922017 research outputs found
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Hypnotic suggestibility in dissociative and related disorders: A meta-analysis
No full textElevated responsiveness to verbal suggestions is hypothesized to represent a predisposing factor for dissociative disorders (DDs) and related conditions. However, the magnitude of this effect has not been estimated in these populations nor has the potential moderating influence of methodological limitations on effect size variability across studies. This study assessed whether patients with DDs, trauma- and stressor-related disorders (TSDs), and functional neurological disorder (FND) display elevated hypnotic suggestibility. A systematic literature search identified 20 datasets. A random-effects meta-analysis revealed that patients displayed greater hypnotic suggestibility than controls, Hedges’s g=0.92 [0.66, 1.18]. This effect was observed in all subgroups but was most pronounced in the DDs. Although there was some evidence for publication bias, a bias-corrected estimate of the group effect remained significant, g=0.57 [0.30, 0.85]. Moderation analyses did not yield evidence for a link between effect sizes and methodological limitations. These results demonstrate that DDs and related conditions are characterized by elevated hypnotic suggestibility and have implications for the mechanisms, risk factors, and treatment of dissociative psychopathology. Keywords: dissociation; hypnotizability; post-traumatic stress disorder; suggestion; trauma<br/
Establishing the reliability and the validity of the Arabic translated versions of the Effort Assessment Scale and the Fatigue Assessment Scale
No full textObjective: The aim was to establish the reliability and the validity of Arabic translated versions of the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and the Effort Assessment Scale (EAS). Design: The FAS and the EAS were translated from the original English following a recommended six-step approach for translating hearing-related questionnaires for different languages. The reliability of the scales was investigated using Cronbach’s alpha, item-total correlation, and inter-item correlation. Construct validity was investigated using factor analysis and the hypothesis testing method.Study sample: The translated scales were completed by 146 participants from Jordan and Saudi Arabia (age range 19-86 years old, 39% male). Participants’ hearing level ranged from normal to profound.Results: Item 3 in the translated FAS was removed to improve the scale’s construct validity. The translated version of the EAS was found to be as reliable and valid as the original EAS.Conclusion: The availability of standardized versions of the FAS and the EAS provides a quick and easy method for improving hearing rehabilitation in Arabic-speaking countries where audiology services can often be costly and not necessarily accessible to all individuals
A Laser-Atom Interaction Simulator derived from Quantum Electrodynamics
No full textA laser-atom interaction simulator derived from quantum electrodynamics (LASED) is presented, which has been developed in the python programming language. LASED allows a user to calculate the time evolution of a laser-excited atomic system. The model allows for any laser polarization, a Gaussian laser beam profile, a rotation of the reference frame chosen to define the states, and an averaging over the Doppler profile of an atomic beam. Examples of simulations using LASED are presented for excitation of calcium from the 41S0 state to the 41P1 state, for excitation from the helium 31D2 state excited by electron impact to the 101P1 state, and for laser excitation of caesium via the D2 line
Design of Flexible Meander Line Antenna for Healthcare for Wireless Medical Body Area Networks
No full texta flexible meander line monopole antenna (MMA) is presented in this paper. The antenna can be worn for on-and off-body applications. The overall dimension of the MMA is 37 mm 50 mm 2.37 mm3. The MMA was manufactured and measured, and the results matched with simulation results. The MMA design shows a bandwidth of up to 1282.4 (450.5) MHz and provides gains of 3.03 (4.85) dBi in the lower and upper operating bands, respectively, showing omnidirectional radiation patterns in free space. While worn on the chest or arm, bandwidths as high as 688.9 (500.9) MHz and 1261.7 (524.2) MHz, and the gains of 3.80 (4.67) dBi and 3.00 (4.55) dBi were observed. The experimental measurements of the read range confirmed the results of the coverage range of up to 11 meters
Evaluating the Use of Phosphate to Mitigate Caustic-PbSCC of Alloy 690TT
