bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible Light Photocatalytic Properties of Modified Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles via Aluminium Treatment
Authors: Ariyanti Dessy , Dong Junzhe , Dong Junye , Gao Wei
Published: March 2016

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has gained much attentions for the last few decades due to its remarkable performance in photocatalysis and some other related properties. However, its wide bandgap (~3.2 eV) can only absorb UV energy which is only ~5% of solar light spectrum. The objective of this research was to improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 by improving the optical absorption to the visible light range. Here, colored TiO2 nanoparticles range from light to dark grey were prepared via aluminium treatment at the temperatures ranging from 400 to 600 oC. The modified TiO2 is able to absorb up to 50% of visible light (400-700 nm) and shows a relatively good photocatalytic activity in organic dye (Rhodamine B) degradation under visible light irradiation compared with the commercial TiO2.
Application of Tin(II) Chloride Catalyst for High FFA Jatropha Oil Esterification in Continuous Reactive Distillation Column
Authors: Kusumaningtyas Ratna Dewi , Aji Imam Novrizal , Hadiyanto Hadiyanto , Budiman Arief
Published: March 2016

The application of heterogeneous solid acid catalysts in biodiesel production has become popular and gained significant attention over the last few years. It is since these types of catalysts hold the benefits in terms of easy separation from the product, reusability of the catalyst, high selectivity of the reaction. They are also considered sustainable and powerful particularly in organic synthesis. This work studied the use of tin(II) chloride as solid Lewis acid catalyst to promote the esterification reaction of high Free Fatty Acid (FFA) jatropha oil in continuous reactive distillation column. To obtain the optimum condition, the influences of reaction time, molar ratio of the reactant, and catalyst were investigated. It was revealed that the optimum condition was achieved at the molar ratio of methanol to FFA at 1:60, catalyst concentration of 5%, and reaction temperature of 60°C with the reaction conversion of 90%. This result was significantly superior to the identical reaction performed using batch reactor. The esterification of high FFA jatropha oil using reactive distillation in the presence of tin(II) chloride provided higher conversion than that of Amberlyst-15 heterogeneous catalyst and was comparable to that of homogenous sulfuric acid catalyst, which showed 30 and 94.71% conversion, respectively. The esterification reaction of high FFA jatropha oil was subsequently followed by transesterification reaction for the completion of the biodiesel production. Transesterification was carried out at 60 °C, molar ratio of methanol to oil of 1:6, NaOH catalyst of 1%, and reaction time of one hour. The jatropha biodiesel product resulted from this two steps process could satisfy the ASTM and Indonesian biodiesel standard in terms of ester content (97.79 %), density, and viscosity.
Effect of Co and Mo Loading by Impregnation and Ion Exchange Methods on Morphological Properties of Zeolite Y Catalyst
Authors: Anggoro Didi Dwi , Hidayati Nur , Buchori Luqman , Mundriyastutik Yayuk
Published: March 2016

Coal tar can be used as an alternative raw material for the production of liquid fuels, such as: gasoline and diesel through hydrogenation and cracking process. Hydrogenation and cracking process requires a catalyst which has metal components for hydrogenation reaction and acid components for cracking reaction. In this study, the Co/Zeolite Y and Co-Mo/Zeolite Y catalysts were prepared by impregnation and ion exchange methods. Characterizations of the catalysts were carried out by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and gravimetric acidity. The catalysts were tested for coal tar conversion to liquid fuel under various temperatures, amount of catalyst and hydrogen flow rates in a fixed bed flow reaction system. Liquid fuels products were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The XRD Spectra indicated that the addition of Co and Mo metals did not affect catalysts structure, however it alters the percentage of crystallinity. The addition of Co metal using impregnation method caused reduction in crystallinity, while the addition of Mo caused improvement of crystallinity. The Co-Mo/Zeolite Y catalyst with highest crystallinity was obtained by loading using ion exchange method. The addition of Co and Mo metals caused increasing acidity. However, the increasing composition of Co and Mo loaded on Zeolite Y catalyst decreased the yield of liquid fuels from coal tar. It can be concluded that the yields of liquid fuels and the composition of gasoline fractions from hydrocracking of coal tar were highly dependent on  acidity of the catalyst.
Lump Kinetic Analysis of Syngas Composition Effect on Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis over Cobalt and Cobalt-Rhenium Alumina Supported Catalyst
Authors: Tristantini Dewi , Suwignjo Ricky Kristanda
Published: March 2016

