1,720,974 research outputs found
Gravitational waves from magnetically induced thermal neutron star mountains
No full textWith the detection of GW150914, the era of gravitational wave astronomy has commenced. One possible source of gravitational waves is accreting neutron stars. Many low mass X-ray binary neutron stars are spinning at frequencies considerably lower than the neutron star break-up frequency. Gravitational wave emission might account for this observed maximum spin cap. For an isolated neutron star to emit gravitational waves, it must deform from its axial symmetry to produce a time-varying gravitational field. One way this can occur is through the development of a misaligned quadrupole moment. A quadrupole moment or ‘mountain’ can develop if temperature asymmetries exist in a neutron star crust.In this thesis, we investigate whether temperature asymmetries can develop in an accreted neutron star crust. We construct a self-consistent model of a spherically symmetric background thermal profile of an accreted crust. A temperature perturbation is then induced by inserting a magnetic field. The presence of a magnetic field causes anisotropies in the thermal conductivity to develop, due to electrons interacting with the field. We explore the parameter space of accretion rate, impurity parameter and magnetic field strength. We then investigate the influence of shallow crustal heating on our model. Later, we consider the effects of existing temperature asymmetries on the surface of the crust, which can arise from non-spherical accretion. We find these perturbation mechanisms are unlikely to induce temperature asymmetries that can produce a sufficiently large mass quadrupole moment which generates energy losses via gravitational wave emission to balance the spin-up torque from accretion
The role of emotion regulation in the relationship between mindfulness and risk factors for disordered eating: A longitudinal mediation analysis
No full textObjectiveEvidence suggests mindfulness may reduce risk factors for disordered eating. However, mechanisms of change in this relationship are unclear. This longitudinal study tested whether emotion regulation mediates the prospective associations between mindfulness and two proximal risk factors for disordered eating: weight and shape concerns, and negative affect.MethodThis study is a secondary analysis of data collected within an eating disorder prevention trial. Adolescent girls (N = 374, Mage = 15.70, SD = 0.77) completed self-report measures of mindfulness, emotion regulation, weight and shape concerns, and negative affect at baseline, 2 months following baseline, and 7 months following baseline. Path analyses were computed to test hypothesized indirect effects using confidence intervals based on 5000 bootstrap samples.ResultsHigher baseline mindfulness predicted lower weight and shape concerns and negative affect at 7 months via a mediator of better emotion regulation at 2 months. This effect remained while controlling for earlier measurements of the mediator and outcome in the model of negative affect but not weight and shape concerns.DiscussionEmotion regulation may be an important mechanism explaining how mindfulness influences negative affect. Efforts should be made to intervene on mindfulness and emotion regulation in prevention and early intervention programmes for eating disorders and other psychiatric conditions.Public SignificanceResearch has shown that mindfulness can help to reduce some of the risk of developing an eating disorder. This study explored whether mindfulness reduces some of this risk by helping people to better manage their emotions. Understanding this process can help us to develop better mindfulness-based strategies to support people who are at risk of developing an eating disorder
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Experiences of using digital mindfulness-based interventions: rapid scoping review and thematic synthesis
Full text linkBackground: Digital mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are a promising approach to deliver accessible and scalable mindfulness training and have been shown to improve a range of health outcomes. However, the success of digital MBIs is reliant on adequate engagement, which remains a crucial challenge. Understanding people’s experiences of using digital MBIs and identifying the core factors that facilitate or act as barriers to engagement is essential to inform intervention development and maximize engagement and outcomes. Objective: This study aims to systematically map the literature on people’s experiences of using digital MBIs that target psychosocial variables (eg, anxiety, depression, distress, and well-being) and identify key barriers to and facilitators of engagement. Methods: We conducted a scoping review to synthesize empirical qualitative research on people’s experiences of using digital MBIs. We adopted a streamlined approach to ensure that the evidence could be incorporated into the early stages of intervention development. The search strategy identified articles with at least one keyword related to mindfulness, digital, user experience, and psychosocial variables in their title or abstract. Inclusion criteria specified that articles must have a qualitative component, report on participants’ experiences of using a digital MBI designed to improve psychosocial variables, and have a sample age range that at least partially overlapped with 16 to 35 years. Qualitative data on user experience were charted and analyzed using inductive thematic synthesis to generate understandings that go beyond the content of the original studies. We used the Quality of Reporting Tool to critically appraise the included sources of evidence. Results: The search identified 510 studies, 22 (4.3%) of which met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the samples were approximately 78% female and 79% White; participants were aged between 16 and 69 years; and the most used measures in intervention studies were mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and variables related to mental health (including depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being). All studies were judged to be adequately reported. We identified 3 themes characterizing barriers to and facilitators of engagement: responses to own practice (ie, negative reactions to one’s own practice are common and can deplete motivation), making mindfulness a habit (ie, creating a consistent training routine is essential yet challenging), and leaning on others (ie, those engaging depend on someone else for support). Conclusions: The themes identified in this review provide crucial insights as to why people frequently stop engaging with digital MBIs. Researchers and developers should consider using person-based coparticipatory methods to improve acceptability of and engagement with digital MBIs, increase their effectiveness, and support their translation to real-world use. Such strategies must be grounded in relevant literature and meet the priorities and needs of the individuals who will use the interventions.</p
