An extended Stein-type covariance identity for the Pearson family with applications to lower variance bounds

For an absolutely continuous (integer-valued) r.v. $X$ of the Pearson (Ord) family, we show that, under natural moment conditions, a Stein-type covariance identity of order $k$ holds (cf. [Goldstein and Reinert, J. Theoret. Probab. 18 (2005) 237--260]). This identity is closely related to the corresponding sequence of orthogonal polynomials, obtained by a Rodrigues-type formula, and provides convenient expressions for the Fourier coefficients of an arbitrary function. Application of the covariance identity yields some novel expressions for the corresponding lower variance bounds for a function of the r.v. $X$, expressions that seem to be known only in particular cases (for the Normal, see [Houdr\'{e} and Kagan, J. Theoret. Probab. 8 (1995) 23--30]; see also [Houdr\'{e} and P\'{e}rez-Abreu, Ann. Probab. 23 (1995) 400--419] for corresponding results related to the Wiener and Poisson processes). Some applications are also given.Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.3150/10-BEJ282 the Bernoulli (http://isi.cbs.nl/bernoulli/) by the International Statistical Institute/Bernoulli Society (http://isi.cbs.nl/BS/bshome.htm

Intra-specific responses of Cymodocea nodosa to macro-nutrient, irradiance and copper exposure

Excess macro-nutrients, metal contamination and light limitation are three of the most commonly encountered anthropogenic stressors affecting seagrass meadows. In this study, the effects of different combinations of nutrients (N-NO3, P-PO4), copper and irradiance were investigated in shoots of Cymodocea nodosa collected from three meadows in the N. Aegean Sea, one (Nea Karvali) impacted by anthropogenically-derived environmental stressors and two in more pristine condition (Thasos, Brasidas). In a series of laboratory experiments, shoots were exposed to varying nutrient and heavy metal concentrations, as well as varying irradiance levels, for 8days and the effective quantum yield (δF/Fm') and leaf elongation were quantified. Results showed that C. nodosa increased δF/Fm' under high nutrient concentrations (30μΜ N-NO3--2μΜ P-PO43-) but significant differences were only apparent in shoots collected from the oligotrophic-less stressed meadows. Irradiance affected δF/Fm' significantly in all shoots irrespective of source and PO4-P concentration, while higher values were measured under low light conditions and it was identified as the main pathway of eutrophication stress in N. Aegean Cymodocea meadows. Shoots, independently of acclimation were tolerant to copper enrichment, with only the highest copper concentrations (4.7 and 7.9μM) having significant negative effects on δF/Fm'. Shoots from the more pristine meadows were less affected by Cu than those from the highly stressed meadow

Optimization of Patterned Surfaces for Improved Superhydrophobicity Through Cost-Effective Large-Scale Computations

The growing need for creating surfaces with specific wetting properties, such as superhyrdophobic behavior, asks for novel methods for their efficient design. In this work, a fast computational method for the evaluation of patterned superhyrdophobic surfaces is introduced. The hydrophobicity of a surface is quantified in energy terms through an objective function. The increased computational cost led to the parallelization of the method with the Message Passing Interface (MPI) communication protocol that enables calculations on distributed memory systems allowing for parametric investigations at acceptable time frames. The method is demonstrated for a surface consisting of an array of pillars with inverted conical (frustum) geometry. The parallel speedup achieved allows for low cost parametric investigations on the effect of the fine features (curvature and slopes) of the pillars on the superhydophobicity of the surface and consequently for the optimization of superhyrdophobic surfaces.Comment: 18 pages, 18 figure

Higher levels of psychiatric symptomatology reported by health professionals working in medical settings in Greece

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Psychological distress in healthcare workers may vary across different specialties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the rate of anxiety and depression between medical and mental healthcare workers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The sample was randomly selected and consisted of 229 workers from the medical health sector and 212 from the mental health sector, aged 39.8 ± 7.9 years old. Health workers from University and General Hospitals from all over Greece participated in the study. The Greek version of the Symptoms Rating Scale For Depression and Anxiety (SRSDA) was used. Statistics were processed with SPSS v. 17.0.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The medical health professionals showed statistically significantly higher scores in all the subscales in comparison with the mental health sector workers, independently of years serving in the department. The rates of a possible psychiatric disorder (score over cutoff points) were significantly elevated on the Beck-21, melancholy and asthenia subscales.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Medical healthcare workers appear to suffer from psychological distress more than their colleagues in the mental sector.</p

