An exploratory study of the development of perceived body image in elite female artistic gymnasts in one central programme

Women\u27s elite gymnastics is characterised by subjective and aesthetic judgement and together with increasing technical requirements imposes strict body composition and body image requirements throughout the international gymnastic community. Limited research has been conducted on the younger, smaller, leaner and almost prepubescent gymnasts who now dominate the International arena. The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the way in which current and retired elite, female artistic gymnasts perceive their own and the ideal gymnast\u27s body image, and to identify factors influencing the development of these perceptions. Nineteen subjects were drawn from one Australian women\u27s artistic gymnastics training programme. They included: (a) current gymnasts in the sub-junior level aged eight to 10 years and junior level aged II to 14 years; (b) retired gymnasts aged 16 to 19 years who had trained and competed in the senior level of the programme, and (c) the coaches of the gymnasts in the programme. Data was collected using open-ended interviews to expose thoughts, feelings, knowledge and experiences relating to the gymnasts\u27 perceptions of body image and the factors contributing to these perceptions. Content analysis of the interview transcripts allowed categories to emerge and identified common perceptions of the gymnasts toward their body image. The retired and junior gymnasts described varying degrees of pressure to achieve their desired body image. The gymnasts generally expressed total body satisfaction and a positive body image, however several gymnasts were dissatisfied with some aspects of their body image as to its appropriateness to elite gymnastics. The gymnasts and coaches indicated that several factors contributed to the gymnasts\u27 perceived body image with the underlying factor being the requirement to conform to a certain skinfold level set by the national governing body. All gymnasts participating in this study, including the sub-junior gymnasts, were aware of their weight and skinfold levels. The sub-junior gymnasts presented unclear opinions of their body image, with the gymnasts\u27 perceived body image becoming clearer with age. Responses from the junior and retired gymnasts and coaches indicated that understanding of the importance of body image in gymnastics became clearer as the gymnasts passed through adolescence and experienced the demands of elite gymnastics at the senior level

The Earth is a Dangerous Place - The World View of the Aetherius Society

Current UFO accounts display many of the themes that have been central in most, if not all, of the world's religions (Saliba 1995). The widespread belief in flying saucers and the religious connotations ascribed to their presence have contributed to the emergence of several religious organizations based on the existence and activities of extraterrestrial intelligences who are believed to communicate with select human beings. Moreover, many UFO experiences have been frightening and foreboding. Reports of abductions (cf. Jacobs 1993; Mack 1994) are noted also for stressing the dangers that aliens present to a scientifically inferior human race and for the imminent apocalyptic scenario they so often graphically depict (Whitmore 1993). The drastic demise of the members of Heaven's Gate has lent support to the popular view that UFO religions are dangerous apocalyptic cults and may lead their members to commit suicide or other forms of violence

"Asymmetric Market Shares, Advertising, and Pricing: Equilibrium with an Information Gatekeeper"

We analyze the impact of market share on advertising and pricing decisions by firms that sell to loyal, non-shopping customers and can advertise to shoppers through an information intermediary or "gatekeeper." In equilibrium the firm with the smaller loyal market advertises more aggressively but prices less competitively than the firm with the larger loyal market, and there is no equilibrium in which both firms advertise with probability 1. The results differ significantly from earlier literature which assumes all prices are revealed to shoppers and finds that the firm with the smaller loyal market adopts a more competitive pricing strategy. The predictions of the model are consistent with advertising and pricing behavior observed on price comparison websites such as Shopper.com.online markets, E-commerce, market share, information gatekeeper, equilibrium price dispersion, advertising

General practitioners' antibiotic prescribing practices in Malta : understanding drivers to inform the implementation of a social marketing behaviour change intervention

