Loss of Coolant Accident in Pressurized Water Reactor. Prediction of a 6-inch Cold Leg Break with Relap5 and Cathare 2

AbstractThis paper describes the approach to model Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) in the 900MWe Nuclear Power Plant Westinghouse PWR reactor.Two thermal-hydraulic system codes were applied: RELAP5 and CATHARE 2 to simulate steady state conditions and a transient evolution. The purpose of this paper is to analyse a 6-inch cold leg break in both codes and compare calculations performed in frame of the benchmark procedure between RELAP5 and CATHARE 2 codes. Obtained steady state and transient results for both codes are comparable and predict similar accident sequences. The results are not final, and the benchmark procedure is ongoing

Importance of Atomic Composition and Moisture Content of Cement based Composites in Neutron Radiation Shielding

AbstractMonte Carlo computer simulations confirmed that an increase in density has a minor effect on the weakening of neutron transport and, therefore, the optimum composition of a shielding concrete against gamma radiation is different than the one against neutron radiation. Neutron radiation shielding is a two-step process: slowing down of fast neutrons and absorption of thermal ones. Both result from the atomic composition of the barrier but their dependence on specified atomic compositions and moisture content is different. The aim of the presented research is to develop a high density concrete the composition of which would also assure good efficiency of neutron shielding. Neutron transport through standard cement mortar, PCC mortar, normal-weight concrete and magnetite heavy-weight concrete has been analyzed in the paper. The goal in research was to find an influence of the cement type, polymer addition, density and moisture content on the shielding properties against neutron. The research based on convergent results of MC computer simulations and real experiments confirmed the influence of the cement type on fast neutron attenuation. It was also found that each 1% of moisture content makes 10% increase of fast neutron thermalization effectiveness, what is a little less than it was estimated for cement based mortars. It was also proved that heavy-weight concrete is not proper solution for shielding against fast neutrons, but its efficiency is visible in the case of thermal neutrons absorption, probably due to increase of Fe content at the expense of Si and O in the atomic composition as well as water retained by magnetite aggregate

The crossroads of gastroenterology and psychiatry : what benefits can psychiatry provide for the treatment of patients suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms

Introduction: Gastrointestinal symptoms are very common in the general population. Many of them coincide with mental disorders (especially with neuroses, stress-related disorders, somatisation disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and anxiety) that are associated with psychological trauma, conflicts, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Aim: Assessment of the association between gastrointestinal complaints and stressful situations in relationships, among patients admitted to day hospital for neurotic and behavioural disorders. Material and methods: Analysis of the likelihood of co-occurrence of abdominal symptoms and stressful situations, reported by patients before admission, in a large group of subjects treated with psychotherapy. Results: Gastrointestinal symptoms were highly prevalent in the studied group (they were reported by 40-50% of patients). The most common complaints in women were: loss of appetite (52%), nausea (49%), and constipation and flatulence (45%). In men the most prevalent symptoms were: loss of appetite (47%), heartburn (44%), and flatulence (43%). Functional gastrointestinal symptoms (especially vomiting in cases of nervousness in females or heartburn in males) were significantly associated with greater likelihood of current difficulties in interpersonal relationships, such as conflicts with partner/spouse or parent. Conclusions: The results suggest that in many cases symptoms of anxiety disorders or somatisation disorders coexisted with irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia

Effectiveness of intensive psychotherapy in a day hospital evaluated with Neurotic Personality Inventory KON-2006

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of intensive psychotherapy in the day hospital for neurotic and behavioral disorders as well as the assessment of the usefulness of the Neurotic Personality Inventory KON-2006 for routine evaluation of psychotherapy effectiveness. Method. The results of the questionnaires KON-2006 completed by 690 patients (women - 69%, men - 31%, mean age 29 years, SD 8 years) were analyzed. All persons have received comprehensive, mainly psychodynamic psychotherapy (group with elements of individual therapy), in the years 2004-2009 in the Day Hospital for Neurotic and Behavioral Disorders in Krakow. Results. The vast majority of patients achieved after the end of psychotherapy beneficial changes in personality corresponding to various degrees of improvements in terms of the questionnaire KON-2006. Only a few patients deteriorated, somewhat more numerous group did not achieve significant changes or the effects are not possible for unambiguous interpretation. These results are highly correlated with those obtained in the personality questionnaire NEO-PI-R. Conclusions. The Neurotic Personality Inventory KON-2006 appears to be an adequate tool to assess the results of intensive, comprehensive psychotherapy, conducted in the day hospital for neurotic and behavioral disorders

