6 research outputs found
Intercomparison of NO₃ radical detection instruments in the atmosphere simulation chamber SAPHIR
Use of SMS texts for facilitating access to online alcohol interventions: a feasibility study
A41 Use of SMS texts for facilitating access to online alcohol interventions: a feasibility study
In: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice 2017, 12(Suppl 1): A4
The Alcohol Intervention Mechanisms Scale (AIMS): Preliminary Reliability and Validity of a Common Factor Observational Rating Measure.
The present work provides an overview, and pilot reliability and validity for the Alcohol Intervention Mechanisms Scale (AIMS). The AIMS measures therapist interventions that occur broadly across modalities of behavioral treatment for alcohol use disorder. It was developed based on identified commonalities in the function rather than content of therapist interventions in observed therapy sessions, as well as from existing observer rating systems. In the AIMS, the primary function areas are: explore (four behavior count codes), teach (five behavior count codes), and connect (three behavior count codes). Therapist behavior counts provide a frequency rating of occurrence (i.e., adherence). The three functions (explore, teach, connect) are then rated on global skillfulness, which provides a quality valence (i.e., competence) to the entire session. In the present study, three independent raters received roughly 30 hours of training on the use of the AIMS by the first author. Data were a sample of therapy session audio files from a Project MATCH clinical research site. Reliability results showed generally good performance for the measure. Specifically, 2-way mixed intraclass coefficients were 'excellent', ranging from .94 to .99 for function summary scores, while prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted kappa for global skillfulness measures were in the 'fair' to 'moderate' range (k=.36 to.40). Internal consistency reliability was acceptable, as were preliminary factor models by behavioral treatment function (i.e., explore, teach, connect). However, confirmatory fit for the subsequent three factor model was poor. In concurrent validity analyses, AIMS summary and skillfulness scores showed associations with relevant Project MATCH criterion measures (i.e., MATCH Tape Rating Scale) that were consistent with expectations. The AIMS is a promising and reliable observational measure of three proposed common functions of behavioral alcohol treatment
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High-resolution calorimetry: limitations of doped semiconductor thermometers
Small thermal calorimeters operating at cryogenic temperatures have achieved an energy resolution for single X-ray photons that is a factor of 20 better than the theoretical limit for a silicon ionization detector. To determine the potential for further improvements and decide on likely routes for achieving them, we discuss detector design optimization, first for an ideal calorimeter, and then for the case where components exhibit non-ideal behavior. Two serious non-ideal properties of doped semiconductor thermometers are electron–phonon decoupling and excess noise. These have been characterized over a range of sensitivity and operating temperature, and their effects on design optimization and ultimate performance can be evaluated