RELATIONSHIPS OF WEIGHT-RELATED DISSATISFACTION, BODY IMAGE FLEXIBILITY, AND COPING IN WOMEN

Purpose: The present study examined the relationships between body image flexibility, body image dissatisfaction, body image evaluation, and specific coping factors based on the WEIGHTCOPE measure. Body image flexibility was also examined as a mediator of the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and weight-related coping factors in women. Methods: An online link of the survey (Qualtrics Research Software Program) was distributed through social media and word of mouth to women of all body shapes and sizes (N= 267). The survey included the BICS as a measure of body image dissatisfaction, the MBSR (AE) as a measure of body image evaluation, the BI-AAQ as a measure of body image flexibility, and the WEIGHTCOPE as a measure of weight-related coping. Findings: Results supported that body image dissatisfaction had significant relationships with particular coping factors as well as body image flexibility. Once determining these relationships, the mediation analysis supported the idea that body image flexibility had a role in the relationships between body image dissatisfaction and suggested negative weight related coping responses. Conclusions: The findings suggest the need to integrate interventions based on body image flexibility. Mindfulness based techniques address body image flexibility and can be utilized in treating body image dissatisfaction in women to help decrease negative coping behaviors

Multi-Scale Modeling of Dynamic Recrystallization in Metals Undergoing Thermo-Mechanical Processing

This study focuses on devising a unified multi-scale numerical framework to predict the grain size evolution by dynamic recrystallization in metals and alloys for an array of severe plastic thermo-mechanical deformation conditions. The model is developed to predict the temporal and spatial grain size evolution of the material subjected to high strain rate and temperature dependent deformation. Dynamic recrystallization evolves by either a continuous grain refinement mechanism around room temperatures or by a discontinuous grain nucleation and growth mechanism at elevated temperatures. The multi-scale model bridges a dislocation density-based constitutive framework with microscale physics-based recrystallization laws to predict both the types of recrystallization phenomena simultaneously. The simulations are conducted within an integrated probabilistic cellular automata-finite element framework to capture the physics of the recrystallization mechanisms. High strain rate loading experiments in conjunction with microstructural characterization tests are conducted for pure copper to characterize the dynamic grain size evolution in the material and evaluated against the model predictions. Synchrotron X-rays are integrated with a modified Kolsky tension bar to conduct in situ temporal characterization of the grain refinement mechanism operating during the dynamic deformation of copper and evaluated against the developed model kinetics. Finally, the model is implemented to predict the grain size evolution developed during the friction stir spot welding of Al 6061-T6 for varying tool rotational speeds. The experiments show that the original microstructure is completely replaced by a recrystallized fine-grained microstructure with the final average grain size and morphology dependent on the process parameters. The model accurately predicts the process temperature rise with increasing tool rotational speeds, which results in a higher rate of grain coarsening during the dynamic recrystallization phenomenon

Multi-Scale Modeling of Dynamic Recrystallization in Metals Undergoing Thermo-Mechanical Processing

This study focuses on devising a unified multi-scale numerical framework to predict the grain size evolution by dynamic recrystallization in metals and alloys for an array of severe plastic thermo-mechanical deformation conditions. The model is developed to predict the temporal and spatial grain size evolution of the material subjected to high strain rate and temperature dependent deformation. Dynamic recrystallization evolves by either a continuous grain refinement mechanism around room temperatures or by a discontinuous grain nucleation and growth mechanism at elevated temperatures. The multi-scale model bridges a dislocation density-based constitutive framework with microscale physics-based recrystallization laws to predict both the types of recrystallization phenomena simultaneously. The simulations are conducted within an integrated probabilistic cellular automata-finite element framework to capture the physics of the recrystallization mechanisms. High strain rate loading experiments in conjunction with microstructural characterization tests are conducted for pure copper to characterize the dynamic grain size evolution in the material and evaluated against the model predictions. Synchrotron X-rays are integrated with a modified Kolsky tension bar to conduct in situ temporal characterization of the grain refinement mechanism operating during the dynamic deformation of copper and evaluated against the developed model kinetics. Finally, the model is implemented to predict the grain size evolution developed during the friction stir spot welding of Al 6061-T6 for varying tool rotational speeds. The experiments show that the original microstructure is completely replaced by a recrystallized fine-grained microstructure with the final average grain size and morphology dependent on the process parameters. The model accurately predicts the process temperature rise with increasing tool rotational speeds, which results in a higher rate of grain coarsening during the dynamic recrystallization phenomenon

