7 research outputs found
Holographic (De)confinement Transitions in Cosmological Backgrounds
For type IIB supergravity with a running axio-dilaton, we construct bulk
solutions which admit a cosmological background metric of
Friedmann-Robertson-Walker type. These solutions include both a dark radiation
term in the bulk as well as a four-dimensional (boundary) cosmological
constant, while gravity at the boundary remains non-dynamical. We
holographically calculate the stress-energy tensor, showing that it consists of
two contributions: The first one, generated by the dark radiation term, leads
to the thermal fluid of N = 4 SYM theory, while the second, the conformal
anomaly, originates from the boundary cosmological constant. Conservation of
the boundary stress tensor implies that the boundary cosmological constant is
time-independent, such that there is no exchange between the two stress-tensor
contributions. We then study (de)confinement by evaluating the Wilson loop in
these backgrounds. While the dark radiation term favours deconfinement, a
negative cosmological constant drives the system into a confined phase. When
both contributions are present, we find an oscillating universe with negative
cosmological constant which undergoes periodic (de)confinement transitions as
the scale of three space expands and re-contracts.Comment: 31 pages, 5 figures, v2: Reference adde
Health-related and overall quality of life of patients with chronic hip and knee complaints in general practice
BACKGROUND: Information about quality of life of patients with chronic hip or knee complaints in general practice is scarce. This study describes the health-related and overall quality of life (HRQL) of these complaints. METHODS: Data were obtained from a cohort study in general practice. HRQL at three months follow-up was analysed. HRQL was measured as: symptoms, physical, psychological and social functioning, and general health perceptions, using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and the MOS 36-item short-form-health survey (SF-36). Overall quality of life was measured using a 5-point rating scale. RESULTS: The results show that patients with chronic hip or knee complaints have a substantial lower HRQL compared to patients who had recovered from baseline hip or knee complaints. The largest effect was found on symptoms and physical functioning: up to 2.9 standard deviations below patients who had recovered from baseline hip or knee complaints. Scores of patients with both chronic hip and knee complaints were significantly worse than scores of patients with only knee complaints on most subscales. CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic hip or knee complaints the worst scores were seen on scales that measure symptoms and physical functioning, but still a substantially lower score was obtained for overall quality of life. Quality of life was poorer for patients with both chronic hip and knee complaints compared to those with chronic hip or knee complaints onl
Trachoma in remote Indigenous Australia: a review and public health perspective
Abstract Objectives: Trachoma remains a major health concern in many remote Indigenous Australian communities, despite behaviourâmodifying and biomedical strategies. This review aims to examine the social epidemiology of trachoma in remote Indigenous communities and identify practical, sustainable strategies to alter the social determinants of the disease. Methods: A systematic search and critical review explored the proximal, intermediate and distal determinants of trachoma. The impact of swimming pools in remote Indigenous communities on trachoma and other infectious diseases was further examined. Results: Having a clean face was found to be protective for trachoma, but faceâwashing education programs have produced no significant benefits. Sanitation infrastructure in a community was the key determinant of facial cleanliness. Installation of swimming pools in remote Indigenous communities has been demonstrated to reduce the prevalence of several common childhood infections. However, minimal research has explored the impact of pools on trachoma rates. Conclusions: The locally supported construction of pools in remote Indigenous communities may contribute to a decline in trachoma. A prospective, controlled trial is needed to test this hypothesis in endemic communities. Implications: If validated by a wellâdesigned study, pool construction may provide a much soughtâafter practical government strategy to combat trachoma in remote Indigenous communities