No full textPhosphate additions to Pb-caustic water chemistry were investigated as possible avenue to mitigate against caustic Lead-Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking (PbSCC) of Alloy 690TT at around 310°C. Dosing with 1,700 ppm of phosphate promoted a small beneficial effect in PbSCC resistance. However, with 3,000 ppm of phosphate, mitigation was only achieved for as received surfaces, whilst polished surfaces displayed localized attack. Advanced materials characterization revealed that a similar crack tip composition was generated in different solutions. It is suggested that phosphate decreased the PbSCC kinetics by partly sequestering Pb from the bulk environment, although not below the threshold value required to prevent cracking
Billing Models for Peer-to-Peer Electricity Trading Markets with Imperfect Bid-Offer Fulfillment
No full textThis paper proposes four new billing models for peerto-peer electricity trading markets that take into account electricity volume deviations of market participants from their bids and volumes. These billing models incorporate different cost sharing mechanisms so that (i) the costs incurred due to these deviations are minimal for consumers and prosumers and (ii) include non peer-to-peer participants as well. The former is achieved by designing cost sharing mechanisms which split the cost socially, while the latter is achieved by introducing a mid market that clears all the available supply from the P2P market. Through simulations of a small-scale community, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of our billing models in significantly increasing prosumers’ rewards and reducing consumers’ bills.<br/
Extracellular volume fraction improves risk-stratification for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
No full textObjectivesTo evaluate whether CMR-based parametric mapping and strain analysis can improve the risk-stratification for ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and sudden death (SD) in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). Methods and resultsSecondary analysis of a prospective single-centre-registry (NCT02326324), including 703 consecutive NICM patients, 618 with extracellular volume (ECV) available. The combined primary endpoint included appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies, sustained ventricular tachycardia, resuscitated cardiac arrest and SD. During a median follow-up of 21 months, 14 patients (2%) experienced the primary endpoint. Native T1 was not associated with the primary endpoint. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain lost its significant association after adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Among patients with ECV available, 11 (2%) reached the primary endpoint. Mean ECV was significantly associated with the primary endpoint and the best cut-off was 30%. ECV≥30% was the strongest independent predictor of the primary endpoint (HR 14.1, p=0.01) after adjustment for LGE and LVEF. ECV≥30% discriminated the arrhythmic risk among LGE+ cases and among those with LVEF≤35%. A simple clinical risk-stratification model, based on LGE, LVEF≤35% and ECV≥30%, achieved an excellent predictive ability (Harrell’s C 0.82) and reclassified the risk of 32% of the study population as compared to LVEF≤35% alone. Conclusions Comprehensive CMR evaluation in NICM showed that ECV was the only parameter with an independent and strong predictive value for VA/SD, on top of LGE and LVEF. A risk-stratification model based on LGE, LVEF≤35% and ECV≥30% achieved an excellent predictive ability for VA/SD
Current and Future Perspectives on the Utility of Provocative Tests of Anal Sphincter Function: a state-of-the-art summary
No full textBackgroundThe maintenance of fecal continence depends upon coordinated interactions between the pelvic floor, anorectum, and anal sphincter complex orchestrated by central and peripheral neural activities. The current techniques to objectively measure anorectal function rely on fixed diameter catheters placed inside the anal canal with a rectal balloon to obtain measurements of anal resting and squeeze function, and rectal compliance. Until recently it had not been possible to measure the distensibility of the anal canal, or in other words its ability to resist opening against an increasing pressure, which has been proposed as the main determinant of a biological sphincter’s function. Anal acoustic reflectometry (AAR) and the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) are two novel, provocative techniques that dynamically assess the anal sphincter complex under volume-controlled distension. In doing so, both provide information on the viscoelastic properties of the anal canal and offer new insights into its function. PurposeThis review details the current and potential future applications of AAR and FLIP and highlights the unanswered questions relevant to these new technologies. <br/