Spin-Hall magnetoresistance and spin Seebeck effect in spin-spiral and paramagnetic phases of multiferroic CoCr2O4 films

We report on the spin-Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) and spin Seebeck effect (SSE) in multiferroic CoCr2O4 (CCO) spinel thin films with Pt contacts. We observe a large enhancement of both signals below the spin-spiral (Ts = 28 K) and the spin lock-in transitions (T_{lock_in} = 14 K). The SMR and SSE response in the spin lock-in phase are one order of magnitude larger than those observed at the ferrimagnetic transition temperature (Tc = 94 K), which indicates that the interaction between spins at the Pt|CCO interface is more efficient in the non-collinear magnetic state below Ts and T_{lock-in}. At T > Tc, magnetic field-induced SMR and SSE signals are observed, which can be explained by a high interface susceptibility. Our results show that the spin transport at the Pt|CCO interface is sensitive to the magnetic phases but cannot be explained solely by the bulk magnetization

The Effect of Active Gaming on Cardiovascular Outcomes

poster abstractThe U.S. society has become more accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle in the past few decades, partially due to increased time spent in front of a screen. Recently, active gaming, which allows an individual to be physically active during video game play, has been rising in popularity as a means of exercise. However, more research is needed to evaluate whether active gaming can produce cardiovascular responses that fall within the recommended ranges for daily physical activity given by the American College of Sports Medicine (40-60% of heart rate reserve (HRR)). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of active gaming on cardiovascular outcomes and enjoyment. Nine young adults have been enrolled in this study and data collection is ongoing. Participants completed a training session and four experimental sessions. During each session, participants played one of the following active games at a self-selected intensity for 15 minutes. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during game play. Enjoyment was assessed on a 10-cm VAS after each game. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine differences in HRR%, RPE, and enjoyment between games. The results showed that HRR% was greater for Kinect boxing (M=42.7±12.5) compared to all other games (p=.012; Kinect Tennis=35.4±10.7, Wii Boxing=31.8±14.5, Wii Tennis=35.4±10.8). RPE was significantly greater for Kinect Boxing (M=11.3±2.0) compared to Wii Tennis (M=9.67±1.5), p=.038. Enjoyment levels did not differ between games, p=.58 (Kinect Boxing=6.6±2.1, Kinect Tennis=7.1±1.2, Wii Boxing=5.9±0.8, Wii Tennis=6.9±0.9). In conclusion, the active games played at a self-selected intensity were perceived as moderately to highly enjoyable and were able to increase cardiovascular responses. However, the intensity of activity depended on the game. Participants achieved a moderate intensity level (i.e., 40-60% of HRR) while playing Kinect Boxing, but only achieved a light intensity level while playing the other games. Mentor: Kelly M. Naugle, Department of Kinesiology, School of Physical Education, Tourism, and Management, IUPU

The Effect of Active Gaming on Pressure Pain Sensitivity

poster abstractAn acute bout of moderate to vigorous exercise temporarily reduces pain sensitivity in healthy adults, a phenomenon termed exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Recently, active gaming, which allows an individual to be physically active during video game play, has been rising in popularity as a means of light to moderate exercise. While evidence has shown that active gaming elicits positive cardiovascular and balance outcomes, no research has investigated active gaming as a modifier of pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an acute bout of active gaming increases pressure pain thresholds (PPT) in healthy adults. Fourteen young adults were enrolled in this study. Participants completed a training session and four experimental sessions. During each session, participants played one of the following active games for 15 minutes: Kinect Boxing, Kinect Tennis, Wii Boxing, and Wii Tennis. Pressure pain thresholds were measured on the trapezius muscle and the forearm before and immediately after a 15-minute active gaming session. Heart rate was also measured during game play. PPT data was analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. Bivariate correlations examined the relationship between average percentage of heart rate reserve (HRR%) during game play and magnitude of pain reduction (post– pre). The results showed that PPTs 1) on the forearm and trapezius muscle significantly increased from pre to posttest during the Kinect Boxing session, 2) increased on the trapezius muscle during the Wii Boxing session, and 3) decreased on the forearm during the control session (p’s<.05). Greater HRR% during game play was associated with greater pain reduction (trapezius r=.33; forearm r=0.28; p’s<.05). In conclusion, active games played at a moderate intensity appear to be capable of temporarily reducing pressure pain sensitivity. This study was sponsored by the NIFS Student Research Fund

Active Gaming as a Form of Exercise to Induce Hypoalgesia

Objective: An acute bout of moderate-to-vigorous exercise temporarily reduces pain sensitivity in healthy adults. Recently, active gaming has been rising in popularity as a means of light-to-moderate exercise and may be particularly suitable for deconditioned individuals. Whether the physical activity elicited in active games can produce a hypoalgesic effect remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether active videogames can reduce pressure and heat pain sensitivity in healthy adults. We also evaluated the relationship between the physical activity elicited by the games and the magnitude of the hypoalgesic response. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one healthy adults played four different active games on separate days, including Microsoft® Kinect Xbox® One's Fighter Within and Sports Rival's Tennis, and Nintendo® Wii™ Sports' Boxing and Tennis. Heat pain thresholds on the forearm and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) on the trapezius and forearm were assessed immediately before and after a 15-minute active gaming or control session. Minutes spent in sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during active gaming were measured with an accelerometer. Results: The analyses revealed that PPTs at the forearm and trapezius significantly increased from pretest to posttest following Kinect Fighter Within. PPTs at the trapezius also significantly increased from pretest to posttest following Wii Boxing. The magnitude of the hypoalgesic response was significantly correlated with MVPA and sedentary time during gameplay. Conclusion: These results suggest that an active gaming session played at a moderate intensity is capable of temporarily reducing pain sensitivity

