The Age/Density Relation of Open Star Clusters

The topic of this astronomy research project is the investigation of the factors that determine the density of a star cluster over time. How does age relate to star cluster density and can it help to explain the evolution of a cluster? We answer these questions by utilizing the array of astronomical data found in Sky Catalogue 2000.0. While others have studied the characteristics of stars in relation to their parent star clusters, our approach was to add a comprehensive and specific analysis of star density in terms of the evolution of the cluster. Our methodology was to first establish a solid foundation of data from which to build. From there we used measured values of the apparent diameter, number of stars, ages, and apparent distances to calculate the actual diameter, distance, volume, and density of 19 different star clusters. Through graphical analysis and comparison of the data we were able to determine the relation between a star cluster and its overall density. Our results indicated a close relationship between age and density of star clusters. As a star cluster ages it becomes less dense. This is an important contribution to astronomy because much of the life and death of the universe happens in these star clusters, so knowing more about stellar clusters increases knowledge of the life of stars, clusters and the universe

Our healthy community - development of a new model for health promotion and disease prevention in Danish municipalities

BACKGROUND: The Danish health care system is facing major challenges as the prevalence of chronic diseases increases. There is a need for new approaches and strategies to prevent chronic disease and promote health and well-being among citizens. The aim is to describe the development of a new model for coordinated, integrated and evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention in Danish municipalities. The model builds on the supersetting approach, intersectoral collaboration and community engagement and applies a broad bio-psychosocial concept of health. METHODS: Two Danish municipalities were included in the initial development and testing of the model from 2019 to 2021. This involved the following steps in each municipality: 1) Analyzing the health status, lifestyles and socio-economy at municipality level. 2) Mobilizing lead municipal administrators and politicians for intersectoral action including jointly defining thematic focus areas and target populations. 3) Mapping community-based stakeholders, physical environments and existing evidence to qualify relevant action 4) Mobilizing professional stakeholders from the public, private and civic sectors for co-creation of intervention ideas and joint action. 5) Co-creating and implementing interventions together with professional stakeholders and citizens. RESULTS: The strategic model and results from the development process will be presented from one of the involved municipalities: The municipal administration chose physical activity and well-being among children and young people as their key focus area. Community-based stakeholders from non-profit organizations and public institutions, including sports clubs, leisure clubs, primary schools, and public departments jointly developed and implemented specific interventions. One specific intervention aimed to engage more children in local clubs. Coaches from three local sport clubs introduced 1st and 4th grade students at two schools to their sport (a course of eight times) during students' time in their local after-school club. Overall, the process fostered broad engagement of stakeholders from the public sector, the private sector, and civil society. CONCLUSION: The model developed in Our Healthy Community builds on contextual analyses, dialogues, workshops, and co-creation processes with a wide range of stakeholders to promote local relevance, integration and sustainability of developed actions and interventions. The model will be pilot tested in two other Danish municipalities (2022-2025