New Binary and Exoplanet Candidates from STEREO Light Curves

AbstractThe Heliospheric Imagers (HI) onboard the STEREO satellites are observing an abundance of background stars as they follow their respective Sun-centered orbits. These are wide-angled CCD cameras with a 20°×20° field of view, directed ~14° from the solar disk. These imagers monitor 20% of the sky over one year, providing light curves for over 500,000 stars down to 12th magnitude and brighter than 7th. We are currently analysing the photometric data from the HI-1 cameras, obtained since March 2007. Following a standard data reduction of the raw photometric images, the resultant light curves underwent a sequence of detrending procedures to minimize systematics in the data, which can contribute to red noise. A transit search was performed using the BLS algorithm, which is sensitive to the box-like shape associated with planetary transits. The resulting candidates were subjected to a number of false-alarm tests to determine the most promising candidates and these were investigated further, visually and using available catalogue data. Possible new exoplanet and binary candidates will now be submitted for follow-up photometric and spectroscopic observations to confirm their nature.</jats:p

Chauffeur braking

An experienced driver will `feather' the brakes so as to unwind the suspension compliance and stop the vehicle with only just enough torque in the brakes to hold the vehicle stationary on any gradient, or against the residual torque from an automatic transmission’s torque converter. An optimal stopping problem that minimises the total jerk was formulated and solved. This model was extended by including a linear relationship between the brake pressure and the acceleration of the car where the coefficients are estimated by linear regression. Finally, a Kalman filter estimates the state of the car using the tone wheel

A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial Evaluating a Resistance Training Intervention With Frail Older Adults in Residential Care: The Keeping Active in Residential Elderly Trial

Frailty is associated with negative health outcomes, disability, and mortality. Physical activity is an effective intervention to improve functional health status. However, the effect of resistance training on multidimensional health in frail older adults remains unclear. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a U.K. residential care home to assess feasibility with limited efficacy testing on health and functional outcomes and to inform a future definitive randomized controlled trial. Eleven frail older adults (>65 years) completed a 6-week machine-based resistance training protocol three times a week. Uptake and retention were greater than 80%. The measures and intervention were found to be acceptable and practicable. The analyses indicated large improvements in functional capacity, frailty, and strength in the intervention group compared with the controls. These findings support the feasibility of a definitive randomized controlled trial and reinforce the value of resistance training in this population. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03141879.Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Onlin

A mixed methods feasibility study of machine-based resistance training with prefrail older adults in residential care: the keeping active in residential elderly trial II

Physical activity is an effective, proactive intervention to reduce or reverse frailty and functional decline. However, uncertainty exists about the feasibility and impact of resistance training on multidimensional health in prefrail older adults in residential care. This mixed methods feasibility study assessed practicability with limited efficacy testing on health and functional outcomes. Eleven prefrail older adults participated in a 6-week progressive resistance training protocol three times per week. The intervention and measures were found to be appropriate and acceptable by those who completed the trial, with participants self-reporting improved well-being, mood, and function. Analysis identified several barriers to recruitment, including prior commitments, seasonal impact, and session timing, and offered potential solutions with further recommendations for program refinement prior to a definitive randomized controlled trial. These findings add to our understanding of prefrail older adults’ preferences regarding participation in physical activity research and the perceived benefits of resistance training. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03141879

Workplace Physical Activity Within the Gulf Cooperation Council Region: A Scoping Review

Objectives: To identify and examine available literature addressing physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in the workplace in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Design: Scoping Review Method: Academic and gray literature databases were searched for studies published prior to April 2021. Only studies conducted in the GCC region, available in Arabic or English, and addressing workplace PA were included. Results: Ten studies were identified; seven intervention studies, a cross-sectional study, a peer-reviewed brief report, and a 5-year strategy document. For the interventional studies, duration ranged from 3–26 weeks. Interventions delivered varied and included those focusing on multiple behaviour (diet and physical activity), walking challenges, and supervised exercise in paid time. Most included behavior change strategies like prompts, incentives, and education. PA was only measured in four intervention studies with most reporting no significant changes. The one study that reported significant changes from a national workplace walking challenge had a less robust study design and methods making these results difficult to interpret. Studies were hampered by poor study design and reporting of research and intervention details. Two studies reported hot weather and lack of time as barriers to workplace-PA in the GCC region. Conclusions: Literature on workplace PA and SB interventions in the GCC region is limited. Well-designed studies using standardised measures are required to assess PA interventions in GCC workplaces. Further, higher quality research is required to assess motivators and barriers to workplace PA in the GCC to develop sustainable workplace PA interventions

