Impact of a Virtual Reality-Based Simulation on Empathy and Attitudes Toward Schizophrenia

Virtual Reality (VR) has been identified as one of the most promising resources for developing empathy towards stigmatized groups as it allows individuals to experience a situation close to reality from another person’s perspective. This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the impact on empathy, knowledge, and attitudes towards people with schizophrenia of a VR simulation that reproduces the experience of psychotic symptoms while performing a cognitive task compared with watching a 2D video and, thus, how these experiences could reduce stigma towards people diagnosed with schizophrenia. The sample comprised of 102 higher education health students, distributed by the experimental and control groups. The impact of the program was measured by completing multiple questionnaires on levels of empathy, attitudes, and mental health knowledge. Both methods (VR and 2D video) were, to a certain extent, effective. However, VR was more effective at eliciting attitudes and knowledge change compared to the control group. These findings suggest that not only VR but also 2D videos could be interesting strategies to enhance empathy and improve attitudes towards people with schizophrenia in higher education health students

Paleo and historical seismicity in Mallorca (Baleares, Spain): a preliminary approach

The island of Mallorca is subject to low seismic activity. The instrumental record shows that current seismicity is surficial (<10 km depth) and low in magnitude (mb<4). Both historical and geological records display the occurrence of strong events, e.g. the 1851 Palma earthquake (VIII, MSK intensity). Data on this destruct ive event indicate that this was a seven month long seismic sequence, with two strong events, causing severe damage and collapse of buildings along Palma bay in addition to moderate ground collapses in the macroseismal zone. The earthquake epicenter was situated between Sa Cabaneta and Sta. Eugènia. This earthquake can be correlated with the trace of the Sencelles fault, the main extensional structure of the island on the surface. The geological and geophysical analyses of recent surface faulting features at the Portol doline (reverse surface faulting) and on the Sta. Eugènia segment of the Sencelles fault (bedrock fault scarp ) suggest recurrent large prehistoric events. Preliminary data show minimum vertical offsets of 2.56 m at the Portol doline and offsets of 3.50m at the Sta. Eugènia bedrock fault scarp. These offsets were accumulated in recent times (Holocene?). Displacements per event can be initially estimated as mean values of 0.88 to 0.40 m in both places, but larger offsets of a maximum of 1.68 m can also be inferred. Specific dendrochronologic, lichenometric, and weathering analyses to assess true single-event slip values, and their time-bracketing will be necessary. The interpretation of these displacement events in terms of earthquake magnitude is not straightforward because of the apparent subordinate nature of the ground rupture at the Po rtol doline and the possible influence of salt tectonics in both places. To address these issues, a fault-trench was planned along the Sencelles fault within the framework of a new research project. The Spanish seismic code (NCS94) assigns an expected maximum ground acceleration of 0.04 g for a 500 year return period to the area. In the light of our data these values are underestimated. The historical and geological records indicate the occurrence of historical VII to VIII MSK, and stronger prehistoric events. Peak ground horizontal accelerations of up to 0.10 g could be expected during modern earthquakes

Optimization of the supercritical fluid extraction of Quercus cerris cork towards extraction yield and selectivity to friedelin

Optimization of the supercritical fluid extraction of Quercus cerris cork was carried out using Box-Behnken design of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized process variables were temperature (T : 40, 50 and 60 °C), ethanol content (EtOH: 0.0, 2.5 and 5.0 wt%) and CO2 flow rate (QCO2: 5, 8 and 11 −g min )1 . The studied responses were total extraction yield (ηTotal), friedelin concentration of the extract (CFriedelin), and selectivity towards friedelin (αF,nF). The linear effect of EtOH was by far the most influent operating condition (Pareto analysis) and the highest yield (ηTotal = 2.2 wt%) was attained with 5.0 wt% EtOH. The RSM model estimates maximum friedelin concentration in the extracts (38.2 wt%) to occur without cosolvent (0 wt% EtOH) for the lowest T (40 °C) and QCO2 (5 −g min )CO2 1 . As for selectivity, the experimental αF,nF values were always higher than 1.0 and reached 3.1 (at 50 °C, 5 wt% EtOH, 11 −g minCO2 1). Altogether, these results suggest friedelin can be selectively removed from Quercus cerris cork by supercritical fluid extraction within the range of experimental conditions studiedpublishe

