bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes toward School Violence against LGBTQIA+. A Qualitative Study
Authors: Pina David , Marín-Talón María Catalina , López-López Reyes , Martínez-Sánchez Ainhoa , Cormos Lucía Simina , Ruiz-Hernández José Antonio , Abecia Begoña , Martínez-Jarreta Begoña
Published: November 2021

School climate is one of the main concerns in terms of research and intervention worldwide. Although it can be directed toward any student, some groups seem to be more vulnerable, as is the case of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex +) students, among others. Attitudes toward violence are a construct of particular importance for action plans focused on improving school coexistence. The aim of this study is to examine attitudes toward school violence against LGBTQIA+ students and their relationship with violent behaviors. For this purpose, 96 Spanish students of Spanish elementary education (PE) and compulsory secondary education (CSE) participated in this qualitative study through focus groups for its subsequent thematic analysis. The results identify four types of attitudes toward violence, such as the use of violence as a form of fun, to feel better, when it is perceived as legitimate, and as a way of relating to the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, a greater number of negative attitudes and violent behaviors toward homosexual boys and transgender minors are observed.
Alcohol Consumption and Cigarette Smoking among Young Adults: An Instrumental Variable Analysis Using Alcohol Flushing
Authors: Jee Yongho , Park Susan , Yuk Eunu , Cho Sung-il
Published: November 2021

Association between drinking and smoking has remained controversial since the association between two studies were influenced by various confounding. Thus, our study aimed to explore the causal effect of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking using alcohol flushing as an instrument variable, which is free from confounders. We analyzed cross-sectional survey data from 2500 Korean young adults (1600 men and 900 women). Alcohol flushing was strongly associated with log transformed alcohol consumption (F = 272). In men, alcohol non-flushers were 1.41 times (95% CI 1.28–1.55) more likely to smoke 100 cigarettes in their lifetime in logistic regression analysis. Alcohol non-flushers were also 1.3 times (95% CI 1.21–1.40) more likely to become daily smokers and 1.39 times (95% CI 1.27–1.51) more likely to be current smokers than alcohol flushers. However, in an IV analysis, no causal relationships between alcohol consumption and smoking status were found. Alcohol consumption, on the other hand, was causally associated with lowering nicotine dependence and former smoking in men. Alcohol consumption determined by alcohol flushing status does not appear to be causally linked to the smoking behavior of young adults. The relationship between alcohol consumption and nicotine dependence and smoking cessation needs further study.
Open Application of Statistical and Machine Learning Models to Explore the Impact of Environmental Exposures on Health and Disease: An Asthma Use Case
Authors: Lan Bo , Haaland Perry , Krishnamurthy Ashok , Peden David B. , Schmitt Patrick L. , Sharma Priya , Sinha Meghamala , Xu Hao , Fecho Karamarie
Published: November 2021

ICEES (Integrated Clinical and Environmental Exposures Service) provides a disease-agnostic, regulatory-compliant approach for openly exposing and analyzing clinical data that have been integrated at the patient level with environmental exposures data. ICEES is equipped with basic features to support exploratory analysis using statistical approaches, such as bivariate chi-square tests. We recently developed a method for using ICEES to generate multivariate tables for subsequent application of machine learning and statistical models. The objective of the present study was to use this approach to identify predictors of asthma exacerbations through the application of three multivariate methods: conditional random forest, conditional tree, and generalized linear model. Among seven potential predictor variables, we found five to be of significant importance using both conditional random forest and conditional tree: prednisone, race, airborne particulate exposure, obesity, and sex. The conditional tree method additionally identified several significant two-way and three-way interactions among the same variables. When we applied a generalized linear model, we identified four significant predictor variables, namely prednisone, race, airborne particulate exposure, and obesity. When ranked in order by effect size, the results were in agreement with the results from the conditional random forest and conditional tree methods as well as the published literature. Our results suggest that the open multivariate analytic capabilities provided by ICEES are valid in the context of an asthma use case and likely will have broad value in advancing open research in environmental and public health.
Silver Linings Reported by Australians Experiencing Public Health Restrictions during the First Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Report
Authors: Campbell Narelle , Thompson Sandra C. , Tynan Anna , Townsin Louise , Booker Lauren A. , Argus Geoff
Published: November 2021

