Reliability and cultural applicability of the Greek version of the International Personality Disorders Examination.

BACKGROUND: The International Personality Disorders Examination (IPDE) constitutes the proposal of the WHO for the reliable diagnosis of personality disorders (PD). The IPDE assesses pathological personality and is compatible both with DSM-IV and ICD-10 diagnosis. However it is important to test the reliability and cultural applicability of different IPDE translations. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (12 male and 19 female) aged 35.25 ± 11.08 years, took part in the study. Three examiners applied the interview (23 interviews of two and 8 interviews of 3 examiners, that is 47 pairs of interviews and 70 single interviews). The phi coefficient was used to test categorical diagnosis agreement and the Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient to test agreement concerning the number of criteria met. RESULTS: Translation and back-translation did not reveal specific problems. Results suggested that reliability of the Greek translation is good. However, socio-cultural factors (family coherence, work environment etc) could affect the application of some of the IPDE items in Greece. The diagnosis of any PD was highly reliable with phi >0.92. However, diagnosis of non-specfic PD was not reliable at all (phi close to 0) suggesting that this is a true residual category. Dianosis of specific PDs were highly reliable with the exception of schizoid PD. Diagnosis of antisocial and Borderline PDs were perfectly reliable with phi equal to 1.00. CONCLUSIONS: The Greek translation of the IPDE is a reliable instrument for the assessment of personality disorder but cultural variation may limit its applicability in international comparisons

Printed microwave frequency humidity sensor operating with phase shifting scheme

This paper investigates a shifting sensing scheme combining slots, transmission lines, and printing technologies. This sensing scheme translates the electrical sensitivity of a transmission line conductor to the insertion phase as a measurement variable. A coplanar waveguide (CPW) based structure was designed, screen-printed, and tested on relative humidity (RH) conditions ranging from 22.8-75.3 %RH. For the first time, a composite material made of poly-pyrrole and TEMPO Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers (TOCN/PPy) was integrated to the structure and studied as a humidity sensitive conductor in microwave frequencies. The measured sensitivity was 0.154°/%RH at 5.870 GHz, while insertion losses decreased by 1.26 dB. The effects of sensing layers thickness as well as trade-off considerations between phase sensitivity and signal attenuation were analyzed by simulation. © 2001-2012 IEEE

TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibre (TOCN) films and composites with PVOH as sensitive dielectrics for microwave humidity sensing

This paper investigates TEMPO oxidized cellulose nanofibers (so-called TOCN)films as sensitive dielectrics for humidity detection in microwave frequencies. TOCN is used either as a sensitive material or as a host-matrix enclosing polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)to achieve highly sensitive humidity sensing. A resonator in coplanar waveguide grounded (CPWG)technology was designed and fabricated. TOCN and TOCN/PVOH gels were dropped in the area of the resonator where the analysis showed the electromagnetic field to be maximum at the resonance. Gels became thin films after drying. Experimental humidity tests were then conducted within the 21.9–89.3%RH range, using the resonant frequency and the transmission phase as measurement variables. The best sensitivity with TOCN was 2.67 MHz/%RH regarding the resonant frequency, and 0.523°/%RH regarding the transmission phase. The effects of PVOH were visible starting from 55%RH, where the sensitivity was raised to 6.000 MHz/%RH and 0.785°/%RH respectively. © 2019 Elsevier B.V

Environmentally-friendly cellulose nanofibre sheets for humidity sensing in microwave frequencies

This paper investigates environment friendly cellulose nanofibres (CNF) as new and sensitive material for humidity sensing in RF/microwave frequencies. CNF sheets were fabricated by sonocatalyzed TEMPO process and physically characterized. Humidity sensing investigation was performed with CNF sheets taped on the top of circuits in coplanar waveguide (CPW) technology. This investigation includes sensitivity and dynamic range analysis with reflected waves along the CPW circuit through resonant frequency shift, and transmitted waves through S21 phase shift. Moreover, sheets with various amounts of CNF were used to study the influence of CNF weight on humidity sensing performances. Regarding the resonant frequency shift, the best sensitivity was measured with the weightier CNF film (71 g/m2), that is 2.82 MHz/%RH from 55%RH to 100%RH. Regarding the phase shift, the same film sensitivity is 0.7°/%RH from 70%RH to 100%RH, with a figure of merit of 7.43°/dB as a phase shifter. © 2017 Elsevier B.V

Performance Verification Statement for the Chelsea UviLux Hydrocarbon and CDOM Fluorometers

ACT verifications are based on an evaluation of technology performance under specific, agreed- upon protocols, criteria, and quality assurance procedures. ACT and its Partner Institutions do not certify that a technology will always operate as verified and make no expressed or implied guarantee as to the performance of the technology or that a technology will always, or under circumstances other than those used in testing, operate at the levels verified. ACT does not seek to determine regulatory compliance; does not rank technologies nor compare their performance; does not label or list technologies as acceptable or unacceptable; and does not seek to determine “best available technology” in any form. The end user is solely responsible for complying with any and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements. This document has been peer reviewed by ACT Partner Institutions and a technology-specific advisory committee and was recommended for public release. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by ACT for use.National Oceanographic and Oceanic Administration NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System IOO

Reliability, validity and psychometric properties of the Greek translation of the Major Depression Inventory