Physical Activity Influences Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (Sulfate) Levels in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Age-related changes affect the ratio between two steroid hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) (DHEA[S]). Physical activity (PA) may buffer the effects of chronic stress and counteract the aging decline of DHEA(S). Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to understand how PA influences physiological markers of cortisol and/or DHEA(S) and whether there is a difference in observational associations or experimental effects in older adults aged 65 years and older. A narrative synthesis was performed on nine observational studies, and meta-analyses were performed on 22 randomized controlled trials. There was low- to moderate-quality evidence that regular PA beneficially reduces cortisol and increases DHEA(S) levels. Subgroup analyses showed no clinically important differences between men and women, different exercise modalities, or health states. The findings cautiously suggest that regular PA of older adults’ own choice that they find enjoyable could be recommended to improve cortisol and/or DHEA(S) levels.Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Onlin

Dimensions of Physical Activity Are Important in Managing Anxiety in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Physical activity (PA) is a known approach for managing anxiety symptoms in older adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis address the benefits of PA and its dimensions (frequency, session time, type, and intervention period) on anxiety symptoms in older adults aged 65 years and above. Searches covered eight databases reporting eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and five non-RCTs. Meta-analysis of RCTs (standardized mean difference = −0.41; 95% confidence interval [−0.58, −0.24]; p < .00001) and Fisher’s method of combining p values for non-RCTs supported the effectiveness of PA for managing anxiety symptoms in older adults. Subgroup analysis revealed significant effects for all PA types, session times, frequency, and intervention periods compared with control groups, albeit with different magnitudes of effect. In conclusion, although some dimensions of PA contribute to its effectiveness for anxiety, PA intensity and mode required to maximize PA effects remain unclear

Digital music and movement intervention to improve health and wellbeing in older adults in care homes: a pilot mixed methods study

Background Low physical activity among older adults is related to adverse health outcomes such as depression and loneliness, poor physical function and increased risk of falls. This study was designed to increase physical activity through a digital, group-based, physical activity and music intervention and to examine its effectiveness on social, mental and physical health outcomes. Methods Participants were 34 older adults (65 years +) recruited across four care homes in Scotland to a pilot study. Surveys were administered at baseline and post-intervention, comprising measures of fear of falling, depression and anxiety, loneliness, sleep satisfaction and quality of life. A battery of physical function tests and saliva sampling for cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone hormone analysis were also conducted at each time point. Additionally, process evaluation measures (recruitment, intervention fidelity, attendance, retention rates and safety) were monitored. The intervention comprised 12 weeks of three prescribed digital sessions per week: movement and music (n = 2) and music-only (n = 1), delivered by an activity coordinator in the care home. Post-intervention interviews with staff and participants were conducted to gain qualitative data on the acceptability of the intervention. Results An average of 88% of prescribed sessions were delivered. Pre-to post-intervention intention-to-treat analysis across all participants revealed significant improvements in anxiety, salivary DHEA, fear of falling and loneliness. There were no significant improvements in health-related quality of life, perceived stress, sleep satisfaction or physical function tests, including handgrip strength. Qualitative analysis highlighted benefits of and barriers to the programme. Conclusions The digital movement and music intervention was deemed acceptable and delivered with moderate fidelity, justifying progression to a full-scale trial. Although a proper control group would have yielded more confident causal relationships, preliminary psychosocial and biological effects were evident from this trial. To show significant improvements in physical function, it is likely that a bigger sample size providing sufficient power to detect significant changes, greater adherence, longer intervention and/or higher exercise volume may be necessary. Trial registration The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05601102 on 01/11/2022

Generations Active Together: an example of using physical activity promotion and digital technology to bring together adolescents and older people in Stirling, Scotland

The Generations Active Together (GAT) program, delivered by Active Stirling in central Scotland, is an intergenerational physical activity (PA) program for adolescents in high school and older adults in care homes and community groups. The Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD) Research Team sought to use GAT to examine how digital technology developed for the purpose of PA and sports-based reminiscence can be used to improve social connectedness for older adults. This paper details the challenges and successes of delivering the GAT program and describes the differences between in-person pre-pandemic delivery of GAT with the attempted digital delivery during the pandemic. The transferable lessons learned from GAT delivery to GOALD project planning and implementation included, but are not limited to, the importance of in-person activities for both generations and using digital technology as a complementary, rather than a replacement tool for PA delivery. CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD Intergenerational activities focusing on PA involving adolescents and older adults is possible with attention to reciprocal inputs and benefits for all generations and are potentially more effective and easier to deliver in person. Where in-person PA delivery is impossible, digital-only PA is arguably better than no interaction but requires support in setting up technology to deliver PA effectively. Digital technology is likely to be more effective in supporting intergenerational PA when complemented by in-person interactions. Adolescents and older adults in care homes can engage in beneficial interaction, but attention should be paid to school commitments at this age and stage, as well as the practical aspects of travel and scheduling of this kind of contact

Simple large wood structures promote hydromorphological heterogeneity and benthic macroinvertebrate diversity in low-gradient rivers

This work has been carried out within the SMART Joint Doctorate Programme ‘Science for the MAnagement of Rivers and their Tidal systems’ funded by the Erasmus Mundus programme of the European Union