traumatic brain injury, patients might be divided into three categories according to impairment's severity, to early outcomes in the intensive care unit and to functional prognosis. Each category is considered in line with six identical parameters used in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (World Health Organization), focusing thereafter on personal and environmental factors liable to affect the patients' needs. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Type, Rather than Number, of Mental and Physical Comorbidities Increases the Severity of Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

PubMed Central

Lackner, Jeffrey M.; Ma, Chang-Xing; Keefer, Laurie A.; Brenner, Darren M.; Gudleski, Gregory D.; Satchidanand, Nikhil; Firth, Rebecca; Sitrin, Michael D.; Katz, Leonard; Krasner, Susan S.; Ballou, Sarah K; Naliboff, Bruce D.; Mayer, Emeran A.

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has significant mental and physical comorbidities. However, little is known about the day-to-day burden these comorbidities place on quality of life (QOL), physical and mental function, distress, and symptoms of patients. METHODS We collected cross sectional data from 175 patients with IBS, diagnosed based on Rome III criteria (median age, 41 y; 78% women), referred to 2 specialty care clinics. Patients completed psychiatric interviews, a physical comorbidity checklist, the IBS symptom severity scale, the IBS quality of life instrument, the brief symptom inventory, the abdominal pain intensity scale, and the SF-12 health survey. RESULTS Patients with IBS reported an average of 5 comorbidities (1 mental, 4 physical). Subjects with more comorbidities reported worse QOL after adjusting for confounding variables. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that comorbidity type was more consistently and strongly associated with illness burden indicators than disease counts. Of 10, 296 possible physical–mental comorbidity pairs, 6 of the 10 most frequent dyads involved specific conditions (generalized anxiety, depression, back pain, agoraphobia, tension headache, insomnia). These combinations were consistently associated with greater illness and symptom burdens (QOL, mental and physical function, distress, more severe symptoms of IBS, pain). CONCLUSIONS Comorbidities are common among patients with IBS. They are associated with distress and reduced QOL. Specific comorbidities are associated with more severe symptoms of IBS. PMID:23524278

Motivational factors associated with physical activity and quality of life in people with severe mental illness.

PubMed

Farholm, Anders; Sørensen, Marit; Halvari, Hallgeir

2017-12-01

There has been increasing interest for investigating the role of motivation in physical activity among people with severe mental illness (SMI). Autonomous motivation has been suggested to have a potentially important role in adoption and maintenance of physical activity. However, the knowledge about factors that facilitate autonomous motivation among people with SMI is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with motivation for physical activity as well as the relationships between motivation, physical activity and health-related quality of life in individuals with SMI that were currently physically active. A cross-sectional design was used, and 88 participants were recruited from a public health network promoting physical activity for people with SMI. They answered a questionnaire package consisting of scales measuring psychological need support - psychological need satisfaction - and motivation for physical activity, physical activity and health-related quality of life. The majority of participants reported to be in regular physical activity. Associations between variables were tested according to the self-determination theory process model. Structural equation modelling yielded good fit of the process model to the data. Specifically, a need-supportive environment was positively associated with psychological need satisfaction, while psychological need satisfaction was positively associated with autonomous motivation and mental health-related quality of life, and negatively associated with controlled motivation and amotivation. Physical activity was positively associated with autonomous motivation and physical health-related quality of life, and negatively associated with amotivation. This study indicates that individuals with SMI can be regularly physically active when provided with suitable opportunities. Furthermore, the present results suggest that it is vital for health-care practitioners to emphasise creating a need

Virtual Reality as Means to Improve Physical Fitness of Individuals at a Severe Level of Intellectual and Developmental Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lotan, Meir; Yalon-Chamovitz, Shira; Weiss, Patrice L.

2010-01-01

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are in need of effective and motivating physical fitness training programs. The aim was to test the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)-based exercise program in improving the physical fitness of adults with severe IDD when implemented by on-site caregivers. A research group (N…

Relations of mood with body mass index changes in severely obese women enrolled in a supported physical activity treatment.

PubMed

Annesi, James J

2008-01-01

It has been suggested that physical activity may affect weight reduction outcomes through associated improvements in mood. Relations of physical activity, mood, and weight change are not well understood in persons classified as severely obese (BMI > or = 40 kg/m(2)), however. This research tested these relationships in women with severe obesity. 57 women with a mean BMI of 43.8 kg/m(2) were enrolled in a cognitive-behavioral exercise support treatment with group-based nutrition information. Measurement of depression, tension, overall mood, and BMI was taken at baseline and month 6, and exercise session attendance was recorded. The treatment was associated with significant improvements in depression, tension and total mood disturbance scores as well as in BMI over 6 months. Changes in mood scores that were more positive were correlated with a greater reduction in BMI. Mean attendance in the prescribed 3 session/week exercise regimen was 46.0%, and attendance was significantly correlated with changes in tension and total mood disturbance scores, and approached significance with changes in depression scores. Findings suggested significant relations of mood and weight change as well as of physical activity and mood in severely obese women associated with a treatment of moderate physical activity. With extensions of this research, weight loss theory and treatment may benefit. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Gaze-based assistive technology in daily activities in children with severe physical impairments-An intervention study.

PubMed

Borgestig, Maria; Sandqvist, Jan; Ahlsten, Gunnar; Falkmer, Torbjörn; Hemmingsson, Helena

2017-04-01

To establish the impact of a gaze-based assistive technology (AT) intervention on activity repertoire, autonomous use, and goal attainment in children with severe physical impairments, and to examine parents' satisfaction with the gaze-based AT and with services related to the gaze-based AT intervention. Non-experimental multiple case study with before, after, and follow-up design. Ten children with severe physical impairments without speaking ability (aged 1-15 years) participated in gaze-based AT intervention for 9-10 months, during which period the gaze-based AT was implemented in daily activities. Repertoire of computer activities increased for seven children. All children had sustained usage of gaze-based AT in daily activities at follow-up, all had attained goals, and parents' satisfaction with the AT and with services was high. The gaze-based AT intervention was effective in guiding parents and teachers to continue supporting the children to perform activities with the AT after the intervention program.

Gaze-based assistive technology used in daily life by children with severe physical impairments - parents' experiences.

PubMed

Borgestig, Maria; Rytterström, Patrik; Hemmingsson, Helena

2017-07-01

To describe and explore parents' experiences when their children with severe physical impairments receive gaze-based assistive technology (gaze-based assistive technology (AT)) for use in daily life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted twice, with one year in between, with parents of eight children with cerebral palsy that used gaze-based AT in their daily activities. To understand the parents' experiences, hermeneutical interpretations were used during data analysis. The findings demonstrate that for parents, children's gaze-based AT usage meant that children demonstrated agency, provided them with opportunities to show personality and competencies, and gave children possibilities to develop. Overall, children's gaze-based AT provides hope for a better future for their children with severe physical impairments; a future in which the children can develop and gain influence in life. Gaze-based AT provides children with new opportunities to perform activities and take initiatives to communicate, giving parents hope about the children's future.

Physical activity, health status and risk of hospitalization in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Benzo, Roberto P; Chang, Chung-Chou H; Farrell, Max H; Kaplan, Robert; Ries, Andrew; Martinez, Fernando J; Wise, Robert; Make, Barry; Sciurba, Frank

2010-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death and 70% of the cost of COPD is due to hospitalizations. Self-reported daily physical activity and health status have been reported as predictors of a hospitalization in COPD but are not routinely assessed. We tested the hypothesis that self-reported daily physical activity and health status assessed by a simple question were predictors of a hospitalization in a well-characterized cohort of patients with severe emphysema. Investigators gathered daily physical activity and health status data assessed by a simple question in 597 patients with severe emphysema and tested the association of those patient-reported outcomes to the occurrence of a hospitalization in the following year. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine predictors of hospitalization during the first 12 months after randomization. The two variables tested in the hypothesis were significant predictors of a hospitalization after adjusting for all univariable significant predictors: >2 h of physical activity per week had a protective effect [odds ratio (OR) 0.60; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.41-0.88] and self-reported health status as fair or poor had a deleterious effect (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.10-2.23). In addition, two other variables became significant in the multivariate model: total lung capacity (every 10% increase) had a protective effect (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.78-0.99) and self-reported anxiety had a deleterious effect (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.13-2.70). Self-reported daily physical activity and health status are independently associated with COPD hospitalizations. Our findings, assessed by simple questions, suggest the value of patient-reported outcomes in developing risk assessment tools that are easy to use.

Philosophical Aspects of Space Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poghosyan, Gevorg

2015-07-01

The modern astronomy and physics are closely related to the philosophy. If in the past philosophy was largely confined to interpretations of the results obtained by the natural sciences, in the present times it becomes a full member of the scientific research process. Philosophy is currently involved not only in the methodological problems of the natural sciences and formulation process of the general conclusions. In most cases, the philosophical considerations are allowed to make a choice between the different physical hypotheses and assumptions. A unified approach to solving the problems of philosophy and natural sciences becomes more important as the physical and philosophical aspects are often intertwined, forming a mold that defines our knowledge of today's leading edge.

Perceptions of plagiarisers: The influence of target physical attractiveness, transgression severity, and sex on attributions of guilt and punishment.

PubMed

Swami, Viren; Arthey, Elizabeth; Furnham, Adrian

2017-09-01

The attractiveness-leniency effect (ALE) suggests that physically attractive targets are less likely to be perceived as guilty compared to less attractive targets. Here, we tested the ALE in relation to attributions of students who have committed plagiarism. British adults (N=165) were shown one of eight vignette-photograph pairings varying in target sex (female/male), physical attractiveness (high/low), and transgression severity (serious/minor), and provided attributions of guilt and severity of punishment. Analyses of variance revealed significant interactions between attractiveness and transgression severity for both dependent measures. Attractive targets were perceived as guiltier and deserving of more severe punishments in the serious transgression condition, but there was no significant difference between attractive and less attractive targets in the minor transgression condition. These results are discussed in terms of a reverse attribution bias, in which attractive individuals are judged more negatively when they fail to live up to higher standards of conduct. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Severe Physical Intimate Partner Violence Among U.S. Black Women: A Comparison of African American and Caribbean Blacks

PubMed Central

Lacey, Krim K.; West, Carolyn M.; Matusko, Niki; Jackson, James S.

2018-01-01

This study explored prevalence rates and factors associated with lifetime severe physical intimate partner violence among U.S. Black women. Data from the National Survey of American Life were examined. Rates of severe physical intimate partner violence were higher among African American women compared with U.S. Caribbean Black women. Risk factors associated with reported abuse were similar to those found in earlier studies but differed by ethnic backgrounds. Demographic, resource, and situational factors were associated with severe physical intimate partner violence among U.S. Black women in general but made unique contributions by ethnic group. Implications and suggestions for future studies were discussed. PMID:26503860

The essential aspect in sewerage regulation in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siami, L.

2018-01-01

Several cities in Indonesia have the sewerage local regulation such as Banjarmasin, Bantul, Surakarta and Denpasar. Meanwhile, The National Government have guideline in composing domestic sewerage regulation. Each city have their own characteristic and issues that need to be carried out by the local regulation. By using SWOT analysis, this study tries to figure out several aspect that need to be included in the local regulation. International references from developed and developing countries like Japan, Phillipines, Malaysia and Thailand were also used as benchmark without neglecting the local conditions of cities in Indonesia. Several crucial aspect of local regulation are institutional authority, composition on-site and off-site system, tariff, evaluation and monitoring, as well as punishment and rewards. Both tariff and evaluation aspects need to be narrowed down into specific regulations.

Exploring Woman University Physics Students "Doing Gender" and "Doing Physics"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Danielsson, Anna T.

2012-01-01

This article explores what it can mean to be a woman physics student. A case study approach is used to explore how five women who are studying physics at a Swedish university simultaneously negotiate their doing of physics and their doing of gender. By conceptualising both gender and learning as aspects of identity formation, the analysis of the…

Exercising the hepatobiliary-gut axis. The impact of physical activity performance.

PubMed

Molina-Molina, Emilio; Lunardi Baccetto, Raquel; Wang, David Q-H; de Bari, Ornella; Krawczyk, Marcin; Portincasa, Piero

2018-05-24

Physical inactivity puts the populations at risk of several health problems, while regular physical activity brings beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, mortality and other health outcomes, including obesity, glycaemic control and insulin resistance. The hepatobiliary tract is greatly involved in several metabolic aspects which include digestion and absorption of nutrients in concert with intestinal motility, bile acid secretion and flow across the enterohepatic circulation and intestinal microbiota. Several metabolic abnormalities, including nonalcoholic fatty liver as well as cholesterol cholelithiasis, represent two conditions explained by changes of the aforementioned pathways. This review defines different training modalities and discusses the effects of physical activity in two metabolic disorders, that is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cholelithiasis. Emphasis is given to pathogenic mechanisms involving intestinal bile acids, microbiota and inflammatory status. A full definition of physical activity includes the knowledge of aerobic and endurance exercise, metabolic equivalent tasks, duration, frequency and intensity, beneficial and harmful effects. Physical activity influences the hepatobiliary-gut axis at different levels and brings benefits to fat distribution, liver fat and gallbladder disease while interacting with bile acids as signalling molecules, intestinal microbiota and inflammatory changes in the body. Several beneficial effects of physical activity are anticipated on metabolic disorders linking liver steatosis, gallstone disease, gut motility, enterohepatic circulation of signalling bile acids in relation to intestinal microbiota and inflammatory changes. © 2018 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.

Actual versus Implied Physics Students: How Students from Traditional Physics Classrooms Related to an Innovative Approach to Quantum Physics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bøe, Maria Vetleseter; Henriksen, Ellen Karoline; Angell, Carl

2018-01-01

Calls for renewal of physics education include more varied learning activities and increased focus on qualitative understanding and history and philosophy of science (HPS) aspects. We have studied an innovative approach implementing such features in quantum physics in traditional upper secondary physics classrooms in Norway. Data consists of 11…

Course 12: Proteins: Structural, Thermodynamic and Kinetic Aspects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkelstein, A. V.

1 Introduction 2 Overview of protein architectures and discussion of physical background of their natural selection 2.1 Protein structures 2.2 Physical selection of protein structures 3 Thermodynamic aspects of protein folding 3.1 Reversible denaturation of protein structures 3.2 What do denatured proteins look like? 3.3 Why denaturation of a globular protein is the first-order phase transition 3.4 "Gap" in energy spectrum: The main characteristic that distinguishes protein chains from random polymers 4 Kinetic aspects of protein folding 4.1 Protein folding in vivo 4.2 Protein folding in vitro (in the test-tube) 4.3 Theory of protein folding rates and solution of the Levinthal paradox

A Model for the Development of Virtual Communities for People with Long-Term, Severe Physical Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tilley, C. M.; Bruce, C. S.; Hallam, G.; Hills, A. P.

2006-01-01

Introduction: This paper reports results of an investigation into the needs of persons with disabilities wanting to participate in the use of virtual communities. The aim was to investigate "how virtual communities for persons with long-term, severe physical disabilities can best be facilitated"? Method: A Grounded Theory approach was…

PTSD'S mediation of the relationships between trauma, depression, substance abuse, mental health, and physical health in individuals with severe mental illness: evaluating a comprehensive model.

PubMed

Subica, Andrew M; Claypoole, Keith H; Wylie, A Michael

2012-04-01

Following trauma exposure and PTSD, individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) frequently suffer a complex course of recovery complicated by reduced mental and physical health and increased substance abuse. The authors evaluated a theoretical PTSD-SMI model which theorizes that trauma, PTSD, depression, substance abuse, mental health, and physical health are interrelated and that PTSD mediates these relationships. Participants were ethnoracially diverse individuals diagnosed with SMI (N=175) who were assessed for trauma exposure, severity of PTSD and depression, substance abuse, and overall mental and physical health functioning. Pearson's correlations were utilized to examine the relationships between study domains. The mediating effects of PTSD were assessed using regression coefficients and the Sobel test for mediation. A majority of participants with SMI (89%) reported trauma exposure and 41% reported meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD. On average, participants were exposed to over four types of traumatic events. Trauma, severity of PTSD and depression, substance abuse, and overall mental and physical health functioning were significantly interrelated. PTSD partially mediated the relationships between trauma and severity of depression and between trauma and overall mental health; PTSD fully mediated the trauma and overall physical health relationship. Within an ethnoracially diverse SMI sample, trauma exposure and PTSD comorbidity were high and associated with severity of depression, substance abuse, overall mental health and physical health functioning. Supporting our theoretical PTSD-SMI model, PTSD mediated the adverse effects of trauma exposure on participants' current severity of depression and overall mental and physical health functioning. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Care coordinator views and experiences of physical health monitoring in clients with severe mental illness: A qualitative study.

PubMed

Gronholm, Petra C; Onagbesan, Oluwadamilola; Gardner-Sood, Poonam

2017-11-01

Excess mortality among people with severe mental illness (SMI) is largely attributed to co-morbid physical illness. Improving the physical health of this population is critically important; however, physical health monitoring among people with SMI is often inadequate. This study aimed to facilitate an enhanced understanding of barriers to successfully attend to clients' physical health in mental health settings, through exploring care coordinators' views and experiences regarding their ability to monitor physical health in clients with SMI (specifically, psychosis). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven care coordinators from a South East London (UK) community mental health team. Data were analysed using thematic analysis principles. Three themes were identified in these data, capturing (1) how care coordinators viewed the professional roles of other clinical staff and themselves, (2) views on barriers to the provision of physical healthcare and (3) factors that motivated care coordinators to attend to clients' physical health. Our findings can inform efforts to implement physical healthcare interventions within mental health settings. Such insights are timely, as academic literature and guidelines regarding clinical practice increasingly promote the value of integrated provision of mental and physical healthcare.

Nurses' experiences providing palliative care to individuals living in rural communities: aspects of the physical residential setting.

PubMed

Kaasalainen, S; Brazil, K; Williams, A; Wilson, D; Willison, K; Marshall, D; Taniguchi, A; Phillips, C

2014-01-01

Efforts are needed to improve palliative care in rural communities, given the unique characteristics and inherent challenges with respect to working within the physical aspects of residential settings. Nurses who work in rural communities play a key role in the delivery of palliative care services. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore nurses' experiences of providing palliative care in rural communities, with a particular focus on the impact of the physical residential setting. This study was grounded in a qualitative approach utilizing an exploratory descriptive design. Individual telephone interviews were conducted with 21 community nurses. Data were analyzed by thematic content analysis. Nurses described the characteristics of working in a rural community and how it influences their perception of their role, highlighting the strong sense of community that exists but how system changes over the past decade have changed the way they provide care. They also described the key role that they play, which was often termed a 'jack of all trades', but focused on providing emotional, physical, and spiritual care while trying to manage many challenges related to transitioning and working with other healthcare providers. Finally, nurses described how the challenges of working within the physical constraints of a rural residential setting impeded their care provision to clients who are dying in the community, specifically related to the long distances that they travel while dealing with bad weather. These study findings contribute to our understanding of the experiences of nurses working in rural communities in terms of the provision of palliative care and the influence of the physical residential setting that surrounds them. These findings are important since nurses play a major role in caring for community-dwelling clients who are dying, but they are confronted with many obstacles. As such, these results may help inform future decisions about how to best improve

REVIEWS OF TOPICAL PROBLEMS: Physical aspects of cryobiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhmakin, A. I.

2008-03-01

Physical phenomena during biological freezing and thawing processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels are examined. The basics of cryosurgery and cryopreservation of cells and tissues are presented. Existing cryobiological models, including numerical ones, are reviewed.

Children treated for severe acute malnutrition experience a rapid increase in physical activity a few days after admission.

PubMed

Faurholt-Jepsen, Daniel; Hansen, Kristina Beck; van Hees, Vincent T; Christensen, Line Brinch; Girma, Tsinuel; Friis, Henrik; Brage, Søren

2014-06-01

To assess physical activity at admission and during recovery from severe acute malnutrition. Ethiopian children who were admitted with severe acute malnutrition received a clinical examination each week to monitor their recovery during rehabilitation. Using accelerometry (24 h/d for 5 consecutive days) at admission and again after 10 days of rehabilitation, we assessed the level and changes of physical activity. Among 13 children included, the mean (SD) age was 31.1 months (15.5). At baseline, the day-night activity difference was relatively small, whereas the level of activity had substantially increased at follow-up. The diurnal mean acceleration level was significantly greater at follow-up for wrist (1158.8 vs 541.4 counts per minute, P = .003) but not hip movements (204.1 vs 141.5, P = .261). During daytime (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.), hip activity increased by 38% from baseline to follow-up (e(B) 1.38, 95% CI 1.17-1.62), and wrist activity more than doubled (e(B) 2.50, 95% CI 2.17-2.87). The level of physical activity among children with severe acute malnutrition is very low but increases rapidly during recovery. Accelerometry may be a useful approach in the recovery phase as an indicator of early improvement. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Psychosocial Aspects of Nuclear Developments. Task Force Report 20.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC.

This is the report of a task force formed to bring psychological understanding to bear on the various aspects of the development of nuclear arms and nuclear energy and the threat they pose to human physical, mental, and emotional health. The first of seven articles considers the sociopsychological aspects of the nuclear arms race. Other articles…

Storage battery aspects of air-electrode research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzelli, E. S.; Berk, L. B.; Demczyk, B. G.; Zuckerbrod, D.

The use of air electrodes in secondary, alkaline energy storage systems offers several significant advantages over other conventional cathode systems. The oxygen, required for operation, is not stored or carried within the battery system. The weight of the air electrode is significantly lower than alternative cathode couples for the same mission. The cost of the air electrode is potentially low. As a result of these characteristics, alkaline electrolyte energy storage systems with air electrodes have the potential for achieving energy density levels in excess of 150 Whr/kg at low costs, $30-$40/kWh. The primary key to a successful metal-air secondary battery for an EV application is the development of a bifunctinal air electrode. This paper discusses the various aspects of air electrode research for this application, as well as the physical and performance requirements of the air electrode in this advanced technology battery system.

Severe intimate partner physical violence as a risk factor for inadequate cervical cancer screening.

PubMed

Rafael, Ricardo de Mattos Russo; Moura, Anna Tereza Miranda Soares de

2017-12-18

With the aim of assessing the occurrence of severe intimate partner physical violence as a risk factor for inadequate screening of uterine cervical cancer, a case-control study was performed with a multidimensional questionnaire in a sample of 640 users of the Family Health Strategy in the Municipality of Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Cases were defined as women who had not had a cervical cytology test in the previous three years. The results showed that severe physical violence against the woman (adjustedOR = 2.2; 95%CI: 1.1-4.4) and co-occurrence of the event in the couple (adjustedOR = 3.8; 95%CI: 1.4-9.8) were risk factors for inadequate screening. Alcohol abuse by the woman was an effect modifier for not having the test among victims of violence (adjustedOR = 10.2; 95%CI: 1.8-56.4) and in cases of co-occurrence of violence (adjustedOR = 8.5; 95%CI: 1.4-50.7). In addition to known causal factors for intimate partner violence, the results point to a risk association between women's exposure to abuse and inadequate screening. The findings call for an expanded view of women's absenteeism from screening, since this indicator can represent unmet demands not readily detected by health teams.

Physical exercise induces specific adaptations resulting in reduced organ injury and mortality during severe polymicrobial sepsis.

PubMed

Sossdorf, Maik; Fischer, Jacqueline; Meyer, Stefan; Dahlke, Katja; Wissuwa, Bianka; Seidel, Carolin; Schrepper, Andrea; Bockmeyer, Clemens L; Lupp, Amelie; Neugebauer, Sophie; Schmerler, Diana; Rödel, Jürgen; Claus, Ralf A; Otto, Gordon P

2013-10-01

High physical activity levels are associated with wide-ranging health benefits, disease prevention, and longevity. In the present study, we examined the impact of regular physical exercise on the severity of organ injury and survival probability, as well as characteristics of the systemic immune and metabolic response during severe polymicrobial sepsis. Animal study. University laboratory. Male C57BL/6N mice. Mice were trained for 6 weeks by treadmill and voluntary wheel running or housed normally. Polymicrobial sepsis in mice was induced by injection of fecal slurry. Subsequently, mice were randomized into the following groups: healthy controls, 6 hours postsepsis, and 24 hours postsepsis. Blood and organ samples were collected and investigated by measuring clinical chemistry variables, cytokines, plasma metabolites, and bacterial clearance. Organ morphology and damage were characterized by histological staining. Physical exercise improved survival and the ability of bacterial clearance in blood and organs. The release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 and interleukin-10, was diminished in trained compared to untrained mice during sepsis. The sepsis-associated acute kidney tubular damage was less pronounced in pretrained animals. By metabolic profiling and regression analysis, we detected lysophosphatidylcholine 14:0, tryptophan, as well as pimelylcarnitine linked with levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin representing acute tubular injury (corrected R=0.910; p<0.001). We identified plasma lysophosphatidylcholine 16:0, lysophosphatidylcholine 17:0, and lysophosphatidylcholine 18:0 as significant metabolites discriminating between trained and untrained mice during sepsis. Regular physical exercise reduces sepsis-associated acute kidney injury and death. As a specific mechanism of exercise-induced adaptation, we identified various lysophosphatidylcholines that might function as surrogate for improved outcome in sepsis.

MO-E-217A-01: Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography - Physical Aspects and QA.

PubMed

Yaffe, M; Hill, M

2012-06-01

To describe the current state of dual energy contrast-enhanced digital mammography, to discuss those aspects of its operation that require evaluation or monitoring and to propose elements of a program for quality assurance of such systems. The principles of dual-energy contrast imaging will be discussed and tools and techniques for assessment of performance will be described. Many of the elements affecting image quality and dose performance in digital mammography (eg noise, system linearity, consistency of x-ray output and detector performance, artifacts) remain important. In addition, the ability to register images can influence the resultant image quality. The maintenance of breast compression thickness during the imaging procedure and calibration of the system to allow quantification of iodine in the breast represent new challenges to quality assurance. CESM provides a means of acquiring new information regarding tumor angiogenesis and may reveal some cancers that will not be detectable on digital mammography. It may also better demonstrate the extent of disease. The medical physicist must understand the dependence of image quality on physical factors. Implementation of a relevant QA program will be required if the promise of this new modality is to be delivered. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Promoting Cognitive and Social Aspects of Inquiry through Classroom Discourse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jin, Hui; Wei, Xin; Duan, Peiran; Guo, Yuying; Wang, Wenxia

2016-01-01

We investigated how Chinese physics teachers structured classroom discourse to support the cognitive and social aspects of inquiry-based science learning. Regarding the cognitive aspect, we examined to what extent the cognitive processes underlying the scientific skills and the disciplinary reasoning behind the content knowledge were taught.…

X International Conference on Kaon Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2017-01-01

The International Conference on Kaon Physics 2016 took place at the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom) on 14-17 September 2016. This conference continued the KAON series, offering an opportunity for theorists and experimentalists from the high-energy physics community to discuss all aspects of kaon physics. The 2016 edition saw a strong participation from theory and phenomenology and the first kaon results from the LHCb experiment at CERN, as well as updates from several experiments around the world including NA62 and KOTO. All papers published in this volume of KAON2016 have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the proceedings Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing. The organizers and the participants wish to thank the University of Birmingham, the European Research Council, CERN, the UK Science and Technology Facility Council and the UK Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology for their support in the organization of this successful edition. Figure for summary

Severe physical violence between intimate partners during pregnancy: a risk factor for early cessation of exclusive breast-feeding.

PubMed

Moraes, Claudia L; de Oliveira, Alessandra S D; Reichenheim, Michael E; Lobato, Gustavo

2011-12-01

To investigate the role of severe physical violence during pregnancy (SPVP) between intimate partners in early cessation of exclusive breast-feeding (EBF). A health services survey. The revised Conflict Tactics Scale was used to characterize SPVP; premature breast-feeding cessation was identified using a current status data approach, which was based on the information reported from food recall during the preceding 7 d. The cumulative hazard function was estimated by complementary log-log transformation models, which allowed the ensuing estimation of early breast-feeding cessation rates in different age groups and the ratio of rates of weaning between women exposed and not exposed to violence. Five large public primary health-care facilities of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sample comprised 811 randomly selected mothers of children under 5 months of age who were waiting to be consulted. SPVP is an independent risk factor of cessation of EBF since, after controlling for socio-economic, demographic, reproductive and lifestyle variables, women exposed to violence presented an incidence density that was 31% higher than those who were not exposed (hazard ratio = 1·30, 95% CI 1·01, 1·69). The findings corroborate the hypothesis that SPVP is an important risk factor for EBF. This indicates the need for incentives to adequately train health-care personnel in dealing with lactating women in order to gain a broader view of breast-feeding beyond the biological aspects of lactation, including the maternal psychological dimension.

Cars and Kinetic Energy -- Some Simple Physics with Real-World Relevance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parthasarathy, Raghuveer

2012-10-01

Understanding energy usage is crucial to understanding modern civilization, as well as many of the challenges it faces. Energy-related issues also offer real-world examples of important physical concepts, and as such have been the focus of several articles in The Physics Teacher in the past few decades (e.g., Refs. 1-5, noted further below). Here, I illustrate how a basic understanding of kinetic energy—a topic encountered early in any introductory physics course—enables significant insights into the nature of automobile transportation. Specifically, we can accurately predict how much power the average driver in the United States uses, and explain what determines this, without needing to consider any aspects of mechanical engineering or engine design.

A systematic review on reminder systems in physical therapy

PubMed Central

Jangi, Majid; Ferandez-de-las-Penas, Cesar; Tara, Mahmoud; Moghbeli, Fateme; Ghaderi, Fariba; Javanshir, Khodabakhsh

2018-01-01

Background: The main goal of physical therapy is to help the patient gain a better health status. Several studies have investigated the use of reminders to prevent such failures on the patients’ side. This article presents a systematic review of the literature concerning reminders in physical therapy. Methods: Databases were searched until May 2017 and literatures were found from April 1992 until 2017. The literature recruitment strategy was based on applying several keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) combination running against title and abstract, including concepts such as reminder, physical therapy. The finally selected articles were categorized through reminder aspects such as how, who feedback. Data were extracted according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: In 47% of studies, the reminder was sent to the patients, 29% to the physical therapists and 12% to the caretaker team. In 24% of the studies, paper-based letters were main medium for reminders while the rest were various types of media like emails and SMS mobile text messages. 35% of the articles showed positive effects of the reminders. Conclusions: Many reminder methods consisted of SMS, phone calls, letters, emails and notices on the wall were used in physical therapy. Reminders may be used to improve patients' adherence to exercise programs. PMID:29387313

Promoting cognitive and social aspects of inquiry through classroom discourse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Hui; Wei, Xin; Duan, Peiran; Guo, Yuying; Wang, Wenxia

2016-01-01

We investigated how Chinese physics teachers structured classroom discourse to support the cognitive and social aspects of inquiry-based science learning. Regarding the cognitive aspect, we examined to what extent the cognitive processes underlying the scientific skills and the disciplinary reasoning behind the content knowledge were taught. Regarding the social aspect, we examined how classroom discourse supported student learning in terms of students' opportunities to talk and interaction patterns. Our participants were 17 physics teachers who were actively engaged in teacher education programs in universities and professional development programs in local school districts. We analyzed one lesson video from each participating teacher. The results suggest both promises and challenges. Regarding the cognitive aspect of inquiry, the teachers in general recognized the importance of teaching the cognitive processes and disciplinary reasoning. However, they were less likely to address common intuitive ideas about science concepts and principles. Regarding the social aspect of inquiry, the teachers frequently interacted with students in class. However, it appeared that facilitating conversations among students and prompting students to talk about their own ideas are challenging. We discuss the implications of these findings for teacher education programs and professional development programs in China.

Feasibility and Reliability of Tests Measuring Health-Related Physical Fitness in Children with Moderate to Severe Levels of Intellectual Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wouters, Marieke; van der Zanden, Anna M.; Evenhuis, Heleen M.; Hilgenkamp, Thessa I. M.

2017-01-01

Physical fitness is an important marker for health. In this study we investigated the feasibility and reliability of health-related physical fitness tests in children with moderate to severe levels of intellectual disability. Thirty-nine children (2-18 yrs) performed tests for muscular strength and endurance, the modified 6-minute walk test (6mwt)…

Strange Particles and Heavy Ion Physics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bassalleck, Bernd; Fields, Douglas

This very long-running grant has supported many experiments in nuclear and particle physics by a group from the University of New Mexico. The gamut of these experiments runs from many aspects of Strangeness Nuclear Physics, to rare Kaon decays, to searches for exotic Hadrons such as Pentaquark or H-Dibaryon, and finally to Spin Physics within the PHENIX collaboration at RHIC. These experiments were performed at a number of laboratories worldwide: first and foremost at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL), but also at CERN, KEK, and most recently at J-PARC. In this Final Technical Report we summarize progress and achievements for thismore » award since our last Progress Report, i.e. for the period of fall 2013 until the award’s termination on November 30, 2015. The report consists of two parts, representing our two most recent experimental efforts, participation in the Nucleon Spin Physics program of the PHENIX experiment at RHIC, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at BNL – Task 1, led by Douglas Fields; and participation in several Strangeness Nuclear Physics experiments at J-PARC, the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Center in Tokai-mura, Japan – Task 2, led by Bernd Bassalleck.« less

Architectural Physics: Lighting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hopkinson, R. G.

The author coordinates the many diverse branches of knowledge which have dealt with the field of lighting--physiology, psychology, engineering, physics, and architectural design. Part I, "The Elements of Architectural Physics", discusses the physiological aspects of lighting, visual performance, lighting design, calculations and measurements of…

Research in Theoretical High Energy Physics- Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Okada, Nobuchika

PI Dr. Okada’s research interests are centered on phenomenological aspects of particle physics. It has been abundantly clear in recent years that an extension of the Standard Model (SM), i.e. new physics beyond the SM, is needed to explain a number of experimental observations such as the neutrino oscillation data, the existence of non-baryonic dark matter, and the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe. In addition, the SM suffers from several theoretical/conceptual problems, such as the gauge hierarchy problem, the fermion mass hierarchy problem, and the origin of the electroweak symmetry breaking. It is believed that these problems can alsomore » be solved by new physics beyond the SM. The main purpose of the Dr. Okada’s research is a theoretical investigation of new physics opportunities from various phenomenological points of view, based on the recent progress of experiments/observations in particle physics and cosmology. There are many possibilities to go beyond the SM and many new physics models have been proposed. The major goal of the project is to understand the current status of possible new physics models and obtain the future prospects of new physics phenomena toward their discoveries.« less

Operational health physics training

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1992-06-01

The initial four sections treat basic information concerning atomic structure and other useful physical quantities, natural radioactivity, the properties of {alpha}, {beta}, {gamma}, x rays and neutrons, and the concepts and units of radiation dosimetry (including SI units). Section 5 deals with biological effects and the risks associated with radiation exposure. Background radiation and man-made sources are discussed next. The basic recommendations of the ICRP concerning dose limitations: justification, optimization (ALARA concepts and applications) and dose limits are covered in Section seven. Section eight is an expanded version of shielding, and the internal dosimetry discussion has been extensively revised tomore » reflect the concepts contained in the MIRD methodology and ICRP 30. The remaining sections discuss the operational health physics approach to monitoring radiation. Individual sections include radiation detection principles, instrument operation and counting statistics, health physics instruments and personnel monitoring devices. The last five sections deal with the nature of, operation principles of, health physics aspects of, and monitoring approaches to air sampling, reactors, nuclear safety, gloveboxes and hot cells, accelerators and x ray sources. Decontamination, waste disposal and transportation of radionuclides are added topics. Several appendices containing constants, symbols, selected mathematical topics, and the Chart of the Nuclides, and an index have been included.« less

[Current aspects of rehabilitation of stroke patients].

PubMed

Koval'chuk, V V; Bogatyreva, M D; Minullin, T I

2014-01-01

Based on the review of literature, the key aspects of stroke rehabilitation (medical, physical, psychological, professional and social) were singled out. Main principles of medical aspects were defined as following: early rehabilitation, systemic and long term measures, their complicity and disciplinary, adequacy of rehabilitation measures and providing the conditions for the active participation of the patient and his/her close friends and relatives. Measures directed to motor, speech and cognitive function recovery are considered. In conclusion, attention is drawn to pharmacological drugs, in particular nicergoline (sermion).

Daytime Physical Activity and Sleep in Hospitalized Older Adults: Association with Demographic Characteristics and Disease Severity.

