A Generalized Diffusion Tensor for Fully Anisotropic Diffusion of Energetic Particles in the Heliospheric Magnetic Field

The spatial diffusion of cosmic rays in turbulent magnetic fields can, in the most general case, be fully anisotropic, i.e. one has to distinguish three diffusion axes in a local, field-aligned frame. We reexamine the transformation for the diffusion tensor from this local to a global frame, in which the Parker transport equation for energetic particles is usually formulated and solved. Particularly, we generalize the transformation formulas to allow for an explicit choice of two principal local perpendicular diffusion axes. This generalization includes the 'traditional' diffusion tensor in the special case of isotropic perpendicular diffusion. For the local frame, we motivate the choice of the Frenet-Serret trihedron which is related to the intrinsic magnetic field geometry. We directly compare the old and the new tensor elements for two heliospheric magnetic field configurations, namely the hybrid Fisk and the Parker field. Subsequently, we examine the significance of the different formulations for the diffusion tensor in a standard 3D model for the modulation of galactic protons. For this we utilize a numerical code to evaluate a system of stochastic differential equations equivalent to the Parker transport equation and present the resulting modulated spectra. The computed differential fluxes based on the new tensor formulation deviate from those obtained with the 'traditional' one (only valid for isotropic perpendicular diffusion) by up to 60% for energies below a few hundred MeV depending on heliocentric distance.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, accepted in Ap

Interpreting cynical beliefs about others

A growing number of studies suggest that individuals are cynical about others’ behavior. But these findings often rely on self-reported rather than actual behavior as benchmark. A well-documented limitation of self-reports is their tendency to overstate good behavior. I introduce a simple, portable test to assess the extent to which inattention to others’ potential misreporting drives apparently cynical beliefs about stated behavior. Drawing people’s attention to the possibility of misreporting in self-reports increases beliefs about others’ stated desirable climate and health behaviors by an average of 0.33 standard deviations, substantially reducing apparent cynicism

The impact of aggressive behavior of patients on staff employed in psychiatric wards

Introduction: Aggression and violence in the workplace are phenomena that occur more and more often, especially towards the staff working in Psychiatric Wards. The effects of these behaviors may be disturbances in the sphere of professional, social and mental health of employees.Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to analyze the phenomenon of patient aggression, to determine the frequency of patients' aggressive behavior and to assess their impact on the staff.Material and methods: The study was conducted among the staff working in the Bielsko Psychiatry Centre. The study used the diagnostic survey method, the research tool that was used in the work was a self-questionnaire.Results: Aggression of patients was experienced by 100% of the respondents. The most common manifestations of verbal aggression are vulgar words and shouting, and physical hitting and jerking. Physicians have less contact with physical aggression than other personnel. Despite this, most staff do not intend to change their place of employment and try to solve and prevent dangerous situations and minimize aggression on the part of patients with their professional approach to the patient. After attacks of aggression, the staff most often turns to a colleague for help and does not use the help of a psychologist.Conclusions: The analysis of the obtained data showed that aggression on the part of patients is a frequent phenomenon in the work of psychiatric ward staff

Health behaviors of nurses in terms of nutrition and physical activity

Introduction An important direct factor determining human health are health behaviors that are part of the lifestyle. Health behaviors are conscious actions taken to strengthen and increase the potential of one's own health. Nurses, due to their education and interdisciplinary competences, should be characterized by a high level of health awareness and motivation. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to analyze selected health behaviors among the nursing staff employed at the Railway Hospital in Wilkowice in terms of assessing the possibility of increasing preventive measures. Material and methods: The research was carried out using the diagnostic survey method and a standardized scale - Juczyński's Health Behavior Inventory on a group of 100 nurses. Results: The group of surveyed nurses was characterized by the highest health behaviors in terms of positive mental attitude and proper eating habits, lower in terms of preventive behaviors and health practices. There were also many anti-health behaviors, such as: non-compliance with the principles of healthy eating, insufficient physical activity. Conclusions: Measures should be taken to prevent and promote health among nurses

Acceptance of the disease by patients over 70 with chronic heart failure

Introduction: Chronic circulatory failure is a very serious and complex problem, constituting a significant health problem not only in Poland, but also worldwide. Treated patients with chronic circulatory failure in everyday life experience many limitations and requirements from the disease, which in many respects is difficult to accept. Aim: Diagnosing the disease acceptance rate and understanding the impact of sociodemographic variables, variables specific to clinical parameters, on the degree of disease acceptance by patients with chronic heart failure hospitalized in the hospital. Materials and methods: The research was carried out using the diagnostic survey method, using the author's own questionnaire and the AIS disease acceptance scale. The study was conducted among 98 patients of the Cardiology Department of the Railway Hospital in Wilkowice-Bystra. Results: The analysis of the degree of acceptance of the disease gives an average value of 21.49. The obtained result is in the lower limit of the reference range, indicating an average level of disease acceptance and adaptation to functioning in everyday life with its presence, while the obtained minimum value (8) and Q1 (17) indicate a low disease acceptance rate. Conclusions: On the basis of the conducted research, it is found that the average and low rate of accepting the disease by the subjects and adapting to it with a sense of psychological discomfort resulting from its presence in everyday life