bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tool use moves the peri-personal space from the hand to the tip of the tool
Authors: Saneyoshi Ayako , Takayama Ryota , Michimata Chikashi
Published: May 2023

In this study, we used a visual target detection task to investigate three hypotheses about how the peri-personal space is extended after tool-use training: Addition, Extension, and Projection hypotheses. We compared the target detection performance before and after tool-use training. In both conditions, the participants held a hockey stick-like tool in their hands during the detection task. Furthermore, we added the no-tool-holding condition to the experimental design. In the no-tool-holding condition, a peri-hand space advantage in the visual target detection task was observed. When the participants held the tool with their hands, this peri-hand space advantage was lost. Furthermore, there was no peri-tool space advantage before tool training. After tool training, the peri-tool space advantage was observed. However, after tool training, the advantage of the peri-hand space was not observed. This result suggested that the peri-hand advantage was reduced by simply holding the tool because the participants lost the functionality of their hands. Furthermore, tool-use training improved detection performance only in the peri-tool space. Thus, these results supported the projection hypothesis that the peri-personal space advantage would move from the body to the functional part of the tool.
ERP evidence for emotion-specific congruency effects between sentences and new words with disgust and sadness connotations
Authors: Gu Beixian , Liu Bo , Beltrán David , de Vega Manuel
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

The present study investigated how new words with acquired connotations of disgust and sadness, both negatively valenced but distinctive emotions, modulate the brain dynamics in the context of emotional sentences.

Methods:

Participants completed a learning session in which pseudowords were repeatedly paired with faces expressing disgust and sadness. An event-related potential (ERP) session followed the next day, in which participants received the learned pseudowords (herein, new words) combined with sentences and were asked to make emotional congruency judgment.

Results:

Sad new words elicited larger negative waveform than disgusting new words in the 146–228 ms time window, and emotionally congruent trials showed larger positive waveform than emotionally incongruent trials in the 304–462 ms time window. Moreover, the source localization in the latter suggested that congruent trials elicited larger current densities than incongruent trials in a number of emotion-related brain structures (e.g., the orbitofrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus) and language-related brain structures (e.g., the temporal lobe and the lingual gyrus).

Discussion:

These results suggested that faces are an effective source for the acquisition of words’ emotional connotations, and such acquired connotations can generate semantic and emotional congruency effects in sentential contexts.
Social familiarity and reinforcement value: a behavioral-economic analysis of demand for social interaction with cagemate and non-cagemate female rats
Authors: Schulingkamp Rachel , Wan Haoran , Hackenberg Timothy D.
Published: May 2023

Rats were studied in social reinforcement procedures in which lever presses opened a door separating two adjacent spaces, permitting access to social interaction with a partner rat. The number of lever presses required for social interaction was systematically increased across blocks of sessions according to fixed-ratio schedules, generating demand functions at three different social reinforcement durations: 10 s, 30 s, and 60 s. The social partner rats were cagemates in one phase, and non-cagemates in a second phase. The rate at which social interactions were produced declined with the fixed-ratio price, and was well described by an exponential model that has been successfully employed with a range of social and non-social reinforcers. None of the main parameters of the model varied systematically with social interaction duration or with the social familiarity of the partner rat. On the whole, the results provide further evidence of the reinforcing value of social interaction, and its functional parallels with non-social reinforcers.
Detecting delirium: a systematic review of ultrabrief identification instruments for hospital patients
Authors: Liu Yadong , Li Zhenzhen , Li Ying , Ge Ning , Yue Jirong
Published: May 2023

Objective

Early identification of delirium, which often occurs in older patients, can effectively reduce adverse prognoses. One way to increase the detection rate of delirium is to use an effective ultrabrief instrument for higher-frequency screening. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrabrief screening tools for delirium.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, PubMed and EMBASE were searched from January 1, 1974, to November 31, 2022. We assessed the measurement properties of screening instruments using the consensus-based standards for selecting health measurement instruments (COSMIN) checklist and evaluated the risk bias of the included studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. The diagnostic test accuracy of instruments for delirium was reported using sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR).

Result

Of the 4,914 items identified, 26 met the eligibility criteria, resulting in 5 different delirium identification tools. The overall study quality assessed by the QUADAS-2 tool was moderate to good. Of the five screening tools, two instruments had sensitivity ≥80% and specificities ≥80%: 4AT and UB-2. The most comprehensive is the 4AT scale, which has a sensitivity of 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI):0.68, 0.88] and a specificity of 0.89 (95%CI: 0.83, 0.93) and contains 4 items. UB-2 has a sensitivity of 0.88 (95%CI: 0.72, 0.96) and a specificity of 0.64 (95%CI: 0.56, 0.70).

