Disorganised theories or disorganised attachments: An analysis of the divergence between attachment and psychopathology models explaining the early emergence of callous-unemotional traits

Previous studies suggest children with callous-unemotional (CU) traits have a disorganised attachment, a notion that challenges two developmental frameworks, as the literature on children with CU traits places most of the aetiological burden on the child, whereas the attachment literature places most of this burden on the parent. First, the intergenerational transmission of CU traits was examined in a cross-sectional study with a sample of clinically-referred children. It investigated whether psychopathy in parents conferred risk specific to CU traits over and above general risk factors. Second, two psychometric tools were validated. The Interview on Critical Bonding Moments (ICBM), a retrospective assessment of parents’ state of mind during their child’s early development, and the Child Affective Behaviour (CAB) scale, which assesses children’s proximity-seeking, eye gaze, soothability and expression/reception of affect. Third, the relationships between CU traits and the ICBM and CAB were assessed using a Bayesian machine-learning algorithm to probe whether maternal negative affect during critical bonding experiences, and children’s affective responses, were associated with parental reports of CU traits. Fourth, longitudinal associations between markers from Study 3 and the development of CU traits when children were 4 were analysed using a sample of mother-child dyads assessed over a four-year period. Prior results were replicated, and the analysis found novel associations suggesting children’s dispositional characteristics are the main predictors of CU emergence. Child-driven effects were supported – consistent with the CU literature – as studies found strong associations between children’s affective behaviours and CU emergence. Assessments guided by an attachment framework accounted for smaller but significant effects, linking the perinatal period to the emergence of CU traits through associations with maternal fright during pregnancy and disinterest while feeding

Efficacy of a cognitive training and domotic control program (BCI) to prevent cognitive impairment

p. 6Con el tiempo, el envejecimiento puede causar un estado de discapacidad y dependencia. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la eficacia de entrenamiento cognitivo y control domótico con una computadora programa (Brain Computer Interface, BCI). Con el fin de hacer entonces, el rendimiento neuropsicológico estimado de los sujetos han sido evaluados con el ADN de Luria batería neuropsicológica antes y después del entrenamientoS

Uplink Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access with Finite-Alphabet Inputs

This paper focuses on the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) design for a classical two-user multiple access channel (MAC) with finite-alphabet inputs. We consider practical quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) constellations at both transmitters, the sizes of which are assumed to be not necessarily identical. We propose to maximize the minimum Euclidean distance of the received sum-constellation with a maximum likelihood (ML) detector by adjusting the scaling factors (i.e., instantaneous transmitted powers and phases) of both users. The formulated problem is a mixed continuous-discrete optimization problem, which is nontrivial to resolve in general. By carefully observing the structure of the objective function, we discover that Farey sequence can be applied to tackle the formulated problem. However, the existing Farey sequence is not applicable when the constellation sizes of the two users are not the same. Motivated by this, we define a new type of Farey sequence, termed punched Farey sequence. Based on this, we manage to achieve a closed-form optimal solution to the original problem by first dividing the entire feasible region into a finite number of Farey intervals and then taking the maximum over all the possible intervals. The resulting sum-constellation is proved to be a regular QAM constellation of a larger size. Moreover, the superiority of NOMA over time-division multiple access (TDMA) in terms of minimum Euclidean distance is rigorously proved. Furthermore, the optimal rate allocation among the two users is obtained in closed-form to further maximize the obtained minimum Euclidean distance of the received signal subject to a total rate constraint. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify our theoretical analysis and demonstrate the merits of the proposed NOMA over existing orthogonal and non-orthogonal designs.Comment: Submitted for possible journal publicatio

Anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effect of fucoidan extract from Lessonia trabeculata in alloxan-induced diabetes rats

