Enhancement Of Self Research Articles

Validation of the Consumer Health Activation Index (CHAI) in general population samples of older Australians

ObjectiveTo validate the 10-item Consumer Health Activation Index (CHAI), developed in the United States, as an activation measure for interventions targeted at the Australian older general population. MethodsThe study was a cross sectional design. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on survey data from a community sample of participants (n = 250), aged 55–75 years. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate dimensionality among a second sample of participants randomly sampled from the electoral roll (n = 571), aged 50–75 years. Associations between the CHAI and self-reported health behaviours were examined. ResultsEFA revealed a 7-item, two-factor structure (‘Health self-management’ and ‘Patient-provider engagement’). CFA indicated optimum model fit was obtained with this structure. Subscale reliability and validity were confirmed, with significant correlation to age, functional health literacy and health screening. ConclusionIn contrast to the original structure, optimum model fit was obtained with a two-factor solution and retention of seven items. The subscales have utility as a measure of health activation for tailoring of information in this group. InnovationA freely-available, unidimensional health activation measure has demonstrated an underlying two-scale structure that will enable tailored approaches toward the enhancement and maintenance of self- and externally-managed health behaviours in an Australian population.

Chain length dependence of ZnO nanofiller–polystyrene blend coating nanofilm: Morphology, surface mechanics, photochemistry, and chain packing

Based on that chain packing which is associated with the number of entanglements per chain and thereby chain length is an influential factor closely related to the properties of polymeric coating film, the nanothin film of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller–incorporated polystyrene (PS) coated on Si substrate important to electronic packaging for protecting electronic material surface is fabricated with different PS molecular weights primarily for heat–resistant coating. Synergistically, through directly–measurable film characteristics obtained using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectroscopy (AFS) in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy (RS), the internal structures of the films are evaluated which helps indicate the corresponding film properties tested afterwards. Considering mechanical responses of individual nanoscale surface features together with surface morphology, the optimal PS–ZnO film is pointed out which indicates improved resistance to thermal dewetting compared to pure PS films while providing sub–nanometer roughness and the highest contact area of relatively low–surface–energy sites. Correlated with Raman analysis, chain packing structure encouraging multiple amplification of incident light is ascribed to the films made of the optimal chain length which indicates and describes the observed enhancement of photocatalytic self–cleaning. This study not only contributes to the development of PS–ZnO composite for multi–function coating but also to the design of structure and inspection of nanoparticle–reinforced polymer thin films.

Segregative phase separation of gelatin and tragacanth gum solution and Mickering stabilization of their water-in-water emulsion with microgel particles prepared by complex coacervation

This study aimed to investigate the segregative interaction of gelatin (G) and tragacanth gum (TG) and the stabilization of their water-in-water (W/W) emulsion by G-TG complex coacervate particles. Segregation was studied at different pHs, ionic strengths and biopolymer concentrations. Results showed that incompatibility was affected by increasing the biopolymer concentrations. So, three reigns were demonstrated in the phase diagram of the salt-free samples. NaCl significantly changed the phase behavior via enhancement of self–association of polysaccharide and changing solvent quality due to the charge screening effect of ions. The W/W emulsion prepared from these two biopolymers and stabilized with G-TG complex particles was stable for at least one week. The microgel particles improved emulsion stability by adsorption to the interface and creating a physical barrier. A fibrous and network-like structure of the G-TG microgels was observed by scanning electron microscopy images suggesting the Mickering emulsion stabilization mechanism. It was confirmed that the bridging flocculation between the microgel polymers led to phase separation after the stability period. Biopolymer incompatibility investigation is a useful tool to obtain beneficial knowledge for preparation new food formulation, especially no contain oil emulsions for low- calorie diets.

Study on The Enhancement of Adolescents' Self- Value from The Perspective of Satir's Iceberg Theory

As an extremely important human value, dignity has long been the subject of extensive international scholarly attention and research. Self-dignity, as the main constituent element, is often initially established and developed in a basic triangular relationship with the family. If children develop a sense of low self-dignity and inferiority during this process, they will encounter many obstacles in their future study, career, and friendships. In this paper, we will use a desktop research method to study the Satir family therapy model and focus on how to improve adolescents' sense of self-value through the lens of Satir's iceberg theory, and explore the effects of the Satir family therapy model on improving adolescents' "low value" and low self-dignity.