This study investigated lump kinetic analysis of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over Cobalt and Cobalt-Rhenium Alumina supported catalyst (Co/γ-Al2O3 and Co-Re/γ-Al2O3) at 20 bars and 483 K using feed gas with molar H2/CO ratios of 1.0 to 2.1. Syngas with H2/CO molar ratio of 1.0 represents syngas characteristic derived from biomass, while the 2.1 molar ratio syngas derived from coal. Rhenium was used as the promoter for the cobalt catalyst. Isothermal Langmuir adsorption mechanism was used to build kinetic model. Existing kinetic model of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over cobalt alumina supported catalysts only valid for operating pressure less than 10 bar. CO insertion mechanism with hydrogenation step of catalyst-adsorbed CO by catalyst-adsorbed H component as the rate-limiting step is valid for operating condition in this research. Higher H2/CO ratio makes faster hydrogenation step and less-product dominated in the associative CO adsorption step and dissociative H2 adsorption equilibrium step. Kinetic constant for hydrogenation step increases 73-421% in syngas with 2.1 H2/CO molar ratio compared to condition with 1.0 H2/CO molar ratio. Faster hydrogenation step (with higher kinetic constant) results in higher reactant conversion. Equilibrium constant for associative CO adsorption and dissociative H2 adsorption step decreases 53-94% and 13-82%, respectively, in syngas with higher H2/CO molar ratio. Less product dominated reactant adsorption step (lower equilibrium constant for CO and H2 adsorption step) gives higher CH4 product selectivity, which occurred on 2.1 molar ratio of syngas. Rhenium (Re) metal on cobalt catalyst with composition 0.05%Re-12%Co/γ-Al2O3 only gives effect as structural promoter, which only increases reactant conversion with the same product selectivity.
Controlled Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Double Reductants and Its Voltammetric Characteristics Study
Authors: Duan Yubo , Xu Zhihua , Jiang Xiaochun
Published: March 2016

Constructing robust silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with good shape and dispersibility is of particular interest in analytical applications. Herein, monodispersibility AgNPs with the average size of 20 nm have been successfully prepared via one-pot method using sodium borohydride and trisodium citrate as co-reductants. The introduction of sodium borohydride greatly accelerated the rate of nucleation, which can effectively solve the problem of broad size distribution. Both shape and dispersibility of AgNPs can be effectively adjusted by simple control of refluxing time or concentrations of the sodium borohydride. We also studied the voltammetric characteristics of the AgNPs using Ag/AgCl solid-state voltammetry. An intense and stable current peak at a low potential could be obtained, which could provide a unique advantage in analytical applications.
The Catalytic Degradation Performance of α-FeOOH Doped with Silicon on Methyl Orange
Authors: Lu Yonghua , Gao Weiwei , Xu Fang , Zhang Guangxian , Zhang Fengxiu
Published: March 2016

In order to improve the catalytic degradation property of α-FeOOH, α-FeOOH was doped with sodium silicate. The α-FeOOH doped with silicon was used as catalyst to catalyze the degradation of methyl orange. The XRD spectra showed that the crystalline phase of α-FeOOH doped with silicon was same as that of α-FeOOH; The catalytic degradation property of α-FeOOH doped with silicon was 21.7% higher than that of α-FeOOH; The results showed that catalytic degradation of methyl orange was almost degraded thoroughly at the conditions that the concentration of α-FeOOH doped with silicon in the solution was 0.73 g/L, the concentration of H2O2 was 0.231 mmol/L. The pH value was between 2 and 3, and the degradation reaction was carried out at 60 oC for at least 20 min.
Front-matter
Authors: Istadi Istadi
Published: March 2016

DOI: 10.9767/bcrec.11.1.439.i-iv
Back-matter
Authors: Istadi Istadi
Published: March 2016

DOI: 10.9767/bcrec.11.1.440.App.1-App.10
Coal
Authors: Hower James
Published: March 2016

Coal is a vital component of energy utilization throughout the world. In this article, various aspects of coal, including petrology, chemistry, and physical structure, as well as utilization aspects, including coking, combustion, gasification, and liquefaction, are discussed. In many countries, environmental regulations have impacted the quality of coal used in combustion, with the tendency to use lower sulfur coals. Coke production, while still an important user of coal, has declined. Liquefaction, despite the promise of providing an alternative to petroleum, has not been widely commercialized.
Electroless Deposition
Authors: Durkin Bradley
Published: March 2016

Electroless plating is the formation of a metallic coating on a metallic or nonmetallic surface by means of a chemical reaction between metal ions and a reducing agent in an aqueous solution. Also called autocatalytic plating, the process is useful for improving the properties of metallic substrates and providing conductivity to nonmetallic ones. Although it is more costly than more commonly used electrolytic plating, electroless deposits provide superior functional properties such as wear and corrosion resistance as well as uniformity of deposition for applications including automotive, electronics, and aerospace parts.
Electrochemical Machining
Authors: McGeough Joseph A.
Published: March 2016

Electrochemical machining (ECM), a metal removal process based on electrolysis, was developed for shaping high strength heat‐resistant alloys that are difficult to machine by conventional techniques. Using ECM techniques, hard metals can be shaped as reliably as soft ones. The process is used to smooth surfaces, to drill holes, and form complex shapes. The principles of ECM are described along with the types of electrolytes used.
Maintenance Management
Authors: Levitt Joel
Published: March 2016

