Category: Random

Be a positive thinker and believer please …

paschmann

An interesting study of older adults who have positive thinking are less prone to cognitive decline.

Repetitive negative thinking is associated with cognitive function decline in older adults: a cross-sectional study – BMC Psychiatry

Background Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety increase the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. But mechanisms on the effect of psychological disorder on cognitive function is inconclusive. Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a core symptom of a number of common psychological disorders and may be a modifiable process shared by many psychological risk factors that contribute to the development of cognitive impairment. RNT may increase the risk of cognitive impairment. However, there are fewer studies related to RNT and cognitive function, and there is a lack of epidemiological studies to explore the relationship between RNT and cognitive function. Methods A cross-sectional study of 424 older adults aged 60 years or over was performed form May to November 2023 in hospital. To investigate the RNT level by using the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ), and investigate the cognitive function level by using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). Multivariable linear regression and subgroup analyses were used to explore the relationship between RNT and cognitive function. Results We categorized the total RNT scores into quartiles. The multivariable linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for all covariates, the participants in the Q3 and Q4 groups exhibited lower cognition scores (Q3:β = -0.180, 95%CI -2.849~-0.860; Q4:β = -0.164, 95% -2.611~-0.666) compared to the Q1 group. The results of the subgroup analyses showed that individuals aged 60 ~ 79 years, junior high school and above are more prone to suffer from cognitive impairment with a high RNT score. Conclusion The study reveals a negative association between RNT and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. However, multi-center and a longer time span cohort studies on the relationship between RNT and cognitive function should be carried out to further explore the mechanisms involved.

Notio – Aero meter #CDA

paschmann

This did not end up lasting too long. Some interesting insights from the device, but accuracy especially with something like CDA is very nuanced.

Key take away, continue to use Best Bike Split (software derived CDA versus this physical device).

This was one of my test from Huntersville Business Park:

Test Conditions

  • Weather: Hot
  • Bike Setup: Fully loaded with 2 water bottles, no tools
  • Note: Rear radar moved during testing
  • Coefficient of Rolling Resistance (Crr): 0.004
  • Rider Weight: 190.08 lbs
  • Tire Circumference: 2136 mm
  • Calibration Factor: 1.39

Key Findings

  • Visor position: Down position saved ~0.007 CDA (Notio) / ~0.002 CDA (BBS)
  • Calf sleeves: Minimal impact – ~0.001 CDA (Notio) / ~0.009 CDA (BBS)
  • Direction matters: Counter-clockwise on this HBP loop showed higher drag in both systems
  • System difference: Best Bike Split consistently reads 0.044-0.092 higher than Notio
  • Best configuration: No sleeves + visor down = 0.222 CDA (Notio) / 0.2843 CDA (BBS)
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    Independence Hall Quote

    paschmann

    A quick visit to Independence Hall and Liberty Bell with Ella during a tournament in Philly and snapped this memorable quote.

    “If men were angels, no government would be necessary,” comes from James Madison’s Federalist No. 51, published in 1788, and it explains why government is needed: because humans aren’t perfect, we need structures to control the governed and to control the government itself.

    Epic Photo: Richard Lasher – Mt. St. Helens 1980

    paschmann

    An interesting and memorable photo I came across on Instagram and looked into the story behind it. Fascinating read.

    Photograph of a pinto with Mount St. Helens erupting in the background.

    Story Source:

    The Eruption and the Pinto

    An epic tale of survival, a viral photo, and the disappearance of Dick Lasher.

    Days after the catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens, Cliff Smith heard a remarkable story he’d never forget. 

    Smith was working for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, pitching vending machine companies on carrying their cigarettes. Smith was riding shotgun with a “routeman,” restocking vending machines with Camels, when he started talking about his close call with the eruption. The man’s name was Richard “Dick” Lasher. 

    On the morning of May 18, 1980, Lasher, who was also a freelance photographer, headed towards Mount St. Helens in his bright red Ford Pinto. Lasher told Smith that his plan was to drive his Pinto as far as he could, then take his motorcycle, precariously hitched to the bumper, even closer. “He tried to get as close as possible,” Smith recalled. “I don’t think at the time he knew just how close he was.”  read more

    “The least you can do …”

    paschmann

    During a recent Diwali event at SAP, a speaker shared an intriguing story about Lucila Takjerad, an Algerian who was fortunate enough to be the recipient of someone’s help, and later graduated from Harvard. Below is the speech she gave at her commencement.

    Lucila Takjerad
    “The Least You Can Do”
    Lucila Takjerad
    English Graduate Commencement Speech
    May 20th, 2019
    The Least You Can Do

    As Harvard graduates, you will be asked to go into the world and do the most you
    can do. I am here to ask you to do the least.

    I was born in Algeria. Every Friday, my sister and I had our weekly shower at the
    public baths. We didn’t have running water at home. On winter nights, we cuddled against the cold because our heat was cut off. And, on some days, we hid our hunger in order not to worry our parents.

    When I was seven years old, my country plunged into a bloody civil war. Every night, I prayed to God that tomorrow, there would not be an empty seat at our dinner table. read more