This national study investigated the positives reported by residents experiencing the large-scale public health measures instituted in Australia to manage the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Most Australians had not previously experienced the traditional public health measures used (social distancing, hand hygiene and restriction of movement) and which could potentially impact negatively on mental well-being. The research design included qualitative semi-structured phone interviews where participants described their early pandemic experiences. Data analysis used a rapid identification of themes technique, well-suited to large-scale qualitative research. The ninety participants (mean age 48 years; 70 women) were distributed nationally. Analysis revealed five themes linked with mental well-being and the concept of silver linings: safety and security, gratitude and appreciation, social cohesion and connections, and opportunities to reset priorities and resilience. Participants demonstrated support for the public health measures and evidence of individual and community resilience. They were cognisant of positives despite personal curtailment and negative impacts of public health directives. Stories of hope, strength, and acceptance, innovative connections with others and focusing on priorities and opportunities within the hardship were important strategies that others could use in managing adversity.
Behavioral Correlates of COVID-19 Worry: Stigma, Knowledge, and News Source
Authors: Meltzer Gabriella Y. , Chang Virginia W. , Lieff Sarah A. , Grivel Margaux M. , Yang Lawrence H. , Des Jarlais Don C.
Published: November 2021

Non-adherence to COVID-19 guidelines may be attributable to low levels of worry. This study assessed whether endorsing COVID-19-stigmatizing restrictions, COVID-19 knowledge, and preferred news source were associated with being ‘very worried’ versus ‘not at all’ or ‘somewhat’ worried about contracting COVID-19. Survey data were collected in July–August 2020 from N = 547 New York State (NYS) and N = 504 national Amazon MTurk workers. Respondents who endorsed COVID-19 stigmatizing restrictions (NYS OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.31, 2.92; national OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.06, 3.08) and consumed commercial news (NYS OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.21, 2.96; national OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.24, 3.00) were more likely to be very worried. National respondents who consumed The New York Times (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.00, 2.29) were more likely to be very worried, while those with little knowledge (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.13, 0.43) were less likely to be very worried. NYS (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.77, 4.00) and national (OR 3.17; 95% CI 1.95, 5.16) respondents with probable depression were also more likely to be very worried. These characteristics can help identify those requiring intervention to maximize perceived threat to COVID-19 and encourage uptake of protective behaviors while protecting psychological wellbeing.
Impact of Little Cigars and Cigarillos Packaging Features on Product Preference
Authors: Shang Ce , Nonnemaker James , Sterling Kymberle , Sobolewski Jessica , Weaver Scott R.
Published: November 2021

Background: We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) among young adult cigarette smokers in the period July–August 2018 to examine their preference for cigarillos in response to various packaging-related attributes, including flavor, flavor description, quality descriptors, pack size, and prices. Methods: A convenience sample of 566 US young adult cigarette smokers aged 18–34, among whom 296 were current little cigar and cigarillo (LCC) smokers, were recruited using Facebook ads and invited to participate in an online (Qualtrics) tobacco survey containing DCE and tobacco use questions. In the experiment, participants chose among two cigarillo products or “neither” (opt-out). Results: We analyzed preferences for LCCs using multinomial, nested, random parameter logit models. Results showed that young adult cigarette smokers preferred grape over menthol, tobacco/regular, and wine flavors; “color only” and “color and text” flavor depictions over text only; “smooth” and “sweet” quality descriptors over “satisfying”; and larger pack sizes and lower prices. Conclusions: Regulating packaging-related features will impact LCC choices among US young adult smokers. FDA regulation over these packaging-related features may impact LCC use among young adult smokers.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Families’ Mental Health: The Role Played by Parenting Stress, Parents’ Past Trauma, and Resilience
Authors: Marzilli Eleonora , Cerniglia Luca , Tambelli Renata , Trombini Elena , De Pascalis Leonardo , Babore Alessandra , Trumello Carmen , Cimino Silvia
Published: November 2021

International research has evidenced the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families, and the key role played by parenting stress levels. Although significant associations with parents’ past trauma and resilience have been shown, this study aimed to explore their complex interplay on the relationship between parents’ peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19, parenting stress, and children’s psychopathological difficulties. We recruited 353 parents with children aged two to 16 years via an online survey during the Italian second wave of COVID-19. Parents’ peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19, parenting stress, past trauma and resilience, and children’s psychological difficulties were assessed through self-report and report-form questionnaires. Parents’ past traumas significantly predicted peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19 and children’s psychological difficulties. The relationship between past traumas and children’s psychological difficulties was serial mediated by parents’ peritraumatic distress and parenting stress. Direct and total effects of parent’s resilience on parent’s peritraumatic distress were not significant, but there were significant indirect effects via parenting stress and via parents’ peritraumatic distress and parenting stress, indicating inconsistent mediation. This study evidenced the key risk and protective role played by, respectively, parents’ past traumas exposure and resilience on the relationship between parents’ psychological difficulties due to COVID-19, parenting stress, and children’s psychological difficulties, with important clinical implications.
Relocation to Activity-Based Workplaces (ABW)—Importance of the Implementation Process
Authors: Bergsten Eva L. , Wijk Katarina , Hallman David M.
Published: November 2021

