Associations of Quality of Life,Physical Activity and Mood States in Women with Breast Cancer Treated with Curative Intent

This study aims to investigate the associations between quality of life, physical activity and mood states in women with breast cancer. A total of 354 women (mean age, 51.74?±?8.63 years; body mass index (BMI), 28?±?5.67 kg/m²) completed the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, Profile of Mood States (POMS), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-BR23). Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regressions were used to verify the relations between outcomes and independent variables. Correlations between scores on POMS, Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire and global health status/quality of life subscale of EORTC QLQ-C30 found associations (p?<?0.01) between physical activity (r?=?0.191), vigour (r?=?0.333) and fatigue (r?=??0.433). Multiple linear regression analysis of the global health status/quality of life subscale of the EORTC QLQ-C30 showed significant differences for vigour (p?<?0.001), social function (p?=?0.003), side effects of systemic therapy (p?=?0.019), arm and breast symptoms (p?<?0.001) and Baecke physical activity score (p?=?0.006). Physical activity is an independent factor related to the quality of life in women with breast cancer. Understanding these variables may influence clinical decisions during treatment and allow positive interventions regarding symptoms, functions and lifestyle.     

Solidification thermal parameters,microstructural evolution and dendritic growth in an AlCuNi alloy

ABSTRACT

Unsteady-state upward solidification experiment was carried out with the Al-3Cu-3Ni (wt.%) alloy. Temperature profiles were obtained through a water-cooled directional solidification device. Analysis on the resulting as-cast microstructure and its adaptation to thermal solidification parameter, such as growth and cooling rates and solidification local time, V_L, T_R and t_SL, respectively, was carried out. The results showed that the resulting microstructure is constituted by an Al-rich primary phase (Al _α ), characterised by a dendritic network, and by second phases that take place within the interdendritic regions, forming a eutectic mixture composed by the β-Al₃Ni?+?θ-Al₂Cu intermetallic compounds (IMCs), whose size and morphology have been affected by V_L and T_R. The length of the microstructural scale of the Al _α phase was measured by the secondary dendritic spacing (λ ₂). The experimental mathematical expression of λ ₂ obtained in this work was compared with mathematical models proposed in the literature that associate t_SL-λ ₂ for non-equilibrium and equilibrium solidification conditions.     

A planner agent that tries its best in presence of nondeterminism

In many nondeterministic planning domains, an agent whose goal is to achieve φ may not succeed in finding a policy that can guarantee that all paths from the initial state lead to a final state where φ holds (strong solution). Nevertheless, if the agent is trying its best to achieve φ, it cannot give up. Instead, it may be inclined to accept weaker guarantees, such as having a path leading to φ from any intermediate state reached by the policy (strong-cyclic solution), or even less, such as having at least one path leading to φ from the initial state (weak solution). But the agent should choose among such different options based on their availability in each situation. Although the specification of this type of goal has been addressed before, in this paper we show how a planner based on the branching time temporal logic α-ctl can be used to plan for intuitive and useful goals of the form “try your best to achieve φ”.     

When Stereotypes Become ‘Scientific’ Statements: Dealing with Gender Issues

The theoretical analysis by Watzlawik (Integrative Psychological & Behavioral Science 2009) demonstrates the scientific fragility of the constructs of masculinity and femininity based on the oversimplification and overlapping between three levels of analysis: group differences, inter-individual differences and intra-individual differences. Watzlawik presents fresh and relevant contributions in terms of methodological issues, especially about the construction of scientific generalizations. Here I focus on issues related to the transformation of stereotypes in statements about gender differences that claim to be ‘scientific’—outlining the socio-political agendas of such statements.

Information limits on identification of natural surfaces by apparent colour

By adaptational and other mechanisms, the visual system can compensate for moderate changes in the colour of the illumination on a scene. Although the colours of most surfaces are perceived to be constant ('colour constancy'), some are not. The effect of these residual colour changes on the ability of observers to identify surfaces by their apparent colour was determined theoretically from high-resolution hyperspectral images of natural scenes under different daylights with correlated colour temperatures 4,300 K, 6,500 K, and 25,000 K. Perceived differences between colours were estimated with an approximately uniform colour-distance measure. The information preserved under illuminant changes increased with the number of surfaces in the sample, but was limited to a relatively low asymptotic value, indicating the importance of physical factors in constraining identification by apparent colour.     

Cappadocian or Augustinian? Adjudicating Debates on Gender in the Resurrection

When the Apostle Paul inquired about the kind of body with which the dead will be raised (1 Cor. 15:35), he provided warrant for theological speculation with respect to the particulars of the resurrected body. A divergence of views about gender in the resurrection arose as early as the fourth century, with Gregory of Nyssa denying the existence of gender in the eschaton and Augustine of Hippo affirming it. In this article, I adjudicate this debate and its recent retrievals by arguing for the Augustinian position on the grounds that it best coheres with the nature of eschatological justice.     

Homophobia as a Boundary Phenomenon: The Dynamic Dance Between Different Tensions

From the commentaries presented in this issue, the main goal of this reply is to improve the analysis of homophobia as a boundary phenomenon of affective meaning-making, a collective historical–cultural construction. According to dialectical philosophical tradition, the notion of tension of opposites united within the same whole is a central notion that assumes an important role in the studies of meaning-making processes (Josephs and Valsiner, Social Psychology Quarterly, 61(1):68–83, 1998). Therefore, this paper intends to analyze homophobia issues from the dynamic dance between different tensions: (a) the tension between the general and the particular; (b) the tension between the HEIMWEH and the FERNWEH processes; and (c) the tension between stability and change. Presented in the conclusion are some suggestions for future approaches about homophobia that could be advanced within the general area of cultural psychology.     

Integrative review on career interventions with unemployed people: Nature,outcomes, and recommendations

The study of career development among unemployed people is vital for effective institutional responses. This integrative review based on Torraco's protocol fills a literature gap by synthesizing research on interventions for this population. Seven keywords, five databases, and six eligibility criteria were defined. Among 324 articles, 36 were reviewed. Findings highlight diverse counseling modalities, emphasizing group interventions and remote delivery. Tailored approaches, including length, frequency, and social-emotional and career dimensions, are crucial. Practical recommendations emphasize comprehensive, psychological support, goal-oriented counseling, and postintervention assistance. These insights underscore vocational psychology's importance in addressing unemployment, impacting government policies, career services, and psychologists.     

Religiosity/Spirituality Matters on Plant-Based Local Medical System

Journal of Religion and Health - Religiosity/spirituality can affect health and quality of life in myriad ways. Religion has been present since the first moments of our evolutionary history,...     

Emerging ICT for Citizens’ Veillance: Theoretical and Practical Insights

In ubiquitous surveillance societies, individuals are subjected to observation and control by authorities, institutions, and corporations. Sometimes, citizens contribute their own knowledge and other resources to their own surveillance. In addition, some of “the watched” observe “the watchers” “through” sous‐veillant activities, and various forms of self-surveillance for different purposes. However, information and communication technologies are also increasingly used for social initiatives with a bottom up structure where citizens themselves define the goals, shape the outcomes and profit from the benefits of watching activities. This model, which we define as citizens’ veillance and explore in this special issue, may present opportunities for individuals and collectives to be more prepared to meet the challenges they face in various domains including environment, health, planning and emergency response.