Paris West University Nanterre La Défense

About: Paris West University Nanterre La Défense is a education organization based out in Paris, France. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Finite element method. The organization has 895 authors who have published 1430 publications receiving 21712 citations.

Positive and negative urgency as a single coherent construct: Evidence from a large-scale network analysis in clinical and non-clinical samples.

Abstract: Aims: Negative and positive urgency are emotion-related impulsivity traits that are thought to be transdiagnostic factors in psychopathology. However, it has recently been claimed that these two traits are closely related to each other and that considering them separately might have limited conceptual and methodological value. The present study aimed to examine whether positive and negative urgency constructs constitute separate impulsivity traits. Methods: In contrast to previous studies that have used latent variable approaches, this study employed an item-based network analysis conducted in two different samples: a large sample of non-clinical participants (N = 18,568) and a sample of clinical participants with psychiatric disorders (N = 385). Results: The network analysis demonstrated that items denoting both positive and negative urgency cohere as a single cluster of items termed “general urgency” in both clinical and non-clinical samples, thereby suggesting that differentiating positive and negative urgency as separate constructs is not necessary. Conclusion: These findings have important implications for the conceptualization and assessment of urgency and, more broadly, for future research on impulsivity, personality, and psychopathology.

Dynamic buckling of classical/non-classical curved beams by nonlocal nonlinear finite element accounting for size dependent effect and using higher-order shear flexible model

Abstract: This paper investigates the dynamic snap-through buckling of classical and non-classical curved beams subjected to a suddenly applied step load The small scale effect prevalent in non-classical beams, viz, micro and nanobeam, is modeled using the nonlocal elasticity approach The formulation accounts for moderately large deflection and rotation The governing equilibrium equations are derived using the dynamic version of the principle of virtual work and are subsequently simplified in terms of the generalized displacements for the development of a nonlocal nonlinear finite element model The spatial domain comprises of 3-noded higher-order curved beam elements based on shear flexible theory associated with sine function The nonlinear governing equations are solved using the incremental stiffness matrices and by adopting direct time integration method The critical dynamic buckling load is identified by the smallest load at which there is a sudden rise in the amplitude of vibration The efficacy of model here is compared against the available analytical studies for the local and nonlocal beams A detailed study is made to highlight the effects of the geometric parameter, initial condition, nonlocal parameter, load duration, and boundary conditions on the dynamic stability of both classical and non-classical curved beams The nature and degree of participation of various eigen modes accountable for the dynamic snap-through behavior are examined a posteriori using the modal expansion approach Some interesting observations made here are valuable for the optimal design of such structural members against fatigue and instability

Can we learn to manage stress? A randomized controlled trial carried out on university students

Abstract: In our research, we examined the efficacy of an Internet-based stress management program Our interest in evaluating this type of intervention is based on the increasing accessibility of the Internet today, the growth of Internet-based interventions for various psychopathological problems, and the observation that despite the prevalence of stress among university students, only a fraction of students ever seek professional help Methodology: “I’m managing my stress” (“Je gere mon stresse”), an Internet-based self-help program composed of four sessions, was examined in this study The aforementioned program is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and was inspired by the “Funambule” program in Quebec Four questionnaires (Perceived Stress Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Scale of Satisfaction in Studies, and General Health Questionnaire) uploaded online were answered thrice: during “preintervention”, “postintervention”, and “follow-up” stages, the latter of which occurred three months after the intervention The sample comprised 128 university students, with the majority being women (8125%) The subjects were divided randomly into two groups (an experimental group and a control group that did not follow the program) Results: The self-esteem scores of the control group were significantly higher than those of the experimental group at the preintervention stage, but this difference disappeared at the postintervention and follow-up stages There were also significantly lower scores on the General Health Questionnaire subfactors of somatic symptoms and anxiety/insomnia in the experimental group than in the control group during the postintervention stage, though no differences were observed before the intervention These differences no longer remained after three months ANOVA revealed significant effects of the intervention over time in the experimental group Effects were observed at both the postintervention and follow-up stages for self-esteem, perceived stress, satisfaction in studies, and in the somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia and severe depression aspects of the General Health Questionnaire (Cohen’s d = 038 to 458) In contrast, no effects were observed in the control group Conclusion: This type of Internet-based program has the ability to reach a large number of students due to its rather short format and accessibility It has already shown improvements in terms of the levels of perceived stress, psychological distress and satisfaction with studies The option of online interventions could appeal specifically to students who do not seek professional help However, even though these results are promising at the postintervention stage, they are limited, as indicated by the lack of significant differences between the two groups after the initial three months of follow-up We still, specifically, need to improve this intervention program and, generally, need more research to address the methodological problems raised by this type of intervention Trial registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN13709272

Second-order properties of regeneration-based bootstrap for atomic Markov chains

Abstract: Caustic substances cause tissue destruction through liquefaction or coagulation reactions and the intensity of destruction depends on the type, concentration, time of contact and amount of the substance ingested. We report an unusual presentation and complication of caustic ingestion in a patient, who accidentally ingested sodium hydroxide. Our patient presented respiratory failure soon after admission and developed necrotizing esophagitis with progression to esophageal stenosis, which required surgical treatment. The complications were related to the amount of caustic soda ingested.