PubMed

Beveridge, Claire; Knutson, Kristen; Spampinato, Lisa; Flores, Andrea; Meltzer, David O; Van Cauter, Eve; Arora, Vineet M

2015-07-01

To assess objectively measured daytime physical activity and sleep duration and efficiency in hospitalized older adults and explore associations with demographic characteristics and disease severity. Prospective cohort study. University of Chicago Medical Center general medicine wards. Community-dwelling inpatients aged 50 and older (N = 120) MEASUREMENTS: Physical activity and sleep were measured using wrist accelerometers. Information on Charlson Comorbidity Index and length of stay was collected from charts. Random-effects linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between in-hospital sleep and physical activity. From March 2010 to May 2013, 120 participants wore wrist actigraphy monitors for at least 2 nights and 1 intervening day. Median activity level over the waking period was 77 counts/min (interquartile range 51-121 counts/min), an activity level that approximately corresponds to sitting while watching television (65 counts/min). Mean sleep duration the night before the activity interval was 289 ± 157 minutes, and mean sleep efficiency the night before the activity interval was 65.2 ± 26.9%. Mean activity counts/min were lowest for the oldest participants (oldest quartile 62, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 50-75; youngest quartile 121, 95% CI = 98-145, trend test P < .001) and those with highest Charlson Comorbidity Index (highest tertile 71, 95% CI = 60-83; lowest tertile 125, 95% CI = 104-147, trend test P = .01). Controlling for severity of illness and demographic characteristics, activity declined by 3 counts/min (95% CI = -5.65 to -0.43, P = .02) for each additional hour of inpatient sleep. Older, sicker adults are less physically active during hospitalization. In contrast to studies in the community, inpatients who slept more were not more active. This may highlight that need for sleep is greater in the hospital than in the community. © 2015, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2015, The American Geriatrics Society.

The physics of proton therapy.

PubMed

Newhauser, Wayne D; Zhang, Rui

2015-04-21

The physics of proton therapy has advanced considerably since it was proposed in 1946. Today analytical equations and numerical simulation methods are available to predict and characterize many aspects of proton therapy. This article reviews the basic aspects of the physics of proton therapy, including proton interaction mechanisms, proton transport calculations, the determination of dose from therapeutic and stray radiations, and shielding design. The article discusses underlying processes as well as selected practical experimental and theoretical methods. We conclude by briefly speculating on possible future areas of research of relevance to the physics of proton therapy.

The physics of proton therapy

PubMed Central

Newhauser, Wayne D; Zhang, Rui

2015-01-01

The physics of proton therapy has advanced considerably since it was proposed in 1946. Today analytical equations and numerical simulation methods are available to predict and characterize many aspects of proton therapy. This article reviews the basic aspects of the physics of proton therapy, including proton interaction mechanisms, proton transport calculations, the determination of dose from therapeutic and stray radiations, and shielding design. The article discusses underlying processes as well as selected practical experimental and theoretical methods. We conclude by briefly speculating on possible future areas of research of relevance to the physics of proton therapy. PMID:25803097

Effect of fire severity on physical and biochemical soil properties in Zagros oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) forests in Iran

Treesearch

M. Heydari; A. Rostamy; F. Najafi; D. C. Dey

2017-01-01

Fire affects the physical and chemical properties and soil biological activity of natural ecosystems. This study was conducted in the Miyan Tang region, Ilam Province in western Iran. The study site was 110 hectares, where we sampled soils in areas that were classified by fire severity: low (LS), high (HS) and medium severity (MS), and unburned (UB), which served as...

The Medical Physics Workforce.

PubMed

Newhauser, Wayne D

2017-02-01

The medical physics workforce comprises approximately 24,000 workers worldwide and approximately 8,200 in the United States. The occupation is a recognized, established, and mature profession that is undergoing considerable growth and change, with many of these changes being driven by scientific, technical, and medical advances. Presently, the medical physics workforce is adequate to meet societal needs. However, data are emerging that suggest potential risks of shortages and other problems that could develop within a few years. Some of the governing factors are well established, such as the increasing number of incident cancers thereby increasing workload, while others, such as the future use of radiation treatments and changes in healthcare economic policies, are uncertain and make the future status of the workforce difficult to forecast beyond the next several years. This review examines some of the major factors that govern supply and demand for medical physicists, discusses published projections and their uncertainties, and presents other information that may help to inform short- and long-term planning of various aspects of the future workforce. It includes a description of the general characteristics of the workforce, including information on its size, educational attainment, certification, age distribution, etc. Because the supply of new workers is governed by educational and training pathways, graduate education, post-doctoral training, and residency training are reviewed, along with trends in state and federal support for research and education. Selected professional aspects of the field also are considered, including professional certification and compensation. We speculate on the future outlook of the workforce and provide recommendations regarding future actions pertaining to the future medical physics workforce.

Motivation for physical activity and exercise in severe mental illness: A systematic review of cross-sectional studies.

PubMed

Farholm, Anders; Sørensen, Marit

2016-04-01

Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) are less physically active than the general population. One important barrier contributing to this inactivity is lack of motivation. The aim of this paper is to systematically review all cross-sectional literature on motivation for physical activity among people with SMI and to use the results as basis for guidance on how mental health nurses can facilitate motivation for physical activity. Systematic searches of seven databases were conducted from database inception to February 2015. Studies were eligible if they included participants with SMI and reported data on motivation for physical activity. In total, 21 articles were included and over half them were published in 2011 or later. The present results indicate preliminary evidence of how the motivational processes do not differ between individuals with SMI and the general population, and that they are independent of diagnosis, medication, age, gender, and body mass index. Results from the current systematic review can give some tentative guidance on how to facilitate motivation for physical activity within mental health-care. However, there is still a great need for developing and examining practical strategies that can enhance adoption and adherence of physical activity among people with SMI. © 2016 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Storage battery aspects of air-electrode research

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buzzelli, E.S.; Berk, L.B.; Demczyk, B.G.

1983-08-01

The use of air electrodes in secondary, alkaline energy storage systems offers several significant advantages over other conventional cathode systems. The oxygen, required for operation, is not stored or carried within the battery system. The weight of the air electrode is significantly lower than alternative cathode couples for the same mission. The cost of the air electrode is potentially low. As a result of these characteristics, alkaline electrolyte energy storage systems with air electrodes have the potential for achieving energy density levels in excess of 150 Whr/kg at low costs, $30-$40/kWh. The primary key to a successful metal-air secondary batterymore » for an EV application is the development of a bifunctional air electrode. This paper discusses the various aspects of air electrode research for this application, as well as the physical and performance requirements of the air electrode in this advanced technology battery system.« less

Temporal self-regulation theory: a neurobiologically informed model for physical activity behavior

PubMed Central

Hall, Peter A.; Fong, Geoffrey T.

2015-01-01

Dominant explanatory models for physical activity behavior are limited by the exclusion of several important components, including temporal dynamics, ecological forces, and neurobiological factors. The latter may be a critical omission, given the relevance of several aspects of cognitive function for the self-regulatory processes that are likely required for consistent implementation of physical activity behavior in everyday life. This narrative review introduces temporal self-regulation theory (TST; Hall and Fong, 2007, 2013) as a new explanatory model for physical activity behavior. Important features of the model include consideration of the default status of the physical activity behavior, as well as the disproportionate influence of temporally proximal behavioral contingencies. Most importantly, the TST model proposes positive feedback loops linking executive function (EF) and the performance of physical activity behavior. Specifically, those with relatively stronger executive control (and optimized brain structures supporting it, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC)) are able to implement physical activity with more consistency than others, which in turn serves to strengthen the executive control network itself. The TST model has the potential to explain everyday variants of incidental physical activity, sport-related excellence via capacity for deliberate practice, and variability in the propensity to schedule and implement exercise routines. PMID:25859196

Nuclear Structure Aspects in Nuclear Astrophysics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Michael Scott

2006-12-01

Nuclear Astrophysics as a broad and diverse field of study can be viewed as a magnifier of the impact of microscopic processes on the evolution of macroscopic events. One of the primary goals in Nuclear Astrophysics is the understanding of the nucleosynthesis processes that take place in the cosmos and the simulation of the correlated stellar and explosive burning scenarios. These simulations are strongly dependent on the input from Nuclear Physics which sets the time scale for all stellar dynamic processes--from giga-years of stellar evolution to milliseconds of stellar explosions--and provides the basis for most of the signatures that wemore » have for the interpretation of these events--from stellar luminosities, elemental and isotopic abundances to neutrino flux from distant supernovae. The Nuclear Physics input comes through nuclear structure, low energy reaction rates, nuclear masses, and decay rates. There is a common perception that low energy reaction rates are the most important component of the required nuclear physics input; however, in this article we take a broader approach and present an overview of the close correlation between various nuclear structure aspects and their impact on nuclear astrophysics. We discuss the interplay between the weak and the strong forces on stellar time scales due to the limitations they provide for the evolution of slow and rapid burning processes. The effects of shell structure in nuclei on stellar burning processes as well as the impact of clustering in nuclei is outlined. Furthermore we illustrate the effects of the various nuclear structure aspects on the major nucleosynthesis processes that have been identified in the last few decades. We summarize and provide a coherent overview of the impact of all aspects of nuclear structure on nuclear astrophysics.« less

[Severe sensorineural impairment in very premature infants: epidemiological aspects].

PubMed

Ancel, P-Y

2004-10-01

Advances in perinatal care have resulted in a sharply increasing survival rate among very preterm infants. However, there is some concern about the later neurodevelopmental outcome of those infants who survive. In this paper, we review the prevalence estimates of motor (cerebral palsy), sensorineural and cognitive impairments and their recent time-trends in very preterm infants. A review of studies describing neurodevelopmental outcome of very preterm infants in Europe, Australia and America North. The gestational age-specific prevalences of cerebral palsy (CP) were 72-86 for extremely preterm children (<28 weeks), 32-60 for very preterm (28-31 weeks) and 5-6 for moderate preterm (32-36 weeks), and 1.3-1.5 for term children per 1000. The live birth prevalence for CP remained unchanged in extremely and very preterm infants since 1990. The prevalence estimates of moderate and severe cognitive impairments are 15 to 25% in very preterm children. Less than 4% of very preterm infants develop severe hearing or visual loss. This review indicates that very preterm infants have high risk of disability. Most studies have been conducted between 1985 and 1995. Thus, these results should be interpreted with caution before generalisation to recent cohorts.

Predicting Long-Term Outcomes for Women Physically Abused in Childhood: Contribution of Abuse Severity versus Family Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffin, Margaret L.; Amodeo, Maryann

2010-01-01

Objective: Child physical abuse (CPA) has been associated with adverse adult psychosocial outcomes, although some reports describe minimal long-term effects. The search for the explanation for heterogeneous outcomes in women with CPA has led to an examination of a range of CPA-related factors, from the severity of CPA incidents to the childhood…

Examining the Gender Gap in Introductory Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kost, Lauren; Pollock, Steven; Finkelstein, Noah

2009-05-01

Our previous research[1] showed that despite the use of interactive engagement techniques in the introductory physics course, the gap in performance between males and females on a mechanics conceptual learning survey persisted from pre- to post-test, at our institution. Such findings were counter to previously published work[2]. Follow-up studies[3] identified correlations between student performance on the conceptual learning survey and students' prior physics and math knowledge and their incoming attitudes and beliefs about physics and learning physics. The results indicate that the gender gap at our institution is predominantly associated with differences in males' and females' previous physics and math knowledge, and attitudes and beliefs. Our current work extends these results in two ways: 1) we look at the gender gap in the second semester of the introductory sequence and find results similar to those in the first semester course and 2) we identify ways in which males and females differentially experience several aspects of the introductory course. [1] Pollock, et al, Phys Rev: ST: PER 3, 010107. [2] Lorenzo, et al, Am J Phys 74, 118. [3] Kost, et al, PERC Proceedings 2008.

Effect on Public Policy from Macro to Nano Aspects of the Deadliest Illness of Mankind: Important Role of Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saxena, Arjun

2013-04-01

The effect on public policy of macro to nano aspects of the deadliest Illness known to mankind is given. The focus is on the important role of physics which has been ignored so far to solve its problems. It is now acknowledged that the deadliest illness is actually a group of illnesses which are lumped together as mental illnesses. They are the most widespread and damaging illnesses in the world. Their impact on the entire society globally is huge because they afflict majority of the people irrespective of race, religion, sex, age, education and economic status. In USA alone, the number afflicted according to the official count is about 80 million (out of a total population of 315 million), and it is projected to increase to about 25 to 30% of the population within two decades. A model is given in this paper to address some of the key issues from macro to nano aspects of the deadliest illness. The information given in this paper is scientific though easy to understand. It will help the elected policy makers, public, physicists, neuroscientists, doctors, and care giving personnel world wide. The model explains the missing links in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. Additional evidence from other recent studies shall also be given.

The association between childhood sexual and physical abuse with incident adult severe obesity across 13 years of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health

PubMed Central

Richardson, Andrea S.; Dietz, William H.; Gordon-Larsen, Penny

2013-01-01

Background Severe obesity has increased yet childhood antecedents of adult severe obesity are not well understood. Objective Estimate adult-onset severe obesity risk in individuals with history of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse compared to those who did not report abuse. Methods Longitudinal analysis of participants from the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N=10,774) Wave II (1996; aged 12–22 years) followed through Wave IV (2008–09; aged 24–34 years). New cases of adult-onset severe obesity (BMI≥40 kg/m2 using measured height and weight) in individuals followed over 13 years who were not severely obese during adolescence (BMI <120% of 95th percentile CDC/NCHS growth curves). Results The combined occurrence of self-reported sexual and physical abuse during childhood was associated with an increased risk of incident severe obesity in adulthood in non-minority females (Hazard Ratio=2.5; 1.3, 4.8) and males (Hazard Ratio=3.6; 1.5, 8.5) compared to individuals with no history of abuse. Conclusion In addition to other social and emotional risks, exposure to sexual and physical abuse during childhood may increase risk of severe obesity later in life. Consideration of the confluence of childhood abuse might be considered as part of preventive and therapeutic approaches to address severe obesity. PMID:24115589

School Culture and Physical Activity: A Systematic Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rickwood, Greg

2013-01-01

This review examines literature on aspects of school culture and students' physical activity participation. The following questions were addressed: (1) what aspects of school culture have been examined in relation to physical activity, (2) what is the weight of evidence concerning the relationships between school culture factors and physical…

A Longitudinal Analysis of the Extent and Manner of Representations of Nature of Science in U.S. High School Biology and Physics Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abd-El-Khalick, Fouad; Myers, John Y.; Summers, Ryan; Brunner, Jeanne; Waight, Noemi; Wahbeh, Nader; Zeineddin, Ava A.; Belarmino, Jeremy

2017-01-01

This study assessed the (i) ways in which, and extent to which, several aspects of nature of science (NOS) are represented in high school biology and physics textbooks in the United States (U.S.); (ii) extent to which these representations have changed over the course of several decades; and (iii) relative impact of discipline, and textbook…

Physical load during work and leisure time as risk factors for back pain.

PubMed

Hoogendoorn, W E; van Poppel, M N; Bongers, P M; Koes, B W; Bouter, L M

1999-10-01

This systematic review assessed aspects of physical load during work and leisure time as risk factors for back pain. Several reviews on this topic are available, but this one is based on a strict systematic approach to identify and summarize the evidence, comparable with that applied in the clinical literature on the efficacy of intervention for back pain. A computerized bibliographical search was made of several data bases for studies with a cohort or case-referent design. Cross-sectional studies were excluded. A rating system was used to assess the strength of the evidence, based on the methodological quality of 28 cohort and 3 case-referent studies and the consistency of the findings. Strong evidence exists for manual materials handling, bending and twisting, and whole-body vibration as risk factors for back pain. The evidence was moderate for patient handling and heavy physical work, and no evidence was found for standing or walking, sitting, sports, and total leisure-time physical activity.

Physical activity and its relationship to physical performance in patients with end stage knee osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Thomas, Scott G; Pagura, Sonia M C; Kennedy, Deborah

2003-12-01

Cross-sectional observational design. To compare physical activity levels in men and women with end-stage knee osteoarthritis to those of a comparison group and to examine the relationship between physical activity level and physical performance. Osteoarthritis of the knee is associated with significant losses in functional performance and high social costs. Although reductions in physical activity are reported, they have not been quantified or explored. Fifty-nine candidates awaiting total knee arthroplasty (TKAC group) and 79 individuals without osteoarthritis (comparison group) participated. Physical activity was assessed using the Voorrips Questionnaire. Performance measures included fast self-paced walk test, timed up-and-go test, and a timed stair performance measure. A subset of subjects completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and underwent muscular strength and endurance testing. The effects of gender and group were tested using GLM ANOVA. Pearson product moment correlations were used to examine relationships between the variables. All aspects of physical activity were lower (P<.001) in the TKAC group, with a moderate difference in household score (18%) and a large difference in leisure activities (63%). Unlike the comparison group, modest but significant correlations (r = 0.31-0.33, P<.03) were observed between overall physical activity and performance test scores for the TKAC group. Physical activity was not significantly related to pain reported on the WOMAC or during the performance tasks. The belief that pain limits the physical activity of patients with severe osteoarthritis requires further investigation. The profound differences between a comparison group and patients with end-stage osteoarthritis in physical activity have critical implications for the well-being and effective treatment of this population.

The chasm of care: Where does the mental health nursing responsibility lie for the physical health care of people with severe mental illness?

PubMed

Wynaden, Dianne; Heslop, Brett; Heslop, Karen; Barr, Lesley; Lim, Eric; Chee, Gin-Liang; Porter, James; Murdock, Jane

2016-12-01

The poor physical health of people with a severe mental illness is well documented and health professionals' attitudes, knowledge and skills are identified factors that impact on clients' access to care for their physical health needs. An evaluation was conducted to determine: (i) mental health nurses' attitudes and beliefs about providing physical health care; and, (ii) the effect that participant demographics may have on attitudes to providing physical health care. It was hypothesized that workplace culture would have the largest effect on attitudes. Nurses at three health services completed the "Mental health nurses' attitude towards the physical health care of people with severe and enduring mental illness survey" developed by Robson and Haddad (2012). The 28-item survey measured: nurses' attitudes, confidence, identified barriers to providing care and attitudes towards clients smoking cigarettes. The findings demonstrated that workplace culture did influence the level of physical health care provided to clients. However, at the individual level, nurses remain divided and uncertain where their responsibilities lie. Nursing leadership can have a significant impact on improving clients' physical health outcomes. Education is required to raise awareness of the need to reduce cigarette smoking in this client population. © 2016 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

[Sport and physical activity].

PubMed

Bria, S; Zeppilli, P

2010-01-01

A regular sport activity involves physical and psychological benefits helping to improve the quality of life at any age. This aspect is even more important in the developing age, when the sport takes on a role of training and education. In this context, instances directed to allow adolescent and young adults with heart disease to practice sports seem justified, and they're becoming more pressing since when the diagnostic and therapeutic advances, especially in cardiac surgery and in interventional hemodynamics, allow an increasing number of patients, previously allocated to physical inactivity, to lead an active lifestyle. However, we have to keep in mind that congenital heart disease population is varied, not only by the nature of the malformation, but also because in the same cardiopathy you can find subjects in "natural history" or after surgery and, between them, subjects treated with several techniques and different outcomes. This justifies the need for a close collaboration between sports doctors, cardiologists and heart surgeons, particularly in the management of the most difficult and delicate problems.

SEVERE MALARIA IN SUDANESE CHILDREN: CLINICAL ASPECTS AND PROGNOSIS IN HOSPITILIZED PATIENTS

PubMed Central

Zeidan, Zeidan A.; Kojal, Elkhir M.; Habour, Ali B.; Nowary, Kamal A.; Mohammed, Fatih H.; Awadelkareem, Mohammed A.

2005-01-01

Objective: To asssess the epidemiology, clinical presentations, disease mangement, outcome and risk factors associatted with severe malaria in children in four hospitals in Sudan. Methods: Follow-up prospective design was used to fulfil the objectives of the study in four hospitals: Omdurman paediatrics hospital, located in the capital (Khartoum) compared to Madani, Gadarif and Sennar hospitals located in other states. The results: Total admission of severe malaria was 543 children representing 21% of all paediatric admissions, and 12% of malaria outpatient cases. Median age of children with severe malaria was 48 months. 93% of children with severe malaria died before the age of 9 years. Case fatlality rate was 2.6%. The risk of dying because of delay was four times more than when there was no delay , 95% CI (1.5 – 14.3). Other risks of death were severe malaria associated with coma, inability to sit or eat and hyperpyrexia. Omdurman hospital in Khartoum State in the capital, had the highest case management performance percentage compared to other regional hospitals. Conclusions: In view of this, it can be argued that deaths due to severe malaria could be reduced by improving health management and planning with the redistribution of resources (including consultants) at the central and regional levels and the conduct of proper training programs on the management of severe malaria at all levels. Raising the awareness of parents about seeking treatment for malaria early in order to avoid unnecessary deaths is vital. PMID:23012090

Concern about aspects of body image and adjustment to early stage breast cancer.

PubMed

Carver, C S; Pozo-Kaderman, C; Price, A A; Noriega, V; Harris, S D; Derhagopian, R P; Robinson, D S; Moffat, F L

1998-01-01

Several authors have suggested that patients adjust more poorly to breast cancer if they are heavily invested in body image as a source of their sense of self-worth. This prospective study examined this possibility, looking at two aspects of concern about body image as predictors of several indices of adjustment over the first postoperative year. At diagnosis (and again a year later) 66 women with early stage breast cancer reported how much they valued a) a sense of body integrity (or intactness) and b) a good physical appearance. The day before surgery, a week afterward, and at 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow ups, they reported on their mood. At presurgery and at follow ups they also rated their attractiveness and sexual desirability and reported on frequency of sexual interaction. At follow-ups they also indicated how much their illness and treatment were interfering with social and recreational activities. Initial investment in appearance was related to distress across the postsurgical year. In contrast, investment in appearance made women more resilient against deterioration in their perceptions of attractiveness. Concern about body integrity did not strongly predict emotional distress, but it related to adverse impact on social and recreational activities in the follow-up period, to deterioration in feelings of sexual desirability, and to feelings of alienation from the self (feeling "not like yourself anymore"). Body image is often thought of in terms of physical appearance, but there is also a body image pertaining to integrity, wholeness, and normal functioning. People who are greatly concerned about either aspect of their body image are vulnerable to poorer psychosocial adjustment when confronting treatment for breast cancer. The poorer adjustment takes a different form, however, depending on the nature of the patient's body-image concern.

Dynamic aspects of large woody debris in river channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vergaro, Alexandra; Caporali, Enrica; Becchi, Ignazio

2015-04-01

Large Woody Debris (LWD) are an integral component of the fluvial environment. They represent an environmental resource, but without doubt they represent also a risk factor for the amplification that could give to the destructive power of a flood event. While countless intervention in river channels have reintroduced wood in rivers with restoration and banks protection aims, during several flash flood events LWD have had a great part in catastrophic consequences, pointing out the urgency of an adequate risk assessment procedure. At present wood dynamics in rivers is not systematically considered within the procedures for the elaboration of hazard maps resulting in loss of prediction accuracy and underestimation of hazard impacts. The assessment inconsistency comes from the complexity of the question: several aspects in wood processes are not yet well known and the superposition of different physical phenomena results in great difficulty to predict critical scenarios. The presented research activity has been aimed to improve management skills for the assessment of the hydrologic risk associated to the presence of large woody debris in rivers, improving knowledge about LWD dynamic processes and proposing effective tools for monitoring and mapping river catchments vulnerability. Utilizing critical review of the published works, field surveys and experimental investigations LWD damaging potential has been analysed to support the identification of the exposed sites and the redaction of hazard maps, taking into account that a comprehensive procedure has to involve: a) Identification of the critical cross sections; b) Evaluation of wood availability in the river catchment; c) Prediction of hazard scenarios through the estimation of water discharge, wood recruitment and entrainment, wood transport and destination. Particularly, a survey sheets form for direct measurements has been implemented and tested in field to provide an investigation instruments for wood and river

Effects of Two Different Training Periodization Models on Physical and Physiological Aspects of Elite Female Team Handball Players.

PubMed

Manchado, Carmen; Cortell-Tormo, Juan M; Tortosa-Martínez, Juan

2018-01-01

Manchado, C, Cortell-Tormo, JM, and Tortosa-Martínez, J. Effects of two different training periodization models on physical and physiological aspects of elite female team handball players. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 280-287, 2018-The aim of this study was to compare training-induced changes in selected physiological and physical team handball performance factors after 2 training periodization models: traditional periodization (TP) vs. block periodization (BP). Eleven female team handball players who played over 2 consecutive seasons for a Spanish first league team were assessed twice per season during a training cycle. On each occasion, participants completed anthropometric, maximal strength, and lower-body power assessments. In addition, incremental tests to determine maximum oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), sprint- and sport-specific throwing velocity tests were performed. Block periodization group experienced significantly greater improvements than TP on squat jump (5.97%; p < 0.001), countermovement jump (8.76%; p = 0.011), hand-grip strength (8.22%; p = 0.029), bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (5.14%; p = 0.049), 10-m sprint (-6.19%; p < 0.001), and 20-m sprint (2.95%; p = 0.008). Greater changes in BP group (p ≤ 0.05) were also found for the throwing velocities in sport-specific tests compared with the TP group. No significant difference between the groups were detected for the half-squat 1RM (p = 0.15) and the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (p = 0.44). These findings suggest that BP may be more effective than TP for improving important physiological and physical team handball performance factors in high level female handball players.

Leveraging retained physical capabilities to improve quality of life as assessed by persons with severe motor impairments.

PubMed

Felzer, Torsten; Beckerle, Philipp; Rinderknecht, Stephan; Nordmann, Rainer

2010-07-01

The main objective of this article is to present an alternative method of interacting with a computer which empowers persons with very severe motor impairments to leverage retained capabilities in order to independently control parts of their daily lives. The input strategy is based on tiny intentional contractions of a single muscle of choice (requiring a minimum of physical contribution only) which are used as selection markers in the context of scanning. To demonstrate the usefulness of the idea, two applications (combined in a single software system) have been implemented (initially): a module turning the PC into a Universal Remote Control and a Text-To-Speech module. The system has finally been supplemented by a third application offering to effortlessly make telephone calls. A simple experiment requesting the speed of the scanning scheme shows that the theoretical concept really works. Furthermore, the usability by novice users from the target population is proven in a user study focusing on the telephony application. It is concluded that the approach has a large potential for persons with severe physical disabilities, meaning that the resulting system is indeed able to improve its users' quality of life.

Curriculum Guidelines for Teaching Profound and Severely Retarded Students (I.Q. Under 40) Including Those with Physical Handicaps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Constance

1975-01-01

Presented are curriculum guidelines for teaching severely and profoundly retarded students, including students with physical handicaps. In addition to a listing of aims and objectives (such as that the student should analyze the need for space for himself and others), guidelines are provided for the following areas: awareness (of such stimuli as…

Quantum information aspects of noncommutative quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertolami, Orfeu; Bernardini, Alex E.; Leal, Pedro

2018-01-01

Some fundamental aspects related with the construction of Robertson-Schrödinger-like uncertainty-principle inequalities are reported in order to provide an overall description of quantumness, separability and nonlocality of quantum systems in the noncommutative phase-space. Some consequences of the deformed noncommutative algebra are also considered in physical systems of interest.

A photovoice documentation of the role of neighborhood physical and social environments in older adults' physical activity in two metropolitan areas in North America.

PubMed

Mahmood, Atiya; Chaudhury, Habib; Michael, Yvonne L; Campo, Michael; Hay, Kara; Sarte, Ann

2012-04-01

A substantial body of evidence indicates that regular engagement in moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week is sufficient for older adults to achieve positive health outcomes. Although there is a growing body of literature that examines the affect of neighborhood environment on physical activity in older adults, the research tends to overlook social aspects that potentially shape the relationship between physical environment and physical activity. This article presents qualitative themes related to the role of the physical and social environments in influencing physical activity among older adults as identified through the photovoice method with sixty-six older adults in eight neighborhoods in metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Greater Portland, Oregon, USA. The photovoice data generated seven themes: being safe and feeling secure, getting there, comfort in movement, diversity of destinations, community-based programs, peer support and intergenerational/volunteer activities. Although the majority of these themes have explicit or implicit physical and social aspects, certain themes are primarily based on physical environmental aspects (e.g., safe and feeling secure, comfort in movement), while a few themes are more oriented to social context (e.g., peer support, intergenerational activity/volunteering). The themes are discussed with a focus on how the neighborhood physical and social environmental aspects interplay to foster or hinder older adults in staying active in both everyday activities and intentional physical activities. Policy implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biological Aspects of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaplan, Allan S.; Woodside, D. Blake

1987-01-01

Reviews biological factors relevant to the understanding of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Considers the physical presentation of these disorders; the medical complications of starvation, binging, and purging; and the cognitive and behavioral effects of starvation. Reviews neurophysiological and neurochemical aspects of these illnesses and…

Aspects and the Overlap Function.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levine, Marilyn M.; Levine, Leonard P.

1984-01-01

Presents system for automatic handling of ordered sets, states based on these sets, and differing points of view regarding Universe of Discourse. Aspects are represented by new logical "overlap" function with examples taken from Ranganathan's horse and carriage parable and several books involving four main concepts (history, geography,…

Theoretical Aspects of Speech Production.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stevens, Kenneth N.

1992-01-01

This paper on speech production in children and youth with hearing impairments summarizes theoretical aspects, including the speech production process, sound sources in the vocal tract, vowel production, and consonant production. Examples of spectra for several classes of vowel and consonant sounds in simple syllables are given. (DB)

A Comparison of Energy Expenditure Estimation of Several Physical Activity Monitors

PubMed Central

Dannecker, Kathryn L.; Sazonova, Nadezhda A.; Melanson, Edward L.; Sazonov, Edward S.; Browning, Raymond C.

2013-01-01

Accurately and precisely estimating free-living energy expenditure (EE) is important for monitoring energy balance and quantifying physical activity. Recently, single and multi-sensor devices have been developed that can classify physical activities, potentially resulting in improved estimates of EE. PURPOSE To determine the validity of EE estimation of a footwear-based physical activity monitor and to compare this validity against a variety of research and consumer physical activity monitors. METHODS Nineteen healthy young adults (10 male, 9 female), completed a four-hour stay in a room calorimeter. Participants wore a footwear-based physical activity monitor, as well as Actical, Actigraph, IDEEA, DirectLife and Fitbit devices. Each individual performed a series of postures/activities. We developed models to estimate EE from the footwear-based device, and we used the manufacturer's software to estimate EE for all other devices. RESULTS Estimated EE using the shoe-based device was not significantly different than measured EE (476(20) vs. 478(18) kcal) (Mean (SE)), respectively, and had a root mean square error (RMSE) of (29.6 kcal (6.2%)). The IDEEA and DirectLlife estimates of EE were not significantly different than the measured EE but the Actigraph and Fitbit devices significantly underestimated EE. Root mean square errors were 93.5 (19%), 62.1 kcal (14%), 88.2 kcal (18%), 136.6 kcal (27%), 130.1 kcal (26%), and 143.2 kcal (28%) for Actical, DirectLife, IDEEA, Actigraph and Fitbit respectively. CONCLUSIONS The shoe based physical activity monitor provides a valid estimate of EE while the other physical activity monitors tested have a wide range of validity when estimating EE. Our results also demonstrate that estimating EE based on classification of physical activities can be more accurate and precise than estimating EE based on total physical activity. PMID:23669877

A comparison of energy expenditure estimation of several physical activity monitors.

PubMed

Dannecker, Kathryn L; Sazonova, Nadezhda A; Melanson, Edward L; Sazonov, Edward S; Browning, Raymond C

2013-11-01

Accurately and precisely estimating free-living energy expenditure (EE) is important for monitoring energy balance and quantifying physical activity. Recently, single and multisensor devices have been developed that can classify physical activities, potentially resulting in improved estimates of EE. This study aimed to determine the validity of EE estimation of a footwear-based physical activity monitor and to compare this validity against a variety of research and consumer physical activity monitors. Nineteen healthy young adults (10 men, 9 women) completed a 4-h stay in a room calorimeter. Participants wore a footwear-based physical activity monitor as well as Actical, ActiGraph, IDEEA, DirectLife, and Fitbit devices. Each individual performed a series of postures/activities. We developed models to estimate EE from the footwear-based device, and we used the manufacturer's software to estimate EE for all other devices. Estimated EE using the shoe-based device was not significantly different than measured EE (mean ± SE; 476 ± 20 vs 478 ± 18 kcal, respectively) and had a root-mean-square error of 29.6 kcal (6.2%). The IDEEA and the DirectLlife estimates of EE were not significantly different than the measured EE, but the ActiGraph and the Fitbit devices significantly underestimated EE. Root-mean-square errors were 93.5 (19%), 62.1 kcal (14%), 88.2 kcal (18%), 136.6 kcal (27%), 130.1 kcal (26%), and 143.2 kcal (28%) for Actical, DirectLife, IDEEA, ActiGraph, and Fitbit, respectively. The shoe-based physical activity monitor provides a valid estimate of EE, whereas the other physical activity monitors tested have a wide range of validity when estimating EE. Our results also demonstrate that estimating EE based on classification of physical activities can be more accurate and precise than estimating EE based on total physical activity.

Reports of Severe Physical Punishment and Exposure to Animal Cruelty by Inmates Convicted of Felonies and by University Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Karla S.; Knutson, John F.

1997-01-01

A self-report questionnaire designed to assess abusive childhood environments and exposure to animal cruelty was administered to 314 prison inmates. Although high rates of physical punishment characterized the entire sample, persons charged with violent but nonhomicidal crimes reported more severely punitive childhood histories than those charged…

Human Aspects of High Tech in Special Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bichteler, Julie

1986-01-01

This investigation of library employees who spend significant portion of time in online computer interaction provides information on intellectual, psychological, social, and physical aspects of their work. Long- and short-term effects of special libraries are identified and solutions to "technostress" problems are suggested. (16…

Factors in youth physical activity participation: from psychological aspects to environmental correlates.

PubMed

Salmon, Jo

2010-01-01

Understanding influences on children's physical activity and how these vary by activity and subgroup, such as age and sex of the child, is important for informing the development of effective and targeted interventions. Two cohort studies were conducted across socioeconomic areas of Melbourne, Australia, between 2001 and 2008 among a combined sample of more than 2,700 children aged 5-6 years and 10-12 years at baseline. Data were collected via surveys, and children wore the Actigraph accelerometer for 8 days. Five individual, 10 social, and 17 physical environmental factors were significantly associated with children's physical activity. Patterns of association varied according to the age and sex of the child and also according to the type of activity. These studies provide some insights into the various levels of influence on children's physical activity. More longitudinal and intervention research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of change in children's physical activity behaviour.

Modernisation of the intermediate physics laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kontro, Inkeri; Heino, Olga; Hendolin, Ilkka; Galambosi, Szabolcs

2018-03-01

The intermediate laboratory courses at the Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, were reformed using desired learning outcomes as the basis for design. The reformed laboratory courses consist of weekly workshops and small-group laboratory sessions. Many of the laboratory exercises are open-ended and have several possible ways of execution. They were designed around affordable devices, to allow for the purchase of multiple sets of laboratory equipment. This allowed students to work on the same problems simultaneously. Thus, it was possible to set learning goals which build on each other. Workshop sessions supported the course by letting the students solve problems related to conceptual and technical aspects of each laboratory exercise. The laboratory exercises progressed biweekly to allow for iterative problem solving. Students reached the learning goals well and the reform improved student experiences. Neither positive or negative changes in expert-like attitudes towards experimental physics (measured by E-CLASS questionnaire) were observed.

Sever's Disease

MedlinePlus

... immobilize the foot so that it can heal. Recovery and Recurrence One of the most important things ... The sooner Sever's disease is addressed, the quicker recovery is. Most kids can return to physical activity ...

Physical activity after surgery for severe obesity: the role of exercise cognitions.

