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Background Aim Materials and Methods Findings Results Discussion Mentalization‐based treatment (MBT) has been proposed as a promising approach when treating patients suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD) and severe self‐harm. Though study findings on MBT for patients who self‐harm are convincing, a meta‐analysis showed mixed results, calling for further research and the development of treatment protocols (Gross et al., 2024).The aim of this study was to describe an add‐on AMBIT intervention for adult patients suffering from severe self‐harm. To demonstrate the add‐on AMBIT’s potential, a descriptive longitudinal study design was facilitated and illustrated with a single case of a woman in her mid‐twenties suffering from BPD and severe self‐harm.Multiple data sources were applied to show the longitudinal development of the patient one year before entering treatment, during treatment, and one year after treatment including calculation of number of hospitalized bed days, coercion episodes, and suicide attempts. Additionally, the Deliberate Self‐Harm Inventory, the Affect Integration Inventory, the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, and the WHO’s Quality of Life questionnaire were measured every third month during a 2‐year treatment period to examine trajectories of change across time.Statistically significant increases were observed in levels of self‐compassion, self‐reassurance, emotion regulation skills and well‐being. Significant reductions were found in self‐criticism, anxiety and stress, and post‐study, participants became more open to receiving compassion from others.Results revealed significant improvements on all measured parameters including a reduction in the patient’s number of bed days (from 166 to 0), hospitalizations (from 4 to 0), coercion episodes (from 22 to 0), and suicide attempts (from 2 to 0). Furthermore, measures during the treatment period showed reduced self‐harm, decreased symptomatology, increased affect integration, better interpersonal functionality, and improved everyday functioning. Measures 1 year after treatment suggested lasting effects.The potential of the add‐on AMBIT intervention is discussed, including limitations and future research recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, a group of people experiencing distress were largely viewed by health services as untreatable, because of a chronic sense of mistrust and difficulties in being cared for. This group of people have attracted labels such as ‘Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder’ and ‘Complex Emotional Needs’. However, the recent developments in so-called evidenced-based psychological treatments offer hope that these patients can ‘recover’, or what one therapy has called ‘a life worth living’. It follows that these newer psychological treatments hold the promise of keeping hope alive, that even the most traumatised and disturbed people may be coached into functioning, and, perhaps more cynically, to reduce their burden on already-stretched health services. This cultural shift towards optimism is not the target of the paper. Instead, this paper offers an insider clinician’s perspective to outline how austerity has negatively affected the capacity to offer care and containment to patients presenting with life-threatening behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study explored participant experience of mentalization after the completion of an introductory MBT group within an Irish prison. Methods: Data were collected from four participants using semi-structured interviews which were analyzed according to IPA methodology. Results: Four group experiential themes were identified from the data: making sense of difficulties with emotions in the context of early life experiences, learning to feel and manage emotions, keeping other minds in mind and mentalizing in practice. Conclusions: This study adds to the wider qualitative literature on MBT and presents a unique insight into participant experiences of developing their mentalizing capacity within a prison setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the first to present a model for mentalization-based supervision of professionals working with environmental therapy. Mentalization-based supervision should be based on a mentalizing stance and theory aligned with the current mentalizing perspective, that is, the theory of attachment, mentalization and should aim at establishing 'we-mode' and epistemic trust. This paper offers a practical guide, models, and templates that are easy to apply and beneficial for the supervisor to underpin the mentalizing stance and focus on mentalizing processes during complex supervision sessions with groups of supervisees. The approach and method of supervision are demonstrated through a clinical case, and the supervision process is illustrated via templates to aid the reader who is a supervisor for groups in this field. The article is based on current theory and research on mentalization and on the clinical practice of supervision in psychiatric inpatient treatment and residential care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area of the present investigation's expanse constitutes the southernmost extent of the southeast Kumaun Himalaya and western Nepal Himalaya. Multidisciplinary approaches have been employed to understand the landforms associated with tectonic deformation, through detailed field investigation supplemented by the geodetic, chronological, and morphometric database. The morphogenic expressions of the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) are reflected in the form of ~25 km long E-W trending north dipping fault scarp. The deformation along the strike length of the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) is noticed in the form of uplifted and incised fill terraces, and strath terraces. The deformation within the fluvial sequences in the study area can be visualized in the form of sheared boulders and pebbles, tilted and faulted terrace deposits. Furthermore, the chronological data of fluvial landforms in the study area suggests two major phases of tectonic deformations that have occurred around 58.7±10.8 ka and 3.88±0.4 ka. The chronology of late-Quaternary landforms advocates that the initial stage of aggradations in the Himalayan foothills commenced around 75.1±0.58 ka. The aggradational landforms resulted from the diverse depositional regime as evident from the nature of the sediment sequences from clasts dominated to thick mud sequences. The rate of deformation in the southeastern Kumaun and western Nepal Himalaya is ± 7 mm/yr, as per the data obtained from the Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PSInSAR). The landform deformation pattern, phase of incision and aggradation, frequent occurrence of landslides, and recent past earthquake activity within the wide zone