Predictors of the use and approval of CAM: results from the German General Social Survey (ALLBUS)

Background: Many studies have shown that sociodemographic variables significantly predict the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), although these predictions were not particularly strong. A multitude of predictors of the use or approval of CAM have been investigated in the field of personal values and worldviews, but the effects were small or doubtful due to non-representative samples. More recent psychological research has linked positive attitudes towards CAM with intuitive thinking, paranormal beliefs, ontological confusions and magical health beliefs, suggesting a common thinking style behind all these variables. The aim of this study is to identify the most important predictors of the use and approval of CAM. Methods: We performed a canonical correlation analysis on all 3480 records from the 2012 German General Social Survey (ALLBUS) with the lifetime use and opinion of CAM as the dependent variables. Results: Approval of paranormal practices such as fortune-telling, dowsing or spiritualism explained 32% of the variance in the dependent canonical variate "approval of CAM", while sociodemographic variables explained only 2%. Experience with paranormal practices explained 17% of the variance in the dependent canonical variate "experience with CAM", and sociodemographic variables explained 10% of the variance. Traditional religiosity, attitudes towards science and post-materialist values showed no relevant correlations with the dependent canonical variates. Conclusions: Paranormal beliefs and related measures are the most important known predictors of the use and approval of CAM. Experience with paranormal practices not only indicates paranormal beliefs but also explains experience with CAM that cannot be explained by approval of CAM. Female gender and higher socioeconomic status predict experience with CAM without predicting approval of CAM, but their influence should not be overstated

The telomerase on duty in antiaging techniques: myths and facts

Introduction. The contemporary medicine has made the lengthening the human’s life a reality. On the other hand, the age-linked problems are one of the cornerstone theses of modern biology. Nowadays, the telomere commitment in aging is demonstrated and the anti-aging theories are based on the human’s telomerase studying and furthermore on human’s genetics rejuvenation. Aim of study. To research on the telomerase impact on human’s aging. Methods and materials. We have selected and studied some scientific articles based on the next keywords: telomerase, telomere, and aging. Results. The telomeres are the regions found on the chromosome extremities, involved in the preserving of the genetic material during the dividing process. Each cell division makes the telomeres to short themselves, this turning the genetic material unstable, thus giving the cell the premise to stop dividing. The scientists made a huge effort to decode the telomerase structure, knowing its role in telomere restoring. There is a high amount of the telomerase in the STEM cells, sex cells and in the tumoral ones, giving them the possibility to divide much more as compared to the somatic cells, in which telomerase is absent. A number of studies have shown the telomerase importance by injecting the telomerase gene in skin and vascular endothelium, and activating the telomerase. It helped to keep the same length of chromosomes among divisions. This made the scientists to increase the cell lifespan. Subsequently, there is a set of restrictions in the usage of telomerase, because its involvement leads to the appearance of cancer cells. A solution would be to activate the telomerase parallel to oncosupresor activation (like p53, p16, p14), resulting in lengthening of cells life length. Conclusion. The detailed description of telomerase and its mechanisms will bring us to the elaboration of medications having the capacity to slow down or even stop aging, without inflicting the cancer apparition. It’s necessary to gain more information about the risks associated with telomerase activit

Novice Teachers’ Perspectives of Self-Efficacy Using Literacy Assessment Data to Make Decisions

A significant number of U.S. students are unable to read proficiently by fourth grade, and over two billion dollars are spent each year on students who repeat a grade due to reading problems. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to examine novice elementary teachers’ perspectives of their self-efficacy in using adaptive instructional techniques to use literacy assessment data to make instructional and intervention decisions. The conceptual framework was assessment theory. The research question focused on novice elementary teachers’ perspectives of their efficacy in using adaptive instructional techniques to use literacy assessment data to make instructional and intervention decisions. A total of 10 teachers having 3 to 5 years of experience in Grades K-3 in school districts around the United States shared their perspectives in semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using open and axial coding. The results included strategies that administrators, teacher educators, policymakers, and mentor teachers might use to improve novice teachers’ self-efficacy in using literacy assessment data to make instructional and intervention decisions. Through thematic analysis, three overarching themes emerged: (a) collegiate support and high-quality field experiences contributed to self-efficacy of data use for decisions, (b) reading curriculum in classrooms hindered self-efficacy when using literacy assessment data to make instructional and intervention decisions, and (c) novice teachers relied on instincts to strengthen self-efficacy when using data. Leaders may use the results of this study to inform their decisions regarding preparing preservice teachers and supporting novice teachers for high-quality literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention

