Factorial Invariance of the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) for Adults of Mexican Descent across Nativity Status, Language Format, and Gender

The cultural equivalence of psychological outcome measures remains a major area of investigation. The current study sought to test the factor structure and factorial invariance of the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) with a sample of adult individuals of Mexican descent (N = 923) across nativity status (U.S.- vs. foreign-born), language format (English vs. Spanish), and gender. The results show that 1-factor and 3-factor measurement models provided a good fit to the data; however, a single-factor model was deemed more appropriate and parsimonious. Tests of measurement invariance and invariance of factor variances (i.e., structural invariance) indicated at least partial measurement invariance across gender, nativity status, and language format. These findings suggest that the BSI-18 operates in a similar fashion among adults of Mexican descent regardless of nativity status, language format of the survey, and gender. Clinical and practical implications for use of the BSI-18 with Latino populations are discussed

Phase transition in the Countdown problem

Here we present a combinatorial decision problem, inspired by the celebrated quiz show called the countdown, that involves the computation of a given target number T from a set of k randomly chosen integers along with a set of arithmetic operations. We find that the probability of winning the game evidences a threshold phenomenon that can be understood in the terms of an algorithmic phase transition as a function of the set size k. Numerical simulations show that such probability sharply transitions from zero to one at some critical value of the control parameter, hence separating the algorithm's parameter space in different phases. We also find that the system is maximally efficient close to the critical point. We then derive analytical expressions that match the numerical results for finite size and permit us to extrapolate the behavior in the thermodynamic limit.Comment: Submitted for publicatio

Reducing Same Day Missed Appointments

Radiology Associates (RA) is a diagnostic imaging center that offers high-quality, digital medical imaging and interventional radiology services for patients, physicians and healthcare organizations across the Central Coast. They are an ongoing problem that involves a considerable portion of their patients not showing up for their appointments Our project aims to reduce same day missed appointments at Radiology Associates. Radiology Associates currently has a no-show rate of 13.48%. They lose approximately $240 for every same day missed appointment. Our goal was to find new ways to reduce their no-show rate to 8$39,285.35 by reducing the no-show percentage by 5.5%. We researched literature on causes of no-shows and alternative scheduling methods. We then mapped out the scheduling process and analyzed data on no-shows. After discovering some potential causes for the high no-show rate, we constructed solutions and created standard operating procedures

Modelling the Relationship between Travel Behaviour and Social Disadvantage

The purpose of this paper is to model the travel behaviour of socially disadvantaged population segments in the United Kingdom (UK) using the data from the UK National Travel Survey 2002-2010. This was achieved by introducing additional socioeconomic variables into a standard national-level trip end model (TEM) and using purpose-based analysis of the travel behaviours of certain key socially disadvantaged groups. Specifically the paper aims to explore how far the economic and social disadvantages of these individuals can be used to explain the inequalities in their travel behaviours. The models demonstrated important differences in travel behaviours according to household income, presence of children in the household, possession of a driver’s license and belonging to a vulnerable population group, such as being disabled, non-white or having single parent household status. In the case of household income, there was a non-linear relationship with trip frequency and a linear one with distance travelled. The recent economic austerity measures that have been introduced in the UK and many other European countries have led to major cutbacks in public subsidies for socially necessary transport services, making results such as these increasingly important for transport policy decision-making. The results indicate that the inclusion of additional socioeconomic variables is useful for identifying significant differences in the trip patterns and distances travelled by low-income

Rhabdomyolysis in an HIV cohort: epidemiology, causes and outcomes.

BackgroundThe Literature on rhabdomyolysis in the HIV-positive population is sparse and limited. We aimed to explore the incidence, patient characteristics, etiologies and outcomes of rhabdomyolysis in a cohort of HIV-positive patients identified through the Johns Hopkins HIV clinical registry between June 1992 and April 2014.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 362 HIV-positive patients with non-cardiac CK elevation ≥1000 IU/L was performed. Both inpatients and outpatients were included. Incidence rate and potential etiologies for rhabdomyolysis were ascertained. The development of acute kidney injury (AKI, defined as doubling of serum creatinine), need for dialysis, and death in the setting of rhabdomyolysis were determined. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of peak CK level with the development of AKI.ResultsThree hundred sixty two cases of rhabdomyolysis were identified in a cohort of 7079 patients with a 38,382 person years follow-up time. The incidence rate was nine cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 8.5-10.5). Infection was the most common etiology followed by compression injury and drug/alcohol use. One-third of cases had multiple potential etiologies. AKI developed in 46% of cases; 20% of which required dialysis. Thirteen percent died during follow-up. After adjustment, AKI was associated with higher CK (OR 2.05 for each 1-log increase in CK [95% CI: 1.40-2.99]), infection (OR 5.48 [95% CI 2.65-11.31]) and higher HIV viral load (OR 1.22 per 1-log increase [95% CI: 1.03-1.45]).ConclusionRhabdomyolysis in the HIV-positive population has many possible causes and is frequently multifactorial. HIV-positive individuals with rhabdomyolysis have a high risk of AKI and mortality

How to Truly Optimize Phosphate Flotation, When Feed Grade is Ever-changing

Optimizing a reagent package or beneficiation process on an average feed experienced at a float plant is one of the key objectives in successfully achieving an optimal, average grade/recovery for any mineral being processed. However, unlike the quality controlled processing chemistries, or engineered process, the mineralogy is minimally controlled by selective mining at best. The change in mineralogy can be a blessing or curse, and can even devastate a plant in matter of minutes. Therefore, applying techniques such as using the core samples from mine planning, or sophisticated analytical instrumentation can assist with planning when a detrimental change will occur. However, seasoned and informed floatation operators are necessary for ensuring the plant is prepared to handle these changes. This paper focuses on the results obtained from the application of a technical service program, which allowed for the investigation of various problematic feeds that plague a phosphate flotation plant. The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the cause, and develop a response plan for the flotation operators and engineers for when these difficult feeds reach the plant. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Tailoring Collectors to Allow for Sea Water Usage in Phosphate Beneficiation

Water supply is critical for ensuring the optimal operation of any beneficiation plant. As ore quality continues to decline, the demand on water for mineral processing will only increase. Traditionally, ground and surface water sources have been extensively utilized for mining. In some regions, these sources are proving to be insufficient to meet the increasing demands of this industry, as well as the municipal requirements. As a result, alternate water supplies must be considered. The purpose of this investigation was to develop a collector that allows for the flotation of phosphate in sea water, while still meeting the grade (\u3e 27.5% P2O5) and recovery (\u3e 80%) criteria. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract