Exploring Experiences of Nature Connection in Feminist Mental Health Counsellors

The current body of psychological literature suggests that when humans feel connected with the natural world they experience a great number of mental health benefits. Since the impact of experiencing connection to nature has predominantly been studied through quantitative measures, there is great potential for expanding on this knowledge through qualitative studies of nature connection phenomena. The limited inclusion of mental health professionals in this area of research is notable, and when their perspectives are included it is usually only to report on client experiences or practice concerns. This study sought to address this shortcoming by illuminating the nuanced experience of nature connection in six feminist mental health counsellors by employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. This qualitative study interpreted the most salient themes related to the phenomenon and additionally identified how the counsellors are creating nature connection experiences for their clients. Four overarching superordinate themes emerged that clarified the most prominent qualities of nature connection, which included: Experiences of Ease, Engaging with Spirituality, The Sensory Self; and Kinship and Relations. Collectively, these themes represent multifaceted and intersecting experiences of connection to the Earth. The results offer insight into an emerging area of study aimed at the nature based psychological wellness practices of helping professionals, as well offering insights into how this knowledge can translate into intervention options to employ in professional counselling

Electronic Social Networks as Supporting Means of Educational Process in Higher Education Institutions

Given research describes experience of electronic social networks use in educational practices. It was determined that electronic social networks can be a powerful tool for support of educational process in higher education institutions, namely to support study of different disciplines. There are main advantages of electronic social networks use for education: universal accessibility and free of charge; possibility of instant messaging and multimedia data; user-friendly intuitive interface; ability to search data and information; availability of event scheduling, invitations, reminder settings; support for synchronous and asynchronous communication between network members; access from different devices. It is emphasized that one of the main advantages of electronic social networks is receipt of quick feedback and convenience of their tools and services. Nowadays, it is important to include network educational interaction in existing models of study organization. It is advisable to use electronic social networks to manage educational process in higher education institution. Efficiency of electronic social networks use depends on intensity and need for their use in educational system management for implementation of organizational, educational, psychological and pedagogical functions and ensuring universal communication with subjects of educational process. Expediency of electronic social networks use to carry out research work at university is described. Electronic social networks are convenient tool to conduct surveys and questionnaires, to create thematic groups for specific issue discussion. Also it is possible to interact with researchers from different countries, share experiences and disseminate research findings, invite those who wish to participate in various scientific activities using these networks

Large hydrogen-oxygen ablative chamber test program Final report

Large hydrogen-oxygen albative chambe

Impact of Satellite Sea Surface Salinity Observations on ENSO Predictions from the NASA/GMAO Seasonal Forecast System

We assess the impact of satellite sea surface salinity (SSS) observations on dynamical ENSO forecasts. Assimilation of SSS improves the mixed layer depth (MLD) and modulates the Kelvin waves associated with ENSO. In column 2, the initialization differences between experiments that assimilate SSS minus those withholding SSS assimilation are presented. Column 3 shows examples of forecasts generated for the different phases of ENSO assimilating the different satellite SSS. In general, for all phases of ENSO, SSS assimilation improves forecasts. The far right column compares ensemble means for assimilation of individual and combined SMOS, Aquarius, and SMAP SSS forecasts. Finally, the latest forecasts are presented comparing assimilation versus no- assimilation of satellite SSS for single forecasts over the last year

Engineering model system study for a regenerative fuel cell: Study report

Key design issues of the regenerative fuel cell system concept were studied and a design definition of an alkaline electrolyte based engineering model system or low Earth orbit missions was completed. Definition of key design issues for a regenerative fuel cell system include gaseous reactant storage, shared heat exchangers and high pressure pumps. A power flow diagram for the 75 kW initial space station and the impact of different regenerative fuel cell modular sizes on the total 5 year to orbit weight and volume are determined. System characteristics, an isometric drawing, component sizes and mass and energy balances are determined for the 10 kW engineering model system. An open loop regenerative fuel cell concept is considered for integration of the energy storage system with the life support system of the space station. Technical problems and their solutions, pacing technologies and required developments and demonstrations for the regenerative fuel cell system are defined

Infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies of structural variations in minerals from Apollo 11, 12, 14 and 15 samples, volume 3