The objective of this research was to evaluate a nutritional strategy based on the consumption of a fucoidan extract from brown algae Lessonia trabeculata to control oxidative stress in experimental alloxan-induced insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus rats. Over 30 days, 75, 100, and 125 mg kg−1 of body weight of fucoidan doses were administered and both positive and negative control (n = 5 per group). Serum, liver, pancreas, and kidney biochemical indicators of oxidative stress improvement were evaluated. Measures included lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and antioxidant activity by assessment of free radical scavenging power and histopathological changes. The results showed an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes while reducing oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation index) in serum (p ≤ 0.05) and tissues (p ≤ 0.05). Further, no liver necrosis was observed in treated groups, unlike the Type 1 diabetes positive control group that presented mild necrosis and moderate congestion. In the pancreas, treated rats presented mild oedema, while the positive control group showed moderate oedema. A significant protective effect against oxidative stress caused by alloxan-induced diabetes was found in this model, therefore it can be concluded that fucoidan extracted from the Lessonia trabeculata algae could be considered a good functional compound for the control of oxidative stress in diabetic patients. Because diabetes is such a widespread public health issue, developing fucoidan-based products could be a natural way to improve patients' quality of life.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA This work was supported by grants from the following institutions: L.T.L-G., E.V.A.S., L.A.A-M. and J.A.C-P. are supported by Project “Desarrollo e Implementación de Procesos Tecnológicos de Validación Analítica y Bioactiva para fucoidano de algas pardas como suplementos nutricionales para humanos”, Convenio N°143-PNICP-PIAP-2015, INNOVATE-PERU. J.D. hold a “Miguel Servet” (CP21/00021) research contract from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) co-funded by European Social Fund (ESF), “Investing in your future”, Gobierno de España

CBT system (Computer Based Training) of the Aircraft a-37b, used in the earth course of the combat air command No. 3 (CAMCOM-3) of the Colombian Air Force (FAC)

This article shows the implementation of an integrated and updated education system in the Combat Air Command No.3 as a school of the A-37B team, to give theoretical and virtual practice instruction optimizing strategic processes, increasing productivity, reducing operational and administrative costs in order to promote the commitment and development of human capital to crewmembers of the A-37B team; At the same time, promote technological development and innovation in the personnel that make up the Unit. In this work, the importance of the use of ICT in the educational field and the great contribution it presents in the Colombian Armed Forces is made known

Desarrollo y caracterización de películas activas con nanopartículas de plata obtenidas mediante síntesis verde

The use of edible films is a technology to extend the shelf life of food. The addition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) could improve the performance of edible films and avoid the growth of microorganisms that could affect food. The objective was to elaborate and characterize AgNPs by green synthesis and to evaluate the effect of their addition on the mechanical and barrier properties of films formed from Cajanus cajan protein and Tamarindus indica seed gum. An aqueous extract of Annona muricata leaves was used for green synthesis. Three films were developed containing AgNPs, aqueous extract of Annona muricata leaves and water (control). Films were evaluated by their water vapour permeability (WVP), color, opacity and mechanical properties. The AgNPs increased twice the Young's module (0.0675 MPa) and the tensile strength (2.84 MPa) in relation to control film. Moreover, the AgNPs influenced also the color and opacity of the films. However, no differences were observed in the WVP. The addition of AgNPs to films, could be an option to increase the shelf life of foods.El uso de películas comestibles es una tecnología para alargar la vida útil de los alimentos. La adición de nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) podría mejorar el desempeño de películas comestibles y evitar el crecimiento de microorganismos que podrían afectar a los alimentos. El objetivo fue elaborar y caracterizar AgNPs mediante síntesis verde y evaluar el efecto de su adición sobre las propiedades mecánicas y de barrera de películas formadas a partir de proteína de Cajanus cajan y goma de la semilla de Tamarindus indica. Para la síntesis de AgNPs se utilizó extracto acuoso de Annona muricata. Tres diferentes formulaciones de películas se elaboraron las cuales contenían AgNPs, extracto acuoso de guanábana y agua (control). Las películas fueron evaluadas en términos de su permeabilidad al vapor de agua (WVP), color, opacidad y propiedades mecánicas. Las AgNPs incrementaron el doble el módulo de Young de las películas (0.0675 MPa) y la fuerza de tensión (2.84 MPa) con respecto al control. Además, las AgNPs influyeron estadísticamente en el color y opacidad de la película. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias en la PVA. La adición de AgNPs a recubrimientos podría ser una opción para incrementar la vida útil de alimentos

