960 research outputs found
Cost-effectiveness of counselling, graded-exercise and usual care for chronic fatigue: evidence from a randomised trial in primary care
Fatigue is common and has been shown to result in high economic costs to society. The aim of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of two active therapies, graded-exercise (GET) and counselling (COUN) with usual care plus a self-help booklet (BUC) for people presenting with chronic fatigue
Variable stars in the globular cluster NGC 7492. New discoveries and physical parameters determination
We have performed a photometric V, R, I CCD time-series analysis with a
baseline of ~8 years of the outer-halo globular cluster NGC 7492 with the aim
of searching for new variables and using these (and the previously known
variables) to determine the physical parameters of interest for the cluster
(e.g. metallicity, absolute magnitude of the horizontal branch, distance,
etc.).
We use difference image analysis (DIA) to extract precise light curves in the
relatively crowded star field, especially towards the densely populated central
region. Several approaches are used for variability detection that recover the
known variables and lead to new discoveries. We determine the physical
parameters of the only RR0 star using light curve Fourier decomposition
analysis.
We find one new long period variable and two SX Phe stars in the blue
straggler region. We also present one candidate SX Phe star which requires
follow-up observations. Assuming that the SX Phe stars are cluster members and
using the period-luminosity relation for these stars, we estimate their
distances as ~25.2+-1.8 and 26.8+-1.8 kpc, and identify their possible modes of
oscillation. We refine the periods of the two RR Lyrae stars in our field of
view. We find that the RR1 star V2 is undergoing a period change and possibly
exhibits the Blazhko effect. Fourier decomposition of the light curve of the
RR0 star V1 allows us to estimate the metallicity [Fe/H]_ZW-1.68+-0.10 or
[Fe/H]_UVES-1.64+-0.13, log-luminosity ~1.76+-0.02, absolute magnitude
~0.38+-0.04 mag, and true distance modulus of ~16.93+-0.04 mag, which is
equivalent to a distance of ~24.3+-0.5 kpc. All of these values are consistent
with previous estimates in the literature.Comment: 12 pages, 13 figures, 6 tables, accepted for publication in A&
Constraining the parameters of globular cluster NGC 1904 from its variable star population
We present the analysis of 11 nights of V and I time-series observations of
the globular cluster NGC 1904 (M 79). Using this we searched for variable stars
in this cluster and attempted to refine the periods of known variables, making
use of a time baseline spanning almost 8 years. We use our data to derive the
metallicity and distance of NGC 1904. We used difference imaging to reduce our
data to obtain high-precision light curves of variable stars. We then estimated
the cluster parameters by performing a Fourier decomposition of the light
curves of RR Lyrae stars for which a good period estimate was possible. We also
derive an estimate for the age of the cluster by fitting theoretical isochrones
to our colour-magnitude diagram (CMD). Out of 13 stars previously classified as
variables, we confirm that 10 are bona fide variables. We cannot detect
variability in one other within the precision of our data, while there are two
which are saturated in our data frames, but we do not find sufficient evidence
in the literature to confirm their variability. We also detect a new RR Lyrae
variable, giving a total number of confirmed variable stars in NGC 1904 of 11.
Using the Fourier parameters, we find a cluster metallicity [Fe/H]_ZW=-1.63 +-
0.14, or [Fe/H]_UVES=-1.57 \pm 0.18, and a distance of 13.3 +- 0.4 kpc (using
RR0 variables) or 12.9 kpc (using the one RR1 variable in our sample for which
Fourier decomposition was possible).Comment: 14 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in A&
Database management e dati archeologici: standardizzazione e applicazione della logica fuzzy alla gestione delle fonti e delle attribuzioni tipologiche
A specific relational database has been created for the management of small finds found on the Cretan sites of Phaistos and Ayia Triada in Crete. Such artifacts have been often underestimated in past archaeological studies, because of the perception that they are less relevant objects in comparison to other categories such as pottery. The database GEAR has been created to improve the recognition of their potential. This article presents the possible solutions used in the database to overcome some methodological problems: specifically two of the methodological aspects that have been dealt with are standardization and management of the reference sources and typological attributions. In the first case, a standard typological terminology (recommended by the ICCD) is used to assure data normalization; in the second case, the preservation of the subjectivity and uncertainty of archaeological attributions is obtained with the application of fuzzy logic and its concept of ‘probability of belonging’
INTEGRATED 3D SURVEY FOR THE DOCUMENTATION AND VISUALIZATION OF A ROCK-CUT UNDERGROUND BUILT HERITAGE
Abstract. The research presented here is part of an on-going research focused on the 3D documentation of rock-cut Underground Built Heritage with a complex morphology and characterised by narrow spaces, the Hypogeum of Calaforno (province of Ragusa, Sicily). It is one of the most interesting prehistoric monuments in Sicily in terms of size and unique rock-cut architecture. Various digital techniques have been tested over the years on the site, to represent its spatiality, such as Laser Scanner and Structure from Motion. The proposed methodological approach for the knowledge and the documentation of this archaeological site is based on an interdisciplinary approach involving archaeological and engineering disciplines. This paper focuses on the use of expeditious techniques such as iMMS (indoor Mobile Mapping Systems) based on SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) and on the comparison of different surveying equipment in order to verify data quality and accuracy, as well as the inherent advantages of using one technology over another in relation to the characteristics of the site. Through the global verification of TLS and SLAM model reliability, we maintain that such research can contribute to enriching the protocols surrounding the archaeological investigation of sites characterized by complex morphology, irregular surfaces, narrow spaces, specific chromatic features, scarce or total lack of lighting, and physical obstacles
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in restrictive cardiomyopathies
The restrictive cardiomyopathies constitute a heterogeneous group of myocardial diseases with a different pathogenesis and overlapping clinical presentations. Diagnosing them frequently poses a challenge. Echocardiography, electrocardiograms and laboratory tests may show non-specific changes. In this context, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may play a crucial role in defining the diagnosis and guiding treatments, by offering a robust myocardial characterization based on the inherent magnetic properties of abnormal tissues, thus limiting the use of endomyocardial biopsy. In this review article, we explore the role of CMR in the assessment of a wide range of myocardial diseases causing restrictive patterns, from iron overload to cardiac amyloidosis, endomyocardial fibrosis or radiation-induced heart disease. Here, we emphasize the incremental value of novel relaxometric techniques such as T1 and T2 mapping, which may recognize different storage diseases based on the intrinsic magnetic properties of the accumulating metabolites, with or without the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents. We illustrate the importance of these CMR techniques and their great support when contrast media administration is contraindicated. Finally, we describe the useful role of cardiac computed tomography for diagnosis and management of restrictive cardiomyopathies when CMR is contraindicated
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