Activity Participation and Older Adults’ Well-Being

This paper accounts a service learner’s experience at Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services (CMSS) in conjunction with R.J. Havighurst’s Activity theory. There is great significance in researching aging issues and identifying markers of successful aging, as the population is growing older and people are living longer. Activity theory is one approach to successful aging attainment that focuses on participation in activities being continually necessary to the journey of aging. Previous literature examines the activity theory and its emphasis on creating meaning in the lives of older adults. Using research on the activity theory as a starting point, I participated in several activities during my service learning experience. Through my work on the activities I gained a newfound perspective and understanding of older adults. Implications of aging research can influence the way older adults, at all levels of functioning and needs of assistance, are treated and cared for

Dissociative multi-photon ionization of isolated uracil and uracil-adenine complexes

Recent multi-photon ionization (MPI) experiments on uracil revealed a fragment ion at m/z 84 that was proposed as a potential marker for ring opening in the electronically excited neutral molecule. The present MPI measurements on deuterated uracil identify the fragment as C3H4N2O+ (uracil+ less CO), a plausible dissociative ionization product from the theoretically predicted open-ring isomer. Equivalent measurements on thymine do not reveal an analogous CO loss channel, suggesting greater stability of the excited DNA base. MPI and electron impact ionization experiments have been carried out on uracil-adenine clusters in order to better understand the radiation response of uracil within RNA. Evidence for C3H4N2O+ production from multi-photon-ionized uracil-adenine clusters is tentatively attributed to a significant population of π-stacked configurations in the neutral beam

Extending Immunity for Drug Overdoses

The Tennessee Code 63-1-156 provides immunity to those who suffer from a drug overdose that seek medical assistance, only for the first overdose. After the first overdose, individuals who seek medical assistance do not receive immunity and are subject to criminal charges. Over the past 5 years, drug overdose deaths have increased significantly and in 2021 3,814 Tennesseans died from a drug overdose. In addition, individuals incarcerated for drug-related offenses make up about 20% of the state’s prison population. The state of Tennessee has had a significant increase in drug abuse rates, leading to a rise in overdose deaths and incarceration rates. HB0075 and SB0256, sponsored by Representative William Lamberth and Senator Jack Johnson, extend criminal immunity for those suffering from drug overdose and seeking medical assistance, whether the first or any overdose. This legislation recognizes data indicating that people who have overdosed once are more likely to overdose again (CDC, 2022). These bills recognize the importance of providing individuals with the necessary protection to seek medical assistance without fear of legal repercussions for every overdose. By shifting the focus from criminalizing drug use to providing immunity and assistance for every overdose, HB0075 and SB0256 align with the NASW values social justice and dignity and worth of the person. The bills aim to protect individuals\u27 dignity by providing immunity to those who seek medical assistance for an overdose, and they promote social justice by recognizing drug use as a public health issue and providing support and assistance to individuals who suffer from drug overdose. This paper will explore these bills and their potential to have a positive impact on the social welfare issue of drug use

Wastewater reuse in agriculture in the outskirts of the city Batna (Algeria)

The study is based on a survey of farmers. The data collected allow us to understand the reasons for the reuse of wastewater. This resource can be an important element in irrigation water management strategy. The possibilities of wastewater reuse in agriculture are significant, as is the case in the Batna region. In this context, the presence of texts establishing the modality of wastewater reuse, are a prerequisite for promotion of wastewater reuse projects. Policymakers are faced with the need to exploit the increase in volumes to meet greater demand. To do this, the integrated management should be considered now as a public / private partnership model and as the best approach for development and efficient and sustainable management.Keywords: Farmers, Irrigation, Management, Public Policy, Text

Diffusion of stochastic magnetic field lines in a confined plasma using the generalized mapping

The evolution of stochastic magnetic field lines has been studied numerically. Also, we have studied the transition from partial stochasticity to global stochasticity of magnetic field lines. We have developed the analytical calculations of diffusion coefficient of magnetic field lines through magnetic surfaces using the Fourier paths technique. The magnetic field lines are described by the generalized mapping. A comparison between our analytical and numerical calculations has been done.The evolution of stochastic magnetic field lines has been studied numerically. Also, we have studied the transition from partial stochasticity to global stochasticity of magnetic field lines. We have developed the analytical calculations of diffusion coefficient of magnetic field lines through magnetic surfaces using the Fourier paths technique. The magnetic field lines are described by the generalized mapping. A comparison between our analytical and numerical calculations has been done