of the HFT, the MBT, and Ramgarh Thrust suggests that the southernmost front of the Kumaun Himalaya is active and has potential for future geohazard. The foothill zone of Himalayan towns are actively growing in terms of population and infrastructural development. Therefore, such intradisciplinary studies for tectonically active regions are needed for future infrastructural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the rationale for a combined art therapy and mentalization-based treatment (MBT) group course for those experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP). We discuss the theoretical background for how art and MBT theory can help us better understand and work with groups of individuals experiencing FEP, particularly focusing on avoidance and insecure attachment styles. We outline the delivery of a ten-week psychoeducational Art MBT course within an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) Service and discuss our experiential insights into this new modality as co-therapists. We conclude by proposing that art therapy and mentalizing practice together offer an accessible, useful and practical group structure for EIP services, which could improve individuals' mentalizing capacity and overall social functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to increase mentalizing capacity. The purpose of this meta-ethnography was to synthesize the available qualitative literature on MBT to allow for a more thorough understanding of the lived experience of those who have undergone this therapy. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic search of seven databases was carried out. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme was used to appraise the papers suitable for inclusion. The data were synthesized using a meta-ethnographic approach in which the second-order constructs from each paper were translated and reinterpreted creating a line of argument synthesis. Findings: A total of 11 studies were included in the meta-ethnography. Three overarching themes were identified within the included papers which outlined that participant experience of MBT consisted of three different developmental stages. Navigating the therapeutic process describes the participant's experience of the therapeutic process of MBT. The processes of change in MBT outlined participant reports of mechanisms of change experienced in MBT. Mentalizing self and others described the experience of generalizing new knowledge and skills to the world outside of therapy and unveiled the impact that engaging in MBT had on participants. Originality/value: This meta-ethnography offers new insights into how clients experience MBT as a therapeutic process and offers suggestions for implementation in clinical practice as well as areas of focus for research of this therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mentalization‐based therapy (MBT) and its adapted version for adolescents (MBT‐A) are repeatedly highlighted as promising treatments for reducing self‐harm, particularly in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Despite the availability of publications providing evidence of their efficacy in reducing self‐harm, recent meta‐analyses have yielded mixed results. To inform best‐practice clinical decision‐making, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We aimed to disentangle findings for both adolescents and adults on the efficacy of MBT(‐A) in reducing self‐harm (primary outcome) and symptoms of BPD and depression (secondary outcomes). Methods: Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed/Medline, and Cochrane Review Database were searched for eligible studies published until September 2022. In total, 14 studies were identified, comprising 612 participants from nine MBT studies (six pre–post, three RCTs) and five MBT‐A studies (two pre–post, three RCTs). Aggregated effect sizes were estimated using random‐effects models. Meta‐regressions were conducted to assess the effect of moderator variables (treatment duration, drop‐out rates, and age) on effect sizes. Results: Overall, both MBT and MBT‐A demonstrated promising effects in reducing self‐harm (g = −0.82, 95% CI −1.15 to −0.50), borderline personality disorder (g = −1.08, 95% CI −1.38 to −0.77), and depression (g = −1.1, 95% CI −1.52 to −0.68) symptoms. However, when compared to control interventions (TAU, SCM), MBT(‐A) did not prove to be more efficacious, with the exception of MBT showing superior effects on BPD symptoms in adults (g = −0.56, 95% CI −0.88 to −0.24). Conclusion: Although the pre–post evaluations seem promising, this analysis, including RCTs, showed no superiority of MBT(‐A) to control conditions, so that prioritizing the application of MBT (‐A) for the treatment of self‐harm is not supported. Possible explanations and further implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, water pollution caused by organic pollutants and antibiotic residues has become increasingly serious, posing a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. In this paper, Co–BiVO 4 /Bi 2 O 3 heterojunction was successfully prepared by electrospinning of Co3+ doped monoclinic BiVO 4 nanofibers and Bi 2 O 3. The photocatalytic degradation of chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTC·HCl) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) in water was tested by simulating visible light conditions. The degradation efficiency of CTC·HCl by 3Co–BiVO 4 /Bi 2 O 3 -0.8 reached 90.5 % within 30 min, and the degradation rates were 3.93 and 7.06 times that of BiVO 4 and Bi 2 O 3 , respectively. At the same time, the degradation efficiency of MBT by 3Co–BiVO 4 /Bi 2 O 3 -0.8 reached 97.7 % within 40 min, and the degradation rates were 8.93 and 41.80 times that of BiVO 4 and Bi 2 O 3 , respectively. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of the catalyst and potassium persulfate (PS) co-system on pollutants was investigated. When 0.5 mM PS and a small amount of 3Co–BiVO 4 /Bi 2 O 3 -0.8 catalyst were added, the degradation efficiency of CTC·HCl and MBT could reach 87.6 % and 92.8 % in a short time. Furthermore, the work function and difference of the material were calculated by density functional theory (DFT), and the charge transfer mechanism of the p-n heterojunction was further determined. Finally, the intermediate products, degradation pathways and reaction mechanisms of MBT degradation were analyzed in detail by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Therefore, this study provides a potential effective way for the treatment of water pollution. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: analysis of clinical and economic efficiency of various etiotropic chemotherapy regimes in patients with respiratory tuberculosis with multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant (MDR and XDR) pathogen using the pharmacoeconomic modeling method (Markov model).Material and methods. A single-centre, observational, retrospective, cohort study was performed, which included patients who received treatment in clinics and affiliated organizations of the main Moscow tuberculosis institution during 2014–2019 regarding respiratory tuberculosis with the MDR/XDR pathogen. The data of 1387 patients were analysed, of which 1093 patients received “optimized basic regimen” (OBR) in accordance with the Federal Clinical Recommendations of 2015, 294 patients received etiotropic therapy in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization of 2018–2019. To evaluate economic efficiency, the pharmacoeconomic costeffectiveness analysis and pharmacoeconomic modeling were used. When assessing the economic costs of treatment, the direct costs (medical and non-medical) were taken into account.Results. The study results showed that 68.4% of patients in the group with bedaquiline-containing chemotherapy regimens reached the outcome of “treatment successfully completed” (patient was cured or transfered into the III group of dispensary follow-up) compared to 51.8% in the OBR group. The use of “new” etiotropic therapy regimens is most economically justified in patients with ХDR-tuberculosis with repeated treatment courses: incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were 24,530.20 and 21,526.50 rubles per 1 patient. Markov model was developed, transitions from one state to another were evaluated according to the results of clinical observations during the first 2 years of research.Conclusion. The use of the dynamic model of the patient state made it possible to refine the estimates of the effectiveness of the compared etiotropic chemotherapy regimens for tuberculosis with MDR/XDR pathogen. Based on the results of modeling the dynamics of patients in the interval of 2 to 10 years of treatment, the use of “new” regimens provides a significant increase in the proportion of treatment success (by 16.1–29.8% in different groups of patients and at different times), a decrease in mortality (by 6.1–11.0%), and in the proportion of those who interrupted treatment (by 8.0–21.8%) in comparison with OBR.

Accurate mapping of high-altitude water bodies in a hilly region is a challenging task due to the hill shadows that have a similar signature as water bodies and the presence of ample amounts of small water bodies. This study compared three techniques (MBT, PBRF, and OBIA) to map water bodies in the Mago river basin, Arunachal Pradesh, a part of the Eastern Himalaya. Spectral indices (MNDWI, NDWI, NDTI, and slope) were used as input variables. The study also assessed the performance of the 'VV' band of Sentinel-1 SAR data in MBT and PBRF (MBTv and PBRFv) compared to methods without using the 'VV' band (MBTn and PBRFn). An accuracy assessment was carried out using ground truth data collected through a partial field survey, high-resolution Google Earth imagery, and visual interpretation of raw data due to inaccessibility of the area. It was found that there are 224 high-altitude water bodies present in the basin with an area of 4.77 sq. km based on the ground truth datasets. All three methods were applied to map the high-altitude water bodies and an accuracy assessment was performed. The PBRFv shows the highest overall accuracy (85.3%) with a kappa of 0.83. In comparison, both the OBIA and MBTv method produces the similar result as 71.4% and 71.7% with a kappa of 0.71 and 0.70, respectively. On the other hand, the overall accuracy of the MBTn and PBRFn method was found to be 67.1% and 83.3% with kappa as 0.63 and 0.83, respectively. The total area of the water bodies using the BPRFn method (4.60 sq. km) and BBRFv (4.62 sq. km) was found more closer to ground truth data (4.77 sq. km) compared to all other methods. MBTn has the highest number of misclassified water bodies, while PBRFv showed no misclassifications. However, PBRFv missed to map a few smaller water bodies (33 in total) due to their size. The slope factor effectively reduced noise caused by hill shadows, as water bodies were mainly found on gentle to flat land. Therefore, the PBRFv approach was considered the most suitable method for accurately mapping high-altitude water bodies compared to the other technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on the notion of epistemic trust as facilitating social learning, in this article we clarify how interventions from mentalization-based treatment (MBT) for borderline personality disorder generate this process. We suggest first that being mentalized is a critical cue in interactions to establish epistemic trust and second that epistemic mistrust may represent a final common pathway through which aversive relational experiences in the past may exert their influence on treatments—both as a disposition of the patient and as a characteristic of the therapist-patient encounter. By charting MBT interventions from the initial assessment and formulation, through individual and group therapy sessions, to re-engaging with the wider social environment, we examine how each of these can establish a "we-mode," an interpersonal experience associated with being mentalized that unlocks the barrier posed by epistemic vigilance. In addition, implications for relational mentalizing and rupture and repair within the therapeutic relationship are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are currently used in different fields like catalysis, nanomedicine, and conservation science, taking advantage of their high surface area. Here, we synthesized and functionalized mesoporous dendritic fibrous nanoparticles to realize a smart delivery system of protective agents for metals. Different MSNPs were obtained via the microemulsion method followed by a hydrothermal or refluxing treatment at different w/o ratios, times, and temperatures. Dendritic spherical silica nanoparticles with specific features such as an appropriate size (450 nm), a very large surface area (600 m2 g−1), and a high yield synthesis (86%) were selected for surface modification. The fiber surface of the selected MSNPs was functionalized with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (3-APTES). 