Conclusion

UB-2 and MOTYB had excellent sensitivity for delirium screening at an early stage. In terms of sensitivity and intentionality, the 4AT is the best recommended scale.
Spatial navigation under threat: aversive apprehensions improve route retracing in higher versus lower trait anxious individuals
Authors: Bublatzky Florian , Allen Peter , Riemer Martin
Published: May 2023

Spatial navigation is a basic function for survival, and the ability to retrace a route has direct relevance for avoiding dangerous places. This study investigates the effects of aversive apprehensions on spatial navigation in a virtual urban environment. Healthy participants with varying degrees of trait anxiety performed a route-repetition and a route-retracing task under threatening and safe context conditions. Results reveal an interaction between the effect of threatening/safe environments and trait anxiety: while threat impairs route-retracing in lower-anxious individuals, this navigational skill is boosted in higher-anxious individuals. According to attentional control theory, this finding can be explained by an attentional shift toward information relevant for intuitive coping strategies (i.e., running away), which should be more pronounced in higher-anxious individuals. On a broader scale, our results demonstrate an often-neglected advantage of trait anxiety, namely that it promotes the processing of environmental information relevant for coping strategies and thus prepares the organism for adequate flight responses.
Children’s peer relationships, well-being, and academic achievement: the mediating role of academic competence
Authors: Țepordei Ana-Maria , Zancu Alexandra S. , Diaconu-Gherasim Loredana R. , Crumpei-Tanasă Irina , Măirean Cornelia , Sălăvăstru Dorina , Labăr Adrian V.
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to explore the interplay among two indicators of children’s school peer relationships (i.e., peer acceptance and perceived number of friends) and two significant life domains (i.e., global life satisfaction and academic achievement). We also explored the potential mediating role of the perceived academic competence in these relations. Participants were 650 Romanian primary school students (45.7% boys), aged between 9 and 12 years old (Mage = 10.99). Path analysis showed a direct positive effect of perceived number of friends on children’s life satisfaction, as well as a direct positive effect of peer acceptance on academic achievement. Moreover, perceived academic competence mediated the links between each of the two indicators of peer relationships and children’s both life satisfaction and achievement. Several implications in the educational contexts are discussed.
What spelling errors can tell us about the development of processes involved in children’s spelling
Authors: Niolaki Georgia Z. , Negoita Alexandra , Vousden Janet I. , Terzopoulos Aris R. , Taylor Laura , Masterson Jackie
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Spelling is an essential foundation for reading and writing. However, many children leave school with spelling difficulties. By understanding the processes children use when they spell, we can intervene with appropriate instruction tailored to their needs.

Methods

Our study aimed to identify key processes (lexical-semantic and phonological) by using a spelling assessment that distinguishes different printed letter strings/word types (regular and irregular words, and pseudowords). Misspellings in the test from 641 pupils in Reception Year to Year 6 were scored using alternatives to binary correct versus incorrect scoring systems. The measures looked at phonological plausibility, phoneme representations and letter distance. These have been used successfully in the past but not with a spelling test that distinguishes irregularly spelled words from regular words and pseudowords.

Results

The findings suggest that children in primary school rely on both lexical-semantic and phonological processes to spell all types of letter string, but this varies depending on the level of spelling experience (younger Foundation/Key stage 1 and older Key stage 2). Although children in younger year groups seemed to rely more on phonics, based on the strongest correlation coefficients for all word types, with further spelling experience, lexical processes seemed to be more evident, depending on the type of word examined.

Discussion

The findings have implications for the way we teach and assess spelling and could prove to be valuable for educators.
Clinician and patient perspectives on the ontology of mental disorder: a qualitative study
Authors: Kohne Annemarie Catharina Johanna , de Graauw Lukas Peter , Leenhouts-van der Maas Reina , Van Os Jim
Published: May 2023

Background

Psychiatry may face an “identity crisis” regarding its very foundations. The lack of consensus regarding the theoretical grounds of psychiatry as a discipline has its epicenter in the discussion about the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). A growing number of academics considers the manual broken and a growing number of patients voice concern. Despite the huge body of critique, 90% of Randomized Trials are based on DSM definitions of mental disorder. Therefore, the question regarding the ontology of mental disorder remains: what is a mental disorder, exactly?

Aims

We aim to identify ontologies that live among patients and clinicians, evaluate the degree of consistency and coherence between clinician and patient views and contribute to the establishment of a novel ontological paradigm of mental disorder that is aligned with patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives.

Method

Eighty participants (clinicians/patients/clinicians with lived experience) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview, exploring their ideas on the ontology of mental disorder. This question was approached from different angles which led to comprising the interview schedule into different topics: “concept of disorder,” “representation by DSM,” “what is treated,” “what is recovered,” and “the right outcome measure.” Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using inductive Thematic Analysis.

