Saturday, January 25, 2020

Variability of Solar Activity Parameters

Variability of Solar Activity Parameters Chapter 7: Overall Conclusion and Future Prospect of Research In the present work, efforts have been given to get an idea of variability of solar activity parameters during the recent solar minimum period and also to understand the effect of the solar activity parameters at the F2 region of the ionosphere. As our dependence on technological systems operating in and through the outer reaches of our terrestrial environment is continuously increasing, it is very necessary to get a clear idea about the variability of the ionosphere, magnetosphere and the sun itself which is primary source that drives not only our terrestrial environment but also the entire interplanetary domain. The properties of solar activity parameters and the use of GPS derived ionospheric TEC as a tool for investigation of the ionosphere are explained in detail under the current research work. The study shows that the ionospheric variability is well coupled with solar activity parameters and phase of solar activity also. The ionospheric problems studied here are mainly concern ed with satellite based navigation. Over recent years, the solar activity effects of the ionospheric parameters have received renewed interest, and considerable progress has been achieved. The present research work focuses on four aspects – Firstly the behaviour of various solar activity parameters (mainly sunspot and solar radio flux) during the recent solar minimum period. It has been noted from a preliminary study that the correlation coefficient of radio emission and sunspot number was low with respect to the correlation coefficients of previous solar minima. During this minima period, the frequency distribution of correlation coefficient of radio flux and sunspot number is random whether it has a similar pattern for previous three minima which suggest an unusual behaviour of radio flux during this minimum. Secondly, noting the unusual behaviour of radio flux, a rigorous periodic analysis of basal component of solar radio flux of different frequencies has been done as these frequencies reveal the physical nature of the source regions. The analysis has exposed that during recent extended solar minimum period the large magnetic structures (independent of sunspot activity) of solar coronal region might had a similar rotation with fairly homogeneous structure and towards the chromospheric layers the homogeneity disappears and the rotation rate was also different for different portions of the chromospheres. The periodicities obtained for X-ray flux have also been found in other solar-activity parameters which give an indication that there may be connectivity between sunspot X ray flux and some other solar activity parameters as the periodicities of both types of magnetic structures are nearly matching. This may be an indication to the underlying global mechanism that modulates different. Thirdly, after getting some idea about the solar activity parameters, efforts have been given to understand the effect of these activity parameters on ionosphere. The earth directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, which result in increased pressure characterized by sudden increases in solar wind velocity, temperature and density as well as large changes in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) specially its north–south component (Bz), trigger the geomagnetic storms. These storms affect the ionosphere and makes such studies important from the point of view of space weather related processes. Here the effect of two geomagnetic storm of april and july 2012 on low latitude ionosphere has been studied. During the storms the depression and enhancements in VTEC compared to quiet time means VTEC was observed. This significant perturbation level in VTEC during the geomagnetic storm period may lead to the disturbances in navigation and communications systems which are now a days being used by civilian as well as military. These storm time perturbations in VTEC compared to quiet time mean values are caused by electro dynamical (PPE and DDE) as well mechanical effects (neural wind lifting effects and thermospheric composition changes) which are originated during the periods of geomagnetic storms. So these are the main key factors controlling the low latitude ionosphere’s response to the geomagnetic storm. Fourthly, a comparative study of the model and in-situ measurement of ionospheric parameters has been done. The last chapter deals on the investigation of the effect of the solar activity parameter on ionosphereric electron content and the investigation has been done by using the in-situ measurement data of the ionosphere. The in-situ measurement of TEC using the GPS and from the IGS stations is not possible from all places. So to understand the global distribution of TEC we need model data. Among all the ionospheric models, International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) is being widely used which is constantly being improved and updated by the scientific committee. In present time the most recent version of this model is IRI 2012. In this chapter, the diurnal, monthly and seasonal variations of the GPS-TEC are compared with those derived from the latest IRI 2012 model from four different stations. The study reveals that TEC with topside option IRI-2001 overestimates the observed GPS TEC i n low latitude regions in most of the times and the modeled TEC from other two options of IRI are in agreement with the observed TEC data. The matching between the IRI TEC and observed TEC is totally dependent on the local time, location and phase of the solar cycle and the largest deviations in model and observed TEC occur as a result of poor estimation of foF2 and NmF2 from the coefficients of IRI model. As the sophistication of our space based technological systems increases rapidly, their vulnerability to disturbances in space weather also increases. Performance of modern satellites used in global communications, weather predictions, remote sensing, defense systems and a variety of ground based scientific and operational systems depends on information we have on our ionosphere. The ionosphere is a highly variable medium and the low latitude ionosphere contributes the maximum variability. So a complete understanding of low latitude ionospheric phenomena is very essential. The Indian subcontinent lies in the low latitude region and thus gives us an opportunity to study the low latitude ionosphere. The north-east India is the region which lies in the EIA zone and hence the data of agartala station has its own importance. Presently we are using the GPS dual frequency receiver as a tool for investigating the low latitude ionosphere. New instrument like ionosonde will be recently install ed at our university which will give us a strong support in the ionospheric investigation. In order to get the idea of the global distribution of TEC, the variation of TEC from all the places need to be studied. But the in-situ measurement of TEC data from all the places is not available. So for this we need to depend on model TEC data. The US based models are best for their region not for Indian regions. So to get the variability of Indian subcontinent’s ionospheric region the in-situ measurement from Indian region is mostly important. As we have seen for around 92 degree longitude our study may be a significant input parameter for the modeling of ionosphere. Beside this study, it is expected to extend it for further investigation of ionosphere using GPS dual frequency receiver and ionosonde as tools.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Research Critique †Burns And Grove Essay