3-APTES works as a pH-driven "nanogate", suppressing the immediate leakage of the total guest molecule load and modulating the release as a function of pH conditions. Surface-modified MSNPs were tested as a reservoir of the most diffused corrosion inhibitors: Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and 1H-Benzotriazole (BTA); their release properties were studied in solutions with pH = 4 and 7. Functionalized and non-functionalized MSNPs showed a good loading efficiency of guest molecules (34–64%) and a pH-dependent release of the corrosion inhibitors on a timescale of several hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odor management plans indicate the need to identify odor sources in waste management facilities. Finding the right tool for this type of task is a key element. This article covers a new approach for odor quantification and source identification at a selected waste management facility by coupling field olfactometry and the spatial interpolation method, such as inverse weighted distance. As the results show, this approach works only partially. Field olfactometry seems to be a suitable tool for odor identification that could be an instrument incorporated into odor management plans as it allowed for recognition of most odor-generating places at the selected facility, i.e., waste stabilization area, green waste storage area, and bioreactors. However, spatial distributions obtained by the selected interpolation method are characterized by high errors during cross-validation, and they tend to overestimate odor concentrations. The substantial weakness of the selected interpolation method is that it cannot handle points where the odor concentration is below the detection threshold. Therefore, the usefulness of such a method is questionable when it comes to odor management plans. Since field olfactometry is a reliable tool for odor measurements, further research into computational methods is needed, including advanced interpolation methods or dispersion modeling based on field olfactometry data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of modern, new generation-armored vehicles would greatly benefit from overall engineering, optimization, and integration techniques of advanced diesel engines-electrified transmissions. Modern axial flux electric motors and controllers are perfectly able to replace the classical automatic gearbox and complex steering system of traditional Main Battle Tanks. This study shows a possible design of a serial hybrid electric power pack for very heavy tanks with a weight well over 50 tons. The result is a hybrid power system that improves the overall performance of armored vehicles off-road and on-road, improving the acceleration and the smoothness of the ride. In addition, fuel consumption will be reduced because the internal combustion engine operates at fixed rpm. The electric motors will outperform the traditional engines due to their very high torque output even at "zero speed". The weight of a hybrid system has also been calculated. In fact, in many cases, it is possible to use all off-the-shelf components. The on-board diagnosis of the subsystems in the hybrid powertrain makes it possible to achieve a Time Between Overhaul (TBO) of 4500 h with a failure probability inferior to one in 10,000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a presentation of mentalization-based supervision with regard to focus, goals and means. The article is based on current theory of mentalization, and clinical practice with mentalization-based supervision. It presents a dimension to be considered in mentalization-based supervision, where the goal of stimulating mentalization is always in focus. This is illustrated in a sequence from a supervision session. It is possible to determine what mentalization-based supervision is and extract what makes it different of other psychotherapy supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRAK Pendahuluan: Maloklusi kelas II skeletal memiliki gambaran klinis yang khas yang sulit diubah secara ortodonti konvensional, bahkan terkadang harus dikelola secara ortodonti bedah. Maloklusi skeletal kelas II yang tidak terlalu berat dikatakan masih dapat disamarkan dengan perawatan ortodonti kamuflase. Pencabutan dua premolar atas seringkali dilakukan dalam upaya mendapatkan ruang bagi pergerakan ortodonti yang dilakukan. Upaya ini membutuhkan penjangkaran tambahan agar ruang yang diperoleh sesudah pencabutan dua premolar tersebut tidak berkurang atau hilang karena gagalnya sistem penjangkaran yang dipakai. Mini implant ortodonti pada saat ini menjadi pilihan yang banyak dipakai karena kemampuannya sebagai penjangkaran absolut. Tujuan laporan kasus ini menyampaikan penatalaksanaan perawatan ortodonti kamuflase pada maloklusi kelas II dengan penjangkaran mini implant ortodonti. Laporan kasus: Maloklusi kelas II skeletal dirawat dengan alat ortodonti cekat sistem McLauhglin, Bennett, Trevisi, dengan pencabutan 2 gigi premolar rahang atas disertai alat penambah penjangkaran berupa mini implant ortodonti. Kasus selesai dirawat setelah 24 bulan. Simpulan: Perawatan ortodonti kamuflase pada maloklusi skeletal kelas II menunjukkan Inklinasi gigi anterior, overjet dan overbite terkoreksi, serta kecembungan wajah berkurang. Upaya ini terbantu dengan adanya tambahan penjangkaran berupa mini implant ortodonti, sebagai penjangkaran langsung saat retraksi anterior. Kata kunci: maloklusi kelas II; MBT; perawatan kamuflase; mini implant ortodonti ABSTRACT Introduction: Class II skeletal malocclusion has a characteristic clinical feature that is difficult to change by conventional orthodontics and sometimes even requires surgical orthodontic management. Class II skeletal malocclusions that are less severe are said to be camouflaged by camouflage orthodontic treatment. The extraction of the two upper premolars is often done to make room for orthodontic movement. This effort requires additional anchoring so that the space obtained after the removal of the two premolars is not reduced or lost due to the failure of the anchoring system used. Mini orthodontic implants are currently the most widely used option because of their ability to act as absolute anchors. This case report aims to present the management of camouflage orthodontic treatment in class II malocclusion by anchoring mini orthodontic implants. Case report: Skeletal class II malocclusion was treated with fixed orthodontic appliance McLauhglin, Bennett, Trevisi system, with extraction of 2 maxillary premolars accompanied by an anchoring device in the form of mini orthodontic implants. Cases were completed after 24 months. Conclusions: Camouflage orthodontic treatment for skeletal malocclusion class II showed anterior tooth inclination, corrected overjet and overbite, and reduced facial curvature. This effort was helped by the additional anchorage in the form of a mini orthodontic implant, as a direct anchor during anterior retraction. Keywords: class II malocclusion; MBT system; camouflage treatment; orthodontic mini implant

