Physical Processes Research Articles

Linguistic choices in mindfulness training: A corpus-cognitive stylistic analysis of guided meditation on the Headspace app

Abstract The concept of ‘mindfulness’ is widely discussed in relation to wellbeing and mental health. While extensive research in psychology has explored the benefits of mindfulness in treating various psychological conditions, little research has examined the language used to teach it. This article analyses linguistic choices in an introductory course on mindfulness meditation on the Headspace app. Twenty recorded sessions of guided mindfulness meditation are analysed using corpus methods in Wmatrix5. Keyword analysis reveals distinctive features of the tutors’ language on this course, including lexical choices identified as ‘Mindfulness Language’ in previous studies. Applying Cognitive Grammar as a framework for qualitative analysis, I identify a distinctive ‘construal’ and ‘grounding’ of experience through recurrent grammatical choices, including profiling of mental and physical processes using the ‘ing’ verb form, modification of processes using the adverb ‘just’, reference to parts of the listener using ‘the’, and the instantiation of specific conceptual metaphors. I argue that principles of mindfulness are ‘embodied’ by tutors through these linguistic choices, which may cumulatively train listeners to attend to their experiences in similar ways.

Key processes controlling the variability of the summer marine CO2 system in Fram Strait surface waters

The aim of this study was to decouple and quantify the influence of various biological and physical processes on the structure and variability of the marine carbonate system in the surface waters of the eastern part of the Fram Strait area. This productive region is characterized by its complex hydrographic and sea ice dynamics, providing an ideal set up to study their influence on the variability of the marine carbonate system. Different variables of the marine CO2 system: Total Alkalinity (TA), Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC), partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), and pH, were analysed together with temperature, salinity, sea ice extension, and chlorophyll a distribution during three consecutive summers (2019, 2020 and 2021), each of them having a unique oceanographic setting. The data revealed that TA and DIC are mostly controlled by the mixing of Atlantic water and sea ice meltwater. The combined effects of organic matter production/remineralization, calcium carbonate precipitation/dissolution, and air/sea CO2 gas exchange cause deviations from this salinity-related mixing. The scale of these deviations and the proportion between the effects observed for TA and DIC suggest interannual shifts in net primary production and dominant phytoplankton species in the area. These shifts are correlated with the sea ice extent and the spread of the Polar Surface Waters in the region. Net primary production is the main factor controlling the temporal and spatial variability of pH and pCO2 in the study area followed by the influence of temperature and, mixing of water masses expressed with salinity (seawater freshening). Surface waters of the Fram Strait area were generally undersaturated in CO2. The lowest pCO2 values, coinciding with an increase in oxygen saturation, were observed in areas of mixing of Arctic and Atlantic-derived water masses. However, as shown for 2021, a reduction of the sea ice extent may induce a westward shift of the chlorophyll maximum, resulting in pCO2 increase and pH decrease in the eastern part. This indicates that sea ice extent and associated spread of Polar Surface Waters may be important factors shaping primary production, and thus pCO2 and pH, in the Fram Strait area.

Effect of moisture on mechanical and physical properties of coals: a uniaxial compression study

The estimation of mechanical and physical properties of coal reservoirs is important for the successful exploration and development of coalbed methane (CBM). Unlike conventional sandstone reservoirs, coal reservoirs exhibit greater sensitivity to stress, resulting in distinct mechanical and physical behaviors. In this study, uniaxial compression tests were performed on both low-rank and high-rank coal samples under different moisture conditions to reveal the mechanical and physical property changes with stress. The results indicate that during axial stress loading (up to 2.8 MPa), axial strain initially increases rapidly and subsequently at a slower rate, with an axial strain of 0.13–0.25% observed at the maximum axial stress. The instantaneous Young’s modulus increases linearly before stabilizing, ranging from 618.01 to 4861.10 MPa, while the Poisson’s ratio remains relatively constant or increases linearly, ranging from 0.002 to 0.165. This results in a negative exponential decrease in both porosity and permeability, with maximum reductions of 1.77–4.21% and 5.38–12.25%, respectively. The mechanical properties of coal are influenced by both the cementation effect of water at low water saturation and the softening effect at high water saturation, which results in axial strain decreases and then increases as the water saturation increases. Concurrently, the elastic modulus initially increases and then decreases, while the Poisson’s ratio exhibits a less pronounced change or tends to increase. Consequently, there is a trend in which porosity and permeability first increase and then decrease. In addition, during stress unloading, the influence of water in coal induces a notable strain hysteresis phenomenon in water-containing coal samples, and this phenomenon is more obvious in the low-rank coals.