Results

From all subthemes and main themes, a typology was constructed in which six, not necessarily mutually exclusive, ontological domains were identified: mental disorder as (1) disease, (2) functional impairment, (3) loss of adaptation, (4) existential problem, (5) highly subjective phenomenon, and (6) deviation from social norms. Common ground for the sample groups was that mental disorder is about functional impairment. Although about a fourth of sample clinicians holds an ontological concept of disease, only a small percentage of patients and none of the clinicians with lived experience adhered to an ontological concept of disease. The sample clinicians most often understand mental disorder to be a highly subjective phenomenon, and individuals with lived experience (patients and clinicians) most often understand mental (dis)order to be adaptational in nature: an (im)balance of burden in relation to strengths, skills, and recourses.

Conclusion

The ontological palette is more diverse than what is taught about mental disorder in dominant scientific and educational discourse. There is a need to diversify the current, dominant ontology and make room for other ontologies. Investment is required in the development, elaboration and coming of age of these alternative ontologies, allowing them to reach their full potential and act as drivers of a landscape of promising novel scientific and clinical approaches.
Development and acceptability of a decision aid for anxiety disorder considering discontinuation of benzodiazepine anxiolytic
Authors: Aoki Yumi , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Inada Ken , Yamada Hiroki , Murao Tomohiko , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Takeshima Masahiro , Tani Masayuki , Mishima Kazuo , Otsubo Tempei
Published: May 2023

Aim

We aimed to develop a decision aid (DA) for individuals with anxiety disorders who consider tapering benzodiazepine (BZD) anxiolytics, and if tapering, tapering BZD anxiolytics with or without cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety. We also assessed its acceptability among stakeholders.

Methods

First, we conducted a literature review regarding anxiety disorders to determine treatment options. We cited the results of the systematic review and meta-analysis, which we conducted previously, to describe the related outcomes of two options: tapering BZD anxiolytics with CBT and tapering BZD anxiolytics without CBT. Second, we developed a DA prototype in accordance with the International Patient Decision Aid Standards. We carried out a mixed methods survey to assess the acceptability among stakeholders including those with anxiety disorders and healthcare providers.

Results

Our DA provided information such as explanation of anxiety disorders, options of tapering or not tapering BZD anxiolytics (if tapering, the options of tapering BZD anxiolytics with or without CBT) for anxiety disorder, benefits and risks of each option, and a worksheet for value clarification. For patients (n = 21), the DA appeared to be acceptable language (86%), adequate information (81%), and well-balanced presentation (86%). The developed DA was also acceptable for healthcare providers (n = 10).

Conclusion

We successfully created a DA for individuals with anxiety disorders who consider tapering BZD anxiolytics, which was acceptable for both patients and healthcare providers. Our DA was designed to assist patients and healthcare providers to involve decision-making about whether to taper BZD anxiolytics or not.
“And you feel like you’re suffocating … how the fuck am I going to get out of all this?” Drivers and experiences of suicidal ideation in the Australian construction industry
Authors: Tyler Simon , Gunn Kate , Clifford Bob , Procter Nicholas
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This research was designed to generate understandings of drivers and experiences of suicidal ideation and distress among Australian Construction Industry (ACI) workers, as well as what helped during these experiences.

Methods

Fifteen participants, from a variety of ACI or closely associated roles, with an average age of 45 years (29–66), engaged in individual, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded with consent and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis.

Results

Eight themes relating to what may drive the presence of suicidal ideation and distress were identified; 1) challenges of working within the ACI, 2) relationship and family issues, 3) social disconnection, 4) personal financial hardship, 5) perceived lack of support, 6) alcohol and drug use, 7) child custody/access and legal issues, and 8) experience of mental health challenges, trauma, or a significant adverse life event. Four themes relating to experience and expression of suicidal ideation and distress were identified: 1) suicidal thoughts, 2) impaired thinking, 3) observable expressions of suicidal distress, and 4) lack of observable expressions of suicidal distress. Six themes relating to what helped during experiences and well as what can be done by the ACI to help mitigate experiences, were identified: 1) presence of colleague and managerial support, 2) MATES in Construction, 3) engagement with non-work activities and social support, 4) personal skills and knowledge relating to suicide and mental health, 5) high level industry integration and engagement with support programs, and 6) work hours and expectations changes.