Borderline personality disorder and nursing approach

Introduction: Borderline Personality Disorder, is one of the ten Personality Disorders. These Disorders are split into three categories, with the Borderline being part of the second one where elements of dramatization and emotional instability are frequently evident. Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to investigate and highlight the characteristics, the treatment and nursing approach for people with this disorder. Methodology: The study material consisted of articles on the topic found in Greek and international databases such as: PubMed, Cochrane, Hellenic Academic Libraries Association (HEAL-Link), Scopus and PsycINFO, using keywords as: “Borderline Personality Disorder”, “Diagnosis”, “Therapy”, “Treatment”, “Holistic Care”, “Nursing Care”. Results: Bordeline Personality Disorder is characterized as a condition in which a person differs significantly from the average of people, about how he thinks, perceives, feels or relates to others. Treatment for this Disorder does not exist, however medication is used to remission the symptoms. Nurses are part of the treatment team. They’re going to help the patient learn to live with the symptoms of his disorder. As these people are special patients, nurses must learn from their training not to focus on the patient's problem, but on the patient himself. Conclusions: The key characteristics of Borderline are impulsivity and instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image and emotions. As there is no treatment, nurses as members of the treatment team must develop a relationship of trust with the patient in order to be able to help him in his recovery. It is important for nurses to be able to properly approach the person with Borderline Personality Disorder to learn to adapt according to his personalit

IMMIGRATION AND MENTAL DISORDERS

Introduction: Immigration is the movement of people into a country where they will remain as its permanent residents or future citizens without having citizenship. Purpose: The purpose of this review study is to highlight the impact of immigration on the mental health of immigrants and to identify the mental disorders from which immigrants are at risk of getting ill. Methodology: The study material consisted of articles on the topic, found in Greek and international databases such as: Google Scholar, Mednet, Pubmed, Medline and the Hellenic Academic Libraries Association (HEAL-Link), using the appropriate keywords: mental illness, immigrants, treatment. Results: It is estimated that two-thirds of refugees - migrants experience anxiety and depression. Studies show that these are populations with severe social problems, unmet needs, and a range of mental health problems such as depression, panic attacks, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conclusions: Addressing the mental health problems of immigrants and refugees can only be holistic. It requires much more psychosocial interventions and practical solutions, always combined with culturally appropriate psychological support methods

Assessment of voltage dips based on field measurements in MV networks

Voltage dip is considered as the PQ problem related to the highest financial losses for the customers. It occurs unpredictably mainly due to short-circuit faults in the networks. Network operators and customers want to know more about the occurrence and the potential impact of voltage dips. PQ monitoring is an essential tool for the assessment of voltage dips and it can ultimately contribute to the regulation of voltage dip events. In this paper, firstly the methods of voltage monitoring and voltage dips characterization are discussed. Voltage dip indices of six substations are presented in order to assess the occurrence, type and severity of dips that occur in typical Dutch MV networks. Finally, an approach, which is based on the disrupted loads because of a voltage dip event, is introduced and applied to the data at one substation in order to assess the quality of supply voltage and its implications for the end-users

Alcohol Use and Mental Health Status Among University Students in Greece

Alcohol abuse is a common incident in college student’s communities. The purpose of this research study was to evaluate the rates of alcohol use among university students in Greece and to search if there is a relation between alcohol use disorders and mental health status (depression, anxiety, stress)

Emotional Intelligence and Caring Behaviors of Mental Health Nurses in Greece

The purpose of this descriptive study of correlation of the synchronic type is to investigate the level of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Caring Behaviors exhibited by nurses in mental health, as well as the relationship with their individual characteristics

Impact of job burnout on mental health among social workers in public and private sector in Greece

Purpose: This study examines the impact of job burnout on the social workers’ mental health in public and private sector. Material and Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in which 103 social workers who were working in public (n=56) and private (n=47) sector of the Thessaly region in Greece. Data were collected with a questionnaire including socio-demographic and work-related characteristics, the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Independent t-test, anova and Pearson coefficient were used in statistical analysis. Results: Emotional exhaustion was positively related to somatic symptoms (r=0.470, p&lt;0.001), anxiety/insomnia (r=0.429, p&lt;0.001), social dysfunction (r=0.365, p&lt;0.001), depression (r=0.252, p=0.010) and overall mental burden (r=0.518, p&lt;0.001) of social workers. Personal achievements were negatively related to somatic symptoms (r=-0.326, p=0.001), anxiety/insomnia (r=-0.266, p=0.007), social dysfunction (r=-0.321, p=0.001), depression (r=-0.444, p&lt;0.001) and overall mental burden (r=-0.444, p&lt;0.001). Also, depersonalization was positively associated with somatic symptoms (r=0.218, p=0.027), anxiety/insomnia (r=0.317, p=0.001) and overall mental burden (r=0.258, p=0.009). Conclusion: All dimensions of burnout had a significant effect on mental health disorders of social workers in labo