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a leading global public health problem and complex challenge. Although a multitude of factors affect its development, antibiotic use is a key driver. In fact, in Europe, a positive correlation between antibiotic use and resistance has been shown. The largest volumes of antibiotics are prescribed in the community setting and respiratory tract infections (RTIs) remain the most common diagnoses despite often being self-limiting. Malta has one of the highest antibiotic consumption rates in Europe with the top two reasons being sore throat and the flu. Since most antibiotics are obtained through a medical prescription, this suggests that antibiotics are overprescribed by doctors, and general practitioners (GPs) in particular are a suitable target group for interventions to improve antibiotic prescribing. However, prescribing decisions are often complex and influenced by numerous interrelated factors. Therefore changing prescribing behaviour first necessitates an in-depth understanding of antibiotic prescribing practices and factors that impact this behaviour. To date, large knowledge gaps remain in Malta which makes the implementation of evidence-based interventions targeting prescribers challenging. Aim: The aim of this thesis, which forms part of a larger intervention project, was to explore GPs’ views on antibiotic use and resistance in Malta, and to gain a better understanding of their antibiotic prescribing patterns for RTIs including the factors that influence their prescribing behaviour. Methods: Data were derived from two pre-intervention studies; one qualitative [Papers I & II] and one quantitative [Papers III & IV]. For the qualitative study, individual face-to-face interviews were held in 2014 with a quota sample of 20 GPs. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed iteratively using manifest and latent content analysis [Paper I] and phenomenography [Paper II]. The quantitative study was a repeated cross-sectional surveillance study for which 30 GPs and 3 GP trainees collected monthly data for all patients with an acute respiratory tract complaint during predetermined one week periods between May 2015 and April 2016. Descriptive statistics were used to examine patient, consultation and clinical characteristics, and to describe GPs’ prescribing patterns [Paper III]. In Paper IV, the association between GP-, practice- and consultationlevel factors, patient sociodemographic factors and patient health status factors, and antibiotic prescription (yes/no) was investigated using generalised estimating equations to estimate population-averaged effects. Key findings: GPs’ provided an antibiotic prescription to 45.7% of cases, the majority of which (99.6%) were broad-spectrum. Almost all (84.3%) were for immediate use, whilst 15.7% were delayed prescriptions. Through qualitative interviews five qualitatively different ways by which GPs perceived delayed antibiotic prescribing were described: (i) to maintain a good GP-patient relationship, retain patients and avoid doctor-shopping, (ii) to reach a compromise and provide treatment just in case, (iii) to provide the patient comfort and reassurance, (iv) to empower and educate patients, and limit antibiotic use, and (v) to retain GP responsibility by employing a wait-and-see approach. Surveillance data also revealed that GPs’ antibiotic prescribing is associated with a number of GP-, patient-, clinical- and consultation- level factors. This was largely corroborated by qualitative evidence that showed that antibiotic prescribing is impacted not only by intrinsic GP factors but several other factors, including but not limited to, diagnostic uncertainty, patient demand, interaction with drug reps, availability of guidelines and community resistance data, and access to diagnostic testing. Conclusions: GPs’ antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in Malta is high. The abundant use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is of particular concern and indicates that antibiotics are not being used appropriately. A number of factors were found to impact GPs’ antibiotic prescribing behaviour. In order to improve this behaviour, targeted and coordinated implementation activities must address barriers identified at all levels of the system and provide GPs with the necessary tools to alleviate diagnostic uncertainty

Mass concentration and ion composition of coarse and fine particles in an urban area in Beirut: effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of nitric and sulfuric acids and the depletion of chloride

International audienceLevels of coarse (PM10-2.5) and fine (PM2.5) particles were determined between February 2004 and January 2005 in the city of Beirut, Lebanon. While low PM mass concentrations were measured in the rainy season, elevated levels were detected during sand storms originating from Arabian desert and/or Africa. Using ATR-FTIR and IC, it was shown that nitrate, sulfate, carbonate and chloride were the main anionic constituents of the coarse particles, whereas sulfate was mostly predominant in the fine particles in the form of (NH4)2SO4. Ammonium nitrate was not expected to be important because the medium was defined as ammonium poor. In parallel, the cations Ca2+ and Na+ dominated in the coarse, and NH4+, Ca2+ and Na+ in the fine particles. Coarse nitrate and sulfate ions resulted from the respective reactions of nitric and sulfuric acid with a relatively high amount of calcium carbonate. Both CaCO3 and Ca(NO3)2 crystals identified by ATR-FTIR in the coarse particles were found to be resistant to soaking in water for 24 h but became water soluble when they were formed in the fine particles suggesting, thereby, different growth and adsorption phenomena. The seasonal variational study showed that nitrate and sulfate ion concentrations increased in the summer due to the enhancement of photochemical reactions which facilitated the conversion of NO2 and SO2 gases into NO3- and SO42-, respectively. While nitrate was mainly due to local heavy traffic, sulfates were due to local and long-range transport phenomena. Using the air mass trajectory HYSPLIT model, it was found that the increase in the sulfate concentration correlated with wind vectors coming from Eastern and Central Europe. Chloride levels, on the other hand, were high when wind originated from the sea and low during sand storms. In addition to sea salt, elevated levels of chloride were also attributed to waste mass burning in proximity to the site. In comparison to other neighboring Mediterranean countries, relatively higher concentrations of calcium in Beirut were good indication of calcitic crustal abundance. Considering the importance of the health and climate impacts of aerosols locally and regionally, this study constitutes a point of reference for eastern Mediterranean transport modeling studies and local regulatory and policy makers

Subjective wellbeing in the Indian general population: a validation study of the Personal Wellbeing Index