Discussion

Findings highlight several industry and personal related challenges that may drive experiences, with many potentially mitigatable by ACI changes and focused prevention strategies. Participant suicidal thought descriptions align with previously identified constructs deemed central in suicidal trajectories. While findings highlight several observable expressions of suicidal ideation and distress, challenges associated with identifying and assisting individuals in the ACI who may be struggling were also reported. Several factors that helped ACI workers during their experiences, as well as what the ACI can do to mitigate future experiences, were identified. Recommendations are made based on these findings, encouraging a more supportive work environment, as well as continued development and increased awareness of support and education systems.
Evaluating longitudinal relationships between parental monitoring and substance use in a multi-year, intensive longitudinal study of 670 adolescent twins
Authors: Alexander Jordan D. , Freis Samantha M. , Zellers Stephanie M. , Corley Robin , Ledbetter Amy , Schneider Rachel K. , Phelan Chanda , Subramonyam Hariharan , Frieser Maia , Rea-Sandin Gianna , Stocker Michelle E. , Vernier Helen , Jiang Ming , Luo Yan , Zhao Qi , Rhea Sally Ann , Hewitt John , Luciana Monica , McGue Matt , Wilson Sylia , Resnick Paul , Friedman Naomi P. , Vrieze Scott I.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Parental monitoring is a key intervention target for adolescent substance use, however this practice is largely supported by causally uninformative cross-sectional or sparse-longitudinal observational research designs.

Methods

We therefore evaluated relationships between adolescent substance use (assessed weekly) and parental monitoring (assessed every two months) in 670 adolescent twins for two years. This allowed us to assess how individual-level parental monitoring and substance use trajectories were related and, via the twin design, to quantify genetic and environmental contributions to these relationships. Furthermore, we attempted to devise additional measures of parental monitoring by collecting quasi-continuous GPS locations and calculating a) time spent at home between midnight and 5am and b) time spent at school between 8am-3pm.

Results

ACE-decomposed latent growth models found alcohol and cannabis use increased with age while parental monitoring, time at home, and time at school decreased. Baseline alcohol and cannabis use were correlated (r = .65) and associated with baseline parental monitoring (r = −.24 to −.29) but not with baseline GPS measures (r = −.06 to −.16). Longitudinally, changes in substance use and parental monitoring were not significantly correlated. Geospatial measures were largely unrelated to parental monitoring, though changes in cannabis use and time at home were highly correlated (r = −.53 to −.90), with genetic correlations suggesting their relationship was substantially genetically mediated. Due to power constraints, ACE estimates and biometric correlations were imprecisely estimated. Most of the substance use and parental monitoring phenotypes were substantially heritable, but genetic correlations between them were not significantly different from 0.

Discussion

Overall, we found developmental changes in each phenotype, baseline correlations between substance use and parental monitoring, co-occurring changes and mutual genetic influences for time at home and cannabis use, and substantial genetic influences on many substance use and parental monitoring phenotypes. However, our geospatial variables were mostly unrelated to parental monitoring, suggesting they poorly measured this construct. Furthermore, though we did not detect evidence of genetic confounding, changes in parental monitoring and substance use were not significantly correlated, suggesting that, at least in community samples of mid-to-late adolescents, the two may not be causally related.
Suicide stigma and suicide literacy among Bangladeshi young adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jahan Ishrat , Sharif Azaz Bin , Hasan A. B. M. Nahid
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Owing to poor suicide literacy, people are not aware of the consequences of the suicide stigma, which may affect individuals. This study aimed to examine the status of suicide stigma and literacy among young adults in Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 616 male subjects and female subjects residing in Bangladesh aged between 18 and 35 years who were invited to complete an online survey. Suicide literacy and suicide stigma among the respondents were assessed by using the validated Literacy of Suicide Scale and Stigma of Suicide Scale, respectively. Other independent variables that have been found to affect suicide stigma or literacy were included in this study based on prior research. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between the study's main quantitative variables. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess factors affecting suicide stigma and suicide literacy, respectively, after controlling for covariates.

Results

The mean literacy score was 3.86. The participants' mean scores in the stigma, isolation, and glorification subscale were 25.15, 14.48, and 9.04, respectively. Suicide literacy was negatively associated with stigmatizing attitudes (p = 0.005). Male subjects, unmarried/divorced/widowed, less educated (below HSC), smokers, less exposure to suicide, and respondents with chronic mental illness had lower suicide literacy and more stigmatizing attitudes.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that addressing suicide literacy and stigma by developing and executing awareness programs on suicide and mental health among young adults may increase knowledge, decrease stigma, and hence prevent suicide among this population.
Alterations in inflammatory markers after a 12-week exercise program in individuals with schizophrenia—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bigseth Therese Torgersen , Engh John Abel , Andersen Eivind , Bang-Kittilsen Gry , Egeland Jens , Falk Ragnhild Sørum , Holmen Tom Langerud , Mordal Jon , Nielsen Jimmi , Ueland Thor , Vang Torkel , Fredriksen Mats
Published: May 2023

Background

In individuals with schizophrenia, inflammation is associated with depression, somatic comorbidity and reduced quality of life. Physical exercise is known to reduce inflammation in other populations, but we have only limited knowledge in the field of schizophrenia. We assessed inflammatory markers in plasma samples from individuals with schizophrenia participating in an exercise intervention randomized controlled trial. We hypothesized that (i) physical exercise would reduce levels of inflammatory markers and (ii) elevated inflammatory status at baseline would be associated with improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) following intervention.

