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Medicine Mar 2024Work demands in the contemporary Nigerian work environment are a critical concern to many including occupational stress researchers. This informed the current study to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE
Work demands in the contemporary Nigerian work environment are a critical concern to many including occupational stress researchers. This informed the current study to investigate the effect of psychological intervention in cushioning teachers' stress in public secondary schools in Nigeria.
METHODS
A randomized control design was applied. The participants were 80 secondary school home economics teachers. They were randomized into 2 groups, that is, treatment and waitlisted arms. The former was designed as a 12-session cognitive behavior intervention while the latter was waitlisted and the members received theirs at the end of the study. Both group members were evaluated at the pretest, posttest, and follow-up test to understand the baseline of the problem, treatment outcome, and sustainability respectively. Perceived Stress Scale and Teacher irrational belief scale were used as test tools. Data from the 3-time tests were analyzed using multivariate statistic.
RESULTS
The main effect results showed a significant reduction in teachers' stress and irrational beliefs due to cognitive behavior intervention. The follow-up test results also indicate that the impactful benefit of cognitive behavioral intervention on job stress reduction was significantly sustained over time. Regarding the influence of gender, the result shows no significant influence of gender on teachers' job stress in schools.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that cognitive behavior intervention can decrease work-induced stress among secondary school home economics teachers. Therefore, the management of schools is enjoined to deploy the services of cognitive behavior therapists to monitor the mood and mental health of teachers.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Stress; Policy; Psychological Tests; Psychosocial Intervention; School Teachers; Schools; Self Report; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 38428875
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037174 -
Food Chemistry: X Mar 2024Tea varieties play a crucial role on the quality formation of matcha. This research aimed to examine the impact of four specific tea plant varieties (Okumidori, Longjing...
Tea varieties play a crucial role on the quality formation of matcha. This research aimed to examine the impact of four specific tea plant varieties (Okumidori, Longjing 43, Zhongcha108, and E'Cha 1) on various aspects of matcha, including sensory evaluation, major components, color quality, volatile and non-volatile metabolomic profiles. The findings revealed that the levels of tea polyphenols, ester catechins, nonester catechins, and amino acids varied among these four varieties. Notably, 177 significant different metabolites, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids were identified among 1383 non-volatile compounds. In addition, 97 key aroma-active compounds were identified based on their odor activity value exceeding 1. Aldehydes, heterocyclic compounds, and ketones were closely associated with the formation of volatile metabolites. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of how different tea plant varieties impact the quality of matcha, and can provide valuable guidance for improving matcha varieties in a favorable direction.
PubMed: 38420509
DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101234 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2024The outcrop fire area in Rujigou Coal Mine in Ningxia, China has been burning continuously for over 100 years. This not only results in wastage of resources but also...
The outcrop fire area in Rujigou Coal Mine in Ningxia, China has been burning continuously for over 100 years. This not only results in wastage of resources but also poses significant damage to the ecological environment. Previous research on open fire detection has mainly focused on coalfield fire areas, using single method such as infrared remote sensing or surface temperature measurement, magnetic method, electrical method, radon measurement and mercurimetry. However, the outcrop fire area has migrated to deeper parts over the years, conventional single fire zone detection methods are not capable of accurately detecting the extent of the fire zone, inversion interpretation is faced with the problem of many solutions. In fire management, current research focuses on the development of new materials, such as fly ash gel, sodium silicate gel, etc., However, it is often difficult to quickly extinguish outcrop fire areas with a single technique. Considering this status quo, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) infrared thermal imaging was employed to initially detect the scope of the outcrop fire area, and then both the spontaneous potential and directional drilling methods were adopted for further scope detection in pursuit of more accurate results. In addition, an applicable fire prevention and extinguishing system was constructed, in which three-phase foam was injected for the purpose of absorbing heat and cooling. Furthermore, the composite colloid was used to plug air leakage channels, and loess was backfilled to avoid re-combustion. The comprehensive detection and control technologies proposed in this study can be applied to eliminating the outcrop fire area and protecting the environment. This study can provide guidance and reference for the treatment of other outcrop fire areas.
PubMed: 38409355
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55304-1 -
BMJ Open Feb 2024To review patient-report/caregiver-report measures of rehabilitation service use following acquired brain injury (ABI).
OBJECTIVE
To review patient-report/caregiver-report measures of rehabilitation service use following acquired brain injury (ABI).
DATA SOURCES
Medline, APA PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL were searched on November 2021 and November 2022. Authors were contacted if measures were not included in manuscripts/appendices.
STUDY SELECTION
Included articles were empirical research or a research protocol, available in English and described measures of patient report/caregiver report of rehabilitation service use post-ABI via quantitative or qualitative methods. Two reviewers independently screened 5290 records using DistillerSR. Discrepancies were resolved by team adjudication.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data extraction was piloted with high levels of agreement (k=.94). Data were extracted by a single member with team meetings to seek guidance as needed. Data included administration characteristics (reporter, mode of administration, recall period), psychometric evidence and dimensions assessed (types of services, setting, frequency, duration, intensity, qualitative aspects).
