Recrystallization of amorphous ion-implanted silicon carbide after thermal annealing

Single crystals of 6H–SiC were implanted at room temperature with 4-MeV Au ions to a fluence of 10^15?cm^?2. Raman spectra showed that full amorphization was achieved. The recrystallization process was studied by micro-Raman spectrometry after isochronal thermal annealing between 700 and 1500°C. The spectra permitted the evolution upon annealing of Si–C bonds, and also of Si–Si and C–C bonds, to be followed. Amorphous phase relaxation takes place below 700°C; then recrystallization of the 6H polytype sets in at 700°C. At 900°C crystallites with different crystalline states are formed. Moreover, Raman spectra provide evidence of graphitic nanocluster formation at 1500°C.     

Spiritual Well-Being, Cortisol, and Suicidality in Croatian War Veterans Suffering from PTSD

We present our preliminary results of work that aims to observe the relationship between the cortisol level, the level of spiritual well-being, and suicidal tendencies in Croatian war veterans suffering from PTSD. The survey was conducted on 17 PTSD veterans who completed the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The plasma cortisol level was obtained by venepuction at 8.00, 12.00, 13.00, 16.00, and 22.00 h. Results showed that veterans with higher spiritual well-being scores had lower cortisol levels, and evening cortisol levels showed significant correlation with suicidal risk. The results of the present study could be a stimulus for further investigation into spiritually based interventions, exploring their impact both on mental status and physical health.     

Spirituality and Its Relationship with Personality in Depressed People: Preliminary Findings

The relationship between spirituality and personality in patients with depression is complex and not much explored. The aim of our study is to examine the interconnection between the spiritual quality of life (QoL) and Cloninger’s psychobiological model of personality in patients with depression. The sample consisted of 85 consecutive outpatients treated for depression. The measurements used were: Beck Depression Inventory, WHO-Quality of Life-Spiritual, Religious, Personal Beliefs, and Temperament and Character Inventory. The results have shown that higher harm avoidance, lower self-directedness and lower cooperativeness are personality dimensions associated with depression. The spiritual QoL has showed to play a significant role in depression, just as it has proved to be a unique predictor of lower depressive symptoms, adjusted for personality dimensions. The spiritual QoL itself is predicted by personality dimensions, self-directedness and self-transcendence implying that spirituality is a broader construct than the character dimension. Our findings may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of depression, spirituality and personality.