Functional Imagery Training to reduce snacking: Testing a novel motivational intervention based on Elaborated Intrusion theory

Functional Imagery Training (FIT) is a new theory-based, manualized intervention that trains positive goal imagery. Multisensory episodic imagery of proximal personal goals is elicited and practised, to sustain motivation and compete with less functional cravings. This study tested the impact of a single session of FIT plus a booster phone call on snacking. In a stepped-wedge design, 45 participants who wanted to lose weight or reduce snacking were randomly assigned to receive a session of FIT immediately or after a 2-week delay. High-sugar and high-fat snacks were recorded using timeline follow back for the previous 3 days, at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks. At 2 weeks, snacking was lower in the immediate group than in the delayed group, and the reduction after FIT was replicated in the delayed group between 2 and 4 weeks. Frequencies of motivational thoughts about snack reduction rose following FIT for both groups, and this change correlated with reductions in snacking and weight loss. By showing that FIT can support change in eating behaviours, these findings show its potential as a motivational intervention for weight management.

Hamilton's theory of turns revisited

We present a new approach to Hamilton's theory of turns for the groups SO(3) and SU(2) which renders their properties, in particular their composition law, nearly trivial and immediately evident upon inspection. We show that the entire construction can be based on binary rotations rather than mirror reflections.

A kinematic theory for radially foldable planar linkages

By using the algebraic locus of the coupler curve of a PRRP planar linkage, in this paper, a kinematic theory is developed for planar, radially foldable closed-loop linkages. This theory helps derive the previously invented building blocks, which consist of only two inter-connected angulated elements, for planar foldable structures. Furthermore, a special case of a circumferentially actuatable foldable linkage (which is different from the previously known cases) is derived from the theory, A quantitative description of some known and some new properties of planar foldable linkages, including the extent of foldability, shape-preservation of the interior polygons, multi-segmented assemblies and heterogeneous circumferential arrangemants, is also presented. The design equations derived here make the conception of even complex planar radially foldable linkages systematic and straightforward. Representative examples are presented to illustrate the usage of the design equations and the construction of prototypes. The current limitations and some possible extensions of the theory are also noted. (c) 2007, Elsevier Ltd. All ri-hts reserved.

Binding of nucleobases with single-walled carbon nanotubes: Theory and experiment

We report the binding energy of various nucleobases (guanine (G), adenine (A), thymine (T) and cytosine (C)) with (5,5) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) calculated using first-principle Hartre–Fock method (HF) together with classical force field. The binding energy without including the solvation effects of water decreases in the order G>A>T>C. The inclusion of solvation energy changes the order of binding preference to be G>T>A>C. Using isothermal titration (micro) calorimetry experiments, we also show the relative binding affinity to be T>A>C, in agreement with our calculations.

An elementary introduction to solar dynamo theory

The cyclically varying magnetic field of the Sun is believed to be produced by the hydromagnetic dynamo process. We first summarize the relevant observational data pertaining to sunspots and solar cycle. Then we review the basic principles of MHD needed to develop the dynamo theory. This is followed by a discussion how bipolar sunspots form due to magnetic buoyancy of flux tubes formed at the base of the solar convection zone. Following this, we come to the heart of dynamo theory. After summarizing the basic ideas of a turbulent dynamo and the basic principles of its mean field formulation, we present the famous dynamo wave solution, which was supposed to provide a model for the solar cycle. Finally we point out how a flux transport dynamo can circumvent some of the difficulties associated with the older dynamo models.

Critical test for Altshuler-Aronov theory: Evolution of the density of states singularity in double perovskite Sr2FeMoO6 with controlled disorder

With high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy measurements, the density of states (DOS) near the Fermi level (E-F) of double perovskite Sr2FeMoO6 having different degrees of Fe/Mo antisite disorder has been investigated with varying temperature. The DOS near E-F showed a systematic depletion with increasing degree of disorder, and recovered with increasing temperature. Altshuler-Aronov (AA) theory of disordered metals well explains the dependences of the experimental results. Scaling analysis of the spectra provides experimental indication for the functional form of the AA DOS singularity.

Thermoelectric Power Under Strong Magnetic Field in Quantum Dots and Quantized Superlattices: Simplified Theory and Relative Comparison

In this paper, we study the thermoelectric power under strong magnetic field (TPSM) in quantum dots (QDs) of nonlinear optical, III-V, II-VI, GaP, Ge, Te, Graphite, PtSb2, zerogap, Lead Germanium Telluride, GaSb, stressed materials, Bismuth, IV-VI, II-V, Zinc and Cadmium diphosphides, Bi2Te3 and Antimony respectively. The TPSM in III-V, II-VI, IV-VI, HgTe/CdTe quantum well superlattices with graded interfaces and effective mass superlattices of the same materials together with the quantum dots of aforementioned superlattices have also been investigated in this context on the basis of respective carrier dispersion laws. It has been found that the TPSM for the said quantum dots oscillates with increasing thickness and decreases with increasing electron concentration in various manners and oscillates with film thickness, inverse quantizing magnetic field and impurity concentration for all types of superlattices with two entirely different signatures of quantization as appropriate in respective cases of the aforementioned quantized structures. The well known expression of the TPSM for wide-gap materials has been obtained as special case for our generalized analysis under certain limiting condition, and this compatibility is an indirect test of our generalized formalism. Besides, we have suggested the experimental method of determining the carrier contribution to elastic constants for nanostructured materials having arbitrary dispersion laws.