Combination of a Probabilistic-Based and a Rule-Based Approach for Genealogical Record Linkage

Record linkage is the task of identifying records within one or multiple databases that refer to the same entity. Currently, there exist many different approaches for record linkage. Some approaches incorporate the use of heuristic rules, mathematical models, Markov models, or machine learning. This thesis focuses on the application of record linkage to genealogical records within family trees. Today, large collections of genealogical records are stored in databases, which may contain multiple records that refer to a single individual. Resolving duplicate genealogical records can extend our knowledge on who has lived and more complete information can be constructed by combining all information referring to an individual. Simple string matching is not a feasible option for identifying duplicate records due to inconsistencies such as typographical errors, data entry errors, and missing data. Record linkage algorithms can be classified under two broad categories, a rule-based or heuristic approach, or a probabilistic-based approach. The Cocktail Approach, presented by Shirley Ong Ai Pei, combines a probabilistic-based approach with a rule-based approach for record linkage. This thesis discusses a re-implementation and adoption of the Cocktail Approach to genealogical records

SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS IN RURAL APPALACHIA

The purpose of the present study is to conduct a secondary qualitative analysis to examine parent, teacher, and high school adolescents’ perceptions of social support for physical activity (PA) for high schoolers in Southern Appalachia. Social support for PA is linked to higher rates of PA participation in adolescents. Parents, siblings, and peers provide key sources of support. Social support for PA may be even more important in under-resourced communities such as Appalachia, where geographic, economic, and environmental barriers negatively impact PA engagement. During 2013-2014, focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of adolescents (n=39), high school teachers (n=38), and high school students (n=21) in six counties across rural Southern Appalachia as part of a grant-funded qualitative study to assess parental involvement strategies in school-based adolescent obesity prevention programs. We conducted a secondary analysis of the dataset from this study, focusing specifically on participants’ responses about family and peer supports for PA for adolescents. We used thematic analysis to analyze the data and develop overall themes. Four categories of social supports for PA emerged: instrumental, conditional, motivational, and informational supports. Instrumental supports included providing transportation, paying fees, enrollment in sports, and access to PA equipment at home. Performing PA with adolescents, modeling, watching/supervising, and prioritizing PA emerged as conditional supports. Several motivational supports were also identified: encouragement over life course, force, and admiration of people who are active. Participants also identified key informational supports including discussion by parents/teachers about how to be physically active, its importance and benefits and general advice/information. While some supports were widely available (e.g., equipment and encouragement), others such as transportation were limited in availability. Moreover, students highlighted being made fun of by peers when engaging in PA together as a constraint. Differences emerged in how the three groups conceptualized and attached meaning to the types of supports. While a range of social supports for PA exist for high schoolers in Southern Appalachia, supports emphasized by students, parents, and school personnel vary. These findings can be used to inform program and practice in PA research in rural Appalachia

Retrospective study on the effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) on maternal and neonatal outcome

Background: Obesity has become health problem worldwide. Prevalence of obesity has increased globally with more incidence observed in female than male. Objective of present study was assessment of maternal outcome in term of associated medical disorder and mode of delivery and assessment of neonatal outcome.Methods: The retrospective study performed at Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital, a tertiary care centre between 1st January 2017 to 30th November 2017. Total 64 patients were enrolled. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were studied in all nulligravida women with high BMI using logistic regression adjusted for confounding variable.Results: Women with high BMI were at increased risk of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (40.65%), diabetes (7.81%), induction of labour (62.5%), instrumental delivery (14.06%), operative intervention (42.18%), prolonged hospital stay and NICU admission (26.56%).Conclusions: This study observes increase risk of adverse outcome in pregnant women with high BMI

Onychophasia - A case report

Body focused repetitive behaviors are frequently seen in individuals with obsessive compulsive disorders. These behaviors range from repetitive hand washing to more severe forms such as onychophagia. We report a case of severe onychophagia wherein the patient despite receiving pharmacological treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder was unable to control her impulse to compulsively bite her nails. Repetitive nail biting led to the patient being treated for bacterial infections, debridement and subsequent digital amputations. Cases of severe onychophagia are seldom seen in clinical practice therefore an awareness regarding early identification of the signs and symptoms and up to date management are crucial for practicing clinicians. As illustrated in this case report, pharmacotherapy as well as intense psychotherapy is essential for the long-term effective management of this chronic ailment that can gravely affect the quality of an individual's life