Activity-based workplaces (ABW) have been implemented in many organizations to offer office flexibility and decrease facility costs. Evaluations of the ABW implementation process are rare. The study aimed to examine the ABW relocation process of two offices in a Swedish governmental agency and to explore factors that influence the implementation process and satisfaction with it. Qualitative or quantitative data were collected on process variables (context, recruitment, reach, dose delivered, dose received, satisfaction), barriers and facilitators to the process were explored in focus group interviews, and immediate outcomes (perceived knowledge, understanding office rules, satisfying information and support) were measured by questionnaire before and after the relocation. The evaluation showed that recruitment was unsatisfactory and reach insufficient—and participation in activities was thus low for both offices. However, intended changes improved. Unclear aims of ABW, lack of manager support and, lack of communication were some of the reported barriers to participation, while a well-planned process, work groups, and program activities were facilitators. Thus, to increase satisfaction with the relocation, our results suggest that recruitment should be thoroughly planned, taking these factors into account to increase participation. This knowledge may be useful for planning and designing successful ABW relocations and evaluations.
The Wildman Programme—Rehabilitation and Reconnection with Nature for Men with Mental or Physical Health Problems—A Matched-Control Study
Authors: Høegmark Simon , Andersen Tonny Elmose , Grahn Patrik , Mejldal Anna , Roessler Kirsten K.
Published: November 2021

Men with health problems refuse to participate in rehabilitation programmes and drop out of healthcare offerings more often than women. Therefore, a nature-based rehabilitation programme was tailored specific to men with mental health problems, and long-term illnesses. The rehabilitation programme combines the use of nature, body, mind, and community spirit (NBMC) and is called the ‘Wildman Programme’. The presented study was designed as a matched-control study with an intervention group participating in the Wildman Programme (N = 114) compared to a control group receiving treatment as usual (N = 39). Outcomes were measured at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and 6 months post-intervention (T3). The primary outcome was the participants’ quality of life measured by WHOQOL-BREF, which consists of four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. The secondary outcomes were the level of stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the participants’ emotional experience in relation to nature, measured by the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS). The intervention group improved significantly in the physical and psychological WHOQOL-BREF domains and in PSS at both follow-ups. The participants’ interest in using nature for restoration increased significantly as well. The only detectable difference between the control group and the intervention group was in the WHOQOL-BREF physical domain at the 6-month follow-up. For further studies, we recommend testing the effect of the Wildman Programme in an RCT study.
The Relationship between Physical Activity and Academic Procrastination in Chinese College Students: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy
Authors: Ren Kai , Liu Xiaolu , Feng Yujuan , Li Changqing , Sun Dingding , Qiu Ke
Published: November 2021

Background: Academic procrastination (AP) has been a common problematic behavior in college students. While physical activity (PA) has been reported to increase self-efficacy and reduce AP, less is known about the potential relationships among them. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between PA and AP. Methods: 687 Chinese college students (51% males, 49% females) aged 17–23 years (M = 19.59, SD = 0.89) participated in the study. PA, self-efficacy, and AP were assessed using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 (PARS-3), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students (PASS), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and mediation analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: (1) PA has a significant and negative impact on college students’ AP, (2) PA has a significant and positive impact on college students’ self-efficacy; (3) self-efficacy has a significant and negative impact on AP in college students; and (4) self-efficacy significantly mediates the relationship between PA and AP. Conclusions: PA is an effective intervention for directly and indirectly decreasing college students’ AP. Therefore, more intervention efforts should focus on the promotion of PA in higher education to improve students’ self-efficacy and thus, to reduce AP among college students.
Attitudes of Company Executives toward a Comprehensive Workplace Health Management—Results of an Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study in Germany
Authors: Siegel Achim , Hoge Aileen C. , Ehmann Anna T. , Martus Peter , Rieger Monika A.
Published: November 2021

Workplace health management (WHM) in Germany aims at maintaining and increasing the health and well-being of employees. Little is known about company executives’ attitudes toward WHM. To gain more insight, we conducted a large-scale survey in companies in the German county of Reutlingen in 2017. We sent a standardized questionnaire to 906 companies, containing inter alia 26 self-constructed declarative statements depicting company executives’ opinions on various WHM aspects; 222 questionnaires could be evaluated. By exploratory factor analysis we assigned the 26 items to six factors reflecting different attitudes toward WHM. Factor values were standardized to a scale from 0 to 10. The attitude ‘positive view of general health services in the company’, for example, achieved by far the lowest mean agreement (3.3 points). For the attitude ‘general skepticism toward WHM’, agreement and disagreement were balanced (5.0 points). Using multiple regression analyses, we searched for variables that could partially explain respondents’ agreement with attitudes. In conclusion, a general WHM skepticism was widespread, but not dominant. The idea that general health services should be offered in companies was predominantly rejected. Older respondents and respondents from smaller companies and craft enterprises were more skeptical than average about WHM and its possible extensions.
A Home-Based Multimedia Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Improves Clinical Symptoms and Physical Performance of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Santiworakul Anoma , Piya-amornphan Nitita , Jianramas Netchanok
Published: November 2021

Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation can decrease symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation by instructive multimedia in the form of videos and flip charts on clinical symptoms and exercise performance in COPD patients. An eight-week home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program was performed with twenty COPD patients older than 60 years of age with moderate to severe stages. They were separated into two groups: a multimedia group (n = 10) and a control group, which was only provided with telephone monitoring (n = 10). Clinical symptoms were measured by using the clinical COPD questionnaire (CCQ), and exercise performance was measured using a six-minute walk test (6MWT) and an upper-lower limb muscle strengthening test. After 8 weeks, the results showed that both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the CCQ (p < 0.05). The multimedia group showed a statistically significant increase in the lower-limb muscle strengthening (p < 0.05), while the control group was not found to show a statistically significant increase in the lower-limb muscle strengthening. Therefore, a pulmonary rehabilitation program using multimedia at home can lessen symptoms and improve exercise performance in COPD patients.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Occupational Health Hazards among Health Care Workers of Northern Saudi Arabia: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Ashokkumar , Alrawaili Khaloud Amash Hossin , Al-Hazmi Ahmad Homoud , Dar Umar Farooq , ALruwaili Bashayer , Mallick Ayesha , Wani Farooq Ahmed , Alsirhani Amnah Ibrahim E
Published: November 2021

Health care workers (HCWs) working in different health care facilities are exposed to many hazards, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors of occupational health hazards faced by 438 randomly selected HCWs from northern Saudi Arabia. The HCWs are commonly exposed to needle stick injuries (34.5%) under the biological hazards category; and work-related stress (69.6%) under the non-biological hazards categories. The significant associated factors were work setting (ref: Primary Health Center: Adjusted OR (AOR) = 2.81, 95%CI = 1.21–4.59, p = 0.017), smoking status (ref.: non-smoker: AOR = 1.73, 95%CI = 1.03–2.91, p = 0.039), and mean sleeping duration per day (AOR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.04–1.43, p = 0.014) for biological, and smoking status (ref: non-smoker: AOR = 2.16, 95%CI = 1.09–3.29, p = 0.028), and mean sleeping duration per day (AOR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.07–1.70, p = 0.013) for non-biological categories. This study revealed several risk factors and occupational health hazards that HCWs are exposed to during their work time. Periodic training and follow-up assessments regarding bio-safety measures for the HCWs should be implemented. Finally, future explorative studies are warranted on the feasibility of implementing rotation-based postings for the HCWs in different health care settings.
Obstetrical Soft Tissue Trauma during Spontaneous Vaginal Birth in the Romanian Adolescent Population—Multicentric Comparative Study with Adult Population
Authors: Matei Alexandra , Poenaru Elena , Dimitriu Mihai Cornel Traian , Zaharia Cristina , Ionescu Crîngu Antoniu , Navolan Dan , Furău Cristian George
Published: November 2021

Romania is a country with high rates of adolescent births, associating scarce comprehensive obstetrical management with this specific population. This research aims to assess soft tissue trauma after vaginal birth in teenage mothers compared to their adult counterparts. A retrospective case-control study was conducted for one year in two hospitals. All vaginal deliveries were considered; the age cut-off value was considered at 20 years old for case and control groups. Lacerations were divided into three subgroups, considering the involved anatomical region; group I: labial and periurethral lacerations, group II: vaginal and perineal lacerations, and group III: cervical lacerations. There were 1498 women included in the study: 298 young mothers and 1200 adults. Teenagers were more likely to have an episiotomy during vaginal delivery compared to adult women: 56% versus 26.7% (p = 0.00, Pearson Chi-square) and a 1.89 times increased risk for developing additional group II lacerations: p = 0.01, Pearson Chi-square test with Bonferroni correction: OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.18–3.02. Group II lacerations were the most frequent type of birth trauma in both study groups. Fetal weight ≥4000 g was associated with a two times higher risk for vaginal and perineal lacerations when age criterion was not considered (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.13–3.47, p = 0.01). The incidence of group I and II lacerations increased with age: from 0% and 9.1% between 10 and 14 years old to 6% and 26.2% between 18 and 19 years old. All groups of lacerations were more often identified in the case group, compared to the adult group. Fetal macrosomia and spontaneously ruptured membranes at admission could not be documented as risk factors for obstetrical injury in young mothers. Episiotomy performed in teenagers was not a protective procedure for group II lacerations.
An Analysis on Promoting Prefabrication Implementation in Construction Industry towards Sustainability
Authors: Wu Zezhou , Luo Lirong , Li Heng , Wang Ying , Bi Guoqiang , Antwi-Afari Maxwell Fordjour
Published: November 2021