Концептуальные основы адаптивных авторулевых

Проблематика. Роботу присвячено критичному аналізу літератури, що охоплює головні аспекти створення адаптивних систем керування рухом судна. Мета дослідження. Метою роботи є визначення перспективних напрямів досліджень у галузі створення адаптивних систем керування рухом судна. Методика реалізації. Проведено аналіз існуючих підходів до ідентифікації параметрів моделі судна (зокрема, ідентифікації на зиґзаґу, на циркуляції та за допомогою калманівської фільтрації), визначено переваги і недоліки цих методів, що можуть бути покладені в основу створення адаптивних автостернових. Наведено критичний аналіз підходів до керування судном за допомогою класичних та новітніх методів автоматичного керування об’єктами, зокрема параметричного настроювання класичних ПІД-регуляторів, перемикання регуляторів, застосування нелінійних регуляторів – лінійно-квадратичних (LQ), “ковзного режиму” (sliding mode), а також штучного інтелекту – нейромереж, нечіткої логіки та гібридних підходів. Окремо в огляді наведено аналіз розробок вітчизняних авторів, присвячених розробці адаптивних автостернових та адаптивному керуванню рухом судна. Результати дослідження. В результаті аналізу літературних джерел визначено перспективні напрями досліджень у галузі створення адаптивних систем керування рухом судна. Висновки. Перспективними напрямами досліджень є: 1) розробка нових підходів до ідентифікації параметрів моделі руху судна та збурень, що діють на нього; 2) застосування методів штучного інтелекту, зокрема нечіткої логіки та нейромереж, до адаптивного керування судном; 3) побудова адаптивних нелінійних систем керування рухом судна.Background. The paper is devoted to critical analysis of literature that covers the major aspects of adaptive ship motion control systems. Objective. The objective of a study is identifying the promising areas of research in the field of adaptive ship motion control. Methods. The analysis of existing approaches to ship model parameters identification (including identification during zig-zag motion, during circulation and identification using Kalman filtering) is done; advantages and disadvantages of those methods are determined. The methods mentioned can be used as a basis for creating adaptive gyropilots. A critical review of approaches to ship control by means of classical and modern methods of automatic control, including the parametric adjustment of classic PID regulators, switching of regulators, use of nonlinear regulators — linear-quadratic (LQ), sliding mode regulators, and artificial intelligence — neural networks, fuzzy logic and hybrid approaches, is done. Separately, in the survey analysis of papers of Ukrainian authors, which are devoted to the development of adaptive gyropilots and adaptive ship motion control, is presented. Results. As a result of literature survey, prospective areas of studies in the field of adaptive ship control are determined. Conclusions. Most promising research areas are: 1) development of novel approaches to the identification of the vessel model parameters and disturbances acting on it; 2) application of artificial intelligence, including fuzzy logic and neural networks, to adaptive ship control methods; 3) development of adaptive nonlinear systems for ship motion control.Проблематика. Работа посвящена критическому анализу литературы, охватывающей основные аспекты создания адаптивных систем управления движением судна. Цель исследования. Цель работы – определение перспективных направлений исследований в области создания адаптивных систем управления движением судна. Методика реализации. Проведен анализ существующих подходов к идентификации параметров модели судна (в частности, идентификации на зигзаге, на циркуляции и с помощью калмановской фильтрации), определены преимущества и недостатки этих методов, которые могут быть положены в основу создания адаптивных авторулевых. Приведен критический анализ подходов к управлению судном с помощью классических и новых методов автоматического управления объектами, в частности параметрической настройки классических ПИД-регуляторов, переключения регуляторов, применения нелинейных регуляторов – линейно-квадратичных (LQ), “скользящего режима” (sliding mode), а также искусственного интеллекта – нейросетей, нечеткой логики и гибридных подходов. Отдельно в обзоре приведен анализ разработок отечественных авторов, посвященных разработке адаптивных авторулевых и адаптивному управлению движением судна. Результаты исследования. В результате анализа литературных источников определены перспективные направления исследований в области создания адаптивных систем управления движением судна. Выводы. Перспективными направлениями исследований являются: 1) разработка новых подходов к идентификации параметров модели движения судна и действующих на него возмущений; 2) применение методов искусственного интеллекта, в частности нечеткой логики и нейронных сетей, к адаптивному управлению судном; 3) построение адаптивных нелинейных систем управления движением судна