PubMed

Wouters, Eveline J; Larsen, Junilla K; Zijlstra, Hanna; van Ramshorst, Bert; Geenen, Rinie

2011-12-01

Physical activity after bariatric surgery is associated with sustained weight loss and improved quality of life. Some bariatric patients engage insufficiently in physical activity. This may be due to exercise cognitions, i.e., specific beliefs about benefits of and barriers to physical exercise. The aim of this study was to examine whether and to what extent both physical activity and exercise cognitions changed at 1 and 2 years post-surgery and whether exercise cognitions predict physical activity. Forty-two bariatric patients (38 women, 4 men; mean age 38 ± 8 years, mean body mass index prior to surgery 47 ± 6 kg/m(2)) filled out self-report instruments to examine physical activity and exercise cognitions pre- and post-surgery. A large increase in physical activity and favorable changes in exercise cognitions were observed after surgery, viz. a decrease of fear of injury and embarrassment and an increase of the perception of exercise benefits and confidence in exercising. Perceiving less exercise benefits and having less confidence in exercising before surgery predicted less physical activity 2 years after surgery. High fear of injury 1 year after surgery predicted less physical activity 2 years after surgery. After bariatric surgery, favorable changes in physical activity and beliefs about the benefits and barriers of exercising are observed. Our results suggest that targeting exercise cognitions before and after surgery might be relevant to improve physical activity.

Enhanced physical health screening for people with severe mental illness in Hong Kong: results from a one-year prospective case series study.

PubMed

Bressington, Daniel; Mui, Jolene; Hulbert, Sabina; Cheung, Eric; Bradford, Stephen; Gray, Richard

2014-02-27

People with severe mental illness have significantly poorer physical health compared to the general population; previous health screening studies conducted outside Asian countries have demonstrated the potential in addressing this issue. This case series aimed to explore the effects and utility of integrating an enhanced physical health screening programme for community dwelling patients with severe mental illness into routine clinical practice in Hong Kong. This study utilises a consecutive prospective case series design. The serious mental illness Health Improvement Profile (HIP) was used as a screening tool at baseline and repeated at 12 months follow-up. A total of 148 community-based patients with severe mental illness completed the study. At one year follow-up analysis showed a significant improvement in self-reported levels of exercise and a reduction in the numbers of patients prescribed medications for diabetes However, mean waist circumference increased at follow-up. In addition to the statistically significant results some general trends were observed, including: a lack of deterioration in most areas of cardiovascular risk; a reduction in medicines prescribed for physical health problems; and general improvements in health behaviours over the 12 month period. The findings demonstrate that using the HIP is feasible and acceptable in Hong Kong. The results of the enhanced physical health-screening programme are promising, but require further testing using a randomised controlled trial design in order to more confidently attribute the improvements in well-being and health behaviours to the HIP. ISRCTN12582470.

EDITORIAL: Metrological Aspects of Accelerator Technology and High Energy Physics Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romaniuk, Ryszard S.; Pozniak, Krzysztof T.

2007-08-01

The subject of this special feature in Measurement Science and Technology concerns measurement methods, devices and subsystems, both hardware and software aspects, applied in large experiments of high energy physics (HEP) and superconducting RF accelerator technology (SRF). These experiments concern mainly the physics of elementary particles or the building of new machines and detectors. The papers present practical examples of applied solutions in large, contemporary, international research projects such as HERA, LHC, FLASH, XFEL, ILC and others. These machines are unique in their global scale and consist of extremely dedicated apparatus. The apparatus is characterized by very large dimensions, a considerable use of resources and a high level of overall technical complexity. They possess a large number of measurement channels (ranging from thousands to over 100 million), are characterized by fast of processing of measured data and high measurement accuracies, and work in quite adverse environments. The measurement channels cooperate with a large number of different sensors of momenta, energies, trajectories of elementary particles, electron, proton and photon beam profiles, accelerating fields in resonant cavities, and many others. The provision of high quality measurement systems requires the designers to use only the most up-to-date technical solutions, measurement technologies, components and devices. Research work in these demanding fields is a natural birthplace of new measurement methods, new data processing and acquisition algorithms, complex, networked measurement system diagnostics and monitoring. These developments are taking place in both hardware and software layers. The chief intention of this special feature is that the papers represent equally some of the most current metrology research problems in HEP and SRF. The accepted papers have been divided into four topical groups: superconducting cavities (4 papers), low level RF systems (8 papers

Physical aspects of thermotherapy: A study of heat transport with a view to treatment optimisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsrud, Johan Karl Otto

1998-12-01

investigated as a method of non-invasive temperature monitoring, and an optically tissue-like phantom material, suitable for MRI, was developed. MRI thermometry in this material was shown to be an excellent method for characterization of laser applicators and for verification of numerical calculations. Finally, a water-cooled laser applicator for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, allowing anatomically correct heating, was developed and evaluated ex-vivo. An increased understanding of the physical aspects of thermotherapy, aided by the methods and results presented in this thesis, constitutes a significant contribution to the performance of safe and efficacious treatment.

Assessing physical function and physical activity in patients with CKD.

PubMed

Painter, Patricia; Marcus, Robin L

2013-05-01

Patients with CKD are characterized by low levels of physical functioning, which, along with low physical activity, predict poor outcomes in those treated with dialysis. The hallmark of clinical care in geriatric practice and geriatric research is the orientation to and assessment of physical function and functional limitations. Although there is increasing interest in physical function and physical activity in patients with CKD, the nephrology field has not focused on this aspect of care. This paper provides an in-depth review of the measurement of physical function and physical activity. It focuses on physiologic impairments and physical performance limitations (impaired mobility and functional limitations). The review is based on established frameworks of physical impairment and functional limitations that have guided research in physical function in the aging population. Definitions and measures for physiologic impairments, physical performance limitations, self-reported function, and physical activity are presented. On the basis of the information presented, recommendations for incorporating routine assessment of physical function and encouragement for physical activity in clinical care are provided.

Movement-to-music computer technology: a developmental play experience for children with severe physical disabilities.

PubMed

Tam, Cynthia; Schwellnus, Heidi; Eaton, Ceilidh; Hamdani, Yani; Lamont, Andrea; Chau, Tom

2007-01-01

Children with severe physical disabilities often lack the physical skills to explore their environment independently, and to play with toys or musical instruments. The movement-to-music (MTM) system is an affordable computer system that allows children with limited movements to play and create music. The present study explored parents' experiences of using the MTM system with their children. A qualitative methodology employing in-depth interview techniques was used with six mothers and their children. The themes extracted from the data were organized under two main concepts of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) (WHO, 2001) framework. The results showed that the MTM expanded horizons for the child along the ICF health dimensions and the MTM had a positive impact on ICF environmental determinants of health. The small sample size should be noted as a limitation of this study. Further research should be carried out with a larger sample of children with restricted mobility to obtain a better understanding of the impact of MTM technology on children's psychosocial development.

Physics Matters: An Introduction to Conceptual Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trefil, James; Hazen, Robert M.

2003-12-01

From amusement park rides to critical environmental issues such as energy generation-physics affects almost every aspect of our world. In PHYSICS MATTERS, James Trefil and Robert Hazen examine the fundamental physics principles at work behind the many practical applications that fuel our society and individual lives. Their goal is to promote a deeper understanding of how the great ideas of physics connect to form a much larger understanding of the universe in which we live. Highlights Helps readers build a general knowledge of key ideas in physics and their connection to technology and other areas of science. Promotes an appreciation of what science is, how scientific knowledge is developed, and how it differs from other intellectual activities. Examines modern technologies, including GPS, the Internet, and information technologies, as well as medical technologies, such as MRI, PET scans, CAT scans, and radioisotope tracers. Explores key issues facing the world today, such as global warning, nuclear waste, and government funding for research.

Living with severe hypoxic COPD: the patients' experience.

PubMed

Robinson, Terry

To describe the experience of living with severe oxygen-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Unstructured, tape-recorded interviews were used to collect data from 10 patients with COPD. The interviews were undertaken in the patients' own homes. Recurrent themes emerged from the data. All participants reported physical and emotional problems, mainly caused by breathlessness. Half of the sample discussed feeling depressed and 80 per cent discussed how COPD had affected their family life. Participants discussed how difficult it was to stop smoking, and the guilt they felt when they realised their smoking had caused their disease. Half of the sample discussed needs, such as better communication between health professionals and patients about the diagnosis and prognosis. Long-term oxygen therapy was described in negative terms by 10 per cent of the sample. Severe COPD has an impact on all aspects of a patient's quality of life. A palliative, interdisciplinary approach from primary and secondary care, social services and the voluntary agencies needs to be adopted at an earlier stage of the disease. Patients should be encouraged to participate in the planning and management of their treatment to improve their experience of the disease in the future.

Physical Health Care for People with Severe Mental Illness: the Attitudes, Practices, and Training Needs of Nurses in Three Asian Countries.

PubMed

Bressington, Daniel; Badnapurkar, Ashish; Inoue, Sachiko; Ma, Hin Yeung; Chien, Wai Tong; Nelson, Deborah; Gray, Richard

2018-02-15

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have considerable unmet physical health needs and an increased risk of early mortality. This cross-sectional survey utilized the Physical Health Attitude Scale (PHASe) to examine the attitudes, practices, and training needs of nurses towards physical health care of people with SMI in three Asian countries (Hong Kong, Japan, Qatar). Cross-country differences were explored and linear regression was used to investigate if nurses' attitudes and confidence were associated with their level of involvement in physical health care. A total of 481 questionnaires were returned. Hong Kong nurses were less involved in physical health care than those from Japan and Qatar. Nurses' attitudes and confidence were significant predictors of their participation in managing physical health. Compared with western countries, more nurses in this study felt that mental illness was a barrier to improving physical health. Three-quarters reported that they needed additional training in promoting cardiometabolic health. The perceived need for additional training in physical health care was held by Mental Health Nurses (MHN) irrespective of their type of nursing registration and nationality. Nurse educators and service providers should reconsider the physical health care training requirements of nurses working in mental health settings in order to improve the physical health of people with SMI.

Physical Health Care for People with Severe Mental Illness: the Attitudes, Practices, and Training Needs of Nurses in Three Asian Countries

PubMed Central

Badnapurkar, Ashish; Ma, Hin Yeung; Nelson, Deborah

2018-01-01

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have considerable unmet physical health needs and an increased risk of early mortality. This cross-sectional survey utilized the Physical Health Attitude Scale (PHASe) to examine the attitudes, practices, and training needs of nurses towards physical health care of people with SMI in three Asian countries (Hong Kong, Japan, Qatar). Cross-country differences were explored and linear regression was used to investigate if nurses’ attitudes and confidence were associated with their level of involvement in physical health care. A total of 481 questionnaires were returned. Hong Kong nurses were less involved in physical health care than those from Japan and Qatar. Nurses’ attitudes and confidence were significant predictors of their participation in managing physical health. Compared with western countries, more nurses in this study felt that mental illness was a barrier to improving physical health. Three-quarters reported that they needed additional training in promoting cardiometabolic health. The perceived need for additional training in physical health care was held by Mental Health Nurses (MHN) irrespective of their type of nursing registration and nationality. Nurse educators and service providers should reconsider the physical health care training requirements of nurses working in mental health settings in order to improve the physical health of people with SMI. PMID:29462859

Healthy body, healthy mind: A mixed methods study of outcomes, barriers and supports for exercise by people who have chronic moderate-to-severe acquired brain injury.

PubMed

Lorenz, Laura S; Charrette, Ann L; O'Neil-Pirozzi, Therese M; Doucett, Julia M; Fong, Jeffrey

2018-01-01

Few people with chronic moderate-to-severe brain injury are following recommended physical activity guidelines. Investigate effects of planned, systematic physical activity while cultivating social and emotional well-being of people with chronic moderate-to-severe brain injury. Moderate-to-intensive physical activity would be associated with improvements in impairment and activity limitation measures (endurance, mobility, gait speed) immediately post-intervention and six weeks later (study week 12). The intervention was a single group pre-/post-intervention study with 14 people with chronic moderate-to-severe brain injury who live in brain injury group homes and exercised 60-90 min, 3 days per week for 6 weeks at a maximum heart rate of 50-80%. Pre-post measures (administered weeks 0, 6 and 12) were the 6 Minute Walk Test, High-level Mobility Assessment Tool and 10 Meter Walk Test. The qualitative component used a brief survey and semi-structured interview guide with participants, family members, and staff. Following program completion, post-intervention group changes were noted on all outcome measures and greater than minimal detectable change for people with brain injury. Three transitioned from low to high ambulatory status and maintained this change at 12 weeks. During interviews, participants agreed the program was stimulating. More than eighty percent liked working out in a group and felt better being active. Program impact included physical, cognitive and social/emotional aspects. Social aspects (group format, trainers) were highly motivating and supported by residents, family, and staff. Investments in transportation and recruiting and training interns to assist participants are critical to program sustainability and expansion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physical Aspects of Photodynamic Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kornfield, Julia

2012-02-01

Healthy vision depends on the stability of the shape of the cornea, which provides most of the lens power of the optical system of the eye. Diseases in which the cornea progressively undergoes irregular deformation over time (e.g., keratoconus) can be treated clinically by inducing additional protein-protein crosslinks using a photosensitizing drug and a tailored dose of light. Unfortunately, the treatment moving through clinical trials is toxic to cells in and on the cornea. A path to a safer treatment is offered by the nanostructure of the corneal stroma---reminiscent of a HEX phase in block copolymers with 30nm diameter collagen cylinders spaced 60nm center-to-center in a hydrogel matrix of proteoglycans and water. We show that using a photosensitizing drug that sequesters itself in the collagen fibrils can minimize the toxicity of therapeutic protein-protein cross-linking. Photorheology and transport measurements are used to quantify the parameters of a simple physical model that is useful for optimizing clinical protocols.

[Clinical and neurophysiological aspects of severe forms of autism in children].

PubMed

Simashkova, N V; Iakupova, L P; Bashina, V M

2006-01-01

The aim of the study was to elucidate fundamentals for the phenomenon of universality of childhood autism by comparison of clinical and neurophysiological features of its severest forms--children endogenous autism (CEA) and Rett's syndrome (RS). Each group included 20 patients. Both groups were similar by age-at-disease-onset, clinical appearances during the disease course and dynamics of psychopathological syndromes. The theta-rhythm is common for CEA and RS at the disease stage with marked signs of disease acuity, autism, regress and, therefore, may be regarded as a marker of severity and development delay. The universality of autism phenomenon in its severe forms was confirmed both at the clinical and neurophysiological levels.

Factors Influencing Physical Fitness Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haarer, Barbara G.

This annotated bibliography focuses on works that examine areas in which the physical educator can improve the administration of physical fitness tests in the elementary and secondary schools. The first part contains annotations that examine modifications of existing components which measure aspects of muscular and cardiovascular endurance. The…

Sick-listed employees with severe medically unexplained physical symptoms: burden or routine for the occupational health physician? A cross sectional study

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The two primary objectives of this study were to the assess consultation load of occupational health physicians (OHPs), and their difficulties and needs with regard to their sickness certification tasks in sick-listed employees with severe medical unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS). Third objective was to determine which disease-, patient-, doctor- and practice-related factors are associated with the difficulties and needs of the OHPs. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 43 participating OHPs from 5 group practices assessed 489 sick-listed employees with and without severe MUPS. The OHPs filled in a questionnaire about difficulties concerning sickness certification tasks, consultation time, their needs with regard to consultation with or referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist, and communication with GPs. The OHPs also completed a questionnaire about their personal characteristics. Results OHPs only experienced task difficulties in employees with severe MUPS in relation to their communication with the treating physician. This only occured in cases in which the OHP attributed the physical symptoms to somatoform causes. If they attributed the physical symptoms to mental causes, the OHPs reported a need to consultate a psychiatrist about the diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions OHPs experience few difficulties with their sickness certification tasks and consultation load concerning employees with severe MUPS. However, they encounter problems if the diagnostic uncertainties of the treating physician interfere with the return to work process. OHPs have a need for psychiatric expertise whenever they are uncertain about the psychiatric causes of a delayed return to work process. We recommend further training programs for OHPs. They should also have more opportunity for consultation and referral to a psychiatrist, and their communication with treating physicians should be improved. PMID:21059232

No space for girliness in physics: understanding and overcoming the masculinity of physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Götschel, Helene

2014-06-01

Allison Gonsalves' article on "women doctoral students' positioning around discourses of gender and competence in physics" explores narratives of Canadian women physicists concerning their strategies to gain recognition as physicists. In my response to her rewarding and inspiring analysis I will reflect on her findings and arguments and put them into a broader context of research in gender and physics. In addition to her promising strategies to make physics attractive and welcoming to all genders I want to stress two more aspects of the tricky problem: diversity and contextuality of physics.

Physical Education at Preschools: Practitioners' and Children's Engagements with Physical Activity and Health Discourses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McEvilly, Nollaig; Verheul, Martine; Atencio, Matthew

2015-01-01

This paper focuses on one aspect of a qualitative study concerned with investigating the place and meaning of "physical education" to practitioners and children at three preschools in Scotland. We examine the ways in which the participants engaged with discourses related to physical activity and health in order to construct their…

Impact of physical exercise in cancer survivors during and after antineoplastic treatments

PubMed Central

Ferioli, Martina; Zauli, Giorgio; Martelli, Alberto M.; Vitale, Marco; McCubrey, James A.; Ultimo, Simona; Capitani, Silvano; Neri, Luca M.

2018-01-01

Cancer patients experience symptoms and adverse effects of treatments that may last even after the end of treatments. Exercise is a safe, non-pharmacological and cost-effective therapy that can provide several health benefits in cancer patient and survivors, reducing cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. The purpose of this review is to describe how the physical exercise is capable to reduce cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. We realized a pragmatic classification of symptoms, dividing them into physical, psychological and psycho-physical aspects. For each symptom we discuss causes, therapies, we analyse the effects of physical exercise and we summarize the most effective type of exercise to reduce the symptoms. This review also points out what are the difficulties that patients and survivors face during the practice of physical activity and provides some solutions to overcome these barriers. Related to each specific cancer, it emerges that type, frequency and intensity of physical exercise could be prescribed and supervised as a therapeutic program, like it occurs for the type, dose and duration of a drug treatment. PMID:29568412

Short communication: final year students' deficits in physical examination skills performance in Germany.

PubMed

Krautter, Markus; Diefenbacher, Katja; Koehl-Hackert, Nadja; Buss, Beate; Nagelmann, Lars; Herzog, Wolfgang; Jünger, Jana; Nikendei, Christoph

2015-01-01

The physical examination of patients is an important diagnostic competence, but little is known about the examination skills of final-year medical students. To investigate physical examination skills of final-year medical students. In a cross-sectional study, 40 final-year students were asked to perform a detailed physical examination on standardized patients. Their performances were video-recorded and rated by independent video assessors. Video ratings showed a mean success rate of 40.1 % (SD 8.2). As regards accompanying doctor-patient communication, final-year students achieved a mean of no more than 36.7 % (SD 8.9) in the appropriate use of the corresponding communication items. Our study revealed severe deficits among final-year medical students in performing a detailed physical examination on a standardized patient. Thus, physical examination skills training should aim to improve these deficits while also paying attention to communicative aspects. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Simulation of Physical Experiments in Immersive Virtual Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.; Wasfy, Tamer M.

2001-01-01

An object-oriented event-driven immersive Virtual environment is described for the creation of virtual labs (VLs) for simulating physical experiments. Discussion focuses on a number of aspects of the VLs, including interface devices, software objects, and various applications. The VLs interface with output devices, including immersive stereoscopic screed(s) and stereo speakers; and a variety of input devices, including body tracking (head and hands), haptic gloves, wand, joystick, mouse, microphone, and keyboard. The VL incorporates the following types of primitive software objects: interface objects, support objects, geometric entities, and finite elements. Each object encapsulates a set of properties, methods, and events that define its behavior, appearance, and functions. A container object allows grouping of several objects. Applications of the VLs include viewing the results of the physical experiment, viewing a computer simulation of the physical experiment, simulation of the experiments procedure, computational steering, and remote control of the physical experiment. In addition, the VL can be used as a risk-free (safe) environment for training. The implementation of virtual structures testing machines, virtual wind tunnels, and a virtual acoustic testing facility is described.

Noise of Embedded High Aspect Ratio Nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bridges, James E.

2011-01-01

future design work be done more by physics-based computations and less by experiments, several codes under development were evaluated against these test cases. Preliminary results show that the RANS-based code JeNo predicts the spectral directivity of the low aspect ratio jets well, but has no capability to predict the non-axisymmetry. An effort to address this limitations, used in the RANS-based code of Leib and Goldstein, overpredicted the impact of aspect ratio. The broadband shock noise code RISN, also limited to axisymmetric assumptions, did a good job of predicting the spectral directivity of underexpanded 2:1 cold jet case but was not as successful on high aspect ratio jets, particularly when they are hot. All results are preliminary because the underlying CFD has not been validated yet. An effort using a Large Eddy Simulation code by Stanford University predicted noise that agreed with experiments to within a few dB.

Clinical, laboratorial and immunological aspects of severe malaria in children from Guinea-Bissau.

PubMed

Domingos, Janine; Casimiro, Anaxore; Portugal-Calisto, Daniela; Varandas, Luís; Nogueira, Fátima; Silva, Marcelo Sousa

2018-04-21

Malaria is a parasitic disease of which Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of the disease. The immune response against Plasmodium spp. is complex and remains unclear. The present report aimed to better understand the humoral immune response in severe malaria and analyse new immunodominant antigen candidates as possible serological marker in severe malaria in children. This study included children aged 0-16 years from Guinea-Bissau with clinical signs of severe malaria. Serological and immunochemical characterisation of different anti-P. falciparum antibodies were made by ELISA and immunoblotting using a crude protein extract of P. falciparum. Sera from 12 children with severe malaria were analysed. Nine samples were positive for total anti-P. falciparum antibodies, seven for IgM and eight for total IgG anti-P. falciparum. There was a predominance of IgG1 response, suggesting a cytophilic action in severe malaria and a major role of IgG1 over other immunoglobulins. The antigenic profile of P. falciparum showed a consistent immunoblotting pattern of approximately 180 kDa, 100 kDa and around 50-40 kDa. The serological reactivity found in protein bands makes them as immunodominant antigens and promising candidates for serological markers in the context of severe malaria. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Current trends in the effects of stretching: application to physical exercise in the workplace].

PubMed

Eguchi, Yasumasa; Ohta, Masanori; Yamato, Hiroshi

2011-09-01

A review of the Survey on the State of Employees' Health by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2008) shows that the most commonly implemented aspect as an activity of worksite health promotion is "Health counseling", and the second is "Workplace physical exercise." Physical exercise, "Taiso", is acceptable and sustainable for workers, as it is easy to do in a group or alone. Various modes of stretching are implemented for workplace physical exercise. However, articles suggesting negative or contradictory effects of stretching have increased in recent years. Several review articles have revealed that static stretching may induce impairments of muscle power performance and no stretching will prevent or reduce muscle soreness after exercise. There are various aims of workplace physical exercise, so we have to consider the situational method when we apply stretching to occupational health.

Physics and fingerprints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voss-de Haan, Patrick

2006-08-01

This article discusses a variety of aspects in the detection and development of fingerprints and the physics involved in it. It gives an introduction to some basic issues like composition and properties of fingerprint deposits and a rudimentary framework of dactyloscopy; it covers various techniques for the visualization of latent fingerprints; and it concludes with a view of current research topics. The techniques range from very common procedures, such as powdering and cyanoacrylate fuming, to more demanding methods, for example luminescence and vacuum metal deposition, to fairly unusual approaches like autoradiography. The emphasis is placed on the physical rather than the forensic aspects of these topics while trying to give the physicist—who is not dealing with fingerprinting and forensic science on a daily basis—a feeling for the problems and solutions in the visualization of latent fingerprints.

Effects of physical and chemical aspects on membrane fouling and cleaning using interfacial free energy analysis in forward osmosis.

PubMed

Zhang, Wanzhu; Dong, Bingzhi

2018-05-20

Natural organic matter (NOM) in micro-polluted water purification using membranes is a critical issue to handle. Understanding the fouling mechanism in the forward osmosis (FO) process, particularly identifying the predominant factor that controls membrane fouling, could have significant effects on exerting the advantages of FO technique. Cellulose triacetate no-woven (CTA-NW) membrane is applied to experiments with a high removal efficiency (> 99%) for the model foulant. Tannic acid (TA) is used as a surrogate foulant for NOM in the membrane fouling process, thus enabling the analysis of the effects of physical and chemical aspects of water flux, retention, and adsorption. The membrane fouling behavior is affected mainly by the combined effects of the osmotic dragging force and the interaction of the pH in the working solution, foulants, and calcium ions, as demonstrated by the water flux loss and the changes of membrane retention and adsorption. The fouled CTA-NW membrane (in PRO mode) could be flux-recovered by > 85% through physical cleaning methods. The interfacial free energy analysis theory was used to analyze the membrane fouling behavior with calculating the interfacial cohesion and adhesion free energies. The cohesion free energy refers to the deposition of foulants (TA or TA combined with calcium ions) on a fouled membrane. In addition, the adhesion free energy could be used to evaluate the interaction between foulants and a clean membrane.

Some Aspects of Forecasting Severe Thunderstorms during Cool-Season Return-Flow Episodes.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Steven J.

1992-08-01

Historically, the Gulf of Mexico has been considered a primary source of water vapor that influences the weather for much of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Although severe thunderstorms and tornadoes occur most frequently during the spring and summer months, the periodic transport of Gulf moisture inland ahead of traveling baroclinic waves can result in significant severe-weather episodes during the cool season.To gain insight into the short-range skill in forecasting surface synoptic patterns associated with moisture return from the Gulf, operational numerical weather prediction models from the National Meteorological Center were examined. Sea level pressure fields from the Limited-Area Fine-Mesh Model (LFM), Nested Grid Model (NGM), and the aviation (AVN) run of the Global Spectral Model, valid 48 h after initial data time, were evaluated for three cool-season cases that preceded severe local storm outbreaks. The NGM and AVN provided useful guidance in forecasting the onset of return flow along the Gulf coast. There was a slight tendency for these models to be slightly slow in the development of return flow. In contrast the LFM typically overforecasts the occurrence of return flow and tends to `open the Gulf' from west to east too quickly.Although the low-level synoptic pattern may be forecast correctly, the overall prediction process is hampered by a data void over the Gulf. It is hypothesized that when the return-flow moisture is located over the Gulf, model forecasts of stability and the resultant operational severe local storm forecasts are less skillful compared to situations when the moisture has spread inland already. This hypothesis is tested by examining the performance of the initial second-day (day 2) severe thunderstorm outlook issued by the National Severe Storms Forecast Center during the Gulf of Mexico Experiment (GUFMEX) in early 1988.It has been found that characteristically different air masses were present along the Gulf coast

Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. I. Prevalence, impact of medications and disparities in health care

PubMed Central

DE HERT, MARC; CORRELL, CHRISTOPH U.; BOBES, JULIO; CETKOVICH-BAKMAS, MARCELO; COHEN, DAN; ASAI, ITSUO; DETRAUX, JOHAN; GAUTAM, SHIV; MÖLLER, HANS-JURGEN; NDETEI, DAVID M.; NEWCOMER, JOHN W.; UWAKWE, RICHARD; LEUCHT, STEFAN

2011-01-01

The lifespan of people with severe mental illness (SMI) is shorter compared to the general population. This excess mortality is mainly due to physical illness. We report prevalence rates of different physical illnesses as well as important individual lifestyle choices, side effects of psychotropic treatment and disparities in health care access, utilization and provision that contribute to these poor physical health outcomes. We searched MEDLINE (1966 – August 2010) combining the MeSH terms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder with the different MeSH terms of general physical disease categories to select pertinent reviews and additional relevant studies through cross-referencing to identify prevalence figures and factors contributing to the excess morbidity and mortality rates. Nutritional and metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, viral diseases, respiratory tract diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, sexual dysfunction, pregnancy complications, stomatognathic diseases, and possibly obesity-related cancers are, compared to the general population, more prevalent among people with SMI. It seems that lifestyle as well as treatment specific factors account for much of the increased risk for most of these physical diseases. Moreover, there is sufficient evidence that people with SMI are less likely to receive standard levels of care for most of these diseases. Lifestyle factors, relatively easy to measure, are barely considered for screening; baseline testing of numerous important physical parameters is insufficiently performed. Besides modifiable lifestyle factors and side effects of psychotropic medications, access to and quality of health care remains to be improved for individuals with SMI. PMID:21379357

The reliability of the physical examination to guide fluid therapy in adults with severe falciparum malaria: an observational study.

PubMed

Hanson, Josh; Lam, Sophia W K; Alam, Shamsul; Pattnaik, Rajyabardhan; Mahanta, Kishore C; Uddin Hasan, Mahatab; Mohanty, Sanjib; Mishra, Saroj; Cohen, Sophie; Day, Nicholas; White, Nicholas; Dondorp, Arjen

2013-10-01

Adults with severe malaria frequently require intravenous fluid therapy to restore their circulating volume. However, fluid must be delivered judiciously as both under- and over-hydration increase the risk of complications and, potentially, death. As most patients will be cared for in a resource-poor setting, management guidelines necessarily recommend that physical examination should guide fluid resuscitation. However, the reliability of this strategy is uncertain. To determine the ability of physical examination to identify hypovolaemia, volume responsiveness, and pulmonary oedema, clinical signs and invasive measures of volume status were collected independently during an observational study of 28 adults with severe malaria. The physical examination defined volume status poorly. Jugular venous pressure (JVP) did not correlate with intravascular volume as determined by global end diastolic volume index (GEDVI; r(s) = 0.07, p = 0.19), neither did dry mucous membranes (p = 0.85), or dry axillae (p = 0.09). GEDVI was actually higher in patients with decreased tissue turgor (p < 0.001). Poor capillary return correlated with GEDVI, but was present infrequently (7% of observations) and, therefore, insensitive. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) correlated with GEDVI (rs = 0.16, p = 0.002), but even before resuscitation patients with a low GEDVI had a preserved MAP. Anuria on admission was unrelated to GEDVI and although liberal fluid resuscitation led to a median hourly urine output of 100 ml in 19 patients who were not anuric on admission, four (21%) developed clinical pulmonary oedema subsequently. MAP was unrelated to volume responsiveness (p = 0.71), while a low JVP, dry mucous membranes, dry axillae, increased tissue turgor, prolonged capillary refill, and tachycardia all had a positive predictive value for volume responsiveness of ≤50%. Extravascular lung water ≥11 ml/kg indicating pulmonary oedema was present on 99 of the 353 times that it was assessed during the

Physical activity and physical functioning in Swedish and Iranian 75-year-olds - a comparison.

PubMed

Mosallanezhad, Zahra; Hörder, Helena; Salavati, Mahyar; Nilsson-Wikmar, Lena; Frändin, Kerstin

2012-01-01

The pattern of population aging is highly complex and contextually based. Cross-national comparisons are helpful to explore related factors. Two cross-sectional studies designed to compare physical activity level, physical functioning and certain health related factors in 75-year-old women and men in Sweden and Iran. Cohorts of 637 Swedish and 851 Iranian 75-year-olds were investigated with the same methods regarding physical activity level, physical functioning and health related factors. There were differences in physical activity level (p<0.001), self-reported physical functioning (p<0.001) objective physical functioning (p<0.001), health status (p<0.001) and most socio-demographic aspects between the two countries. Here the Swedish cohort had the advantage. There was no difference between the countries regarding prevalence of vertigo or falls. The only variables where the Iranian cohort had advantage over the Swedes were grip strength and smoking habits. There were larger gender differences in walking habits, self-selected walking speed, timed chair stand, and one-leg stance in Iran, and in grip strength in Sweden, all to the disadvantage of women. Iranian 75-years-olds had a lower physical activity level, a worse lower extremity physical function but a better grip strength, a worse physical health status, but smoked less than their Swedish counterparts. Despite this, there were no differences regarding vertigo or falls. In most aspects, the magnitude of gender differences was about the same and in disadvantage of women, although there were larger differences in Iran in some lower extremity functions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of physical height on workplace success and income: preliminary test of a theoretical model.

PubMed

Judge, Timothy A; Cable, Daniel M

2004-06-01

In this article, the authors propose a theoretical model of the relationship between physical height and career success. We then test several linkages in the model based on a meta-analysis of the literature, with results indicating that physical height is significantly related to measures of social esteem (rho =.41), leader emergence (rho =.24), and performance (rho =.18). Height was somewhat more strongly related to success for men (rho =.29) than for women (rho =.21), although this difference was not significant. Finally, given that almost no research has examined the relationship between individuals' physical height and their incomes, we present four large-sample studies (total N = 8,590) showing that height is positively related to income (beta =.26) after controlling for sex, age, and weight. Overall, this article presents the most comprehensive analysis of the relationship of height to workplace success to date, and the results suggest that tall individuals have advantages in several important aspects of their careers and organizational lives. (c) 2004 APA

Development of a robotic device for facilitating learning by children who have severe disabilities.

PubMed

Cook, Albert M; Meng, Max Q H; Gu, Jason J; Howery, Kathy

2002-09-01

This paper presents technical aspects of a robot manipulator developed to facilitate learning by young children who are generally unable to grasp objects or speak. The severity of these physical disabilities also limits assessment of their cognitive and language skills and abilities. The CRS robot manipulator was adapted for use by children who have disabilities. Our emphasis is on the technical control aspects of the development of an interface and communication environment between the child and the robot arm. The system is designed so that each child has user control and control procedures that are individually adapted. Control interfaces include large push buttons, keyboards, laser pointer, and head-controlled switches. Preliminary results have shown that young children who have severe disabilities can use the robotic arm system to complete functional play-related tasks. Developed software allows the child to accomplish a series of multistep tasks by activating one or more single switches. Through a single switch press the child can replay a series of preprogrammed movements that have a development sequence. Children using this system engaged in three-step sequential activities and were highly responsive to the robotic tasks. This was in marked contrast to other interventions using toys and computer games.

The impact of disease on family members: a critical aspect of medical care.

PubMed

Golics, Catherine Jane; Basra, Mohammad Khurshid Azam; Finlay, Andrew Yule; Salek, Sam

2013-10-01

Most existing health-related quality of life research concerns the impact of disease on patients. However, in several medical specialties including dermatology, oncology, and physical and mental disability, studies have been carried out investigating the impact of disease on the lives of families of patients. The aim of this paper is to review the literature which relates to the impact of disease on family members of patients. The OVIDSP Medline was selected as the primary database, Searches were limited to sources published in English. 158 papers were identified for review. The definition of "family" varied across the literature, and a broad definition was accepted in this review. This review shows that a wide variety of aspects of family members' lives can be affected, including emotional, financial, family relationships, education and work, leisure time, and social activities. Many of these themes are linked to one another, with themes including financial impact and social impact being linked to emotional impact. Some positive aspects were also identified from the literature, including family relationships growing stronger. Several instruments exist to measure the impact of illness on the family, and most are disease or specialty- specific. The impact of disease on families of patients is often unrecognised and underestimated. Taking into account the quality of life of families as well as patients can offer the clinician a unique insight into issues such as family relationships and the effect of treatment decisions on the patient's close social group of partner and family.

[Physical therapy for parkinson's disease].

PubMed

Hubert, M

2011-09-01

Parkinson's disease is a complex neurologic and progressive incapacitating disease. Parkinson's disease severely threatens the quality of live and the number of patients worldwide is expected to rise considerably in the coming decade due to aging of the population. Even with optimal medical management using drugs or neurosurgery, patients are faced with progressively increasing impairments (e.g. in speech, mental and movement related functions), and restrictions in participation (e.g. domestic life and social activities). Physical therapy is often prescribed next to medical treatment but there is a lack of uniform treatment. A systematic literature search for guidelines, systematic reviews, trials, and expert opinions lead to a better understanding. The key question: Is physiotherapy able to optimally treat the Parkinson's disease symptoms? In which way, how and on which scientific bases can the physiotherapist participate to improve autonomy and to help them living independently and avoid, as long as possible, institutionalization? This article has integrated clinical research findings to provide clinicians with an overview to physical therapist management of disorders in people with Parkinson's disease. An Evidence-Based Physical Therapy Guideline providing practice recommendations was developed by the Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy (KNGF). Evidence from research was supplemented with clinical expertise and patients values. Randomized clinical trials reflect specific core areas of physical therapy, that is, transfer, posture, balance, reaching and grasping, gait and physical condition. Another aspect is that of educating patients (as well as their partners and family) about the disease process and the benefits of exercise therapy. Alternative therapies can be helpful like Tai Chi, virtual games, dancing, yoga, ball games for example.

