Graphing the Self: An application of graph theory to memetic self-mapping in psychotherapy

The benefits of using mathematical concepts are frequently overlooked in qualitative inquiry. In this paper Graph Theory (GT) is applied to a series of two dimensional representations of the self used to illustrate the therapeutic progress of a suicidal youth and to a young mother coping with depression.  These self-maps are shown to be equivalent to GT networks with the memes of the self-maps corresponding to GT vertices, the pair-wise relationships between memes corresponding to GT edges, and the time evolution of the self-mapping diagrams corresponding to GT sequence analysis. Consideration is given to the notion that the self so mapped functions as a small world network with emotive psychological triggers serving as “long range” connections. The advantages of using an interactive Graphical User Interface and GT metrics for client centered therapy and future research applications in social science are discussed

Tailoring University Counselling Services to Aboriginal and International Students: Lessons from Native and International Student Centres at a Canadian University

Critics have suggested that the practice of psychology is based on ethnocentric assumptions that do not necessarily apply to non-European cultures, resulting in the underutilization of counselling centres by minority populations. Few practical, culturally appropriate alternatives have flowed from these concerns. This paper reviews experiences from a doctoral-level practicum in counselling psychology that targeted aboriginal and international university students outside of the mainstream counselling services at a western Canadian university over a two-year period. It recommends an integrated approach, combining assessment, learning strategy skills, and counselling skills while incorporating community development methodology. The paper concludes with recommendations for counsellor training that will enhance services to both international and aboriginal students.  Certaines critiques ont suggéré que la pratique de la psychologie est basée sur des hypothèses ethnocentriques qui ne s’appliquent pas nécessairement aux cultures non européennes, avec pour résultat que les centres de consultation psychologique sont sous utilisés par les minorités ethniques. En pratique, peu d’alternatives adaptées culturellement ont découlé de ces préoccupations. Ce texte passe en revue l’expérience d’un practicum de niveau de doctorat sur la thérapie psychologique qui visait des étudiants universitaires autochtones ou étrangers à l’extérieur du réseau traditionnel des services de thérapie dans une université de l’ouest canadien sur une période de deux ans. Il recommande une approche intégrée combinant évaluation, compétences en stratégie d’apprentissage, et compétences de conseillers tout en incorporant une méthodologie de développement communautaire. Le texte conclut par des recommandations pour de la formation de thérapeutes qui va améliorer les services aux étudiants autochtones et étrangers

Graphing the Self: An application of graph theory to memetic self-mapping in psychotherapy

The benefits of using mathematical concepts are frequently overlooked in qualitative inquiry. In this paper Graph Theory (GT) is applied to a series of two dimensional representations of the self used to illustrate the therapeutic progress of a suicidal youth and to a young mother coping with depression.  These self-maps are shown to be equivalent to GT networks with the memes of the self-maps corresponding to GT vertices, the pair-wise relationships between memes corresponding to GT edges, and the time evolution of the self-mapping diagrams corresponding to GT sequence analysis. Consideration is given to the notion that the self so mapped functions as a small world network with emotive psychological triggers serving as “long range” connections. The advantages of using an interactive Graphical User Interface and GT metrics for client centered therapy and future research applications in social science are discussed

Gas sensors based on localized surface plasmon resonances: synthesis of oxide films with embedded metal nanoparticles, theory and simulation, and sensitivity enhancement strategies