Method

Eighty-two individuals with schizophrenia were randomized to a 12-week intervention of either high-intensity interval training (HIIT, n = 43) or active video gaming (AVG, n = 39). Participants were assessed at baseline, post intervention and four months later. The associations between exercise and the inflammatory markers soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, c-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), soluble TNF receptor 1 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were estimated using linear mixed effect models for repeated measures. For estimating associations between baseline inflammation and change in CRF, we used linear regression models.

Results

Our main findings were (i) TNF and IL-6 increased during the intervention period for both groups. Other inflammatory markers did not change during the exercise intervention period; (ii) baseline inflammatory status did not influence change in CRF during intervention, except for a positive association between baseline IL-6 levels and improvements of CRF to post intervention for both groups.

Conclusion

In our study, HIIT and AVG for 12-weeks had no reducing effect on inflammatory markers. Patients with high baseline IL-6 levels had a positive change in CRF during intervention. In order to increase our knowledge regarding association between inflammatory markers and exercise in individuals with schizophrenia, larger studies with more frequent and longer exercise bout duration are warranted.
Distress tolerance and emotional regulation in individuals with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Zaorska Justyna , Rydzewska Małgorzata , Kopera Maciej , Wiśniewski Paweł , Trucco Elisa M. , Kobyliński Paweł , Jakubczyk Andrzej
Published: May 2023

Background

Previous research suggests that low distress tolerance may be associated with poor emotion regulation, contribute to drinking to cope motives, and predict alcohol-related problems in non-clinical populations. However, little is known about the ability to tolerate distress among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and its association with emotional dysregulation. The aim of this study was to examine the link between emotional dysregulation and a behavioral measure of distress tolerance among individuals with AUD.

Methods

The sample consisted of 227 individuals with AUD enrolled in an 8-week abstinence-based inpatient treatment program. Behavioral distress tolerance was assessed using a test of ischemic pain tolerance and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) was used to assess emotion dysregulation.

Results

Distress tolerance was significantly associated with emotional dysregulation even when accounting for alexithymia, depressive symptomatology, age, and biological sex.

Conclusion

The current study provides preliminary support for an association between low distress tolerance and emotion dysregulation in a clinical group of patients with AUD.
OH-EpiCap: a semi-quantitative tool for the evaluation of One Health epidemiological surveillance capacities and capabilities
Authors: Tegegne Henok Ayalew , Bogaardt Carlijn , Collineau Lucie , Cazeau Géraldine , Lailler Renaud , Reinhardt Johana , Freeth Frederick T. A. , Taylor Emma , Prada Joaquin M. , Hénaux Viviane
Published: May 2023

Although international health agencies encourage the development of One Health (OH) surveillance, many systems remain mostly compartmentalized, with limited collaborations among sectors and disciplines. In the framework of the OH European Joint Programme “MATRIX” project, a generic evaluation tool called OH-EpiCap has been developed to enable individual institutes/governments to characterize, assess and monitor their own OH epidemiological surveillance capacities and capabilities. The tool is organized around three dimensions: organization, operational activities, and impact of the OH surveillance system; each dimension is then divided into four targets, each including four indicators. A semi-quantitative questionnaire enables the scoring of each indicator, with four levels according to the degree of satisfaction in the studied OH surveillance system. The evaluation is conducted by a panel of surveillance representatives (during a half-day workshop or with a back-and-forth process to reach a consensus). An R Shiny-based web application facilitates implementation of the evaluation and visualization of the results, and includes a benchmarking option. The tool was piloted on several foodborne hazards (i.e., Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria), emerging threats (e.g., antimicrobial resistance) and other zoonotic hazards (psittacosis) in multiple European countries in 2022. These case studies showed that the OH-EpiCap tool supports the tracing of strengths and weaknesses in epidemiological capacities and the identification of concrete and direct actions to improve collaborative activities at all steps of surveillance. It appears complementary to the existing EU-LabCap tool, designed to assess the capacity and capability of European microbiology laboratories. In addition, it provides opportunity to reinforce trust between surveillance stakeholders from across the system and to build a good foundation for a professional network for further collaboration.
The pattern from the first three rounds of vaccination: declining vaccination rates
Authors: Wu Jian , Guo Xinghong , Zhou Xue , Wang Meiyun , Gu Jianqin , Miao Yudong , Tarimo Clifford Silver , He Yilin , Xing Yuhan , Ye Beizhu
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Vaccination rates for the COVID-19 vaccine have recently been stagnant worldwide. We aim to analyze the potential patterns of vaccination development from the first three doses to reveal the possible trends of the next round of vaccination and further explore the factors influencing vaccination in the selected populations.

