37 research outputs found
A mid-infrared Mueller ellipsometer with pseudo-achromatic optical elements
The purpose of this article is to present a new broadband Mueller
ellipsometer designed to work in the mid-infrared range, from 3 to 14 microns.
The Mueller ellipsometer, which can be mounted in reflection or in transmission
configuration, consists of a polarization state generator (PSG), a sample
holder, and a polarization state analyzer (PSA). The PSG consists in one linear
polarizer and a retarder sequentially rotated to generate a set of four optimal
polarization states. The retarder consists in a bi-prism made of two identical
Fresnel rhombs disposed symmetrically and joined by optical contact, giving the
ensemble a "V" shape. Retardation is induced by the four total internal
reflections that the beam undergoes when it propagates through the bi-prism.
Total internal reflection allows to generate a quasi-achromatic retardation.
The PSA is identical to the PSG, but with its optical elements mounted in
reverse order. After a measurement run, the instrument yields a set of sixteen
independent values, which is the minimum amount of data required to calculate
the Mueller matrix of the sample. The design of the Mueller ellipsometer is
based on the optimization of an objective criterion that allows minimizing the
propagation of errors from raw data to the Mueller matrix of the sample. The
pseudo-achromatic optical elements ensure a homogeneous quality of the
measurements for all wavelengths. The performance of the Mueller ellipsometer
in terms of precision, and accuracy, is discussed and illustrated with a few
examples
Meta-review of the effectiveness of computerised CBT in treating depression
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Several computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) packages are now available to treat mild to moderate depression with or without anxiety. These have been usually been reviewed alongside cCBT for a wide range of psychological problems. Here, we single out the results of these reviews for the most common mental disorder, mild to moderate depression. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the quality of existing reviews and to enable reliable comparisons of alternative computer packages for the same patient group.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A thorough search and analysis of reviews of efficacy of cCBT published between 1999 and February 2011.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The search yielded twelve systematic reviews from ten studies covering depression. Their methodology is appraised and selected findings are presented here.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The meta-review supports the efficacy of cCBT for treatment of depression; however there is limited information on different approaches, whose relative cost-effectiveness remains to be demonstrated. Suggestions are made for future studies in the field.</p
The use of telepsychiatry within forensic practice: a literature review on the use of videolink: a ten-year follow-up
In the last decade, telepsychiatry – the use of telecommunications technologies to deliver psychiatric services from a distance – has been increasingly utilised in many areas of mental health care. Since the review by Khalifa and colleagues in 2007 the body of literature relevant to the forensic applications of telepsychiatry has grown substantially, albeit not by much in the United Kingdom. In the current review, we aim to provide an update summary of the literature published since 2007 to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of increasing telepsychiatry utilisation in forensic practice. The literature reviewed provides some encouraging evidence that telepsychiatry is a reliable, effective and highly acceptable method for delivering mental health care in forensic settings. There are also a number of papers that indicate the use of telepsychiatry may be cost effective for health providers in the longer term. Further research is required to consider the potential legal and ethical implications of using telepsychiatry in forensic settings
BUILDING BRIDGES FOR INNOVATION IN AGEING : SYNERGIES BETWEEN ACTION GROUPS OF THE EIP ON AHA
The Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) proposed six Action Groups. After almost three years of activity, many achievements have been obtained through commitments or collaborative work of the Action Groups. However, they have often worked in silos and, consequently, synergies between Action Groups have been proposed to strengthen the triple win of the EIP on AHA. The paper presents the methodology and current status of the Task Force on EIP on AHA synergies. Synergies are in line with the Action Groups' new Renovated Action Plan (2016-2018) to ensure that their future objectives are coherent and fully connected. The outcomes and impact of synergies are using the Monitoring and Assessment Framework for the EIP on AHA (MAFEIP). Eight proposals for synergies have been approved by the Task Force: Five cross-cutting synergies which can be used for all current and future synergies as they consider overarching domains (appropriate polypharmacy, citizen empowerment, teaching and coaching on AHA, deployment of synergies to EU regions, Responsible Research and Innovation), and three cross-cutting synergies focussing on current Action Group activities (falls, frailty, integrated care and chronic respiratory diseases).Peer reviewe
Internet videoconferencing for patient–clinician consultations in long-term conditions: A review of reviews and applications in line with guidelines and recommendations
Marriage and Family Counselors\u27 Perceived Ethical Issues Related to Online Therapy
Technology use in the practice of couple and family therapy has many advantages. The use of online and technology-based modes of communication for therapy, however, presents several valid ethical concerns. In a survey of 226 licensed Marriage and Family Counselors, students, and supervisors, participants were asked to identify ethical concerns and drawbacks of online therapy. Five themes related to this topic emerged: (a) confidentiality, (b) impact to the therapeutic relationship, (c) licensing and liability issues, (d) issues related to crises and risky clinical situations, and (e) training and education. Implications for practice, training, and research are discussed