Co-design of a neurodevelopment assessment scale : a study protocol

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a heterogeneous group of conditions with overlapping symptomatology and fluctuating developmental trajectories that transcend current diagnostic categorisation. There is a need for validated screening instruments which dimensionally assess symptomatology from a holistic, transdiagnostic perspective. The primary aim is to co-design a Neurodevelopment Assessment Scale (NAS), a user-friendly transdiagnostic assessment inventory that systematically screens for all signs and symptoms commonly encountered in neurodevelopmental disorders. Our first objective is to undertake development of this tool, utilising co-design principles in partnership with stakeholders, including both those with lived experience of neurodevelopmental disorders and service providers. Our second objective is to evaluate the face validity, as well as the perceived utility, user-friendliness, suitability, and acceptability (i.e., ‘social validity’), of the NAS from the perspective of parents/caregivers and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, clinicians, and service providers. Our third objective is to ascertain the psychometric properties of the NAS, including content validity and convergent validity. The NAS will provide an efficient transdiagnostic tool for evaluating all relevant signs, symptoms, and the dimensional constructs that underpin neurodevelopmental presentations. It is anticipated that this will maximise outcomes by enabling the delivery of personalised care tailored to an individual’s unique profile in a holistic and efficient manner

Mapping the specific pathways to early-onset mental health disorders : the "Watch Me Grow for REAL" study protocol

Background: From birth, the human propensity to selectively attend and respond to critical super-stimuli forms the basis of future socio-emotional development and health. In particular, the first super-stimuli to preferentially engage and elicit responses in the healthy newborn are the physical touch, voice and face/eyes of caregivers. From this grows selective attention and responsiveness to emotional expression, scaffolding the development of empathy, social cognition, and other higher human capacities. In this paper, the protocol for a longitudinal, prospective birth-cohort study is presented. The major aim of this study is to map the emergence of individual differences and disturbances in the system of social-Responsiveness, Emotional Attention, and Learning (REAL) through the first 3 years of life to predict the specific emergence of the major childhood mental health problems, as well as social adjustment and impairment more generally. A further aim of this study is to examine how the REAL variables interact with the quality of environment/caregiver interactions. Methods/Design: A prospective, longitudinal birth-cohort study will be conducted. Data will be collected from four assessments and mothers' electronic medical records. Discussion: This study will be the first to test a clear developmental map of both the unique and specific causes of childhood psychopathology and will identify more precise early intervention targets for children with complex comorbid conditions

¿El consumo de agua con alta concentración de arsénico provoca anemia infantil?

Se cree que la anemia es generada por la carencia de hierro, empero esta también puede ser inducida por factores: nutricionales, socioeconómicos y ambientales (consumo de agua con alta concentración de arsénico). El presente estudio modela el impacto del consumo de agua de pozo sobre la probabilidad de ausencia de anemia en niños de 6 a 36 meses de edad de la ciudad de Juliaca, Perú. La información analizada proviene de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar 2017, mediante modelos de respuesta ordenada se analizaron 201 observaciones correspondientes a hogares de Juliaca. Los resultados indican que el consumo de agua de pozo disminuye en 9,7% (p < 0.05) la probabilidad de ausencia de anemia, 1 miembro adicional en la familia reduce la probabilidad de ausencia de anemia en 8.7% (p < 0.01), el incremento en 1g en la hemoglobina de la madre aumenta la probabilidad de ausencia de anemia en el hijo en 6,7% (p < 0.01). En consecuencia, para mitigar la prevalencia de anemia es preciso: asegurar la calidad del agua para consumo humano, implementar actividades que mejoren los indicadores nutricionales de niños sus respectivas madres