The article provides a summary of the terms and concepts for efficient, effective, and safe maintenance management in chemical and process plants. It includes preventive and predictive approaches to maintenance, as well as other strategies for quality maintenance. Work management and crew training are also discussed.
Copper Catalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Cyclization Reactions
Authors: Clark Andrew J.
Published: March 2016

Atom transfer radical cyclization (ATRC) is a powerful technique to prepare functionalized 4–10 membered ring systems using transition metal catalysts. In this review recent advances in the use of copper complexes are described. In particular the effect of different ligands on reactivity, selectivity and product outcome are illustrated with application to heterocycle and natural product synthesis. New approaches that increase catalyst efficiency with supplemental reducing agents are reviewed and examples using green solvents, benign reducing agents (e.g. ascorbic acid) and with catalyst loadings as low as 0.05 mol‐% are highlighted. Radical addition to aromatic rings and rearrangement reactions under ATRC conditions as well as application to radical‐polar crossover reactions are also described.
Buoyancy effects in a wall jet over a heated horizontal plate
Authors: Fernandez-Feria R. , Castillo-Carrasco F.
Published: March 2016

A similarity solution of the boundary layer equations for a wall jet on a heated horizontal surface at constant temperature taking into account the coupling of the temperature and velocity fields by buoyancy is described. This similarity solution exists for any value of ${\it\Lambda}=Gr/Re^{2}$, characterizing this coupling between natural and forced convection over the horizontal plate, where $Gr$ is a Grashof number and $Re$ is a Reynolds number, provided that the plate temperature is higher than the ambient temperature (${\it\Lambda}>0$, say). Two main qualitative differences are found in the flow structure in relation to the well-known Glauert’s similarity solution for a wall jet without natural convection effects (i.e. when ${\it\Lambda}=0$): the first is that the similarity variable and structure of the horizontal velocity and temperature have the same functional form for both a radially spreading jet and a two-dimensional jet; the second is that the maximum of the horizontal velocity increases as the jet spreads over the surface, instead of decreasing like in Glauert’s solution, as the radial or horizontal distance to the power $1/5$. To check this similarity solution we solve numerically the boundary layer equations for the particular case of a jet with constant velocity and temperature emerging from a slot of height ${\it\delta}$ and radius $r_{0}$ (in the radially spreading case). An approximate, analytical similarity solution near the jet exit is also found that helps to start the numerical integration. Far from the jet exit the numerical solution tends to the similarity solution for any set of values of the non-dimensional parameters governing the problem, provided that the plate is heated (${\it\Lambda}>0$). No similarity solution is found numerically for the case of a cooled plate (${\it\Lambda}<0$). For ${\it\Lambda}=0$ Glauert’s similarity solution is recovered.
Airfoil in a high amplitude oscillating stream
Authors: Strangfeld C. , Müller-Vahl H. , Nayeri C. N. , Paschereit C. O. , Greenblatt D.
Published: March 2016

A combined theoretical and experimental investigation was carried out with the objective of evaluating theoretical predictions relating to a two-dimensional airfoil subjected to high amplitude harmonic oscillation of the free stream at constant angle of attack. Current theoretical approaches were reviewed and extended for the purposes of quantifying the bound, unsteady vortex sheet strength along the airfoil chord. This resulted in a closed form solution that is valid for arbitrary reduced frequencies and amplitudes. In the experiments, the bound, unsteady vortex strength of a symmetric 18 % thick airfoil at low angles of attack was measured in a dedicated unsteady wind tunnel at maximum reduced frequencies of 0.1 and at velocity oscillations less than or equal to 50 %. With the boundary layer tripped near the leading edge and mid-chord, the phase and amplitude variations of the lift coefficient corresponded reasonably well with the theory. Near the maximum lift coefficient overshoot, the data exhibited an additional high-frequency oscillation. Comparisons of the measured and predicted vortex sheet indicated the existence of a recirculation bubble upstream of the trailing edge which sheds into the wake and modifies the Kutta condition. Without boundary layer tripping, a mid-chord bubble is present that strengthens during flow deceleration and its shedding produces a dramatically different effect. Instead of a lift coefficient overshoot, as per the theory, the data exhibit a significant undershoot. This undershoot is also accompanied by high-frequency oscillations that are characterized by the bubble shedding. In summary, the location of bubble and its subsequent shedding play decisive roles in the resulting temporal aerodynamic loads.
Particle transport in turbulent curved pipe flow
Authors: Noorani Azad , Sardina Gaetano , Brandt Luca , Schlatter Philipp
Published: March 2016