Disorders of puberty

Puberty is a critical developmental phase marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, characterised by physical, hormonal and psychological changes. Disorders of puberty can have a significant impact on a person’s growth, development, and psychological well-being. These disorders can cause precocious (early onset) or delayed (late onset) puberty and necessitate a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms and clinical presentation to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and adrenal development leading to physical changes consistent with puberty. This article outlines the physiological physical changes and pubertal milestones and discusses normal variants of puberty to help distinguish physiological from pathological conditions. It then describes the pathophysiology and causes for both precocious and delayed pubertal development, providing guidance for primary care physicians for referral to secondary care. Finally, this article aims to provide succinct guidance on relevant history and clinical findings pertinent to the topic and provides a clinical case for discussion.

A hidden Active Galactic Nuclei population: the first radio luminosity functions constructed by physical process

Abstract Both star formation (SF) and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) play an important role in galaxy evolution. Statistically quantifying their relative importance can be done using radio luminosity functions. Until now these relied on galaxy classifications, where sources with a mixture of radio emission from SF and AGN are labelled as either a star-forming galaxy or an AGN. This can cause the misestimation of the relevance of AGN. Brightness temperature measurements at 144 MHz with the International LOFAR telescope can separate radio emission from AGN and SF. We use the combination of sub-arcsec and arcsec resolution imaging of 7,497 sources in the Lockman Hole and ELAIS-N1 fields to identify AGN components in the sub-arcsec resolution images and subtract them from the total flux density, leaving flux density from SF only. We construct, for the first time, radio luminosity functions by physical process, either SF or AGN activity, revealing a hidden AGN population at L144MHz<1024 W Hz−1. This population is 1.56±0.06 more than expected for 0.5 < z < 2.0 when comparing to RLFs by galaxy classification. The star forming population has only 0.90±0.02 of the expected SF. These “hidden” AGN can have significant implications for the cosmic star formation rate and kinetic luminosity densities.

Psychological and emotional aspects of menstrual health and hygiene management: Experiences of adolescent girls from rural Assam, India

The onset of menstruation is a landmark event in women’s life which is known to bring many psychological and emotional changes along with physical changes. In many countries, particularly in developing and emerging countries, such as India, it also brings various challenges for women to manage menstruation hygienically. Studies have often highlighted several well-known practical and physical barriers to Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM); e.g., lack of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities, lack of affordable menstrual absorbents, and so on. However, there are also some psychological and emotional barriers; such as, trauma of menarche, feelings of embarrassment, stress, anxiety, and shame. These psychological and emotional barriers are known to create tremendous psychological burden for millions of girls while managing their menstruation. However, these challenges and their impact on women’s psychological well-being are relatively less acknowledged and ill-understood. The study was conducted in Assam, India, with a sample of 185 adolescent girls (10-19 years) who participated in 21 Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). Findings show that mostly girls were unaware about menstruation before menarche; their first encounter with menarche was traumatic. Lack of adequate guidance and counselling even after menarche result in significant mental pressure among girls. Several cultural and religious restrictions, feelings of shame and embarrassment, myths and misconceptions associated with menstruation were mentioned. The study concludes that the emotional and psychological barriers of MHHM are preventable by improving the channels of proper guidance and counselling about menstruation in a supportive environment. The study suggests some interventions for the same.