Childhood sexual traumatic events and sexual life and relationship of a patient

Aim: The assessment of links between traumatic events of sexual nature recollected from the past and patients’ later functioning in sexual life and relationships. Materials and methods: Comorbidity of memories of traumatic sexual events from childhood and adolescence in patients with the features of their current partner relationships was analysed on the basis of Live Inventory completed by 2,582 women and 1,347 men, undergoing treatment between the years 1980-2002, before they were admitted to a day ward of neurotic disorder department. Results: The existence of numerous significant links was observed e.g. the information regarding incest or incest attempt experience was related with a significant risk of a sexual life assessment as completely dissatisfying in women (OR=2.71) and almost completely dissatisfying in men (OR=2.38). Sexual initiation by rape was related with women’s more frequent incidence of getting married as a result of social pressure (OR=3.77) and a feeling of hatred towards a partner (OR=5.41). Men and women who considered themselves completely sexually uneducated (before the age of 18) assessed their sexual life as completely dissatisfying (OR=2.48 and OR=2.07), which was similar to men who would get punished for masturbation or sexual plays by their guardians (OR=2.68). Conclusions: Traumatic events and circumstances relating to sexuality, indicated in the questionnaire interview, turned out to be connected with the risk of dysfunctions in a sexual life and relationship. The traumas included, among others, rape during initiation, early initiation, incest, but also unfavourable circumstances of less traumatic nature such as a lack of sexual education, punishment for masturbation, “mostly undesired initiation”. Their likely effects were rooted in relationship dysfunctions: reasons for their formation, power division, instability, problems with resolving conflicts and, most of all, sexual life dysfunctions. The results were obtained on the basis of simple questionnaire questions, which allows for the recommendation that they be used in a routine interview

Influence of cumulated sexual trauma on sexual life and relationship of a patient

Aim. The assessment of links of accumulated traumatic events of a sexual nature, recollected from the past, with the current functioning of the patients in the area of sexual life and relationship. Material and methods. Comorbidity of memories of traumatic sexual events from childhood and puberty in patients with the features of their current partner relationships and sexual life were analyzed on the basis of Live Inventory completed by 2,582 women and 1,347 men, before treatment in day hospital (years 1980-2002). The accumulation was evaluated for a combination of two or three selected events. Results. The presence of relatively numerous traumatic events in the field of sexuality – early initiation or enforced initiation, incest or its attempt, sub-optimal sexual education and punishment for masturbation was indicated. In some patients, these events occurred simultaneously. Especially in women, the presence in the same person of two or three aggravating circumstances of life was associated with a higher risk of among others fleeting, casual sexual contacts, marriage under the influence of environment pressures, reluctance to partner. Conclusions. Increased accumulation – the presence in the same patient of more than one adverse circumstances associated with sexual development – leads to a higher incidence of interference in relationship with a partner including the elements of sexual dysfunction. The obtained results are generally consistent with clinical observations and literature despite different, simplified methodology of the study based on the analysis of single variables from questionnaire interviews. Finding fewer links in the group of men can be explained by their much lower number in the study group and less frequent burdening with certain traumatic events or different experiencing

Pain and tactile dissociation, derealization and depersonalization symptoms in women and recalled traumatic events in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood

Introduction. The symptoms of dissociation, depersonalization and derealization are often associated with exposure of patients to mental and physical injuries, usually occurring in childhood. Most of these observations were carried out in populations of patients with various disorders (posttraumatic, conversion-dissociation, personality disorders – especially borderline), who reported their exposure to adverse life circumstances through questionnaire interviews. Aim. Assessment of the risk associated with various traumatic events in childhood and adolescence concerning the symptoms of pain and tactile dissociation, depersonalization and derealization. Material and method. The coexistence of the earlier life circumstances and the currently existing symptoms was examined on the basis of KO “0” Symptom Checklist and Life Inventory, completed prior to treatment in a day hospital for neurotic disorders. Results. In the group of 2582 women, patients of a day hospital for neurotic and personality disorders, the symptoms of pain and tactile dissociation, depersonalization and derealization were present in 24-36 % of patients, while the maximum severity of these symptoms reported approximately 4-8 % of patients. The studied patients reported the exposure during childhood and adolescence (before 18yo) to numerous traumatic events of varying severity and frequency, including hostility of one parent (approximately 5% of respondents), the sexual initiation before 13yo (1%), worse than peers material conditions (23%), harassment of the family of origin (2%), reluctance of their peers (9%). Conducted regression analysis showed illustrated by the coefficients OR (odds ratios) a statistically significant relationship between the majority of the analyzed symptoms and many of the listed events, such as being regarded as worse than siblings, mother’s anger in the situation of the patient’s disease in childhood, lack of support, indifference of parent, poverty and worseness of the family of origin, inferior position in the classroom and the school grades, total sexual unawareness, incest or its attempt. Conclusions. The symptoms of dissociation, depersonalization and derealization occurred in significantly more patients reporting burdening life events – difficult situations in childhood and adolescence. Therefore, in clinical practice in patients presenting such symptoms, regardless of diagnosis (e. g. a specific neurotic disorder), we can expect revealing information about such events

Changes in personality functioning as a result of group psychotherapy with elements of individual psychotherapy in persons with neurotic and personality disorders : MMPI-2

Aim. The study of group psychotherapy influence on the personality functioning of patients on treatment for neurotic disorders and selected personality disorders (F4-F6 under ICD-10). Methods. The study concerned 82 patients (61 women and 21 men) who underwent intensive short-term group psychotherapy in a day ward. A comprehensive assessment of the patients’ personality functioning was carried out at the outset and the end of the psychotherapy utilising the MMPI-2 questionnaire. Results. At the treatment outset the majority of the study patients demonstrated a considerable level of disorders in five MMPI-2 clinical scales (Depression, Hysteria, Psychopathic Deviate, Psychastenia, Schizophrenia) and moderate pathology in Hypochondria. In the Mania scale most patients obtained results comparable to the healthy population when the treatment commenced. Having undergone the psychotherapy treatment, the majority of the examined were observed to demonstrate positive changes in those areas of personality functioning which were classified as severe or moderate pathology. Conclusions. Short-term intensive comprehensive group psychotherapy with elements of individual psychotherapy leads to desirable changes in personality functioning