Spectra and eigenspaces of arbitrary lifts of graphs

We describe, in a very explicit way, a method for determining the spectra and bases of all the corresponding eigenspaces of arbitrary lifts of graphs (regular or not)

Corrigendum: Quality of life and quality of education among physiotherapy students in Europe (Frontiers in Medicine, (2024), 11, (1344028), 10.3389/fmed.2024.1344028)

In the published article, an author name was incorrectly written as [Sara Laura Cortés-Amaro]. The correct spelling is [Sara Cortés-Amaro]. The authors apologize for this error and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the article in any way. The original article has been updated

Quality of life and quality of education among physiotherapy students in Europe

Background: The study of physiotherapy is challenging and can affect the students’ well-being and quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe and compare factors that could affect well-being among students across Europe. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire survey, students of bachelor’s physiotherapy programs from 23 European faculties, from 8 countries, were interviewed on mental health and stress burden, sleep quality, dietary habits, and physical activity. Results: Although 75% of students rated their quality of life positively and 47% were satisfied with their mental health, 65% showed higher levels of stress and 51% described impaired sleep quality. The minimum physical activity of 150 min weekly was described by 79% of students, within which 67% engaged in strengthening twice a week. Students with a higher stress load/worse psychological health also showed worse sleep quality and lower amount of physical activity, women were significantly worse off. In terms of physical activity and sleep quality, students from Finland and Kosovo achieved the best results, while students from Italy, Greece, and Portugal achieved the worst. Students from Italy indicated the greatest dissatisfaction with the organisation of the study system and communication with teachers, while in Kosovo students rated the communication and study organisation the highest. All students had a problem with adhering to nutritional habits. Students from Italy and Spain, with the lowest body mass indexes and weight averages, were closest to the nutrition recommendations. Conclusion: We demonstrated that physiotherapy students are burdened with stress, suffer from sleep disorders, and do not follow the recommendations regarding nutrition nor physical activity. There are significant differences between universities and countries in some aspects

Physiotherapeutic interventions in multiple sclerosis across Europe: Regions and other factors that matter.

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of interventions exists in physical therapy (PT), but knowledge about their use across different geographical regions is limited. This study investigated the use of PT interventions in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) across Europe. It aimed to determine whether regions differ in applying interventions, and explore whether factors other than regions play a role in their use. METHODS: In an online cross-sectional survey, 212 respondents from 115 European workplaces providing PT services to people with MS representing 26 countries (four European regions) participated. Cluster analysis, Pearson Chi-squared test and a Poisson regression model were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Thirteen of 45 listed PT interventions were used by more than 75% of centers, while nine interventions were used by less than 25%. For 12 interventions, regions differed markedly in their use. Cluster analysis of centers identified four clusters similar in their intervention use. Cluster assignment did not fully align with regions. While center region was important, center size, number and gender of physical therapists working in the center, and time since qualification also played a role. Cluster analysis exploring the use of the interventions provided the basis for a categorization of PT interventions in line with their primary focus: 1. Physical activity (fitness/endurance/resistance) training; 2. Neuroproprioceptive "facilitation/inhibition"; 3. Motor/skill acquisition (individualized therapy led); 4. Technology based interventions. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first study that has explored this topic in MS. The results broaden our understanding of the different PT interventions used in MS, as well as the context of their use

On the spectra and eigenspaces of the universal adjacency matrices of arbitrary lifts of graphs

The universal adjacency matrix U of a graph Γ, with adjacency matrix A, is a linear combination of A, the diagonal matrix D of vertex degrees, the identity matrix I, and the all-1 matrix J with real coefficients, that is, U=c1A+c2D+c3I+c4J, with ci∈ R and c1≠0. Thus, in particular cases, U may be the adjacency matrix, the Laplacian, the signless Laplacian, and the Seidel matrix. In this paper, we develop a method for determining the universal spectra and bases of all the corresponding eigenspaces of arbitrary lifts of graphs (regular or not). As an example, the method is applied to give an efficient algorithm to determine the characteristic polynomial of the Laplacian matrix of the symmetric squares of odd cycles, together with closed formulas for some of their eigenvalues

Lime-Pozzolan Plasters with Enhanced Thermal Capacity

Abstract-A new type of lightweight plaster with the thermal capacity enhanced by PCM (Phase Change Material) addition is analyzed. The basic physical characteristics, namely the bulk density, matrix density, total open porosity, and pore size distribution are measured at first. For description of mechanical properties, compressive strength measurements are done. The thermal properties are characterized by transient impulse techniques as well as by DSC analysis that enables determination of the specific heat capacity as a function of temperature. The resistivity against the liquid water ingress is described by water absorption coefficient measurement. The experimental results indicate a good capability of the designed plaster to moderate effectively the interior climate of buildings

Efficiency of extractants to release As, Cd and Zn from main soil compartments

Various soil extraction methods were developed for the determination of total and/or plant-available concentrations of potentially toxic elements. In this experiment, four single extraction procedures (aqua regia, HNO$_3$, acetic acid, DTPA) were tested for the determination of extractable contents of As, Cd and Zn. 35 soils differing in their physicochemical properties and in total element contents were used in this experiment. Extractability of elements from soil samples varied following the individual elements and/or extraction agents used. The strong acids were not able to release the elements tightly bound into the silicate sample matrix. However, such techniques remain utilizable for the approximate determination of “pseudototal” element contents in soil, especially if soil samples are affected by anthropogenic contamination. The concentrations of As, Cd, and Zn determined in soil extracts by both mineral and organic acids covered in most cases the element portion representing more than one soil element fraction determined using SM&T sequential extraction procedure. Solutions of acetic acid and DTPA were able to release a part of the element fraction bound in Fe/Mn oxides and organic matter of soil sample. Arsenic represents an exception because it is not released by DTPA