Aspects of Childhood Physical Punishment and Family Environment Correlates in Bulimia Nervosa.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rorty, Marcia; And Others

1995-01-01

This study compared childhood parental physical punishment among 80 women with and 40 women without a lifetime history of bulimia nervosa. Although the women with bulimia reported more and harsher physical punishment than the control group, they did not differ in the extent to which they believed the punishment was deserved or whether they were…

Form matters: morphological aspects of lateral root development

PubMed Central

Szymanowska-Pułka, Joanna

2013-01-01

Background The crucial role of roots in plant nutrition, and consequently in plant productivity, is a strong motivation to study the growth and functioning of various aspects of the root system. Numerous studies on lateral roots, as a major determinant of the root system architecture, mostly focus on the physiological and molecular bases of developmental processes. Unfortunately, little attention is paid either to the morphological changes accompanying the formation of a lateral root or to morphological defects occurring in lateral root primordia. The latter are observed in some mutants and occasionally in wild-type plants, but may also result from application of external factors. Scope and Conclusions In this review various morphological aspects of lateral branching in roots are analysed. Morphological events occurring during the formation of a typical lateral root are described. This process involves dramatic changes in the geometry of the developing organ that at early stages are associated with oblique cell divisions, leading to breaking of the symmetry of the cell pattern. Several types of defects in the morphology of primordia are indicated and described. Computer simulations show that some of these defects may result from an unstable field of growth rates. Significant changes in both primary and lateral root morphology may also be a consequence of various mutations, some of which are auxin-related. Examples reported in the literature are considered. Finally, lateral root formation is discussed in terms of mechanics. In this approach the primordium is considered as a physical object undergoing deformation and is characterized by specific mechanical properties. PMID:24190952

Behavioural aspects of terrorism.

PubMed

Leistedt, Samuel J

2013-05-10

Behavioural and social sciences are useful in collecting and analysing intelligence data, understanding terrorism, and developing strategies to combat terrorism. This article aims to examine the psychopathological concepts of terrorism and discusses the developing roles for behavioural scientists. A systematic review was conducted of studies investigating behavioural aspects of terrorism. These studies were identified by a systematic search of databases, textbooks, and a supplementary manual search of references. Several fundamental concepts were identified that continue to influence the motives and the majority of the behaviours of those who support or engage in this kind of specific violence. Regardless of the psychological aspects and new roles for psychiatrists, the behavioural sciences will continue to be called upon to assist in developing better methods to gather and analyse intelligence, to understand terrorism, and perhaps to stem the radicalisation process. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Feasibility of Integration of Selected Aspects of (CBA) Chemistry, (CHEMS) Chemistry and (PSSC) Physics into a Two Year Physical Science Sequence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fiasca, Michael Aldo

Compared, for selected outcomes, were integrated chemistry-physics courses with chemistry and physics courses taught separately. Three classes studying integrated Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC)-Chemical Bond Approach (CBA), and three classes studying integrated Physical Science Study Committee-Chemical Education Materials Study (CHEMS)…

Performance factors in women's team handball: physical and physiological aspects--a review.

PubMed

Manchado, Carmen; Tortosa-Martínez, Juan; Vila, Helena; Ferragut, Carmen; Platen, Petra

2013-06-01

Team handball is an Olympic sport played professionally in many European countries. Nevertheless, a scientific knowledge regarding women's elite team handball demands is limited. Thus, the purpose of this article was to review a series of studies (n = 33) on physical characteristics, physiological attributes, physical attributes, throwing velocity, and on-court performances of women's team handball players. Such empirical and practical information is essential to design and implement successful short-term and long-term training programs for women's team handball players. Our review revealed that (a) players that have a higher skill level are taller and have a higher fat-free mass; (b) players who are more aerobically resistant are at an advantage in international level women team handball; (c) strength and power exercises should be emphasized in conditioning programs, because they are associated with both sprint performance and throwing velocity; (d) speed drills should also be implemented in conditioning programs but after a decrease in physical training volume; (e) a time-motion analysis is an effective method of quantifying the demands of team handball and provides a conceptual framework for the specific physical preparation of players. According to our results, there are only few studies on on-court performance and time-motion analysis for women's team handball players, especially concerning acceleration profiles. More studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of different training programs of women's team handball players' physiological and physical attributes.

Making sense of self-care practices at the intersection of severe mental illness and physical health-An Australian study.

PubMed

Ehrlich, Carolyn; Chester, Polly; Kisely, Steve; Crompton, David; Kendall, Elizabeth

2018-01-01

The poor physical health of people who experience severe mental illness (SMI) is an important public health issue that has been acknowledged, yet not properly addressed. People who live with SMI perform a myriad of complex tasks in order to take care of their physical health, while receiving unpredictable levels of support and assistance from health professionals. In this qualitative study, we aimed to uncover the kinds of work people with SMI do in order to look after their physical health. In a metropolitan area in Queensland, Australia, 32 people with lived experience of SMI participated in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and open coded. They were then themed using a constant comparative process. We found that people with SMI were engaged in a "rhythm of life with illness" that consisted of relatively short, acute and chaotic cycles of mental and physical illness, accompanied by much longer mental and physical illness recovery cycles. Participants engaged in three specific types of health-related work to manage these cycles: discovery work (and the associated role of the health professional); sense-making work to meaningfully interpret health and illness; and embedding work to become engaged self-managers of illness and producers of health. We discuss how varying levels of support from health professionals impact consumers' self-management of their physical and mental health; how health professionals influence consumers' experience of treatment burden; and implications for practice. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Physical Chemistry, Science (Experimental): 5318.60.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mary, Charlotta B.; Feuer, Jerold

Performance objectives are stated for this secondary school instructional unit concerned with aspects of physical chemistry, involving the physical properties of matter, and laws and theories regarding chemical interaction. Lists of films and state-adopted and other texts are presented. Included are enrollment guidelines; an outline summarizing…

Therapeutic Intervention for the Physically Handicapped

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spillios, James; Janzen, Henry L.

1978-01-01

The need for training counselors specifically for intervention with the physically handicapped is the major focus of this article. Definitions of disabilities, rehabilitation and emotional factors are stressed as important variables in physical and psychotherapeutic treatment. The authors review some of the psychological aspects in counseling the…

Physical and psychosocial aspects of adolescent and young adults after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation: results from a prospective multicenter trial.

PubMed

Pulewka, Kristin; Wolff, Daniel; Herzberg, Philipp Y; Greinix, Hildegard; Heussner, Pia; Mumm, Friederike H A; von Harsdorf, Stephanie; Rieger, Kathrin; Hemmati, Philipp; Hochhaus, Andreas; Hilgendorf, Inken

2017-08-01

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is physically and psychosocially demanding. Among transplant recipients, adolescent and young adults (AYA) represent a special group, as disease occurs early in life, resulting in the prospect of long survival time and high burden of alloHSCT sequelae. However, data focusing on AYA undergoing alloHSCT are rare. Data resulting from a prospective multicenter trial initially focusing on graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) after alloHSCT were reused to analyse the differences between AYA and elderly patients. In total, data of 205 alloHSCT recipients were evaluated. Patients completed the FACT-BMT, HAP, SF-36, 24-AM, LOT-R, BSSS, HADS, and GvHD questionnaires. Median age of AYA and non-AYA patients was 29 and 52 years. Using 24-AM-Test, evaluating personality traits, non-AYA reported to be more conscientious (p = 0.033). However, AYA described higher quality of life regarding physical role functioning (p = 0.001), physical functioning (p = 0.002), bodily pain (p = 0.023), and emotional role function (p = 0.027) in the SF-36. General health perception, vitality, social role functioning, and mental health were comparable among both groups. On HAP scale, AYA reported higher maximum (p = 0.003) and adjusted activity scores (p = 0.002), but showed similar restrictions regarding activity, self-supply, and self-determination. AYA represent a particular group characterized by higher physical well-being and activity scores, and significantly vary from non-AYA patients in psychosocial aspects. Studies covering distinctive features of AYA undergoing alloHSCT are warranted to improve awareness of the special needs of this group.

Using Lego robots to estimate cognitive ability in children who have severe physical disabilities.

PubMed

Cook, Albert M; Adams, Kim; Volden, Joanne; Harbottle, Norma; Harbottle, Cheryl

2011-01-01

To determine whether low-cost robots provide a means by which children with severe disabilities can demonstrate understanding of cognitive concepts. Ten children, ages 4 to 10, diagnosed with cerebral palsy and related motor conditions, participated. Participants had widely variable motor, cognitive and receptive language skills, but all were non-speaking. A Lego Invention 'roverbot' was used to carry out a range of functional tasks from single-switch replay of pre-stored movements to total control of the movement in two dimensions. The level of sophistication achieved on hierarchically arranged play tasks was used to estimate cognitive skills. The 10 children performed at one of the six hierarchically arranged levels from 'no interaction' through 'simple cause and effect' to 'development and execution of a plan'. Teacher interviews revealed that children were interested in the robot, enjoyed interacting with it and demonstrated changes in behaviour and social and language skills following interaction. Children with severe physical disabilities can control a Lego robot to perform un-structured play tasks. In some cases, they were able to display more sophisticated cognitive skills through manipulating the robot than in traditional standardised tests. Success with the robot could be a proxy measure for children who have cognitive abilities but cannot demonstrate them in standard testing.

The Effect of Sharrows, Painted Bicycle Lanes and Physically Protected Paths on the Severity of Bicycle Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicles.

PubMed

Wall, Stephen P; Lee, David C; Frangos, Spiros G; Sethi, Monica; Heyer, Jessica H; Ayoung-Chee, Patricia; DiMaggio, Charles J

2016-01-01

We conducted individual and ecologic analyses of prospectively collected data from 839 injured bicyclists who collided with motorized vehicles and presented to Bellevue Hospital, an urban Level-1 trauma center in New York City, from December 2008 to August 2014. Variables included demographics, scene information, rider behaviors, bicycle route availability, and whether the collision occurred before the road segment was converted to a bicycle route. We used negative binomial modeling to assess the risk of injury occurrence following bicycle path or lane implementation. We dichotomized U.S. National Trauma Data Bank Injury Severity Scores (ISS) into none/mild (0-8) versus moderate, severe, or critical (>8) and used adjusted multivariable logistic regression to model the association of ISS with collision proximity to sharrows (i.e., bicycle lanes designated for sharing with cars), painted bicycle lanes, or physically protected paths. Negative binomial modeling of monthly counts, while adjusting for pedestrian activity, revealed that physically protected paths were associated with 23% fewer injuries. Painted bicycle lanes reduced injury risk by nearly 90% (IDR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.33). Holding all else equal, compared to no bicycle route, a bicycle injury nearby sharrows was nearly twice as likely to be moderate, severe, or critical (adjusted odds ratio 1.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91-4.15). Painted bicycle lanes and physically protected paths were 1.52 (95% CI 0.85-2.71) and 1.66 (95% CI 0.85-3.22) times as likely to be associated with more than mild injury respectively.

Physics and technological aspects of nanofluidics.

PubMed

Bocquet, Lyderic; Tabeling, Patrick

2014-09-07

From a physical perspective, nanofluidics represents an extremely rich domain. It hosts many mechanisms acting on the nanoscale, which combine together or interact with the confinement to generate new phenomena. Superfast flows in carbon nanotubes, nonlinear electrokinetic transport, slippage over smooth surfaces, nanobubble stability, etc. are the most striking phenomena that have been unveiled over the past few years, and some of them are still awaiting an explanation. One may anticipate that new nanofluidic effects will be discovered in the future, but at the moment, the technological barrier is high. Fabrication of nanochannels is most often a tour de force, slow and costly. However, with the accumulation of technological skills along with the use of new nanofluidic materials (like nanotubes), nanofluidics is becoming increasingly accessible to experimentalists. Among the technological challenges faced by the field, fabricating devices mimicking natural nanometric systems, such as aquaporins, ionic pumps or kidney osmotic filtering, seems the most demanding in terms of groundbreaking ideas. Nanoflow characterization remains delicate, although considerable progress has been achieved over the past years. The targeted application of nanofluidics is not only in the field of genomics and membrane science--with disruptive developments to be expected for water purification, desalination, and energy harvesting--but also for oil and gas production from unconventional reservoirs. Today, in view of the markets that are targeted, nanofluidics may well impact the industry more than microfluidics; this would represent an unexpected paradox. These successes rely on using a variety of materials and technologies, using state-of-the-art nanofabrication, or low-tech inexpensive approaches. As a whole, nanofluidics is a fascinating field that is facing considerable challenges today. It possesses a formidable potential and offers much space for creative groundbreaking ideas.

The German Physical Society Under National Socialism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, Dieter; Walker, Mark

2004-12-01

The history of the German Physical Society from 1933 to 1945 is not the same as a comprehensive history of physics under Adolf Hitler, but it does reflect important aspects of physicists' work and life during the Third Reich.

Intimate partner violence and the relation between help-seeking behavior and the severity and frequency of physical violence among women in Turkey.

PubMed

Ergöçmen, Banu Akadli; Yüksel-Kaptanoğlu, İlknur; Jansen, Henrica A F M Henriette

2013-09-01

This study explores the severity and frequency of physical violence from an intimate partner experienced by 15- to 59-year-old women and their help-seeking behavior by using data from the "National Research on Domestic Violence Against Women in Turkey." Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare the relationship between severity and frequency of violence and women's characteristics. Of all ever-partnered women, 36% have been exposed to partner violence; almost half of these experienced severe types of violence. Women used informal strategies to manage the violence instead of seeking help from formal institutions. Help-seeking behavior increases with increased severity and frequency of violence.

Physical and Social Contexts of Physical Activities Among Adolescent Girls

PubMed Central

Kuo, JoAnn; Schmitz, Kathryn H.; Evenson, Kelly R.; McKenzie, Thomas L.; Jobe, Jared B.; Rung, Ariane L.; Gittelsohn, Joel; Pate, Russell R.

2016-01-01

Background With limited opportunities for physical activity during school hours, it is important to understand the contexts of physical activities done outside of school time. Given the importance of physical and social aspects of environments, the purpose of this study was to describe where and with whom girls participate in physical activities outside of school. Methods Participants were 1925 sixth-grade girls in the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls (TAAG). At baseline, they completed a 3-day physical activity recall (3DPAR), reporting the main activity performed during 30-minute intervals and the physical and social contexts of physical activities. Results The most frequently reported physical activities done outside of school time were house chores, walking (for transportation or exercise), dance, basketball, playing with younger children, and running or jogging. The most common location for these activities was at home or in the neighborhood. With the exception of household chores, these activities were typically done with at least one other person. Conclusions Interventions that promote physical activities that can be done at or around home or developing supportive social networks for physical activity would be consistent with the current physical activity contexts of adolescent girls. PMID:19420391

An introduction to the physical aspects of helicopter stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gessow, Alfred; Amer, Kenneth B

1950-01-01

In order to provide engineers interested in rotating-wing aircraft, but with no specialized training in stability theory, some understanding of the factors that influence the flying qualities of the helicopter, an explanation is made of both the static stability and the stick-fixed oscillation in hovering and forward flight in terms of fundamental physical quantities. Three significant stability factors -- static stability with angle of attack, static stability with speed, and damping due to a pitching or rolling velocity -- are explained in detail.

Wind-tunnel investigation of several high aspect-ratio supercritical wing configurations on a wide-body-type fuselage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartlett, D. W.

1977-01-01

An investigation was conducted in the Langley 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel on two aspect-ratio 11.95 supercritical wings that were tested in combination with a representative wide-body-type fuselage. The two supercritical wings have identical planforms for equal sweep angles and differ only in thickness. Each wing was tested at quarter-chord sweep angles of 27 deg and 30 deg. At the higher sweep angle, the aspect ratio is reduced to 11.36. At 27 deg of quarter-chord sweep, the thicker supercritical wing (SCW-1) has maximum streamwise thickness-to-chord ratios of 0.16 at the wing-fuselage juncture, 0.14 at the planform break station, and 0.12 at the tip. The thinner wing (SCW-2) has maximum streamwise thickness-to-chord ratios of 0.144, 0.12, and 0.10 at the same stations respectively. Tests were also conducted on the thinner supercritical wing at the 27 deg sweep angle with a 15.24 cm (6.0 in.) shorter span which results in an aspect ratio of 10.25. For comparison, data were obtained on a current wide-body transport wing (AR=7) that was tested on the same fuselage used with the supercritical wings.

[Aspects of post-tramatic stress disorder after a traffic acident].

PubMed

Noll-Hussong, M; Herberger, S; Grauer, M T; Otti, A; Gündel, H

2013-09-01

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs most frequently in the general population after traffic accidents and affects up to 15 % of those involved. Mental and physical comorbidity, preliminary damage or injury can herald the development of PTSD, but the scope of social support after the accident plays a crucial role in whether and to what extent potential PTSD develops. Against this background, preventive and injury reduction aspects of the interaction between insurance companies and their customers are conceivable, which could also positively affect health economic and aspects of job or customer satisfaction.

Children with mental versus physical health problems: differences in perceived disease severity, health care service utilization and parental health literacy.

PubMed

Dey, Michelle; Wang, Jen; Jorm, Anthony Francis; Mohler-Kuo, Meichun

2015-03-01

To compare children with mental and physical health problems regarding (1) perceived disease severity; (2) the impact of their condition on their families; (3) their utilization of health care services (including satisfaction with care); and (4) parents' health literacy about their child's condition and its treatment. Furthermore, we examined whether parents' health literacy differs between types of mental health condition. Parental reports about their 9- to 14-year-old children with mental (n = 785) or physical health problems (n = 475) were analyzed from the population-based National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs in Switzerland. Mental health problems were perceived as being more severe (p < 0.001) and exerting a larger impact upon the family (e.g., financial impact) than physical health problems. Furthermore, fewer parents of children with a mental health problem mentioned having a particular person or place to contact if they needed information or advice regarding the child's condition (p = 0.004) and were satisfied with the health care services their child received (p < 0.001). The odds of low health literacy was higher among parents with children suffering from mental health problems vs. parents of children with physical health problems (OR in the adjusted model = 1.92; 95 % CI 1.47-2.50; p < 0.001); this finding held generally for mental health problem (although only a trend was observable for internalizing problems). The large impact of children's mental health conditions on themselves and their families might be reduced by adapting the provision of health care and by increasing parents' health literacy.

Physics of the Atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caballero, Rodrigo

2014-11-01

With the increasing attention paid to climate change, there is ever-growing interest in atmospheric physics and the processes by which the atmosphere affects Earth's energy balance. This self-contained text, written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics or meteorology, assumes no prior knowledge apart from basic mechanics and calculus and contains material for a complete course. Augmented with worked examples, the text considers all aspects of atmospheric physics except dynamics, including moist thermodynamics, cloud microphysics, atmospheric radiation and remote sensing, and will be an invaluable resource for students and researchers.

Physics Matters: An Introduction to Conceptual Physics, Activity Book

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trefil, James; Hazen, Robert M.

2004-02-01

From amusement park rides to critical environmental issues such as energy generation-physics affects almost every aspect of our world. In PHYSICS MATTERS, James Trefil and Robert Hazen examine the fundamental physics principles at work behind the many practical applications that fuel our society and individual lives. Their goal is to promote a deeper understanding of how the great ideas of physics connect to form a much larger understanding of the universe in which we live. Highlights Helps readers build a general knowledge of key ideas in physics and their connection to technology and other areas of science. Promotes an appreciation of what science is, how scientific knowledge is developed, and how it differs from other intellectual activities. Examines modern technologies, including GPS, the Internet, and information technologies, as well as medical technologies, such as MRI, PET scans, CAT scans, and radioisotope tracers. Explores key issues facing the world today, such as global warning, nuclear waste, and government funding for research.

Effect of leisure time physical activity on severe knee or hip osteoarthritis leading to total joint replacement: a population-based prospective cohort study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Studies on leisure time physical activity as risk factor or protective factor for knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA) show divergent results. Longitudinal prospective studies are needed to clarify the association of physical activity with future OA. The aim was to explore in a prospective population-based cohort study the influence of leisure time physical activity on severe knee or hip OA, defined as knee or hip replacement due to OA. Methods Leisure time physical activity was reported by 28320 participants (mean age 58 years (SD 7.6), 60% women) at baseline. An overall leisure time physical activity score, taking both duration and intensity of physical activities into account, was created. The most commonly reported activities were also used for analysis. The incidence of knee or hip replacement due to OA over 11 years was monitored by linkage with the Swedish hospital discharge register. Cox’s proportional hazards model (crude and adjusted for potential confounding factors) was used to assess the incidence of total joint replacement, or osteotomy (knee), in separate analyses of leisure time physical activity. Results There was no significant overall association between leisure time physical activity and risk for knee or hip replacement due to OA over the 11-year observation time. For women only, the adjusted RR (95% CI) for hip replacement was 0.66 (0.48, 0.89) (fourth vs. first quartile), indicating a lower risk of hip replacement in those with the highest compared with the lowest physical activity. The most commonly reported activities were walking, bicycling, using stairs, and gardening. Walking was associated with a lower risk of hip replacement (adjusted RR 0.76 (95% CI 0.61, 0.94), specifically for women (adjusted RR 0.75 (95% CI 0.57, 0.98)). Conclusions In this population-based study of middle-aged men and women, leisure time physical activity showed no consistent overall relationship with incidence of severe knee or hip OA, defined as joint

Voprosy professional'noj pedagogiki (Aspects of the Theory of Vocational Education).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Batysev, S. J.; And Others

This document is an English-language abstract (Approximately 1,500 words) of a book by several Soviet authorities on vocational and technical education. The five sections of the book deal with general aspects of vocational and technical training; the theory of vocational training; psychological aspects of vocational training; basic instructional…

Medical physics aspects of cancer care in the Asia Pacific region

PubMed Central

Kron, T; Cheung, KY; Dai, J; Ravindran, P; Soejoko, D; Inamura, K; Song, JY; Bold, L; Srivastava, R; Rodriguez, L; Wong, TJ; Kumara, A; Lee, CC; Krisanachinda, A; Nguyen, XC; Ng, KH

2008-01-01

Medical physics plays an essential role in modern medicine. This is particularly evident in cancer care where medical physicists are involved in radiotherapy treatment planning and quality assurance as well as in imaging and radiation protection. Due to the large variety of tasks and interests, medical physics is often subdivided into specialties such as radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology medical physics. However, even within their specialty, the role of radiation oncology medical physicists (ROMPs) is diverse and varies between different societies. Therefore, a questionnaire was sent to leading medical physicists in most countries/areas in the Asia/Pacific region to determine the education, role and status of medical physicists. Answers were received from 17 countries/areas representing nearly 2800 radiation oncology medical physicists. There was general agreement that medical physicists should have both academic (typically at MSc level) and clinical (typically at least 2 years) training. ROMPs spent most of their time working in radiotherapy treatment planning (average 17 hours per week); however radiation protection and engineering tasks were also common. Typically, only physicists in large centres are involved in research and teaching. Most respondents thought that the workload of physicists was high, with more than 500 patients per year per physicist, less than one ROMP per two oncologists being the norm, and on average, one megavoltage treatment unit per medical physicist. There was also a clear indication of increased complexity of technology in the region with many countries/areas reporting to have installed helical tomotherapy, IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy), Gamma-knife and Cyber-knife units. This and the continued workload from brachytherapy will require growing expertise and numbers in the medical physics workforce. Addressing these needs will be an important challenge for the future

The reliability of the physical examination to guide fluid therapy in adults with severe falciparum malaria: an observational study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Adults with severe malaria frequently require intravenous fluid therapy to restore their circulating volume. However, fluid must be delivered judiciously as both under- and over-hydration increase the risk of complications and, potentially, death. As most patients will be cared for in a resource-poor setting, management guidelines necessarily recommend that physical examination should guide fluid resuscitation. However, the reliability of this strategy is uncertain. Methods To determine the ability of physical examination to identify hypovolaemia, volume responsiveness, and pulmonary oedema, clinical signs and invasive measures of volume status were collected independently during an observational study of 28 adults with severe malaria. Results The physical examination defined volume status poorly. Jugular venous pressure (JVP) did not correlate with intravascular volume as determined by global end diastolic volume index (GEDVI; rs = 0.07, p = 0.19), neither did dry mucous membranes (p = 0.85), or dry axillae (p = 0.09). GEDVI was actually higher in patients with decreased tissue turgor (p < 0.001). Poor capillary return correlated with GEDVI, but was present infrequently (7% of observations) and, therefore, insensitive. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) correlated with GEDVI (rs = 0.16, p = 0.002), but even before resuscitation patients with a low GEDVI had a preserved MAP. Anuria on admission was unrelated to GEDVI and although liberal fluid resuscitation led to a median hourly urine output of 100 ml in 19 patients who were not anuric on admission, four (21%) developed clinical pulmonary oedema subsequently. MAP was unrelated to volume responsiveness (p = 0.71), while a low JVP, dry mucous membranes, dry axillae, increased tissue turgor, prolonged capillary refill, and tachycardia all had a positive predictive value for volume responsiveness of ≤50%. Extravascular lung water ≥11 ml/kg indicating pulmonary oedema was

[Health-related quality of life of people with severe traumatic injury: a longitudinal study using the SF-36 health survey].

PubMed

Bauer, J; Beck, B; Wandl, U

2013-06-01

Even though 85 percent of those who have been severely injured in an accident in Germany survive, complex and serious long-term consequences are still a major problem not only for health and care insurance providers but also for the accident victims themselves because their quality of life is affected permanently. Therefore the aim of the current study is to identify factors that significantly improve the quality of life after a severe traumatic injury and to investigate whether the support by a reintegration service has a positive effect on the victims' quality of life. The sample consisted of severely injured accident victims who were supported by a reintegration service. The data collection comprised three data points. At every data point the SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess the participants' quality of life. The results indicate that an individual medical-vocational support by a reintegration service has the potential to significantly and stably improve the physical aspects of quality of life, even if the accident dates back several years. Furthermore it appears to be important to support the independence of the accident victims because assistance by a third person correlates with a lower degree of physical quality of life, regardless of severity or type of injury. Moreover it becomes clear that it is important to pay more attention to the treatment of psychological consequences of severe accidents.

Physics in finance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James, Jessica

2001-04-01

These days it is not unusual to find people with a PhD in physics on the trading floor of a bank, but seven years ago such folk were very rare. This article is about what happens when a physicist works on the trading floor; not only the financial mathematics and research but also the people and the situations that he or she encounters. It is partly biographical, beginning with the description of the research at the Clarendon Laboratory that the author was involved in, and describing how she ended up working for a bank. Various aspects of the finance research that she now pursues are explained, starting with simple foreign exchange rate calculations, going on to discuss some subtle aspects of the Black-Scholes model used in the valuation of financial instruments, and concluding with study on the fair price of options which illustrates how important it is to apply the research methods learnt in physics to the world of finance.

Some physical and psychological aspects of noise attenuation by vegetation

Treesearch

Donald E. Aylor

1977-01-01

The physical mechanisms governing sound attenuation by foliage, stems, and ground are reviewed. Reflection of sound energy is found to be the primary mechanism. In addition, new experimental results are discussed that help to quantify the psychological effect of a plant barrier on perceived noise level. Listeners judged the loudness of noise transmitted through hemlock...

Aspects of legislative cognizance of noise pollution in India.

PubMed

Kumar, Brind; Oberoi, Sharad V

2011-04-01

The impacts of noise pollution are associated with the mental, physical, emotional and psychological well-being of an individual. Its damaging effects from various natural and man-made sources are potential hazards that need to be checked at the planning, executive and judicial levels. The paper presents an overview of the technological aspects of noise pollution, and seeks to visit its legislative aspects with respect to India. Excerpts from international laws are presented for a meaningful discussion. References are made from the conclusions of studies carried out by researchers and legislative cases involving noise pollution to make this paper useful for researchers, planners and administrators.

Relation between childhood maltreatment and severe intrafamilial male-perpetrated physical violence in Chinese community: the mediating role of borderline and antisocial personality disorder features.

PubMed

Liu, Na; Zhang, Yalin; Brady, Heward John; Cao, Yuping; He, Ying; Zhang, Yingli

2012-01-01

This study investigates the role of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) features as mediators of the effects of childhood maltreatment on severe intrafamilial physical violence amongst Chinese male perpetrators. A cross-sectional survey and face-to-face interview were conducted to examine childhood maltreatment, personality disorder features, impulsivity, aggression, and severe intrafamilial physical violence in a community sample of 206 abusive men in China. The results suggest that ASPD or BPD features mediate between childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence perpetration in Chinese abusive men. These findings may yield clinical and forensic implications for assessing the psychopathology of abusive men, and may steer the intervention of intimate partner violence. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Physical activity and mental well-being in older people participating in the Better Ageing Project.

PubMed

Fox, Kenneth R; Stathi, Afroditi; McKenna, Jim; Davis, Mark G

2007-07-01

Increasing evidence suggests that physical activity can prevent some aspects of mental illness in older people such as depression, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, limited research has shown that engagement in structured exercise can improve aspects of psychological well-being such as mood and self-perceptions in older adults. However, the relationship between incidental daily activity such as walking or time spent sedentary, with psychological well-being has not been investigated. The Better Ageing Project provided an opportunity to assess well-being and quality of life using standardised questionnaires with 176 adults aged 70 and over. Accelerometry was used to objectively assess daily energy expended in physical activity at different levels of intensity. In addition, an assessment of the impact of the 12-month Better Ageing structured group exercise programme was assessed through questionnaires and interviews. Total daily physical activity energy expenditure (joules/day) and amount of time spent in activity of at least moderate intensity were weakly related (r = 0.20-0.28) to quality of life, subjective well-being and physical self-perceptions. Time spent sedentary (min/day) was weakly and negatively related to several mental health indicators. The quantitative data showed only minor psychological benefits of the exercise intervention. In contrast, interviews with 27 research participants and 4 exercise leaders suggested that important improvements in perceived function and social benefits had been experienced.

[Physical urticaria].

PubMed

Fleischer, M; Grabbe, J

2004-04-01

The different types of physical urticaria are triggered by mechanical and thermal stimuli, as well as electromagnetic waves. Localized forms restricted to the skin and mucous membranes are most common, but generalized urticaria with variable extracutaneous manifestations can also occur. Physical urticaria is usually sporadic but may rarely have a familial form; it is often associated with chronic urticaria. In most instances, the short time interval between the physical stimulus and reaction points to a causal relationship, but in delayed types the exact diagnosis may be missed without provocation tests. The clinical implication of physical urticaria is demonstrated by investigations showing a greater degree of disability in affected patients as compared to other types of urticaria. There is still an incomplete understanding of the crucial pathophysiological aspects; most likely inflammatory reactions involving leukocytes, endothelial cells and nerves stimulated by various mediators play an important role in this form of urticaria.

Physical and psychosocial factors associated with physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Hartman, Jorine E; Boezen, H Marike; de Greef, Mathieu H; Ten Hacken, Nick H

2013-12-01

To assess physical activity and sitting time in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to investigate which physical and psychosocial factors are associated with physical activity and sitting time. Cross-sectional study. Patients were recruited at outpatient clinics of general hospitals and from general practitioners. Patients (N=113) with mild to very severe COPD. Not applicable. Physical activity and sitting time were measured with a triaxial accelerometer (24h/d). Mean locomotion time per 24 hours was 6.8% (range, 0.7%-20.4%). Elevated physical activity was independently associated with higher self-efficacy, higher functional exercise capacity, and lower lung hyperinflation. Decreased physical activity was strongest in more severe stages of COPD, in which the patients were mainly limited by physical disease-specific factors (higher lung hyperinflation, worse dyspnea severity, worse leg muscle function, and oxygen use). In less severe patients, physical activity was independently associated with more generic factors (higher self-efficacy and the spring/summer season). Sitting time did not differ between severity stages, and longer sitting time in the total group was independently associated with more positive perception of treatment control, less autonomous motivation to exercise, not using sleep medication, and oxygen use. Both physical and psychosocial factors were associated with physical activity in patients with COPD. The factors associated with physical activity differed between disease severity stages, raising the question of whether physical activity enhancement programs should differ as well. Sitting time should be investigated further. Copyright © 2013 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Severity of psychiatric and physical problems is associated with lower quality of life in methadone patients in Indonesia.

PubMed

Iskandar, Shelly; van Crevel, Reinout; Hidayat, Teddy; Siregar, Ike M P; Achmad, Tri H; van der Ven, Andre J; De Jong, Cor A

2013-01-01

The goal of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is to reduce the harm and to improve patients' quality of life (Qol). However, the Qol is also influenced by other co-occurring disorders. Data regarding the Qol and the co-occurrence of these disorders is lacking in low-middle income countries. We therefore describe the prevalence of physical, psychiatric, and drug abuse co-occurring disorders among MMT patients in Indonesia and determine the association between the severity of the co-occurring disorders and the Qol. Data were collected in 112 injection drug abusers (IDUs) attending a MMT program in West Java, Indonesia, using validated questionnaires, medical records and laboratory testing. For comparison, 154 IDUs not enrolled in MMT were recruited by respondent driven sampling. The most frequent co-occurring disorders were hepatitis C (92%), HIV (77%), benzodiazepine abuse (56%), and anxiety disorders (32%). IDUs in MMT had one (26%), two (47%), or three (27%) co-occurring disorders. Higher severity in psychiatric and physical problems was associated with poorer Qol. IDUs not enrolled in MMT had similar co-occurring problems. The prevalence of co-occurring disorders in IDUs in Indonesia is high and they influence their Qol. Therefore, comprehensive treatment, especially focusing on the common co-occurring disorders should be provided in MMT to improve the Qol. Copyright © American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.

The impact of disease on family members: a critical aspect of medical care

PubMed Central

Golics, Catherine Jane; Basra, Mohammad Khurshid Azam; Finlay, Andrew Yule; Salek, Sam

2013-01-01

Most existing health-related quality of life research concerns the impact of disease on patients. However, in several medical specialties including dermatology, oncology, and physical and mental disability, studies have been carried out investigating the impact of disease on the lives of families of patients. The aim of this paper is to review the literature which relates to the impact of disease on family members of patients. The OVIDSP Medline was selected as the primary database, Searches were limited to sources published in English. 158 papers were identified for review. The definition of “family” varied across the literature, and a broad definition was accepted in this review. This review shows that a wide variety of aspects of family members’ lives can be affected, including emotional, financial, family relationships, education and work, leisure time, and social activities. Many of these themes are linked to one another, with themes including financial impact and social impact being linked to emotional impact. Some positive aspects were also identified from the literature, including family relationships growing stronger. Several instruments exist to measure the impact of illness on the family, and most are disease or specialty- specific. The impact of disease on families of patients is often unrecognised and underestimated. Taking into account the quality of life of families as well as patients can offer the clinician a unique insight into issues such as family relationships and the effect of treatment decisions on the patient's close social group of partner and family. PMID:23759884

Ensuring Moral Development in Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwamberger, Benjamin; Wahl-Alexander, Zachary; Ressler, James

2017-01-01

The physical education setting offers a unique opportunity to educate the whole student. It would seem appropriate then, that physical education teachers place strong emphasis on the aspect of moral development and character building, however, this can be a challenging task. To accomplish this, the purpose of this article is to provide strategies…

Electromagnetic Concepts in Mathematical Representation of Physics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albe, Virginie; Venturini, Patrice; Lascours, Jean

2001-01-01

Addresses the use of mathematics when studying the physics of electromagnetism. Focuses on common electromagnetic concepts and their associated mathematical representation and arithmetical tools. Concludes that most students do not understand the significant aspects of physical situations and have difficulty using relationships and models specific…

DrivAbility: teaching medical aspects of driving.

PubMed

Gibson, Jeremy; Whiteman, Liz

2012-06-01

Teaching medical aspects of fitness to drive (FTD) is currently inconsistent across UK medical schools, with almost one-third of UK medical schools offering no tuition on medical aspects of FTD. It is, therefore, not surprising to find that medical students and doctors tend to lack confidence regarding the medical aspects of FTD and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) medical standards. In response to this inconsistency we developed an innovative new learning module to teach our medical students the importance of giving appropriate advice to patients about driving, the role of the DVLA regarding medical aspects of FTD, how to recognise when patients should be referred to a driving assessment centre and what adaptations are available to allow patients with physical disabilities to drive safely. As far as we are aware Derby is the first centre in the world to incorporate the practical experience of driving adapted vehicles (at a driving assessment centre) into the undergraduate medical curriculum as an aid to teaching medical aspects of FTD. This practical learning module has proven popular with the students. Driving these adapted vehicles has allowed our students to appreciate some of the practical difficulties disabled drivers experience when learning new driving techniques. However, as only 18 driving assessment centres exist within the UK, an exact replication of this learning module will be limited elsewhere. Nevertheless, we would encourage other medical schools to evaluate the local resources that could enhance the delivery of their undergraduate curricula. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2012.

