Phase and coherence analysis of VHF scintillation over Christmas Island

This short paper presents phase and coherence data from the cross-wavelet transform applied on longitudinally separated very high frequency (VHF) equatorial ionospheric scintillation observations over Christmas Island. The phase and coherence analyses were employed on a pair of scintillation observations, namely, the east-looking and west-looking VHF scintillation monitors at Christmas Island. Our analysis includes 3 years of peak season scintillation data from 2008, 2009 (low solar activity), and 2011 (moderate solar activity). In statistically significant and high spectral coherence regions of the cross-wavelet transform, scintillation observations from the east-looking monitor lead those from the west-looking monitor by about 20 to 60 (40 ± 20) min (most frequent lead times). Using several years (seasons and solar cycle) of lead (or lag) and coherence information of the cross-wavelet transform, we envisage construction of a probability model for forecasting scintillation in the nighttime equatorial ionosphere

Results of a Television Station Managers' Telephone Survey of NASA's Destination Tomorrow(Trademark)

We conducted a television station managers' telephone survey concerning NASA's Destination Tomorrow. On a 10-point scale, survey participants rated the overall technical quality of NASA's Destination Tomorrow highly (mean = 9.48), and the educational value of the series slightly more highly (mean = 9.56). Ninety one percent of the participants reported that the technical quality of NASA's Destination Tomorrow was higher compared to other educational programming that airs on their station. Most stations (81 percent) indicated that NASA's Destination Tomorrow was well received by their audiences, and 97 percent indicated that they had recommended or would recommend the series to a colleague. Lastly, using a 10-point scale, survey participants indicated that (1) the series successfully educates people about what NASA does (mean = 9.23), (2) the information contained in NASA's Destination Tomorrow is credible (mean = 9.53), and (3) the series is successful in educating the public about what NASA does (mean = 9.23)

Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of health coaching as a new diabetes management approach for the people with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia: a protocol for a mixed methods feasibility study

Background: Over recent years, the Middle East, and especially Saudi Arabia, has faced multiple changes, including structural-demographic and economic shifts. This has led to massive changes in the population’s lifestyle, including more unhealthy diets and increases in physical inactivity. As a result, accelerating rates of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are a major public health concern. Current diabetes care in Saudi Arabia focuses on increasing the awareness of patients through various approaches, mainly based on health education, which is found to be suboptimal and ineffective for improving long-term outcomes. This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using a client-centred approach called health coaching that supports, enables, and engages T2DM patients to take the central role of controlling their own conditions by developing new crucial skills. Methods: A mixed methods randomised controlled feasibility study of health coaching will be used. Participants (n = 30) are adults with T2DM with poorly controlled diabetes (A1C ≥7) who can read and write in Arabic. Eligible participants are randomly allocated to either an intervention or control group for 12 weeks. COM-B model and Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1) guide the intervention curriculum. Predetermined progression criteria will be used to determine whether to proceed to a larger trial or not. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and 3 months. The study’s primary aim is to assess the process of eligibility, recruitment, retention and completion rates, acceptability and suitability of intervention and the time to complete each procedure. The preliminary efficacy of health coaching is the secondary outcome that includes different measurements, such as HbA1c, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, weight, patients’ self-efficacy, and diabetes self-management. Discussion: This is the first study to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of health coaching that used the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour (COM-B) model and BCTTv1 as guidance to develop the intervention for adults with T2DM in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study will be used to inform the larger RCT trial if it is shown to be feasible and acceptable

The Burden of Motherhood: The Effect of Reproductive Load on Female Lizard Locomotor, Foraging, and Social Behavior

The costs of reproduction, involving demands associated with both current and future reproductive efforts, may place a substantial burden on females. However, animals may minimize these costs by modifying their behavior across the reproductive cycle. We examined the effects of reproductive load on three types of behavior (locomotion, foraging, and social displays) in green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis) by comparing egg, follicle, and oviduct mass and volume with field observational data. We found that female locomotor and social display behaviors decreased as reproductive load increased, suggesting behavioral modification in these traits, but we detected no relationship between foraging and reproductive load. We also examined these relationships across eight Anolis species using a phylogenetically informed analysis and found no associations between the evolution of reproductive load and any of the three behaviors. These results suggest that the evolution of increased reproductive load is not associated with the interspecific variation in behavior across the anoles and may result from varying life history traits or selective ecological pressures across species