Performance Enhancement of Fly Ash-Based Self Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Using Pre-heating Technique

Performance Enhancement of Fly Ash-Based Self Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Using Pre-heating Technique

Role of mindfulness meditation for enhancement of self- efficacy in alcoholism

Abstract Mindfulness meditation is an effective tool to create mental awareness and has been used in meditation practice for many decades. Mindfulness meditation is the practice that bringing clear awareness to the present not on the pastor future without evaluation. Many research studies have proved the benefits of mindfulness meditation in psychological and bodily health. Mindfulness meditation interventions is highly effective in reducing the level of anxiety, and depression, prevention of alcohol relapse, controlling of craving and enhancement of self efficacy. Mindfulness meditation technique helps to awareness of once self-efficacy. The connection between mindfulness meditation and self-efficacy helps to focus on set goals and performance. People with high self-efficacy approach obstacles in life as challenges. They set challenging goals for themselves and work hard to achieve them. People with low self- efficacy view life obstacle as life threats and instead to overcome they will focus on their own deficiencies. They rarely set goals and do not commit for that. Self-efficacy is defined as a person’s conviction in his or her ability to carry out the behaviours required to achieve certain performance goals. A self-efficacy is a reflection of once confidence in the ability to control own motivation, behaviour, and responses to the environment.. High level of self-efficacy often has high motivation. In alcoholism It refers to the strength to stop or minimize addiction and manage craving, temptation and maintain behavioural changes. These changes might be the strongest predictors of recovery from alcoholism.

The Influence of Pubertal Development on Adolescent Depression: The Mediating Effects of Negative Physical Self and Interpersonal Stress.

The current study examined the influence of pubertal development stage on depression and its psychosocial mechanisms in a non-clinical population of 502 adolescents (244 boys and 258 girls) in China, graded 5 to 8. Results indicated that (1) pubertal development was positively correlated with depression, negative physical self and interpersonal stress. (2) There is a significant gender by pubertal development interaction on the measure of academic self-concept, which is accounted for by decreased academic self in boys but not in girls as a function of pubertal development. (3) Mediation analyses show that increased depression in late compared to pre- puberty is partly mediated by the enhancement of negative physical self and interpersonal stress. These findings suggest that the late stage of puberty is coupled by a higher risk of depression in adolescents partly through increased negative physical self and interpersonal stress.

생활체육 참여 노인의 활력, 자기조절 및 낙관성과의 관계 : 國學氣功을 중심으로

The purpose of this study was to verify the relationship among vitality, self-regulation and optimism of the elderly participating in sports for all. To this end, the survey was conducted through distributing questionnaires to the elderly people in their age of 60 or more who attended Koohak-Kigong 2017. In total, 655 valid responses were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0, and results were derived from frequency analysis, factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The results are as follows. First, vitality had a significant influence on self-regulation. Second, self-regulation had a significant influence on optimism. Third, vitality had a significant influence on optimism. Fourth, self-regulation mediated between vitality and optimism. Thus, this study shows the structural relationship between vitality, self-regulation and optimism of the elderly. The enhancement of vitality and self -regulating ability through sports for all can be helpful for positive life in old age by maintaining optimism.

A Pedagogical Attempt to Promote Japanese College EFL Learners’ Self-Growth

Drawing on Ushioda’s (2009) L2 motivation theory “a person-in-context relational view (PCRV)”, this study provides relevant ELT methodology utilizing a semester-long core English course for Japanese college EFL learners (N = 63), involving the underpinnings of spirituality (e.g., Baker, 2003). The language instruction aimed at the organic integration of identity, inner spirituality, and relevant L2 practice and self-expressive L2 use, all related to successful self-development of the EFL learners. The objectives were three-fold: to examine (1) the effects of the employed teaching methodology, (2) the emergence of relevant L2 learning methods, and (3) the enhancement of self- and identity-focused L2 use capabilities. These points were analyzed respectively with focus on the aspects of: (a) PCRV, (b) spirituality, and (c) target language acquisition (TLA) for an authentic self-expressiveness. Four self-focused stages and spirituality-laden tasks were administered, and relevant questionnaires were prepared. The research findings of t-tests for pre- and post- collected data (Weeks 1 and 15) yielded significant results for (1), (2), and (3) with respect to the three aspects. The participants’ open-ended statements (Week 15) reported perceptible self-growth and relevant L2 practice, including positive self-image as a person, followed by the role of English and new impressions of the English language.

