Energy in World History

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaclav Smil
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
World History ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Nation States ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Prime Movers ◽  
Total Capacity ◽  
Socioeconomic Consequences

This chapter discusses the place of energy in world history. It examines historical milestones—such as the rise of larger populations organized with greater social complexity into nation-states and supranational collectives, and enjoying a higher quality of life—in terms of dominant energy sources and leading prime movers, as well as the most important socioeconomic consequences of these technical changes. It also considers grand patterns in the consumption of energy throughout history, focusing on the long-term relationship between human accomplishments and dominant energy sources and changing prime movers in terms of energy eras and transitions. Finally, it outlines trends that have accompanied the growth of unit power of inanimate prime movers and the accumulation of their total capacity; transformations of the fossil-fuel era including new structures of social relations; imperatives of energy needs and uses; and the importance of harnessing energies and controlling their conversion to supply.

scholarly journals Characteristics Associated with Quality of Life in Long-Term Care Residents with Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 186-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maartje S. Klapwijk ◽  
Monique A.A. Caljouw ◽  
Marjoleine J.C. Pieper ◽  
Jenny T. van der Steen ◽  
Wilco P. Achterberg
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Pulmonary Diseases ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Term Care

Background: To determine which characteristics are associated with quality of life (QOL) in residents with moderate to very severe dementia in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of a cluster randomized controlled study in 12 Dutch LTCFs that enrolled 288 residents, with moderate to severe dementia assessed with the Reisberg Global Deterioration Scale (Reisberg GDS) and QOL with the QUALIDEM. Characteristics that were hypothesized to be associated with the six domains of QOL (applicable to very severe dementia) included demographic variables, activities of daily living (Katz ADL), cognitive performance (Cognitive Performance Scale; CPS), pain (Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate; PACSLAC-D), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home Version; NPI-NH) and comorbidities. Results: Multivariate logistic regression modelling showed associations with age in the domain Social isolation [odds ratio, OR, 0.95 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.91-0.99)], ADL level in the domain Positive affect [OR 0.89 (95% CI 0.83-0.95)] and the domain Social relations [OR 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.93)], severity of dementia in the domain Social relations [OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.12-0.62)] and in the domain Social isolation [OR 2.10 (95% CI 1.17-3.78)], psychiatric disorders in the domain Positive affect [OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.17-0.87)] and pulmonary diseases in the domain Negative affect [OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.03-0.61)] of the QUALIDEM. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were independently associated with all six domains of the QUALIDEM [OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.96) to OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.99)]. Pain was associated with the domains Care relationship [OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.84-1.00)] and Negative affect [OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-1.00)]. Conclusion: QOL in dementia is independently associated with age, ADL, dementia severity, pain, psychiatric disorders, pulmonary diseases and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is possible to detect persons with dementia at risk for a lower QOL. This information is important for developing personalized interventions to improve QOL in persons with dementia in LTCFs.

scholarly journals One-Year Follow-Up of Spa Treatment in Older Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Prospective, Single Group Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Zwolińska ◽  
Aneta Weres ◽  
Justyna Wyszyńska
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Mineral Waters ◽  
Spa Therapy ◽  
Spa Treatment ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
One Year

Introduction. Few studies evaluated the effects of spa therapy on pain perception and quality of life in older people with osteoarthritis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of spa therapy on quality of life and pain in patients aged 60 years and older with osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods. 70 patients with generalized osteoarthritis were enrolled in the study. Spa treatment lasted 3 weeks (15 days of treatment) and was applied during a session lasting 120 to 150 minutes a day. All the patients benefited from kinesiotherapy, physical agent modalities, massage, peloid therapy, hydrotherapy with mineral waters, and crenotherapy. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Laitinen scale, and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire were used to assess the condition of the patients. The examinations were performed three times: at the beginning of the spa treatment, after three months, and one year after the first examinations. Results. Statistically significant improvements were observed in pain (VAS) between consecutive assessments (p <.001). Laitinen scale also reported beneficial, statistically significant changes in the level of pain (p <.001). The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire reported a statistically significant improvement in the domain of social relations in 2-3 and 1-3 periods (p = .025 and p = .011, resp.). A significant improvement was recorded in the domain of environment between 2-3 and 1-3 periods (p <.001). Conclusion. Spa treatment reduced the level of pain in majority of the patients in short- and long-term follow-up and contributed to improving the quality of life in the domain of social relations and environment. To confirm the results of this study, there is a need for a randomized controlled trial comparing spa treatment with usual care in the older population with osteoarthritis. Trial Registration Number. This trial was retrospectively registered on 3 January 2018 with NCT03388801.

