Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Various Activities (various + activity)
Selected AbstractsResponsibility attribution and support provision in an intergroup context: An examination in a simulated society game,JAPANESE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2002Kaori Karasawa Abstract: Two studies were conducted to examine the relationship between ingroup identification, responsibility attribution, and attitude toward support provision. The data were collected from the participants of a simulated society game named SIMINSOC (Simulated International Society; Hirose, 1997). The global society in the game includes two rich regions and two poor regions, and the poor regions need to obtain support from rich regions for survival. In the two studies, participants were randomly assigned to either rich or poor regions, were engaged in various activities in the game, and answered questions concerning the identification, responsibility attribution, and attitude toward support provision. The results indicated that responsibility attributions were biased to favor the ingroups. Furthermore, poor regions believed that they should be supported more than the rich regions intended to provide support. Structural equation analyses suggested that the intergroup bias in attribution was increased when identification toward the ingroup was strong. The discussion considers the implications of the findings for interactions between groups. [source] Relationships among perceptions of parent involvement, time allocation, and demographic characteristics: Implication for policy formationJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Shulamit N. Ritblatt Variables that facilitate or hinder parent involvement (PI) in education and schools were explored, along with the amounts of time parents spent in various activities. A total of 506 participants from San Diego and Imperial Counties completed the first part of the study (1) designed to assess parents' beliefs about involvement with their child's school and education. Of these same participants, 357 self-selected parents also chose to complete a second part of the study (2) that assessed the amount of time parents spend in education-related activities. Factor analysis of the 506 participant responses revealed four school perception factors related to parent attitudes: (a) communication, (b) familiarity, (c) sensitivity, and (d) support. Factor analysis of the 357 participant responses to the time factors also revealed four involvement areas: (a) general school issues, (b) specific school issues, (c) extracurricular school activities, and (d) specific help. Significant relationships were found among three of the attitudinal factors (sensitivity, familiarity, and support) and various time factors, including total involvement time, general issues, specific problems, and extracurricular issues. Further, significant differences among means were found for both the school perception factors and the time factors based on ethnic background, income, and marital status. Recommendations for increasing parent involvement and formulating public policy are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Dynamic activity dependence of in vivo normal knee kinematicsJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008Taka-aki Moro-oka Abstract Dynamic knee kinematics were analyzed for normal knees in three activities, including two different types of maximum knee flexion. Continuous X-ray images of kneel, squat, and stair climb motions were taken using a large flat panel detector. CT-derived bone models were used for model registration-based 3D kinematic measurement. Three-dimensional joint kinematics and contact locations were determined using three methods: bone-fixed coordinate systems, interrogation of CT-based bone model surfaces, and interrogation of MR-based articular cartilage model surfaces. The femur exhibited gradual external rotation throughout the flexion range. Tibiofemoral contact exhibited external rotation, with contact locations translating posterior while maintaining 15° to 20° external rotation from 20° to 80° of flexion. From 80° to maximum flexion, contact locations showed a medial pivot pattern. Kinematics based on bone-fixed coordinate systems differed from kinematics based on interrogation of CT and MR surfaces. Knee kinematics varied significantly by activity, especially in deep flexion. No posterior subluxation occurred for either femoral condyle in maximum knee flexion. Normal knees accommodate a range of motions during various activities while maintaining geometric joint congruency. © Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:428,434, 2008 [source] Effect of leg exercises on popliteal venous blood flow during prolonged immobility of seated subjects: implications for prevention of travel-related deep vein thrombosisJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 9 2007K. HITOS Summary.,Background:,Venous stasis is an important contributing factor in the development of travel-related deep vein thrombosis. This study examined factors affecting popliteal venous blood flow in order to determine the most effective exercise regimen to prevent venous stasis. Methods:,Twenty-one healthy subjects were randomly assigned to various activities over a 9-week period. Subjects remained seated throughout the investigation and 3660 duplex ultrasound examinations were performed by a single examiner using a SonoSite 180 Plus handheld ultrasound. Baseline popliteal vein blood flow velocity, cross-sectional area and volume flow in subjects sitting motionless were assessed in the first 3 weeks. The remaining 6 weeks involved subjects performing airline-recommended activities, foot exercises, foot exercises against moderate resistance and foot exercises against increased resistance in order to determine the most beneficial method for enhancing popliteal venous flow. Sitting with feet not touching the floor and the effect of sleeping were also assessed. Results:,The median age of the subjects was 22 years (range: 18,25.5 years), height 171 cm (162.5,180.5 cm) and body mass index 25.3 kg m,2 (23.2,26.3 kg m,2). Blood volume flow in the popliteal vein was reduced by almost 40% with immobility of seated subjects and by almost 2-fold when sitting motionless with feet not touching the floor. Foot exercises against increased resistance positively enhanced volume flow (P < 0.0001). Conclusion:,Leg exercise regimens enhanced popliteal venous flow during prolonged immobility of seated subjects, reinforcing the importance of regular leg movement to prevent venous stasis during prolonged sitting, such as in long-distance travel. [source] Everyday activities and social contacts among older deaf sign language users: Relationships