Rice Husk Ash as Fine Aggregate Sustainable Material for Strength Enhancement of Conventional and Self Compacting Concrete

Rice husk ash (RHA) is a by-product of the rice milling industry. Near about 20 million tonnes of RHA is produced annually which creates environmental pollution. Utilization of RHA as a supplementary cementitious material adds sustainability to concrete by reducing CO2 emission of cement production. But, the percentage of utilization of RHA is very less. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation to study the effects of partial replacement of fine aggregate with RHA on mechanical properties of conventional and self-compacting concrete (SCC). The fine aggregate is replaced by RHA in conventional concrete (CC) with six different percentage by weight such as 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% having w/c ratio 0.375 with variation of super plasticiser dose, whereas in SCC the replacement of fine aggregate by RHA is 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The design mix for CC is targeted for M30 grade concrete. The fresh concrete test of SCC is conducted by using slump flow, T500, J-ring, L-box, U-box and V-funnel to know the filling ability, flow ability and passing ability of SCC. As fresh concrete property concerned, the result indicates that the slump flow value satisfied the EFNARC 2005 guidelines upto 30% replacement of fine aggregate with RHA whereas 40% replacement did not satisfy the guideline. As hardened concrete property concerned, the compressive strength, split-tensile strength and flexural strength of CC and SCC are determined at 7, 28 and 90 days. The test result indicates that upto 30% replacement of fine aggregate with RHA enhances the strength in CC whereas the strength enhancement in SCC upto 20% replacement.

Peningkatan Komunikasi Matematis Serta Kemandirian BelajarSiswa SMA Melalui Strategi PQ4R Disertai Bacaan Refutation Text

This study is experiment research with control group pre test- post test design and aimed to examine the influence of PQ4R strategy and Refutation Text, school level, and students mathematical prior knowledge toward achievement and enhancement of students mathematical communication ability and Self Regulated Learning. Subject of study as much as 241 students of class X from three Public Senior High Schools from high, medium and low school level. Research instrument consist of one set of students mathematical communication, and one set of students Self Regulated Learning scale. Data analysis use Kosmogorov-Smirnov Test (Tes-Z), Test Leven, Test-t, ANOVA one-way and two-way, Post Hoc Test (Scheffe) and also Chi-Square Test. The study found that learning with PR4R strategy accompanied by Refutation Text Reading give consistent influence compared with conventional learning influence whether is viewed as a whole, based on school level as well as mathematical initial knowledge. In addition, the study also found: (1) there is no interaction between learning (PQ4R) accompanied by Refutation Text reading and conventional) and school level toward (a) students mathematical communication and (b) students Self Regulated Learning; (2) there is no significant interaction between learning and students mathematical prior knowledge toward (a) students mathematical communication ability and (b) students Self Regulated Learning; and (3) there is association between students mathematical communication ability and students Self Regulated Learning. Keywords : PQ4R, refutation text, mathematical communication, self regulated learning

Corporate social responsibility and the economics of consumer social responsibility

The promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is likely to depend on consumers' purchase behaviors. While many consumers like the idea of social responsibility, the responsible consumption remains at a low level. This survey analyses two main barriers to responsible consumption: the willingness-to-pay for it, which relates to consumer social preferences; and the information asymmetry between companies and consumers. The economic literature shows that consumer social preferences are related to altruistic, self-image and social image concerns. Only consumers with strong social preferences and a low marginal utility of income (a high income) are likely to purchase CSR products. Moreover, purchase decisions crucially depend on the existence of labels, which truthfully identify the CSR products. Public policies may promote consumer social responsibility through education programs, enhancement of self- and social-image concerns, and careful label regulation.

Social presence and online collaborative small group work: A socioconstructivist account

We approach the construct of social presence (SP) from a socio-cultural perspective, taking it as an essential component of computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) process. We present a qualitative case study in which sixteen student-teachers carried out a computer supported collaborative writing activity in small groups during six weeks. The group activity took place in a blended course at a Bachelor program of Teacher Education. Results allow us to re-define the concept of SP as the concept of SP as the result of constructive and evolutionary discursive group interaction. SP promotes the creation of a community feeling, the maintenance of positive relational dynamics, and the enhancement of self- and collective efficacy in front of the learning task, so that the learning process is supported. The resulting categories correspond to two different axes: individual- versus group-oriented, and task- versus members-oriented.

Study of Nanopores Ordering in Anodic Aluminum Oxide Templates Achieved by Three Step Process

Enhancement of naturally-occurred self ordering nanopores in anodic aluminum oxide membrane by performing three-step anodic oxidation process has been reported. Naturally-occurred self ordering of nanopores in anodic aluminum oxide membrane has brought it into the applications of template for fabrication of nanoscale materials. Three-step anodic oxidation method was used to achieve self-ordering of nanopores. Effect of duration of first and second steps on the ordering of nanopores was investigated. The current-time curves recorded during anodization elucidate an almost same behavior for all three steps. Scanning electron micrographs show hexagonally arranged 45 nm pores in a manner which contribute into the formation of highly ordered areas, called domains. Larger ones are clearly observed over the surface, for samples with longer first and second anodization steps.