RFID based Attendance Management System

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to transfer data from an electronic tag, called RFID tag or label, attached to an object, through a reader for the purpose of identifying and tracking the object. RFID technology is a matured technology that has been widely deployed by various organizations as a part of their automation systems. In this project, an RFID based system has been built in order to produce an attendance management system. An automated attendance management software will not only make the entire process simple, but will also provide a well-structured and analyzed report of the pattern of student attendance and time management, which can further help in allocating and using the human resources in an organization to the maximum possible benefit. This system consists of two main parts which include: the hardware and the software. The hardware consists of a motor unit and RFID reader. The RFID reader, which is a low-frequency reader (125 kHz), is connected to the host computer via a serial to USB converter cable. The Time-Attendance System GUI is developed using Visual Basic.Net. The Attendance Management System provides the functionalities of the overall system such as displaying live ID tags transactions, registering ID, deleting ID, recording attendance and other minor functions. This interface was installed in the host computer.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v3i6.396

Are acute infusion reactions after rituximab underreported?

Background: Rigorous premarketing trials may fail to capture safety issues associated with new drugs. This is more likely to happen in case of biopharmaceuticals. We take the case of rituximab, and anti CD20 monoclonal antibody, which was the first monoclonal antibody to get approval. This open label observational study was done with the objective of estimating the incidence of acute infusion reaction associated with rituximab infusion.Methods: The study population consisted of patients hospitalized for receiving rituximab, in day care centre(s) of a tertiary care hospital. Number and type of acute infusion reactions (AIR) were recorded on a case record form along with patient characteristics and medical history.Results: A total of 50 infusions were observed and all infusions were followed by at least one AIR. Total 71 AIRs were recorded among these 50 infusions (1.4 AIR per infusion). Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was the commonest indication for which patients were receiving rituximab. In a subset analysis, incidence of AIR was statistically lower in patients having received corticosteroids as premedication. However, brand of rituximab, gender of the patient and first or second cycle had no bearing on incidence of AIRs.Conclusions: AIRs are more common in real time clinical settings than what is reported. There is a need to formulate appropriate risk management plan depending on post marketing clinical data. Use of corticosteroids as premedication may be one such strategy. New drugs, esp biopharmaceuticals, may have unidentified/under reported safety issues and there is a need to undertake focussed pharmacovigilance endeavours to unravel them

Investigation of Zinc Chloride & Caffeine and Their ECTS on Bone Homeostasis in a 3D Bone Model

Approximately fourteen percent of the human body is composed of bone. The adult human skeleton is made of 206 bones, which make up the internal framework of the body. Osteoblast and Osteoclast cells are essential in maintaining the structure and function of bone, for bone homeostasis to occur. Previous data shows that caffeine can potentially have a negative effect on bone homeostasis. Whereas, ZnCl2 has been found to have a positive effect on bone homeostasis in controlled doses. Published data for treatments of caffeine and ZnCl2 are inadequate. The goal of this study was to determine the optimal concentration range for these treatments in maintaining bone metabolism. ZnCl2 and caffeine were provided in increasing concentrations to a 3D-bone organoid model (3D-BOM) for 21 days. Treatment concentrations were determined based on WHO/EPA guidelines. Alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red staining was completed to assess osteoblast differentiation and function respectively. Data shows that in the concentration range of 3µM-30µM, ZnCl2 maintains alkaline phosphatase activity. 3µM and 10µM ZnCl2 concentrations enhanced calcium deposition while 30µM ZnCl2 showed impairment. Caffeine (0.005µM, 0.01µM and 0.1µM) had negative effects on alkaline phosphatase activity or calcium deposition. Data demonstrates that ZnCl2 and caffeine has concentration-dependent effects on osteoblast differentiation/function. In the future, the effects of trace elements on osteoclast function and gene/protein expression will be evaluated. Determining optimal levels of trace elements for bone metabolism can be used to assess the range of disorders and disease caused by disruption in bone homeostasis