This work presents a comprehensive review on gas sensors based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomenon, including the theory of LSPR, the synthesis of nanoparticle-embedded oxide thin films, and strategies to enhance the sensitivity of these optical sensors, supported by simulations of the electromagnetic properties. The LSPR phenomenon is known to be responsible for the unique colour effects observed in the ancient Roman Lycurgus Cup and at the windows of the medieval cathedrals. In both cases, the optical effects result from the interaction of the visible light (scattering and absorption) with the conduction band electrons of noble metal nanoparticles (gold, silver, and gold–silver alloys). These nanoparticles are dispersed in a dielectric matrix with a relatively high refractive index in order to push the resonance to the visible spectral range. At the same time, they have to be located at the surface to make LSPR sensitive to changes in the local dielectric environment, the property that is very attractive for sensing applications. Hence, an overview of gas sensors is presented, including electronic-nose systems, followed by a description of the surface plasmons that arise in noble metal thin films and nanoparticles. Afterwards, metal oxides are explored as robust and sensitive materials to host nanoparticles, followed by preparation methods of nanocomposite plasmonic thin films with sustainable techniques. Finally, several optical properties simulation methods are described, and the optical LSPR sensitivity of gold nanoparticles with different shapes, sensing volumes, and surroundings is calculated using the discrete dipole approximation method.This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020; and by the project NANO4BIO POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032299, with FCT reference PTDC/FISMAC/32299/2017. Marco S. Rodrigues acknowledges FCT for his PhD Scholarship, SFRH/BD/118684/2016

Quantum Optics and Photonics

Contains reports on five research projects.Joint Services Electronics Program (Contract DAALO3-86-K-0002)National Science Foundation (Grant PHY 82-10369)U.S. Air Force - Office of Scientific Research (Contract F49620-82-C-0091)U.S. Air Force - Rome Air Development Cente

Self-activated ultrahigh chemosensitivity of oxide thin film nanostructures for transparent sensors

One of the top design priorities for semiconductor chemical sensors is developing simple, low-cost, sensitive and reliable sensors to be built in handheld devices. However, the need to implement heating elements in sensor devices, and the resulting high power consumption, remains a major obstacle for the realization of miniaturized and integrated chemoresistive thin film sensors based on metal oxides. Here we demonstrate structurally simple but extremely efficient all oxide chemoresistive sensors with similar to 90% transmittance at visible wavelengths. Highly effective self-activation in anisotropically self-assembled nanocolumnar tungsten oxide thin films on glass substrate with indium-tin oxide electrodes enables ultrahigh response to nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds with detection limits down to parts per trillion levels and power consumption less than 0.2 microwatts. Beyond the sensing performance, high transparency at visible wavelengths creates opportunities for their use in transparent electronic circuitry and optoelectronic devices with avenues for further functional convergence.open181

Self-assembly of Silver Nanoparticles and Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes on Decomposed GaAs Surfaces

Atomic Force Microscopy complemented by Photoluminescence and Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction has been used to study self-assembly of silver nanoparticles and multiwall carbon nanotubes on thermally decomposed GaAs (100) surfaces. It has been shown that the decomposition leads to the formation of arsenic plate-like structures. Multiwall carbon nanotubes spin coated on the decomposed surfaces were mostly found to occupy the depressions between the plates and formed boundaries. While direct casting of silver nanoparticles is found to induce microdroplets. Annealing at 300°C was observed to contract the microdroplets into combined structures consisting of silver spots surrounded by silver rings. Moreover, casting of colloidal suspension consists of multiwall carbon nanotubes and silver nanoparticles is observed to cause the formation of 2D compact islands. Depending on the multiwall carbon nanotubes diameter, GaAs/multiwall carbon nanotubes/silver system exhibited photoluminescence with varying strength. Such assembly provides a possible bottom up facile way of roughness controlled fabrication of plasmonic systems on GaAs surfaces

Interaction of ultrafast laser pulses with nanostructure surfaces

The interaction of ultrafast laser pulses with surfaces on the nanoscale paves the way for various innovative technologies in spectroscopy, photovoltaics, photocatalysis, or medicine, to mention only a few. The basic mechanisms, however, are still the subject of intense research. We take a closer look at this topic from different viewpoints. The first aspect is the enhancement of the efficiency of physical or chemical processes by producing local field maxima and resonances at top-down or bottom-up structured surfaces. A further aspect is the dynamic change of optical properties by inducing free carriers and plasmons. Last but not least, permanent nanostructures can be obtained as a result of nano-feedback and self-organization. In high-energy laser physics, all three aspects play a role at once. Therefore, particular attention will be paid to this emerging field