Methods

On July 2022, a stratified multistage random sampling method in the survey was conducted to select 6,781 people from 4 provinces China, who were above the age of 18 years. Participants were divided into two groups based on whether they had a chronic disease. The data were run through Cochran-Armitage trend test and multivariable regression analyses.

Results

A total of 957 participants with chronic disease and 5,454 participants without chronic disease were included in this survey. Vaccination rates for the first, second and booster doses in chronic disease population were93.70% (95% CI: 92.19–95.27%), 91.12% (95%CI: 94.43–95.59%), and 83.18% (95%CI: 80.80–85.55%) respectively. By contrast, the first, second and booster vaccination rates for the general population were 98.02% (95% CI: 97.65–98.39%), 95.01% (95% CI: 94.43–95.59%) and 85.06% (95% CI: 84.11–86.00%) respectively. The widening gap in vaccination rates was observed as the number of vaccinations increases. Higher self-efficacy was a significant factor in promoting vaccination, which has been observed in all doses of vaccines. Higher education level, middle level physical activity and higher public prevention measures play a positive role in vaccination among the general population, while alcohol consumption acts as a significant positive factor in the chronic disease population (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

As the number of vaccinations increases, the trend of decreasing vaccination rate is becoming more pronounced. In future regular vaccinations, we may face low vaccination rates as the increasing number of infections and the fatigue associated with the prolonged outbreak hamper vaccination. Measures need to be found to counter this downward trend such as improving the self-efficacy of the population.
Performance of French medico-administrative databases in epidemiology of infectious diseases: a scoping review
Authors: Tassi Marc-Florent , le Meur Nolwenn , Stéfic Karl , Grammatico-Guillon Leslie
Published: May 2023

The development of medico-administrative databases over the last few decades has led to an evolution and to a significant production of epidemiological studies on infectious diseases based on retrospective medical data and consumption of care. This new form of epidemiological research faces numerous methodological challenges, among which the assessment of the validity of targeting algorithm. We conducted a scoping review of studies that undertook an estimation of the completeness and validity of French medico-administrative databases for infectious disease epidemiological research. Nineteen validation studies and nine capture-recapture studies were identified. These studies covered 20 infectious diseases and were mostly based on the evaluation of hospital claimed data. The evaluation of their methodological qualities highlighted the difficulties associated with these types of research, particularly those linked to the assessment of their underlying hypotheses. We recall several recommendations relating to the problems addressed, which should contribute to the quality of future evaluation studies based on medico-administrative data and consequently to the quality of the epidemiological indicators produced from these information systems.
Scaling the Moments That Matter® early childhood development model: how communities’ monitoring for change contributes to sustainable impact
Authors: Murdock Dawn E. , Munsongo Kelvin , Nyamor George
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a community case study of how the Moments That Matter® (MTM) Program community-led monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system contributes to a scalable model with quality and sustainable impact. With a faith-based approach, MTM is an early childhood development program partnership of Episcopal Relief & Development which is rooted in parenting empowerment and community ownership. MTM empowers Primary Caregivers, strengthening nurturing care of some 60,000 children aged under three since 2012. Launched in Zambia, MTM has expanded to five other countries. Based on MTM Zambia and Kenya, this paper examines how an innovative, community-led MEL system functions to drive sustainable impacts and scaling. Measurement for change has been critical to the community MEL system. MTM is people-centered with community leaders, early childhood development service providers, volunteers and Primary Caregivers all setting their specific goals. The program is inclusive with all stakeholders engaged in monitoring and making adjustments; interactive with relationship-based social and behavior change strategies; informative with continuous data gathering used for decisions and problem-solving; and dynamic with built-in flexibility and an adaptation process. The community-led MEL propels scaling up through two channels: (1) New communities for MTM program start up: As MTM communities graduate to community ownership, program staff and budget are then invested in new marginalized and underserved rural areas. (2) Deepening reach within MTM communities: Over the first two cycles, communities transition to community ownership, then continue independently of staff and budget. They identify a new set of vulnerable Primary Caregivers of children under three and carry out the caregiver parenting support and learning activities. The success of the program’s community-led MEL in achieving sustainable change and fueling the program scale up hinges on three factors: (1) Initiating the community-led MEL dimension at project start, gradually increasing the community role while reducing the staff role. (2) Provision of Community MEL capacity-building and effective, user-friendly tools to be tailored locally. (3) Three program stakeholder types leading MEL and collaborating closely with each other: ECD Committees with MTM-trained faith leaders, ECD Promoters, and Primary Caregivers of children under three.
Introducing a healthcare-assistive robot in primary care: a preliminary questionnaire survey
Authors: Tan N. C. , Yusoff Y. , Koot D. , Lau Q. C. , Lim H. , Hui T. F. , Cher H. Y. , Tan P. Y. A. , Koh Y. L. E.
Published: May 2023