scholarly journals Comprehensive and long-term surveys of COVID-19 sequelae in Japan, an ambidirectional multicentre cohort study: study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001015
Author(s):  
Kensuke Nakagawara ◽  
Ho Namkoong ◽  
Hideki Terai ◽  
Katsunori Masaki ◽  
Takae Tanosaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Society Meeting ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Socioeconomic Consequences

IntroductionThe rapid spread of COVID-19 posed a global burden. Substantial number of people died of the disease in the acute phase of infection. In addition, a significant proportion of patients have been reported to suffer from post-acute phase symptoms, sequelae of COVID-19, which may negatively influence the quality of daily living and/or socioeconomic circumstances of the patients. However, no previous study has comprehensively and objectively assessed the quality of life of patients by using existing international scales. Further, evidence of socioeconomic consequences among patients with COVID-19 is scarce. To address the multidimensional issues from sequelae of COVID-19, evidence from comprehensive surveys beyond clinical perspectives is critical that investigates health, and social determinants of disease progression as well as socioeconomic consequences at a large scale.Methods and analysisIn this study, we plan to conduct a nationwide and comprehensive survey for the sequelae of COVID-19 in a total of 1000 patients diagnosed at 27 hospitals throughout Japan. This study will evaluate not only the health-related status of patients from clinical perspectives but also the Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) scores, socioeconomic status and consequences to discuss the sequelae of the disease and the related risk factors. The primary endpoint is the frequency of long-term complications of COVID-19 infection. The secondary endpoints are risk factors for progression to sequelae of COVID-19 infection. The study will provide robust and important evidence as a resource to tackle the issues from the sequelae of COVID-19 from the multi-dimensional perspectives.Ethics and disseminationThis trial was approved by the Keio University School of Medicine Ethics Committee (20200243, UMIN000042299). The results of this study will be reported at a society meeting or published in a peer-reviewed journal.

How I treat postthrombotic syndrome

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (21) ◽  
pp. 4624-4631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan R. Kahn
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Compression Therapy ◽  
Postthrombotic Syndrome ◽  
Compression Stockings ◽  
Venous Ulceration ◽  
Long Term Prognosis ◽  
Socioeconomic Consequences

AbstractPostthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) that reduces quality of life and has important socioeconomic consequences. More than one-third of patients with DVT will develop PTS, and 5% to 10% of patients will develop severe PTS, which may manifest as venous ulceration. The principal risk factors for PTS are persistent leg symptoms 1 month after the acute episode of DVT, extensive DVT, recurrent ipsilateral DVT, obesity, and older age. Daily use of elastic compression stockings (ECSs) for 2 years after proximal DVT appears to reduce the risk of PTS; however, there is uncertainty about optimal duration of use and compression strength of ECSs and the magnitude of their effect. The cornerstone of managing PTS is compression therapy, primarily using ECSs. Venoactive medications such as aescin and rutoside may provide short-term relief of PTS symptoms. The likelihood of developing PTS after DVT should be discussed with patients, and symptoms and signs of PTS should be monitored during clinical follow-up. Further studies to elucidate the pathophysiology of PTS, to identify clinical and biologic risk factors, and to test new preventive and therapeutic approaches to PTS are needed to ultimately improve the long-term prognosis of patients with DVT.

scholarly journals Assessment of solar energy potential and development in Afghanistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 239 ◽  
pp. 00012
Author(s):  
Ahmad Tamim Mehrad
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Energy Shortage

Energy generation in Afghanistan is limited and heavily dependent on fossil fuels and imported electricity. Due to rapid population growth and progress in the industry, services, and agriculture sectors, the existing energy sources are not fulfilling the current energy needs of the country. Meanwhile, there is a big gap between power supply and demand, which led to an energy shortage in Afghanistan. Consequently, there is a need to develop power generation and assure energy sustainability by concentrating on renewable energy sources. This paper aims to analyze the theoretical, practical, and economic potential of solar energy in Afghanistan with the main focus on PV power technology. Power generation from solar sources is theoretically, practically, and economically suitable for Afghanistan and can be a perfect solution for the energy shortage in the country. The Afghan government should consider developing solar energy as a priority for energy security, socio-economic development, and improving the quality of life in Afghanistan.

