Earth rotation and polar motion from laser ranging to the moon and artificial satellites

Earth-based laser ranging to artificial satellites and to the moon is considered as a technique for monitoring the Earth's polar motion and diurnal rotation. The kinematics of Earth rotation as related to laser ranging is outlined. The current status of laser ranging as regards its measuring capabilities is reviewed. The relative merits of artificial satellite and lunar laser ranging are pointed out. It appears that multistation combined artificial satellite and lunar laser ranging is likely to ultimately meet a 0.002 arcseconds in pole position and 0.1 msec in UT1 daily precision requirement

Determination of the absolute space directions between Baker-Nunn camera stations

Synthetic simultaneous observations for determining fixed-earth oriented directions between Baker-Nunn camera station

Just a click away... E-mental health for eating disorders

The aim of this dissertation was to investigate whether and how E-health can help to improve health care for individuals with eating disorder symptoms. The main goal was to evaluate two E-health interventions: e-community ‘Proud2Bme’ and fully automated Internet-based intervention ‘Featback’. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Featback with and without therapist support in comparison to a waiting was examined in a randomized controlled trial. Furthermore, potential moderators and mediators were investigated: what works for whom and what is the psychological mechanism that explains how Featback achieves its beneficial effects? Also, all online therapist communication within the Featback intervention was qualitatively examined. What did therapists actually do within the online support sessions as offered in addition to Featback? And can therapist behaviors predict participants’ outcome and satisfaction? Finally, this dissertation includes a systematic review of treating eating disorders over the Internet, as well a chapter about the emerging findings, issues, and opportunities regarding E-health for eating disorders in the past few years (2013-2015). How effective are Internet-based self-help interventions, -treatment, and -relapse prevention programs? What is the potential of Smartphone applications in treating eating disorders? What are the opportunities and challenges for the development and implementation of E-health for eating disorders?13. Sponsors European Commission’s Executive Agency for Health and Consumers in the Health Program (Contract No: 20101209).FSW - Self-regulation models for health behavior and psychopathology - ou

A Hybrid Simulation Model to Predict the Steady-State Thermal Profile of Hermetic Reciprocating Compressors

Numerical simulation models are paramount to design compressors that follow reliability and efficiency requirements. This paper presents a simulation model to predict the steady-state thermal profile of hermetic reciprocating compressors. A finite element method is used to compute the temperature distribution of the solid components and the fluid in the suction and discharge lines, whereas a lumped-parameter formulation is used to evaluate the internal environment temperature and the gas temperature at the end of the compression cycle. The heat transfer between the gas and the solid components is predicted using imposed convective heat transfer coefficients; some of which are estimated using heat transfer correlations, and others calibrated using experimental data and a genetic optimization algorithm. The numerical results were validated by comparisons with experimental data for different operating conditions and rotation speeds, showing that the model can be used to predict the compressor thermal profile in the entire application envelope. The low computational cost of the model enables its application to carry out sensitivity analysis and to assess thermal management alternatives to improve the compressor reliability or thermodynamic performance

Cross-sectional analysis of university student’s health using a digitised health survey

University student years are a particularly influential period, during which time students may adopt negative behaviours that set the precedent for health outcomes in later years. This study utilised a newly digitised health survey implemented during health screening at a university in Singapore to capture student health data. The aim of this study was to analyze the health status of this Asian university student population. A total of 535 students were included in the cohort, and a cross-sectional analysis of student health was completed. Areas of concern were highlighted in student’s body weight, visual acuity, and binge drinking. A large proportion of students were underweight (body mass index (BMI) 30). Although the overall prevalence of alcohol use was low in this study population, 9% of females and 8% of males who consumed alcohol had hazardous drinking habits. Around 16% of these students (male and female combined) typically drank 3–4 alcoholic drinks each occasion. The prevalence of mental health conditions reported was very low (<1%). This study evaluated the results from a digitised health survey implemented into student health screening to capture a comprehensive health history. The results reveal potential student health concerns and offer the opportunity to provide more targeted student health campaigns to address these

Effectiveness of Telemonitoring for Respiratory and Systemic Symptoms of Asthma and COPD:A Narrative Review

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) are highly prevalent chronic lung diseases that require ongoing self-management, which itself is often suboptimal. Therefore, telemonitoring has been used to help patients measure their symptoms, share data with healthcare providers and receive education and feedback to improve disease management. In this study, we conducted a narrative review of recent evidence on the effectiveness of telemonitoring for asthma and COPD in adults. Of the thirteen identified studies, eleven focused on COPD and two focused on asthma. All studies were reviewed, and effects were compared between intervention and care as usual groups. Of the study interventions, seven showed a positive outcome on at least one outcome measure, and six had no significant results on any of the outcome measures. All of the interventions with a positive outcome included an educational component, while only one of the six interventions without positive outcomes included an educational component. We conclude that telemonitoring interventions for asthma and COPD seem more effective if they included an educational component regarding different aspects of self-management