Assertive outreach services in the United Kingdom

In Volume I two papers are presented which focus on the practice of Assertive Outreach Teams (AOT) in the United Kingdom. In chapter 1 of this volume a review of the literature on Assertive Outreach Teams in the UK is presented. This review focuses on studies from the UK as it is argued that generalizations cannot be made from USA based studies. This is followed in Chapter 2 by an empirical study on the relationship between the factors of shame, stigma, engagement and ethnicity in AOTs in Birmingham. This study investigated whether black clients and white clients differed with respect to how engaged they were with services, and what role the factors of shame and stigma play in his. In Volume II five clinical practice reports (CPR) are presented. In CPR 1 the case of a client from secondary care is formulated from two theoretical perspectives. The perspectives are compared and contrasted and references are made to clinical implications. CPR 2 outlines a qualitative service evaluation into the use of interpreting services by those carrying out psychological therapies. The outcomes of this evaluation are linked to policy and legislation and the report makes recommendations with regard to future practice. In CPR 3 a single case experimental study is presented. The case presented is that of a 7 year old with Aspergers syndrome. A Cogntive Behavioral Intervention was utilised and its effectiveness is examined. CPR 4 outlines a case study of a man with learning disabilities who engages in cigarette pica. The behavioral intervention used in this case is outlined and assessed. Finally in CPR 5 a précis of a Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) intervention is presented. A case study approach is taken and reflections are made on all aspects of the work carried out (assessment, formulation, intervention and outcome)

Comparative study of cognitive factors in obsessive- compulsive, generalized anxiety, and major depression disorders

Background and aims: With attention to considered various cognitive factors in psychopathology of obsessive- compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, the aim of this study was comparison of Thought Action Fusion (TAF), responsibility and the overestimation of threat (RT), and over importance and Control Thoughts (ICT), Perfectionism and The Intolerance of Uncertainty (PC) cognitive beliefs in Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depression Disorder (MDD) and normal group to more clarification psychopathology of these disorders. Methods: This study is causal-comparative research. The clinical samples include patients referred from January to June 2016 to Sari Shahid Zareh hospital in this regard. From each of these groups, 30 individuals were selected from hospitals and clinics of Sari and 30 individuals were selected accomplish obsessive beliefs questionnaire and thought action fusion scale. Data were analyzed by MANOVA. Results: The results of MANOVA and Tukey posthoc test showed that OCD group was significantly higher than other groups in TAF, RT and ICT (P0.086). Also, the results showed that all of these cognitive beliefs OCD and GAD groups were significantly higher than depression and normal groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to these results, it seems that TAF, RT and ICT are more specific for OCD, but about PC there isn’t this specialty and it is common cognitive vulnerability in OCD and GAD

Stack-run adaptive wavelet image compression

We report on the development of an adaptive wavelet image coder based on stack-run representation of the quantized coefficients. The coder works by selecting an optimal wavelet packet basis for the given image and encoding the quantization indices for significant coefficients and zero runs between coefficients using a 4-ary arithmetic coder. Due to the fact that our coder exploits the redundancies present within individual subbands, its addressing complexity is much lower than that of the wavelet zerotree coding algorithms. Experimental results show coding gains of up to 1:4dB over the benchmark wavelet coding algorithm

Production of Biofuel using Magnetic Nanocatalyst Zno-Ni0.5zn0.5fe2o4-Fe2o3: A Mini-Review of Recent Studies

As conventional fossil fuels are becoming limited, it is critical to find alternative clean and renewable energy sources. Biodiesel is a degradable and renewable form of fuel made up of long-chain fatty acid esters that can be generated from either plants or animals. It is a mixture of long-chain alkyl esters made through a transesterification reaction with alcohol and catalyst. Due to the high cost of petroleum, the concept of biofuel production as an alternative source has increased in recent years. The present mini-review summarizes some recent studies on alternative methods for the production of biofuel. The review concludes that biofuel production using magnetic nanocatalysts is one of the best alternative approaches. Magnetic nanocatalysts can easily be recovered from the reaction mixture by using a magnetic field. It reduces the reaction time and increases the yield

Autonomous Maintenance for Milling Machine

This paper is prepared to show the result of the AM implementation (first step: initial cleaning) on milling machine at Institut Kemahiran Mara (IKM). The focus of the project is to eliminate any abnormalities (fuguai) which not needed for milling machine. The abnormalities or fuguai is hidden enemy for milling machine which had reduced the machine effectiveness and machine breakdown. The result found that most of abnormalities can be eliminated without special technical requirement. In addition, the implementation of AM had improved user satisfaction on milling machine operation

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and T cell effector function