Perceived outcomes of spiritual healing: results from a prospective case series

BACKGROUND: The aims of this pilot study were to observe perceived outcomes of spiritual healing in Germany. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective case study, we performed qualitative interviews with clients and healers about perceived outcomes of spiritual healing treatments. A directed qualitative content analysis was used. In addition, we applied questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Sense of Coherence 13, SpREUK-15, intensity of complaints on visual analogue scale) at baseline and after week 1, month 2 and month 6 which were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: Seven healers and 7 clients participated, 42 interviews were analysed. In the interviews, the clients described positive body sensations, greater relaxation and well-being as short-term effects of healing treatments. Perceived longer-term effects were related to making significant life changes, creating new meanings, activating resources and improving social relationships. Patients in pain described a reduction of pain intensity. In the questionnaires, the clients reported improvements in quality of life and self-efficacy, to a smaller extent improvements of intensity of complaints and sense of coherence. CONCLUSION: The results from this pilot study could be useful to choose outcomes of future prospective studies with a larger sample: qualitative assessments combined with global and broad quantitative outcomes such as quality of life, self-efficacy and intensity of complaints could be applied

The Therapeutic Process in Spiritual Healing: Qualitative Results of a Prospective Case Series

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic process between contemporary spiritual healers and their clients in Germany. Methods: This prospective observational case study was supported by questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with clients and healers from the first encounter through a period of 6 months. The qualitative analysis is based on a directed content analysis with focus in this article on the results relating to the therapeutic process. Results: Seven healers and seven clients were included, and 22 interviews with healers and 20 interviews with clients were conducted. The first treatment session was perceived as laying a foundation for the therapeutic process and the relationship, which was seen as crucial for healing to take place. Healers perceived the therapeutic process as highly individualized and multi-layered, with the perceived effects of spiritual healing sessions layered upon each other. The capacities to connect and to trust were seen as key elements of the healing process. Trust and connection operate multidimensionally: to oneself, to others, and to a transcendent or spiritual source. Clients’ spiritual attitudes were regarded as fundamental resources. Conclusion: The therapeutic process between spiritual healers and their clients was understood as a dynamic and individual activity, building up on a trustful relationship from the first encounter

Wahrgenommene Effekte spirituellen Heilens: Ergebnisse einer prospektiven Fallserie