As a game-changing technology with significant environmental, economic, and social benefits, prefabricated technology has attracted attention and has been increasingly adopted in the construction industry. Although multitudinous studies have investigated various aspects of prefabrication in construction, a thorough review of its current development state that synthesized environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions remains overdue. Therefore, this study aims to fill this research gap by constructing a systematic framework, analyzing the research status quos, and providing recommendations for future research. This study first conducted a holistic review of 768 references with NVivo. A research foci framework that represented the body of knowledge in prefabrication in construction was developed with five levels, which were advantages, hindrances, stakeholders, promotion policies, and strategy spectrum. Following the framework, the in-depth analyses from the perspectives of environmental, economic, social sustainability, technologies development, and promotion strategies were performed. The current research domains were further linked with potential research directions for promoting prefabricated construction towards sustainability. The study is of value in both offering references for policy formulation and stakeholder practice and providing recommendations for future research.
Regulating Alcohol: Strategies Used by Actors to Influence COVID-19 Related Alcohol Bans in South Africa
Authors: Ngqangashe Yandisa , Heenan Maddie , Pescud Melanie
Published: November 2021

South Africa has used intermittent alcohol prohibitions and restrictions as a strategy to relieve hospitals of alcohol-related trauma cases and spare services for COVID-19 caseloads. Alcohol regulation is highly contested and involves a diverse range of actors who influence policies to align with their interests. This study sought to examine the strategies used by these actors to shape the COVID-19 related alcohol regulation in South Africa as presented by online news media. We found that the voice of pro-regulation actors is smaller and fragmented compared to opponents of the regulation as each actor seeks to advance their own interests. Despite the regulations initially being framed as a COVID-19 public health measure, pro-regulation government ministries, such as police and transport, perceive the regulations as a way of reducing existing (pre-pandemic) alcohol-related harm, such as crime, road-traffic injuries, and gender-based violence. The pre-existing failures in the alcohol regulatory environment and the current policy momentum created by COVID-19 could present an opportunity to retain components of the new laws and improve alcohol regulation in South Africa. However, there is a dominant and cohesive alcohol industry voice that strongly opposes the regulations, citing economic impacts, illicit trade and lack of evidence on the positive effects of the alcohol bans. Strategies employed by industry include lobbying, framing, and litigation. The regulations implemented under the guise of COVID-19 prevention have presented valuable lessons for alcohol regulation more generally. However, whether these regulations translate to sustainable policy changes will depend upon how and if the strong industry voice is countered.
Effectiveness of Music-Based Intervention in Improving Uncomfortable Symptoms in ICU Patients: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Chen Yu-Fen , Chang Mei-Yu , Chow Lok-Hi , Ma Wei-Fen
Published: November 2021

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients experience multiple uncomfortable symptoms, which may be alleviated using music-based intervention, a nondrug treatment. This umbrella review aims to combine the data of systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of music-based intervention in improving uncomfortable symptoms in ICU patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed on the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Airiti Library, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases, and Epistemonikos. The search had no language restrictions, and articles on the improvement of symptoms using music-based intervention in adult ICU patients were included. This review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021240327). Results: This umbrella review retrieved 5 systematic reviews and 41 original studies, including 39 randomized controlled trials, and 2 nonrandomized controlled trials. Diverse music was the most common music type used for music-based intervention, the intervention music was typically decided by the study participants (61%), and most subjects underwent one intervention session (78%). Furthermore, most music intervention sessions lasted for 30 min (44%). The positive results included decreased anxiety, decreased pain, decreased agitation, decreased anesthesia dose and sedative use, decreased chances of delirium, decreased feelings of uncomfort, and improved sleep quality. Conclusions: A systematic review on the effectiveness of music-based intervention in improving uncomfortable symptoms in ICU patients revealed that 20–30 min intervention sessions showed the best improvement in the uncomfortable symptoms in patients. This study provides a basis for using music-based intervention to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms in critically ill ICU patients, and a reference for empirical clinical practice.
Methodological Quality of User-Centered Usability Evaluation of Ambient Assisted Living Solutions: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bastardo Rute , Martins Ana Isabel , Pavão João , Silva Anabela Gonçalves , Rocha Nelson Pacheco
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to determine the methodological quality of user-centered usability evaluation of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) solutions by (i) identifying the characteristics of the AAL studies reporting on user-centered usability evaluation, (ii) systematizing the methods, procedures and instruments being used, and (iii) verifying if there is evidence of a common understanding on methods, procedures, and instruments for user-centered usability evaluation. An electronic search was conducted on Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore databases, combining relevant keywords. Then, titles and abstracts were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the full texts of the eligible studies were retrieved and screened for inclusion. A total of 44 studies were included. The results show a great heterogeneity of methods, procedures, and instruments to evaluate the usability of AAL solutions and, in general, the researchers fail to consider and report relevant methodological aspects. Guidelines and instruments to assess the quality of the studies might help improving the experimental design and reporting of studies on user-centered usability evaluation of AAL solutions.
Comparing the Different Manifestations of Postpartum Mental Disorders by Origin, among Immigrants and Native-Born in Israel According to Different Mental Scales
Authors: Lubotzky-Gete Shakked , Gete Maru , Levy Roni , Kurzweil Yaffa , Calderon-Margalit Ronit
Published: November 2021