Infrared and Raman vibrational spectroscopic data, yielding direct information on molecular structure, were obtained for single grains ( 150 microns) of minerals, basalts, and glasses isolated from Apollo 11, 12, 14, and 15 rock and dust samples, and for grains in Apollo 14 polished butt samples. From the vibrational data, specification substitutions were determined for the predominant silicate minerals of plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine. Unique spectral variations for grains of K-feldspar, orthopyroxene, pyroxenoid, and ilmenite were observed to exceed the ranges of terrestrial samples, and these variations may be correlatable with formation histories. Alpha-quartz was isolated as pure single grains, in granitic grains composited with sanidine, and in unique grains that were intimately mixed with varying amounts of glass. Accessory minerals of chromite and ulvospinel were isolated as pure grains and structurally characterized from their distinctive infrared spectra. Fundamental vibrations of the SiO4 tetrahedra in silicate minerals were used to classify bulk compositions in dust sieved fractions, basalt grains and glass particles, and to compare modal characteristics for maria, highland and rille samples. No hydrated minerals were found in any of the samples studied, indicating anhydrous formation conditions

Alkaline static feed electrolyzer based oxygen generation system

In preparation for the future deployment of the Space Station, an R and D program was established to demonstrate integrated operation of an alkaline Water Electrolysis System and a fuel cell as an energy storage device. The program's scope was revised when the Space Station Control Board changed the energy storage baseline for the Space Station. The new scope was aimed at the development of an alkaline Static Feed Electrolyzer for use in an Environmental Control/Life Support System as an oxygen generation system. As a result, the program was divided into two phases. The phase 1 effort was directed at the development of the Static Feed Electrolyzer for application in a Regenerative Fuel Cell System. During this phase, the program emphasized incorporation of the Regenerative Fuel Cell System design requirements into the Static Feed Electrolyzer electrochemical module design and the mechanical components design. The mechanical components included a Pressure Control Assembly, a Water Supply Assembly and a Thermal Control Assembly. These designs were completed through manufacturing drawing during Phase 1. The Phase 2 effort was directed at advancing the Alkaline Static Feed Electrolyzer database for an oxygen generation system. This development was aimed at extending the Static Feed Electrolyzer database in areas which may be encountered from initial fabrication through transportation, storage, launch and eventual Space Station startup. During this Phase, the Program emphasized three major areas: materials evaluation, electrochemical module scaling and performance repeatability and Static Feed Electrolyzer operational definition and characterization

Should you test or treat pregnant women with a history of pregnancy-related VTE?

No high-quality evidence supports testing for thrombophilia in pregnant patients who have experienced venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a previous pregnancy. Antepartum and postpartum anticoagulation with LMWH produces lower rates of VTE in patients with a prior history of VTE in pregnancy. Pregnant women with a prior history of VTE who are not treated with anticoagulation have about a 5% risk of antepartum or postpartum VTE. Expert opinion recommends graduated compression stockings

Neurological and dysmorphic features in a family with brachial plexus neuropathy

Hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (MIM 162100) or familial plexus neuropathy is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the onset of recurring episodes of back pain and muscle weakness early in childhood. Affected individuals also have hypotelorism or closely spaced eyes. Although the molecular basis for this disorder remains unknown, genetic linkage has been established to chromosome 17q24-q25 (Pellegrino et al. 1997; Stogbauer et al. 1997). We report a four-generation family presenting with autosomal dominant brachial plexus neuropathy. The proband a 16 y. old male presented with pain and atrophy of his left deltoid, suprascapular, rhomboid muscles (causing winging of his scapular) and abductor pollicis brevis muscle. A further episode of pain in his right arm did not lead to permanent loss of function. Dysmorphic evaluation in him revealed hypotelorism and small palpebral fissures. His father age 47 y. was asymptomatic, however had hypotelorism. His paternal uncle age 49 y. has had a history of recurrent episodes of pain preceding weakness in his arms since the age of 17 y. He has marked wasting of the muscles in his hands and similar facies. The paternal grandmother developed recurrent paralysis in both arms since a pregnancy at the age of 24 y. She also developed weakness of her legs, became bedbound this leading to her death at the age of 54 y. Genetic linkage analysis with chromosome 17q24-q25 markers was performed in six family members (2 affected, 1 carrier, 2 unaffected, and 1 spouse). The power of the pedigree was not sufficient to generate significant LOD scores (maximum LOD score 0.109 at a recombination fraction = 0.00 for marker D17S802), however haplotype analysis with markers D17S802, D17S939 and D17S1603 revealed a shared haplotype among affected individuals. This study further confirms the lack of heterogeneity of this interesting familial disorder causing facial dysmorphisms and recurrent episodes of neuropathy