A Healthcare-assistive Infection-control RObot (HIRO) is a healthcare-assistive robot that is deployed in an outpatient primary care clinic to sanitise the premises, monitor people in its proximity for their temperature and donning of masks, and usher them to service points. This study aimed to determine the acceptability, perceptions of safety, and concerns among the patients, visitors, and polyclinic healthcare workers (HCWs) regarding the HIRO. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted from March to April 2022 when the HIRO was at Tampines Polyclinic in eastern Singapore. A total of 170 multidisciplinary HCWs serve approximately 1,000 patients and visitors daily at this polyclinic. The sample size of 385 was computed using a proportion of 0.5, 5% precision, and 95% confidence interval. Research assistants administered an e-survey to gather demographic data and feedback from 300 patients/visitors and 85 HCWs on their perceptions of the HIRO using Likert scales. The participants watched a video on the HIRO’s functionalities and were given the opportunity to directly interact with it. Descriptive statistics was performed and figures were presented in frequencies and percentages. The majority of the participants viewed the HIRO’s functionalities favourably: sanitising (96.7%/91.2%); checking proper mask donning (97%/89.4%); temperature monitoring (97%/91.7%); ushering (91.7%/81.1%); perceived user friendliness (93%/88.3%), and improvement in the clinic experience (96%/94.2%). A minority of the participants perceived harm from the HIRO’s liquid disinfectant (29.6%/31.5%) and that its voice-annotated instructions may be upsetting (14%/24.8%). Most of the participants accepted the HIRO’s deployment at the polyclinic and perceived it to be safe. The HIRO used ultraviolet irradiation for sanitisation during after-clinic hours instead of disinfectants due to the perceived harm.
Exploring the relationship between students’ conceptual understanding and model thinking in quantum optics
Authors: Ubben Malte , Bitzenbauer Philipp
Published: May 2023

Learning quantum physics is essential for understanding the physical world. However, learning about quantum phenomena and principles poses a challenge as many of the phenomena that are observed at the quantum level cannot be directly observed or intuitively understood in terms of classical physics or thinking. Models play an important role in learning quantum physics by providing conceptual frameworks and visual representations that allow reasoning about and predicting the behavior of quantum systems. Therefore, understanding models is an essential part of learning quantum physics. In this article, we report the results of an exploratory survey study (N = 116) investigating the relationship between secondary school students’ conceptual understanding and model thinking in quantum optics with a particular focus on photons. The findings suggest a strong positive correlation between students’ functional understanding of the photon model and their conceptual understanding of quantum optics. This study contributes to our understanding of how students learn and make sense of quantum concepts through the use of models and may inform the development of instructional strategies for quantum physics education and outreach.
Double-layered health benefits: green space as a Third Place for everyday active mobility trips
Authors: Liu Yu , Maurer Megan Lynn , Skov-Petersen Hans , Tollin Nicola , Olafsson Anton Stahl
Published: May 2023

The present paper addresses the timely need, across research and practice, to ask: how do we plan sustainable and healthier cities in a synergetic way for everyday life? Currently, urban dwellers are facing significant health challenges, especially physical inactivity. There is increasing awareness of the need to initiate active living strategies for urban dwellers to confront this challenge. Active mobility—walking and cycling—is the core of active living strategies and is promoted as both a type of physical activity and a mode of transport. However, uptake of active mobility faces many barriers, including lack of motivation and longer travel times. This paper unfolds the potential of green spaces as Third Places that can potentially counteract the challenges and in return, deliver double-layered health benefits. The sensory experiences provided by urban green spaces and associated health benefits have been largely investigated; yet, little is focused on how these experiences can be integrated as a part of daily living activities. This paper gives voice to everyday practice and discusses how these experiences can be utilized as planned motivations for the use of active mobility. This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge for future research and practice, and bring forward an open debate about healthier cities, which can bridge all related professions across urban sectors.
Memory retention following acoustic stimulation in slow-wave sleep: a meta-analytic review of replicability and measurement quality
Authors: Harlow Tylor J. , Jané Matthew B. , Read Heather L. , Chrobak James J.
Published: May 2023