Introduction Burns and Grove (2011), define qualitative research is a standardized, personal way used to define life experiences and grant them meaning. A qualitative study must establish a dilemma or research problem, does not contain a hypotheses, and the research questions, which evolve as the study progresses are usually very broad. As a result, the person conducting the study looks for data to form impressions; this type of research cannot be measured. This qualitative research critique will analyze the problem statement, purpose and research questions, literature review and conceptual framework of Qualitative Study on the Impact of Falling in Frail Older Persons and Family Caregivers: Foundations for an Intervention to Prevent Falls. Critical Appraisal Problem Among adults 65 years of age and older, falls are the main purpose of injury death and the most typical reason for nonfatal injuries and trauma related hospital admissions. In 2010, approximately two million nonfatal fall injuries in older adults were cared for in emergency departments with costs totally approximately $30 billion (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Injuries sustained from falls include fractures (hip, spine, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, hand), lacerations, and head traumas. Often times after a fall, an individual will become disabled, lose their independence, or develop a fear of falling again causing them to decrease their activity level. Decreased activity level results in decreased mobility and muscle mass, loss of being physically fit, and actually increases an elderly person’s chances of falling. In addition to the physical injuries from falls, patients also suffer emotionally and socially, as do their caregivers from increased dependence on them. Purpose and Research Questions The objective of the study was to review the impacts of falls in older adults, some of whom had cognitive impairments and the impacts on their  primary caregivers who were family members. The subjects taking part in the study all had recently experienced a fall. The other purpose of the study was to make recommendations for a fall prevention program. While the researchers did not provide the questions they used, based on the information given they were questions such as: What are the consequences you fear from falling (physical, emotional, social)? What caused the fall? How did you cope with the fall? What do you expect from a fall prevention program? The qualitative method of the grounded theory: a constant comparative analysis to identify common themes and issues was used to answer the authors’ research questions. Qualitative research is a methodical, personal way used to illustrate personal experiences and give them meaning. In a qualitative study, participants are chosen by those conducting the study to participate because of their knowledge, views, or experiences related to the study rather than by chance (Burns & Grove, 2011). In this study, the purpose and research questions used were related to the study about falls in the elderly and the impact it has on both them and their caregivers. Literature Review The authors of the article researched both qualitative and quantitative studies relevant to the focus of their study on falls. The study used references from 1988 through 2009 and approximately half of them were greater than five years old and the other half were less than five years old. Protocols for qualitative research were followed with regard to purposive sampling and triangulation, the sampling and data analysis reached saturation, and the manuscripts of the interviews were tested with interviewees (Faes et al., 2010). Some weaknesses of the study were the small sample size and the fact that the results were not statistically valid for other populations. The literature review presented valid evidence and information to support the authors’ argument for the need for a fall prevention program to discuss and educate people on ways to reduce the consequences of falling and provide information on safety to prevent falls. Frame of Reference When conducting this study, the grounded theory guided the authors who interviewed 10 caregivers and 10 patients. Three patients were cognitively unimpaired, four had mild cognitive impairments and the remaining three were dementia patients. All patients had experienced a recent fall and both them and their caregivers were used as the authors’ frame of reference. After the study, a framework was developed from the study findings that consisted of two tables that presented the socio-demographic and health characteristics of patients and the socio-demographic and health characteristics of caregivers and their care recipients. Interview responses were also categorized into the following categories: emotions, social consequences, attributions, coping, burden and rewards of care giving, and fall prevention program. This framework was used by the authors to determine the need for a fall prevention program. Conclusion Falls impact the elderly physically, emotionally and socially as well as contribute to added stress amongst their caregivers. Therefore, the authors of this study suggested that a fall prevention program involving both patients and caregivers should be implemented. The fall prevention program should target reducing the consequences of falling, provide advice on walking and standing more safely, promote self-efficacy and activity, and discuss the cause of falls (Faes et al., 2010). Caregivers should also be properly educated on ways to prevent falls and on how to supervise cognitively impaired patients. References Burns, N. & Grove, S.K. (2011). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence- based practice. Retrieved from http://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books/978-1-4377-0750-2/pages/52532283 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Falls among older adults: An overview. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html Faes, M., Reelick, M., Joosten-Weyn Banningh, L., Gier, M., Esselink, R., & Olde Rikkert, M. (2010). Qualitative study on the impact of falling in frail older persons and family caregivers: Foundations for an intervention to prevent falls. Aging & Mental Health, 14(7), 834-842. doi:10.1080/13607861003781825

