A proximity focusing ring imaging Cherenkov detector using aerogel as the radiator has been studied for an upgrade of the Belle detector at the KEK-B-factory. We constructed a prototype Cherenkov ...counter using a 4 x 4 array of 64-channel flat-panel multi-anode PMTs (Hamamatsu H8500) with a large effective area. The aerogel samples were made with a new technique to obtain a higher transmission length at a high refractive index (n=1.05). Multi-channel PMTs are read-out with analog memory chips. The detector was tested at the KEK-PS pi2 beam line in November, 2002. To evaluate systematically the performance of the detector, tests were carried out with various aerogel samples using pion beams with momenta between 0.5 GeV/c and 4 GeV/c. The typical angular resolution was around 14 mrad, and the average number of detected photoelectrons was around 6. We expect that pions and kaons can be separated at a 4 sigma level at 4 GeV/c.
A proximity focusing ring imaging Cherenkov detector, with the radiator consisting of two or more aerogel layers of different refractive indices, has been tested in 1-4 GeV/c pion beams at KEK. ...Essentially, a multiple refractive index aerogel radiator allows for an increase in Cherenkov photon yield on account of the increase in overall radiator thickness, while avoiding the simultaneous degradation in single photon angular resolution associated with the increased uncertainty of the emission point. With the refractive index of consecutive layers suitably increasing in the downstream direction, one may achieve overlapping of the Cherenkov rings from a single charged particle. In the opposite case of decreasing refractive index, one may obtain well separated rings. In the former combination an approximately 40% increase in photon yield is accompanied with just a minor degradation in single photon angular resolution. The impact of this improvement on the pion/kaon separation at the upgraded Belle detector is discussed.
There is growing evidence that assistive digital technology can enhance quality of life (QOL) for individuals with various forms of cognitive impairment, including dementia.
Assess whether the use of ...a visual mapping software program to manage activities of daily living would have a positive impact on QOL scores and on cognitive scores in a group of dementia residents in an adult living community.
We compared quality-of-life scores and cognitive function scores before and after using the assistive technology for three months.
1. QOL scores significantly improved in the memory impaired residents, as measured by a self-report questionnaire. 2. Caregivers also reported significantly improved QOL scores in the residents, and the caregivers reported more improved scores than the residents did. 3. Net Promoter Scores for residents and caregivers showed that using visual maps was highly satisfying; they would continue using this technology. 4. Memory-impaired residents showed significantly improved scores in cognitive areas reflecting improved ability to focus and pay attention.
In addition to the positive findings in QOL and cognition, assistive technologies applied to dementia care are easy to access, easy to use, have little risk of side effects, and are relatively low in cost.
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