Real-Time Modeling for Design and Control of Material Additive Manufacturing Processes

The use of digital twin and shadow concepts for industrial material processes has introduced new approaches to bridge the gap between physical and cyber manufacturing processes. Consequently, many multidisciplinary areas, such as advanced sensor technologies, material science, data analytics, and machine learning algorithms, are employed to create these hybrid systems. Meanwhile, new additive manufacturing (AM) processes for metals and polymers, based on emerging technologies, have shown promise for the manufacturing of sophisticated parts with complex geometries. These processes are undergoing a major transformation with the advent of digital technology, hybrid physical-data-driven modeling, and fast-reduced models. This study presents a fresh perspective on hybrid physical-data-driven and reduced order modeling (ROM) techniques for the digitalization of AM processes within a digital twin concept. The main contribution of this study is to demonstrate the benefits of ROM and machine learning (ML) technologies for process data handling, optimization/control, and their integration into the real-time assessment of AM processes. Therefore, a novel combination of efficient data-solver technology and an architecturally designed neural network (NN) module is developed for transient manufacturing processes with high heating/cooling rates. Furthermore, a real-world case study is presented, showcasing the use of hybrid modeling with ROM and ML schemes for an industrial wire arc AM (WAAM) process.

Superconductivity at Pd/Bi2Se3 Interfaces Due to Self-Formed PdBiSe Interlayers

Understanding the physical and chemical processes at the interfaces of metals and topological insulators is crucial for the development of the next generation of topological quantum devices. Here, we report the discovery of robust superconductivity in Pd/Bi2Se3 bilayers fabricated by sputtering Pd on the surface of Bi2Se3. Through transmission electron microscopy measurements, we identify that the observed interfacial superconductivity originates from the diffusion of Pd into Bi2Se3. In the diffusion region, Pd chemically reacts with Bi2Se3 and forms a layer of PdBiSe, a known superconductor with a bulk transition temperature of 1.5 K. Our work provides a method for the introduction of superconductivity into Bi2Se3, laying the foundation for the development of sophisticated Bi2Se3-based topological devices.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Peer Training Program to Deliver a Theory-Based Physical Activity Behavior Change Intervention to Inactive People Living With and Beyond Cancer: A Mixed Methods Study

Theory-based physical activity (PA) interventions include PA promotion strategies that can be delivered by exercise professionals, friends, family and peers. Peer-delivery presents a valuable opportunity for community implementation. Few peer-led PA interventions for people living with and beyond cancer (LWBC) report the feasibility of their peer mentor training methods. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a peer mentor training program to deliver a behavioural PA intervention to inactive people LWBC using a mixed methods approach. Peer mentors (active people LWBC [≥90 min/week of PA]) participated in an online training program. Weeks 1 to 4 (Phase I) included knowledge and skill development (1-hour online module and 2-hour live workshop weekly). The Assessment phase (Phase II) explored peer mentor readiness (≥80% on a knowledge quiz and ≥3/5 points [Satisfactory] on a mock role play). Feasibility was assessed using enrollment rates, retention rates, adherence, and semi-structured interviews. Acceptability was measured using a satisfaction questionnaire assessing level of agreement with several statements about training program components. Peer mentors (<em>N </em>= 14; M<sub>age</sub> = 65.4 ± 10.7 years) were diagnosed with primarily prostate (57.1%) or breast (21.4%) cancer. Enrollment and retention rates were 73.7% and 92.9%, respectively. Workshops and online modules had 100% and 87.5% adherence rates, respectively. Majority of peer mentors met readiness criteria for the knowledge quiz (92.3%) and mock role play (84.6%) on their first attempt, with 92.3% delivering the follow-up peer-led PA intervention. Peer mentor satisfaction scores ranged from 3.9 to 4.6 out of 5. Interviews generated themes around overall impressions, feedback on timing, structure, and content of the training program and mock role play, and peer mentor preparedness. Structured training for delivering peer-led PA interventions show promise; however, individualized support may be needed for some people LWBC to strengthen mentorship knowledge and skills.