The Manitoba Schools' Physical Fitness Survey (1976-77).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manitoba Dept. of Education, Winnipeg.

An abundance of research relative to physical fitness and, more generally, physical education of school children, has surfaced during the past few years. Negative aspects of health and physical fitness are increasing year by year, and further evidence suggests that academic performance is negatively affected by low levels of fitness. A survey was…

Physical and immunological aspects of exercise in chronic diseases.

PubMed

Apostolopoulos, Vasso; Borkoles, Erika; Polman, Remco; Stojanovska, Lily

2014-01-01

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are believed to be independent risk factors for the occurrence of numerous diseases, including, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health, all leading to substantial morbidity and/or premature death. It has been found that regular exercise, is associated with better quality of life and health outcomes, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Here, we review the effects regular exercise has on mental health and well-being, on the immune system and in cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity and metabolic syndrome. Is exercise the new immunotherapy to treat diseases?

Operational and design aspects of accelerators for medical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schippers, Jacobus Maarten; Seidel, Mike

2015-03-01

Originally, the typical particle accelerators as well as their associated beam transport equipment were designed for particle and nuclear physics research and applications in isotope production. In the past few decades, such accelerators and related equipment have also been applied for medical use. This can be in the original physics laboratory environment, but for the past 20 years also in hospital-based or purely clinical environments for particle therapy. The most important specific requirements of accelerators for radiation therapy with protons or ions will be discussed. The focus will be on accelerator design, operational, and formal aspects. We will discuss the special requirements to reach a high reliability for patient treatments as well as an accurate delivery of the dose at the correct position in the patient using modern techniques like pencil beam scanning. It will be shown that the technical requirements, safety aspects, and required reliability of the accelerated beam differ substantially from those in a nuclear physics laboratory. It will be shown that this difference has significant implications on the safety and interlock systems. The operation of such a medical facility should be possible by nonaccelerator specialists at different operating sites (treatment rooms). The organization and role of the control and interlock systems can be considered as being the most crucially important issue, and therefore a special, dedicated design is absolutely necessary in a facility providing particle therapy.

Impact of Aspect Ratio, Incident Angle, and Surface Roughness on Windbreak Wakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tobin, Nicolas; Chamorro, Leonardo P.

2017-11-01

Wind-tunnel results are presented on the wakes behind three-dimensional windbreaks in a simulated atmospheric boundary layer. Sheltering by upwind windbreaks, and surface-mounted obstacles (SMOs) in general, is parameterized by the wake-moment coefficient C h , which is a complex function of obstacle geometry and flow conditions. Values of C h are presented for several windbreak aspect ratios, incident angles, and windbreak-height-to-surface-roughness ratios. Lateral wake deflection is further presented for several incident angles and aspect ratios, and compared to a simple analytical formulation including a near- and far-wake solution. It is found that C h does not change with aspect ratios of 10 or greater, though C h may be lower for an aspect ratio of 5. C h is found to change roughly with the cosine of the incident angle, and to depend strongly on windbreak-height-to-surface-roughness ratio. The data broadly support the proposed wake-deflection model.

Elementary Physical Education: Topeka Public Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Topeka Public Schools, KS.

That physical education should be an integral and unified aspect of early education is the basic tenet of this guidebook for kindergarten through sixth grade. Physical education should not be thought of as play, sports, or just exercise; it should be a scientific program whose every activity has specific goals and solid principles for achieving…

Relation of Low-Severity Violence to Women's Health

PubMed Central

McCauley, Jeanne; Kern, David E; Kolodner, Ken; Derogatis, Leonard R; Bass, Eric B

1998-01-01

OBJECTIVE To determine if women who experience low-severity violence differ in numbers of physical symptoms, psychological distress, or substance abuse from women who have never been abused and from women who experience high-severity violence. DESIGN Cross-sectional, self-administered, anonymous survey. SETTING Four community-based, primary care, internal medicine practices. PATIENTS Survey respondents were 1,931 women aged 18 years or older. SURVEY DESIGN Survey included questions on violence; a checklist of 22 physical symptoms; the Symptom Checklist-22 (SCL-22) to measure depression, anxiety, somatization, and self-esteem; CAGE questions for alcohol use; and questions about past medical history.Low-severity violence patientshad been “pushed or grabbed” or had someone “threaten to hurt them or someone they love” in the year prior to presentation.High-severity violence patientshad been hit, slapped, kicked, burned, choked, or threatened or hurt with a weapon. RESULTS Of the 1,931 women, 47 met criteria for current low-severity violence without prior abuse, and 79 met criteria for current high-severity violence without prior abuse, and 1,257 had never experienced violence. The remaining patients reported either childhood violence or past adult abuse. When adjusted for socioeconomic characteristics, the number of physical symptoms increased with increasing severity of violence (4.3 for no violence, 5.3 for low-severity violence, 6.4 for high-severity violence, p < .0001). Psychological distress also increased with increasing severity of violence (mean total SCL-22 scores 32.6 for no violence, 35.7 for low-severity violence, 39.5 for high-severity violence, p < .0001). Women with any current violence were more likely to have a history of substance abuse (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.8 for low-severity, 1.9 for high-severity violence) and to have a substance-abusing partner (PR 2.4 for both violence groups). CONCLUSIONS In this study, even low-severity violence was

Role of multiple representations in physics problem solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maries, Alexandru

This thesis explores the role of multiple representations in introductory physics students' problem solving performance through several investigations. Representations can help students focus on the conceptual aspects of physics and play a major role in effective problem solving. Diagrammatic representations can play a particularly important role in the initial stages of conceptual analysis and planning of the problem solution. Findings suggest that students who draw productive diagrams are more successful problem solvers even if their approach is primarily mathematical. Furthermore, students provided with a diagram of the physical situation presented in a problem sometimes exhibited deteriorated performance. Think-aloud interviews suggest that this deteriorated performance is in part due to reduced conceptual planning time which caused students to jump to the implementation stage without fully understanding the problem and planning problem solution. Another study investigated two interventions aimed at improving introductory students' representational consistency between mathematical and graphical representations and revealed that excessive scaffolding can have a detrimental effect. The detrimental effect was partly due to increased cognitive load brought on by the additional steps and instructions. Moreover, students who exhibited representational consistency also showed improved problem solving performance. The final investigation is centered on a problem solving task designed to provide information about the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of graduate student teaching assistants (TAs). In particular, the TAs identified what they considered to be the most common difficulties of introductory physics students related to graphical representations of kinematics concepts as they occur in the Test of Understanding Graphs in Kinematics (TUG-K). As an extension, the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) was also used to assess this aspect of PCK related to knowledge of

Associations between physical activity and quality of life outcomes in adults with severe obesity: a cross-sectional study prior to the beginning of a lifestyle intervention

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Severely obese individuals who seek lifestyle interventions have impaired quality of life (QoL). Research suggests that physical activity (PA) plays a role in weight reduction and improved health in this group, but knowledge about the association of PA with QoL outcomes is sparse and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a higher level of PA was independently associated with higher QoL in severely obese individuals prior to the beginning of a lifestyle intervention. Methods During 2010, a total of 49 severely obese individuals who began a lifestyle intervention programme in Western Norway agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected prior to the beginning of the intervention. QoL was measured by a one-item scale on life satisfaction and the SF-36, PA was measured by an accelerometer, and clinical data were collected by health staff. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the associations between PA and QoL outcomes (life satisfaction, physical functioning, and mental health), adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Results In the adjusted analyses, we found positive relationships between PA and life satisfaction (Stand. coeff. 0.39, p = 0.024) and physical functioning (Stand. coeff. 0.34, p = 0.025). There was no association between PA and mental health (Stand. coeff. 0.15, p = 0.376). Conclusion This study detected associations between objectively measured PA and life satisfaction as well as physical functioning in a group of severely obese individuals before they began a lifestyle intervention programme. PMID:24188415

Improving the physical health of people with severe mental illness in a low secure forensic unit: An uncontrolled evaluation study of staff training and physical health care plans.

PubMed

Haddad, Mark; Llewellyn-Jones, Sian; Yarnold, Steve; Simpson, Alan

2016-12-01

The life expectancy of people with severe mental illnesses is substantially reduced, and monitoring and screening for physical health problems is a key part of addressing this health inequality. Inpatient admission presents a window of opportunity for this health-care activity. The present study was conducted in a forensic mental health unit in England. A personal physical health plan incorporating clearly-presented and easily-understood values and targets for health status in different domains was developed. Alongside this, a brief physical education session was delivered to health-care staff (n = 63). Printed learning materials and pedometers and paper tape measures were also provided. The impact was evaluated by a single-group pretest post-test design; follow-up measures were 4 months' post-intervention. The feasibility and acceptability of personal health plans and associated resources were examined by free-text questionnaire responses. Fifty-seven staff provided measures of attitudes and knowledge before training and implementation of the physical health plans. Matched-pairs analysis indicated a modest but statistically-significant improvement in staff knowledge scores and attitudes to involvement in physical health care. Qualitative feedback indicated limited uptake of the care plans and perceived need for additional support for better adoption of this initiative. Inpatient admission is a key setting for assessing physical health and promoting improved management of health problems. Staff training and purpose-designed personalized care plans hold potential to improve practice and outcomes in this area, but further support for such innovations appears necessary for their uptake in inpatient mental health settings. © 2016 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

New aspects in single-body meteor physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pecina, P.; Ceplecha, Z.

1983-03-01

An exact analytical solution of the atmospheric meteoroid single-body problem is presented expressing the distance along the trajectory as a function of time, which yields a least-square fit of the observed trajectory, and analytical expressions for the velocity at the point of maximum deceleration are derived. These results are used to determine the ablation coefficient from observations. These methods are applied to 17 Prairie Network fireballs observed below the maximum deceleration point and to the Innisfree fireball, and the results are found to be superior to the ones obtained with the usual interpolation formula. A model of luminous efficiencies for small velocities and for masses up to several hundred grams based on data on Innisfree and on artificial rocketry meteors is proposed and applied to separate the shape-density coefficient from the meteoroid mass.

A preliminary path analysis: Effect of psychopathological symptoms, mental and physical dysfunctions related to quality of life and body mass index on fatigue severity of Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Salehpoor, Ghasem; Hosseininezhad, Mozaffar; Rezaei, Sajjad

2012-01-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease with fatigue as most prevalent symptom. Psychopathological symptoms, physical and mental dysfunctions and body mass abnormalities potentially could deteriorate fatigue. Thus, in this study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of these factors on fatigue severity of MS patients. In this cross-sectional study, 162 patients with mean age of 34.1 ± 9.4 (16-58 years) were recruited by consecutive sampling. All the patients, after completing demographic information were evaluated using Persian versions of Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21), and short form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between fatigue severity and depression, anxiety, stress, physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) (P < 0.01). Findings of path analysis demonstrated that PCS is the only variable which has a direct effect on fatigue severity (β = -0.278, P < 0.05). Moreover, the strongest standard coefficient (β) belonged to cause and effect relationship between MCS and depression (β = -0.691, P < 0.0001). Present study made the role of psychopathological symptoms and physical and mental dysfunctions prominent in exacerbation of fatigue severity. Moreover, we can refer to more sensible effect of physical dysfunction related to life on fatigue.

What does mental health nursing contribute to improving the physical health of service users with severe mental illness? A thematic analysis.

PubMed

Gray, Richard; Brown, Eleanor

2017-02-01

Authors have generally reported that mental health nurses (MHNs) have positive attitudes to providing physical health care to service users with severe mental illness. In the present study, we aimed to explore if this positive attitude translates to enhanced clinical practice by interviewing MHNs and the service users they work with. Semistructured interviews were completed with 15 service users and 18 MHNs from acute, rehabilitation, and community services. These were then transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: (i) not the work of MHNs; (ii) the physical effects of psychiatric drugs are ignored; (iii) the need to upskill; (iv) keeping busy; (v) horrible hospital food/living on takeaways; and (vi) motivation to change. Our overarching meta-theme was of unmet physical health need among service users. © 2016 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Physical Dating Violence in Spain and the United Kingdom and the Importance of Relationship Quality.

PubMed

Viejo, C; Monks, C P; Sánchez, V; Ortega-Ruiz, R

2016-05-01

Mixed-gender friendships, romantic relationships, and sexual behaviors increase during adolescence as a normal part of development. However, some studies have revealed potential risks to these types of social relationships. Different authors have indicated that dating violence among adolescents is an issue for concern. To date, there has been little research on this topic cross-nationally. This study examined and compared the prevalence and characteristics of physical dating violence among young people aged between 15 and 18 years in England and Spain (N = 200 in Spain, N = 199 in England), and how being involved (or not) in this violence relates to romantic relationship quality. Results indicated that approximately 23% of young people reported victimization and 30% reported perpetrating physical dating violence. In both countries, most of those involved in physical dating violence reported involvement in reciprocal violence (displaying both aggression and victimization). Those young people involved in dating violence reported higher levels on scales assessing negative aspects of relationship quality compared with those not involved, but there were no significant differences in positive aspects of relationship quality. Furthermore, different patterns appeared relating to the severity of violence and country. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for theory and practice. © The Author(s) 2015.

Acute Effects of Three Neuromuscular Warm-Up Strategies on Several Physical Performance Measures in Football Players

PubMed Central

Ayala, Francisco; Calderón-López, Ana; Delgado-Gosálbez, Juan Carlos; Parra-Sánchez, Sergio; Pomares-Noguera, Carlos; Hernández-Sánchez, Sergio; López-Valenciano, Alejandro; De Ste Croix, Mark

2017-01-01

No studies have analysed the acute effects of the FIFA 11+ and Harmoknee warm-up programmes on major physical performance measures. The aim of this study was to analyse the acute (post-exercise) effects of the FIFA 11+, Harmoknee and dynamic warm-up routines on several physical performance measures in amateur football players. A randomized, crossover and counterbalanced study design was used to address the purpose of this study. A total of sixteen amateur football players completed the following protocols in a randomized order on separate days: a) FIFA 11+; b) Harmoknee; and c) dynamic warm-up (DWU). In each experimental session, 19 physical performance measures (joint range of motion, hamstring to quadriceps [H/Q] strength ratios, dynamic postural control, 10 and 20 m sprint times, jump height and reactive strength index) were assessed. Measures were compared via a magnitude-based inference analysis. The results of this study showed no main effects between paired comparisons (FIFA 11+ vs. DWU, Harmoknee vs. DWU and Harmoknee vs. FIFA 11+) for joint range of motions, dynamic postural control, H/Q ratios, jumping height and reactive strength index measures. However, significant main effects (likely effects with a probability of >75–99%) were found for 10 (1.7%) and 20 (2.4%) m sprint times, demonstrating that both the FIFA 11+ and Harmoknee resulted in slower sprint times in comparison with the DWU. Therefore, neither the FIFA 11+ nor the Harmoknee routines appear to be preferable to dynamic warm-up routines currently performed by most football players prior to training sessions and matches. PMID:28060927

Promoting Lifelong Physical Activity through Quality Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Amelia M.

2004-01-01

Despite the recognized health risks associated with physical inactivity, most Americans are not active enough to achieve health benefits, and many report no planned physical activity at all. The Surgeon General's report on physical activity and health and several research studies have provided evidence that most Americans do not exercise and are…

Status of women in physics in Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foley, C. P.

2013-03-01

Up to 2006 there was some improvement for women in physics in Australia; since then there has been a decline. Women are underrepresented in all aspects of physics education and work, including school, university, and research laboratories. In addition, women physicists usually have lower seniority and earn less. This scenario is compounded by recent inactivity of the Australian Institute of Physics women's group since December 2010.

School-based pediatric physical therapists' perspectives on evidence-based practice.

PubMed

Schreiber, Joe; Stern, Perri; Marchetti, Gregory; Provident, Ingrid; Turocy, Paula Sammarone

2008-01-01

This study described the current knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and practices of a group of school-based pediatric physical therapists regarding evidence-based practice (EBP). Five practitioners participated in this project. Each was interviewed individually and in a group and completed a quantitative survey. All of the participants had a positive attitude toward EBP and believed that it should be an important element of clinical practice. Knowledge and practice were more variable, with several individuals reporting a lack of confidence in this area and an inability to routinely implement EBP. These participants were more likely to rely on colleagues, interaction with their supervisor, and professional experience to aid in decision making than research evidence. Pediatric physical therapists face numerous challenges accessing, analyzing, and applying research evidence. It is critical for the profession to identify optimal ways to support practitioners in this aspect of clinical practice.

Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Preparation of High School Physics Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Etkina, Eugenia

2010-01-01

This paper contains a scholarly description of pedagogical practices of the Rutgers Physics/Physical Science Teacher Preparation program. The program focuses on three aspects of teacher preparation: knowledge of physics, knowledge of pedagogy, and knowledge of how to teach physics (pedagogical content knowledge--PCK). The program has been in place…

Exercise and well-being: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity.

PubMed

Penedo, Frank J; Dahn, Jason R

2005-03-01

This review highlights recent work evaluating the relationship between exercise, physical activity and physical and mental health. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, as well as randomized clinical trials, are included. Special attention is given to physical conditions, including obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, studies relating physical activity to depression and other mood states are reviewed. The studies include diverse ethnic populations, including men and women, as well as several age groups (e.g. adolescents, middle-aged and older adults). Results of the studies continue to support a growing literature suggesting that exercise, physical activity and physical-activity interventions have beneficial effects across several physical and mental-health outcomes. Generally, participants engaging in regular physical activity display more desirable health outcomes across a variety of physical conditions. Similarly, participants in randomized clinical trials of physical-activity interventions show better health outcomes, including better general and health-related quality of life, better functional capacity and better mood states. The studies have several implications for clinical practice and research. Most work suggests that exercise and physical activity are associated with better quality of life and health outcomes. Therefore, assessment and promotion of exercise and physical activity may be beneficial in achieving desired benefits across several populations. Several limitations were noted, particularly in research involving randomized clinical trials. These trials tend to involve limited sample sizes with short follow-up periods, thus limiting the clinical implications of the benefits associated with physical activity.

Reflections on anatomy and physical anthropology.

PubMed

Tobias, P V

1978-06-24

The close and ineluctable links between anatomy and physical anthropology are explored. The relevance of many aspects of physical anthropology in the teaching of anatomy to medical and dental students is stressed. It is suggested that, since physical anthropology is one of the frontier fields in anatomical research today, it may help to attract personnel to anatomy departments which in most parts of the world are suffering from a serious shortage of suitably qualified people to teach gross anatomy.

Cognitive-ergonomics and instructional aspects of e-learning courses.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Martha; Castello Branco, Iana; Shimioshi, José; Rodrigues, Evaldo; Monteiro, Simone; Quirino, Marcelo

2012-01-01

This paper presents an analysis of cognitive-ergonomic aspects of e-learning courses, offered by an organism from Brazilian Public Administration. The Cognitive Ergonomic studies conductive and cognitive aspects concerning to the relation between human, physics elements and social elements of the work space. From that usability aspects were evaluated by these points: i) visualization; ii) text comprehension lecture; iii) memory; iv) interface; v) instructional design; and vi) attention and learning. That survey is characterized as having been applied using the following techniques: (1) bibliographic survey, (2) field survey and (3) analysis of the documents. It was chosen the semi-structured questionnaire as the main method of data collection. About the interacting with artifacts, the interface of the courses is classified as direct engagement, because it allows the user to get the feeling that acts directly on the objects. Although the courses are well-structured they have flaws that will be discussed below. Even with these problems, the courses have a good degree of usability.

The Student as a Physical Being

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hubble, Jayne; and others

1969-01-01

The Study of Student Development at Kansas State University includes a physiological phase. Observations suggest importance of interaction of physical and social-psychological aspects of student development. (Author/CJ)

A Comparative Study of Alternative Controls and Displays for by the Severely Physically Handicapped

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, D.; Simpson, C.; Barker, M.

1984-01-01

A modification of a row/column scanning system was investigated in order to increase the speed and accuracy with which communication aids can be accessed with one or two switches. A selection algorithm was developed and programmed in BASIC to automatically select individuals with the characteristic difficulty in controlling time dependent control and display systems. Four systems were compared: (1) row/column directed scan (2 switches); (2) row/column auto scan (1 switch); (3) row auto scan (1 switch); and (4) column auto scan (1 switch). For this sample population, there were no significant differences among systems for scan time to select the correct target. The row/column auto scan system resulted in significantly more errors than any of the other three systems. Thus, the most widely prescribed system for severely physically disabled individuals turns out for this group to have a higher error rate and no faster communication rate than three other systems that have been considered inappropriate for this group.

The Reciprocal Effect of Psychosocial Aspects on Nurses' Working Conditions

PubMed Central

Kowalczuk, Krystyna; Krajewska-Kułak, Elżbieta; Sobolewski, Marek

2017-01-01

Objectives: Psychosocial work risks are most often considered in the context of occupational stress. The aim of this article is to evaluate the correlations between different aspects of nurses' psychosocial working conditions. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using the questionnaire: Psychosocial aspects of work. A total of 789 nurses working in inpatient health care facilities in Bialystok were included in the study. Correlation analysis was performed by determining Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: Correlations between the primary scales, such as job demands, control, social support, well-being, and expectations of changes, were evaluated. The weakest correlation was shown between the assessment of job demands and other work aspects. The strongest correlation was found between the ability to control and social support. Perception of the need for changes was influenced by the assessment of job demands, components of the control scale and, most of all, the scale of social support. A strong correlation was found between physical and psychological well-being and support from superiors and coworkers. Conclusions: The state of well-being had no effects on nurses' assessment of the demands they were faced with. Nurses' well-being depended only on social support provided by their superiors and colleagues, the sense of being able to have an effect on the performed work, minimal conflicts, and absence of overload.Management should enable adequate working conditions in order to ensure nurses' physical and psychological well-being, as both these aspects were closely correlated.Poor social support, lack of a sense of control over one's work, conflicts, and work overload were factors that promoted nurses' expectations of changes. PMID:28861019

Physical modelling in biomechanics.

PubMed Central

Koehl, M A R

2003-01-01

Physical models, like mathematical models, are useful tools in biomechanical research. Physical models enable investigators to explore parameter space in a way that is not possible using a comparative approach with living organisms: parameters can be varied one at a time to measure the performance consequences of each, while values and combinations not found in nature can be tested. Experiments using physical models in the laboratory or field can circumvent problems posed by uncooperative or endangered organisms. Physical models also permit some aspects of the biomechanical performance of extinct organisms to be measured. Use of properly scaled physical models allows detailed physical measurements to be made for organisms that are too small or fast to be easily studied directly. The process of physical modelling and the advantages and limitations of this approach are illustrated using examples from our research on hydrodynamic forces on sessile organisms, mechanics of hydraulic skeletons, food capture by zooplankton and odour interception by olfactory antennules. PMID:14561350

ASPECT: A spectra clustering tool for exploration of large spectral surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

in der Au, A.; Meusinger, H.; Schalldach, P. F.; Newholm, M.

2012-11-01

Context. Analysing the empirical output from large surveys is an important challenge in contemporary science. Difficulties arise, in particular, when the database is huge and the properties of the object types to be selected are poorly constrained a priori. Aims: We present the novel, semi-automated clustering tool ASPECT for analysing voluminous archives of spectra. Methods: The heart of the program is a neural network in the form of a Kohonen self-organizing map. The resulting map is designed as an icon map suitable for the inspection by eye. The visual analysis is supported by the option to blend in individual object properties such as redshift, apparent magnitude, or signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, the package provides several tools for the selection of special spectral types, e.g. local difference maps which reflect the deviations of all spectra from one given input spectrum (real or artificial). Results: ASPECT is able to produce a two-dimensional topological map of a huge number of spectra. The software package enables the user to browse and navigate through a huge data pool and helps them to gain an insight into underlying relationships between the spectra and other physical properties and to get the big picture of the entire data set. We demonstrate the capability of ASPECT by clustering the entire data pool of ~6 × 105 spectra from the Data Release 4 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). To illustrate the results regarding quality and completeness we track objects from existing catalogues of quasars and carbon stars, respectively, and connect the SDSS spectra with morphological information from the GalaxyZoo project. Code is only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/547/A115

[Clinical techniques for use in neurological physical examinations. II. Motor and reflex functions].

PubMed

Rodríguez-García, P L; Rodríguez-Pupo, L; Rodríguez-García, D

The aim of this study is to highlight the chief practical aspects of the techniques used in the neurological physical examination of the motor and reflex functions. We recommend clinicians to carry out a brief but consistent and effective exploration in a systematic, flexible and orderly manner to check for abnormalities in the motor and reflex functions of the nervous system. Should any anomalies be detected, then a more detailed and thorough neurological exploration must be performed selectively. We present a detailed review of the practical aspects of the main techniques used in the physical examination of these neurological categories. The motor function is explored using techniques that examine muscle tone, muscle strength, muscle fatigability, hypokinesia, tremor, coordination and gait. Lastly, in this category several manoeuvres that are useful in hysterical or mimicking paralyses are also dealt with. Reflexes to examination are usually divided into: 1. Myotatic reflexes; 2. Cutaneomucous reflexes; 3. Spinal cord or defence automatism reflexes; 4. Posture and attitude reflexes. We also add the study of primitive pathological reflexes, remote reflexes, synkinesias and signs of meningeal irritation. We present a detailed description of the main clinical techniques used in the neurological physical examination of motility and reflexes, as well as an approach that allows them to be performed on adult patients. In addition, we underline the importance of physically examining the nervous system in contemporary medicine and the need to continually perfect the way these techniques are performed in order to achieve an efficient clinical practice.

Positive aspects of caregiving in schizophrenia: A review

PubMed Central

Kulhara, Parmanand; Kate, Natasha; Grover, Sandeep; Nehra, Ritu

2012-01-01

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness which is associated with significant consequences for both the patients and their relatives. Due to chronicity of the illness, the relatives of patients of schizophrenia have to bear the main brunt of the illness. Studies across the world have evaluated various aspects of caregiving and caregivers such as burden, coping, quality of life, social support, expressed emotions, and psychological morbidity. In general the research has looked at caregiving as a negative phenomenon, however, now it is increasingly recognised that caregiving is not only associated with negative consequences only, also experience subjective gains and satisfaction. This review focus on the conceptual issues, instruments available to assess the positive aspects of caregiving and the various correlates of positive aspects of caregiving reported in relation to schizophrenia. The positive aspect of caregiving has been variously measured as positive caregiving experience, caregiving satisfaction, caregiving gains and finding meaning through caregiving scale and positive aspects of caregiving experience. Studies suggests that caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and psychotic disorders experience caregiving gains (in the form of becoming more sensitive to persons with disabilities, clarity about their priorities in life and a greater sense of inner strength), experience good aspects of relationship with the patient, do have personal positive experiences. Some of the studies suggest that those who experience greater negative caregiving experience also do experience positive caregiving experience. PMID:24175167

Ergonomics content in the physical education teacher's guide in Rwanda.

PubMed

Nellutla, Manobhiram; Patel, Hetal; Kabanda, Aline; Nuhu, Assuman

2012-01-01

An important aspect that affects the effectiveness of ergonomic programs is that inefficient mechanical functioning start at an early age and that back pain and posture problems are already evident in children. Children, from a very early age, as well as adults spend an ever increasing amount of their time in front of computer and television screens. The cumulative effect of this sedentary lifestyle leads to improper posture, as well as inefficient and harmful movement patterns and loss of basic physical skills. Physical Education course should deal not only with sports and physical activities, but also with broader aspects of life-skills and physical functionality. It should offer a solution to the modern technology-based society. Keeping this in perspective, Ergonomics content was introduced in Physical Education Teacher's Guide in Rwandan schools with an aim in preventing musculoskeletal disorder in children.

Physical aspects of total-body irradiation at the Middlesex Hospital (UCL group of hospitals), London 1988-1993: I. Phantom measurements and planning methods.

PubMed

Planskoy, B; Bedford, A M; Davis, F M; Tapper, P D; Loverock, L T

1996-11-01

This paper, which is divided into parts I and II, describes the physical aspects of work on total-body irradiation (TBI) at the Middlesex Hospital, London, from 1988 to 1993. Irradiation is fractionated and bi-lateral with horizontal accelerator photon beams of 8 MV (1988-1992) at a source-surface distance (SSD) of 3.36 m and 10 MV (1992-1993) at an SSD of 4.62 m. The main aims were maximum patient comfort, a simple, accurate set-up with overall times per fraction of 30 min or less, dose homogeneity throughout the body within +/- 10 to +/- 15%, pre-irradiation treatment planning on nine CT slices using our commercial IGE RTplan (1988-1992) and Target 2 (1992-1993) treatment planning systems and, most important, verification of the plans by in vivo dosimetry to within +/- 5%. Verification of the planned lung doses, which are distributed over five CT slices, was given special attention. In part I of this paper we describe the preliminary work, most of which was done prior to patient treatment. This consisted of standard dosimetric measurements (central axis depth doses, beam profiles at several depths, build-up and build-down curves, beam output calibrations, effect of body compensators, etc), in evaluating silicon diode dosimeters for in vivo dosimetry and of adapting and verifying the methods of treatment planning for TBI conditions. The results obtained with phantoms, including a Rando body phantom, showed that, in principle, our aims could be achieved. The final proof depended, however, on an analysis of the results of the in vivo work and this forms the subject of part II of this paper.

Students' Views about the Nature of Experimental Physics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilcox, Bethany R.; Lewandowski, H. J.

2017-01-01

The physics community explores and explains the physical world through a blend of theoretical and experimental studies. The future of physics as a discipline depends on training of students in both the theoretical and experimental aspects of the field. However, while student learning within lecture courses has been the subject of extensive…

Beyond Words: Other Aspects of Self-Disclosure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Dalmas A.; Kleinhans, Bruce

The authors discuss several studies all of which demonstrate that duration of self-disclosure is a reliable component of the interpersonal process. They review other aspects of self-disclosure including that: (1) the act of revealing is not rewarding per se but can lead to rewards depending on the interpersonal nature of the situation; (2)…

Physical View of Cloud Seeding

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tribus, Myron

1970-01-01

Reviews experimental data on various aspects of climate control. Includes a discussion of (1) the physics of cloud seeding, (2) the applications of cloud seeding, and (3) the role of statistics in the field of weather modification. Bibliography. (LC)

Feshbach Prize: New Phenomena and New Physics from Strongly-Correlated Quantum Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, Joseph A.

2017-01-01

Strongly correlated quantum matter is ubiquitous in physics from cold atoms to nuclei to the cold dense matter found in neutron stars. Experiments from table-top to the extremely large scale experiments including FRIB and LIGO will help determine the properties of matter across an incredible scale of distances and energies. Questions to be addressed include the existence of exotic states of matter in cold atoms and nuclei, the response of this correlated matter to external probes, and the behavior of matter in extreme astrophysical environments. A more complete understanding is required, both to understand these diverse phenomena and to employ this understanding to probe for new underlying physics in experiments including neutrinoless double beta decay and accelerator neutrino experiments. I will summarize some aspects of our present understanding and highlight several important prospects for the future.

Mathematical Reasoning Requirements in Swedish National Physics Tests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johansson, Helena

2016-01-01

This paper focuses on one aspect of mathematical competence, namely mathematical reasoning, and how this competency influences students' knowing of physics. This influence was studied by analysing the mathematical reasoning requirements upper secondary students meet when solving tasks in national physics tests. National tests are constructed to…

Critical care aspects of alcohol abuse.

PubMed

Al-Sanouri, Ibrahim; Dikin, Matthew; Soubani, Ayman O

2005-03-01

The authors reviewed MEDLINE and references of major articles in the published literature over the last 30 years regarding the complications of alcohol abuse and discuss the critical care aspects of alcohol abuse. This article discusses the severe medical conditions associated with alcohol abuse that lead to admission to the medical intensive care unit. The clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnostic studies, and management of these conditions are discussed in detail.

Technical aspects of cardiac PET/MRI.

PubMed

Masuda, Atsuro; Nemoto, Ayaka; Takeishi, Yasuchika

2018-06-01

PET/MRI is a novel modality that enables to combine PET and MR images, and has significant potential to evaluate various cardiac diseases through the combination of PET molecular imaging and MRI functional imaging. Precise management of technical issues, however, is necessary for cardiac PET/MRI. This article describes several technical points, including patient preparation, MR attenuation correction, parallel acquisition of PET with MRI, clinical aspects, and image quality control.

The job satisfaction of physical therapists.

PubMed

Speakman, H G; Pleasant, J M; Sutton, G B

1996-01-01

Ten statements were created for the purpose of measuring job satisfaction in the practise of physiotherapy. The subjects consisted of 96 of the 106 (90%) of the physical therapists licensed with the Texas State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, and listed as residing in El Paso, Texas, USA. To indicate their job satisfaction, subjects indicated on a seven-point scale their level of agreement or disagreement with each statement. They then indicated on a different seven-point scale how important they thought each statement was to their job satisfaction. The results indicated that subjects thought that their jobs were challenging in a positive sense; enabled them to use their abilities; and were interesting. They also thought that they had sufficient independence in decision-making; were learning and improving in their work; and were given significant autonomy. The most dissatisfying aspect of their work was the amount of paperwork. In addition, the results suggest that some subjects may feel overworked, and think their jobs may be too physically demanding and mentally stressful. The subjects felt that all the statements had validity and measured important aspects of job satisfaction in physical therapy.

The effect of pre-injury physical fitness on the initial severity and recovery from whiplash injury, at six-month follow-up.

PubMed

Geldman, Mark; Moore, Ann; Cheek, Liz

2008-04-01

To evaluate the effect of pre-injury physical fitness on the initial severity and recovery of motor vehicle-induced neck injury (whiplash injury). A quantitative experimental design using both retrospective and prospective data. Metropolitan Police physiotherapy and rehabilitation department in the UK. One-hundred and two patients with neck pain following whiplash injury. Patients were divided into three groups based on pre-injury physical fitness (low, medium and high). Recovery was compared between the three groups initially then again at three and six months. Three measurement scales were used: the Neck Disability Index, the Problem Percentage, and the Physical Activity Scale. Pre-injury physical fitness had a marked effect on recovery at three and six months, with the medium and high fitness groups having significantly better recovery than the low fitness group. At three months the Neck Disability Index score for the low fitness group was 12 compared with 7 and 7.5 for the medium and high fitness groups respectively (P = 0.009). At six months the Neck Disability Index score was 9 for the low fitness group compared with 0 and 3 for the medium and high fitness groups (P = 0.002). In addition, the return to work rate was almost twice as high for individuals with medium/high fitness. Early recovery from whiplash injury was significantly more likely for individuals with medium to high levels of pre-injury physical fitness than for individuals with low levels of pre-injury physical fitness.

Ethical aspects on rare diseases.

PubMed

Barrera, Luis A; Galindo, Gilberto Cely

2010-01-01

In this chapter we discuss several of the most relevant subjects related to ethics on Rare Diseases. Some general aspects are discussed such as the socio-psychological problems that confront the patients and their families that finally lead to marginalization and exclusion of patients affected by these diseases from the health programs, even in wealthy countries. Then we address problems related to diagnosis and some ethical aspects of newborn screening, prenatal, pre-implantation diagnosis and reference centers, as well as some conditions that should be met by the persons and institutions performing such tasks. Alternatives of solutions for the most critical situations are proposed. Subsequently the orphan drugs subject is discussed not only from the availability point of view, prizes, industrial practices, and purchasing power in developed and developing societies. The research related to rare disease in children and other especially vulnerable conditions, the need for informed consent, review boards or ethics comities, confidentiality of the information, biobanks and pharmacogenetics are discussed.

Unparticle physics.