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are currently used in different fields like catalysis, nanomedicine, and conservation science, taking advantage of their high surface area. Here, we synthesized and functionalized mesoporous dendritic fibrous nanoparticles to realize a smart delivery system of protective agents for metals. Different MSNPs were obtained via the microemulsion method followed by a hydrothermal or refluxing treatment at different w/o ratios, times, and temperatures. Dendritic spherical silica nanoparticles with specific features such as an appropriate size (450 nm), a very large surface area (600 m2 g−1), and a high yield synthesis (86%) were selected for surface modification. The fiber surface of the selected MSNPs was functionalized with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (3-APTES). 3-APTES works as a pH-driven “nanogate”, suppressing the immediate leakage of the total guest molecule load and modulating the release as a function of pH conditions. Surface-modified MSNPs were tested as a reservoir of the most diffused corrosion inhibitors: Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and 1H-Benzotriazole (BTA); their release properties were studied in solutions with pH = 4 and 7. Functionalized and non-functionalized MSNPs showed a good loading efficiency of guest molecules (34–64%) and a pH-dependent release of the corrosion inhibitors on a timescale of several hours.

Current evidence suggests that individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are likely to benefit from specialized, or BPD-specific, treatments. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mentalization-based treatment (MBT) are currently the most intensively researched BPD treatments. Reviewing the current research, this paper highlights similarities and differences between the two treatments, and discusses possible ways they could complement each other. As the effectiveness of specialized treatments for BPD in general has been determined with some certainty, research now tends towards individualized approaches, identifying predictors of optimal treatment response. However, it is still to be settled who might profit from a combination of or sequential treatment with DBT and MBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mixed municipal solid waste from mechanical-biological treatment plant was studied. • Under sieve fraction of mixed waste was processed by hydrothermal carbonization. • Various parameters temperature, reaction time and solid to water ratio were studied. • Ultimate and proximate analysis proved better hydrophobic and fuel properties. • Energy balance confirmed that the process may be energy self-sufficient. Mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) may be pre-treated in a mechanical–biological treatment (MBT) plant to produce an exiting stream with improved combustible characteristics. The process also produces a second waste stream, which is generally separated on a size basis by industrial sieving equipment. It contains fractions with a high moisture content such as residual food waste, soiled paper and cardboard, and small fragments of other materials. Samples of this stream, collected at an existing plant, were characterized and processed by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) at laboratory scale, at various temperatures (180, 200 and 220 °C), reaction times (1, 4 and 8 h) and solid to water ratios (0.15 and 0.07). The primary energy balance, on a hypothetical industrial scale, was performed. In brief, the results confirmed that the produced hydrochar was a brittle, hydrophobic, solid carbonaceous product which gave a better combustion performance as the residence time of the HTC process was increased. Moreover, the dewaterability of the carbonized waste was greatly improved when compared to raw, wet samples. The results of the primary energy balance confirmed that the energy contained in the produced hydrochar was higher than the energy consumption for the process itself, under all the HTC working conditions. The energy consumed in the process was in the range of 40–70 % of the energy content of the produced hydrochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) has been developed to treat people with complex presentations who may have diagnoses of personality disorder. Whilst psychological formulation is deemed central to the approach, MBT has no standardised approach to formulation. This article therefore proposes a diagrammatic formulation (the "MBT passport"), the elements of which can also be used to construct a narrative MBT formulation. Two fictional case studies exemplify the approach. We consider factors around co-production of MBT formulations and the use of the MBT Passport to manage ruptures within therapy. Common challenges are a therapist/client reluctance to share in a group, that formulations are overly focused on the past to the exclusion of the present, and that formulations are delivered to (rather than 'owned by') the client. Processes to mitigate or remedy these situations are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An important determinant of therapy outcome is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. This study evaluated the association between the client's assessment of first-session therapeutic relationship (FSTR) and outcome in an intensive treatment for adolescents with personality disorders. Method: Patients (N = 92) were measured weekly during intensive group treatment. The therapeutic relationship was measured with the Child version of the Session Rating Scale (C-SRS) that was completed after each group therapy session by the patient. Outcome was measured with the Child version of the Outcome Rating Scale (C-ORS). Reliable change index (RCI) was calculated for the both instruments to determine significant changes in therapeutic relationship and outcome. Results: A good FRST gave twice as much chance of a significantly better outcome. Especially for those with moderate FSTR, establishing and maintaining a good working relationship during treatment could increase the chances of a good outcome considerably. In contrast, adolescents with low FSTR had little chance of positive outcome regardless of any improvement in the therapeutic relationship. Conclusion: Adolescents assessment of FRST is indicative of the chance of a good outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of modern, new generation-armored vehicles would greatly benefit from overall engineering, optimization, and integration techniques of advanced diesel engines-electrified transmissions. Modern axial flux electric motors and controllers are perfectly able to replace the classical automatic gearbox and complex steering system of traditional Main Battle Tanks. This study shows a possible design of a serial hybrid electric power pack for very heavy tanks with a weight well over 50 tons. The result is a hybrid power system that improves the overall performance of armored vehicles off-road and on-road, improving the acceleration and the smoothness of the ride. In addition, fuel consumption will be reduced because the internal combustion engine operates at fixed rpm. The electric motors will outperform the traditional engines due to their very high torque output even at “zero speed”. The weight of a hybrid system has also been calculated. In fact, in many cases, it is possible to use all off-the-shelf components. The on-board diagnosis of the subsystems in the hybrid powertrain makes it possible to achieve a Time Between Overhaul (TBO) of 4500 h with a failure probability inferior to one in 10,000.

