Children's Separation Anxiety Scale (CSAS): Psychometric Properties

This study describes the psychometric properties of the Children's Separation Anxiety Scale (CSAS), which assesses separation anxiety symptoms in childhood. Participants in Study 1 were 1,908 schoolchildren aged between 8 and 11. Exploratory factor analysis identified four factors: worry about separation, distress from separation, opposition to separation, and calm at separation, which explained 46.91% of the variance. In Study 2, 6,016 children aged 8–11 participated. The factor model in Study 1 was validated by confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency (α = 0.82) and temporal stability (r = 0.83) of the instrument were good. The convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated by means of correlations with other measures of separation anxiety, childhood anxiety, depression and anger. Sensitivity of the scale was 85% and its specificity, 95%. The results support the reliability and validity of the CSAS.This research was supported by the Spanish National Plan for Research, Development and Technological Innovation Grant (EDU2008-05060) awarded to Xavier Méndez, and by BANCAJA-UMH Grant (2007-2009), awarded to Mireia Orgilés

Synthesis and Characterisation of Aminoplast Microcapsules for Controlled Release of Bioactives. Influence of the Resin:Oil Ratio

In this study a series of melamine-formaldehyde (MF) microcapsules containing Melaleuca alternifolia oil as natural biocide with different polymer to oil ratio was prepared by the in situ polymerization (O/W) method. The characterization of the microcapsules properties was undertaken by different experimental techniques in order to establish a correlation between the polymer to oil ratio and the oil encapsulation efficiency and properties for further applications. The average size distribution was determined by Laser Diffraction Scattering (DLS) and the chemical structure by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Finally, the thermal stability of microcapsules and the permeability of the shell to the diffusion of the core material were analyzed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The obtained results showed that the resin:oil ratio was critical in the microcapsule formation and properties. For lower values than the critical one there was no microcapsule formation. For values over the critical resin:oil ratio value microcapsules were formed with spherical morphologies of varying wall thickness and oil encapsulation.The research was partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) through the project IPT2012-1299-300000

Situaciones más temidas en la infancia tardía relacionadas con la ansiedad por separación y sus características en función de la edad y el sexo

This article analyzes the most fear-provoking situations related to separation anxiety for a Spanish sample of 1407 children aged between eight and eleven, and examines gender and age differences in late childhood. It was used a specific self-report measure for separation anxiety disorder, the Separation Anxiety Scale for Children, developed for Spanish-speaking children and based on the DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. Results showed that children have more cognitive symptoms than psychophysiological or motor responses. The most feared situations found are related to the possibility that something bad happen to the parents and the less common situations are those related to somatic complaints. Separation anxiety symptoms were experienced by 3.9% of the sample, were more common in girls than in boys and decreasing with age. The clinical implications of these and other findings are discussed.En este artículo se analizan las situaciones más temidas relacionadas con la ansiedad por separación en una muestra de 1407 niños españoles con edades comprendidas entre 8 y 12 años, y se examinan las diferencias de la ansiedad por separación en función del sexo y la edad en la infancia tardía. Se utilizó una medida de autoinforme para el trastorno de ansiedad por separación, la Escala de Ansiedad por Separación Infantil, desarrollada para niños hispanohablantes y que está basada en los criterios diagnósticos del DSM-IV-TR y del CIE-10. Los resultados mostraron que los niños tienen más síntomas cognitivos que psicofisiológicos o motores. Las situaciones más temidas se relacionaban con la posibilidad de que algo malo les ocurriera a los padres y las menos comunes se relacionaban con las quejas somáticas. El 3.9% de la muestra manifestó síntomas de ansiedad por separación, más comunes en niñas que en niños y disminuyendo con la edad. Se discuten las implicaciones clínicas de estos y otros hallazgos

Current status of evidence-based smoking prevention and cessation programs for Spanish adolescents

Introduction Aim and objective: International studies have reviewed the prevalence of smoking cessation in retrospective reports. Nevertheless, to optimize program’s practical resources it is necessary to find evidence of the most effective prevention and cessation programs currently. In Spain, there is no published evidence regarding the long-term efficacy of prevention and cessation programs among adolescent smokers. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the status of evidence-based smoking prevention and cessation programs for adolescents and young adults in Spain. Methods Eight studies that evaluated tobacco prevention and cessation programs in Spanish adolescents, and met the selection criteria, were identified. Results An in-depth analysis of evidence-based school programs is provided. The published programs implemented in Spain have some strengths: the programs show short-term effectiveness in reducing tobacco consumption, and are described in detail regarding the number of sessions and components, which implies that they can be easily replicated. However, the implemented programs also have certain weaknesses: the efficacy of tobacco-prevention programs conducted in Spain is rarely evaluated, and only Project EX program assessed in a controlled school-based clinical trial for adolescent tobacco-use cessation. Conclusions Is possible to determine the need for more rigorous evaluations of prevention and cessation interventions to stablish useful programs for Spanish adolescents

Correlation coefficients of the CSAS with other self-reports.

<p><i>CSAS</i> Children's Separation Anxiety Scale, <i>SAAS</i> Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale, <i>SCARED</i> Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, <i>SCAS</i> Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, <i>STAIC</i> State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, <i>CASI</i> Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index, <i>SFSS</i> School Fears Survey Schedule, <i>CDI</i> Children's Depression Inventory, <i>STAXI</i> State Trait Anger Expression Inventory.</p><p>*<i>p</i>≤0.05 ** <i>p</i>≤0.01.</p

Steam Explosion-Based Method for the Extraction of Cellulose and Lignin from Rice Straw Waste

This paper focuses on the optimisation of an efficient extraction process for cellulose and lignin from rice straw waste from the Albufera of Valencia using the steam explosion method. This method is particularly pertinent given the environmental and economic challenges posed by the current disposal practices of agricultural waste. The technique comprises a high-temperature cooking stage followed by instantaneous decompression, effectively altering the biomass’s physical and chemical properties to enhance its surface area and porosity. Our adaptation of the steam explosion technique specifically addresses the challenges of rice straw waste, marking a significant departure from previous applications. This innovation is crucial in addressing the urgent need for more sustainable waste management practices, as it effectively deconstructs the lignocellulosic matrix of rice straw. This facilitates the selective extraction of cellulose at a 70% efficiency, with a 20% yield and the subsequent recovery of lignin. The results of this study are significant for sustainable biomaterial production, offering novel insights into optimising these crucial biomass components. By refining the process and focusing on critical parameters, our work advances the application of steam explosion methods for agricultural waste, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. By utilising rice straw biowaste, this research not only proposes a solution to a pressing environmental issue but also demonstrates the potential to create new market opportunities, increase the economic value for rice producers, and significantly reduce the environmental footprint of existing waste disposal methods. The holistic and ecological approach of this study underscores the vital need for innovative strategies in agricultural waste management, positioning the valorisation of rice straw waste as a key component in the pursuit of environmental sustainability

Correlation matrix among factors and with CSAS total score.

<p>*<i>p</i><0.001.</p