PubMed

Georgi, Howard

2007-06-01

I discuss some simple aspects of the low-energy physics of a nontrivial scale invariant sector of an effective field theory-physics that cannot be described in terms of particles. I argue that it is important to take seriously the possibility that the unparticle stuff described by such a theory might actually exist in our world. I suggest a scenario in which some details of the production of unparticle stuff can be calculated. I find that in the appropriate low-energy limit, unparticle stuff with scale dimension dU looks like a nonintegral number dU of invisible particles. Thus dramatic evidence for a nontrivial scale invariant sector could show up experimentally in missing energy distributions.

Physical and psychological long-term outcome after traumatic brain injury in children and adult patients

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Several studies have indicated that younger age is associated with worse recovery after pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to elder children. In order to verify this association between long-term outcome after moderate to severe TBI and patient’s age, direct comparison between different pediatric age groups as well as an adult population was performed. Methods This investigation represents a retrospective cohort study at a level I trauma center including patients with moderate to severe, isolated TBI with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. According to their age at time of injury, patients were divided in pre-school (0–7 years), school (8–17 years) and adult (18–65 years) patients. Physical examination and standardized questionnaire on physical and psychological aspects (Glasgow Outcome Scale, Barthel Index, Impact of Event Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, short form 12) were performed. Results 135 traumatized patients were included. Physical and psychological long-term outcome was associated with injury severity but not with patients’ age at time of injury. Outcome recovery measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale was demonstrated with best results for pre-school aged children (p = 0.009). According to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale an increased incidence of anxiety (p = 0.010) and depression (p = 0.026) was evaluated in older patients. Conclusion Long-term outcome perceptions after moderate to severe TBI presented in this study question current views of deteriorated recovery for the immature brain. The sustained TBI impact seemed not to reduce the child’s ability to overcome the suffered impairment measured by questionnaire based psychological, physical and health related outcome scores. These results distinguish the relevance of rehabilitation and family support in the long term. PMID:24571742

Microcomputers! Applications to Physics Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tinker, Robert F.; Stringer, Gene A.

1978-01-01

Reviews the use of computers in various aspects of physics teaching. Introduces some basic hardware and software concepts and jargon. Illustrates these ideas using four vastly different microcomputers, with prices, to help in choosing the right educational computer system. (GA)

The relationship between sociosexuality and aspects of body image in men and women: a structural equation modeling approach.

PubMed

Rammsayer, Thomas H; Troche, Stefan J

2013-10-01

The present study investigated the association between individual differences in sociosexual orientation and four aspects of body image in 156 male and 136 female students. While men were characterized by a less restricted sociosexual orientation, higher self-perceived physical attractiveness, and more pronounced self-rated physical assertiveness, women placed more emphasis on accentuation of body presentation. Structural equation modeling revealed significant positive relationships between sociosexual attitudes and physical attractiveness and accentuation of body presentation as well as between sociosexual behavior and physical attractiveness for the total sample. When introducing sex as a grouping variable, the attitudinal and behavioral components of sociosexuality were reliably related to both physical attractiveness and accentuation of body presentation as two aspects of body image in men, but not in women. Furthermore, our findings suggest that accentuation of body presentation represents a goal-directed behavior in men to increase the likelihood of having uncommitted sex but serves additional functions widely unrelated to unrestrictive sociosexual behavior in women.

Relation between physical capacity, nutritional status and systemic inflammation in COPD.

PubMed

Hallin, Runa; Janson, Christer; Arnardottir, Ragnheiður Harpa; Olsson, Roger; Emtner, Margareta; Branth, Stefan; Boman, Gunnar; Slinde, Frode

2011-07-01

Decreased physical capacity, weight loss, fat-free mass depletion and systemic inflammation are frequently observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our aim was to examine relations between physical capacity, nutritional status, systemic inflammation and disease severity in COPD. Forty nine patients with moderate to severe COPD were included in the study. Spirometry was preformed. Physical capacity was determined by a progressive symptom limited cycle ergo meter test, incremental shuttle walking test, 12-minute walk distance and hand grip strength test. Nutritional status was investigated by anthropometric measurements, (weight, height, arm and leg circumferences and skinfold thickness) and bioelectrical impedance assessment was performed. Blood samples were analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. Working capacity was positively related to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1) ) (p < 0.001), body mass index and fat free mass index (p = 0.01) and negatively related to CRP (p = 0.02) and fibrinogen (p = 0.03). Incremental shuttle walk test was positively related to FEV(1) (p < 0.001) and negatively to CRP (p = 0.048). Hand grip strength was positively related to fat free mass index, and arm and leg circumferences. Fifty to 76% of the variation in physical capacity was accounted for when age, gender, FEV(1) , fat free mass index and CRP were combined in a multiple regression model. Physical capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is related to lung function, body composition and systemic inflammation. A depiction of all three aspects of the disease might be important when targeting interventions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Association between the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Screening Tool and obesity severity in youth referred to weight management.

PubMed

Tucker, Jared M; Howard, Kathleen; Guseman, Emily H; Yee, Kimbo E; Saturley, Heather; Eisenmann, Joey C

The Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Screening Tool (FNPA) evaluates family behavioural and environmental factors associated with pediatric obesity, but it is unknown if FNPA scores differ among youth across obesity severities. Our aim was to determine the association between the FNPA and obesity severity in youth referred to weight management. Upon initiating treatment, height, weight, and the FNPA were collected according to standard procedures. Cut-points for overweight/obesity, severe obesity (SO) class 2, and SO class 3 were calculated. FNPA scores were compared across weight status groups using analysis of covariance, and odds of SO across FNPA quartiles were evaluated with multiple logistic regression. Participants included 564 5-18year old who initiated treatment and completed the FNPA. After adjustment, FNPA scores differed by weight status with higher/healthier scores in youth with overweight/obesity (56.6±8.5) when compared to those with SO class 2 (55.0±7.1; p=0.015) or SO class 3 (53.6±9.0; p<0.001). Compared to those in the highest FNPA quartile, youth in the 2nd quartile had 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1, 2.9) times higher odds of SO, and those in the lowest FNPA quartile had 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3, 3.4) times higher odds of SO. Youth with SO had unhealthier subscale scores among 6 of 10 constructs, including nutritional, physical activity, sedentary, and sleep behaviours. Results suggest a consistent inverse relationship between the FNPA and adiposity among youth presenting for weight management. The FNPA is a useful metric for programs and clinicians targeting family behaviours and the home environment to combat obesity. Copyright © 2016 Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physical and Psychosocial Aspects of the Learning Environment in the Science Laboratory and Their Relationship to Teacher Satisfaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Che Ahmad, Che Nidzam; Osman, Kamisah; Halim, Lilia

2013-01-01

This paper is a report of a survey conducted to determine teachers' perception of the science laboratory learning environment and the relationship between different aspects of this environment and satisfaction from teaching and learning. Teachers' perceptions of psychosocial aspects were measured by use of the Science Laboratory Environment…

SOME ASPECTS OF HEALTH CARE IN MEDIEVAL INDIA

PubMed Central

Rao, B. Rama

1992-01-01

It appears that from medieval period onwards the subjects having practical application were given more importance than the philosophical and theoretical aspects. But the physicians were keen observes and new drugs and information were added and the effect of religion, astrology and other systems is also seen. While the womenfolk used to collect from the nearby forests, drugs that were useful for common ailments, some drugs were also imported from other countries. Specialization in certain diseases or practices was prevalent and the physicians enjoyed a high status and respect in the society. Several such other aspects are dealt with in this article. PMID:22556577

The Influence of Specific Physical Health Conditions on Retirement Decisions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shultz, Kenneth S.; Wang, Mo

2007-01-01

Physical health has consistently been shown to strongly influence the retirement decision-making process. Unfortunately, "physical health" is typically operationalized in global terms. As a result, we know little about the specific aspects of physical health that influence the decision to retire. Therefore, in the present study, data from three…

Effects of neuromuscular training (NEMEX-TJR) on patient-reported outcomes and physical function in severe primary hip or knee osteoarthritis: a controlled before-and-after study.

PubMed

Ageberg, Eva; Nilsdotter, Anna; Kosek, Eva; Roos, Ewa M

2013-08-08

The benefits of exercise in mild and moderate knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA) are apparent, but the evidence in severe OA is less clear. We recently reported that neuromuscular training was well tolerated and feasible in patients with severe primary hip or knee OA. The aims of this controlled before-and-after study were to compare baseline status to an age-matched population-based reference group and to examine the effects of neuromuscular training on patient-reported outcomes and physical function in patients with severe primary OA of the hip or knee. 87 patients (60-77 years) with severe primary OA of the hip (n = 38, 55% women) or knee (n = 49, 59% women) awaiting total joint replacement (TJR) had supervised, neuromuscular training (NEMEX-TJR) in groups with individualized level and progression of training. A reference group (n = 43, 53% women) was included for comparison with patients' data. Assessments included self-reported outcomes (HOOS/KOOS) and measures of physical function (chair stands, number of knee bends/30 sec, knee extensor strength, 20-meter walk test) at baseline and at follow-up before TJR. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for comparing patients and references and elucidating influence of demographic factors on change. The paired t-test was used for comparisons within groups. At baseline, patients reported worse scores than the references in all HOOS/KOOS subscales (hip 27-47%, knee 14-52%, of reference scores, respectively) and had functional limitations (hip 72-85%, knee 42-85%, of references scores, respectively). NEMEX-TJR (mean 12 weeks (SD 5.6) of training) improved self-reported outcomes (hip 9-29%, knee 7-20%) and physical function (hip 3-18%, knee 5-19%) (p < 0.005). Between 42% and 62% of hip OA patients, and 39% and 61% of knee OA patients, displayed a clinically meaningful improvement (≥15%) in HOOS/KOOS subscales by training. The improvement in HOOS/KOOS subscale ADL was greater for patients with knee OA

Residents' diverse perspectives of the impact of neighbourhood renewal on quality of life and physical activity engagement: Improvements but unresolved issues

PubMed Central

Coulson, J.C.; Fox, K.R.; Lawlor, D.A.; Trayers, T.

2011-01-01

Few studies have been published on the reactions of residents to modifications of their residential landscape. We explored residents' experiences of home zone remodelling and construction of a new cycle-walkway in a deprived neighbourhood with a particular focus on aspects of quality of life and physical activity participation. Focus groups (n=5 groups, 21 individuals) were used to investigate residents' perceptions of the effects of neighbourhood change on their lives. Consultation by planners was received positively. Several aspects of the neighbourhood were perceived to have improved, including spatial aesthetics, lighting and streetscape planting. However, influence on physical activity was minimal. Car-focused behaviour and ownership remained dominant, and safety related concerns limited behavioural choices. Residents highlighted many socio-environmental challenges that remained such as sense of neighbourhood safety, poor public transport provision, people's parking behaviour locally, and problem neighbours, and these tended to dominate conversations. Infrastructural intervention may be one important part of multi-layered solutions to improved neighbourhood life. PMID:21145277

Refocusing on physical health: Community psychiatric nurses' perceptions of using enhanced health checks for people with severe mental illness.

PubMed

Bressington, Daniel; Mui, Jolene; Wells, Harvey; Chien, Wai Tong; Lam, Claire; White, Jacquie; Gray, Richard

2016-06-01

In the present qualitative, descriptive study, we explored Hong Kong community psychiatric nurses' (CPN) perceptions of using comprehensive physical health checks for service users diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI). Research interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 11 CPN in order to explore their perceptions about the use of the Health Improvement Profile (HIP) over a 1-year period. Interview data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The analysis revealed that the majority of CPN appreciated the comprehensive focus on the physical health of their clients and reported positive changes in their clinical practice. Many of them observed an increase in the motivation of their clients to improve their physical health, and also noted observable benefits in service users' well-being. The use of the HIP also helped the CPN identify implementation barriers, and highlighted areas of the tool that required modifications to suit the local cultural and clinical context. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in an Asian mental health service that explores nurses' views about using comprehensive health checks for people with SMI. The findings suggest that such approaches are viewed as being acceptable, feasible, and potentially beneficial in the community mental health setting. © 2016 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Psychosocial aspects of head and neck cancer--a review of the literature.

PubMed

Pruyn, J F; de Jong, P C; Bosman, L J; van Poppel, J W; van Den Borne, H W; Ryckman, R M; de Meij, K

1986-12-01

This study is a systematic analysis of the literature on psychosocial aspects in head and neck cancer patients. Patients with head and neck cancer experience a variety of physical as well as psychosocial problems. Physical problems include swallowing or chewing, speech and physical appearance. Psychosocial problems include anxiety, depression, loss of self-esteem and uncertainty about the future. Because of these problems, isolation from friends typically occurs, re-employment is difficult, and there are social and sexual tensions within families. Information and support by professionals, partners and/or fellow patients are related to positive rehabilitation outcomes such as the acquisition of speech, increases in constructive social functioning and decreases in depression.

Preterm delivery and the severity of violence during pregnancy.

PubMed

Covington, D L; Hage, M; Hall, T; Mathis, M

2001-12-01

To determine the severity and consequences of physical violence during pregnancy among participants in a health department prenatal care coordination program. The prospective cohort study included all program participants from 1994 to 1996. Care coordinators screened participants for physical violence during pregnancy using a validated, systematic assessment protocol three times during prenatal care. The protocol was linked with prenatal records, delivery records and infant records to document complications and infant outcomes. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between severe physical violence during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome while controlling for confounding factors. Among the 550 participants, 13.5% reported violence during pregnancy; it included 6.7% severe violence (hitting, kicking, injury with a weapon and abdominal injury) and 6.7% moderate violence (threats, slapping, shoving and sexual abuse). Severe physical prenatal violence was significantly associated with spontaneous preterm labor, preterm delivery, very preterm delivery, very low birth weight, preterm/low birth weight, mean birth weight, mean newborn hospital charges, five-minute Apgar < 7, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and fetal or neonatal death. Body site injured, timing of violence and number of violent incidents were significant factors associated with violence during pregnancy and preterm delivery. Because severe physical violence during pregnancy was a significant problem in this population, intervention programs are needed to reduce prenatal violence and its consequences.

High School Physical Education Teachers' Beliefs about Teaching Students with Mild to Severe Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Casebolt, Kevin M.; Hodge, Samuel R.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze high school physical education teachers' beliefs about teaching students with disabilities in inclusive physical education. The participants (3 men, 2 women) were certified physical education teachers at four suburban high schools. The research method was descriptive-qualitative using a case study approach…

Physics Content and Pedagogical Changes: Ramification of Theory and Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cobbinah, Charles; Bayaga, Anass

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to explore physics teachers' ramification of theory and practices as a result of physics content and pedagogical changes in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase. The researchers adopted the mixed method research approach. The quantitative aspect involved 109 physics teachers and the qualitative approach used ten…

Adolescence Education: Physical Aspect, Module One; Social Aspects, Module Two; Sex Roles, Module Three; Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Module Four.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Bangkok (Thailand). Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

Adolescence Education is a family life education training program designed to assist young people in their physical, social, emotional, and moral development as they prepare for adulthood, marriage, parenthood, aging, and social relationships in the context of family and society. This package consists of four individually bound modules: (1)…

Parental Physical Proximity in End-of-Life Care in the PICU.

PubMed

Falkenburg, Jeannette L; Tibboel, Dick; Ganzevoort, Ruard R; Gischler, Saskia; Hagoort, Jacobus; van Dijk, Monique

2016-05-01

Health professionals in PICUs support both child and parents when a child's death is imminent. Parents long to stay connected to their dying child but the high-tech environment and treatment implications make it difficult to stay physically close. This study explores in what sense physical aspects of end-of-life care in the PICU influence the parent-child relationship. Retrospective, qualitative interview study. Level 3 PICU in Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands. Thirty-six parents of 20 children who had died in this unit 5 years previously. Parents vividly remembered the damage done to the child's physical appearance, an inevitable consequence of medical treatment. They felt frustrated and hurt when they could not hold their child. Yet they felt comforted if facilitated to be physically close to the dying child, like lying with the child in one bed, holding the child in the hour of death, and washing the child after death. End-of-life treatment in the PICU presents both a barrier and an opportunity for parents to stay physically connected to their child. Parents' experiences suggest that aspects of physicality in medical settings deserve more attention. Better understanding of the significance of bodily aspects-other than pain and symptom management-improves end-of-life support and should be part of the humane approach to families.

Disassociation of cognitive and affective aspects of theory of mind in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

PubMed

Liu, Wanting; Fan, Jie; Gan, Jun; Lei, Hui; Niu, Chaoyang; Chan, Raymond C K; Zhu, Xiongzhao

2017-09-01

Impairment in social functioning has been widely described in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, several aspects of social cognition, such as theory of mind (ToM), have not been substantially investigated in this context. This study examined cognitive and affective ToM in 40 OCD patients and 38 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls (HCs) with the computerized Yoni task and a battery of neurocognitive tests. OCD symptom severity was assessed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were also assessed. Compared to HCs, OCD patients performed worse on second-order affective condition trials, but not cognitive or physical condition trials, of the Yoni task; there were not group differences in any of the first-order condition domains. Second-order ToM performance of OCD patients was associated with estimated intelligence and working memory performance. After controlling for neurocognitive variables, the group difference in second-order affective condition performance remained significant. These findings indicate that the affective component of ToM may be selectively impaired in OCD patients and that the observed deficit is largely independent of other neurocognitive impairments and clinical characteristics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Needed: Physical Educators on the Nursing Home Team.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hooks, Bettie; Hooks, Edgar W., Jr.

1981-01-01

Social interaction and physical activity are important aspects of health maintenance for the aged. A holistic approach to the care of the elderly in nursing homes would involve a team of professionals who encourage residents to pursue such tasks as adaptation to loss, and maintenance of physical activity to retain function. (JN)

Best Practices in Physics-Based Fault Rupture Models for Seismic Hazard Assessment of Nuclear Installations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalguer, Luis A.; Fukushima, Yoshimitsu; Irikura, Kojiro; Wu, Changjiang

2017-09-01

Inspired by the first workshop on Best Practices in Physics-Based Fault Rupture Models for Seismic Hazard Assessment of Nuclear Installations (BestPSHANI) conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on 18-20 November, 2015 in Vienna (http://www-pub.iaea.org/iaeameetings/50896/BestPSHANI), this PAGEOPH topical volume collects several extended articles from this workshop as well as several new contributions. A total of 17 papers have been selected on topics ranging from the seismological aspects of earthquake cycle simulations for source-scaling evaluation, seismic source characterization, source inversion and ground motion modeling (based on finite fault rupture using dynamic, kinematic, stochastic and empirical Green's functions approaches) to the engineering application of simulated ground motion for the analysis of seismic response of structures. These contributions include applications to real earthquakes and description of current practice to assess seismic hazard in terms of nuclear safety in low seismicity areas, as well as proposals for physics-based hazard assessment for critical structures near large earthquakes. Collectively, the papers of this volume highlight the usefulness of physics-based models to evaluate and understand the physical causes of observed and empirical data, as well as to predict ground motion beyond the range of recorded data. Relevant importance is given on the validation and verification of the models by comparing synthetic results with observed data and empirical models.

An Introduction to Atmospheric Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrews, David G.

2000-09-01

This advanced undergraduate textbook clearly details how physics can be used to understand many important aspects of atmospheric behavior. Coverage presents a broad overview of atmospheric physics, including atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, atmospheric fluid dynamics and elementary atmospheric chemistry. Armed with an understanding of these topics, the interested student will be able to grasp the essential physics behind issues of current concern, such as the enhanced greenhouse effect and associated questions of climate change, the Antarctic ozone hole and global ozone depletion, as well as more familiar processes such as the formation of raindrops and the development of weather systems. This introductory textbook is ideal for advanced undergraduates studying atmospheric physics as part of physics, meteorology or environmental science courses. It will also be useful for graduate students studying atmospheric physics for the first time and for students of applied mathematics, physical chemistry and engineering who have an interest in the atmosphere.

Ethical aspects of care in the newborn surgical patient.

PubMed

Hazebroek, Frans W J; Tibboel, Dick; Wijnen, Rene M H

2014-10-01

This article places focus on three main subjects that are all related to the ethical aspects of care of newborns undergoing major surgical interventions. The first concerns the communication between the surgeon, as a representative of the treatment team, and the parents. The second is the way to handle new developments in neonatal surgery. The third issue covers several aspects of the ethical decision-making process with regard to forgoing life support in surgical neonates. These issues will be discussed on the basis of two clinical case reports. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physical health symptoms reported by trafficked women receiving post-trafficking support in Moldova: prevalence, severity and associated factors

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Many trafficked people suffer high levels of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Yet, there has been limited research on the physical health problems associated with human trafficking or how the health needs of women in post-trafficking support settings vary according to socio-demographic or trafficking characteristics. Methods We analysed the prevalence and severity of 15 health symptoms reported by 120 trafficked women who had returned to Moldova between December 2007 and December 2008 and were registered with the International Organisation for Migration Assistance and Protection Programme. Women had returned to Moldova an average of 5.9 months prior to interview (range 2-12 months). Results Headaches (61.7%), stomach pain (60.9%), memory problems (44.2%), back pain (42.5%), loss of appetite (35%), and tooth pain (35%) were amongst the most commonly reported symptoms amongst both women trafficked for sexual exploitation and women trafficked for labour exploitation. The prevalence of headache and memory problems was strongly associated with duration of exploitation. Conclusions Trafficked women who register for post-trafficking support services after returning to their country of origin are likely to have long-term physical and dental health needs and should be provided with access to comprehensive medical services. Health problems among women who register for post-trafficking support services after returning to their country of origin are not limited to women trafficked for sexual exploitation but are also experienced by victims of labour exploitation. PMID:22834807

Physical health symptoms reported by trafficked women receiving post-trafficking support in Moldova: prevalence, severity and associated factors.

PubMed

Oram, Siân; Ostrovschi, Nicolae V; Gorceag, Viorel I; Hotineanu, Mihai A; Gorceag, Lilia; Trigub, Carolina; Abas, Melanie

2012-07-26

Many trafficked people suffer high levels of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Yet, there has been limited research on the physical health problems associated with human trafficking or how the health needs of women in post-trafficking support settings vary according to socio-demographic or trafficking characteristics. We analysed the prevalence and severity of 15 health symptoms reported by 120 trafficked women who had returned to Moldova between December 2007 and December 2008 and were registered with the International Organisation for Migration Assistance and Protection Programme. Women had returned to Moldova an average of 5.9 months prior to interview (range 2-12 months). Headaches (61.7%), stomach pain (60.9%), memory problems (44.2%), back pain (42.5%), loss of appetite (35%), and tooth pain (35%) were amongst the most commonly reported symptoms amongst both women trafficked for sexual exploitation and women trafficked for labour exploitation. The prevalence of headache and memory problems was strongly associated with duration of exploitation. Trafficked women who register for post-trafficking support services after returning to their country of origin are likely to have long-term physical and dental health needs and should be provided with access to comprehensive medical services. Health problems among women who register for post-trafficking support services after returning to their country of origin are not limited to women trafficked for sexual exploitation but are also experienced by victims of labour exploitation.

Setting-related influences on physical inactivity of older adults in residential care settings: a review.

PubMed

Douma, Johanna G; Volkers, Karin M; Engels, Gwenda; Sonneveld, Marieke H; Goossens, Richard H M; Scherder, Erik J A

2017-04-28

Despite the detrimental effects of physical inactivity for older adults, especially aged residents of residential care settings may spend much time in inactive behavior. This may be partly due to their poorer physical condition; however, there may also be other, setting-related factors that influence the amount of inactivity. The aim of this review was to review setting-related factors (including the social and physical environment) that may contribute to the amount of older adults' physical inactivity in a wide range of residential care settings (e.g., nursing homes, assisted care facilities). Five databases were systematically searched for eligible studies, using the key words 'inactivity', 'care facilities', and 'older adults', including their synonyms and MeSH terms. Additional studies were selected from references used in articles included from the search. Based on specific eligibility criteria, a total of 12 studies were included. Quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Based on studies using different methodologies (e.g., interviews and observations), and of different quality (assessed quality range: 25-100%), we report several aspects related to the physical environment and caregivers. Factors of the physical environment that may be related to physical inactivity included, among others, the environment's compatibility with the abilities of a resident, the presence of equipment, the accessibility, security, comfort, and aesthetics of the environment/corridors, and possibly the presence of some specific areas. Caregiver-related factors included staffing levels, the available time, and the amount and type of care being provided. Inactivity levels in residential care settings may be reduced by improving several features of the physical environment and with the help of caregivers. Intervention studies could be performed in order to gain more insight into causal effects of improving setting-related factors on

The effects of hormones and physical exercise on hippocampal structural plasticity.

PubMed

Triviño-Paredes, Juan; Patten, Anna R; Gil-Mohapel, Joana; Christie, Brian R

2016-04-01

The hippocampus plays an integral role in certain aspects of cognition. Hippocampal structural plasticity and in particular adult hippocampal neurogenesis can be influenced by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Here we review how hormones (i.e., intrinsic modulators) and physical exercise (i.e., an extrinsic modulator) can differentially modulate hippocampal plasticity in general and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in particular. Specifically, we provide an overview of the effects of sex hormones, stress hormones, and metabolic hormones on hippocampal structural plasticity and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In addition, we also discuss how physical exercise modulates these forms of hippocampal plasticity, giving particular emphasis on how this modulation can be affected by variables such as exercise regime, duration, and intensity. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the modulation of hippocampal structural plasticity by intrinsic and extrinsic factors will impact the design of new therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring hippocampal plasticity following brain injury or neurodegeneration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physics Assessment and the Development of a Taxonomy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buick, J. M.

2011-01-01

Aspects of assessment in physics are considered with the aim of designing assessments that will encourage a deep approach to student learning and will ultimately lead to higher levels of achievement. A range of physics questions are considered and categorized by the level of knowledge and understanding which is require for a successful answer.…

The Use of Digital Video in Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weir, Tony; Connor, Sean

2009-01-01

This paper details the technical and operational aspects of a project investigating the role of digital video in physical education in 12 Irish schools over a period of two academic years. The project design involved a qualitative investigation into the use of digital video in three areas of physical education, namely teaching, learning and…

Free electron laser and fundamental physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dattoli, Giuseppe; Nguyen, Federico

2018-03-01

This review paper is devoted to the understanding of free-electron lasers (FEL) as devices for fundamental physics (FP) studies. After clarifying what FP stands for, we select some aspects of the FEL physics which can be viewed as fundamental. Furthermore, we discuss the perspective uses of the FEL in FP experiments. Regarding the FP aspects of the FEL, we analyze the quantum electrodynamics (QED) nature of the underlying laser mechanism. We look for the truly quantum signature in a process whose phenomenology is dominated by classical effects. As to the use of FEL as a tool for FP experiments we discuss the realization of a device dedicated to the study of non-linear effects in QED such as photon-photon scattering and shining-through-the-wall experiments planned to search for dark matter candidates like axions.

Physical methods for investigating structural colours in biological systems

PubMed Central

Vukusic, P.; Stavenga, D.G.

2009-01-01

Many biological systems are known to use structural colour effects to generate aspects of their appearance and visibility. The study of these phenomena has informed an eclectic group of fields ranging, for example, from evolutionary processes in behavioural biology to micro-optical devices in technologically engineered systems. However, biological photonic systems are invariably structurally and often compositionally more elaborate than most synthetically fabricated photonic systems. For this reason, an appropriate gamut of physical methods and investigative techniques must be applied correctly so that the systems' photonic behaviour may be appropriately understood. Here, we survey a broad range of the most commonly implemented, successfully used and recently innovated physical methods. We discuss the costs and benefits of various spectrometric methods and instruments, namely scatterometers, microspectrophotometers, fibre-optic-connected photodiode array spectrometers and integrating spheres. We then discuss the role of the materials' refractive index and several of the more commonly used theoretical approaches. Finally, we describe the recent developments in the research field of photonic crystals and the implications for the further study of structural coloration in animals. PMID:19158009

Quelques aspects du folklore de la region Roannaise autour de 1950 (Some Aspects of Folklore of the Roanne Region about 1950).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Long, Jacqueline

1971-01-01

This article examines several aspects of folklore characteristic of the region of Roanne, France, during the 1950's. The town of Roanne, located between Clermont Ferrand and Lyon on the Loire River, is described in terms of its festive activities during serveral key holidays. The erosion of various customs and traditions, an inevitable result of…

Educational aspects of molecular simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, Michael P.

This article addresses some aspects of teaching simulation methods to undergraduates and graduate students. Simulation is increasingly a cross-disciplinary activity, which means that the students who need to learn about simulation methods may have widely differing backgrounds. Also, they may have a wide range of views on what constitutes an interesting application of simulation methods. Almost always, a successful simulation course includes an element of practical, hands-on activity: a balance always needs to be struck between treating the simulation software as a 'black box', and becoming bogged down in programming issues. With notebook computers becoming widely available, students often wish to take away the programs to run themselves, and access to raw computer power is not the limiting factor that it once was; on the other hand, the software should be portable and, if possible, free. Examples will be drawn from the author's experience in three different contexts. (1) An annual simulation summer school for graduate students, run by the UK CCP5 organization, in which practical sessions are combined with an intensive programme of lectures describing the methodology. (2) A molecular modelling module, given as part of a doctoral training centre in the Life Sciences at Warwick, for students who might not have a first degree in the physical sciences. (3) An undergraduate module in Physics at Warwick, also taken by students from other disciplines, teaching high performance computing, visualization, and scripting in the context of a physical application such as Monte Carlo simulation.

Integration for Severely Handicapped Children and Youth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stremel-Campbell, Kathleen

1983-01-01

A model for integrating severely handicapped children and youth is composed of five major components: (1) general integration (in which a needs assessment determines such aspects as visibility of the classroom, interaction with regular classroom staff, and school-home communication); (2) active integration (in which educational and social…

Biological effects and physical safety aspects of NMR imaging and in vivo spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tenforde, T.S.; Budinger, T.F.

1985-08-01

An assessment is made of the biological effects and physical hazards of static and time-varying fields associated with the NMR devices that are being used for clinical imaging and in vivo spectroscopy. A summary is given of the current state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms of interaction and the bioeffects of these fields. Additional topics that are discussed include: (1) physical effects on pacemakers and metallic implants such as aneurysm clips, (2) human health studies related to the effects of exposure to nonionizing electromagnetic radiation, and (3) extant guidelines for limiting exposure of patients and medical personnel to the fieldsmore » produced by NMR devices. On the basis of information available at the present time, it is concluded that the fields associated with the current generation of NMR devices do not pose a significant health risk in themselves. However, rigorous guidelines must be followed to avoid the physical interaction of these fields with metallic implants and medical electronic devices. 476 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Aspects of emotional and physical discomfort in gynecologic examination: a study of Turkish women.

PubMed

Tugut, Nilufer; Golbasi, Zehra

2014-06-01

This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine physical and emotional discomforts experienced before and after a gynecologic examination by women who presented to the outpatient clinic of the gynecology and obstetrics department at a university hospital. The sample of study was composed of 248 women. Data were collected with a survey form developed by researchers. T-test and variance analysis were used in statistical analysis. Emotional discomfort before the examination was felt by 80.2% of the women, while 80.6% stated they felt emotional discomfort after the examination. Physical discomfort before the examination was experienced by 67.3% of the women, while 76.6% stated that they felt physical discomfort after the examination. The emotional discomfort mean score was 5.02 ± 3.24 before examination and 4.62 ± 3.23 after examination (P > 0.05). The physical discomfort mean score was 3.38 ± 3.12 before examination and 3.94 ± 3.02 after examination and the difference between mean scores was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The women felt more physical discomfort during the examination than they anticipated beforehand. The emotional discomfort in women who preferred a female physician was significantly higher than in those who preferred a male physician or who had no preference on the sex of their physician. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2014 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

[Skeletal muscles, physical activity and health].

PubMed

Saltin, B; Helge, J W

2000-11-01

The metabolic capacity of skeletal muscle plays a significant role for insulin sensitivity and the blood lipid profile. The metabolic capacity of the muscle is a function of the individual's physical activity level. This is also true for the content of type IIa muscle fibres, which is reduced, and the number of capillaries, which is elevated with muscle usage. Several of these skeletal muscle features are risk factors for or linked with life-style induced diseases such as type II diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipemia and obesity. The central role of the skeletal muscle and its functional metabolic capacity for life style diseases highlights the importance of people maintaining daily physical activity. This article focuses on the link between the metabolic capacity of skeletal muscle and the metabolic syndrome and briefly discusses the explanations for this relationship. As one important aspect if skeletal muscle has a high capacity for lipid oxidation, then more saturated fatty acids are oxidised and more unsaturated fatty acids are built in the phospholipid fraction of the plasma membrane, giving it more fluidity and improved insulin sensitivity. Moreover, the article points at the role of these fatty acids in activating genes via the PPAR-receptor system essential for enzyme and transport proteins in the lipid metabolism.

Skill Assessment for Coupled Biological/Physical Models of Marine Systems.

PubMed

Stow, Craig A; Jolliff, Jason; McGillicuddy, Dennis J; Doney, Scott C; Allen, J Icarus; Friedrichs, Marjorie A M; Rose, Kenneth A; Wallhead, Philip

2009-02-20

Coupled biological/physical models of marine systems serve many purposes including the synthesis of information, hypothesis generation, and as a tool for numerical experimentation. However, marine system models are increasingly used for prediction to support high-stakes decision-making. In such applications it is imperative that a rigorous model skill assessment is conducted so that the model's capabilities are tested and understood. Herein, we review several metrics and approaches useful to evaluate model skill. The definition of skill and the determination of the skill level necessary for a given application is context specific and no single metric is likely to reveal all aspects of model skill. Thus, we recommend the use of several metrics, in concert, to provide a more thorough appraisal. The routine application and presentation of rigorous skill assessment metrics will also serve the broader interests of the modeling community, ultimately resulting in improved forecasting abilities as well as helping us recognize our limitations.

Effects of physical aging on long-term creep of polymers and polymer matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brinson, L. Catherine; Gates, Thomas S.

1994-01-01

For many polymeric materials in use below the glass transition temperature, the long term viscoelastic behavior is greatly affected by physical aging. To use polymer matrix composites as critical structural components in existing and novel technological applications, this long term behavior of the material system must be understood. Towards that end, this study applied the concepts governing the mechanics of physical aging in a consistent manner to the study of laminated composite systems. Even in fiber-dominated lay-ups the effects of physical aging are found to be important in the long-term behavior of the composite. The basic concepts describing physical aging of polymers are discussed. Several aspects of physical aging which have not been previously documented are also explored in this study, namely the effects of aging into equilibrium and a relationship to the time-temperature shift factor. The physical aging theory is then extended to develop the long-term compliance/modulus of a single lamina with varying fiber orientation. The latter is then built into classical lamination theory to predict long-time response of general oriented lamina and laminates. It is illustrated that the long term response can be counterintuitive, stressing the need for consistent modeling efforts to make long term predictions of laminates to be used in structural situations.

Some physiological aspects of artificial gravity. [gravitational effects on human orthostatic tolerance and physical fitness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cramer, D. B.; Graybiel, A.

1973-01-01

The effects of increasing artificial gravity exposure on four aspects of physiological fitness are examined in four young men who, prior to exposure, were deconditioned with bed rest and water immersion. The four aspects of physiological fitness are orthostatic tolerance, exercise tolerance, forearm endurance, and maximum strength. Orthostatic tolerance was sharply reduced by deconditioning and was substantially improved by walking in simulated lunar gravity (1/6 g) for 2.5 hours daily for 7 days or by walking in 1/2 g and 1 g for 1 hour daily for 3 days. Exercise tolerance was also sharply reduced by deconditioning but did not significantly improve with increasing g-exposure. Walking in 1 g for 1 hour daily for 3 days raised exercise tolerance only a little above the low produced by deconditioning. Forearm endurance and maximum strength were relatively unaffected by deconditioning and subsequent g-exposure.

Development of Communication Assistive Technology for Persons with Deaf-Blindness and Physical Limitation.

PubMed

Hatakeyama, Takuro; Watanabe, Takashi; Takahashi, Kiriko; Doi, Kouki; Fukuda, Akiko

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop a system that will provide communication assistance to persons with deaf-blindness and physical limitation, so that they will be able to communicate with others without the help of an interpreter. With this communication system, a person with deaf-blindness and physical limitation uses a control switch to perform input operations based on the duration of the operating time and combination of long and short pulses. When the input is correctly performed, the user receives a feedback from the tablet computer as vibratory stimuli. Similarly, the message that other person's input with a Bluetooth keyboard is transmitted to the user as vibration stimuli. Following the development, we conducted a one-year assessment of the developed communication system in an actual environment with the cooperation of one person with deaf-blindness and physical limitation. . We confirmed that our developed system was useful for such a person, and understood that we must improve upon several aspects. We shall pursue further study, and will aim at providing a better communication environment for persons with deaf-blindness and physical limitation in future.