Treating organic wastes using a combination of mechanical biological treatment (MBT) and anaerobic digestion (AD) is an established process in Europe. In 2010 the UK was considered under resourced with respect to its per capita AD capacity, suggesting a significant prospect for plants in the UK. The ratio of plants then treating municipal solid waste (MSW) compared to biowaste, has changed in the past 10-15 years from favouring biowaste plants to plants treating residual MSW (rMSW). Contractors need to be aware of the parameters that impact on the performance of an MBT AD plant. To identify the key parameters, a review of available information on plant operational performance was undertaken using a wide range of sources. Operational parameters for AD processes are well-documented and provide key process design factors when designing a plant. Consolidation of the information obtained was assessed and a list of problems/solutions compiled that could be reviewed when considering a potential EPC contract. The 2010 list of identified problems has been compared to the current literature discussing the operational performance of MBT AD plants, to see if the issues have been resolved, continue to be a problem, or new issues have arisen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessment of MBT plants in Spain, Greece and Cyprus. • Optimal solution should be built upon a thorough sorting and recyclables recovery line. • Main revenues are contributed by the corrugated cardboard, the HDPE, and metals. • The high calorific value non-recycled materials should be used as alternative fuel. • Plants that mix the organic fraction with other organics achieve better quality compost. Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT; called "dirty" Materials Recovery Facilities in the U.S.) is a waste management method, developed mostly in Europe, which combines sorting of recyclable materials (metals, paper, plastics, glass) with composting/digestion of green/ food wastes and, in some cases production of a fuel material. In 2018–19, the authors visited six MBT facilities in Europe that use different approaches for the recovery of materials and energy from mixed MSW. These plants were studied with respect to feedstock composition, operating conditions, capital expenditure, financial viability and environmental impacts. The compost product of most facilities examined did not comply with agricultural standards and, therefore, it was classified as compost-like output (CLO) and used as daily cover in landfills. The best composting practice used source separated organic materials (yard and other green wastes) and yielded a marketable compost. MBT plants that did not include the recovery of fuel materials had lower landfill diversion rates and, also, lower capital and operating costs. It was concluded that an MBT plant must include a very efficient sorting and recyclables recovery line and charge a sufficient gate fee. Also, in addition to the recycled products, there should be a stream to recover fuel materials sent to a power plant or cement plant, thus increasing revenue, and landfill diversion, and maximizing greenhouse gas (GHG) savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crack root rotation is a measure of deviation from clamped boundary conditions of region in front of the crack tip. The root rotation depends on the shear force and bending moment acting at the crack tip. Such rotation significantly affects the compliance and energy-release rate. Crack root rotation analysis of Single Cantilever Beam (SCB) sandwich specimens is presented here. Closed-form solutions for the root rotation angle obtained from the foundation analysis are compared to finite element analysis (FEA) predictions. The derived expressions closely match for a range of sandwich configurations. An expression for the energy-release rate, derived from the foundation analysis was found to agree with FEA predictions over a large range of face-to-core modulus ratios. Energy-release rate and mode mixity phase angle increased with decreasing crack length due to the transverse shear effects. At longer crack lengths, both energy-release rate and phase angle reached a value independent of crack length. The foundation model is used to derive a simple expression for the offset crack length for the SCB sandwich fracture test. It is shown that the obtained formulation agrees closely well with both numerical and experimental values. In addition, SCB fracture tests performed using an in-house built translatable rig showed close relation to both analytical and numerical compliance results.