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of particle-laden turbulent flow in straight, mildly curved and strongly bent pipes are performed in which the solid phase is modelled as small heavy spherical particles. A total of seven populations of dilute particles with different Stokes numbers, one-way coupled with their carrier phase, are simulated. The objective is to examine the effect of the curvature on micro-particle transport and accumulation. It is shown that even a slight non-zero curvature in the flow configuration strongly impact the particle concentration map such that the concentration of inertial particles with bulk Stokes number $0.45$ (based on bulk velocity and pipe radius) at the inner bend wall of mildly curved pipe becomes $12.8$ times larger than that in the viscous sublayer of the straight pipe. Near-wall helicoidal particle streaks are observed in the curved configurations with their inclination varying with the strength of the secondary motion of the carrier phase. A reflection layer, as previously observed in particle laden turbulent S-shaped channels, is also apparent in the strongly curved pipe with heavy particles. In addition, depending on the curvature, the central regions of the mean Dean vortices appear to be completely depleted of particles, as observed also in the partially relaminarised region at the inner bend. The turbophoretic drift of the particles is shown to be affected by weak and strong secondary motions of the carrier phase and geometry-induced centrifugal forces. The first- and second-order moments of the velocity and acceleration of the particulate phase in the same configurations are addressed in a companion paper by the same authors. The current data set will be useful for modelling particles advected in wall-bounded turbulent flows where the effects of the curvature are not negligible.
A DEVOTIONAL THEORY OF LAW: EPISTEMOLOGY AND MORAL PURPOSE IN EARLY ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE
Authors: Farahat Omar M.
Published: March 2016

The question of the sources of legal normativity continues to haunt legal theorists to this day. While it is largely uncontroversial that modern legal systems claim to produce normative propositions, whether or not there are independent reasons to obey the law remains a contested issue. Those views, as varied as they may be, appear to largely agree that the law is a social phenomenon of definite ontological presence. In this article, I argue, through an analysis of the theories of three prominent ninth- to eleventh-century Muslim jurists, that early Muslim theories of lawmaking did not incorporate any ontologically coherent concept of law. Rather, lawmaking was understood as the case-by-case formulation of legal opinions by individual jurists who were presumed to be driven by the same moral drive, and therefore occupy the same moral order, as all subjects of law. In spite of this ad hoc epistemological view, Islamic jurisprudence conceived of legal pronouncements as fully normative. The normativity of those unstructured ad hoc individual pronouncements, I maintain, is the result of the centrality of moral purpose to early Muslim theories of law. It was the presumption of a common moral drive that gave the legal system structural coherence and allowed the advancement of those pronouncements as normative claims. Whereas recent historical and anthropological work shows that moral motivation was central to the manner in which sharīʿa operated as a system of social regulation, this article argues, along the same lines, that the pietistic drive was both conceptually and structurally indispensable for the normative coherence of early Islamic jurisprudence.
Susceptibility and possible resistance mechanisms in the palm species Phoenix dactylifera, Chamaerops humilis and Washingtonia filifera against Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Cangelosi B. , Clematis F. , Curir P. , Monroy F.
Published: March 2016

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, known as the Red Palm Weevil (RPW), is reported as a pest of up to 40 palm species. However, the susceptibility degree and the defense mechanisms of these species against this weevil are still poorly known. In Europe, the RPW is a major pest of Phoenix canariensis while other palm species, including the congeneric Phoenix dactylifera, seem to be less suitable hosts for this insect. The aim of our study was to compare the defensive response of P. dactylifera, Chamaerops humilis and Washingtonia filifera against R. ferrugineus and try to define the mechanisms of resistance that characterize these species. Bioassays were carried out to evaluate the mortality induced on RPW larvae by extracts from the leaf rachis of the studied palm species. Tests at semi-field scale were also conducted, based either on forced palm infestation, with larvae of RPW, or on natural infestation, with adult females. Rachis extracts from C. humilis and W. filifera caused 100% larval mortality after 2 days of exposure, while extracts of P. dactylifera did not impair larval survival. Independently of the effect of the leaf extracts, the weevils were unable to naturally infest the three palm species, although larval survival was high after forced infestation of the plants. We concluded that the observed lack of infestation of P. dactylifera by RPW is due to factors other than antibiosis. In W. filifera and C. humilis, although the presence of antixenosis mechanisms cannot be excluded, resistance to R. ferrugineus seems to rely on the presence of antibiosis compounds.
Limiting Cases of Boardman’s Five Halves Theorem
Authors: Crabb Michael C. , Pergher Pedro L. Q.
Published: March 2016

We rectify two omissions in the list of generators and include a brief discussion of the localization theorem of Kosniowski and Stong.
Outcomes of synchronous pulmonary nodules detected on computed tomography in head and neck cancer patients: 12-year retrospective review of a consecutive cohort
Authors: Zammit-Maempel I , Kurien R , Paleri V
Published: March 2016

Objective:

To investigate the long-term outcomes of pulmonary nodules detected on chest computed tomography in a consecutive cohort of patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent head and neck squamous cell cancer staged between 2001 and 2003.

Results:

The study included 222 patients, 148 patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer (group 1) and 74 patients with recurrent cancer (group 2). Abnormalities were identified in 101 patients (45.4 per cent); these were predominantly benign in group 1 (61.7 per cent) as compared to predominantly malignant in group 2 (64.3 per cent) (Fisher's exact test; p = 0.0009). Only four patients (7.4 per cent) with an initially benign-looking pulmonary nodule went on to develop malignancy over time, conferring a negative predictive value of 93 per cent for the whole cohort.

Conclusion:

Chest computed tomography abnormalities in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer are statistically more likely to be malignant. Very few patients with an initially benign-appearing nodule develop chest malignancy over time.
EFFICIENT ESTIMATION OF INTEGRATED VOLATILITY AND RELATED PROCESSES
Authors: Renault Eric , Sarisoy Cisil , Werker Bas J.M.
Published: March 2016

We derive nonparametric efficiency bounds for regular estimators of integrated smooth transformations of instantaneous variances, in particular, integrated power variance. We find that realized variance attains the efficiency bound for integrated variance under both regular and irregular sampling schemes. For estimating higher powers such as integrated quarticity, the block-based procedures of Mykland and Zhang (2009) can get arbitrarily close to the nonparametric bounds, when observation times are equidistant. Moreover, the estimator in Jacod and Rosenbaum (2013), whose efficiency was documented for the submodel assuming constant volatility, is efficient also for nonconstant volatility paths. When the observation times are possibly random but predictable, we provide an estimator, similar to that of Kristensen (2010), which can get arbitrarily close to the nonparametric bound. Finally, parametric information about the functional form of volatility leads to a lower efficiency bound, unless the volatility process is piecewise constant.
Bufadienolide and alkaloid-based chemical defences in two different species of neotropical anurans are equally effective against the same arthropod predators
Authors: Hantak Maggie M. , Paluh Daniel J. , Saporito Ralph A.
Published: March 2016

Defensive chemicals in anuran skin secretions function in protection against potential predators. Although studies have demonstrated that particular chemicals are effective against certain predators, very little is known about how different chemicals from different species function against the same predators. Understanding how different chemicals function as a defence against similar predators is fundamental to the ecology and evolution of chemical defences in frogs. In the present study, the defensive function of bufadienolide-based defences in adultRhaebo haematiticus(Bufonidae) were compared with alkaloid-based defences in adult and juvenileDendrobates auratus(Dendrobatidae) against the same predators. Most bufonids contain synthesized bufadienolides, whereas dendrobatids contain dietary-derived alkaloids. Predation trials were performed with two potential invertebrate predators,Paraponera clavata(bullet ant) andCupiennius coccineus(ctenid spider), to determine how these predators respond to two different types of frog chemical defence. The non-chemically defended frogCraugastor fitzingeriserved as a control in all predation trials. Our results suggest that bufadienolide defences ofR. haematiticusand alkaloid defences ofD. auratusare equally effective towards bullet ant and ctenid spider predators. The similar avoidance and cleaning behaviours exhibited by these ants and spiders after contact with bufadienolides and alkaloids suggest that both types of defence are unpalatable to these arthropod predators.
The effect of treefall gaps on the understorey structure and composition of the tropical dry forest of Nizanda, Oaxaca, Mexico: implications for forest regeneration
Authors: Dechnik-Vázquez Yanus A. , Meave Jorge A. , Pérez-García Eduardo A. , Gallardo-Cruz José A. , Romero-Romero Marco Antonio
Published: March 2016

The role of canopy gaps in tropical dry forest (TDF) dynamics remains unclear. Here, 75 canopy gaps, mostly formed by the fall of Bursera spp. and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum individuals, are described, and their potential consequences for forest regeneration are analysed in a Mexican TDF. In 50 randomly selected gaps, understorey vegetation was sampled with a paired design (inside and outside gaps) and by distinguishing two plant height categories. In total, 1940 plants were recorded (63% in gaps and 37% in non-gap plots). Community attributes (density, community cover, taxonomic richness and Shannon diversity) were significantly higher for both height categories in gap plots. Conversely, neither an NMDS ordination nor a multinomial classification of 187 species by habitat affinities revealed floristic segregation between gaps and non-gaps; almost all species were classified as habitat generalists, with only a few opportunistic forbs (but no single tree species) being classified as gap specialists. The most important effects of gap formation are significant increases in plant abundance and species richness, but not a different species composition. Against earlier views that gap-phase dynamics is inconsequential for TDF dynamics, these results suggest a more active, albeit modest, role of treefall gaps in TDF, through promoting an abundant establishment.
Do acting out verbs with dolls and comparison learning between scenes boost toddlers’ verb comprehension?
Authors: SCHWARZ AMY LOUISE , VAN KLEECK ANNE , MAGUIRE MANDY J. , ABDI HERVÉ
Published: March 2016

To better understand how toddlers integrate multiple learning strategies to acquire verbs, we compared sensorimotor recruitment and comparison learning because both strategies are thought to boost children's access to scene-level information. For sensorimotor recruitment, we tested having toddlers use dolls as agents and compared this strategy with having toddlers observe another person enact verbs with dolls. For comparison learning, we compared providing pairs of: (a) training scenes in which animate objects with similar body-shapes maintained agent/patient roles with (b) scenes in which objects with dissimilar body-shapes switched agent/patient roles. Only comparison learning boosted verb comprehension.
Characteristics and progress of patients who receive inpatient rehabilitation services
Authors: Kavanagh Annett , Nkire Nnamdi , Lavelle Ena
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

To describe the characteristics and progress of the first 50 patients with severe and enduring mental illness who accessed inpatient rehabilitation services in Dublin North East Mental Health Service between 2001 and 2006.