Cyber Physical Echoes - Harnessing Digital Twin Intelligence for Real Time System Optimization

Digital Twin Technology (DTT) redefines the landscape of cyber-physical systems (CPS) by providing real-time, virtual replicas of physical processes and their counterparts in complex real-world networks for viewing, analyze and optimize digital twin complex systems through real-time data integration for predictive insights, making them more valuable in industries such as construction, healthcare, smart cities, energy management, etc. DTT provides they could streamline manufacturing techniques, enhance operational efficiency, and assist data-pushed selection-making, in order that normal CPS -Increases flexibility and responsiveness For instance, the ability of digital twins in construction mapping the development industry, helping to prioritize problems and streamline operations, at the same time as looking forward to demand and supporting the planning of smart towns Despite these advantages, the use of DTT role in CPS affords demanding situations are , inclusive of statistics privateness worries, connectivity problems, and the want for scalable solutions that can control massive, disparate databases. Keywords: Digital-Twin Technology, Cyber Systems, Real-Time Data Integration.

Research on innovative design of intelligent wearable products based on human machine engineering and bionics

Designing intelligent wearable products entails integrating human factors, engineering, and bionics to develop ergonomic, efficient and convenient products. Human-machine engineering is a discipline that addresses the integration between the user wearing a particular system and improving the relationship between the user and the system. At the same time, bionics is an approach that aims to mimic biological systems and structures to enhance the performance of a particular product. This research explores the possibility of integrating these specializations to design new and enhanced wearable technology products with improved usability, convenience, and flexibility for practical usage. A detailed analysis of human biomechanics and ergonomic requirements established design parameters to ensure that wearable devices could be seamlessly integrated into daily life without hindering user movement. Bionic principles, such as the flexibility of animal joints and the energy-efficient movements of natural organisms, were applied to optimize the mechanical and structural aspects of the devices. This approach enabled the creation of products that mimic the natural dynamics of the human body, offering improved responsiveness and functionality. Prototypes were developed based on human-centred design principles and evaluated using simulation and testing environments. Wearables such as exoskeletons, bright clothing, and health-monitoring devices were examined for their ability to adapt to various physical conditions and environmental changes. Results demonstrate a significant increase in user comfort, reduction in mechanical strain, and enhanced performance, validating the effectiveness of integrating human-machine engineering and bionics in wearable design.

Association of daily physical activity with pulmonary artery pressure in HFpEF and HFmrEF NYHA class III patients: a pilot trial—feasibility and first results

Abstract Introduction Supervised physical exercise has been shown to benefit patients with heart failure with preserved/mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF/HfmrEF) by improving symptoms and diastolic function. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between unsupervised daily physical activity and changes in daily pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in patients with stable NYHA class III heart failure (HF) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 45% or higher. Methods Daily physical activity was monitored over a 3-month period using a Holter-ECG with an accelerometer that calculated an activity-associated, heart rate-derived metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score. PAP was measured using an implanted sensor in 17 patients. Results During 3 months of PAP monitoring in parallel with Holter ECG in our HF patients (median age 77 [IQR 72–79.5] years, LVEF 55 [49–56] %, mean cardiac index 1.9 ± 0.3), mean, diastolic, and systolic PAP remained unchanged. Patients engaged in unsupervised daily activity with a mean MET score of 5.0 ± 1.2 and a median daily duration of 41 [13–123] minutes. Intensity of daily activity was associated with a higher diastolic PAP on the following day (R2 = 0.017, p = 0.003), particularly in female patients and those with pulmonary hypertension (PH) (female: R2 = 0.044, p = 0.002; PH: R2 = 0.024, p = 0.004). Patients with longer daily activity durations had lower systolic and mean PAP (p = 0.038 and p = 0.048) and a similar diastolic PAP (p = 0.053) after 3 months. Conclusions Tracking changes in daily PAP based on intensity and duration of unsupervised daily activity using implanted sensors and a PocketECG® is feasible. While daily activity duration was not directly linked to diastolic PAP on the first day after daily activity, intensity, especially in female and PH patients, was associated with increased diastolic PAP. In addition, longer daily activity, rather than higher intensity, might be more important for lowering PAP in the long term. Further research in larger trials is warranted to confirm these findings.