Caracterización y significado ambiental de los nidos de abejas de las calcretas cuaternarias de Lanzarote y Fuerteventura

Thick laminar calcrete profiles are common on the surface of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. In this paper we study one profile from Lanzarote (Macher profile) and one from Fuerteventura (Teffa profile). The profiles are about 2 m thick. The Macher profile developed on basaltic host rocks and consists of a lower horizon in which white veins of laminated micrite penetrate within cracks and an upper laminar one. The Teffa profile consists from base to top of: massive, laminar, massive and laminar-brecciated horizons. It developed on alluvial fan gravels. The study of the profiles shows the presence ofooids, the complex structure of the laminar horizons and the occurrence of fossil bee nests (Celliforma). Celliforma occurs as ovoid larval cells whose base is more or less rounded, but whose top is flat. The cells are about 3 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter. Their wall is about 5 mm thick, and is commonly laminated. Celliforma is interpreted as fossil nests of solitary bees. Their presence in the laminar horizons is evidence for the existence of a vegetation cover containing angiosperms. The association of the fossil nests with the calcretes and the microstructures of the calcretes, indicating the active influence of the vegetation cover, suggest that calcretes formed in the relatively more humid periods, in a general context o f an arid to semi-arid climate

Modelo tectónico reciente de la Cuenca Alta del Tajo (parte central española)

Active tectonics within the Upper Tagus Basin is related to the lithospheric flexure affecting the Palaeozoic basement of the basin. This flexure displays NE-SW trending. Besides, this structure is in agreement with the regional active stress field defined by the maximum horizontal stress with NW-SE trending. In this tectonic framework, irregular clusters of instrumental seismicity (Mw< 5.0) fade in the zone bounded by the Tagus River and the Jarama River valleys. These clusters are related to major NW-SE trending faults of suspected strike-slip kinematics. Moreover, reverse faults with NE-SW trending are affected by the strike-slip system as well. Despite the reverse faults are in agreement with the present SHMAX orientation, though, they apparently are blocked as seismogenic sources (scarce instrumental seismicity recorded today). In addition, we have determined the regional and local stress/ strain fields and two different fracture patterns were observed. Hence, we have divided the area in two zones: (1) the lateral bands of the basin, defined by reverse faulting (NE-SW trending) and strike-slip faulting (NW-SE trending) and (2) the central zone of the basin characterized by shallow normal faulting and NE-SW trending strike-slip faults. Furthermore, surface faulting and liquefaction structures are described affecting Middle to Late Pleistocene fluvial deposits, suggesting intrabasinal palaeoseismic activity (5.5 < M < 6.5) during the Late Quaternary. The obtained structural and tectonic information has been used to classify and characterize the Upper Tagus Basin as a semi-stable intraplate seismogenic zone, featured by Pleistocene slip-rates < 0.02 mm/yr. This value is low but it affords the occurrence of Pleistocene paleoearthquakes.La tectónica activa de la Cuenca Alta del río Tajo está caracterizada por la presencia de una flexión litosférica localizada en el basamento paleozoico, y cuyo eje se orienta según NE-SW. Esta flexión es coherente con el estado de esfuerzos actual en la zona, definido mediante la orientación del esfuerzo máximo horizontal, SHMAX, según NW-SE. En este contexto, la sismicidad en el borde sur del Sistema Central aparece concentrada en fallas direccionales según NW-SE, registrándose terremotos de magnitud < 5.0 (S. XX). Estos desgarres sectorizan el sistema de fallas inversas (NE-SW) que estructuran la cadena montañosa, las cuales a pesar de estar orientados coherentemente con el estado actual de esfuerzos, aparecen bloqueados o desactivados como fuentes sismogénicas. La geometría de la flexura condiciona la ocurrencia de una zona de concentración anómala de esfuerzos que resulta en la agrupación de eventos sísmicos localizada entre los valles de los ríos Tajo y Jarama. El estudio sismotectónico indica que el campo actual de deformación se encuentra distribuido en dos zonas relacionadas con la flexión: (1) una zona central caracterizada por la presencia de fallas normales superficiales y desgarres orientados según NE-SW; y (2) zona lateral caracterizada por fallas de tipo inverso (NE-SW) y desgarres (NW-SE) y que bordea a la zona anterior. Estudios paleosísmicos en la zona muestran la ocurrencia de diferentes niveles de liquefacción afectando a los depósitos fluviales del Pleistoceno Medio y Superior en los valles de los ríos Manzanares, Jarama y Tajo, así como una importante variedad de estructuras de deformación. En general la granulometría licuefactada muestra diques de arena, aunque en algún caso aparecen niveles decimétricos de gravas. A partir de los datos sismotectónicos, geológicos y paleosísmicos descritos y recopilados para esta zona, la Cuenca alta del Tajo puede clasificarse como una zona sismogénica intraplaca con velocidades de deformación pleistocenas inferiores a 0,02 mm/año y sismicidad instrumental difusa de tamaño moderado-bajo

