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Functional capacity (FC) is a mediator between neuropsychological functions and real-world functioning, but there is a lack of evidence of its correlation in community-dwelling older adults. Objective: The study aim was to determine the FC level of community-dwelling older adults using the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA) and to evaluate correlation with cognitive screening tests. Methods: Senior center participants were selected according to inclusion criteria: Portuguese fluency, age ≥60 years and self-reported independent living. The subject exclusion criteria were: dementia or other DSM-5 diagnoses, suicidal ideation or intent, non-completion of assessment battery, enrollment in another psychosocial intervention or pharmacotherapy study. FC level was determined by the UPSA, brief UPSA (UPSA-B) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL’s). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Memory of Figure Test (MFT), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT) were used for cognitive assessment. A total of 35 subjects that had a mean age of 72 years, were predominantly females(88.6%) and had mean education level of 11.25 years were evaluated. Results: Mean UPSA and UPSA-B scores were 78.5 and 70, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the UPSA and IADL, MMSE and VFT. Conclusion: The UPSA serves as a screening assessment of FC in community-dwelling older adults, showing a positive correlation with cognitive screening tests.

RESUMO A Escala Breve de Autocontrole (BSCS) foi desenvolvida para avaliar diferentes níveis de autocontrole, uma capacidade individual de ativamente alterar os próprios desejos, comportamentos, emoções e pensamentos. Apesar da estabilidade do modelo unidimensional no estudo original, sua replicabilidade estrutural não foi corroborada pela literatura posterior. O presente estudo teve por objetivo oferecer informações sobre validade de construto em amostra brasileira, incluindo avaliação de modelos bidimensionais alternativos. A amostra foi composta por 405 indivíduos (61,2% mulheres) com idades entre 18 e 46 anos (M=22,32, DP=4,782). Foram realizadas análises fatoriais exploratórias (AFE) e confirmatórias (AFC), e a adequação do modelo foi avaliada por meio de índices de ajuste. Apenas um modelo emergiu satisfatoriamente. Os resultados são discutidos com base na literatura vigente e na relação da escala com outros instrumentos que fazem uso de diversas medidas do construto de autocontrole (Adiamento de Gratificação e Impulsividade). Palavras-chave: autocontrole; autorregulação; impulsividade; análise fatorial; psicometria. ABSTRACT-Item Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS): Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian Version The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) was developed to measure the individual self-control spectrum, as a cognitive skill to actively alter one's own desires, behavior, emotions and thoughts. In the original validation, the BSCS displayed adequate psychometric properties for its unidimensional structure. However, this structure was difficult to replicate in subsequent studies. This study aimed to adapt and to assess evidence of validity of the measure for a Brazilian sample. The sample was composed of 405 individuals (61.2% women) with ages ranging from 18 to 46 years (M=22.32, SD=4.782). Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis were conducted, and the adequacy of the model was assessed by means of model fit indexes. Only one model was found to be appropriate. The results are discussed based on recent scientific data and the relations between the scale and other instruments that evaluate diverse self-control measures (Delaying Gratification and Impulsivity).

The paper will present efficiency results of high concentration silicon solar cells that were measured before and after 30 months of exposure to -25 W/cm2 sunlight. It is concluded that a process developed by Amonix Inc. provides UV stability to point-contact silicon solar cells under -25 W/cmZ for prolonged periods.Efficiency results are presented for individual solar cells and for modules made up of 24 seriesconnected solar cells. In particular, the modules are generally over 22.5 % efficient at PVUSA conditions, if the optical losses of the lens are excluded. Calculated efflclency for solar cells withand wlthout a front surface field (FSF)

Concentrator PV (CPV) systems have attracted significant interest because these systems incorporate the world's highest efficiency solar cells and they are targeting the lowest cost production of solar electricity for the world's utility markets. Because these systems are just entering solar markets, manufacturers and customers need to assure their reliability for many years of operation. There are three general approaches for assuring CPV reliability: 1) field testing and development over many years leading to improved product designs, 2) testing to internationally accepted qualification standards (especially for new products) and 3) extended reliability tests to identify critical weaknesses in a new component or design. Amonix has been a pioneer in all three of these approaches. Amonix has an internal library of field failure data spanning over 15 years that serves as the basis for its seven generations of CPV systems. An Amonix product served as the test CPV module for the development of the world's first qualification standard completed in March 2001. Amonix staff has served on international standards development committees, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), in support of developing CPV standards needed in today's rapidly expanding solar markets. Recently Amonix employed extended reliability test procedures to assure reliability of multijunction solar cell operation in its seventh generation high concentration PV system. This paper will discuss how these three approaches have all contributed to assuring reliability of the Amonix systems.