Highly efficient Localisation utilising Weightless neural systems

Efficient localisation is a highly desirable property for an autonomous navigation system. Weightless neural networks offer a real-time approach to robotics applications by reducing hardware and software requirements for pattern recognition techniques. Such networks offer the potential for objects, structures, routes and locations to be easily identified and maps constructed from fused limited sensor data as information becomes available. We show that in the absence of concise and complex information, localisation can be obtained using simple algorithms from data with inherent uncertainties using a combination of Genetic Algorithm techniques applied to a Weightless Neural Architecture

Measuring positive memories of home and family during childhood: The development and initial validation of the ‘Memories of Home and Family Scale’

There is a burgeoning evidence base highlighting the positive influence of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), even in the context of adversity. However, few measures are available to assess BCEs. The current study sought to develop and validate a measure which assesses positive recollections of experiences and emotions at home and with family during childhood called the ‘Memories of Home and Family Scale’(MHFS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to test the latent structure of the preliminary MHFS item scores in a sample of university students from the United Kingdom (N = 624). Following selection of the best-fitting model and final items for inclusion in the scale, total and subscale scores were correlated with a range of mental health outcomes. CFA results indicated that the latent structure of the MHFS items was best represented by a correlated six-factor first-order model. The final MHFS demonstrated high levels of internal reliability and convergent validity

The network structure of ICD-11 complex post-traumatic stress disorder across different traumatic life events

Abstract not available

Measuring Positive Memories of Home and Family During Childhood: The Development and Initial Validation of the ‘Memories of Home and Family Scale’

Purpose: There are multiple studies illustrating how benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) are associated with more favorable health outcomes across the life-course, even in the context of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Despite this, few measures are available to assess BCEs. Existing measures include a narrow spectrum of objective BCEs and are limited by the use of binary response categories while few investigate BCEs specifically related to the family and home environment. Thus, the current study sought to develop and validate a measure which assesses positive recollections of experiences and emotions at home and with family during childhood called the ‘Memories of Home and Family Scale’(MHFS). Methods: Items were generated which captured a diverse range of positive emotions and experiences related to home and family life during childhood. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to test the latent structure of the preliminary MHFS item scores in a sample of university students from the United Kingdom (N=624). Following selection of the best-fitting model and final items for inclusion in the scale, total and subscale scores were correlated with a range of mental health outcomes. Results: The results from the CFA indicated that the latent structure of the MHFS items was best represented by a correlated six-factor first-order model. The final MHFS demonstrated high levels of internal reliability and convergent validity. Conclusion: The MHFS is a 28-item multidimensional measure which assesses positive memories of home and family during childhood across six dimensions including valued, independence, support, security, wellness, growth and meaning

Does requiring trauma exposure affect rates of ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD? Implications for DSM-5

Objective: There is little evidence that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more likely to follow traumatic events defined by Criterion A than non-Criterion A stressors. Criterion A events might have greater predictive validity for ICD-11 PTSD which is a condition more narrowly defined by core features. We evaluated the impact of using Criterion A, an ‘expanded’ trauma definition in line with ICD-11 guidelines, and no exposure criterion on rates of ICD-11 PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). We also assessed if five psychologically threatening events included in the expanded definition were as strongly associated with PTSD and CPTSD as ‘standard’ Criterion A events. Method: A nationally representative sample from Ireland (N = 1,020) completed self-report measures. Results: Most participants were trauma-exposed based on Criterion A (82%) and the ‘expanded’ (88%) criterion. When no exposure criterion was used, 13.7% met diagnostic requirements for PTSD or CPTSD; 13.2% when the expanded criterion was used, and 13.2% when Criterion A was used. The five psychologically threatening events were as strongly associated with PTSD and CPTSD as the Criterion A events. In a multivariate analysis, only the psychologically threatening events were significantly associated with PTSD (stalking) and CPTSD (bullying, emotional abuse, and neglect). Conclusions: Certain non-Criterion A events involving extreme fear and horror should be considered traumatic. The ICD-11 approach of providing clinical guidance rather than a formal definition offers a viable solution to some of the problems associated with the current and previous attempts to define traumatic exposure