2,985 research outputs found
Factorization fits to charmless strangeless B decays
We present fits to charmless strangeless hadronic B decay data for mean
branching ratios and CP-violating asymmetries using the QCD factorization model
of Beneke et al. Apart from one CP-violating parameter, the model gives a very
good representation of 26 measured data. We find the CKM angle alpha = (93.5
+/- 8.4 -1.3) degrees and to be quite stable to plausible "charming penguin"
corrections.Comment: 4 pages, LaTeX, Minor changes to text, references adde
The characteristics, experiences and perceptions of naturopathic and herbal medicine practitioners: Results from a national survey in New Zealand
© Cottingham et al.; licensee BioMed Central. Background: Despite the popularity of naturopathic and herbal medicine in New Zealand there remains limited data on New Zealand-based naturopathic and herbal medicine practice. Methods: An online survey (covering 6 domains: demographics; practice characteristics; research; integrative practice; regulation and funding; contribution to national health objectives) was administered to naturopaths and herbal medicine practitioners. From a total of 338 naturopaths and herbal medicine practitioners, 107 responded providing a response rate of 32%. Data were statistically analysed using STATA. Results: A majority of the naturopaths and herbal medicine practitioners surveyed were female (91%), and aged between 45 and 54 years. Most practiced part-time (64%), with practitioner caseloads averaging 8 new clients and over 20 follow-up clients per month. Conclusions: There is a need for greater understanding and communication between practitioners of conventional care and naturopathic and herbal medicine which could support informed, coordinated and effective health provision within the New Zealand health care system. There is a need for further in-depth research examining naturopaths and herbal medicine practitioners' perceptions and practices, to provide insights of benefit to all those practising and managing health services as well as those directing health policy in New Zealand
The characteristics, experiences and perceptions of registered massage therapists in New Zealand: Results from a national survey of practitioners
© 2018, Multimed Inc. All rights reserved. Background: Massage therapy is widely recognized as offering many health benefits, with a growing number of studies finding it has value in stress management, pain reduction, and overcoming physical limitations. However, there are few studies of massage therapists practices and perceptions in New Zealand and internationally. This paper reports the findings from the first national survey examining the characteristics, perceptions, and experiences of New Zealand-based massage therapists on a range of aspects related to their role and practices. Purpose: This study sought to ascertain the characteristics, experiences, and perceptions of massage therapists in New Zealand, particularly in the aspects of: integration of health care; attitudes and practices related to research; and evidence and attitudes to registration. Setting: Massage practice in New Zealand (nationwide survey). Participants: Members of Massage New Zealand (a massage practitioners association). Research Design: Massage practitioners were surveyed online, using a 65-part questionnaire, on a range of characteristics of their practices and their attitudes to research, integration, and registration. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Main Outcome Measures: Four hundred massage therapists (MTs) were invited to participate and 115 responded, providing a response rate of 29%. MTs valued research (95%) and perceived that it had an impact for their practices (88%). Significant correlations were found for research value and: mean case-load (p = .009) and level of academic qualification (p = .004). The majority of MTs (79%) supported integration with conventional practitioners, and 83% referred clients to general practitioners, with 75% receiving referrals from general practitioners. Ninety-three percent of MTs supported registration, with 67% of those supporting statutory registration. Conclusion: Massage practitioners perceive that they make a significant contribution to health care, but area of practice, such as research, and referral and integration into mainstream health care require more in-depth investigation
An architectural framework for heterogeneous networking.
The growth over the last decade in the use of wireless networking devices has been explosive. Soon many
devices will have multiple network interfaces, each with very different characteristics. We believe that a
framework that encapsulates the key challenges of heterogeneous networking is required. Like a map clearly
helps one to plan a journey, a framework is needed to help us move forward in this unexplored area. The
approach taken here is similar to the OSImodel in which tightly defined layers are used to specify functionality,
allowing a modular approach to the extension of systems and the interchange of their components, whilst
providing a model that is more oriented to heterogeneity and mobility
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