Modulating stiffness with photo-switchable supramolecular hydrogels

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels are attractive materials with many applications towards biomedicine,biology, construction, and manufacturing. Materials that can be cured or annealed rapidly at room temperature are of particular interest. In this work we develop a class of supramolecular coumarin-functionalised hydrogels formedviahost-guest mediated self-assembly with cucurbit[8]uril thatcan photo-switch to covalent gels and reversibly toggle between the two states. A principle ad-vantage of such materials is their ability to maintain a homogeneous chemical composition and crosslink density while selectively modulating stiffness with light. An investigation of the photo-reversibility of these functional materials elucidated that hydroxyethyl cellulose-coumarin based gels were soft and could only switch from a physical state to a covalent one, while hyaluronic acid-coumarin based gels were softer and could be photo-reversed back into a physical state after covalent curing.A.T. acknowledges The Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States. R.A.F. acknowledges the Cambridge Commonwealth European and International Trust. C.C.P. acknowledges the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. G.W. acknowledges the Leverhulme Trus

Pooled Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Video Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Implantable Cardiac Devices

© 2019 Rabih Tabet et al. Background. To date, video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is still contraindicated by the FDA and the main manufacturers of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) in patients with CIED, given a theoretical electromagnetic interference and possible device malfunction. Objectives. The objective of this study was to assess the safety profile and efficacy of VCE in patients with implantable cardiac devices through analyzing the risk of mutual interference. Methods. A systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted. Peer-reviewed original articles, published in the English language and containing capsule endoscopy AND pacemaker , defibrillator OR left ventricular assist device as keywords, were selected. Studies performed in vitro, isolated case reports, and abstracts/posters were excluded. Results. A total of 735 VCE procedures were performed in patients with cardiac devices in various clinical settings. Cardiac events were not seen in any case. Interference on capsule images transmission was noted in 5 cases (left ventricular assist device (LVAD)) where few images were lost when the capsule was closest to the device. Finally, interference between capsule and telemetry leads was noted in 6 cases (4 Permanent Pacemakers (PPM), 2 Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)) leading to image artifacts. Discussion. Adverse cardiac events were not seen in any study. Loss of images occurred when the VCE was in proximity to the device (only with LVAD) or after telemetry leads installation without affecting the completion rate and diagnostic yield of VCE. Conclusion. VCE is safe and remains efficient in patients with cardiac devices. If cardiac monitoring is required, wired systems are preferable

Correlates of condom use in a sample of MSM in Ecuador

BACKGROUND: In Ecuador, the prevalence of HIV in the general population is approximately 0.3%. However, up to 17% prevalence has been reported among specific groups of homosexual and bisexual men. The objective of this study is to explore correlates of condom use among men who have sex with men (MSM) across eight cities in Ecuador. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used. A questionnaire including variables on sexual behaviour, demographics, and socio-economic characteristics was distributed to a sample of MSM in eight Ecuadorian cities. RESULTS: Information was obtained for 2,594 MSM across the eight cities. The largest subcategory of self-identification was active bisexuals (35%), followed by those who described themselves as "hombrados" (masculine gays, 22%). The mean age was 25 years, and the majority were unmarried (78%), with a median of 10 years of schooling (IQR 7 – 12). Regarding condom use, 55% of those interviewed had unprotected penetrative sex with each of their last three partners, and almost 25% had never used a condom. The most important correlates of condom use were single status, high life-skills rating, and high socio-economic status (RP 5.45, 95% CI 4.26 – 6.37; RP 1.84, 95% CI 1.79 – 1.86, and RP 1.20, 95% CI 1.01 – 1.31, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our data illustrate the urgent need for targeted HIV-prevention programs for MSM populations in Ecuador. MSM have the highest HIV prevalence in the country, and condom use is extremely low. It is imperative that prevention strategies be re-evaluated and re-prioritized to more effectively respond to the Ecuadorian epidemic