The role of slow oscillations and spindles during sleep on memory retention has become an area of great interest in the recent decade. Accordingly, there are multiple studies that examine the efficacy of acoustic stimulation during sleep to facilitate slow oscillations and associated memory retention. Here, we run meta-analyses on a current set of 14 studies that use audible noise-burst sound stimulation to modulate overnight retention of word pairs (kS = 12 studies, kES = 14 effect sizes, n = 206 subjects). Our meta-analyses demonstrate a steady, yearly decline in effect size that accounts for 91.8% of the heterogeneity between studies. We find that the predicted effect on memory retention in 2013 favored the acoustic stimulation condition at dδ = 0.99 (95% CI [0.49, 1.49]), while the predicted effect in 2021 declined to a moderate and significant effect favoring no acoustic stimulation at dδ = −0.39 (95% CI [−0.73, −0.05]). Our meta-regression model finds no coded study-level characteristics could account for the decline in effect sizes over time other than the publication date alone. Using available data, we estimate that 34% of subjects are not actually blind to the acoustic stimulation condition due to hearing acoustic stimulation during sleep. In addition, we find that the test-retest reliability of memory retention scores is nearly zero (ρd = 0.01, 95% CI [−0.18, 0.21]), and through simulation demonstrate the impact this has on statistical power and observed effect sizes. Based on our analyses, we discuss the need for larger sample sizes, true placebo controls, age range restrictions, open-data sharing, and improvements in the reliability of memory retention tasks.
Mandibular jaw movements as a non-invasive measure of respiratory effort during sleep: application in clinical practice
Authors: Martinot Jean-Benoit , Pépin Jean-Louis
Published: May 2023

Assessment of respiratory effort (RE) is key for characterization of respiratory events. The discrimination between central and obstructive events is important because these events are caused by different physio-pathological mechanisms and require different treatment approaches. Many of the currently available options for home sleep apnea testing either do not measure RE, or RE signal recording is not always reliable. This is due to a variety of factors, including for instance wrong placement of the respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) sensors leading to artifacts or signal loss. Monitoring of mandibular jaw movements (MJM) provides the ability to accurately measure RE through a single point of contact sensor placed on the patient's chin. The inertial unit included in the capturing technology and overnight positional stability of the sensor provide a robust MJM bio-signal to detect sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Many of the pharyngeal muscles are attached to the mandible directly, or indirectly via the hyoid bone. The motor trigeminal nerve impulses to contract or relax these muscles generate discrete MJM that reflect changes in RE during sleep. Indeed, the central drive utilizes the lower jaw as a fine-tuning lever to stiffen the upper airway musculature and safeguard the patency of the pharynx. Associations between the MJM bio-signal properties and both physiological and pathological breathing patterns during sleep have been extensively studied. These show a close relationship between changes in the MJM bio-signal as a function of RE that is similar to levels of RE measured simultaneously by the reference bio-signals such as esophageal pressure or crural diaphragmatic electromyography. Specific waveforms, frequencies, and amplitudes of these discrete MJM are seen across a variety of breathing disturbances that are recommended to be scored by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Moreover, MJM monitoring provides information about sleep/wake states and arousals, which enables total sleep time measurement for accurate calculation of conventional hourly indices. The MJM bio-signal can be interpreted and its automatic analysis using a dedicated machine learning algorithm delivers a comprehensive and clinically informative study report that provides physicians with the necessary information to aid in the diagnosis of SDB.
The influence of stakeholder perspectives on the end-of-life allocation in the life cycle assessment of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Husmann Jana , Ali Abdur-Rahman , Cerdas Felipe , Herrmann Christoph
Published: May 2023

With an increasing number of electric vehicles on roads, recycling is an important topic to design circular supply chains for batteries. To stimulate such circular supply chains, the new EU battery directive includes mandatory recycled content in batteries and recovery rates of materials for lithium-ion batteries on the European market. Modeling the end-of-life of batteries as part of a life cycle assessment (LCA) is methodologically challenging as batteries are quite complex product systems. One of these challenges is the allocation of material impacts from different life cycle stages along subsequent product life cycles. We analyzed the different stakeholders in the life cycle of a lithium-ion battery and identified possible LCA questions based on their decision contexts. For each LCA question, an LCA archetype was defined, which includes the functional unit, the system boundary, and the allocation procedure. These archetypes are applied and tested in a case study. The results show a significant variance depending on the archetype used. This highlights the importance of understanding the stakeholder perspective in LCA and decision support.