The dynamics of physical and mental health in the older population.

PubMed

Ohrnberger, Julius; Fichera, Eleonora; Sutton, Matt

2017-06-01

Mental and physical aspects are both integral to health but little is known about the dynamic relationship between them. We consider the dynamic relationship between mental and physical health using a sample of 11,203 individuals in six waves (2002-2013) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). We estimate conditional linear and non-linear random-effects regression models to identify the effects of past physical health, measured by Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and past mental health, measured by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, on both present physical and mental health. We find that both mental and physical health are moderately state-dependent. Better past mental health increases present physical health significantly. Better past physical health has a larger effect on present mental health. Past mental health has stronger effects on present physical health than physical activity or education. It explains 2.0% of the unobserved heterogeneity in physical health. Past physical health has stronger effects on present mental health than health investments, income or education. It explains 0.4% of the unobserved heterogeneity in mental health. These cross-effects suggest that health policies aimed at specific aspects of health should consider potential spill-over effects.

Multiple mediation path model of pain's cascading influence on physical disability in individuals with SCI from Colombia, South America.

PubMed

Perrin, Paul B; Paredes, Alejandra Morlett; Olivera, Silvia Leonor; Lozano, Juan Esteban; Leal, Wendy Tatiana; Ahmad, Usman F; Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos

2017-01-01

Research has begun to document the bivariate connections between pain in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and various aspects of health related quality of life (HRQOL), such as fatigue, social functioning, mental health, and physical functioning. The purpose of this study was to construct and test a theoretical path model illuminating the stage-wise and sequential (cascading) HRQOL pathways through which pain increases physical disability in individuals with SCI in a sample from Colombia, South America. It was hypothesized that increased pain would lead to decreased energy, which would lead to decreased mental health and social functioning, which both would lead to emotional role limitations, which finally would lead to physical role limitations. A cross-sectional study assessed individuals with SCI (n = 40) in Neiva, Colombia. Participants completed a measure indexing various aspects of HRQOL. The path model overall showed excellent fit indices, and each individual path within the model was statistically significant. Pain exerted significant indirect effects through all possible mediators in the model, ultimately suggesting that energy, mental health, social functioning, and role limitations-emotional were likely pathways through which pain exerted its effects on physical disability in individuals with SCI. These findings uncover several potential nodes for clinical intervention which if targeted in the context of rehabilitation or outpatient services, could result in salubrious direct and indirect effects reverberating down the theoretical causal chain and ultimately reducing physical disability in individuals with SCI.

Bio-Physics Manifesto -- for the Future of Physics and Biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oono, Y.

2008-04-01

The Newtonian revolution taught us how to dissect phenomena into contingencies (e.g., initial conditions) and fundamental laws (e.g., equations of motion). Since then, `fundamental physics' has been pursuing purer and leaner fundamental laws. Consequently, to explain real phenomena a lot of auxiliary conditions become required. Isn't it now the time to start studying `auxiliary conditions' seriously? The study of biological systems has a possibility of shedding light on this neglected side of phenomena in physics, because we organisms were constructed by our parents who supplied indispensable auxiliary conditions; we never self-organize. Thus, studying the systems lacking self-organizing capability (such as complex systems) may indicate new directions to physics and biology (biophysics). There have been attempts to construct a `general theoretical framework' of biology, but most of them never seriously looked at the actual biological world. Every serious natural science must start with establishing a phenomenological framework. Therefore, this must be the main part of bio-physics. However, this article is addressed mainly to theoretical physicists and discusses only certain theoretical aspects (with real illustrative examples).

Hans Bethe and Physics in/of the 20th Century

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schweber, Silvan

2012-12-12

I will present some facets of Hans Bethe’s life to illustrate how I have used biography to narrate certain aspects of the history of twentieth century physics. I will focus on post World War II quantum field theory, on the relation between solid state/condensed matter physics and high energy physics, and make some observations regarding certain “top down” views in solid state physics in postmodernity.

Novel aspects of plasma control in ITER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Humphreys, D.; Jackson, G.; Walker, M.

2015-02-15

ITER plasma control design solutions and performance requirements are strongly driven by its nuclear mission, aggressive commissioning constraints, and limited number of operational discharges. In addition, high plasma energy content, heat fluxes, neutron fluxes, and very long pulse operation place novel demands on control performance in many areas ranging from plasma boundary and divertor regulation to plasma kinetics and stability control. Both commissioning and experimental operations schedules provide limited time for tuning of control algorithms relative to operating devices. Although many aspects of the control solutions required by ITER have been well-demonstrated in present devices and even designed satisfactorily formore » ITER application, many elements unique to ITER including various crucial integration issues are presently under development. We describe selected novel aspects of plasma control in ITER, identifying unique parts of the control problem and highlighting some key areas of research remaining. Novel control areas described include control physics understanding (e.g., current profile regulation, tearing mode (TM) suppression), control mathematics (e.g., algorithmic and simulation approaches to high confidence robust performance), and integration solutions (e.g., methods for management of highly subscribed control resources). We identify unique aspects of the ITER TM suppression scheme, which will pulse gyrotrons to drive current within a magnetic island, and turn the drive off following suppression in order to minimize use of auxiliary power and maximize fusion gain. The potential role of active current profile control and approaches to design in ITER are discussed. Issues and approaches to fault handling algorithms are described, along with novel aspects of actuator sharing in ITER.« less

Novel aspects of plasma control in ITER

DOE PAGES

Humphreys, David; Ambrosino, G.; de Vries, Peter; ...

2015-02-12

ITER plasma control design solutions and performance requirements are strongly driven by its nuclear mission, aggressive commissioning constraints, and limited number of operational discharges. In addition, high plasma energy content, heat fluxes, neutron fluxes, and very long pulse operation place novel demands on control performance in many areas ranging from plasma boundary and divertor regulation to plasma kinetics and stability control. Both commissioning and experimental operations schedules provide limited time for tuning of control algorithms relative to operating devices. Although many aspects of the control solutions required by ITER have been well-demonstrated in present devices and even designed satisfactorily formore » ITER application, many elements unique to ITER including various crucial integration issues are presently under development. We describe selected novel aspects of plasma control in ITER, identifying unique parts of the control problem and highlighting some key areas of research remaining. Novel control areas described include control physics understanding (e.g. current profile regulation, tearing mode suppression (TM)), control mathematics (e.g. algorithmic and simulation approaches to high confidence robust performance), and integration solutions (e.g. methods for management of highly-subscribed control resources). We identify unique aspects of the ITER TM suppression scheme, which will pulse gyrotrons to drive current within a magnetic island, and turn the drive off following suppression in order to minimize use of auxiliary power and maximize fusion gain. The potential role of active current profile control and approaches to design in ITER are discussed. Finally, issues and approaches to fault handling algorithms are described, along with novel aspects of actuator sharing in ITER.« less

Some economic aspects of recreational injuries.

PubMed

Arundel, J T

1974-06-01

This paper deals with some basic features of accidents in recreation and will attempt to throw some light on their economic consequences. Let us examine sport as one aspect of recreation. As Williams (1973) put it, "Sport is a phenomenon of simple definition, but with well recognised features. It is essentially recreational, essentially physical, frequently competitive and always contrived." The number and type of participants has increased, along with the range of activities available. Classifications of sport, at best, are arbitrary but nevertheless are useful for analysis. These divisions may be land/air/water types; indoor/outdoor; team/individual; body contact/non-contact/vehicular; amateur/professional. Sports injuries are of two types, intrinsic or self-inflicted (Williams, 1973) and extrinsic. Intrinsic injuries refer to those as a result of over-use (leading, for example, to stress fractures) and to specific incidents not involving outside agents. Extrinsic injuries are caused by contact with external objects and form the bulk of injuries sustained in body-contact, vehicular (horses, cars, skis) and environmental-type sports. Extrinsic injuries are generally more severe because greater forces and velocities are involved. Appendix 1 lists the main sporting activities according to location of sport; individual or team participation; likelihood of extensive body contact; and professional status. Professional players not only suffer loss of earning capacity but may reflect a bad investment for an entrepreneur or reduce spectator attendance and gate taking. It is apparent that team sports, having substantial body contact, face a higher risk of moderate to serious injury than do individual, non-contact sports, although major injuries can be sustained in the latter, for example, sprains and dislocations in athletics, golf, tennis, etc. Other sports must be classed as dangerous because of the nature of competition, for example, motor racing and flying. These

Engineering Students' Experiences from Physics Group Work in Learning Labs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mellingsaeter, Magnus Strøm

2014-01-01

Background: This paper presents a case study from a physics course at a Norwegian university college, investigating key aspects of a group-work project, so-called learning labs, from the participating students' perspective. Purpose: In order to develop these learning labs further, the students' perspective is important. Which aspects are essential…

Qualitative insights into the experiences of living with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms among community-dwelling ageing males

PubMed Central

Cheng, Hui Lin; Yeung, Simon Kai Wang; Au-Yeung, Cypher Ho; Lee, Jillianne Chi Yen; Ho, Kathy Kit Ying; Lau, Natalie Ming Yan; Ng, Cristina Ka Fu; Chan, Iris Wai Sze

2017-01-01

Background Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) comprise a highly prevalent chronic condition among the aging male population. Existing literature on the experiences of men with LUTS is scarce given that only a few studies explored medical care-seeking behaviors and coping strategies. The current understanding of the experiences of elderly males with LUTS is considerably limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the experiences of living with moderate-to-severe LUTS among community-dwelling Chinese ageing males and their coping strategies to facilitate the management of LUTS by healthcare providers. Methods and findings A qualitative exploratory design using thematic analysis was used. Semi-structured interviews with 24 Chinese ageing males with moderate-to-severe LUTS were conducted. According to the participants, LUTS adversely affect the physical aspects of their daily lives. Most of them were unwilling to seek social support and were even embarrassed to share this topic with their peers. A range of psychological responses could be observed from the participants that range from regarding the condition as a natural life course to loss of one’s self-esteem. Most of the interviewees lacked knowledge and held misconceptions toward LUTS, which prevented them from pursuing medical advice. Most of the participants also sought alternative treatments and developed self-help methods to cope with their symptoms. Conclusion LUTS affects the physical and social aspects of sufferers. The findings of this qualitative study can raise awareness about the life experiences, perceptions, misconceptions, and help-seeking behaviors of Chinese elderly with LUTS. Proper health education and advice can be provided for this population. PMID:29084282

Stueckelberg and Molecular Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lacki, Jan

The first period of E. C. G. Stueckelberg's scientific career was marked by important contributions he made to molecular physics.1 After publishing his thesis in 1927 in Basel [1] Stueckelberg joined the prestigious Palmer Physical Laboratory in Princeton where he worked under the guidance of Karl Taylor Compton, brother of Arthur Holly Compton. Stueckelberg owed this position devoted several papers to problems of molecular physics. Stueckelberg had the benefit at Princeton of exchanges with other gifted members of the Palmer Physical Laboratory, Philip M. Morse and E. U. Condon among others.3 to a recommendation by A. Sommerfeld.2 In this stimulating environment, he devoted several papers to problems of molecular physics. Stueckelberg had the benefit at Princeton of exchanges with other gifted members of the Palmer Physical Laboratory, Philip M. Morse and E. U. Condon among others.3

Between physics and metaphysics: structure as a boundary concept.

PubMed

Tau, Ramiro

2015-03-01

The notion of structure is found to be used in a great number of theories, scientific research programs and world views. However, its uses and definitions are as diverse as the objects of the scientific disciplines where it can be found. Without trying to recreate the structuralist aspiration from the mid XX century, which believed to have found in this notion a common transdisciplinary language, I discuss a specific aspect of this concept that could be considered a constant in different perspectives. This aspect refers to the location of the notions of structure as boundaries in the different scientific theories. With this, I try to argue that the definition or presentation of a structure configures in itself the frontier for scientific knowledge, defining at the same time implied ontological assumptions. In order to discuss this hypothesis, and taking into consideration the double origin of contemporary notions of structure -the mathematical and linguistic line-, I revise several theoretical perspectives which made explicit the relation between structures and knowledge, and their relation with the real: the arguments on physical knowledge by Eddington, structural anthropology, structural linguistics, Lacanian psychoanalysis and Piaget's genetic psychology.

Maturational differences in physical self- perceptions and the relationship with physical activity in early adolescent girls.

PubMed

Niven, Alisa G; Fawkner, Samantha G; Knowles, Anne-Marie; Stephenson, Claire

2007-11-01

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between physical self-perceptions (PSPs), maturation, and physical activity and compared the strength of the relationships of biological and chronological age with PSPs in early adolescent girls (N = 208; mean age = 11.83 +/- 0.39 years). Participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, the Children's Physical Self-Perception Profile, and the Pubertal Development Scale. Results indicated that PSPs were significantly and moderately correlated with physical activity. There were no differences in physical activity between maturation stages. Girls who were in the early stages of maturation had significantly more positive perceptions of body attractiveness and physical self-worth than girls in the mid stages of maturation. There was no evidence of a relationship between PSPs and chronological age. This study provided further support for the relationship between PSPs and physical activity and the relationship between maturation and aspects of PSPs. In this age group, maturation does not appear to be related to physical activity or the PSPs most strongly influential on physical activity behavior.

WE-E-19A-01: Globalization of Medical Physics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rehani, M; Meghzifene, A; Tsapaki, V

Following successful 2012–2013 International Professional Symposiums as a part of Annual AAPM meetings, representatives of AAPM and International Organization of Medical Physics (IOMP) suggested to make this tradiational Symposium a permanent part of Annual AAPM meetings in future. Following the tradition, this session includes presentations of representatives of AAPM, IOMP, European Federation of Medical Physics (EFOMP), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). The speakers will cover various aspects of International collaboration such as educational, professional, and scientific issues, as well as help to developing countries. With further developments of medicine and technology and increasedmore » communication with our colleagues overseas, Medical Physics becomes more and more global profession. Use of the same technology, significant progress in medical physics research and developing practical regulations worldwide makes it increasingly useful to organize global collaboration of medical physicists. Several international organizations are tasked to promote such collaboration and provide help to developing countries. Not all AAPM members are fully aware of these international efforts. It is very useful for medical physicists to know about success of our profession in other countries. Different schools present different approaches to the same problem, which allows to find the best solution. By communicating with colleagues overseas, one can learn more than from just reading scientific publications. At this session the attendees will receive a glimpse of International Medical Physics activities. Learning Objectives: Understand the globalization of Medical Physics profession and advantages of collaboration with foreign colleagues. See what role AAPM is playing in establishing contacts with colleagues overseas. Understand the role of IOMP and main directions of its activity. Learn about IAEA and how it

Surveillance as a Technique of Power in Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Louisa; McCaughtry, Nate; MacDonald, Doune

2004-01-01

This paper analyses surveillance as a technique of power in the culture of physical education, including its impact upon the health of teachers. Additionally, gendered aspects of surveillance are investigated because physical education is an important location in and through which bodies are inscribed with gendered identities. The embodied nature…

Self-perception of Physical Appearance in Adolescents: Gender, Age and Ethnic Aspects.

PubMed

Godina, Elena; Zadorozhnaya, Liudmila

2016-06-01

The study used cross-sectional data of 462 girls and 372 boys of Russian ethnicity and 90 Kalmyk girls 12-17-year-olds. In both groups children were examined by the same researchers according to the same research protocol. All of the observations have been performed in agreement with bioethical procedures; protocols of consent were filled either by the subject (elder children) or by his/her parent(s). Standing height, weight, body circumferences and skinfolds thickness were taken on each individual according to the standard technique. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. In Arkhangelsk city 114 boys and 172 girls among the total number of studied subjects filled in the questionnaires, and in Elista – 34 girls among 90. Data sets were divided according to sex, age, somatotypes and ethnicity. The results of the present study showed significant correlations between somatotypes of the subjects, their BMI and self-estimation of their physical appearance. In self-perception of one’s body, weight was the most important characteristics in girls, while in boys it was stature. No differences were found in most of self-evaluation scores between Russian girls of Arkhangelsk city and Kalmyk girls of Elista, apart from the fact that the latter had lower scores in the estimation of their body shape, possibly because they were fatter. The strategies chosen by the adolescents for modifications of their bodies in their quest for »ideal« figures were in favor of dieting versus physical activity, which puts the question of popularization of physical culture and sports on a nation-wide scale.

Attachment to the physical dimension of places.

PubMed

Hidalgo, M Carmen; Hernández, Bernardo

2002-12-01

Social relationships had been important in explanation and prediction of attachment to places. Although some have asserted the importance of physical aspects of the environment in the formation of attachment ties to a place, the social environment is required for the formation of bonds to a place, although strong emphasis on the social aspect has been questioned and the importance of the physical environment noted. The present objective in two studies was to test whether college students (ns = 30 and 27) show a preference for a place they know, independently of the social interactions developed in them. Results confirmed the hypothesis, i.e., after a very brief stay in a certain place with nobody else there, these college students preferred that place to another with which they had not had previous contact.

The Relations of Cognitive, Behavioral, and Physical Activity Variables to Depression Severity in Traumatic Brain Injury: Reanalysis of Data From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Bombardier, Charles H; Fann, Jesse R; Ludman, Evette J; Vannoy, Steven D; Dyer, Joshua R; Barber, Jason K; Temkin, Nancy R

To explore the relations of cognitive, behavioral, and physical activity variables to depression severity among people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) undergoing a depression treatment trial. Community. Adults (N = 88) who sustained complicated mild to severe TBI within the past 10 years, met criteria for major depressive disorder, and completed study measures. Randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to cognitive-behavioral therapy (n = 58) or usual care (n = 42). Outcomes were measured at baseline and 16 weeks. We combined the groups and used regressions to explore the relations among theoretical variables and depression outcomes. Depression severity was measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Symptom Checklist-20. Theory-based measures were the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS), Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ), Environmental Rewards Observation Scale (EROS), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Compared with non-TBI norms, baseline DAS and ATQ scores were high and EROS and IPAQ scores were low. All outcomes improved from baseline to 16 weeks except the DAS. The ATQ was an independent predictor of baseline depression. An increase in EROS scores was correlated with decreased depression. Increasing participation in meaningful roles and pleasant activities may be a promising approach to treating depression after TBI.

Treadmill exercise attenuates the severity of physical dependence, anxiety, depressive-like behavior and voluntary morphine consumption in morphine withdrawn rats receiving methadone maintenance treatment.

PubMed

Alizadeh, Maryam; Zahedi-Khorasani, Mahdi; Miladi-Gorji, Hossein

2018-05-30

This study was designed to examine whether treadmill exercise would attenuate the severity of physical dependence, methadone-induced anxiety, depression and voluntary morphine consumption in morphine withdrawn rats receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). The rats were chronically treated with bi-daily doses (10 mg/kg, at 12 h intervals) of morphine for 14 days. The exercising rats receiving MMT were forced to run on a motorized treadmill for 30 days during morphine withdrawal. Then, rats were tested for the severity of morphine dependence, the elevated plus-maze (EPM), sucrose preference test (SPT) and voluntary morphine consumption using a two-bottle choice (TBC) paradigm. The results showed that naloxone- precipitated opioid withdrawal signs were decreased in exercising morphine-dependent rats receiving MMT than sedentary rats. Also, the exercising morphine-dependent rats receiving MMT exhibited an increased time on open arms, preference for sucrose and a lower morphine preference ratio than sedentary rats. We conclude that treadmill exercise decreased the severity of physical dependence, anxiety/depressive-like behaviors and also the voluntary morphine consumption in morphine withdrawn rats receiving MMT. Thus, exercise may benefit in the treatment of addicts during MMT. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

SlimCS—compact low aspect ratio DEMO reactor with reduced-size central solenoid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tobita, K.; Nishio, S.; Sato, M.; Sakurai, S.; Hayashi, T.; Shibama, Y. K.; Isono, T.; Enoeda, M.; Nakamura, H.; Sato, S.; Ezato, K.; Hayashi, T.; Hirose, T.; Ide, S.; Inoue, T.; Kamada, Y.; Kawamura, Y.; Kawashima, H.; Koizumi, N.; Kurita, G.; Nakamura, Y.; Mouri, K.; Nishitani, T.; Ohmori, J.; Oyama, N.; Sakamoto, K.; Suzuki, S.; Suzuki, T.; Tanigawa, H.; Tsuchiya, K.; Tsuru, D.

2007-08-01

The concept for a compact DEMO reactor named 'SlimCS' is presented. Distinctive features of the concept are low aspect ratio (A = 2.6) and use of a reduced-size centre solenoid (CS) which has the function of plasma shaping rather than poloidal flux supply. The reduced-size CS enables us to introduce a thin toroidal field coil system which contributes to reducing the weight and perhaps lessening the construction cost. Low-A has merits of vertical stability for high elongation (κ) and high normalized beta (βN), which leads to a high power density with reasonable physics requirements. This is because high κ facilitates high nGW (because of an increase in Ip), which allows efficient use of the capacity of high βN. From an engineering aspect, low-A may ensure ease in designing blanket modules robust to electromagnetic forces acting on disruptions. Thus, a superconducting low-A tokamak reactor such as SlimCS can be a promising DEMO concept with physics and engineering advantages.

Physical aspects of ferroelectric semiconductors for photovoltaic solar energy conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez-Varo, Pilar; Bertoluzzi, Luca; Bisquert, Juan; Alexe, Marin; Coll, Mariona; Huang, Jinsong; Jimenez-Tejada, Juan Antonio; Kirchartz, Thomas; Nechache, Riad; Rosei, Federico; Yuan, Yongbo

2016-10-01

Solar energy conversion using semiconductors to fabricate photovoltaic devices relies on efficient light absorption, charge separation of electron-hole pair carriers or excitons, and fast transport and charge extraction to counter recombination processes. Ferroelectric materials are able to host a permanent electrical polarization which provides control over electrical field distribution in bulk and interfacial regions. In this review, we provide a critical overview of the physical principles and mechanisms of solar energy conversion using ferroelectric semiconductors and contact layers, as well as the main achievements reported so far. In a ferroelectric semiconductor film with ideal contacts, the polarization charge would be totally screened by the metal layers and no charge collection field would exist. However, real materials show a depolarization field, smooth termination of polarization, and interfacial energy barriers that do provide the control of interface and bulk electric field by switchable spontaneous polarization. We explore different phenomena as the polarization-modulated Schottky-like barriers at metal/ferroelectric interfaces, depolarization fields, vacancy migration, and the switchable rectifying behavior of ferroelectric thin films. Using a basic physical model of a solar cell, our analysis provides a general picture of the influence of ferroelectric effects on the actual power conversion efficiency of the solar cell device, and we are able to assess whether these effects or their combinations are beneficial or counterproductive. We describe in detail the bulk photovoltaic effect and the contact layers that modify the built-in field and the charge injection and separation in bulk heterojunction organic cells as well as in photocatalytic and water splitting devices. We also review the dominant families of ferroelectric materials that have been most extensively investigated and have provided the best photovoltaic performance.

Psychological aspects of cosmetic rhinoplasty.

PubMed

Marcus, P

1984-07-01

This paper summarises some of the major findings of a doctoral research entitled "Psychological Aspects of Cosmetic Rhinoplasty" carried out when the author was working in the United Kingdom on a thesis that was accepted for the degree of PhD by the University of London. From the point of view of the clinical psychologist there can be no doubt that cosmetic rhinoplasty does have largely beneficial short- and long-term psychological and behavioural effects on patients who request the operation and several observations and experiments are described to account for the efficacy and therapeutic value of this operation.

Searches for New Physics Using High Mass Dimuons at the CDF II Experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karagoz Unel, Muge

2004-12-01

This work describes the measurement of inclusive jets cross section in the D0 experiment. This cross section is computed as a function of jet transverse momentum, in several rapidity intervals. This quantity is sensitive to the proton structure and is crucial for the determination of parton distribution functions (PDF), essentially for the gluon at high proton momentum fraction. The measurement presented here gives the first values obtained for Tevatron Run II for the cross section in several rapidity intervals, for an integrated luminosity of 143 pb -1. The results are in agreement, within the uncertainties, with theoretical Standard Model predictions,more » showing no evidence for new physics. This work points out the aspects of the detector which need better understanding to reach Run I precision and to constrain the PDFs.« less

[Psychosomatic aspects of expert judgement in gastro-intestinal disease (author's transl)].

PubMed

Freyberger, H; Wellmann, W

1980-06-01

Psychosomatic aspects in expert judgement about gastro-intestinal disease are important in regard to 3 particular problems: (1) establishing physical fitness for prison confinement, (2) establishing causal relationships between disease and military service, (3) judging the fitness for work, when annuities are demanded from the state insurance agencies. The point last mentioned is most important nowadays and is discussed therefore in more detail.

Oil spill vulnerability assessment integrating physical, biological and socio-economical aspects: application to the Cantabrian coast (Bay of Biscay, Spain).

PubMed

Castanedo, S; Juanes, J A; Medina, R; Puente, A; Fernandez, F; Olabarrieta, M; Pombo, C

2009-10-01

A methodology has been developed to carry out an integrated oil spill vulnerability index, V, for coastal environments. This index takes into account the main physical, biological and socio-economical characteristics by means of three intermediate indexes. Three different integration methods (worst-case, average and survey-based) along with ESI-based vulnerability scores, V(ESI), proposed for the Cantabrian coast during the Prestige oil spill, have been analyzed and compared in terms of agreement between the classifications obtained with each one for this coastal area. Results of this study indicate that the use of the worst-case index, V(R), leads to a conservative ranking, with a very poor discrimination which is not helpful in coastal oil spill risk management. Due to the homogeneity of this coastal stretch, the rest of the methods, V(I), V(M) and V(ESI), provide similar classifications. However, V(M) and V(I) give more flexibility allowing three indexes for each coastal segment and including socio-economic aspects. Finally, the V(I) procedure is proposed here as the more advisable as using this index promotes the public participation that is a key element in the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (IZCM).

Microcontrollers for data logging in Environmental Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, R. Giles; Westbrook, Christopher. D.

2016-04-01

Methods for obtaining reliable environmental measurements are central in developing a quantitative understanding of the natural world [1]. In the environmental sciences, data is usually obtained through planned experimental work, by collaborators in large field experiments or merely from others downloaded through the internet. Careful appreciation of the provenance and reliability of measurements has traditionally been a central aspect of physics education, and a similar physics-centred approach to measurements has been embedded in the new Environmental Physics BSc programme at the University of Reading [2]. Through the use of practical classes, students are educated in using small programmable microcontroller devices to obtain environmental data. The classes are based around exploring the open source Arduino, to which a range of analogue and digital sensors are connected and evaluated. A simplified prototyping system has been developed to help emphasise the measurement aspects over the electronics considerations. The practical classes work towards deployment of a miniature data logger based on the Arduino's microcontroller but optimised for low power, from which the environmental measurements are compared with co-located standard data obtained at the Reading University Atmospheric Observatory. [1] R.G. Harrison, Meteorological Measurements and Instrumentation, Wiley, 2014. (http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118745809.html) [2] Environmental Physics BSc (https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/environment-ug/bsc-environmental-physics.aspx)

Biological preservation of plant derived animal feed with antifungal microorganisms: safety and formulation aspects.

PubMed

Melin, Petter; Sundh, Ingvar; Håkansson, Sebastian; Schnürer, Johan

2007-08-01

During storage of moist animal feed, growth of detrimental fungi causing spoilage, or being mycotoxigenic or pathogenic, is a severe problem. Addition of biopreservative yeasts or lactic acid bacteria can significantly reduce this problem. However, their use requires several careful considerations. One is the safety to the animal, humans and the environment, tightly connected to legal aspects and the need for pre-market authorisation when supplementing feed with microorganisms. Although both yeasts and lactic acid bacteria are considered comparatively safe organisms due to low production of toxic metabolites, it is of great importance to understand the mechanisms behind the biopreservative abilities. Another important issue concerns practical aspects, such as the economic production of large amounts of the organisms and the development of a suitable formulation giving the organisms a long shelf life. These aspects are discussed and a recommendation of this review is that both safety and formulation aspects of a specific microbe should be considered at an early stage in the selection of new organisms with biopreservation potential.

Physical, Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Green Physical Activity: An Ecological Dynamics Perspective.

PubMed

Yeh, Hsiao-Pu; Stone, Joseph Antony; Churchill, Sarah May; Wheat, Jonathan Stephen; Brymer, Eric; Davids, Keith

2016-07-01

Increasing evidence supports the multiple benefits to physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing of green physical activity, a topic of increasing interest in the past decade. Research has revealed a synergistic benefit of green physical activity, which includes all aspects of exercise and physical activity in the presence of nature. Our theoretical analysis suggests there are three distinct levels of engagement in green physical activity, with each level reported to have a positive effect on human behaviours. However, the extent to which each level of green physical activity benefits health and wellbeing is assumed to differ, requiring confirmation in future research. This elucidation of understanding is needed because previous literature has tended to focus on recording empirical evidence rather than developing a sound theoretical framework to understand green physical activity effects. Here we propose an ecological dynamics rationale to explain how and why green physical activity might influence health and wellbeing of different population groups. This framework suggests a number of unexplored, interacting constraints related to types of environment and population groups, which shape reported levels of benefit of green physical activity. Further analysis is needed to clarify the explicit relationship between green physical activity and health and wellbeing, including levels of engagement, types of environmental constraints, levels of physical activity, adventure effects, skill effects and sampling of different populations.

Integrated Care to Address the Physical Health Needs of People with Severe Mental Illness: A Mapping Review of the Recent Evidence on Barriers, Facilitators and Evaluations

PubMed Central

Dalton, Jane; Harden, Melissa; Street, Andrew; Parker, Gillian; Eastwood, Alison

2018-01-01

People with mental health conditions have a lower life expectancy and poorer physical health outcomes than the general population. Evidence suggests this is due to a combination of clinical risk factors, socioeconomic factors, and health system factors, notably a lack of integration when care is required across service settings. Several recent reports have looked at ways to better integrate physical and mental health care for people with severe mental illness (SMI). We built on these by conducting a mapping review that looked for the most recent evidence and service models in this area. This involved searching the published literature and speaking to people involved in providing or using current services. Few of the identified service models were described adequately and fewer still were evaluated, raising questions about the replicability and generalisability of much of the existing evidence. However, some common themes did emerge. Efforts to improve the physical health care of people with SMI should empower staff and service users and help remove everyday barriers to delivering and accessing integrated care. In particular, there is a need for improved communication among professionals and better information technology to support them, greater clarity about who is responsible and accountable for physical health care, and greater awareness of the effects of stigmatisation on the wider culture and environment in which services are delivered. PMID:29588643

Integrated Care to Address the Physical Health Needs of People with Severe Mental Illness: A Mapping Review of the Recent Evidence on Barriers, Facilitators and Evaluations.

PubMed

Rodgers, Mark; Dalton, Jane; Harden, Melissa; Street, Andrew; Parker, Gillian; Eastwood, Alison

2018-01-25

People with mental health conditions have a lower life expectancy and poorer physical health outcomes than the general population. Evidence suggests this is due to a combination of clinical risk factors, socioeconomic factors, and health system factors, notably a lack of integration when care is required across service settings. Several recent reports have looked at ways to better integrate physical and mental health care for people with severe mental illness (SMI). We built on these by conducting a mapping review that looked for the most recent evidence and service models in this area. This involved searching the published literature and speaking to people involved in providing or using current services. Few of the identified service models were described adequately and fewer still were evaluated, raising questions about the replicability and generalisability of much of the existing evidence. However, some common themes did emerge. Efforts to improve the physical health care of people with SMI should empower staff and service users and help remove everyday barriers to delivering and accessing integrated care. In particular, there is a need for improved communication among professionals and better information technology to support them, greater clarity about who is responsible and accountable for physical health care, and greater awareness of the effects of stigmatisation on the wider culture and environment in which services are delivered.

MIANN models in medicinal, physical and organic chemistry.

PubMed

González-Díaz, Humberto; Arrasate, Sonia; Sotomayor, Nuria; Lete, Esther; Munteanu, Cristian R; Pazos, Alejandro; Besada-Porto, Lina; Ruso, Juan M

2013-01-01

Reducing costs in terms of time, animal sacrifice, and material resources with computational methods has become a promising goal in Medicinal, Biological, Physical and Organic Chemistry. There are many computational techniques that can be used in this sense. In any case, almost all these methods focus on few fundamental aspects including: type (1) methods to quantify the molecular structure, type (2) methods to link the structure with the biological activity, and others. In particular, MARCH-INSIDE (MI), acronym for Markov Chain Invariants for Networks Simulation and Design, is a well-known method for QSAR analysis useful in step (1). In addition, the bio-inspired Artificial-Intelligence (AI) algorithms called Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are among the most powerful type (2) methods. We can combine MI with ANNs in order to seek QSAR models, a strategy which is called herein MIANN (MI & ANN models). One of the first applications of the MIANN strategy was in the development of new QSAR models for drug discovery. MIANN strategy has been expanded to the QSAR study of proteins, protein-drug interactions, and protein-protein interaction networks. In this paper, we review for the first time many interesting aspects of the MIANN strategy including theoretical basis, implementation in web servers, and examples of applications in Medicinal and Biological chemistry. We also report new applications of the MIANN strategy in Medicinal chemistry and the first examples in Physical and Organic Chemistry, as well. In so doing, we developed new MIANN models for several self-assembly physicochemical properties of surfactants and large reaction networks in organic synthesis. In some of the new examples we also present experimental results which were not published up to date.

Physics of Incandescent Lamp Burnout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gluck, Paul; King, John

2008-01-01

Incandescent lamps with tungsten filaments have been in use for about a century while being gradually replaced by fluorescent lamps; in another generation both will quite probably be largely replaced by light-emitting diodes. Incandescent lamps (simply called lamps in what follows) burn out after a lifetime that depends mostly on the temperature of the filament and hence the applied voltage. A full-term project (about 100 hours) on lamp burnout was carried out by two students in 1965 and has been briefly described. Many aspects of the physics of lamps have been dealt with in articles that have appeared in this journal, in the American Journal of Physics, and in Physics Education.2,3

Psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation in sports.

PubMed

Covassin, Tracey; Beidler, Erica; Ostrowski, Jennifer; Wallace, Jessica

2015-04-01

When an athlete is injured, the primary focus of the sports medicine team is to treat the physical effects of the injury. However, many injured athletes experience negative psychological responses that should also be addressed throughout the rehabilitation process. Sports medicine professions should use psychosocial skills to help decrease the negative consequences of the injury, such as fear of reinjury, anxiety, depression, and adherence to rehabilitation. These psychosocial skills include goal setting, imagery, relaxation techniques, motivation, and self-talk. This article addresses the negative consequences of injury, psychosocial skills used to aid in the rehabilitation process, and clinical implications of the psychological aspects of rehabilitation in sport. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physical activities and their importance to the health of people with severe mental illness in Sweden.

PubMed

Erdner, Anette; Magnusson, Annabella

2012-10-01

It is well known that people with severe mental illness often suffer from constant fatigue, insomnia, and somatic complaints that are too often overlooked. In addition, these persons die earlier in life than others in the population. The purpose of this study was to investigate patients' descriptions of activities and the importance of these activities for their health. Eight persons living in their own home were interviewed about both their views about exercise and their exercising activities. Two themes emerged: Getting Control over One's Life and The Need for Contact with Family & Friends. All of the informants were aware of the importance of physical activity to feel good. The informants described three different forms of activities: daily activities in the home, activities in a rehabilitation centre, and various forms of jogging. These different forms of activity were important to the informants since they reduced their anxiety and stress.