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Full text linkWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
Effects of combining physical activity with mindfulness on mental health and wellbeing: systematic review of complex interventions
No full textBackground: physical activity and mindfulness practice both have established psychological benefits, yet research into their interaction and combined use is sparse. This systematic review aimed to pool the evidence examining the impact of interventions that combined physical activity and mindfulness on mental health and wellbeing outcomes, and their potential mechanisms of action.Methods: six databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) were searched for trials reporting interventions that included 1) physical activity and mindfulness as primary treatments, 2) comparative control condition(s), 3) an adult sample, and 4) at least one mental health or wellbeing outcome. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by two researchers. Findings are presented narratively due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity.Results: out of 7682 search results, 35 trials were included. Most eligible studies had pilot or feasibility designs (n=19, 54%) or small sample sizes. Combined interventions were feasible to deliver and improved psychological health relative to passive controls (25/33 outcome comparisons reported across trials). Effects on psychological health outcomes compared to active controls were mixed (12/38 comparisons favoured combination over physical activity only, 5/18 favoured combination over mindfulness only), as were results regarding physical activity engagement.Conclusions: interventions combining physical activity with mindfulness are effective for improving mental health and wellbeing, possibly more so than either approach alone. Further research, including larger randomised controlled trials, is required to determine effectiveness and optimal intervention parameters. Exploring mechanisms of change will clarify their effects on mental health, wellbeing, and potential for behaviour change
Developing a digital mindfulness-based intervention to improve body image and reduce risk factors for disordered eating: integrating theory, evidence, and the person-based approach
No full textMindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise in improving body image and reducing risk factors for disordered eating, and their digital adaptation offers scalable dissemination. However, low engagement rates in digital MBIs highlight the need for user-centred development. The person-based approach offers a systematic framework for improving engagement by integrating evidence, theory, and users’ perspectives. This paper describes the application of the person-based approach in developing a digital MBI to reduce risk factors for disordered eating in young people. Intervention development occurred in two iterative phases. In Phase 1, we defined the theoretical context and conducted both a qualitative evidence synthesis and a survey study with a qualitative focus to explore the needs, challenges, and perspectives of the target population. In Phase 2, we developed and refined a prototype based on initial feasibility and acceptability testing through advisory group consultation and think-aloud interviews. These informed the guiding principles and logic model. Our theoretical framework identified the skills of decentred awareness and acceptance, emotion regulation, and self-compassion as key intervention components. Determinants of engagement included negative responses to personal practice, difficulty with habit formation, and social support. Survey findings highlighted the need to address misconceptions about body image, particularly the belief that it refers solely to physical appearance and can be improved through appearance-focused strategies. Feedback from the advisory group helped ensure the intervention was clear, user-friendly, and motivating. This novel integration of theory, evidence, and user-centred design methods provides a replicable model for developing engaging, scalable interventions to reduce disordered eating risk
Optimising a digital mindfulness-based intervention to reduce risk factors for disordered eating: a Multiphase Optimisation Strategy (MOST) Feasibility Trial
No full textObjective: mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise in reducing risk factors for disordered eating. Digital delivery offers scalable reach, but effects vary and engagement is generally suboptimal—potentially due to the length, complexity, and variation in content. Identifying the most effective and engaging components is necessary to streamline interventions. Guided by the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST), this study assessed the feasibility of a factorial trial to evaluate whether including emotion regulation (ER) and self-compassion (SC) enhances the effects of decentred awareness and acceptance (DA + A, observing thoughts and feelings as separate from the self) in a digital MBI.Method: a 2 × 2 factorial design tested four intervention conditions. Each included DA + A content, with or without added ER and/or SC. Participants (N = 92, M = 21.1 years, range = 18–32) were randomized and given 3-weeks' access. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, data analysis, engagement, and acceptability. Intervention outcomes—weight and shape concerns, negative affect, mindfulness, ER, and SC—were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up.Results: recruitment exceeded targets. Retention was acceptable (58% completed postintervention and 59% follow-up assessments). All planned analyses for the main trial were feasible. Engagement met preregistered criteria (77%–85% completed Module 1 across ER and SC conditions; mean of four modules). Acceptability was high (M = 4.28/5). Participants valued reminders and provided design suggestions.Discussion: findings support progression to a fully powered optimization trial. This study demonstrates that MOST can be embedded within a pilot study, providing a foundation to develop more effective, engaging, and scalable interventions
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