Light scattering from a magnetically tunable dense random medium with weak dissipation : ferrofluid

We present a semi-phenomenological treatment of light transmission through and its reflection from a ferrofluid, which we regard as a magnetically tunable system of dense random dielectric scatterers with weak dissipation. Partial spatial ordering is introduced by the application of a transverse magnetic field that superimposes a periodic modulation on the dielectric randomess. This introduces Bragg scattering which effectively enhances the scattering due to disorder alone, and thus reduces the elastic mean free path towards Anderson localization. Our theoretical treatment, based on invariant imbedding, gives a simultaneous decrease of transmission and reflection without change of incident linear polarisation as the spatial order is tuned magnetically to the Bragg condition, namely the light wave vector being equal to half the Bragg vector (Q). Our experimental observations are in qualitative agreement with these results. We have also given expressions for the transit (sojourn) time of light and for the light energy stored in the random medium under steady illumination. The ferrofluid thus provides an interesting physical realization of effectively a "Lossy Anderson-Bragg" (LAB) cavity with which to study the effect of the interplay of spatial disorder, partial order and weak dissipation on light transport. Given the current interest in propagation, optical limiting and storage of light in ferrofluids, the present work seems topical

Does Your Cause Fit My “Self”? Self-Expansion and Self-Concept in Cause-Related Marketing

Cause-related marketing is a strategic approach to differentiate, earn consumer preference, and sustain brand growth by supporting environmental and social concerns. Cause-related campaigns are effective, impact consumers decision making, and build brand preference when there is a deep identification with the cause and an understanding of consumers’ motivators, affect factors, and aspirations. How cause-brand affinity affects the relationships that consumers nurture with these brands as they expand their selves is still unknown. This study assesses the impact of cause-brand and cause-self-identity fit on brand engagement in self-concept and self-expansion driven by consumers’ intention to self-verify and self-aspire when building brand relationships. Our findings suggest that cause-brand and cause-self-identity connection allow consumers to self-expand. A cause-brand value fit beyond functional and image is required for brand credibility and engagement to self-verify.  Simultaneously, consumers self-aspire due to a fit between the meaning of the cause and their ideal selves and becomes a moderator source for self-expansion. A methodological contribution identifies a new “values” dimension in the conceptualization of cause–brand fit. A theoretical model is tested through confirmatory factor analysis, LISREL, and PLS-SEM modeling. Self-expansion and social identity are the theoretical framework. This study is the first to test the notion that consumers’ self-expansion results from the concurrence of cause-brand fit, cause-self-identity fit, and brand engagement in self-concept in cause-related marketing. Keywords: Cause-related Marketing, Self-concept, Self-expansion, Cause–brand fit, Cause-self-identity fit, Branding. DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/85-09 Publication date: July 28th 2022

Past alcohol consumption and incident atrial fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

BackgroundAlthough current alcohol consumption is a risk factor for incident atrial fibrillation (AF), the more clinically relevant question may be whether alcohol cessation is associated with a reduced risk.Methods and resultsWe studied participants enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) between 1987 and 1989 without prevalent AF. Past and current alcohol consumption were ascertained at baseline and at 3 subsequent visits. Incident AF was ascertained via study ECGs, hospital discharge ICD-9 codes, and death certificates. Of 15,222 participants, 2,886 (19.0%) were former drinkers. During a median follow-up of 19.7 years, there were 1,631 cases of incident AF, 370 occurring in former consumers. Former drinkers had a higher rate of AF compared to lifetime abstainers and current drinkers. After adjustment for potential confounders, every decade abstinent from alcohol was associated with an approximate 20% (95% CI 11-28%) lower rate of incident AF; every additional decade of past alcohol consumption was associated with a 13% (95% CI 3-25%) higher rate of AF; and every additional drink per day during former drinking was associated with a 4% (95% CI 0-8%) higher rate of AF.ConclusionsAmong former drinkers, the number of years of drinking and the amount of alcohol consumed may each confer an increased risk of AF. Given that a longer duration of abstinence was associated with a decreased risk of AF, earlier modification of alcohol use may have a greater influence on AF prevention

EFFECTIVENESS OF LOW-COST CUSTOMIZED SADDLE PILLOW ON PAIN IN POST-EPISIOTOMY PATIENTS

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of customized saddle pillow for pain in post-episiotomy patients and also to analyze the duration of sitting for breastfeeding and other functional activities following episiotomy.Methods: A total of 28 postnatal mothers who have undergone episiotomy were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria and were divided conveniently into an experimental group (n=16) and control group (n=12). Both the groups received the conventional physiotherapy protocol, but experimental group patients, in addition, were provided with customized saddle pillow. Customized saddle pillow was used by the patients from postnatal day (PND) 0 to PND 2. Pre- and post-test values for pain were assessed through the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). In addition, data such as duration of sitting for breastfeeding and other functional activities were collected through sitting tracker.Results: The study manifested the effectiveness of low-cost customized saddle pillow in reducing perineal pain (p=0.01) and increase in sitting duration (p=0.01) in post-episiotomy patients compared to the control group.Conclusion: Among the postnatal mothers selected for the study the mothers who used customized saddle pillow experienced a reduction in pain as well as the better sitting duration for breastfeeding. The research recommends mothers who underwent episiotomy to use the low-cost saddle pillows for healthier breastfeeding and pain-free life

A GVT Based Algorithm for Butterfly Barrier in Parallel and Distributed Systems

The final publication is available at www.springerlink.comMattern’s GVT algorithm is a time management algorithm that helps achieve the synchronization in parallel and distributed systems. This algorithm uses ring structure to establish cuts C1 and C2 to calculate the GVT. The latency of calculating the GVT is vital in parallel/distributed systems which is extremely high if calculated using this algorithm. However, using synchronous barriers with the Matterns algorithm can help improving the GVT computation process by minimizing the GVT latency. In this paper, we incorporate the butterfly barrier to employ two cuts C1 and C2 and obtain the resultant GVT at an affordable latency. Our analysis shows that the proposed GVT computation algorithm significantly improves the overall performance in terms of memory saving and latency.http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-90-481-3660-5_10