Rational foundation of GR in terms of statistical mechanic in the AdS/CFT framework

In this article, we work out the microscopic statistical foundation of the supergravity description of the simplest 1/2 BPS sector in the AdS(5)/CFT(4). Then, all the corresponding supergravity observables are related to thermodynamical observables, and General Relativity is understood as a mean-field theory. In particular, and as an example, the Superstar is studied and its thermodynamical properties clarified.Comment: 13 pages, 6 eps figures, latex, some improvements introduced, reference added, typos correcte

Classification of olive oils according to sensory defects using a potentiometric electronic tongue

Olive oil is a highly appreciated food product being very prone to frauds. Olive oils may be graded as extra-virgin, virgin or lampante. This classification is attributed according to legal requirements, including chemical parameters and sensorial analysis. Among the organoleptic sensations, the capability of perceiving the presence or absence of sensory defects plays a key role for olive oils grade classification. This task is time-consuming and quite expensive, requiring the use of an official taste panel, which can only evaluate a low number of samples per day. In this work, an electronic tongue is proposed to discriminate olive oils according to the defect predominantly perceived (winey-vinegary, wet-wood, rancid and fusty/muddy sediment), by a trained sensory panel. Sub-sets of potentiometric signal profiles obtained from the lipid sensor membranes of the taste electrochemical device were selected using a simulated annealing meta-heuristic algorithm, allowing establishing classification linear discriminant model, which showed a predictive success classification rate of 81% for leave-one-out or cross-validation procedure. The satisfactory predictive performance achieved pointed out the practical potential of using this artificial taste sensor as a complementary methodology for olive oil sensory analysis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Controlling quantum entanglement through photocounts

We present a protocol to generate and control quantum entanglement between the states of two subsystems (the system ${\cal S}$) by making measurements on a third subsystem (the monitor ${\cal M}$), interacting with ${\cal S}$. For the sake of comparison we consider first an ideal, or instantaneous projective measurement, as postulated by von Neumann. Then we compare it with the more realistic or generalized measurement procedure based on photocounting on ${\cal M}$. Further we consider that the interaction term (between ${\cal S}$ and ${\cal M}$) contains a quantum nondemolition variable of ${\cal S}$ and discuss the possibility and limitations for reconstructing the initial state of ${\cal S}$ from information acquired by photocounting on ${\cal M}$.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev

Enhancing declarative debugging with loop expansion and tree compression

This work has been partially supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Econom´ıa y Competitividad (Secretar´ıa de Estado de Investigaci´on, Desarrollo e Innovaci´on) under grant TIN2008-06622-C03-02 and by the Generalitat Valenciana under grant PROMETEO/2011/052. David Insa was partially supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Eduaci´on under FPU grant AP2010-4415Insa Cabrera, D.; Silva Galiana, JF.; Tomás Franco, C. (2013). Enhancing declarative debugging with loop expansion and tree compression. En Logic-Based Program Synthesis and Transformation. Springer Verlag (Germany). 71-88. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38197-3_6S7188Binks, D.: Declarative Debugging in Gödel. PhD thesis, University of Bristol (1995)Calejo, M.: A Framework for Declarative Prolog Debugging. PhD thesis, New University of Lisbon (1992)Davie, T., Chitil, O.: Hat-delta: One Right Does Make a Wrong. In: Butterfield, A. (ed.) Draft Proceedings of the 17th International Workshop on Implementation and Application of Functional Languages, IFL 2005, p. 11. Tech. Report No: TCD-CS-2005-60, University of Dublin, Ireland (September 2005)Davie, T., Chitil, O.: Hat-delta: One Right Does Make a Wrong. In: Seventh Symposium on Trends in Functional Programming, TFP 2006 (April 2006)Harrison, P.G., Khoshnevisan, H.: A new approach to recursion removal. Theor. Comput. Sci. 93(1), 91–113 (1992)Hirunkitti, V., Hogger, C.J.: A Generalised Query Minimisation for Program Debugging. In: Adsul, B. (ed.) AADEBUG 1993. LNCS, vol. 749, pp. 153–170. Springer, Heidelberg (1993)Insa, D., Silva, J.: An Algorithmic Debugger for Java. In: Proc. of the 26th IEEE International Conference on Software Maintenance, pp. 1–6 (2010)Insa, D., Silva, J.: Debugging with Incomplete and Dynamically Generated Execution Trees. In: Proc. of the 20th International Symposium on Logic-based Program Synthesis and Transformation, LOPSTR 2010, Austria (2010)Insa, D., Silva, J.: A Transformation of Iterative Loops into Recursive Loops. Technical Report DSIC/05/12, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (2012), http://www.dsic.upv.es/~jsilva/research.htm#techsInsa, D., Silva, J., Tomás, C.: Enhancing Declarative Debugging with Loop Expansion and Tree Compression. Technical Report DSIC/11/12, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (2012), http://www.dsic.upv.es/~jsilva/research.htm#techsLiu, Y.A., Stoller, S.D.: From recursion to iteration: what are the optimizations? In: Proceedings of the 2000 ACM SIGPLAN Workshop on Partial Evaluation and Semantics-Based Program Manipulation, PEPM 2000, pp. 73–82. ACM, New York (2000)Lloyd, J.W.: Declarative error diagnosis. New Gen. Comput. 5(2), 133–154 (1987)Nilsson, H.: Declarative Debugging for Lazy Functional Languages. PhD thesis, Linköping, Sweden (May 1998)NIST: The Economic Impacts of Inadequate Infrastructure for Software Testing. USA National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST Planning Report 02-3 (May 2002)Riesco, A., Verdejo, A., Martí-Oliet, N., Caballero, R.: Declarative Debugging of Rewriting Logic Specifications. Journal of Logic and Algebraic Programming (September 2011)Shapiro, E.Y.: Algorithmic Program Debugging. MIT Press (1982)Silva, J.: A Survey on Algorithmic Debugging Strategies. Advances in Engineering Software 42(11), 976–991 (2011)Yi, Q., Adve, V., Kennedy, K.: Transforming loops to recursion for multi-level memory hierarchies. In: Proceedings of the SIGPLAN 2000 Conference on Programming Language Design and Implementation, pp. 169–181 (2000

Coarse-Graining the Lin-Maldacena Geometries

The Lin-Maldacena geometries are nonsingular gravity duals to degenerate vacuum states of a family of field theories with SU(2|4) supersymmetry. In this note, we show that at large N, where the number of vacuum states is large, there is a natural `macroscopic' description of typical states, giving rise to a set of coarse-grained geometries. For a given coarse-grained state, we can associate an entropy related to the number of underlying microstates. We find a simple formula for this entropy in terms of the data that specify the geometry. We see that this entropy function is zero for the original microstate geometries and maximized for a certain ``typical state'' geometry, which we argue is the gravity dual to the zero-temperature limit of the thermal state of the corresponding field theory. Finally, we note that the coarse-grained geometries are singular if and only if the entropy function is non-zero.Comment: 29 pages, LaTeX, 3 figures; v2 references adde