Lattice QCD and physics beyond the Standar Model: an experimentalist perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artuso, Marina

2017-01-01

The new frontier in elementary particle physics is to find evidence for new physics that may lead to a deeper understanding of observations such as the baryon-antibaryon asymmetry of the universe, mass hierarchy, dark matter, or dark energy to name a few. Flavor physics provides a wealth of opportunities to find such signatures, and a vast body of data taken at e+e- b-factories and at hadron machines has provided valuable information, and a few tantalizing ``tensions'' with respect to the Standard Model predictions. While the window for new physics is still open, the chance that its manifestations will be subtle is very real. A vibrant experimental program is ongoing, and significant upgrades, such as the upgraded LHCb experiment at LHC and Belle 2 at KEKb, are imminent. One of the challenges in extracting new physics from flavor physics data is the need to relate observed hadron decays to fundamental particles and interactions. The continuous improvement of Lattice QCD predictions is a key element to achieve success in this quest. Improvements in algorithms and hardware have led to predictions of increasing precision on several fundamental matrix elements, and the continuous breaking of new grounds, thus allowing a broader spectrum of measurements to become relevant to this quest. An important aspect of the experiment-lattice synergy is a comparison between lattice predictions with experiment for a variety of hadronic quantities. This talk summarizes current synergies between lattice QCD theory and flavor physics experiments, and gives some highlights of expectations from future upgrades. this work was supported by NSF.

Severe stuttering and motor tics responsive to cocaine.

PubMed

Linazasoro, G; Van Blercom, N

2007-02-01

Developmental stuttering and tics share many clinical and therapeutical aspects. Dopaminergic neurotransmission seems to be involved in the pathophysiology of both, tics and stuttering. We report on a patient with severe stuttering and mild facial tics which were dramatically improved by cocaine, challenging previous reports.

Correlations between gait speed, 6-minute walk distance, physical activity, and self-efficacy in patients with severe chronic lung disease.

PubMed

DePew, Zachary S; Karpman, Craig; Novotny, Paul J; Benzo, Roberto P

2013-12-01

Four-meter gait speed (4MGS) has been associated with functional capacity and overall mortality in elderly patients, and may easily be translated to daily practice. We evaluated the association of 4MGS with meaningful outcomes. In 70 subjects we conducted the 4MGS, 6-min walk test (6MWT), objectively measured physical activity, and assessed dyspnea, quality of life, and self-efficacy for walking and routine physical activity. 4MGS was measured in 3 separate time epochs during the 6MWT, to explore 4MGS variability. Diagnoses included COPD (51.4%), interstitial lung disease (38.6%), and other pulmonary conditions (10%). The mean ± SD values were: 4MGS 0.85 ± 0.21 m/s, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) 305 ± 115 m, and physical activity level 1.28 ± 0.17, which is consistent with severe physical inactivity. The gait speeds within the time epochs 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6 min during the 6MWT were not significantly different: 1.01 ± 0.29 m/s, 0.98 ± 0.31 m/s, and 1.00 ± 0.31 m/s, respectively. 4MGS had a significant correlation with 6MWD (r = 0.70, P < .001). 6MWD was the dominant variable for predicting 4MGS. Other significant predictors of 4MGS included dyspnea, self-efficacy, quality of life, and objectively measured physical activity. 4MGS is significantly and independently associated with 6MWD, and may serve as a reasonable simple surrogate for 6MWD in subjects with chronic lung disease. Gait speed was remarkably stable throughout the 6MWT, which supports the validity of an abbreviated walk test such as 4MGS.

Physics in Movies: Awareness Levels of Teacher Candidates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kizilcik, Hasan Sahin; Damli, Volkan; Unsal, Yasin

2014-01-01

The aim of this study is to draw attention to the informal education aspect of the movies shown and to determine the awareness levels about physics in movies of a small group composed of university students. That is an evaluation had been made among the films dealing explicitly with the basic content of physics, except for science fiction movies,…

Embodied Learning and School-Based Physical Culture: Implications for Professionalism and Practice in Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thorburn, Malcolm; Stolz, Steven

2017-01-01

We write as critical theorists, who consider that in terms of scoping out robust conceptual elaborations which are suitable for contemporary schooling, that physical education has ground to make up connecting theory with practice and practice with theory. We advocate that aspects of existentialism and phenomenology can provide a theoretically…

Synoptic and climatological aspects of extra-tropical cyclones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leckebusch, G. C.

2010-09-01

Mid-latitude cyclones are highly complex dynamical features embedded in the general atmospheric circulation of the extra-tropics. Although the basic mechanisms leading to the formation of cyclones are commonly understood, the specific conditions and physical reasons triggering extreme, partly explosive development, are still under investigation. This includes also the identification of processes which might modulate the frequency and intensity of cyclone systems on time scales from days to centennials. This overview presentation will thus focus on three main topics: Firstly, the dynamic-synoptic structures of cyclones, the possibility to objectively identify cyclones and wind storms, and actual statistical properties of cyclone occurrence under recent climate conditions are addressed. In a second part, aspects of the interannual variability and its causing mechanisms are related to the seasonal predictability of extreme cyclones producing severe storm events. Extending the time frame will mean to deduce information on decadal or even centennial time periods. Thus, actual work to decadal as well as climatological variability and changes will be presented. In the last part of the talk focus will be laid on potential socio-economical impacts of changed cyclone occurrence. By means of global and regional climate modeling, future damages in terms of insured losses will be investigated and measures of uncertainty estimated from a multi-model ensemble analysis will be presented.

2016 Final Reports from the Los Alamos National Laboratory Computational Physics Student Summer Workshop

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Runnels, Scott Robert; Bachrach, Harrison Ian; Carlson, Nils

The two primary purposes of LANL’s Computational Physics Student Summer Workshop are (1) To educate graduate and exceptional undergraduate students in the challenges and applications of computational physics of interest to LANL, and (2) Entice their interest toward those challenges. Computational physics is emerging as a discipline in its own right, combining expertise in mathematics, physics, and computer science. The mathematical aspects focus on numerical methods for solving equations on the computer as well as developing test problems with analytical solutions. The physics aspects are very broad, ranging from low-temperature material modeling to extremely high temperature plasma physics, radiation transportmore » and neutron transport. The computer science issues are concerned with matching numerical algorithms to emerging architectures and maintaining the quality of extremely large codes built to perform multi-physics calculations. Although graduate programs associated with computational physics are emerging, it is apparent that the pool of U.S. citizens in this multi-disciplinary field is relatively small and is typically not focused on the aspects that are of primary interest to LANL. Furthermore, more structured foundations for LANL interaction with universities in computational physics is needed; historically interactions rely heavily on individuals’ personalities and personal contacts. Thus a tertiary purpose of the Summer Workshop is to build an educational network of LANL researchers, university professors, and emerging students to advance the field and LANL’s involvement in it.« less

Nutrition-focused physical examination in pediatric patients.

PubMed

Green Corkins, Kelly

2015-04-01

A complete nutrition assessment includes several components: medical record review, anthropometric measurements, diet/nutrition intake, interview, and physical examination. The nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE) can identify or confirm muscle wasting, subcutaneous fat loss, and edema and clarify information gathered during the medical record review. The physical examination component of the nutrition assessment is more critical in pediatric patients because pediatric patients can become malnourished more quickly than adults and because prolonged malnutrition can negatively affect growth and development. In addition, case studies of micronutrient deficiencies, essential fatty acid deficiency, and protein-calorie malnutrition with skin manifestations have been reported in developed countries. The etiologies of the deficiencies are chronic disease, long-term tube feedings, or long-term parenteral nutrition. An NFPE involves an in-depth examination of the patient from head to toe by a trained nutrition professional. Nutrition professionals recognize the importance and value of an NFPE, yet it is seldom completed, particularly in pediatrics, most likely due to lack of training and lack of pediatric-specific information or training opportunities. Although there are similarities between NFPE in pediatric and adult patients such as the techniques used (inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation), there are important differences related to growth and development. This review provides an overview of nutrition assessment with focus on the NFPE and aspects unique to the pediatric patient. © 2015 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Intertwining evidence- and model-based reasoning in physics sensemaking: An example from electrostatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russ, Rosemary S.; Odden, Tor Ole B.

2017-12-01

Our field has long valued the goal of teaching students not just the facts of physics, but also the thinking and reasoning skills of professional physicists. The complexity inherent in scientific reasoning demands that we think carefully about how we conceptualize for ourselves, enact in our classes, and encourage in our students the relationship between the multifaceted practices of professional science. The current study draws on existing research in the philosophy of science and psychology to advocate for intertwining two important aspects of scientific reasoning: using evidence from experimentation and modeling. We present a case from an undergraduate physics course to illustrate how these aspects can be intertwined productively and describe specific ways in which these aspects of reasoning can mutually reinforce one another in student learning. We end by discussing implications for this work for instruction in introductory physics courses and for research on scientific reasoning at the undergraduate level.

Preparation of high-aspect-ratio ZnO nanorod arrays for the detection of several organic solvents at room working temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yi-Mu; Zheng, Min-Ren

2013-11-01

Chemical sensors based on ZnO nanorod arrays were prepared using chemical bath deposition (CBD) to investigate the sensing performance for the detection of several organic solvents with low concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, v/v) at room temperature. High quality and high aspect-ratio (value ˜28) ZnO nanorods have a diameter of about 74 nm and average length of 2.1 μm. Nyquist plots and Bode plots of the ZnO sensors under different organic solvents were obtained by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The sensing properties such as charge-transfer resistance, double-layer capacitance and dielectric parameters were determined from the impedance spectra to explore the charge transport in low-concentration aqueous solutions. The decreasing trend of the charge-transfer resistance (Rct) as decreasing solvent concentrations is observed, and a straight line at low frequency regime indicates adsorption of water molecules on the oxide surface. The sensitivity of the ZnO sensors was calculated from the resistance variation in target solvents and in deionized water. We demonstrated the use of ZnO nanorod arrays as a chemical sensor capable of generating a different response upon exposure to methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone and water, wherein the methanol sensing exhibited highest sensitivity. In addition, the ZnO sensor also demonstrates good stability and reproducibility for detection of methanol and ethanol.

Unified scaling behavior of physical properties of clays in alcohol solutions.

PubMed

Pujala, Ravi Kumar; Pawar, Nisha; Bohidar, H B

2011-12-15

This paper reports observation of universal scaling of physical properties of clay particles, Laponite (aspect ratio=30) (L) and Na Montmorillonite (MMT, aspect ratio=200), in aqueous alcohol solutions (methanol, ethanol and 1-propanol) with solvent polarity, defined through reaction field factor f(OH)(ɛ(0),n)=[(ɛ(0) - 1/ɛ(0) + 2) - (n(2) - 1/n(2) + 2)], at room temperature (20°C). Here, ɛ(0) and n are the static dielectric constant and refractive index of the solvent concerned. Physical properties (Z) such as zeta potential, effective aggregate size, viscosity and surface tension scaled with the relative solvent polarity as Z∼δf(α); δf=(f(w)(ɛ(0),n) - f(OH)(ɛ(0),n)), where f(w)(ɛ(0),n) is the reaction field factor for water, Z is the normalized physical property, and α is its characteristic scaling exponent. The value of this exponent was found to be invariant of aspect ratio of the clay but dependent on the solvent polarity only. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cancer rehabilitation in Austria--aspects of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

PubMed

Maehr, Bruno; Keilani, Mohammad; Wiltschke, Christoph; Hassler, Marco; Licht, Thomas; Marosi, Christine; Huetterer, Elisabeth; Cenik, Fadime; Crevenna, Richard

2016-02-01

In Austria, cancer rehabilitation is an important issue in the management of cancer patients. Survival rates and survival time of cancer patients are increasing, and cancer rehabilitation is an important part in the treatment and care of cancer patients with the goal to improve functional status, quality of life, and (social) participation. Today, in Austria there are approximately 600 beds for inpatient rehabilitation. The field of outpatient rehabilitation will maybe be expanded after evaluating the existing pilot projects. Beside other specialities, the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) plays an important role in cancer rehabilitation. In cancer rehabilitation, especially activating modalities from PM&R such as exercise are very important and well-accepted parts to improve functional status, quality of life, and participation of patients.

Physical activity in infancy: developmental aspects, measurement, and importance1234

PubMed Central

Worobey, John

2014-01-01

Relative to work on nutrient intake and growth in infancy and toddlerhood, research on physical activity (PA) from birth to age 24 mo is limited. In this review, the developmental course of PA in infancy and toddlerhood is described, and the issues that surround its measurement are addressed. Of the variety of techniques that allow for gauging PA in infancy and toddlerhood, caregiver questionnaires, direct observations, and motion sensors have been used most frequently. Although each method has shown utility, the limitations of each are also acknowledged. In addition, the relation of early PA to nutrition and overweight in infants is considered. Despite the challenges to accurately monitoring early PA, its possible contribution to early excess weight gain should be recognized. PMID:24477037

Extreme Fire Severity Patterns in Topographic, Convective and Wind-Driven Historical Wildfires of Mediterranean Pine Forests

PubMed Central

Lecina-Diaz, Judit; Alvarez, Albert; Retana, Javier

2014-01-01

Crown fires associated with extreme fire severity are extremely difficult to control. We have assessed fire severity using differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) from Landsat imagery in 15 historical wildfires of Pinus halepensis Mill. We have considered a wide range of innovative topographic, fuel and fire behavior variables with the purposes of (1) determining the variables that influence fire severity patterns among fires (considering the 15 wildfires together) and (2) ascertaining whether different variables affect extreme fire severity within the three fire types (topographic, convective and wind-driven fires). The among-fires analysis showed that fires in less arid climates and with steeper slopes had more extreme severity. In less arid conditions there was more crown fuel accumulation and closer forest structures, promoting high vertical and horizontal fuel continuity and extreme fire severity. The analyses carried out for each fire separately (within fires) showed more extreme fire severity in areas in northern aspects, with steeper slopes, with high crown biomass and in climates with more water availability. In northern aspects solar radiation was lower and fuels had less water limitation to growth which, combined with steeper slopes, produced more extreme severity. In topographic fires there was more extreme severity in northern aspects with steeper slopes and in areas with more water availability and high crown biomass; in convection-dominated fires there was also more extreme fire severity in northern aspects with high biomass; while in wind-driven fires there was only a slight interaction between biomass and water availability. This latter pattern could be related to the fact that wind-driven fires spread with high wind speed, which could have minimized the effect of other variables. In the future, and as a consequence of climate change, new zones with high crown biomass accumulated in non-common drought areas will be available to burn as extreme

Extreme fire severity patterns in topographic, convective and wind-driven historical wildfires of Mediterranean pine forests.

PubMed

Lecina-Diaz, Judit; Alvarez, Albert; Retana, Javier

2014-01-01

Crown fires associated with extreme fire severity are extremely difficult to control. We have assessed fire severity using differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) from Landsat imagery in 15 historical wildfires of Pinus halepensis Mill. We have considered a wide range of innovative topographic, fuel and fire behavior variables with the purposes of (1) determining the variables that influence fire severity patterns among fires (considering the 15 wildfires together) and (2) ascertaining whether different variables affect extreme fire severity within the three fire types (topographic, convective and wind-driven fires). The among-fires analysis showed that fires in less arid climates and with steeper slopes had more extreme severity. In less arid conditions there was more crown fuel accumulation and closer forest structures, promoting high vertical and horizontal fuel continuity and extreme fire severity. The analyses carried out for each fire separately (within fires) showed more extreme fire severity in areas in northern aspects, with steeper slopes, with high crown biomass and in climates with more water availability. In northern aspects solar radiation was lower and fuels had less water limitation to growth which, combined with steeper slopes, produced more extreme severity. In topographic fires there was more extreme severity in northern aspects with steeper slopes and in areas with more water availability and high crown biomass; in convection-dominated fires there was also more extreme fire severity in northern aspects with high biomass; while in wind-driven fires there was only a slight interaction between biomass and water availability. This latter pattern could be related to the fact that wind-driven fires spread with high wind speed, which could have minimized the effect of other variables. In the future, and as a consequence of climate change, new zones with high crown biomass accumulated in non-common drought areas will be available to burn as extreme

Most Physically Educated Contest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mercier, Kevin; Howard, Thomas

2018-01-01

It is seldom that the accomplishments of secondary physical education students are celebrated. The Most Physically Educated Contest was developed to allow students from several school districts to gather for appropriate competition and to display the characteristics of physical literacy attained from participation in high-quality physical…

Self-Determination: Hearing the Voices of Adults with Physical Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stoner, Julia B.; Angell, Maureen E.; House, Jennifer J.; Goins, Kelly

2006-01-01

Most current self-determination research focuses on adults with developmental disabilities but neglects adults with physical disabilities who depend on caregivers for many or most aspects of daily living. This study investigated the perceptions of 12 adults with physical disabilities related to their self-reported abilities and opportunities to…

Mental Health Aspects of Victims of Crime with Special Reference to Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharma, Parul

2005-01-01

Every woman, man, youth and child has the human right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, without discrimination of any kind. This is enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Enjoyment of the human right to health is vital to all aspects of a person's life and well-being,…

Modelling Mathematical Reasoning in Physics Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhden, Olaf; Karam, Ricardo; Pietrocola, Maurício; Pospiech, Gesche

2012-04-01

Many findings from research as well as reports from teachers describe students' problem solving strategies as manipulation of formulas by rote. The resulting dissatisfaction with quantitative physical textbook problems seems to influence the attitude towards the role of mathematics in physics education in general. Mathematics is often seen as a tool for calculation which hinders a conceptual understanding of physical principles. However, the role of mathematics cannot be reduced to this technical aspect. Hence, instead of putting mathematics away we delve into the nature of physical science to reveal the strong conceptual relationship between mathematics and physics. Moreover, we suggest that, for both prospective teaching and further research, a focus on deeply exploring such interdependency can significantly improve the understanding of physics. To provide a suitable basis, we develop a new model which can be used for analysing different levels of mathematical reasoning within physics. It is also a guideline for shifting the attention from technical to structural mathematical skills while teaching physics. We demonstrate its applicability for analysing physical-mathematical reasoning processes with an example.

Biomedical and environmental aspects of the thorium fuel cycle: a selected, annotated bibliography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Faust, R.A.; Fore, C.S.; Cone, M.V.

1979-07-01

This bibliography was compiled to assist in the evaluation of the health and environmental consequences of high specific activity thorium and related nuclides which could be released to the environment by activities related to the Thorium Fuel Cycle. The general scope covers studies regarding potential releases, environmental transport, metabolism, dosimetry, dose assessment, and overall risk assessment for radionuclides specific to the NASAP project. This publication of 740 abstracted references highlights the biological and medical aspects of thorium 228 and thorium 232 in man and animals. Similar studies on related nuclides such as radium 224, radium 226, radium 228, and thoriummore » 230 are also emphasized. Additional categories relevant to these radionuclides are included as follows: chemical analysis; ecological aspects; energy; geological aspects; instrumentation; legal and political aspects; monitoring, measurement and analysis; physical aspects; production; radiation safety and control; and waste disposal and management. Environmental assessment and sources categories were used for entries which contain a multiple use of categories. Leading authors appear alphabetically within each category. Indexes are provided for : author(s), geographic location, keywords, title, and publication description. The bibliography contains literature dating from December 1925 to February 1978.« less

Severity of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Nursing Home Residents.

PubMed

Helvik, Anne-Sofie; Engedal, Knut; Wu, Bei; Benth, Jūratė Šaltytė; Corazzini, Kirsten; Røen, Irene; Selbæk, Geir

2016-01-01

We aimed at assessing time shift in the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in nursing home residents between 2004/2005 and 2010/2011 and associations between NPS and socio-demographic variables, physical health status, dementia severity, and the use of psychotropic drugs. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home Version was used in 2004/2005 (n = 1,163) and 2010/2011 (n = 1,858). Linear mixed model analysis was applied. There was no time shift in the severity of apathy, psychosis, and affective symptoms, but agitation did exhibit a time shift. Agitation was less severe in 2010/2011 than in 2004/2005 in residents with a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) sum of boxes score ≤4, and more severe in residents with a CDR sum of boxes score >16. Higher CDR sum of boxes scores and use of psychotropic medication were associated with more severe apathy, agitation, psychosis, and affective symptoms. Poor physical health was associated with more severe apathy, psychosis, and affective symptoms. Women had more severe agitation and less severe affective symptoms than men. A longer stay in a nursing home was associated with more severe agitation and less severe affective symptoms. In conclusion, agitation was less severe in 2010/2011 than in 2004/2005 among nursing home residents with a milder degree of dementia, and more severe in residents with severe dementia.

Selecting the correct solution to a physics problem when given several possibilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richards, Evan Thomas

Despite decades of research on what learning actions are associated with effective learners (Palincsar and Brown, 1984; Atkinson, et al., 2000), the literature has not fully addressed how to cue those actions (particularly within the realm of physics). Recent reforms that integrate incorrect solutions suggest a possible avenue to reach those actions. However, there is only a limited understanding as to what actions are invoked with such reforms (Grosse and Renkl, 2007). This paper reports on a study that tasked participants with selecting the correct solution to a physics problem when given three possible solutions, where only one of the solutions was correct and the other two solutions contained errors. Think aloud protocol data (Ericsson and Simon, 1993) was analyzed per a framework adapted from Palincsar and Brown (1984). Cued actions were indeed connected to those identified in the worked example literature. Particularly satisfying is the presence of internal consistency checks (i.e., are the solutions self-consistent?), which is a behavior predicted by the Palincsar and Brown (1984) framework, but not explored in the worked example realm. Participant discussions were also found to be associated with those physics-related solution features that were varied across solutions (such as fundamental principle selection or system and surroundings selections).

Science Awareness and Science Literacy through the Basic Physics Course: Physics with a bit of Metaphysics?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusli, Aloysius

2016-08-01

Until the 1980s, it is well known and practiced in Indonesian Basic Physics courses, to present physics by its effective technicalities: The ideally elastic spring, the pulley and moving blocks, the thermodynamics of ideal engine models, theoretical electrostatics and electrodynamics with model capacitors and inductors, wave behavior and its various superpositions, and hopefully closed with a modern physics description. A different approach was then also experimented with, using the Hobson and Moore texts, stressing the alternative aim of fostering awareness, not just mastery, of science and the scientific method. This is hypothesized to be more in line with the changed attitude of the so-called Millenials cohort who are less attentive if not interested, and are more used to multi-tasking which suits their shorter span of attention. The upside is increased awareness of science and the scientific method. The downside is that they are getting less experience of the scientific method which intensely bases itself on critical observation, analytic thinking to set up conclusions or hypotheses, and checking consistency of the hypotheses with measured data. Another aspect is recognition that the human person encompasses both the reasoning capacity and the mental- spiritual-cultural capacity. This is considered essential, as the world grows even smaller due to increased communication capacity, causing strong interactions, nonlinear effects, and showing that value systems become more challenging and challenged due to physics / science and its cosmology, which is successfully based on the scientific method. So students should be made aware of the common basis of these two capacities: the assumptions, the reasoning capacity and the consistency assumption. This shows that the limits of science are their set of basic quantifiable assumptions, and the limits of the mental-spiritual-cultural aspects of life are their set of basic metaphysical (non-quantifiable) assumptions. The

Nutritional Aspects of Dysphagia Management.

PubMed

Gallegos, C; Brito-de la Fuente, E; Clavé, P; Costa, A; Assegehegn, G

This chapter describes the nutritional aspects of dysphagia management by starting with the definition of these two conditions (dysphagia and malnutrition) that share three main clinical characteristics: (a) their prevalence is very high, (b) they can lead to severe complications, and (c) they are frequently underrecognized and neglected conditions. From an anatomical standpoint, dysphagia can result from oropharyngeal and/or esophageal causes; from a pathophysiological perspective, dysphagia can be caused by organic or structural diseases (either benign or malignant) or diseases causing impaired physiology (mainly motility and/or perception disorders). This chapter gathers up-to-date information on the screening and diagnosis of oropharyngeal dysphagia, the consequences of dysphagia (aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration), and on the nutritional management of dysphagic patients. Concerning this last topic, this chapter reviews the rheological aspects of swallowing and dysphagia (including shear and elongational flows) and its influence on the characteristics of the enteral nutrition for dysphagia management (solid/semisolid foods and thickened liquids; ready-to-use oral nutritional supplements and thickening powders), with special focus on the real characteristics of the bolus after mixing with human saliva. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physical Education Objectives. DOD Dependents Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dependents Schools (DOD), Washington, DC.

These program objectives were developed to support the Department of Defense Dependent Schools Five Year Curriculum Development Plan and are designed to provide a basis for elementary, middle, and secondary school physical education curricula. A balance of psychomotor, cognitive, and affective aspects is emphasized. General, program, and…

Management of diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents: engaging in physical activity.

PubMed

Nadella, Silpa; Indyk, Justin A; Kamboj, Manmohan K

2017-07-01

Regular physical activity is an important component in the management of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM), as it has the potential to improve glycemic control, delay cardiovascular complications, and increase overall well-being. Unfortunately, many children and adolescents with diabetes do not partake in regular exercise and physical activity for multiple reasons. This review identifies the barriers to participation from the aspect of the patient, caregiver, and the healthcare provider. The management of physical activity of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus is unique and requires an understanding of exercise physiology and how it differs in these children and adolescents from those without the condition. These individuals are at risk for important and potentially life threatening complications including, but not limited to, severe or delayed nocturnal hypoglycemia. It is essential to identify these risks as well as, monitor and manage adjustments to carbohydrate intake and insulin dosing through basal-bolus regimen or insulin pump adjustments appropriately before, during, and after the exercise activity. This review discusses these issues and also outlines differences in management between patients with T1DM and T2DM.

Comparative Study of Physics Curriculum in Iran with Several Other Countries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shekarbaghani, Ashrafoalsadat

2016-01-01

This article is a qualitative study, which was done in 2013-2014. In this study using a comparative study was conducted to compare physics curriculum elements of Iran with the countries studied. Countries studied: Singapore, Turkey, India, England and Australia have diverse educational system. In this study, the structure of the educational…

Neurologic aspects of microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II.

PubMed

Galasso, Cinzia; Lo-Castro, Adriana; Lalli, Cristina; Cerminara, Caterina; Curatolo, Paolo

2008-06-01

Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II is a specific disorder characterized by severe intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, acquired microcephaly, cerebrovascular abnormalities, progressive bone dysplasia, and a characteristic face. Whereas the diagnostic features of this syndrome are well-recognized, the neurologic aspects have not been clearly defined. We report on a detailed neurodevelopmental follow-up study of a new case of microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II, followed from the first years of life to adolescence, and we discuss the neurocognitive features of our patient. We also review the neurologic aspects of this disorder compared with syndromes with overlapping phenotypes, such as microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism types I and III and Seckel syndrome.

Physical Aspects of Light--"Seeing Parameters". Lighting Techniques in Architecture (Madison, December 9-10, 1969).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turek, Robert W.

In order to judge or design the lighting of an interior a person must be able to understand and take into account many aspects of seeing and illumination. Important areas of consideration are--(1) factors that contribute to the visibility of an object: size, brightness, contrast, and time, (2) radiant energy with regard to the visible spectrums of…

Determinants of change in physical activity during moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbation

PubMed Central

Esteban, Cristóbal; Quintana, José M; Garcia-Gutierrez, Susana; Anton-Ladislao, Ane; Gonzalez, Nerea; Baré, Marisa; Fernández de Larrea, Nerea; Rivas-Ruiz, Francisco

2016-01-01

Background Data are scarce on patient physical activity (PA) level during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (eCOPD). The objective of the study was to evaluate the level and determinants of change in PA during an eCOPD. Materials and methods We conducted a prospective cohort study with recruitment from emergency departments (EDs) of 16 participating hospitals from June 2008 to September 2010. Data were recorded on socioeconomic characteristics, dyspnea, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%), comorbidities, health-related quality of life, factors related to exacerbation, and PA in a stable clinical condition and during the eCOPD episode. Results We evaluated 2,487 patients. Common factors related to the change in PA during hospital admission or 7 days after discharge to home from the ED were lower PA at baseline and during the first 24 hours after the index evaluation. Age, quality of life, living alone, length of hospital stay, and use of anticholinergic or systemic corticosteroids in treating the exacerbation were associated with the change in PA among hospitalized patients. Predictors of change among patients not admitted to hospital were baseline FEV1% and dyspnea at rest on ED arrival. Conclusion Among the patients evaluated in an ED for an eCOPD, the level and change in PA was markedly variable. Factors associated with exacerbation (PA 24 hours after admission, medication during admission, and length of hospital stay) and variables reflecting patients’ stable clinical condition (low level of PA, age, quality of life, FEV1%) are predictors of the change in PA during a moderate-to-severe eCOPD. PMID:26893555

Physical activity and its correlation to diabetic retinopathy.

PubMed

Praidou, Anna; Harris, Martin; Niakas, Dimitrios; Labiris, Georgios

2017-02-01

The lack of physical activity, along with obesity, smoking, hypertension and hyperglycaemia are considered as risk factors for the occurrence of diseases such as diabetes. Primary objective of the study was to investigate potential correlation between physical activity and diabetic retinopathy. Three hundred and twenty patients were included in the study: 240 patients with diabetes type 2 (80 patients with mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 80 patients with severe to very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 80 ones with proliferative diabetic retinopathy) were compared with 80 non-diabetic patients (control group). Physical activity of patients was assessed by the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ, 2002). HbA1c and BMI were also measured in diabetic patients. Group comparisons were attempted for levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Total physical activity was decreased in patients with severe to very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy as compared to patients with mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and to the control group (p<0.05). Significant negative correlation was detected between HbA1c levels, BMI and physical activity (both p<0.05). Moreover, significant negative correlation between the severity of diabetic retinopathy and physical activity has been demonstrated (p<0.05). Increased physical activity is associated with less severe levels of diabetic retinopathy, independent of the effects of HbA1c and BMI. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sex differences in physics learning and evaluations in an introductory course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blue, Jennifer Marie

On a national level, boys and men score higher than girls and women on science and math tests. There have been several investigations into the reasons for these differences, with some believing that they are caused by innate biological sex differences and some that they are caused by social and cultural gender differences. In addition, women who plan to major in science and engineering drop out of those majors at higher rates than men do. This study was designed to contribute to the ongoing discussion about why these differences between women and men exist. This study compared post-test physics scores of a matched sample of men and women to see whether there were differences in how much physics had been learned at the end of a course when there were few differences at the beginning of the course. The study also looked at the ratings that men and women gave to the problem solving method and the sections of the course that used cooperative grouping. It was found that, although the population of students taking Physics 1251 showed differences in performance on physics tests both at the beginning and at the end of the course, when students were matched according to their high school background and their physics pretest scores there was no difference in their post-test scores. It was also found that women liked the relevant aspects of the course more than men did. Implications of these results are discussed.

Influences of Resistance Training on Physical Function in Older, Obese Men and Women With Sarcopenia.

PubMed

Stoever, Katja; Heber, Anke; Eichberg, Sabine; Brixius, Klara

Sarcopenic obesity is associated with disability, gait problems, and falls. Activities of daily living such as walking and climbing stairs are physically difficult or impossible for the individual with severe obesity. These aspects also limit participation in recreational activities or exercise programs. However, good muscle function is crucial to maintain functional independence. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of resistance training on physical function in older, obese persons with sarcopenia. The study was conducted in a pre-test/post-test design with 2 intervention groups. The participants were physically inactive and obese older adults (≥65 years, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m), without severe diseases. They were divided into a group with sarcopenia (SAR, n = 28) and a group with no or presarcopenia (NSAR, n = 20). The intervention consisted of progressive resistance training, undertaken twice a week for 16 weeks, increasing to 80% to 85% of maximum strength with 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions. Sarcopenia was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), hand-grip strength, and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). In addition, the modified Physical Performance Test (PPT) and the Functional Reach Test were used for determining physical function. After training, participants in the SAR group were able to significantly increase their performance in hand-grip strength (by 9%), gait speed (by 5%), SPPB score (by 13%), and modified PPT score (by 11%). In SPPB and modified PPT, they could reach the values of the NSAR group's baseline performance. The NSAR group participants were also able to improve their already good performance at baseline in the 2 tests of physical function after training (SPPB score by 10%, modified PPT score by 7%). However, the participants of both groups could not increase the results of the SMI and the Functional Reach Test. The participants of both groups improved their physical performance in several parameters

[Severe infections in children with sickle cell disease: clinical aspects and prevention].

PubMed

Bégué, P; Castello-Herbreteau, B

2001-09-01

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is associated with frequent and often severe infections as a result of immune function impairment and functional asplenia. Also, infection can trigger a vasoocclusive crisis. Pneumonococcal bacteremia and meningitis due to S. pneumoniae are often lethal and justify the penicillin prophylaxis, which has provided a dramatic decrease in early mortality bacterial pneumonia is common in patients younger than four years, with most cases being due to S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae. Acute chest syndrome is both a difficult differential diagnosis and a common concomitant of bacterial pneumonia, because they are often intricated. Osteomyelitis is generally due to Salmonella, most often S. enteritidis. Multiple foci are common and treatment is difficult, with some patients developing chronic osteomyelitis with sequestration. Osteomyelitis is less frequent in developed countries and must been differentiated with bone infarction by use of bone scintigraphy. Parvovirus B19 infection causes acute erythroblastopenias. Malaria does not result in cerebral malaria, but can lead to severe anaemia or vasoocclusive crisis, and should therefore be effectively prevented. Antimicrobials are generally selected for efficacy against pneumococci (septicemia, meningitis), Salmonella (osteomyelitis, meningitis), and M. pneumoniae (pneumonia). Prophylactic therapy is of paramount importance and relies on long-term or lifelong penicillin therapy started at three months of age and no closely-spaced immunizations, most notably against peumococci, hepatitis B virus, S. typhi and H. influenzae. Resistant pneumococcal strains have not been reported to cause prophylactic treatment failures. New conjugated pneumococcal vaccines are effective in protecting very young infants and should therefore be used in sickle cell patients.

Predictors of HIV-risk sexual behavior: examining lifetime sexual and physical abuse histories in relation to substance use and psychiatric problem severity among ex-offenders.

PubMed

Majer, John M; Rodriguez, Jaclyn; Bloomer, Craig; Jason, Leonard A

2014-01-01

Lifetime histories of sexual and physical abuse have been associated with increased HIV-risk sexual behavior, and some studies have identified other variables associated with these relationships. However, there is a dearth of literature that has critically examined abuse histories and HIV-risk sexual behavior in relation to these other variables. Predictors of HIV-risk sexual behavior were analyzed among a sample of ex-offenders who were completing inpatient substance dependence treatment to identify factors related to increases in HIV-risk sexual behavior beyond that of abuse histories. Hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine sociodemographic characteristics, recent substance use, and current psychiatric problem severity in addition to lifetime histories of sexual/physical abuse in a cross-sectional design. Gender, substance use, and psychiatric problem severity predicted increases in HIV-risk sexual behavior beyond what was predicted by abuse histories. Proportionately more women than men reported abuse histories. In addition, significantly more unprotected sexual than safer sexual practices were observed, but differences in these practices based on lifetime abuse histories and gender were not significant. Findings suggest recent substance use and current psychiatric problem severity are greater risk factors for HIV-risk sexual behavior than lifetime abuse histories among persons who have substance use disorders.

Which tinnitus-related aspects are relevant for quality of life and depression: results from a large international multicentre sample

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate, which aspects of tinnitus are most relevant for impairment of quality of life. For this purpose we analysed how responses to the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and to the question “How much of a problem is your tinnitus at present” correlate with the different aspects of quality of life and depression. Methods 1274 patients of the Tinnitus Research Initiative database were eligible for analysis. The Tinnitus Research Initiative database is composed of eight study centres from five countries. We assessed to which extent the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and its subscales and single items as well as the tinnitus severity correlate with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score and different domains of the short version of the WHO-Quality of Life questionnaire (WHO-QoL Bref) by means of simple and multiple linear regression models. Results The THI explained considerable portions of the variance of the WHO-QoL Physical Health (R2 = 0.39) and Psychological Health (R2 = 0.40) and the BDI (R2 = 0.46). Furthermore, multiple linear regression models which included each THI item separately explained an additional 5% of the variance compared to the THI total score. The items feeling confused from tinnitus, the trouble of falling asleep at night, the interference with job or household responsibilities, getting upset from tinnitus, and the feeling of being depressed were those with the highest influence on quality of life and depression. The single question with regard to tinnitus severity explained 18%, 16%, and 20% of the variance of Physical Health, Psychological Health, and BDI respectively. Conclusions In the context of a cross-sectional correlation analysis, our findings confirmed the strong and consistent relationships between self-reported tinnitus burden and both quality of life, and depression. The single question “How much of a problem is your tinnitus” reflects tinnitus

Which tinnitus-related aspects are relevant for quality of life and depression: results from a large international multicentre sample.