The aim of the project was to identify whether cattle T cell subsets express toll-like receptors (TLRs), and if so whether there was any functional consequence of this when they were stimulated with TLR-ligands. CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and γδ T cells were studied in the context of whole PBMC or as isolated cells. To develop rabbit Tregs as a source of cells to study expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), putative rabbit regulatory T cells (Tregs) were developed as cultured cells from MLN as part of an ongoing project and to inform generation of cattle Treg development for this study. Culture of rabbit MLN cells resulted in detection of CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ (putative nTregs) in about one fifth of the total cells. The cultured rabbit Tregs did not exhibit any immunosuppressive effect on autologous MLN (Mesenteric lymph node) cells in a suppression assy. This and the complexity of this method meant that the cattle Treg work was not initiated for this study. The main part of the project involved screening of 10 bovine toll-like receptors (TLRs 1-10) on cattle blood samples (PBMC fraction and T cell subsets) plus investigation of their expression using RT-qPCR to detect transcripts in the T cell subsets. TLRs were variably expressed in the T cell subsets from the samples. With regard to function measured by proliferation in response to stimulation with TLR agonist (ligand), CFSE (Carboxy-fluorescein Succinimidyl Ester)-labelled PBMCs were stimulated with TLR1-9 agonists and each CFSE-labelled T cell subset identified by flow cytometry and proliferation based on the CFSE profile for each subset within the whole PBMC sample. No significant proliferation was recorded in activated PBMCs while T cell subsets showed variation in responses with CD4 T cells generally most effective followed by CD8+ T cells and least proliferation was seen with γδ T cells. The functional role of expressed TLRs stimulated with ligands and Con-A or antiCD3 were also assessed by expression or not of 7 cytokines (CXCL-8, IFNα, IFNγ, TNFα, TGFβ, IL-4, and IL-10) by specific ELISA. However, the results showed variation between different cattle blood samples. T cells generally activated PBMCs producing CXCL-8 while the isolated T cell subsets showed a more selective secretion. No IFN α expression was found. IFNγ was secreted in a limited amount in one PBMC animal and some γδ T cell samples rather than CD4 or CD8 T cells. TNF-α was produced by one PBMC sample stimulated with TLR2 agonist. The T cell subsets did not record any TNF-α secretion. There was no real functional link between the CFSE proliferation assay and the cytokine expression results. In conclusion, TLRs are expressed on cattle T cell subsets but with variable activation outcomes after stimulation of the cells with TLR ligands

Prediction of cyberchondria based on components of anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty among students of Tabriz universities in 2015

زمینه و هدف: جستجوی اینترنتی اطلاعات پزشکی، جز فعالیت های متداول به شمار می رود. اخیراً پژوهشگران شروع به مطالعه درباره چرخه&zwnj; ای آزار دهنده از نگرانی های مرتبط با سلامت جسمانی و جستجوی اینترنتی اطلاعات پزشکی تحت عنوان &laquo;سایبرکندوریا&raquo; کرده اند. هدف از مطالعه حاضر معرفی حساسیت اضطرابی و عدم تحمل بلاتکلیفی به عنوان 2 پیش بین مهم برای سایبرکندوریا است. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه توصیفی- تحلیلی که بین دانشجویان دانشگاه&zwnj; های تبریز (سراسری تبریز و پیام نور) در سال 1394 انجام شد؛ 228 نفر (154 نفر پسر و 74 نفر دختر) به روش نمونه گیری در دسترس انتخاب شده و به پرسش نامه شدت سایبرکندوریا، مقیاس حساسیت اضطرابی و مقیاس عدم تحمل بلاتکلیفی پاسخ دادند. برای تحلیل داده ها از روش همبستگی پیرسون و تحلیل رگرسیون استفاده شد. یافته ها: یافته ها نشان داد که حساسیت اضطرابی و عدم تحمل بلاتکلیفی همبستگی نسبتاً بالایی با سایبرکندوریا دارند. از میان مولفه های حساسیت اضطرابی، نگرانی های بدنی و نگرانی های شناختی توان پیش بینی سایبرکندوریا را داشتند؛ همچنین هر 2 مولفه عدم تحمل بلاتکلیفی، یعنی IU بازدارنده و IU آینده نگرانه به خوبی توانستند علائم سایبرکندوریا را پیش بینی کنند. نتیجه گیری: یافته های این پژوهش بر اهمیت حساسیت اضطرابی و عدم تحمل بلاتکلیفی در شکل گیری و تداوم سایبرکندوریا صحه گذاشت؛ بنابراین این 2 عامل را می توان به عنوان ریسک فاکتورهای مهمی برای سایبرکندوریا مطرح کرد

Comparison of Different Levels of Vitamin Premix on Meat Lipid Oxidation in Floor and Battery Cage Broiler Raising Systems