to health and well-beingOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2006Monica Werngren-Elgström Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe the everyday activities and social contacts among older deaf sign language users, and to investigate relationships between these phenomena and the health and well-being within this group. The study population comprised deaf sign language users, 65 years or older, in Sweden. Data collection was based on interviews in sign language, including open-ended questions covering everyday activities and social contacts as well as self-rated instruments measuring aspects of health and subjective well-being. The results demonstrated that the group of participants was homogeneous in their productive and leisure activities, regardless of gender and age. The number of productive activities was related to all aspects of health, while the number of leisure activities was related to perceived health and subjective well-being. No significant relationship was found between aspects of health and subjective well-being and the frequency of social contacts with family/relatives or visiting the deaf club and meeting friends. It is concluded that the variety of activities at the deaf clubs are important for the subjective well-being of older deaf sign language users. Further research should investigate the importance and perceived value of the various activities at the deaf clubs. When evaluating the results of this study, the fact that the total number of participants was small, and the dropout rate was high, has to be borne in mind. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Using surveillance data to promote occupational health and safety policies and practice at the state level: A case study,,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2010Geoffrey M. Calvert MD Abstract Background Following the investigation of a birth defects cluster involving migrant farmworkers employed in North Carolina and Florida, it became clear that greater efforts were needed to protect agricultural workers from pesticide exposure. Methods Documentation is drawn from peer-reviewed published articles, government reports and news accounts. Results The birth defects cluster was identified and investigated by state and federal pesticide poisoning surveillance system staff. Following the investigation, efforts were initiated to highlight pesticides as an important public health issue needing more attention. A series of subsequent events led to the creation and passage of important legislation recently enacted in North Carolina. The legislation resulted in funding to promote various activities to prevent harm from pesticides including strengthening surveillance, improving the quality of pesticide compliance inspections, and increasing and improving pesticide safety training. The legislation also broadened the coverage of anti-retaliation rules to include agricultural workers, and increased recordkeeping requirements pertaining to pesticide applications. Conclusion The important and positive impacts that can occur through surveillance activities are highlighted. As such, it is important to continue to support and improve occupational illness and injury surveillance programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:188,193 2010. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Specialized use of two fingers in free-ranging aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis)AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2008Stanislav Lhota Abstract The aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) possesses a highly specialized hand with two fingers, the third and the fourth, being used in a way unparalleled by any other primate. We observed the use of the third and the fourth fingers in various activities in four free-ranging aye-ayes. We found that the thin third finger was used exclusively or preferably for tapping, inserting into the mouth (probably for cleaning the teeth) and probing for nectar, kernels and insects in bamboo, twigs and live wood. In contrast, the robust fourth finger was used preferably when eating jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). When probing for invertebrates in soft plant tissues and in dead wood, both fingers were used in high proportions. To extract the contents from coconuts, the two fingers were apparently used for different tasks. From this small (686 observations), but unique, study of free-ranging aye-ayes, we conclude that the third finger appears to be specialized for use in tasks requiring high mobility, sensitivity and precision, whereas the fourth finger appears to be specialized for tasks requiring strength, scooping action and deep access. Am. J. Primatol. 70:786,795, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Dynamic Display, Propaganda, and the Reinforcement of Provincial Power in the Inca EmpireARCHEOLOGICAL PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, Issue 1 2004Dennis Ogburn A primary objective of the Inca state and other early empires was to maintain control over the inhabitants of conquered territories. In addition to overt tactics such as military force, resettlement, alliance formation, and cultural and economic integration, I suggest that many other activities of the Inca state also served to reinforce state power in the provinces. This was achieved by establishing and maintaining a "psychology of submission" in subject peoples through frequent reminders of imperial power, that is, advertising state control over labor. Display in this form was a major implicit element in various activities of the empire, such as the movement of armies, the transport of building stones from Cuzco to Ecuador, and the construction of imperial temples and palaces. These activities served as potent public demonstrations of the state's ability to mobilize large armies and control enormous amounts of labor. Propaganda also played a major role in maintaining the psychology of submission by disseminating information about those activities having an element of display and about other accomplishments of the state to people who did not witness them firsthand. Considered in light of these mechanisms of display and propaganda, many of the apparently wasteful activities of the Inca state can be understood as deliberate and integral to overall imperial strategies for maintaining control in the provinces. [source] Jaccoud's arthropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: Differentiation of deforming and erosive patterns by magnetic resonance imagingARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 1 2003Benedikt Ostendorf Objective To evaluate alterations of the soft tissues, tendons, and bones as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),associated