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Nursing Theory Concept Analysis Nursing Theories

Nursing Theory Concept Analysis Introduction With the numerous nursing theories that have been established throughout the profession, it has become empirical for nursing professionals to be able to sort through the various concepts and critically analyze the significance for individual practice as well as the profession of nursing as a whole. Nursing theories should be analyzed and investigated for the value before acceptance just as new ideas are reviewed prior to implementation into practice. An analysis involves the use of reflective thinking in regards to a chosen theory and assessing the value it will have on specific situation. This concept analysis will focus on Jean Watson’s â€Å"Theory of Human Caring†, with emphasis placed on the†¦show more content†¦Watson felt that caring was conveyed by the philosophy of the nursing profession as an exceptional way of coping with its environment. By applying 10 caring components to practice the patient becomes the focus rather than technology. Literature Review A foundation built on the concept of caring offers the ethical framework necessary to improve staff and patient satisfaction levels including the overall delivery of care provided (Dudkiewicz, 2014). Watson’s Theory of Human Caring can be used to address particular problems noted with in practice as well as the manner in which care is delivered among healthcare organizations by concentrating on the concept of caring. Nursing based on a foundation of caring provides a healing environment that fosters and promotes the growth of the nurse-patient relationship which further leads to the promotion of healing (Quinn, 2009). Patient satisfaction levels is an established indicator of the effectiveness and quality of care in the healthcare system. Patient satisfaction is further related to patient safety in a way that it impacts patient compliance with prescription medication, medical recommendations and follow through with regimens (Palese et al., 2011). The relationship made between the nurse and the patient is imperative in the overall patient experience and the perception of the care received. Patient satisfaction is directly related to quality of nurse caring during nurse-patient interaction. As stated by Watson, aShow MoreRelatedConcept Analysis : An Essential Part Of Nursing Theory Development1285 Words   |  6 PagesConcept Analysis Abigail Giovacchini Chamberlain College of Nursing Concept Analysis Concept Analysis is an essential part of nursing theory development. Analyzing concepts of theories assists the reader in defining the attributes of the theory as well as identifying key points developed in the theory. Concept analysis helps clarify theories and evaluate their meanings. 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Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Robert Lorway s Defiant Desire - 936 Words

Review of Defiant Desire in Namibia Robert Lorway delivers a feminist perspective with his ethnography, Defiant Desire in Namibia. Lorway examines sexuality as both a social construct and a political one. While this ethnography provides unparalleled information about gender and sexuality in the poorer world, there are a few important flaws, such as the lack of information about radical ideas or behavior, neglect of his own bias, and the length of the ethnography. My ethnography of choice was, Defiant Desire in Namibia: Female sexual-gender transgression and the making of political being. Written by Robert Lorway from the University of Manitoba. Lorway identifies as a gay male in his late twenties, who is a Canadian person of†¦show more content†¦These were his metaphorical backstage passes into their secretive culture. In this ethnography, Lorway analyzes female sexual desire and the challenges these women face. He discusses problems with their president, their families, their employment and the aggression against them. Many of these women reported being stabbed multiple times by both women and men. They also claimed that it is not uncommon for women to be raped in Namibia, and being lesbians give them a better sense of security. HIV is extremely prevent in Namibian society, and some of these women even report a fear of sleeping with men for this reason. Lorway arrived in Namibia in 2001, shortly after their president announced that all LGBT peoples would be thrown in prison. One women who was incarcerated was thankful for the consistent food and shelter. During rough times, these lesbians would become prostitutes as well, despite the fact that they were not sexually attracted to men. Overall, these working class lesbians faced numerous hardships, with little support outside of their organizations The Rainbow Project and Sister Namibia. They also preferred in most cases to use the western labels, such as lesbian , despite the government s attempt to claim that homosexuality in unnatural and a western cultural import. The theory of feminism is prominent in this ethnography. The author is extremely