Promoting sun safety in the workplace – what works?

Objective Australia has one of the highest skin cancer incidence and mortality rates in the world. Outdoor workers are a high risk group. Australian workplaces are undergoing large scale safety related changes, yet the mandate to provide specific sun safe practices remains absent. With much of the previous research aiming to improve sun safety in the workplace being quantitative in nature, relatively little is known about why certain sun safe strategies will or will not be successful in workplaces. Methods This qualitative article explores the enablers and barriers identified during an 18-month mixed methods project conducted in Queensland, Australia which aimed to improve workplace sun safe interventions. Results A variety of key enablers and barriers to implementing sun safe interventions in the workplace were identified, including presence of an engaged workplace champion, ownership and innovation by the workers. Conclusions These findings were part of a broader integration of interlinked qualitative and quantitative methods to yield a more complete picture of the determinants of the issue, implementation process and likelihood of changes at the workplace. Implications The paper provides guidance for public and occupational health practitioners on the selection of the most promising strategies when assisting workplaces to become sun safe.

Truckies and health promotion: A “hard-to-reach” group without a “proper” workplace.

This literature review was undertaken to inform a settings based health promotion research project, conducted by a public health research team at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The aim of this project is to identify how transport workplaces can support their truck drivers to access healthy food options and increase physical activity. Truck drivers in Australia are at increased risk of numerous chronic diseases, in part due to the restrictions placed upon them by the environment in which they work. Barriers to good health through adequate nutrition and physical activity are the result of a complex interaction between government regulations, corporate policies, the built environment and individual factors. Few interventions target this population in a meaningful and sustainable way, though evidence exists for interventions which can be translated into truck drivers working environment.

Energy identities in water wave theory for free-surface boundary condition with higher-order derivatives

A modified form of Green's integral theorem is employed to derive the energy identity in any water wave diffraction problem in a single-layer fluid for free-surface boundary condition with higher-order derivatives. For a two-layer fluid with free-surface boundary condition involving higher-order derivatives, two forms of energy identities involving transmission and reflection coefficients for any wave diffraction problem are also derived here by the same method. Based on this modified Green's theorem, hydrodynamic relations such as the energy-conservation principle and modified Haskind–Hanaoka relation are derived for radiation and diffraction problems in a single as well as two-layer fluid.

Hanle-Zeeman redistribution matrix. I. Classical theory expressions in the laboratory frame

Polarized scattering in spectral lines is governed by a 4; 4 matrix that describes how the Stokes vector is scattered and redistributed in frequency and direction. Here we develop the theory for this redistribution matrix in the presence of magnetic fields of arbitrary strength and direction. This general magnetic field case is called the Hanle- Zeeman regime, since it covers both of the partially overlapping weak- and strong- field regimes in which the Hanle and Zeeman effects dominate the scattering polarization. In this general regime, the angle-frequency correlations that describe the so-called partial frequency redistribution (PRD) are intimately coupled to the polarization properties. We develop the theory for the PRD redistribution matrix in this general case and explore its detailed mathematical properties and symmetries for the case of a J = 0 -> 1 -> 0 scattering transition, which can be treated in terms of time-dependent classical oscillator theory. It is shown how the redistribution matrix can be expressed as a linear superposition of coherent and noncoherent parts, each of which contain the magnetic redistribution functions that resemble the well- known Hummer- type functions. We also show how the classical theory can be extended to treat atomic and molecular scattering transitions for any combinations of quantum numbers.

Fluorescent Fields: electric lighting and the rationalization of the modern corporate workplace

This study investigates the implications of the introduction of electric lighting systems, building technologies, and theories of worker efficiency on the deep spatial and environmental transformations that occurred within the corporate workplace during the twentieth century. Examining the shift from daylighting strategies to largely artificially lit workplace environments, this paper argues that electric lighting significantly contributed to the architectural rationalization of both office work and the modern office environment. Contesting the historical and critical marginalization of lighting within the discourse of the modern built environment, this study calls for a reassessment of the role of artificial lighting in the development of the modern corporate workplace. Keywords: daylighting, fluorescent lighting, rationalization, workplace design

The Photoemission from Quantum Wells, Wires and Carbon Nanotubes:Simplified Theory and Relative Comparison

We investigate the photoemission from quantum wells (QWs) in ultrathin films (UFs) and quantum well wires (QWWs) of non-linear optical materials on the basis of a newly formulated electron dispersion law considering the anisotropies of the effective electron masses, the spin-orbit splitting constants and the presence of the crystal field splitting within the framework of k.p formalism. The results of quantum confined Ill-V compounds form the special cases of our generalized analysis. The photoemission has also been studied for quantum confined II-VI, n-GaP, n-Ge, PtSb2, stressed materials and Bismuth on the basis of respective dispersion relations. It has been found taking quantum confined CdGeAS(2), InAs, InSb, CdS, GaP, Ge, PtSb2, stressed n-InSb and B1 that the photoemission exhibits quantized variations with the incident photon energy, changing electron concentration and film thickness, respectively, for all types of quantum confinement. The photoemission from CNs exhibits oscillatory dependence with increasing normalized electron degeneracy and the signature of the entirely different types of quantum systems are evident from the plots. Besides, under certain special conditions, all the results for all the materials gets simplified to the well-known expression of photoemission from non-degenerate semiconductors and parabolic energy bands, leading to the compatibility test.