Changing Life Styles - Changing Competencies: Turkish Migrant Youth in Europe

Veranderte Lebensstile - Veranderte Kompetenzen: Turkische Migrationsjugendliche in Europa«. This paper examines the plight of Turkish migrant youth in Europe particularly as migration involves social change in terms of changing life styles which require changing competencies. For the migrant youth to be assets, rather than problems, for the receiving society, their full integration into society should be ensured. This requires the enhancement of their cognitive competence and psycho-social development involving the autonomous-related self. Drawing parallels between rural to urban migration and international migration with regard to the experienced social change, the Turkish Early Enrichment Project (TEEP) is taken up as a case in point. TEEP showed that early childhood enrichment through supporting the mothers among rural to urban migrants in Istanbul, Turkey was beneficial for both the cognitive competence and the psycho-social development of their children. The gains were found to be sustained into young adulthood. Similar programs of intervention and support would be highly beneficial for ethnic migrants in Europe, particularly for Turkish-German youth, given the fact that they tend to do poorly in school. Immigrants' positive youth development, involving the enhancement of autonomous-related self, cognitive competence, psychological and socio-cultural adaptation, promises to provide far reaching benefits to the receiving societies, as well.

Effectiveness of attitude psychotherapy in enhancing self-esteem and diminishing suicidal ideation among adults in Pakistan

The Attitudinize Psychotherapy; is a complete psychotherapy dealing effectively with all the six vital aspects concerning an emotional problem of a human being. In order to test the five hypotheses, the sample comprised of NO THERAPY GROUP; the Fifty-two Male and Twenty-three Female Adult Students on which NO Attitudinize Psychotherapy would be conducted, and for ATTITUDINIZE THERAPY GROUP; Fifty-four Male and Twenty-three Female Adult Students on which Attitudinize Psychotherapy would be conducted. The data was collected from the Adult students between the ages of 18–25 belonging to Iqra University, Karachi. In the Initial Phase of BEFORE THERAPY All the Male and Female students were administered; a) Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (Therapy Form) (Modified by Dr. Linah Askari 2003), b) Queendom’s Self–Esteem Test (2003) and c) Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (William & Reynolds, 2005). In the Final Phase of AFTER THERAPY, Attitudinize Therapy was conducted for fourteen weeks (75 minute session, twice a week) on the ATTITUDINIZE THERAPY GROUP only. At the completion of this phase the whole sample was Re-administered all the three Scales, to both the adults of NO THERAPY GROUP and the adults of ATTITUDINIZE THERAPY GROUP. The purpose was to relate the effectiveness of the Attitudinize Therapy with the Enhancement of Self – Esteem and Diminishing of Suicidal Ideation within the Adult to build their lives successfully. The results of statistical analysis reveal that (i) In Before Therapy Phase: the adults within NO THERAPY GROUP have Mean Scores of Dysfunctional Attitude = 303.40, Self-Esteem = 51.78 & Suicidal Ideation = 149.25 whereas ATTITUDINIZE THERAPY GP have Mean Scores of Dysfunctional Attitude = 304.83, Self-Esteem = 50.50 & Suicidal Ideation = 150.35 (ii) In After Therapy Phase: the adults within NO THERAPY GROUP have Mean Scores of Dysfunctional Attitude = 309.26, Self-Esteem = 50.33 & Suicidal Ideation = 153.41 whereas ATTITUDINIZE THERAPY GP have Mean Scores of Dysfunctional Attitude = 103.94, Self-Esteem = 124.15 & Suicidal Ideation = 60.15 providing evidence that Ultimately, Attitudinize Psychotherapy would be the BEST CHOICE.

Enhanced diffusivity in supercooled liquids

The enhancement of self and probe diffusivity over the Stokes–Einstein values by orders of magnitude is observed in the viscous regime of polymers, molecular glass-formers and supercooled metallic systems. We investigate an alternative to identifying enhanced diffusivity with the fast components of the primary structural relaxation process: high translational mobility is being associated with cooperative dynamics in string-like topologies, which is responsible for fast diffusive particle motion and the slow secondary β-relaxation observed below the dynamic crossover temperature in fragile glass-formers. This approach provides a unifying view of diffusivity across the different classes of glass-forming materials.

