2,148 research outputs found
Playing it safe? a study of the regulation of outdoor play for children and young people in residential care
The aim of the research was to describe and explain the barriers to, and opportunities for, outdoor play and recreation that exist in residential child care services. The research focussed on six residential facilities which represented a cross-section of the sector. Interviews were conducted with two young people, one manager and two basic grade staff members from each of the facilities. The findings were analysed using data display and reduction and the following key findings emerged
Socio-cultural factors surrounding mental distress during the perinatal period in Zambia: a qualitative investigation.
BACKGROUND: The presence of mental distress during pregnancy and after childbirth imposes detrimental developmental and health consequences for families in all nations. In Zambia, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has proposed a more comprehensive approach towards mental health care, recognizing the importance of the mental health of women during the perinatal period. AIM: The study explores factors contributing to mental distress during the perinatal period of motherhood in Zambia. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in Lusaka, Zambia with nineteen focus groups comprising 149 women and men from primary health facilities and schools respectively. FINDINGS: There are high levels of mental distress in four domains: worry about HIV status and testing; uncertainty about survival from childbirth; lack of social support; and vulnerability/oppression. CONCLUSION: Identifying mental distress and prompt referral for interventions is critical to improving the mental health of the mother and prevent the effects of mental distress on the baby. RECOMMENDATION: Strategies should be put in place to ensure pregnant women are screened for possible perinatal mental health problems during their visit to antenatal clinic and referral made to qualified mental health professionals. In addition further research is recommended in order to facilitate evidence based mental health policy formulation and implementation in Zambia
Nanoscale magnetometry through quantum control of nitrogen-vacancy centres in rotationally diffusing nanodiamonds
The confluence of quantum physics and biology is driving a new generation of
quantum-based sensing and imaging technology capable of harnessing the power of
quantum effects to provide tools to understand the fundamental processes of
life. One of the most promising systems in this area is the nitrogen-vacancy
centre in diamond - a natural spin qubit which remarkably has all the right
attributes for nanoscale sensing in ambient biological conditions. Typically
the nitrogen-vacancy qubits are fixed in tightly controlled/isolated
experimental conditions. In this work quantum control principles of
nitrogen-vacancy magnetometry are developed for a randomly diffusing diamond
nanocrystal. We find that the accumulation of geometric phases, due to the
rotation of the nanodiamond plays a crucial role in the application of a
diffusing nanodiamond as a bio-label and magnetometer. Specifically, we show
that a freely diffusing nanodiamond can offer real-time information about local
magnetic fields and its own rotational behaviour, beyond continuous optically
detected magnetic resonance monitoring, in parallel with operation as a
fluorescent biomarker.Comment: 9 pages, with 5 figure
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