We conducted a prospective study, aimed to study whether the prevalence of mental disorders after birth differs by country of origin. Parturient mothers of Ethiopian origin, Former-USSR (FSU) origin, or nonimmigrant, native-Israeli origin (n = 974, all Jewish) were recruited in hospitals in Israel and were followed 6–8 weeks and one year after birth. General linear models were used to study the associations between origin and mental health, comparing Ethiopian and FSU origin with native-Israeli. Ethiopian and FSU mothers were more likely to report on somatic symptoms, compared with native-Israeli women. Ethiopian origin was negatively and significantly associated with anxiety in all three interviews (β = −1.281, β = −0.678 and β = −1.072, respectively; p < 0.05 in all). FSU origin was negatively associated with depression after birth (β = −0.709, p = 0.036), and negatively associated with anxiety after birth and one-year postpartum (β = −0.494, and β = −0.630, respectively). Stressful life events were significantly associated with all mental disorders in the three time points of interviews. Our findings suggest that immigrants tend to express higher mental distress with somatic symptoms. Additional tools are needed for mental distress screening among immigrants.
Let’s Walk It: Mobility and the Perceived Quality of Life in Older Adults
Authors: Bechtold Ulrike , Stauder Natalie , Fieder Martin
Published: November 2021

European policy and the research and development landscape put forward a number of arguments in favor of implementing “Active Assisted Living” (AAL) for older adults: it will improve older adults’ quality of life, allow them to age in place, and keep costs for an ageing society down by exploiting new technology markets. The idea is that older adults who are supported by AAL and make use of assistive technologies will enjoy more freedom, autonomy, and mobility and also improved social integration and better communication. Yet, despite a history of more than 10 years of European research and development, the use of AAL applications is not as widespread as expected. To examine older adults’ attitudes to assistive technologies, we conducted a study in Vienna (Austria) between 2018 and 2020 questioning 245 older adults aged 61–93 years (M = 74.27 SD = 6.654) who lived at their private homes and had different support needs (ranging from “no support” to “everyday visit of social and/or care organizations”). The three goals of the study encompassed: (1) examination of their quality of life, (2) their attitudes and use of assistive technologies, and (3) the way they perceive their own and others’ life-course and getting older. AAL as a concept links “ageing in place” and “quality of life”. However, “mobility” is also of major importance here. In this paper, we aim to investigate the relation between the independent variables “Quality of life” and “Mobility” and their possible associations with the following dependent variables: cohabitation, social integration, self-rated health, sportive activities, locomotion, home well-being and safety, physical limitations, falls, and self-perception of their own ageing (compared to others). We calculated multivariate models regressing on these explaining and confounding variables. We found a positive correlation between mobility and quality of life. In detail, our results show a significant positive association between QOL and mobility regarding self-rated health and self-perception. Experiencing vertigo, walking difficulties, and balance problems significantly and negatively influence self-rated health and self-perception compared to others. Our findings can also be read as a clear message that there is a need to improve both health and the culture of ageing and to facilitate positive attitudes toward ageing as an efficient way to enhance the Quality of life of older adults.
Car/Motorbike Drivers’ Willingness to Use and to Pay for Alcohol Interlock in Taiwan
Authors: Jou Rong-Chang , Lu Yi-Hao
Published: November 2021

