2,230 research outputs found
Target-flow Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Running Performance in Recreational Runners: A Randomized Controlled Trial
AbstractInspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to possibly improve exercise performance, but reports on IMT and running performance are rare. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of target-flow IMT on running performance in recreational runners. Sixteen healthy recreational runners (five females) were recruited for the present study. They were randomly allocated into either an experimental or control group. Participants in the experimental group underwent a 6-week target-flow IMT programme, while those in the control group underwent a 6-week shoulder circumduction exercise programme. Running performance during a 1,500-m time trial run was assessed before and after the intervention period. After the intervention period, only the experimental group demonstrated an increase in inspiratory muscle strength (by 16.15 ± 7.44 cmH2O; p < 0.05) and reduced completion time in the 1,500-m time trial (by 9.63 ± 5.42 seconds; p < 0.05). Exertion sensation was reduced by 1.63 ± 0.74 points (p < 0.05). No changes were observed in maximal aerobic capacity and pulmonary function in either group after the intervention period. A 6-week target-flow IMT programme enhanced running performance in recreational runners
Bi flux-dependent MBE growth of GaSbBi alloys
AbstractThe incorporation of Bi in GaSb1−xBix alloys grown by molecular beam epitaxy is investigated as a function of Bi flux at fixed growth temperature (275°C) and growth rate (1μmh−1). The Bi content is found to vary proportionally with Bi flux with Bi contents, as measured by Rutherford backscattering, in the range 0<x≤4.5%. The GaSbBi samples grown at the lowest Bi fluxes have smooth surfaces free of metallic droplets. The higher Bi flux samples have surface Bi droplets. The room temperature band gap of the GaSbBi epitaxial layers determined from optical absorption decreases linearly with increasing Bi content with a reduction of ~32meV/%Bi
Applications and challenges for high resolution airborne surveys in populated areas
The role of high resolution airborne surveys is extending well beyond the traditional areas of mineral and hydrocarbons exploration and regional mapping, which were often focused on the relatively unpopulated and remote regions of the world. As an increasing proportion of the Earth’s surface is affected by human activity, airborne survey techniques are being adapted and applied to development-related issues in more populated areas. The value of radiometric and electromagnetic data (in particular) has been recognised for addressing a range of environmental issues and, more generally, airborne surveys are seen as an effective, non-invasive means of providing multiple development-related geoscience data sets in a single operation. These new applications present many operational, processing and interpretation challenges. This paper provides an overview of some of the issues addressed in this Special Session on ‘The role of high resolution airborne surveys in environmental monitoring and sustainable development of resources’
Response function analysis of excited-state kinetic energy functional constructed by splitting k-space
Over the past decade, fundamentals of time independent density functional
theory for excited state have been established. However, construction of the
corresponding energy functionals for excited states remains a challenging
problem. We have developed a method for constructing functionals for excited
states by splitting k-space according to the occupation of orbitals. In this
paper we first show the accuracy of kinetic energy functional thus obtained. We
then perform a response function analysis of the kinetic energy functional
proposed by us and show why method of splitting the k-space could be the method
of choice for construction of energy functionals for excited states.Comment: 11 page
Implementation of a Deutsch-like quantum algorithm utilizing entanglement at the two-qubit level, on an NMR quantum information processor
We describe the experimental implementation of a recently proposed quantum
algorithm involving quantum entanglement at the level of two qubits using NMR.
The algorithm solves a generalisation of the Deutsch problem and distinguishes
between even and odd functions using fewer function calls than is possible
classically. The manipulation of entangled states of the two qubits is
essential here, unlike the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm and the Grover's search
algorithm for two bits.Comment: 4 pages, two eps figure
Shapes of the Proton
A model proton wave function, constructed using Poincare invariance, and
constrained by recent electromagnetic form factor data, is used to study the
shape of the proton. Spin-dependent quark densities are defined as matrix
elements of density operators in proton states of definite spin-polarization,
and shown to have an infinite variety of non-spherical shapes. For high
momentum quarks with spin parallel to that of the proton, the shape resembles
that of a peanut, but for quarks with anti-parallel spin the shape is that of a
bagel.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, to be submitted to Phys. Rev. C This corrects a
few typos and explains some further connections with experiment
Towards the architecture of an instructional multimedia database
The applicability of multimedia databases in education may be extended if they can serve multiple target groups, leading to affordable costs per unit for the user. In this contribution, an approach is described to build generic multimedia databases to serve that purpose. This approach is elaborated within the ODB Project ('Instructional Design of an Optical DataBase'); the term optical refers to the use of optical storage media to hold the audiovisual components. The project aims at developing a database in which a hypermedia encyclopedia is combined with instructional multimedia applications for different target groups at different educational levels. The architecture of the Optical Database will allow for switching between application types while working (for instance from tutorial instruction via the encyclopedia to a simulation and back). For instruction, the content of the database is thereby organized around so-called standard instruction routes: one route per target group. In the project, the teacher is regarded as the manager of instruction.\ud
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From that perspective, the database is primarily organized as a teaching facility. Central to the research is the condition that the architecture of the Optical Database has to enable teachers to select and tailor instruction routes to their needs in a way that is perceived as logical and easy to use
Spectral investigations of CM Draconis - new results
CM Draconis is spectroscopic and eclipsing binary system that consists of two nearly identical M dwarfs. The masses and radii for the components are known with high accuracy. The period of the system is P = 1.268 day. In the course of this work we used 29 medium resolution (R = 47, 000) echelle spectra of CM Dra which were obtained at several different orbital phases at the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope. We calculated synthetic spectra for a region of Nai 8185 Å, Nai 8197 Å and RbI 7818 Å lines and fitted the spectra for all of the orbital phases. We refined the effective temperature and metallicity of the system components, using similarity function (S function) of the observed and synthetic spectra for different phases
Psychometric Validation of the Parental Bonding Instrument in a UK Population–Based Sample Role of Gender and Association With Mental Health in Mid-Late Life
The factorial structure of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) has been frequently studied in diverse samples but no
study has examined its psychometric properties from large, population-based samples. In particular, important questions
have not been addressed such as the measurement invariance properties across parental and offspring gender. We
evaluated the PBI based on responses from a large, representative population-based sample, using an exploratory structural
equation modeling method appropriate for categorical data. Analysis revealed a three-factor structure representing “care,”
“overprotection,” and “autonomy” parenting styles. In terms of psychometric measurement validity, our results supported
the complete invariance of the PBI ratings across sons and daughters for their mothers and fathers. The PBI ratings
were also robust in relation to personality and mental health status. In terms of predictive value, paternal care showed a
protective effect on mental health at age 43 in sons. The PBI is a sound instrument for capturing perceived parenting styles,
and is predictive of mental health in middle adulthood
Gauge invariant reduction to the light-front
The problem of constructing gauge invariant currents in terms of light-cone
bound-state wave functions is solved by utilising the gauging of equations
method. In particular, it is shown how to construct perturbative expansions of
the electromagnetic current in the light-cone formalism, such that current
conservation is satisfied at each order of the perturbation theory.Comment: 12 pages, revtex
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