439 research outputs found
Physiological Responses to Environmental Variation in Intertidal Red Algae: Does Thallus Morphology Matter?
Morphological variation within and among many species of algae show correlated life history traits. The trade-offs of Life history traits among different morphs are presumed to be determined by morphology. Form-function hypotheses also predict that algae of different morphological groups exhibit different tolerances to physiological stress, whereas algae within a morphological group respond similarly to stress. We tested this hypothesis by comparing photosynthetic and respiratory responses to variation in season, light, temperature, desiccation and freezing among the morphologically similar fronds of Chondrus crispus and Mastocarpus stellatus and the alternate stage crust of M. stellatus. Physiological differences between fronds of the 2 species and crusts and fronds were consistent with their patterns of distribution and abundance in the intertidal zone. However, there was no clear relationship between algal morphology and physiological response to environmental variation. These results suggest that among macroalgae the correlation between Life history traits and morphology is not always causal. Rather, the link between life history traits and morphology is constrained by the extent to which physiological characteristics codetermine these features
âHe's Still the Winner in My Mindâ: Maintaining the Collective Identity in Sport through Social Creativity and Group Affirmation
Social Creativity and Group Affirmation are two strategies by which individuals that identify with a sporting activity, team, group or individual may protect that sense of identification in light of negative events. This paper explores the use of such strategies through examining reactions to doping allegations surrounding Lance Armstrong to explain how members of two brand communities (one based on the brand of Armstrong as cyclist and the other on the brand of Armstrong as cancer survivor) maintain a sense of allegiance. Through undertaking a netnographic approach, six strategies were identified by members of these communities, three of which could be identified as Social Creativity Strategies (Lance Armstrong as âsuperhumanâ, the notion of cycling as a âlevel playing fieldâ, Armstrong as scapegoat) and three as Group Affirmation (Armstrong as a continuing inspiration, the Armstrong legacy, and denial). The two brand communities demonstrated differing patterns of maintenance, with those within the cycling community focusing more upon Social Creativity strategies, whereas those members of the Armstrong as cancer survivor brand tended to focus upon Group Affirmation strategies
BNCI systems as a potential assistive technology: ethical issues and participatory research in the BrainAble project
This paper highlights aspects related to current research and thinking about ethical issues in relation to Brain Computer Interface (BCI) and Brain-Neuronal Computer Interfaces (BNCI) research through the experience of one particular project, BrainAble, which is exploring and developing the potential of these technologies to enable people with complex disabilities to control computers. It describes how ethical practice has been developed both within the multidisciplinary research team and with participants. Results: The paper presents findings in which participants shared their views of the project prototypes, of the potential of BCI/BNCI systems as an assistive technology, and of their other possible applications. This draws attention to the importance of ethical practice in projects where high expectations of technologies, and representations of âideal typesâ of disabled users may reinforce stereotypes or drown out participant âvoicesâ. Conclusions: Ethical frameworks for research and development in emergent areas such as BCI/BNCI systems should be based on broad notions of a âduty of careâ while being sufficiently flexible that researchers can adapt project procedures according to participant needs. They need to be frequently revisited, not only in the light of experience, but also to ensure they reflect new research findings and ever more complex and powerful technologies
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Recovering from stillbirth: the effects of making and sharing memories on maternal mental health
Objective: This study examined whether the experience of creating and sharing memories of their babies is associated with mothersâ mental health after stillbirth, taking account of factors previously shown to be important. Background: Mothers of stillborn babies are usually offered the opportunity to spend time with and create memories of their babies. However, evidence on whether this leads to better mental health outcomes is equivocal. One possible explanation is that the impact of making memories is mediated by the extent to which women subsequently share these memories. Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire study. Mothers (N = 162) of stillborn babies completed online questionnaires of how memories were made and shared, satisfaction with memory-making and sharing, professional and social support, and symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Results: The majority of mothers made and shared memories. The number of different memory-making activities was not associated with mental health outcomes. However, the degree to which mothers shared their memories was associated with fewer PTSD symptoms. Regression analyses showed that good mental health was most strongly associated with time since stillbirth, perceived professional support, sharing of memories and less wish to talk more about the baby. Conclusion: This study confirms research showing that time since stillbirth and perceived professional support is associated with better mental health following stillbirth and for the first time shows the importance of opportunities to share memories of the baby. Variation in sharing opportunities may contribute to inconsistencies in the association between making memories and mental health following stillbirth
Factors and Situations Affecting the Value of Patient Preference Studies: Semi-Structured Interviews in Europe and the US
Objectives: Patient preference information (PPI) is gaining recognition among the
pharmaceutical industry, regulatory authorities, and health technology assessment (HTA)
bodies/payers for use in assessments and decision-making along the medical product
lifecycle (MPLC). This study aimed to identify factors and situations that influence the
value of patient preference studies (PPS) in decision-making along the MPLC according
to different stakeholders.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews (n = 143) were conducted with six different
stakeholder groups (physicians, academics, industry representa
Patient Preferences in the Medical Product Life Cycle: What do Stakeholders Think? Semi-Structured Qualitative Interviews in Europe and the USA.