Method:

Retrospective collection of data on the first 50 inpatients from case notes and staff interviews. Data included demographics, psychiatric history, results of rehabilitation interventions and assessment tools. The results were compiled and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

Fifty patients were identified. The majority were male (68%) with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia (60%). The levels of co-morbid alcohol and drug misuse were 40% and 30% respectively. Histories of verbal/physical aggression were found in 92% and impulsive behaviour in 70%. The majority of patients had a past history of being detained under the Mental Treatment Act (1945). High levels of co-morbid physical health problems were identified. New long-stay (NLS) patients showed a trend towards requiring the shortest admissions prior to being ready for discharge to lower levels of support.

Conclusion:

One third of patients moved on to reside at lower support levels and accessed vocational training programmes following active inpatient rehabilitation interventions. However, there remained a cohort of patients who required prolonged inpatient admissions due to their high levels of disability. This study further highlights the need to ensure that a range of rehabilitation services from inpatient to supported community placement are provided to meet the needs of patients with severe and enduring mental illness with complex needs.
Neuropsychology and its relevance to clinical psychology in the non-specialist adult mental health setting
Authors: Khalily Muhammad Tahir
Published: March 2016

Objectives:This study aims to investigate the prevalence of neuropsychological disorders in a non-specialist clinical psychology service in adult mental health service and also to explore the existence of neuropsychological symptoms in those subjects having psychiatric disorders.

Method:The yearly data of new referrals from the psychology register and record files of the patients was collected for this purpose and subsequently analysed. The two content scales of MMPI-2, ie. HEA2 and HEA3 were administered and scored.

Results:The results indicate that neuropsychological disorders were the second major referral source during this period and a significant difference (p = 0.001) was found between the scores of HEA-2 and HEA-3, which suggest that the subjects reported more neuropsychological symptoms than symptoms of general health concern during their initial routine psychological assessment.

Conclusion:There is consistency in our findings regarding the questions raised in this study which indicates a prevalence of neuropsychological disorders in adult mental health settings. It also indicates a high rate of neurological symptoms in psychiatric patients with psychiatric disorders.
Implication of rates of referral to a specialised inpatient neuropsychiatry team
Authors: O'Brien Finian M , Devitt Pauline , Corcoran Ciaran D , Murphy Kieran C
Published: March 2016

Objectives: This study examined and compared the number and pattern of referrals from neurosurgery and neurology specialist services to the inpatient liaison neuropsychiatry service in the years 2002 and 2005. We estimated the prevalence of psychiatric illness and evaluated the results of subsequent psychiatric assessment and follow-up of all patients reviewed by the neuropsychiatry service.

Methods: The medical notes of those patients referred to the neuropsychiatry team were retrospectively examined to obtain appropriate information on assessment and management of these cases.

Results: There were 544 referrals over the two years selected for study. Rates of referral to the inpatient neuropsychiatry service increased overall by 35% between 2002 and 2005. Overall, referrals from neurology comprised 85%, neurosurgery 15%. Patients with epilepsy comprised the majority of referrals (36%). A total of 378 (73%) had an acute psychiatric disorder and this group had a significantly higher rate (p = 0.01) of past psychiatric disorder (40%) than that in those with no acute mental illness (33%). Depressive episode was the most frequent acute psychiatric diagnosis (38%), followed by anxiety and organic psychiatric disorder (both 15%). Overall, 21% of patients diagnosed with acute mental illness were referred on discharge to the neuropsychiatry outpatient clinic for specialist follow up and the remainder followed-up by either local mental health teams or their GP.

Conclusions: These findings provide clear evidence that further resources should be allocated to expanding neuropsychiatry mental health services to improve detection and management of mental illness in this vulnerable patient group.
The Ennis District Lunatic Asylum and the Clare Workhouse Lunatic Asylums in 1901
Authors: Walsh Dermot
Published: March 2016

The 1901 Census of Population returns provide a unique opportunity to examine the broad characteristics of institutionalised mental illness in one county over a century ago by complementing and extending the information contained in the main statutory source, the Report of the Inspector of Lunacy. This paper presents these characteristics as they relate to the first area on which such data have become publicly accessible - County Clare.
Management of alcohol use disorders
Authors: Feeney Larkin
Published: March 2016

Welcome to the third module in our Continuing Professional Development Section (CPD). CPD is now a key element in the clinical activity of all health professionals and a cornerstone of good clinical governance throughout mental health services. This section of the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine will provide CPD modules dedicated to key topics in mental health care. In order to assist learning and self-assessment, multiple choice questions will be provided at the end of each module.