Correlates of Caregiver Burden After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass (CAB) patients often rely on spouses for care and assistance during recovery after surgery. Caregiving can be stressful and meaningful depending upon the interplay of many factors not completely understood. These factors may affect the spouse caregiver's health-related quality of life (HRQL), which may impact ability to care for the CAB patient. To investigate patient-spouse caregiver relationship and role variables associated with caregiver burden during the first year after CAB surgery. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of CAB spouses was recruited at 3, 6, or 12 months. Spouses (n = 166) completed a survey that included perceptions of patient health status, caregiver burden and other caregiving variables, and caregiver HRQL. Higher burden scores were associated with patient's gender (female), poorer patient health status, lower caregiver mental HRQL, increased personal gain, and increased caregiver competence. These correlates explained 38% of the variance in caregiver burden. Only poorer patient health status and lower caregiver mental HRQL were supported by previous research in this population. Positive relationships between burden and caregiver competence and personal gain may be a reflection that spouse caregivers were invested and working hard. They felt satisfied from enhancement of self but were burdened from their caregiving role, providing support for a previously described two-domain caregiving model. Caregiver screening is essential to identify spouses at high risk for negative outcomes. Longitudinal research is needed to identify the correlates and predictors most likely to influence burden and caregiver gain over time, and to more fully understand caregiving in the CAB population.

Holistic Holidays: Tourism And The Reconciliation of Body, Mind and Spirit

This paper will explore on the current trend towards spiritual tourism, focusing on the quest for the enhancement of self through physical, mental and creative activities. This will include, for example, reference to holistic holidays, yoga tourism, ashram visits, and certain kinds of religious and pilgrimage tourism. The paper will provide an analysis of the factors that have created a need for personal and collective engagement in such forms of tourism. It will be argued that the postmodern era of global capitalism has, in many Western developed countries, created a feeling of existential angst or alienation amongst its citizens. Long working hours and the fragmentation of communities and traditions have exacerbated feelings of isolation, depression and stress. Individuals are consequently starting to seek solace in activities which enhance their physical, mental and spiritual well-being (e.g., yoga, pilates, meditation, ayurvedic treatments, aromatherapy, health spas). Many use travel as a form of escapism or as a quest to reconcile body, mind and spirit in a way that they can rarely do at home. Tourists are increasingly being drawn away from the materialistic, secular environments that they have been complicit in creating, towards simpler and natural environments in which they can attempt to be more of themselves. Drawing on a range of sources including academic and travel literature, popular fiction and promotional materials, the author will explore the way in which the ‘holistic’ tourism sector is developing. Although the analysis will focus partly on commercial developments, it will also address some of the more philosophical and religious questions that underpin this current trend. The need for escapism through travel is by no means a modern day phenomenon, nor is the personal or social alienation that renders it necessary or desirable. Throughout the centuries, writers, poets, and philosophers have often felt the need to travel to escape the malaise of the age or to assuage their own restlessness. The French poet Baudelaire would frequently set off on journeys in the vain hope of escaping the ‘spleen’ of contemporary living; Flaubert went in search of the exotic; Wordsworth sought the sublime. The Grand Tour of the 17th and 18th Century afforded the young noble the chance to enhance his personal and cultural growth through travel, and pilgrimages have traditionally enabled travellers to experience enlightenment, or physical and spiritual healing.

Self- and Dopant Diffusion in Extrinsic Boron Doped Isotopically Controlled Silicon Multilayer Structures

AbstractIsotopically controlled silicon multilayer structures were used to measure the enhancement of self- and dopant diffusion in extrinsic boron doped silicon. 30Si was used as a tracer through a multilayer structure of alternating natural Si and enriched 28Si layers. Low energy, high resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) allowed for simultaneous measurement of self- and dopant diffusion profiles of samples annealed at temperatures between 850°C and 1100°C. A specially designed ion-implanted amorphous Si surface layer was used as a dopant source to suppress excess defects in the multilayer structure, thereby eliminating transient enhanced diffusion (TED) behavior. Self- and dopant diffusion coefficients, diffusion mechanisms, and native defect charge states were determined from computer-aided modeling, based on differential equations describing the diffusion processes. We present a quantitative description of B diffusion enhanced self-diffusion in silicon and conclude that the diffusion of both B and Si is mainly mediated by neutral and singly positively charged self-interstitials under p-type doping. No significant contribution of vacancies to either B or Si diffusion is observed.