Background Patient preferences (PP), which are investigated in PP studies using qualitative or quantitative methods, are a
growing area of interest to the following stakeholders involved in the medical product lifecycle: academics, health technology assessment bodies,
Factors and situations influencing the value of patient preference studies along the medical product lifecycle: a literature review
Industry, regulators, health technology assessment (HTA) bodies, and payers are exploring the use of patient preferences in their decision-making processes. In general, experience in conducting and assessing patient preference studies is limited. Here, we performed a systematic literature search and review to identify factors and situations influencing the value of patient preference studies, as well as applications throughout the medical product lifecyle. Factors and situations identified in 113 publications related to the organization, design, and conduct of studies, and to communication and use of results. Although current use of patient preferences is limited, we identified possible applications in discovery, clinical development, marketing authorization, HTA, and postmarketing phases
Managing lifestyle change to reduce coronary risk: a synthesis of qualitative research on peoplesâ experiences
Background
Coronary heart disease is an incurable condition. The only approach known to slow its progression is healthy lifestyle change and concordance with cardio-protective medicines. Few people fully succeed in these daily activities so potential health improvements are not fully realised. Little is known about peoplesâ experiences of managing lifestyle change. The aim of this study was to synthesise qualitative research to explain how participants make lifestyle change after a cardiac event and explore this within the wider illness experience.
Methods
A qualitative synthesis was conducted drawing upon the principles of meta-ethnography. Qualitative studies were identified through a systematic search of 7 databases using explicit criteria. Key concepts were identified and translated across studies. Findings were discussed and diagrammed during a series of audiotaped meetings.
Results
The final synthesis is grounded in findings from 27 studies, with over 500 participants (56% male) across 8 countries. All participants experienced a change in their self-identity from what was âfamiliarâ to âunfamiliarâ. The transition process involved âfinding new limits and a life worth livingââ, âfinding support for selfâ and âfinding a new normalâ. Analyses of these concepts led to the generation of a third order construct, namely an ongoing process of âreassessing past, present and future livesâ as participants considered their changed identity. Participants experienced a strong urge to get back to ânormalâ. Support from family and friends could enable or constrain life change and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle change was but one small part of a wider âlifeâ change that occurred.
Conclusions
The final synthesis presents an interpretation, not evident in the primary studies, of a person-centred model to explain how lifestyle change is situated within âwiderâ life changes. The magnitude of individual responses to a changed health status varied. Participants experienced distress as their notion of self identity shifted and emotions that reflected the various stages of the grief process were evident in participantsâ accounts. The process of self-managing lifestyle took place through experiential learning; the level of engagement with lifestyle change reflected an individualâs unique view of the balance needed to manage ârealistic changeâ whilst leading to a life that was perceived as âworth livingâ. Findings highlight the importance of providing person centred care that aligns with both psychological and physical dimensions of recovery which are inextricably linked
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