© 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG. Purpose: The Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) is a commonly used measure of life satisfaction that reflects a person’s level of subjective wellbeing (SWB). The present study aimed to establish the validity and reliability of the PWI in a large sample of Indian adults and describe their SWB. Methods: 2004 Indian adults completed a cross-sectional online survey, which was presented in English and included the PWI and demographic questions. The sample was split to assess the psychometric properties of the 7-item (n = 981) and 8-item (n = 937) versions of the PWI. Results: Both the 7- and 8-item versions of the PWI demonstrated adequate internal consistency (α =.89 and.88, respectively). The global means for both versions of the PWI (7-item = 74.43, 8-item = 73.82) were within the normative range for Western countries. Achieving in life had the lowest domain scores for both the 7-item (M = 70.51) and 8-item (M = 68.37) versions; the spirituality or religion domain had the highest domain score in the 8-item version (M = 78.84). Conclusion: The findings suggest that both the 7- and 8-item versions of the PWI are valid and reliable measures of life satisfaction for use in India. The global mean scores for both versions of the PWI were within the normative range for Western countries. In this study, Indians reported high levels of satisfaction with their spirituality or religion, suggesting this domain may be an important contributor of SWB; however, more research is needed to determine this

National strategy for health research and innovation

In 2011, the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) commissioned the Development of a dedicated strategy for health research and innovation in line with its mandate from Government to identify areas of national priority and design and to also implement strategic approaches to enhance economic competitiveness and quality of life. The Strategy was drawn up by a steering group which also included people from outside the health sector, to ensure that it also keeps note of the economic side of things.peer-reviewe

Beyond the prison walls: the role of a criminal record check in balancing risk management and reintegration through employment

The role of rehabilitating ex-offenders has traditionally been understood as belonging firmly within the administration of corrections and as such governed by the state. This thesis is undertaken within the area of criminal justice studies and examines what happens beyond the realms of corrections, through the utilisation of the criminal record, specifically in relation to employment. It brings into focus the reintegration of ex-offenders into the community and the impact of their criminal record on their reception by non-government institutions, employers and the community. To this end, this thesis uses theories of governmentality and the discourse of failure as outlined by Michel Foucault. These theories are applied to the analyses of the governing of ex-offenders by non-government organisations, institutions and employers within society. Furthermore, a Foucauldian genealogical approach is taken in relation to the disjointed and, at some stages, simultaneous development of facets of the criminal record within Victoria. Quantitative and qualitative Victorian data are considered in relation to the construction and development of the criminal record. This approach is utilised to gain a purchase on the particular ways in which the criminal record is constructed and used by prospective employers as a form of risk assessment for the possible future behaviour of ex-offenders. This form of risk assessment used by prospective employers will be considered against the forms of risk assessments performed by Corrections in relation to reoffending. Specifically, an in-depth analysis will be undertaken of the Victorian Intervention Screening Assessment Tool (VISAT), to illustrate how risk assessment tools have a tendency to reduce an immense level of information into simplistic and predetermined formats. Furthermore, the growing practice of criminal record checks will be analysed for its impact on the employment options of ex-offenders. This will be presented through a critical analysis of various forms of data, including employment advertisements, employment statistics of offenders and future industry indications. Through this multi-dimensional analysis of texts relating to criminal records and Corrections data, this thesis examines the role played by non-government institutions as distinct from the role of Government itself in thwarting stated aims of rehabilitation. Finally, recommendations will be made which are aimed at improving this problematic condition. The research findings support the conclusions that the criminal record is a complex, multifaceted inscription and as such, its reduction to a simplistic predetermined form – the National Police Certificate – makes it an inappropriate risk assessment tool for prospective employers. Furthermore, this research has found that the way the criminal record is used significantly impacts on the reintegration of ex-offenders. It is argued that the inability of ex-offenders to become gainfully employed and regain full active citizenship, subsequent to participation in rehabilitation programs and correctional intervention contributes to the high rate of recidivism. It is therefore concluded that society has a critical role to play in the successful reintegration of ex-offenders and the lowering of recidivism rates

Teleneurology clinics for polyneuropathy: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION:Polyneuropathy (PN) is a common condition with significant morbidity. We developed tele-polyneuropathy (tele-PN) clinics to improve access to neurology and increase guideline-concordant PN care. This article describes the mixed-methods evaluation of pilot tele-PN clinics at three community sites within the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System. METHODS:For the first 25 patients (48 scheduled visits), we recorded the duration of the tele-PN visit and exam; the performance on three guideline-concordant care indicators (PN screening labs, opiate reduction, physical therapy for falls); and patient-satisfaction scores. We elicited comments about the tele-PN clinic from patients and the clinical team. We combined descriptive statistics with qualitative themes to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the tele-PN clinics. RESULTS:The average tele-PN encounter and exam times were 28.5 and 9.1 min, respectively. PN screening lab completion increased from 80 to 100%. Opiate freedom improved from 68 to 88%. Physical therapy for patients with recent falls increased from 58 to 100%. The tele-PN clinic was preferred for follow-up over in-person clinics in 86% of cases. Convenience was paramount to the clinic's success, saving an average of 231 min per patient in round-trip travel. The medical team's caring and collaborative spirit received high praise. While the clinic's efficiency was equal or superior to in-person care, the limited treatment options for PN and the small clinical exam space are areas for improvement. CONCLUSION:In this pilot, we were able to efficiently see and examine patients remotely, promote guideline-concordant PN care, and provide a high-satisfaction encounter