University of Cagliari

About: University of Cagliari is a education organization based out in Cagliari, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Dopamine. The organization has 11029 authors who have published 29046 publications receiving 771023 citations. The organization is also known as: Università degli Studi di Cagliari & Universita degli Studi di Cagliari.

Continuum beliefs and stigmatizing attitudes towards persons with schizophrenia, depression and alcohol dependence

Abstract: Separation is a central step in the process of stigmatizing persons with mental disorders. We examine whether belief in a continuum of symptoms from mental health to mental illness is associated with less stigmatizing attitudes. In a representative population survey in Germany (n=3642), using case-vignettes of persons suffering from schizophrenia, depression or alcohol dependence, we measured belief in a continuity of symptoms, emotional reactions and desire for social distance related to the person described in the vignette. While 42% of respondents agreed in symptom continuity for depression, this percentage was 26% for schizophrenia and 27% for alcohol dependence. Continuum beliefs were associated in general with more positive emotional reactions and less desire for social distance. This relationship was strongest for schizophrenia, followed by alcohol dependence. Continuum beliefs thus seem to be associated with less stigmatizing attitudes, particularly regarding schizophrenia and alcohol dependence. Educational information on the continuous nature of most psychopathological phenomena could usefully be integrated in anti-stigma messages.

Optimal sectionalizing switches allocation in distribution networks

Abstract: Automatic devices that locate and automatically sectionalize faulted branches in MV power distribution systems restrict drastically the extent of disruption caused by long power interruptions when properly positioned. Some algorithms and automatic calculation procedures are proposed for determining the optimum number and location of automatic sectionalizing switching devices. Using these algorithms, the optimal solution can be found for both radial and meshed systems. The procedure is based on Bellmann's optimality principle which, combined with thinning techniques, yields the optimal solution in a few ms for real size problems.