Drug dispensing in public community pharmacies: evidence from the MedMinas project

BackgroundDrug dispensing is a service provided by pharmacists to ensure the supply of medications and other health-related products. However, despite the importance of dispensing services, Public Community Pharmacies (PCP) in Brazil still focus on the control and distribution of medicines and supplies. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate how the pharmacists in charge conduct and the challenges they encounter in dispensing services in PCP.MethodsThis is a mixed methods study, with a representative sample of 26 municipalities (whose populations vary between 37,784 and 409,341 inhabitants) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection took place between April and October 2019 and included interviews and documentary research. Quantitative data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and qualitative data was subjected to thematic content analysis.Results24 dispensing services were analyzed. The PCP had, on average, two active pharmacists and operated full-time (40 h per week). In relation to dispensing services, the most frequently mentioned steps were checking the adequacy of the prescription received, followed by providing counseling to the user about the medicines, mainly regarding administration, storage and disposal. The results highlighted a need for improvements in terms of infrastructure, workforce and the pharmacist’s work process.ConclusionIt is necessary to invest and to design improvement strategies in dispensing services, especially regarding physical infrastructure, human resources and work processes.

Effects of Pilates compared to whole-body vibration on range of motion in postmenopausal women.: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Postmenopause is marked by a sudden drop in hormone levels, leading to several physical, psychological, and functional changes. Thus, range of motion (ROM), an important component for maintaining functionality, is also affected. One way to improve ROM is by using the Pilates method, which has already proven effective for this component. Another intervention option is whole-body vibration (WBV), however, little is known about the effectiveness of this therapy in ROM. Objective: To compare the effects of Pilates vs. WBV on ROM in postmenopausal women. Methods: Randomized, single-blind, controlled study with 51 postmenopausal women. Pilates and WBV were performed three times a week for six months, totaling 78 sessions. The control group maintained their usual routine. ROM was assessed in trunk flexion and extension movements using a fleximeter. Results: Post-intervention, no difference (p > 0.05) was observed between Pilates and WBV (trunk flexion: 4.9º [95% CI, -0.4 to 10.2] p=0.247, d=0.62; trunk extension: 1.9º [-0.2 to 4.0] p=0.262, d=0.62). Compared with the control group, only Pilates was significantly superior for trunk flexion (8.8º [95% CI, 3.4 to 14.3] p=0.009, d=1.09) and extension (3.2º [95% CI, 0.8 to 5.6] p=0.024, d=0.90), with a large effect size (d > 0.80). Conclusions: Pilates and WBV did not differ significantly for ROM, either in trunk flexion or extension in postmenopausal women. However, only Pilates was superior to the control group, which maintained the usual routine.

Impact of solar-wind turbulence on a planetary bow shock. A global 3D simulation

The interaction of the solar-wind plasma with a magnetized planet generates a bow-shaped shock ahead of the wind. Over recent decades, near-Earth spacecraft observations have provided insights into the physics of the bow shock, and the findings suggest that solar-wind intrinsic turbulence influences the bow shock dynamics. On the other hand, theoretical studies, primarily based on global numerical simulations, have not yet investigated the global three-dimensional (3D) interaction between a turbulent solar wind and a planetary magnetosphere. This paper addresses this gap for the first time by presenting an investigation of the global dynamics of this interaction that provides new perspectives on the underlying physical processes. We use the newly developed numerical code Menura to examine how the turbulent nature of the solar wind influences the 3D structure and dynamics of magnetized planetary environments, such as those of Mercury, Earth, and magnetized Earth-like exoplanets. We used the hybrid particle-in-cell (PIC) code Menura to conduct 3D simulations of the turbulent solar wind and its interaction with an Earth-like magnetized planet through global numerical simulations of the magnetosphere and its surroundings. Menura runs in parallel on graphics processing units (GPUs), enabling efficient and self-consistent modeling of turbulence. By comparison with a case in which the solar wind is laminar, we show that solar-wind turbulence globally influences the shape and dynamics of the bow shock, the magnetosheath structures, and the ion foreshock dynamics. Also, a turbulent solar wind disrupts the coherence of foreshock fluctuations, induces large fluctuations on the quasi-perpendicular surface of the bow shock, facilitates the formation of bubble-like structures near the nose of the bow shock, and modifies the properties of the magnetosheath region. The turbulent nature of the solar wind impacts the 3D shape and dynamics of the bow shock, magnetosheath, and ion foreshock region. This influence should be taken into account when studying solar-wind--planet interactions in both observations and simulations. We discuss the relevance of our findings for current and future missions launched into the heliosphere.

