Quadrature formulas based on rational interpolation

We consider quadrature formulas based on interpolation using the basis functions $1/(1+t_kx)$ $(k=1,2,3,\ldots)$ on $[-1,1]$, where $t_k$ are parameters on the interval $(-1,1)$. We investigate two types of quadratures: quadrature formulas of maximum accuracy which correctly integrate as many basis functions as possible (Gaussian quadrature), and quadrature formulas whose nodes are the zeros of the orthogonal functions obtained by orthogonalizing the system of basis functions (orthogonal quadrature). We show that both approaches involve orthogonal polynomials with modified (or varying) weights which depend on the number of quadrature nodes. The asymptotic distribution of the nodes is obtained as well as various interlacing properties and monotonicity results for the nodes

EDUCATING ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES TO COPE WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS: AN ETHNIC APPROACH TO PROFESSIONAL AND LAY INTERVENTIONS

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in January 2015 there were 622,384 asylum seekers or refugees from Syria living in Jordan. According to the same source, there are intense endeavors by private and public agencies aiming at improving their living conditions especially from an educational perspective. Focusing on this current challenge to Jordan, we present suggestions to deal with posttraumatic symptomatology in refugees in a culturally sensitive way in order to educate clients towards effective coping with their symptoms. First, we present experiences from a qualitative study on ethnic interventions at the Waiern Clinic in Austria for refugees from former Yugoslavia. Preliminary results have been highly encouraging, as participants reported to have benefitted especially from the culturally sensitive aspects of the interventions. Second, we report about a randomized, controlled study from Austria (total sample of N = 94), which examined the effects of self-help groups for asylum seekers and refugees from Chechnya. In the course of 15 sessions of guided self-help groups, we found statistically significant and large effects with respect to the reduction of clinical symptoms as compared to the Wait-List Control Group in traumatized participants. These effects remained stable over a six-month follow-up period. From the results it is concluded that ethnic interventions can be highly beneficial for asylum seekers and refugees towards educating them in dealing with post-traumatic symptomatology. The findings could instigate additional endeavors to assist Syrian refugees and might be of interest for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and policy makers

EDUCATING ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES TO COPE WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS: AN ETHNIC APPROACH TO PROFESSIONAL AND LAY INTERVENTIONS

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in January 2015 there were 622,384 asylum seekers or refugees from Syria living in Jordan. According to the same source, there are intense endeavors by private and public agencies aiming at improving their living conditions especially from an educational perspective. Focusing on this current challenge to Jordan, we present suggestions to deal with posttraumatic symptomatology in refugees in a culturally sensitive way in order to educate clients towards effective coping with their symptoms. First, we present experiences from a qualitative study on ethnic interventions at the Waiern Clinic in Austria for refugees from former Yugoslavia. Preliminary results have been highly encouraging, as participants reported to have benefitted especially from the culturally sensitive aspects of the interventions. Second, we report about a randomized, controlled study from Austria (total sample of N = 94), which examined the effects of self-help groups for asylum seekers and refugees from Chechnya. In the course of 15 sessions of guided self-help groups, we found statistically significant and large effects with respect to the reduction of clinical symptoms as compared to the Wait-List Control Group in traumatized participants. These effects remained stable over a six-month follow-up period. From the results it is concluded that ethnic interventions can be highly beneficial for asylum seekers and refugees towards educating them in dealing with post-traumatic symptomatology. The findings could instigate additional endeavors to assist Syrian refugees and might be of interest for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and policy makers

Subchondral bone density distribution of the talus in clinically normal Labrador Retrievers

Background: Bones continually adapt their morphology to their load bearing function. At the level of the subchondral bone, the density distribution is highly correlated with the loading distribution of the joint. Therefore, subchondral bone density distribution can be used to study joint biomechanics non-invasively. In addition physiological and pathological joint loading is an important aspect of orthopaedic disease, and research focusing on joint biomechanics will benefit veterinary orthopaedics. This study was conducted to evaluate density distribution in the subchondral bone of the canine talus, as a parameter reflecting the long-term joint loading in the tarsocrural joint. Results: Two main density maxima were found, one proximally on the medial trochlear ridge and one distally on the lateral trochlear ridge. All joints showed very similar density distribution patterns and no significant differences were found in the localisation of the density maxima between left and right limbs and between dogs. Conclusions: Based on the density distribution the lateral trochlear ridge is most likely subjected to highest loads within the tarsocrural joint. The joint loading distribution is very similar between dogs of the same breed. In addition, the joint loading distribution supports previous suggestions of the important role of biomechanics in the development of OC lesions in the tarsus. Important benefits of computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM), i.e. the possibility of in vivo imaging and temporal evaluation, make this technique a valuable addition to the field of veterinary orthopaedic research

German students in Austria: A psychometric pilot study on developing a modified version of the Sociocultural Adaptation Scale

In previous studies, the Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS) has been employed in studying migrants’ and sojourners’ adaptation to geographically and linguistically distant cultures. In the present study, the SCAS has been modified according to the needs of German students of psychology in Austria. In line with social identity theory and previous empirical evidence, despite the two countries’ vicinity, considerable ethnic tension and adaptation problems of Germans in Austria were expected. We administered the modified SCAS to 77 women and 55 men of German descent at two Austrian universities. Factor analysis revealed three oblique dimensions, with Factor 1 pertaining to understanding Austrian culture, mentality, and values, Factor 2 addressing communication issues and Factor 3 dealing with academic requirements at the university. From the first two factors reliable subscales were derived, whereas for Scale 3 reliability was insufficient. Open questions and consecutive ratings of socio-cultural adaptation were employed towards assessing validity of the subscales. As opposed to Scale 3, Scales 1 and 2 were found to be valid measures of socio-cultural adaptation and will constitute the final version of the adapted SCAS. In line with our expectations, respondents reported considerable problems in understanding Austrian mentality and in communicating with Austrians, whereas they had no difficulties with respect to academic performance. The adapted version of the SCAS can be used as a research tool in order to study German students’ adaptation to Austrian culture in more detail