An analysis of the occurrence of alleles and genotypes of GSTM1 gene in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus regarding the MBT resistance version allowed to establish that under the conditions of pulmonary tuberculosis infection GSTM1 gene deletion mutation can be found in one out of five (21.87% of cases), and the occurrence due to the MBT resistance version is: with NDTB - 17.39%, with MDR-TB 35.0% and - PRTB 20.0% respectively. According to the nature of the distribution of allelic gene GSTM1 a favorable functional 1 allele prevails (73.29%) in the normal inbreeding among patients and deficiency of heterozygosity among healthy people, which generally forms a normal population distribution for the European race. Material and methods. The study involved 100 patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary TB and diabetes mellitus who had been hospitalized in Chernivtsi Regional TB Dispensary. The control group consisted of 50 healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was isolated from the whole venous blood. GSTM1 polymorphic areas were isolated by means of multicomplex polymerase chain reaction, according to the protocol for instantaneous analysis of polymorphism by M. Arana et all (1996). Deletion of gene corresponds to the lack of appropriate strips in the electropherogram. Results and discussion. Despite the fact that the activity of the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase of class M is encoded by five GST genes of class M (M1-M5), the dominant cause of genetically caused dysregulation of antioxidant activity is deletion (null) polymorphism of the gene GSTM1. Conclusion. Among the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus one out of five persons (21,87 % of cases) was diagnosed with deletion mutation of GSTM1 gene; and the occurrence due to MBT resistance variation is: in NDTB-17,39 %, in MDR-TB - 35,0 % and in PRTB- 20,0 % respectively.

Most of the municipal solid waste (MSW) in developing countries ends up in landfills. For example, more than 95% of the MSW generated in Latin America is disposed of in some type of landfill. Factors such as high organic compositions, low recycling rates and poor control over the disposal sites greatly increase the environmental impacts associated with MSW management in this region, resulting in increased emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and runoff of leachates. Therefore, local governments in Latin America are making efforts to transition to more “circular” management models for MSW. This is the case in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (GMA), the third most populous city in Mexico, where the implementation of the following two mechanical biological treatment (MBT) alternatives are being considered: 1) a high-capacity mechanical sorting facility with no biological treatment and 2) a medium-capacity mechanical sorting facility coupled with a composting process. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the environmental performance of the current MSW management system (baseline) as compared to the two potential MBT alternatives through life cycle assessment (LCA) and sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, by using a SWOT analysis, this study aimed to provide insights into the main economical, sociocultural, legal, political and technological/infrastructure challenges that need to be overcome in the GMA, as well as other cities in developing countries, in order to transition to circular MSW management models. An assessment of global warming potential (measured in Gg CO2-eq/year) indicated that the current MSW management system (baseline) results in the emission of 111.21 Gg CO2-eq/year, while the two potential alternative scenarios displayed a net emissions reduction of 24 and 34%, respectively, due to material recycling and the substitution of petroleum coke with refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in cement kilns. When evaluating abiotic resource depletion (measured in Gg Sb-eq/year), the potential alternative scenarios both outperformed the baseline with savings increases between 3,380 and 3,501%. This result is largely attributed to the decrease in fossil fuel consumption (due to the substitution of petroleum coke with RDF), which provides a potential reduction of 5.62 Gg Sb-eq/year. The sensitivity analysis revealed that several key parameters, such as the fraction of food and plastic wastes in the MSW, can alter the scenario rankings. Recycling of the recovered materials and treatment of the organic fraction were found to be key strategies for a reduction in direct environmental impacts. Additionally, better management of waste picker activities, standardization of landfill operations and enhancement of material separation and selective collection must be addressed prior to the introduction of new treatment technologies. The results of the study herein can assist in the formation of policies to improve the feasibility of MBT implementation and drive the first steps towards a circular economy model in the GMA, as well as other cities within Latin American and Caribbean regions with similar characteristics.

Objectives: This study aimed to understand therapists' lived experiences of delivering mentalisation‐based therapy (MBT), including their experiences of service user change. Method: One‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews or focus groups were conducted with 14 MBT therapists and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results: Four superordinate themes were identified: (1) experiencing the challenges and complexities of being with service users during MBT; (2) being on a journey of discovery and change; (3) being an MBT therapist: a new way of working and developing a new therapeutic identity; and (4) being a therapist in the group: seeing it all come together. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the complexity, challenges and individualised experience of working therapeutically with service users with a diagnosis of BPD. The study provides a perspective of service use change that is enriched by idiosyncrasies within the therapeutic encounter. We conclude with a consideration of implications for MBT research and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of applications incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) concepts increases extraordinarily. This increase cannot continue without high-quality assurance. There are some difficulties in testing IoT applications; the system heterogeneity, test cost and time are taken to test the system and the precision percentage of test results. A well-known and possibly the best solution to overcoming these difficulties is to model the system for evaluation purposes, known as model-based testing (MBT). This paper aims to design a model-based testing approach to assess IoT applications performance quality attributes. The ISO 25000 quality model is used as a standard for software quality assurance applications. IoTMaaS is used as a case study to implement the methodological approach. The possible test cases were generated using the ACTS combinatorial test generation tool. The performance metrics of each test case were monitored until the optimum test case was identified, with the shortest response time and the least amount of resources used. The proposed testing method appears to be successful, according to the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas plants processing municipal waste are very important investments from the point of view of waste management and also the sustainable development of urban infrastructures. They may also have a potentially negative impact on the environment in the form of odour emission. Olfactometry is the main method for odour impact assessment. Field olfactometry allows for performing a wide range of tests, the results of which are practically instantaneous. The purpose of this work is to provide a tool for assessing the odour impacts of municipal management facilities, including biogas plants processing municipal waste and evaluating the correctness of processes carried out in these plants, namely the method of field olfactometry. In order to compare obtained olfactometric results with the concentration of chemical compounds, chromatographic tests were also carried out using the Photovac Voyager portable chromatograph (hydrogen sulphide – H2S and dimethyl sulphide – (CH3)2S. The results of the odour concentration tests are in line with the results of odorant concentration tests and indicate that cod is strongly related to the concentration of hydrogen sulphide. Thanks to this method, it is possible to find a relationship between odour nuisance, technological processes used in the plant and the type of treated waste.

Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGTs) are bacterial membrane lipids that are ubiquitous in the environment. Although the exact source organism is unknown, the distribution of brGDGTs in mineral soils, peats, and lake sediments is correlated with temperature through a decrease in the degree of methylation with increasing temperature. This empirical observation forms the basis of the brGDGT paleothermometer, one of the most important and widely used organic proxies to reconstruct terrestrial temperatures in the past. However, a mechanistic understanding to underpin this empirical correlation between the degree of methylation of brGDGT lipids and temperature is lacking, hindering a holistic understanding of the brGDGT paleothermometer as well as the membrane dynamics of their bacterial producers. To address this, here we present the first molecular dynamics simulations of membranes consisting of brGDGTs. Using intact polar lipid (IPL) brGDGTs with two sugar headgroups, our simulations demonstrate that increasing the degree of methylation modulates membrane order and packing, rendering the membrane less rigid and more fluid. These results indicate that the empirically observed correlation between the degree of methylation and temperature allows brGDGT-producing bacteria to maintain adequate membrane fluidity. Our simulations provide the first molecular simulation data to support the hypothesis that the brGDGT paleothermometer is based on homeoviscous adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) provokes bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity and postural instability, and also non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep and cognitive impairments. Similar phenotypes can be induced in Drosophila melanogaster through modification of PD-relevant genes or the administration of PD-inducing toxins. Recent studies correlated deregulation of human p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) with PD, leaving open the question of a causative relationship of mutations in this gene for manifestation of PD symptoms. To determine whether flies lacking the PAK4 homolog Mushroom bodies tiny (Mbt) show PD-like phenotypes, we tested for a variety of PD criteria. Here, we demonstrate that mbt mutant flies show PD-like phenotypes including age-dependent movement deficits, reduced life expectancy and fragmented sleep. They also react to a stressful situation with higher immobility, indicating an influence of Mbt on emotional behavior. Loss of Mbt function has a negative effect on the number of dopaminergic protocerebral anterior medial (PAM) neurons, most likely caused by a proliferation defect of neural progenitors. The age-dependent movement deficits are not accompanied by a corresponding further loss of PAM neurons. Previous studies highlighted the importance of a small PAM subgroup for age-dependent PD motor impairments. We show that impaired motor skills are caused by a lack of Mbt in this PAM subgroup. In addition, a broader re-expression of Mbt in PAM neurons improves life expectancy. Conversely, selective Mbt knockout in the same cells shortens lifespan. We conclude that mutations in Mbt/PAK4 can play a causative role in the development of PD phenotypes.

Organotin compounds are persistent pollutants and are considered chemicals of high environmental concern. In the present study, the distribution and degradation of tributyltin were evaluated in field sediments and through an ex situ experiment. For this, sediment samples from two locations were analysed: Luis Piedrabuena Harbour, with higher maritime traffic, and Cerro Avanzado, which receives less impact from anthropogenic activities. The results indicated that pollution levels at Luis Piedrabuena Harbour have decreased compared with studies performed 9 years ago for the same area. On the contrary, traces of organotin compounds have been found for the first time at Cerro Avanzado. Moreover, the butyltin degradation index indicated that organotin compounds undergo an advanced degradation process in the collected samples at both sites. Ex situ experiments revealed a limited capacity of sediments to retain tributyltin, and suggested an active role of bioturbation activity in the degradation of these compounds. In addition, visualisation using chemometric techniques (principal components analysis) allowed a simpler analysis of two sediment characteristics: the degree of contamination and the degradation levels of organotin compounds. • Update on contamination of two sites with different anthropogenic pressure. • At Luis Piedrabuena Harbour, MBT and DBT were predominantly detected, indicating an advanced degradation process of TBT. • For the first time, traces concentrations of both TBT and its degradation products were recorded at Cerro Avanzado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many, if not most, embryos begin development with extremely short cell cycles that exhibit unusually rapid DNA replication and no gap phases. The commitment to the cell cycle in the early embryo appears to preclude many other cellular processes that only emerge as the cell cycle slows just prior to gastrulation at a major embryonic transition known as the mid-blastula transition (MBT). As reviewed here, genetic and molecular studies in Drosophila have identified changes that extend S phase and introduce a post-replicative gap phase, G2, to slow the cell cycle. Although many mysteries remain about the upstream regulators of these changes, we review the core mechanisms of the change in cell cycle regulation and discuss advances in our understanding of how these might be timed and triggered. Finally, we consider how the elements of this program may be conserved or changed in other organisms.