This study explored the important factors affecting drunk car/motorbike drivers’ willingness to use and pay for alcohol interlocks. Data were obtained through a survey upon choice-based sampling conducted in central Taiwan. Questionnaires were distributed to the participants of drunk driving and road safety education courses from 17 August to 26 October 2020. All drunk drivers whose driver’s licenses are revoked for drunk driving are mandated to participate in this course. Prior to the survey, the researchers explained the questionnaires, instructed the participants to complete the questionnaires, and then collected all the questionnaires. The socioeconomic characteristics of drunk drivers, awareness of alcohol interlocks and drunk driving, drinking patterns and health self-assessment before and after drunk driving ban enforcement, and changes in the number of trips were investigated. This study applied the double-hurdle model for data analysis to estimate the variables affecting drunk car/motorbike drivers. Results indicate that the respondents who were classified by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test as high-risk drinkers before and after drunk driving ban enforcement were more willing to use alcohol interlocks and to pay higher prices. Additionally, the respondents with declined health self-assessments were also more willing to use alcohol interlocks and pay higher prices. This study suggests offering subsidies for alcohol interlocks to families with financial difficulties, in order to increase the alcohol interlock installation rate. Moreover, since the current duration of license suspension and withdrawal is considerably long, drunk drivers avoid using and installing alcohol interlocks by reducing the number of trips. In other words, the willingness to install alcohol interlocks may be increased by reducing the duration of license suspension and withdrawal.
External Communication Barriers among Elderly Deaf and Hard of Hearing People in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Isolation: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Xu Di , Yan Chu , Zhao Ziqing , Weng Jiaying , Ma Shiwen
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a great risk to older people with hearing impairment, who face a higher threshold of external communication after the implementation of the emergency isolation policy. As part of a study on the optimization of external communication among the deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) population in central China, this study employed a qualitative research method based on in-depth interviews to explore the needs and difficulties faced by the older DHH group in external communication during public health emergencies in Wuhan, China, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that older DHH people had weak reception of critical information about the epidemic, and had suboptimal access to medical care during emergency quarantine, which increased interpersonal communication barriers to this group. The current findings highlight the urgent need for targeted strengthening of the original emergency communication and coordination mechanisms in public health emergencies, and for improving policy inclusiveness for older DHH individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic and emergencies alike.
A Conceptual Review of Loneliness in Adults: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Mansfield Louise , Victor Christina , Meads Catherine , Daykin Norma , Tomlinson Alan , Lane Jack , Gray Karen , Golding Alex
Published: November 2021

The paper reports an evidence synthesis of how loneliness is conceptualised in qualitative studies in adults. Using PRISMA guidelines, our review evaluated exposure to or experiences of loneliness by adults (aged 16+) in any setting as outcomes, processes, or both. Our initial review included any qualitative or mixed-methods study, published or unpublished, in English, from 1945 to 2018, if it employed an identified theory or concept for understanding loneliness. The review was updated to include publications up to November 2020. We used a PEEST (Participants, Exposure, Evaluation, Study Design, Theory) inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment (CASP) were completed and cross-checked by a second reviewer. The Evidence of Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) was used to evaluate confidence in the findings. We undertook a thematic synthesis using inductive methods for peer-reviewed papers. The evidence identified three types of distinct but overlapping conceptualisations of loneliness: social, emotional, and existential. We have high confidence in the evidence conceptualising social loneliness and moderate confidence in the evidence on emotional and existential loneliness. Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of these diverse conceptualisations to inform more effective decision-making and intervention development to address the negative wellbeing impacts of loneliness.
Reflections throughout the COVID-19 Lockdown: What Do I Need for Successful Learning of Engineering?
Authors: Revilla-Cuesta Víctor , Skaf Marta , Navarro-González Milagros , Ortega-López Vanesa
Published: November 2021

The intention of this study was to identify the elements that engineering students consider fundamental for successful learning on engineering courses. The aim was to provide generic guidelines suitable for any engineering course with which the teaching may be adapted in the light of comments from students, while student learning improves. The abrupt transition from face-to-face to asynchronous online teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted reflection among students on both teaching methods. Students were invited to evaluate each method through a survey of open-ended questions, identifying useful elements for their learning. The survey was repeated over nine weeks, to obtain the views of students after they had accepted the change and had critically analyzed how to improve online teaching. A cross-coded qualitative and mixed (word counting) analysis showed that the explanation of engineering concepts should be organized, hierarchical, repetitive, and exemplified. Furthermore, the teacher should link all the activities and projects to the concepts explained and quickly solve any doubts that they raised. As a consequence of the online teaching resulting from COVID-19, the need of independent student learning and peer support was also very evident. Teaching functions are essential on engineering courses, as teachers have to explain the overall concepts carefully, identify the key concepts, and demonstrate their industrial and professional applications. Furthermore, teaching methodologies that balance these aspects with autonomy and peer support for learning on engineering courses should be promoted.
Prevalence and Burden of Diabetes-Related Foot Disease in New South Wales, Australia: Evidence from the 45 and Up Study Survey Data Linked with Health Services Data
Authors: Ahmed Moin Uddin , Tannous Wadad Kathy , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore , Henshaw Frances , Turner Deborah , Simmons David
Published: November 2021

Diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) is a major public health concern due to the higher risks of hospitalisation. However, estimates of the prevalence of DFD in the general population are not available in Australia. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of DFD and diabetes-related lower-extremity amputation (DLEA) among people aged 45 years and over in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The NSW 45 and Up Study baseline survey data of 267,086 persons aged 45 years and over, linked with health services’ administrative data from 2006 to 2012 were used in our study. Of these, 28,210 individuals had been diagnosed with diabetes, and our study identified 3035 individuals with DFD. The prevalence of DFD, diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), diabetic foot infection (DFI), diabetic gangrene (DG), and DLEA were 10.8% (95%CI: 10.3, 11.2), 5.4% (95% CI: 5.1, 5.8), 5.2% (95%CI: 4.9, 5.5), 0.4% (95%CI: 0.3, 0.5), and 0.9% (95%CI: 0.7, 1.0), respectively. DFD, DFU, DFI, DG, and DLEA were the most common among those who were older, born in Australia, from low-income households (<AUD 20,000), or were without private health insurance. Interventional messages to reduce all forms of DFD should target those who are from high-risk groups.
Occupational Self-Efficacy as a Mediator in the Reciprocal Relationship between Job Demands and Mental Health Complaints: A Three-Wave Investigation
Authors: Tomas Jasmina
Published: November 2021

The most recent version of the job demands-resources (JD–R) theory proposes that demanding working conditions and employee strain form a self-perpetuating loss cycle. By acknowledging that such cycles are detrimental for both employees and organizations, the present study aimed to contribute to enhancing the current scarce understanding regarding their explanatory mechanisms. For this purpose, it applied social cognitive theory to propose that occupational self-efficacy mediates the effects of two role stressors (i.e., role ambiguity and role conflict) on employee mental health complaints and vice versa. The hypothesized reciprocal mediation effects were tested using a three-wave full panel research design and a dataset of 917 (NT1 = 513, NT1+T2 = 122, NT1+T3 = 70, NT1+T2+T3 = 212) Croatian employees working in heterogeneous private sector industries. The results demonstrated that role conflict, but not role ambiguity, undermined employees’ beliefs in their capabilities to successfully master their jobs which, in turn, led them to experience more mental health complaints over time. Contrary to expectations, poor mental health did not lead to diminished efficacy beliefs nor, in turn, more job demands over time. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated an additional mechanism in the job demands-strain relationship and, at the same time, shed new light on the role of personal resources within the JD–R theory. Accounting for the malleable nature of employee efficacy beliefs, the study proposes several ways in which organizations can enhance occupational self-efficacy and thereby curb the causal chain linking job demands and employee strain reactions.
A Post-Scan Point Cloud Colorization Method for Cultural Heritage Documentation
Authors: Chan Ting On , Xiao Hang , Liu Lixin , Sun Yeran , Chen Tingting , Lang Wei , Li Ming Ho
Published: November 2021

The 3D laser scanning technique is important for cultural heritage documentation. The laser itself normally does not carry any color information, so it usually requires an embedded camera system to colorize the point cloud. However, when the embedded camera system fails to perform properly under some external interferences, a post-scan colorization method is always desired to improve the point cloud visuality. This paper presents a simple but efficient point cloud colorization method based on a point-to-pixel orthogonal projection under an assumption that the orthogonal and perspective projections can produce similar effects for a planar feature as long as the target-to-camera distance is relatively short (within several meters). This assumption was verified by a simulation experiment, and the results show that only approximately 5% of colorization error was found at a target-to-camera distance of 3 m. The method was further verified with two real datasets collected for the cultural heritage documentation. The results showed that the visuality of the point clouds for two giant historical buildings had been greatly improved after applying the proposed method.
Defining Pathological Activities of ALK in Neuroblastoma, a Neural Crest-Derived Cancer
Authors: Wulf Anna M. , Moreno Marcela M. , Paka Chloé , Rampasekova Alexandra , Liu Karen J.
Published: November 2021

Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial solid tumour of childhood, responsible for 15% of cancer-related deaths in children. Prognoses vary from spontaneous remission to aggressive disease with extensive metastases, where treatment is challenging. Tumours are thought to arise from sympathoadrenal progenitor cells, which derive from an embryonic cell population called neural crest cells that give rise to diverse cell types, such as facial bone and cartilage, pigmented cells, and neurons. Tumours are found associated with mature derivatives of neural crest, such as the adrenal medulla or paraspinal ganglia. Sympathoadrenal progenitor cells express anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor that is the most frequently mutated gene in neuroblastoma. Activating mutations in the kinase domain are common in both sporadic and familial cases. The oncogenic role of ALK has been extensively studied, but little is known about its physiological role. Recent studies have implicated ALK in neural crest migration and sympathetic neurogenesis. However, very few downstream targets of ALK have been identified. Here, we describe pathological activation of ALK in the neural crest, which promotes proliferation and migration, while preventing differentiation, thus inducing the onset of neuroblastoma. Understanding the effects of ALK activity on neural crest cells will help find new targets for neuroblastoma treatment.