Laws, Judgment, and Political Obligations of Commitment

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara Marin
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Institutional Form ◽  
Protective Function ◽  
Political Obligations ◽  
The Law

Chapter 3 argues that laws make individuals vulnerable to each other, a vulnerability that is obscured by a belief that laws are meant to insulate individuals from each other. While laws are meant to protect individuals from their vulnerability to other people’s power, this protective function is wrongly understood as erasing this vulnerability. The vulnerability cannot be erased because laws have to be interpreted, enforced, and given particular institutional form, and all of these are processes enacted by human beings in which the mutual vulnerability resurfaces. In the course of these processes, laws put us in particular social relations to each other. We should understand the protective function of laws in terms of the quality of these social relations. Laws protect us—and thus create binding obligations to obey them—when they create equal, nonhierarchical social relations. As these relations depend on the continuous, long-term action of those governed by the same system of law, we should understand our obligations under the law on the model of commitment.

scholarly journals Physiotherapy and quality of life of patients in long-term care

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Wójcik ◽  
Angelika Nowak ◽  
Maciej Polak ◽  
Klaudia Gleb ◽  
Agnieszka Wnuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Functional Efficiency

The importance of physiotherapy in improving quality of life of patients in long-term care is not yet fully understood. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life and functional status of patients in long-term care with respect to their rehabilitation. Study design: Cross-sectional. The study was conducted among a group of 58 individuals. A questionnaire to collect the data concerning rehabilitation, the Barthel scale, VAS and WHOQOL-Bref were used. The functional condition was assessed as moderately heavy and light in 83.9% of participants. More than 70% of patients rated the quality of life as good and very good. There was no significant relationship between participation in rehabilitation and quality of life of the subjects (p=0.35). There was a monotonic relationship between the social domain of quality of life and satisfaction with rehabilitation (r=0.34, p=0.01). There was a significant correlation between the quality of life and BMI, education, pain and level of functional efficiency assessed using the Barthel scale. The majority of the studied nursing-home residents participated in rehabilitation and were satisfied with it, which positively affected the quality of life in terms of social relations. physiotherapy, quality of life, functional status, long-term care Received: 2nd Mar. 2016; Accepted for publication: 7th Jan. 2017

Thinking Beyond Language: Intervention for Severe Aphasia

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Simmons-Mackie
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Communication Training ◽  
Language Intervention ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Environmental Support ◽  
Total Communication ◽  
Communication Partners

Abstract Purpose: This article addresses several intervention approaches that aim to improve life for individuals with severe aphasia. Because severe aphasia significantly compromises language, often for the long term, recommended approaches focus on additional domains that affect quality of life. Treatments are discussed that involve increasing participation in personally relevant life situations, enhancing environmental support for communication and participation, and improving communicative confidence. Methods: Interventions that have been suggested in the aphasia literature as particularly appropriate for people with severe aphasia include training in total communication, training of communication partners, and activity specific training. Conclusion: Several intervention approaches can be implemented to enhance life with severe aphasia.

Communication Disordered: Program Implementation in Long-Term Care

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 64-67
Author(s):  
George Barnes ◽  
Joseph Salemi
Keyword(s):  
Program Implementation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Family Satisfaction ◽  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Change Policy

The organizational structure of long-term care (LTC) facilities often removes the rehab department from the interdisciplinary work culture, inhibiting the speech-language pathologist's (SLP's) communication with the facility administration and limiting the SLP's influence when implementing clinical programs. The SLP then is unable to change policy or monitor the actions of the care staff. When the SLP asks staff members to follow protocols not yet accepted by facility policy, staff may be unable to respond due to confusing or conflicting protocol. The SLP needs to involve members of the facility administration in the policy-making process in order to create successful clinical programs. The SLP must overcome communication barriers by understanding the needs of the administration to explain how staff compliance with clinical goals improves quality of care, regulatory compliance, and patient-family satisfaction, and has the potential to enhance revenue for the facility. By taking this approach, the SLP has a greater opportunity to increase safety, independence, and quality of life for patients who otherwise may not receive access to the appropriate services.

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