Development of superconducting YBa2Cu3O(x) wires with low resistance electrical contacts

Materials exhibiting superconductivity above liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K) will enable new applications of this phenomena. One of the first commercial applications of this technology will be superconducting magnets for medical imaging. However, a large number of aerospace applications of the high temperature superconducting materials have also been identified. These include magnetic suspension and balance of models in wind tunnels and resistanceless leads to anemometers. The development of superconducting wires fabricated from the ceramic materials is critical for these applications. The progress in application of a patented fiber process developed by Clemson University for the fabrication of superconducting wires is reviewed. The effect of particle size and heat treatment on the quality of materials is discussed. Recent advances made at Christopher Newport College in the development of micro-ohm resistance electrical contacts which are capable of carrying the highest reported direct current to this material is presented

The prevalence of disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) among adolescent female school students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Adolescence is a sensitive stage of life that is particularly vulnerable to nutritional problems, including DEBs. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the prevalence of DEBs among adolescent female school students in four intermediate and secondary schools in the city of Riyadh and to examine predictors associated with DEBs, including age, BMI and school regions. A total of 416 female students aged 12–19 years took part in this study. Weight and height were measured for students before the EAT-26 test was completed. Overweight and obesity were observed among 37.7% (n = 157) of students, 50.7% (n = 211) had a normal BMI and 11.5% (n = 48) were underweight. Results indicated that 123 (29.6%) students reported an EAT-26 score of 20 or more, indicating a high risk of DEB. Age was a significant predictor of DEB risk (OR = 3.087, 95% CI = 1.228–7.760), with the older age group (16–19 years) reporting a higher risk than the younger age group (12–15 years) (p = 0.017). DEB risk partially differed by school region, but BMI was not a statistically significant predictor. The high-risk group reported more binging (p = 0.008), induced vomiting (p < 0.001), laxative consumption (p < 0.001) and exercising (p < 0.001) compared with the low-risk group. Further research is warranted to understand DEB current patterns and predictors

Prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours amongst adolescents and young adults in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review

Eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) are significant health problems related to body image and weight dissatisfaction among adolescents and young adults worldwide. During this stage of sensitive development, these behaviours may hinder the optimal growth process and can consequently lead to wasting, stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies. However, there is a limited amount of literature on DEB among Arab populations, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This review aims to assess the prevalence of EDs/DEB and to develop a clear understanding of the epidemiology of such conditions among adolescents and youth in Saudi Arabia. Five databases were systematically searched and 14 papers met the inclusion criteria. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was the predominant tool used for evaluating aberrant eating behaviours, indicating a high prevalence of EDs/DEB ranging from 10.2% to 48.1%. The highest prevalence of EDs/DEB was reported in the eastern region ranging from 29.4% to 65.5%. In terms of age and sex, the prevalence was higher among older students compared to younger school students and males reported more Eds/DEB compared to female students. These disorders are found to be prevalent in Saudi Arabia, and the risk of developing such conditions is high across the whole age range

Understanding the science of portion control and the art of downsizing

Offering large portions of high-energy-dense (HED) foods increases overall intake in children and adults. This is known as the portion size effect (PSE). It is robust, reliable and enduring. Over time, the PSE may facilitate overeating and ultimately positive energy balance. Therefore, it is important to understand what drives the PSE and what might be done to counter the effects of an environment promoting large portions, especially in children. Explanations for the PSE are many and diverse, ranging from consumer error in estimating portion size to simple heuristics such as cleaning the plate or eating in accordance with consumption norms. However, individual characteristics and hedonic processes influence the PSE, suggesting a more complex explanation than error or heuristics. Here PSE studies are reviewed to identify interventions that can be used to downsize portions of HED foods, with a focus on children who are still learning about social norms for portion size. Although the scientific evidence for the PSE is robust, there is still a need for creative downsizing solutions to facilitate portion control as children and adolescents establish their eating habits