A total of 1260 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to 7 treatment groups (different levels and access time to vitamin premix (VP)) at 29 to 42 days of age, in floor system (Experiment 1) and battery cage system (Experiment 2). The oxidative stability was evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) on the thigh yield that were storage for 180 days in -20˚C. Results of experiment 1 showed that VP reduction and withdrawal from 29 d of age did not impair body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio during the final period of treatments (29-42d).Results of experiment 2 showed that there were no significant differences in the birds’ performance with reduction or withdrawal of VP from diets in 29-35 days among the experimental groups, but in 36-42 days of age, the performance of the group of birds fed with diet without VP (T1) was significantly lower than other groups. The results of experiment 2 showed that the performance of birds fed with diet without VP was significantly lower than other treatments in 36-42 days of age. The results of TBARS values in experiment 1 for thigh meat samples of birds slaughtered at 42 days of age showed that TBARS values of treatments without VP were significantly higher than other treatments. However in experiment 2, TBARS values of treatments without VP and with 33% VP were significantly higher than other treatments for birds slaughtered at 42 days of age. Finally, the results of this study demonstrate firstly that it is not possible to withdraw but it can be possible to reduce VP in finisher broiler's diets without negative effects on performance and meat quality during the time of freezing in both methods of rearing. Secondly, it is possible to reduce the VP levels in diet of broilers reared in floor system more than battery cage system

Memahami Islam hadhari

Kemunduran dan kemiskinan sering dikaitkan dengan negara-negara Islam. Begitu juga penindasan dan kezaliman dilakukan sewenang-wenangnya terhadap umat Islam hari ini. Malah, terdapat pelbagai perancangan untuk menghapuskan kebangkitan tamadun Islam. Sampai bilakah kita akan berputih mata menyaksikan senario ini berterusan? Bertitik tolak dari sinilah kita perlu melakukan perubahan yang meyeluruh untuk memajukan diri dalam segenap aspek kehidupan sama ada kerohanian, keilmuan, ekonomi, politik, sosial, sains dan teknologi, pertahanan, dan sebagainya. Justeru, gagasan Islam Hadhari dengan pelbagai pendekatan hadharinya seperti yang dikupas dalam buku ini dapat memberikan panduan ke arah pencapaian matlamat ini. Sepuluh prinsip yang digariskan dalam gagasan Islam Hadhari ini mampu melonjakkan umat Islam ke hadapan. Tegasnya, Islam Hadhari merupakan realisasi idea besar tentang kebangkitan semula tamadun Islam yang telah runtuh. Di bawah gagasan ini, umat Islam akan didedahkan kepada proses penggarapan semula budaya hidup agar lebih mendekati citra generasi awal yang berjaya membangunkan tamadun itu pada zaman lampau

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and T cell effector function

The aim of the project was to identify whether cattle T cell subsets express toll-like receptors (TLRs), and if so whether there was any functional consequence of this when they were stimulated with TLR-ligands. CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and γδ T cells were studied in the context of whole PBMC or as isolated cells. To develop rabbit Tregs as a source of cells to study expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), putative rabbit regulatory T cells (Tregs) were developed as cultured cells from MLN as part of an ongoing project and to inform generation of cattle Treg development for this study. Culture of rabbit MLN cells resulted in detection of CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ (putative nTregs) in about one fifth of the total cells. The cultured rabbit Tregs did not exhibit any immunosuppressive effect on autologous MLN (Mesenteric lymph node) cells in a suppression assy. This and the complexity of this method meant that the cattle Treg work was not initiated for this study. The main part of the project involved screening of 10 bovine toll-like receptors (TLRs 1-10) on cattle blood samples (PBMC fraction and T cell subsets) plus investigation of their expression using RT-qPCR to detect transcripts in the T cell subsets. TLRs were variably expressed in the T cell subsets from the samples. With regard to function measured by proliferation in response to stimulation with TLR agonist (ligand), CFSE (Carboxy-fluorescein Succinimidyl Ester)-labelled PBMCs were stimulated with TLR1-9 agonists and each CFSE-labelled T cell subset identified by flow cytometry and proliferation based on the CFSE profile for each subset within the whole PBMC sample. No significant proliferation was recorded in activated PBMCs while T cell subsets showed variation in responses with CD4 T cells generally most effective followed by CD8+ T cells and least proliferation was seen with γδ T cells. The functional role of expressed TLRs stimulated with ligands and Con-A or antiCD3 were also assessed by expression or not of 7 cytokines (CXCL-8, IFNα, IFNγ, TNFα, TGFβ, IL-4, and IL-10) by specific ELISA. However, the results showed variation between different cattle blood samples. T cells generally activated PBMCs producing CXCL-8 while the isolated T cell subsets showed a more selective secretion. No IFN α expression was found. IFNγ was secreted in a limited amount in one PBMC animal and some γδ T cell samples rather than CD4 or CD8 T cells. TNF-α was produced by one PBMC sample stimulated with TLR2 agonist. The T cell subsets did not record any TNF-α secretion. There was no real functional link between the CFSE proliferation assay and the cytokine expression results. In conclusion, TLRs are expressed on cattle T cell subsets but with variable activation outcomes after stimulation of the cells with TLR ligands