X-Shooting ULLYSES: Massive stars at low metallicity. VI. Atmosphere and mass-loss properties of O-type giants in the Small Magellanic Cloud

Mass loss through a stellar wind is an important physical process that steers the evolution of massive stars and controls the properties of their end-of-life products, such as the supernova type and the mass of compact remnants. To probe its role in stellar evolution over cosmic time, mass loss needs to be studied as function of metallicity. For mass loss to be accurately quantified, the wind structure needs to be established jointly with the characteristics of small-scale inhomogeneities in the outflow, which are known as wind clumping. We aim to improve empirical estimates of mass loss and wind clumping for hot main-sequence massive stars, study the dependence of both properties on the metal content, and compare the theoretical predictions of mass loss as a function of metallicity to our findings. Using the model atmosphere code Fastwind and the genetic algorithm fitting method Kiwi-GA we analyzed the optical and ultraviolet spectra of 13 O-type giant to supergiant stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud galaxy, which has a metallicity of approximately one-fifth of that of the Sun. We quantified the stellar global outflow properties, such as the mass-loss rate and terminal wind velocity, and the wind clumping properties. To probe the role of metallicity, our findings were compared to studies of Galactic and Large Magellanic Cloud samples that were analyzed with similar methods, including the description of clumping. We find significant variations in the wind clumping properties of the target stars, with clumping starting at flow velocities $0.01 - 0.23$ of the terminal wind velocity and reaching clumping factors $f_ cl = 2 - 30$. In the luminosity ($ L / odot = 5.0 - 6.0$) and metallicity ($Z/Z_ odot = 0.2 - 1$) range we considered, we find that the scaling of the mass loss $ M $ with metallicity $Z$ varies with luminosity. At $ odot = 5.75$, we find $ M Z^m$ with $m = 1.02 0.30$, in agreement with pioneering work in the field within the uncertainties. For lower luminosities, however, we obtain a significantly steeper scaling of $m > 2$. The monotonically decreasing $m(L)$ behavior adds a complexity to the functional description of the mass-loss rate of hot massive stars. Although the trend is present in the predictions, it is much weaker than we found here. However, the luminosity range for which $m$ is significantly larger than previously assumed (at $ odot 5.4$) is still poorly explored, and more studies are needed to thoroughly map the empirical behavior, in particular, at Galactic metallicity.

Improving the air environment of vehicle cabins

BACKGROUND: The use of an innovative irrigated nozzle for air purification in the cabins of small class tractors is justified. The use of it makes it possible to comprehensively solve the problem of the state of air environment in the case of tractors operation in conditions of limited air exchange. AIM: Reduction of the content of harmful substances in the air of small tractors’ cabins. METHODS: Physical and chemical processes -chemical processes, during which the cabin air can be purified from harmful substances in the air cooler nozzle, are taken into account. RESULTS: The irrigated nozzle developed for the air coolers of the cabins of the mentioned tractors makes it possible to clean the exhaust gases from harmful impurities. CONCLUSION: Nozzles of a regular structure, irrigated with water with sodium bicarbonate and potassium permanganate dissolved in it, make it possible to comprehensively solve the problem of improving the state of air environment in the case of small class tractors operation in conditions of limited air exchange.

Breast Cancer Survivors' Perceptions of Mastectomy Reconstruction: A Comparative Analysis of Medical Tattooing Impact on Aesthetics.

