ABSTRACT
New astronomical observations point to a nucleosynthesis picture that goes beyond what was accepted until recently. The intermediate "i" process was proposed as a plausible scenario to explain some of the unusual abundance patterns observed in metal-poor stars. The most important nuclear physics properties entering i-process calculations are the neutron-capture cross sections and they are almost exclusively not known experimentally. Here we provide the first experimental constraints on the ^{139}Ba(n,γ)^{140}Ba reaction rate, which is the dominant source of uncertainty for the production of lanthanum, a key indicator of i-process conditions. This is an important step towards identifying the exact astrophysical site of stars carrying the i-process signature.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Patients in the chronic phase after stroke often lack the possibility to intensively train their upper limb function. Assistive devices can be a solution to training intensively at home. This qualitative study investigated stroke survivors' experiences regarding training using the hoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN) system, an assistive device and telecare platform. We investigated patients' perspectives regarding the home-based training with the MERLIN system, on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains and the facilitators and barriers of the MERLIN system. METHODS: Eleven patients in the chronic phase of stroke who completed the MERLIN trial took part in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using the framework method. RESULTS: Participants were in general positive about the device and the training. Several experienced positive effects on ICF body functions, such as joint range of motion and self-confidence. Some experienced improvements in activities, but not on participation level. Home training had advantages: flexibility in training time and duration and no need to travel. The major barriers were technical hard- and software issues and ergonomic complaints. A list of recommendations regarding assistive devices and home-based rehabilitation was created. CONCLUSIONS: Homebased training using an assistive device was well received by stroke patients to train their upper limb function. Future device developers should take patients' feedback into account to overcome the barriers related to the introduction of new assistive devices at home. Our recommendations may be the first step to implementing patients' perspectives during the early stages of device development. Implications for rehabilitationTraining at home was a well-received and convenient solution to improve the upper limb functionBarriers regarding hard- and software and device ergonomics need to be addressed in future assistive devicesRecommendations are provided for more successful implementation of assistive devices and home-based telerehabilitation programs.
