Internet-delivered cognitive-behaviour therapy (ICBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder when delivered as routine clinical care: A phase IV clinical trial

Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but many patients experience difficulty accessing this treatment. Internet-delivered CBT (ICBT) enhances access to CBT for individuals with OCD and has been shown to be efficacious in Phase I, II, and III clinical trials. However, there are fewer studies investigating ICBT for OCD in Phase IV clinical trials, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the intervention when provided as part of routine care. The aim of the present study was to report on the effectiveness of ICBT for OCD, using data from Australia’s MindSpot Clinic, a federally funded treatment service that provides free ICBT to Australian adults with anxiety, depression, and pain conditions. A total of 225 MindSpot users (68 % female; Mage = 34.82; SD = 11.02) were included in the study. Within-group effect sizes at post-treatment on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, indicated medium effect sizes (g = 0.6; 95 % CI: 0.5−0.7), increasing to large effects at three-month follow up (g = 0.9; 95 % CI: 0.8–1.0). Effects on secondary outcome measures including measures of depression, generalized anxiety, and psychological distress ranged from (g = 0.5–0.6) at post-treatment and (g = 0.5–0.7) at three-month follow up. Results from benchmarking analyses indicated that the results from routine care were significantly smaller than those found in a recent clinical trial using the same treatment protocol. The results indicate that ICBT delivered in real world settings is associated with meaningful improvements in OCD symptoms, however future research may wish to examine which patients respond best to this treatment approach and how to enhance outcomes

An investigation of a new 2D CDM model in predicting failure in HFQing of an automotive panel

In this paper a comparative analysis of failure prediction when using the solution heat treatment cold die forming and quenching process, known as HFQ™, for forming an aluminium alloy AA6082 automotive panel part (bulkhead panel), is presented. An experimental programme has been designed and a series of tests have been carried out to investigate the effect of process parameters on the success of forming the complex-shaped automotive panel component using the high strength aluminium alloy. A set of unified viscoplastic plane-stress continuum damage mechanics (2D-CDM) constitutive equations was calibrated for AA6082 over a temperature range of 450 ºC–525 ºC and strain rates of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 s-1, and then was integrated into the commercial finite element code, LS-DYNA, via a user-defined material subroutine, UMAT, for the forming process simulation. The results show that the CDM model can be used to provide accurate formability and failure predictions

Internet-delivered eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (iEMDR): An open trial

© 2013 Spence J et al. Recent research indicates internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) can reduce symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined the efficacy of an internet-delivered treatment protocol that combined iCBT and internet-delivered eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (iEMDR), in an uncontrolled trial. Eleven of the 15 participants completed post-treatment questionnaires. Large effect sizes were found from pre-treatment to 3-month follow-up ( d = 1.03 - 1.61) on clinician-assessed and self-reported measures of PTSD, anxiety and distress, with moderate effect sizes ( d = 0.59 - 0.70) found on measures of depression and disability. At post-treatment, 55% of the participants no longer met criteria for PTSD and this was sustained at follow-up. Symptom worsening occurred in 3 of 15 (20%) of the sample from pre- to post-treatment; however, these participants reported overall symptom improvement by follow-up. Future research directions for iEMDR are discussed

Towards a new model of attentional biases in the development, maintenance, and management of pain

Individuals with chronic pain demonstrate attentional biases towards pain-related stimuli. However, the clinical importance of these biases is yet to be determined and a sound theoretical model for explaining the role of attentional biases in the development and maintenance of pain is lacking. Within this article, we (1) systematically review prospective and experimental research exploring attentional biases and pain outcomes in light of current theoretical models and (2) propose a theoretical framework for understanding attention bias in pain. Across prospective research, an attentional pattern of vigilance-avoidance was observed. Interventions targeting attentional biases were less consistent; however, there were promising findings amongst studies that found attentional training effects, particularly for laboratory research. The proposed Threat Interpretation Model suggests a relationship between threat, interpretation and stimuli in determining attentional processes, which whilst tentative generates important testable predictions regarding the role of attention in pain, and builds upon previous theoretical and empirical work in this area

A review on stamp forming of continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastics

Continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastics (FRTPs) are replacing metals in certain applications in the aerospace industry due to their superior properties e.g., high strength-to-weight ratio and good fatigue resistance. Adopting these lightweight materials in vehicles is a solution for improving vehicle efficiency across the transport industry. Among various manufacturing techniques for FRTP parts, stamp forming is one of the most advantageous when small structures and mass production are targeted. However, a significant barrier for this technique is the quality control of manufacturing. The current paper reviews the development of stamp forming technology, benefits of using such technology and the typical quality issues in stamp forming of FRTP parts. First, advantages of stamp forming, compared to other thermoforming techniques, are discussed, followed by a review of the historical development of the process. Second, deformation mechanisms of FRTPs during stamp forming are examined, with particular focuses on the frictional behaviour and testing thereof. Third, the main defects associated with stamp forming are considered, alongside suggestions towards reducing their presence. Finally, an extensive survey of the effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties of formed parts is included, with generally expected trends highlighted and methodologies for finding optimum conditions presented. Based on the thorough review of state-of-the-art stamp forming, future trends and research gaps to be tackled for widening the applicability of FRTP stamp forming are suggested

Treating anxiety and depression in older adults: Randomised controlled trial comparing guided V. Self-guided internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy

© 2016 The Royal College of Psychiatrists. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) licence. Background Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent in older adults. Aims To compare clinician-guided and self-guided versions of a transdiagnostic internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT) intervention for adults aged 60 years and above. Method Adults (n=433) with symptoms of anxiety and depression were randomly allocated to: (1) clinician-guided treatment (n=153); (2) initial clinician interview followed by self-guided treatment (n=140); or (3) self-guided treatment without interview (n=140). Results Large reductions (d ≥1.00) in symptoms of depression and anxiety were observed across groups, and sustained at follow-up. No differences were observed in clinical outcomes or satisfaction ratings. Age did not affect outcomes. Conclusions Carefully developed iCBT interventions may significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults when delivered in either clinician-guided or self-guided formats

Preventing Suicide in Prisons, Part I Recommendations fromthe International Association for Suicide Prevention Task Force on Suicide in Prisons

Abstract. In 2000 the Department of Mental Health of the World Health Organization (WHO) published a guide named Preventing Suicide. A Resource for Prison Officers as part of the WHO worldwide initiative for the prevention of suicide. In 2007 there are new epidemiological data on prison suicide, a more detailed discussion of risk factors accounting for the generally higher rate of suicide in correctional settings in comparison to the general population, and several strategies for developing screening instruments. As a first step, this paper presents an update of the WHO guide by the Task Force on Suicide in Prisons, created by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. A second paper, by the same Task Force, will present some international comparisons of suicide prevention services in correctional facilities

Numerical Study of the Thermal Efficiency of a School Building with Complex Topology for Different Orientations

In this work a numerical model that simulates the thermal behavior of a building with complex topology and evaluates the indoor thermal and air quality, in transient conditions, is used for a school building thermal project. The program calculates the building surfaces solar radiation field, the building's temperatures, the internal environmental variables, and the occupant's comfort levels. Initially, after the numerical model is validated, the software is used to evaluate the school building's thermal response for four different orientations, either in winter or summer conditions. The work then aims to identify uncomfortable spaces in order to propose, as an example, several solutions that could be introduced for each orientation, that would improve the thermal comfort and air quality levels to which the occupants are subjected, and decrease the building's energy consumption levels. The information obtained from this study could be used to help a designer choose which thermal systems and solutions function best for a preferred school building orientation

Pengaruh Lama Perendaman Terhadap Absorpsi Tetrasiklin Pada Adsorben Limbah Sisik Ikan Gurami (Osphronemus Gouramy)

Influence of Immersion Length on Tetracycline Absorption on Gourami (Osphronemus Gouramy) Scales as Adsorbent. Gourami (Osphronemus Gouramy) scales are one of the natural sources of collagen. This fish scale\u27s collagen has functional properties, such as bio-degradable (easily decomposed), bio-compatible (compatible with surrounding tissue), and potential as bio-adsorbent. The absorbent properties of collagen are currently used as a transport material in local drug delivery for periodontal disease treatment, which is known as tetracycline chip. However, this chip is made of synthetic collagen so it is not absorbable by the body\u27s system. The price is also expensive. This study\u27s aim is to prove the potency of Gourami scales as a source of collagen in medical treatment, especially as a transport material of tetracycline for periodontal disease treatment. The gourami scale was obtained from seafood restaurant in Jember, Jawa Timur. About 500 mg of gourami scales was immersed into 20 ml tetracycline solution in beaker glass. About 200 μl solution from the beaker glass was taken with micropipette after 1-hour, 2-hour, 4-hour, 12-hour and 24-hour after immersed. After that, the solution was collected into an eppendorf for each time. The absorbance was measured with spectrophotometer at 450 nm wave length. This procedure was repeated five times. The lowest absorbance occured at 1-hour time (160,6 μg/μl). The result from light and inverted microscope examination shows a bond between collagen from gourami scales with tetracycline. Gourami scale has the ability to absorb the highest rate of tetracycline at 1-hour immersed time by forming a bond between collagen and tetracycline