Main Reasons for Using of PPP Contracts in Health Sector: An Analytical Study

The health sector in Iraq had faced enormous challenges. The health care system suffered a catastrophic deterioration under the former regime. The 1991 Gulf war incurred Iraq’s major infrastructures huge damages; includes health centers, clinics, hospitals, etc. The United Nations economic sanctions aggravated the deterioration process. The level of health care in Iraq has dropped markedly as the government budget allocated to the Ministry of Health (MOH) had decreased from $450 million in 1970 to about$ 250 million in 1985 then the annual total health budget for the ministry, a decade after the sanctions had fallen to $ 22 million which is barely 5% of what it was in the 1970s. On the other hand, the conflict of 2003 destroyed an estimated 12 percent of hospitals. Moreover, the war at 2014 held on ISIS-led to almost total destruction in most hospitals in the Central and Northern provinces. All this requires a quick strategy to advance the health sector and create a sustainable health sector. The researchers in this study will demonstrate, what are the pros and cons of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contracts, how can be used in the Iraqi health sector, the main causes of dependence the MOH to using the PPP contracts in the all existing and the unfinished hospitals

Effect of different Kinesio tape tensions on experimentally-induced thermal and muscle pain in healthy adults

Athletes and rehabilitation specialists have used Kinesio tape (KT) to help alleviate pain symptoms. Currently, no clear mechanism exists as to why pain is relieved with the use of KT and whether the pain relieving effect is simply a placebo effect. Additionally, the most effective taping parameters (tension of tape) for pain reduction remain unknown. We used quantitative sensory testing to address these key gaps in the KT and pain literature. Using a repeated-measures laboratory design, we examined whether KT applied at different tensions reduces experimentally-induced pain compared to a no tape condition and KT with minimal tension. Heat pain thresholds (HPT's), pressure pain thresholds (PPT's), and pressure pain suprathreshold (PPS: 125% of PPT) tests were administered to the forearm prior to and during KT and no tape conditions. Tape was applied to the ventral forearm at 25% of max tension, 75% of max tension, and no tension (placebo). Repeated measures ANOVA's evaluated the pain outcomes between conditions and across time. KT had no significant effect on PPT's and HPT's (p's >0.05). The ANOVA on PPS revealed that KT applied at 25% of tension significantly reduced pain ratings from the pretest (M = 34.4, SE = 5.5) to post-test 1 (M = 30.3, SE = 4.7) and post-test 2 (M = 30.4, SE = 4.7). No other conditions significantly reduced suprathreshold pressure pain. However, pain ratings at posttest-1 during the no-tape condition (M = 36.4, SE = 5.3) were significantly greater than pain ratings during post-test 1 and post-test 2 of all three tape conditions. In conclusion, the current study revealed that KT applied at low tension is the optimal tension to reduce pressure-evoked muscle pain. Additionally, the results suggested that KT applied at low, high, or no tension may acutely prevent increased muscle sensitivity with repeated pressure stimulation

Impacts of a Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake on Water Levels and Wetlands of the Lower Columbia River and Estuary

Subsidence after a subduction zone earthquake can cause major changes in estuarine bathymetry. Here, we quantify the impacts of earthquake-induced subsidence on hydrodynamics and habitat distributions in a major system, the lower Columbia River Estuary, using a hydrodynamic and habitat model. Model results indicate that coseismic subsidence increases tidal range, with the smallest changes at the coast and a maximum increase of ∼10% in a region of topographic convergence. All modeled scenarios reduce intertidal habitat by 24%–25% and shifts ∼93% of estuarine wetlands to lower-elevation habitat bands. Incorporating dynamic effects of tidal change from subsidence yields higher estimates of remaining habitat by multiples of 0–3.7, dependent on the habitat type. The persistent tidal change and chronic habitat disturbance after an earthquake poses strong challenges for estuarine management and wetland restoration planning, particularly when coupled with future sea-level rise effects

miniPXI:Development and Validation of an Eleven-Item Measure of the Player Experience Inventory

Questionnaires are vital in games user research (GUR) to assess player experience (PX). However, having too many questions in surveys prevents wider uptake among GUR professionals because of games' rapid production cycles. To address this issue, we present the miniPXI - -an eleven-item measure of the popular Player Experience Inventory (PXI) - -providing single items for each of its eleven constructs. To develop the scale and examine its reliability and validity, we present three studies, conducted with 15 experts and 628 digital game players across continents. In the first survey study (n=366, 15 experts), single items were selected. In a second survey study (n=232), we explored reliability and validity of the single-item scale. Participants completed both full and single-item (SI) variants in three days. In the last study (n=30), we established the validity and sensitivity via an experimental evaluation of two games. The results are nuanced; SI reliability estimates for PXI constructs range from .51 to .83 with an average of .68, we could confirm the validity for nine constructs. We conclude that the miniPXI can be a valuable tool for PX evaluations where a longer measure is not feasible, and provide practical considerations for its use.</p