BACKGROUND: The Major Depression Inventory (MDI) is a brief self-rating scale for the assessment of depression. It is reported to be valid because it is based on the universe of symptoms of DSM-IV and ICD-10 depression. The aim of the current preliminary study was to assess the reliability, validity and psychometric properties of the Greek translation of the MDI. METHODS: 30 depressed patients of mean age 23.41 (± 5.77) years, and 68 controls patients of mean age 25.08 (± 11.42) years, entered the study. In 18 of them, the instrument was re-applied 1–2 days later and the Translation and Back Translation made. Clinical diagnosis was reached with the use of the SCAN v.2.0 and the International Personality Disorders Examination (IPDE). The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) and the Zung Depression Rating Scale (ZDRS) were applied for cross-validation purposes. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, the Spearman Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, Principal Components Analysis and the calculation of Cronbach's α. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity were 0.86 and 0.94, respectively, at 26/27. Cronbach's α for the total scale was equal to 0.89. The Spearman's rho between MDI and CES-D was 0.86 and between MDI and ZDRS was 0.76. The factor analysis revealed two factors but the first accounted for 54% of variance while the second only for 9%. The test-retest reliability was excellent (Spearman's rho between 0.53 and 0.96 for individual items and 0.89 for total score). CONCLUSION: The current study provided preliminary evidence concerning the reliability and validity of the Greek translation of the MDI. Its properties are similar to those reported in the international literature, but further research is necessary

Does methylphenidate improve inhibition and other cognitive abilities in adults with childhood-onset ADHD?

Contains fulltext : 48908.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)We examined the effect of methylphenidate (Mph) on inhibition and several other cognitive abilities in 43 adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by use of Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Change Task (ChT), an extension of the Stop Signal Test (SST). In a double blind, cross-over, placebo controlled study with Mph, tests were administered during the third week of individually titrated treatment with Mph (maximum dose 1 mg / kg / day) and during the third week of treatment with placebo. We established large medication effects for commission errors, standard error of mean reaction time, and attentiveness on the CPT, as well as moderate medication effects for mean reaction time on the CPT and response re-engagement speed on the ChT. For Stop Signal Reaction Time (SSRT) on the ChT, we also established large effects of Mph, but only in a group of participants who showed slow SSRTs on placebo. Mph indeed ameliorates inhibition, which is the core problem of ADHD, and certain other cognitive abilities in adults with ADHD

The link between rejection sensitivity and borderline personality disorder:A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) may experience heightened rejection sensitivity (RS), a disposition developing from repeated childhood rejecting experiences. It is not known whether the full RS model accounts for the cognitive-affective experiences common in BPD. This systematic review extends upon previous reviews, firstly by assessing the link between childhood rejecting experiences and adult RS, and secondly by considering the link between BPD and RS in both non-clinical and clinical samples.METHOD: Two research questions were devised, and searches based on predetermined criteria were conducted using PsycNET, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. Data were extracted by one researcher and 20% was inter-rated, with high levels of agreement. Forty-three papers were systematically reviewed, and 31 included in meta-analysis and meta-regression.RESULTS: Studies assessing the link between childhood rejection and RS are limited; however, emotional abuse and neglect appears linked with RS. Pooled effect sizes suggest RS is linked with BPD (r = .326), with strong effect sizes when comparing clinical and control samples (r = .655). Qualitative synthesis suggests this may be mediated by executive control, although further research is required. The small number of studies considering the full RS model with regard to BPD suggests the interaction between emotional abuse and neglect affects rejection sensitivity; however, outcomes are inconsistent.CONCLUSIONS: Childhood rejection, particularly emotional abuse and neglect, appears to be linked to rejection sensitivity, and rejection sensitivity is linked to BPD. However, this may not be linear. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.PRACTITIONER POINTS: Rejection sensitivity is consistently linked with BPD, in clinical and non-clinical samples. Supporting mentalization or improved theory of mind may offer a therapeutic target for this disposition. Considering the causes and effects of rejection sensitivity may offer a non-blaming explanation of interpersonal difficulties in BPD and could be utilized as part of formulation and the therapeutic relationship. However, the possible interaction between emotional abuse and neglect and rejection sensitivity suggests rejection sensitivity is not always apparent for people with BPD. Idiosyncratic formulation should consider this. The literature included in the review is limited to Western populations with a high proportion of females, which may limit generalizability. Measures of rejection sensitivity included in the review were restricted to self-report, which may be subject to bias. Furthermore, measures of childhood rejection were retrospective in nature due to the exclusion of child samples. Further research should consider longitudinal and observational study designs.</p

Highway increases concentrations of toxic metals in giant panda habitat

The Qinling panda subspecies (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis) is highly endangered with fewer than 350 individuals inhabiting the Qinling Mountains. Previous studies have indicated that giant pandas are exposed to heavy metals, and a possible source is vehicle emission. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Hg, and As in soil samples collected from sites along a major highway bisecting the panda's habitat were analyzed to investigate whether the highway was an important source of metal contamination. There were 11 sites along a 30-km stretch of the 108th National Highway, and at each site, soil samples were taken at four distances from the highway (0, 50, 100, and 300 m) and at three soil depths (0, 5, 10 cm). Concentrations of all metals except As exceeded background levels, and concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, and Cd decreased significantly with increasing distance from the highway. Geo-accumulation index indicated that topsoil next to the highway was moderately contaminated with Pb and Zn, whereas topsoil up to 300 m away from the highway was extremely contaminated with Cd. The potential ecological risk index demonstrated that this area was in a high degree of ecological hazards, which were also due to serious Cd contamination. And, the hazard quotient indicated that Cd, Pb, and Mn especially Cd could pose the health risk to giant pandas. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the highway was the main source of Cd, Pb, and Zn and also put some influence on Mn. The study has confirmed that traffic does contaminate roadside soils and poses a potential threat to the health of pandas. This should not be ignored when the conservation and management of pandas is considered