Background: The aims of this pilot study were to observe perceived outcomes of spiritual healing in Germany. Patients and Methods: In this prospective case study, we performed qualitative interviews with clients and healers about perceived outcomes of spiritual healing treatments. A directed qualitative content analysis was used. In addition, we applied questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Sense of Coherence 13, SpREUK-15, intensity of complaints on visual analogue scale) at baseline and after week 1, month 2 and month 6 which were analysed descriptively. Results: Seven healers and 7 clients participated, 42 interviews were analysed. In the interviews, the clients described positive body sensations, greater relaxation and well-being as short-term effects of healing treatments. Perceived longer-term effects were related to making significant life changes, creating new meanings, activating resources and improving social relationships. Patients in pain described a reduction of pain intensity. In the questionnaires, the clients reported improvements in quality of life and self-efficacy, to a smaller extent improvements of intensity of complaints and sense of coherence. Conclusion: The results from this pilot study could be useful to choose outcomes of future prospective studies with a larger sample: qualitative assessments combined with global and broad quantitative outcomes such as quality of life, self-efficacy and intensity of complaints could be applied.Hintergrund: Ziel dieser Pilotstudie war es, subjektiv wahrgenommene Effekte des spirituellen Heilens quali­tativ und quantitativ zu erfassen. Patienten und Metho­den: In dieser prospektiven Pilotstudie wurden über 6 Monate qualitative Interviews mit Klienten und Heilern über wahrgenommene Effekte spiritueller Heilbehandlungen geführt und auf Basis einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Ergebnisse wurden zusätzlich mit Fragebögen (WHOQOL-BREF, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Sense of Coherence 13, SpREUK-15, Beschwerdeintensität auf visueller Analogskala) zu Studienbeginn und nach der Woche 1, Monat 2 und Monat 6 erfasst. Ergebnisse: Sieben Heiler und 7 Klienten nahmen an dieser Studie teil, 42 ­Interviews wurden analysiert. Klienten beschrieben als kurzfristige Effekte der Heilbehandlungen positive Körperempfindungen, mehr Entspannung und Wohlbefinden. Die längerfristig wahrgenommenen Effekte standen im Zusammenhang mit signifikanten Veränderungen des Lebens, neuen Deutungen, Ressourcenaktivierung und der Verbesserung sozialer Beziehungen durch die Klien­ten. Klienten mit Schmerzen beschrieben eine Verringe­rung der Schmerzintensität. In den Fragebögen zeigten sich Verbesserungen der Lebensqualität und der Selbstwirksamkeit, zu einem geringeren Ausmaß Verbesserungen der Beschwerdeintensität und des Kohärenzgefühls. Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse dieser Pilotstudie könnten nützlich sein, um Endpunkte für künftige pros­pektive Studien mit einem größeren Stichprobenumfang zu wählen: qualitative Analysen in Kombination mit Fragebögen, die globale und umfassende Aspekte wie Lebensqualität, Selbstwirksamkeit und Intensität der ­Beschwerden erfassen, sind unserer Ansicht nach am besten geeignet

Thoughts, beliefs and concepts concerning infectious childhood diseases of physicians practicing homeopathic, anthroposophic and conventional medicine – a qualitative study

Background: Physicians who include complementary medicine in their practice are thought to have an understanding of health and disease different from that of colleagues practicing conventional medicine. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the thoughts and concepts concerning infectious childhood diseases (measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, pertussis and scarlet fever) of physicians practicing homeopathic, anthroposophic and conventional medicine. Methods: This qualitative study used semistructured interviews. Participating physicians were either general practitioners or pediatricians. Data collection and analysis were guided by a grounded theory approach. Results: Eighteen physicians were interviewed (6 homeopathic, 6 anthroposophic and 6 conventional). All physicians agreed that while many classic infectious childhood diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella are rarely observed today, other diseases, such as chickenpox and scarlet fever, are still commonly diagnosed. All interviewed physicians vaccinated against childhood diseases. A core concern for physicians practicing conventional medicine was the risk of complications of the diseases. Therefore, it was considered essential for them to advise their patients to strictly follow the vaccination schedule. Homeopathic-oriented physicians viewed acute disease as a biological process necessary to strengthen health, fortify the immune system and increase resistance to chronic disease. They tended to treat infectious childhood diseases with homeopathic remedies and administered available vaccines as part of individual decision-making approaches with parents. For anthroposophic-oriented physicians, infectious childhood diseases were considered a crucial factor in the psychosocial growth of children. They tended to treat these diseases with anthroposophic medicine and underlined the importance of the family's resources. Informing parents about the potential benefits and risks of vaccination was considered important. All physicians agreed that parent-delivered loving care of a sick child could benefit the parent-child relationship. Additionally, all recognized that existing working conditions hindered parents from providing such care for longer durations of time. Conclusions: The interviewed physicians agreed that vaccines are an important aspect of modern pediatrics. They differed in their approach regarding when and what to vaccinate against. The different conceptual understandings of infectious childhood diseases influenced this decision-making. A survey with a larger sample would be needed to verify these observations