This module and its multiple choice questions are available online on the website of the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine (www.ijpm.org). The CPD policy of the College of Psychiatry of Ireland indicates that psychiatrists who participate in suitable online learning which fits the criteria for CPD may claim CPD points under the Personal CPD category (up to a maximum of 5 points per year).

We are confident that this CPD Section of the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine will prove to be a valuable resource for consultant psychiatrists, psychiatric trainees and all journal readers. We welcome feedback from readers and, especially, any suggestions for topics to be covered in future CPD modules. Suggestions should be emailed to: psychological@medmedia.ie
Prevalence and clinical correlates of depression in the acute phase of first episode schizophrenia
Authors: Roche Eric , Clarke Mary , Browne Stephen , Turner Niall , McTuige Orflaith , Kamali Moaayad , Kinsellla Anthony , Larkin Conall , Waddington John L , O'Callaghan Eadbhard
Published: March 2016

Background: Reported rates of depression in schizophrenia vary considerably.

Objective: To measure the prevalence of depression in a first episode sample of people with schizophrenia.

Methods: All referrals with a first episode of schizophrenia diagnosed using SCID interviews were assessed pre-discharge and again six months later. We used the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) to assess the severity of symptoms.

Results: Pre-discharge, 10.4% of the sample met CDSS criteria for depression. According to the PANSS depression (PANSS -D) subscale, 3% of patients were depressed, with a mean score of 7.48 (SD = 2.97). Only 3% of patients pre-discharge were found to be depressed on both the CDSS and the PANSS-D. Six months later 6.5% were depressed according to the CDSS. However none reached depression criteria according to the PANSS-D. The CDSS correlated with PANSS-D both pre-discharge and at follow-up. Feelings of depression and self-deprecation were the most common symptoms at baseline and follow-up. The CDSS was unrelated to negative symptoms at both stages. A lifetime history of alcohol abuse increased the risk for depression.

Conclusion: Rates of depression in this sample were low. The CDSS appears to discriminate between depression and negative symptoms. Like the general population, alcohol misuse is a risk factor for depression in first episode schizophrenia.
The Myth of Mental Illness: 50 years after publication: What does it mean today?
Authors: Kelly Brendan D , Bracken Pat , Cavendish Harry , Crumlish Niall , MacSuibhne Seamus , Szasz Thomas , Thornton Tim
Published: March 2016

In 1960, Thomas Szasz publishedThe Myth of Mental Illness, arguing that mental illness was a harmful myth without a demonstrated basis in biological pathology and with the potential to damage current conceptions of human responsibility. Szasz's arguments have provoked considerable controversy over the past five decades. This paper marks the 50th anniversary ofThe Myth of Mental Illnessby providing commentaries on its contemporary relevance from the perspectives of a range of stakeholders, including a consultant psychiatrist, psychiatric patient, professor of philosophy and mental health, a specialist registrar in psychiatry, and a lecturer in psychiatry. This paper also includes responses by Professor Thomas Szasz.

Szasz's arguments contain echoes of positivism, Cartesian dualism, and Enlightenment philosophy, and point to a genuine complexity at the heart of contemporary psychiatric taxonomy: how is ‘mental illness’ to be defined? And by whom? The basis of Szasz's doubts about the similarities between mental and physical illnesses remain apparent today, but it remains equally apparent that a failure to describe a biological basis for mental illness does not mean there is none (eg. consider the position of epilepsy, prior to the electroencephalogram). Psychiatry would probably be different today ifThe Myth of Mental Illnesshad not been written, but possibly not in the ways that Szasz might imagine: does the relentless incarceration of individuals with ‘mental illness’ in the world's prisons represent the logical culmination of Szaszian thought?

In response, Professor Szasz emphasises his views that “mental illness” differs fundamentally from physical illness, and that the principal habits the term ‘mental illness’ involves are stigmatisation, deprivation of liberty (civil commitment) and deprivation of the right to trial for alleged criminal conduct (the insanity defence). He links the incarceration of the mentally ill with the policy of de-institutionalisation (which he opposes) and states that, in his view, the only limitation his work imposes on human activities are limitations on practices which are conventionally and conveniently labelled ‘psychiatric abuses’.

Clearly, there remains a diversity of views about the merits of Szasz's arguments, but there is little diminution in his ability to provoke an argument.
Absinthe and suicidality
Authors: Rizvi Naveed , Whitty Marie , Daly Robert
Published: March 2016

Absinthe is an alcoholic drink which is becoming more widely consumed after being banned for many decades. An association between absinthe use and psychiatric symptoms, ranging from impairment of concentration to marked hallucinations and seizures, has been suggested, but evidence remains unclear. Thujone, identified as a possible psychoactive ingredient, has recently been implicated in absinthe's putative neuropsychiatric effects. This report presents a case where acute suicidality emerged during absinthe consumption; possible neurobiological aetiological mechanisms and the history of absinthe use and associated adverse effects are reviewed.
Are you looking at me? Paranoid psychosis in pre-existing social phobia
Authors: O'Connor Karen , Scully Paul
Published: March 2016

Objectives: Three patients presenting with a first episode of psychosis each had a past history of social phobia. We sought to explore the literature on the co-occurrence of these disorders and investigate three hypotheses to explain this: (1) the chance co-occurrence of two illnesses with distinct aetiologies; (2) two clinical presentations reflecting different points on the same spectrum of illness; and (3) two distinct disorders representing different end points resulting from the same aetiology.