Studies indicate that physical appearance changes affect a significant proportion of breast cancer survivors, often leading to post-surgical distress. Both reconstructive surgery and medical tattoos are associated with patient-reported satisfaction, yet further research is necessary to understand their combined impact on aesthetic outcomes from the patient perspective. This study examined how breast cancer survivors evaluated the cosmetic and decision satisfaction of other patients who made various cosmetic intervention choices post-mastectomy. Breast cancer survivor support networks (n = 180) across 20 states agreed to share information about the online survey to their members. Participants (n = 251) rated the cosmetic outcome and decision satisfaction of images depicting other patients who had received mastectomy with three types of intervention: reconstruction alone, medical tattooing alone (flat closure), and reconstruction and medical tattooing combined. A factorial MANOVA produced significant within-subjects effects indicating participants consistently rated images of patients with a combination of reconstruction and medical tattooing highest in cosmetic quality, lowest in scar visibility, and highest in treatment decision satisfaction. The findings suggest that medical tattooing serves as a valuable complementary cosmetic intervention, with many survivors expressing interest and recognizing potential benefits once informed about the option. However, the study's limitations, such as the need for a more diverse range of patient images for evaluation, should be acknowledged. Future research should address these gaps by incorporating photographs of patients across varying demographics, including age, body weight, disease severity, and surgical procedures, to minimize bias. Despite these limitations, this study highlights the significant role that medical tattooing can play in enhancing aesthetic outcomes after surgery, particularly from a patient-centered perspective. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://link.springer.com/journal/00266 .

Persuasive software features as antecedents to perceived compliance within physical activity behavior change support systems

ABSTRACT Although behavior change support systems (BCSS) have the potential to improve compliance using persuasive software features, there is a dearth of empirical evidence on how these features impact perceived compliance. This study aimed to investigate how and to what extent the persuasiv systems design (PSD) principles in physical activity BCSS influence perceived compliance. Quantitative data from 403 participants (165 users and 238 prospective users of BCSS designed for PA) was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results revealed differences in how the PSD principles impact perceived compliance between users and prospective users. Perceptions of dialogue support, credibility support, and social support were more relevant to prospective users than to users. Thus, designers should pay more attention to these principles to attract and engage prospective users of BCSS. Conversely, primary task support was more relevant to users than to prospective users. This indicates that once prospective users transition to active users, the focus should shift towards providing persuasive features that facilitate the performance of the primary task. These findings underscore the importance of developing intelligent BCSS that can adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of users at different stages of their interactions with a system.

Photooxidation of Nonanoic Acid by Molecular and Complex Environmental Photosensitizers.

Photochemical aging and photooxidation of atmospheric particles play a crucial role in both the chemical and physical processes occurring in the troposphere. In particular, the presence of organic chromophores within atmospheric aerosols can trigger photosensitized oxidation that drives the atmospheric processes in these interfaces. However, the light-induced oxidation of the surface of atmospheric aerosols, especially those enriched with organic components, remains poorly understood. Herein, we present a gravimetric and vibrational spectroscopy study aimed to investigate the photosensitized oxidation of nonanoic acid (NA), a model system of fatty acids within organic aerosols, in the presence of complex organic photosensitizers and molecular proxies. Specifically, this study shows a comparative analysis of the photosensitized reactions of thin films containing nonanoic acid and four different organic photosensitizers, namely marine dissolved organic matter (m-DOM) and humic acids (HA) as environmental photosensitizers, and 4-imidazolecarboxaldehyde (4IC) and 4-benzoylbenzoic acid (4BBA) as molecular proxies. All reactions show predominant photooxidation of nonanoic acid, with important differences in the rate and yield of product formation depending on the photosensitizer. Limited changes were observed in the organic photosensitizer itself. Results show that, among the photosensitizers examined, 4BBA is the most effective in photooxidizing nonanoic acid. Overall, this work underscores the role of chromophores in the photooxidation of organic thin films and the relevance of such reactions on the surface of aerosols in the marine environment.