arthritis of the finger joints. Methods Both hands of 14 patients with SLE of various activities and durations and with arthritis and/or deformities of the finger joints were examined by MRI and conventional radiography. Coronal T1-weighted spin-echo (with and without gadolinium contrast), axial T2-weighted turbo spin-echo, coronal fat-suppressed short tau inversion recovery, and 3-dimensional double-echo steady-state sequences were acquired and analyzed, and the findings were compared with those from conventional radiographs. Results MRI detected periarticular capsular swelling in all 14 patients, joint effusion in 7, edematous tenosynovitis in 6, proliferative tenosynovitis (flexor and/or extensor tendons) in 4, and intraarticular signs of synovial membrane hypertrophy in 10 patients, 9 of whom showed enhancement after administration of contrast medium. Bony erosions were identified in 8 patients by MRI; conventional radiography missed these erosions in 2 of the 8 patients. Four of the 14 patients were designated as Jaccoud's arthropathy index,positive, and all 4 showed severe edematous tenosynovitis and capsular swelling, but no signs of bony erosions despite longstanding disease (mean 21.5 years). Four of the 10 patients with mild deformity exhibited prominent soft tissue pathology, with minimal destruction of bone; the other 6 patients had bony alterations that resembled rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion In SLE patients with arthritis of the finger joints, MRI detects characteristic signs of soft tissue pathology (e.g., capsular swelling, edematous and proliferative tenosynovitis, synovial hypertrophy) and bony alterations (e.g., erosions, some of which are missed by conventional radiography). MRI thus helps to distinguish different types of lupus arthritis/Jaccoud's arthropathy, which allows more differentiated treatment strategies and monitoring. [source] Auraptene, a citrus fruit compound, regulates gene expression as a PPAR, agonist in HepG2 hepatocytesBIOFACTORS, Issue 1 2008Nobuyuki Takahashi Abstract Citrus fruit compounds have various activities that improve pathological conditions in many tissues. In this study, we examined the effect of auraptene contained mainly in the peel of citrus on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-, (PPAR,) activation. To examine effects of auraptene on the PPAR, activation in hepatocytes, PPAR ligand assay system was developed using HepG2 hepatocytes, in which the endogenous PPAR, expression level is very low. In the PPAR ligand assay, the addition of auraptene showed significant effects on the transactivation of GAL4/PPAR, chimera proteins in a dose-dependent manner. Actually, treatment with auraptene induced the up-regulation of PPAR target genes, such as acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), carnitine-palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A) and acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS), in PPAR,-expressing HepG2 hepatocytes. The regulation of gene expression was dependent on PPAR, because mock-transfected HepG2 hepatocytes showed no regulation. The up-regulation of PPAR target gene expression by auraptene was sufficient to enhance oleic acid uptake into PPAR,-expressing HepG2 hepatocytes. These results indicate that auraptene acts as a PPAR, agonist in hepatocytes and that auraptene may improve lipid abnormality through PPAR, activation in the liver. [source] Therapeutic Equivalence , Clinical Issues and Statistical Methodology in Noninferiority TrialsBIOMETRICAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2005Axel Munk This special issue on therapeutic equivalence contains a selection of 8 papers presented at the conference ,Therapeutic Equivalence , Clinical Issues and Statistical Methodology in Noninferiority Trials' held in Düsseldorf, December 12,13, 2003. The aim of this conference was to gather experts from academics, industry and regulatory agencies in the field of therapeutic equivalence, in particular of noninferiority trials. Originally initiated as a small workshop, it soon turned out that there is obviously strong need to discuss these challenging issues at a broader auditorium. Indeed, the feedback to this conference was overwhelming, finally more than 300 researchers participated. Hence the idea emerged to collect the results and discussions in a single journal issue. It took more than a year to finish it, and various activities in this rapidly developing area have been going on and were incorporated. We are very grateful to the Editors E. Brunner and M. Schumacher of the Biometrical Journal for their encouragement and support to publish this special issue on the occasion of this conference. Further, the technical assistance and expertise of G. Skipka and K. Thangavelu is gratefully acknowledged. We are also indebted to Peter Bauer and Stephen Senn for their discussions of the subsequent articles by Bristol, Freitag, Hauschke, Slacik-Erben, Hensen and Kaufmann, Hung, Wang and O'Neill, Lange and Freitag, Tsong and Zhang, Wellek, and last but not least we would like to thank Joachim Röhmel for his contribution to this special issue. Joachim Röhmel contributed significantly during the last three decades to various branches of biostatistical research, and in particular to the design and analysis of equivalence trials. The aim of this special issue is therefore twofold, it is also devoted to the occasion of Joachim Röhmel's retirement from BfArM in 2004. In the following we would briefly like to express our deep appreciation of his scientific work. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Administration of medicines to children using sports and leisure facilities: a survey of the South West of EnglandCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2008S. Bedwani Abstract Background It is widely recognized that a healthy diet and regular exercise are important for general health. Sports and leisure centres are providing many opportunities for children to participate in various activities. Methods A pre-piloted questionnaire was sent to the manager of sports and leisure centres throughout the South West of England to look at provision for the administration and storage of medication. Results Response rate is 66%. While 91% of centres have sessions for children without a parent present, only 57% had a policy for administration of medication. Conclusion Despite clear guidance on administration of medicine being available, relatively few sports and leisure facilities we surveyed are currently operating within this framework. At present, the current practice regarding administration of medicine in many leisure facilities seems to be suboptimal. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||