Method: A literature review of Embase, PubMed and Psych Lit was performed.

Results: We found no reports on social phobia preexisting an episode of psychosis, and prevalence studies indicate that their chance co-occurrence is extremely unlikely. Psychological explanations for co-occurrence include attributional theories, and theories related to cognitive biases and loss of self-esteem.

Conclusion: There is a phenomenological overlap between social phobia and paranoia but the two concepts should and can be distinguished. Epidemiological studies indicate that their chance occurrence as two unrelated disorders is unlikely. Most people with one of these disorders do not develop the other and hypothesis (2) is also unlikely. There is increasing speculation that anxiety, and in particular social phobic symptoms have a central role in the development of psychotic symptoms. The greatest evidence was found to support hypothesis (3).

However, it seems more likely that social phobia and psychosis, rather than representing manifestations of the same illness, instead are implicated in a complex interaction where symptoms which characterise social phobia and psychosis, have the capacity to affect, alter and possibly provoke each other. The recognition and treatment of co-occurring anxiety disorders, especially social phobia with psychosis, may have an important impact on prognosis and quality of life.
Expenditure of compensation from legal claims in an opiate dependent population
Authors: Cohen Dermot P , Barry Helen , Unoh Emma , O'Connor John J
Published: March 2016

This study examined the expenditure of compensation received from legal claims by service users attending an outpatient methadone programme in Dublin. Most claims (n = 62) were as a result of road traffic accidents (74%) or personal injury (15%). There were 28 reports of claims resulting in payment of compensation totalling €912,871. Of the compensation not placed in trust (€477,871), almost 40% was spent on drugs and 8% on alcohol. Of those who reported no drug misuse at the time of the compensation being paid, seven out of 11 (64%) reported subsequently spending a significant amount on substance misuse.

The risks of receiving large amounts of money in this population are substantial and include initiation and exacerbation of substance misuse, and risk of overdose. Alternative ways of managing the payment of compensation should be considered for this vulnerable population.
Irish adolescents with ADHD and comorbid substance use disorder
Authors: Edokpolo Osamede , Nkire Nnamdi , Smyth Bobby P
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

To examine the literature for drug treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents with co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD), the challenges posed by this, and make recommendations taking into account current trend in Ireland.

Methods:

Articles published from 1992-2008 were identified using OVID-MEDLINE search using the search terms attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and substance use disorder. Studies cited include review articles, epidemiological studies, experimental researches, open and controlled trials of drugs in ADHD with comorbid SUD and clinical guidelines. No non-English language papers were included.

Results:

Thirty-six studies were examined. A number of the papers reported on the link between ADHD and SUD, that they frequently co-occur, and there is evidence that treating ADHD can reduce the risk of future SUD. Some of the studies reviewed demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of ADHD medication on the ADHD symptoms but less so on the SUD. Concerns around stimulant abuse and diversion are valid. Although there is no current evidence of frequent diversion of ADHD medications in Ireland, this practice is prevalent in the US. Consequently psychiatrists should remain vigilant to the possibility of such diversions and take measures to address them if identified.

Conclusions:

The available evidence suggests that medication is not hazardous in ADHD comorbid with SUD. Pharmacological treatment of ADHD, following consideration of potential risks and benefits, is justified in the presence of SUD. Both methylphenidate and atomoxetine can be used. Stabilisation of serious SUD before pharmacotherapy is preferable, and it is advisable to provide psychological treatment to address SUD in these patients.
Post-traumatic stress disorder: present and future
Authors: Crumlish Niall
Published: March 2016

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD) differ from almost every other psychiatric diagnosis in that they may only be diagnosed with reference to an aetiological event – an external traumatic stressor. ASD occurs immediately after the stressor and is comparatively short-lived, while PTSD is a prolonged abnormal response that may take months to develop. The types of stressor leading to ASD and PTSD are identical and were intended to be tightly defined, involving a perceived threat of death, serious injury or loss of physical integrity.

It is useful initially to distinguish ASD and PTSD from adjustment disorders, which are also diagnosed only after an observable life event. An adjustment disorder may be thought of as a gradual and prolonged response to stressful changes in a person's life. The range of stressors precipitating an adjustment disorder is potentially much broader than that precipitating ASD or PTSD, as a threat of death or injury is not needed.

Indeed, a ‘threat’ as such is not needed, as the event may be a loss. Events such as job loss or the breakup of a relationship may lead to an adjustment disorder, as well as threats such as accidents or assaults. The diagnostic criteria for adjustment disorder do not specify what the immediate response, if any, to the precipitating stressor must be.