DATA SYNTHESIS
One hundred and fifty-two measures were identified from 85 quantitative, 56 qualitative and 3 psychometric studies. Psychometric properties were reported for four measures, all of which focused on satisfaction. Most measures inquired about the type of rehabilitation services used, with more than half assessing functional (eg, physical therapy) and behavioural health rehabilitation services, but fewer than half assessing community and academic reintegration (eg, special education, vocational rehabilitation) or cognitive (eg, neuropsychology) services. Fewer than half assessed qualitative aspects (eg, satisfaction). Recall periods ranged from 1 month to 'since the ABI event' or focused on current use. Of measures that could be accessed (n=71), many included a limited checklist of types of services used. Very few measures assessed setting, frequency, intensity or duration.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite widespread interest, the vast majority of measures have not been validated and are limited in scope. Use of gold-standard psychometric methods to develop and validate a comprehensive patient-report/caregiver-report measure of rehabilitation service use would have wide-ranging implications for improving rehabilitation research in ABI.
Topics: Humans; Caregivers; Brain Injuries; Rehabilitation, Vocational; Psychiatry; Checklist
PubMed: 38382949
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076537 -
Journal of Fluency Disorders Jun 2024Prior research has revealed people who stutter experience role entrapment in which they are discouraged from pursuing certain careers over others. The Vocational Advice...
PURPOSE
Prior research has revealed people who stutter experience role entrapment in which they are discouraged from pursuing certain careers over others. The Vocational Advice Scale (VAS; Gabel et al., 2004) is a reliable survey previously used to investigate this phenomenon. This study used the VAS to determine if communication skills required for careers influences reports of role entrapment.
METHOD
An online survey which included the VAS and perceptions of communication skills needed for each career listed on the VAS was distributed. Correlations between items on the two surveys were completed to investigate how communication skills influences the presence of role entrapment. In addition, a one-way analysis of variance was completed to explore differences between individuals who regularly provide career advice with those who do not.
RESULTS
Analysis found a significant correlation between perceived communication skills required for a career and the advice provided. As the perceived communication skills needed for a career increases, the likelihood of someone advising a person who stutters to pursue that career decreases. A one-way analysis of variance further revealed participants who regularly provide career advice did not differ from those participants who do not.
CONCLUSION
Perceived communication abilities needed for a career is a significant indicator of role entrapment towards people who stutter. Results agree with previous studies which found differences in advisability of certain careers over others for people who stutter, especially those which require communication within challenging situations (e.g., judge, attorney).
Topics: Humans; Stuttering; Male; Female; Communication; Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Stereotyping; Career Choice; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Vocational Guidance
PubMed: 38359501
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfludis.2024.106039 -
Research on Child and Adolescent... Jun 2024Recent empirical work has suggested that youths with conduct problems and presenting high levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits can be divided in two variants (i.e.,...
Recent empirical work has suggested that youths with conduct problems and presenting high levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits can be divided in two variants (i.e., primary, secondary) presenting specific characteristics and needs, but studies examining outcomes associated longitudinally with variants memberships remain scarce. Building on a previous investigation in which we identified variants of CU traits among children with conduct problems, we examined differences between groups on a wide range of behavioral/psychological, relational/social, and educational outcomes assessed during adolescence (n = 309, mean age = 17.4, SD = 0.96). When compared to those from the primary variant, youths from the secondary variant reported higher levels of conduct, opposition, attention deficit/hyperactivity and anxiety problems, had lower teacher-reported academic performance, experienced more conflictual relationships with their teachers, and were at higher risk of being victimized by their intimate partner. These results shed light on the specific clinical characteristics of children from the secondary variant that are likely to persist until adolescence. Providing these children with intensive preventive interventions targeting these long-term consequences could be particularly beneficial.
Topics: Humans; Conduct Disorder; Male; Female; Adolescent; Longitudinal Studies; Follow-Up Studies; Empathy; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Interpersonal Relations; Emotions; Child; Adolescent Behavior; Bullying
PubMed: 38334909
DOI: 10.1007/s10802-024-01168-y -
Journal of Cancer Survivorship :... Feb 2024The St. Jude's After Completion of Therapy (ACT) Clinic was established in 1984 to address the needs of long-term survivors treated at St. Jude Children's Research... (Review)
Review
The St. Jude's After Completion of Therapy (ACT) Clinic was established in 1984 to address the needs of long-term survivors treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Survivors eligible for transfer to ACT Clinic include those treated at St. Jude who are cancer-free, 5 years from diagnosis (5 years after completion of relapse therapy), and 2 years after completion of therapy. Services provided to clinic attendees include transportation, housing, and medical care costs not covered by insurance. The clinic's mission is to improve the quality of life of survivors by facilitating their access to resources that optimize physical and emotional health, social functioning, and educational and vocational achievement. ACT evaluations are undertaken by a multidisciplinary team comprised of nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, social workers, psychologists, and other medical subspecialists as needed. ACT interventions include the organization of a survivorship care plan/treatment summary, risk-based health screening, counseling about health risks/risk mitigation, comprehensive psychosocial assessment, assistance with care transitions, and case management for identification of local resources. The ACT Clinic offers educational opportunities to graduate medical trainees and precepts national and international visitors seeking guidance in the development of survivorship programs. The ACT Clinic also provides a robust infrastructure for research investigations that have aimed to characterize health outcomes in long-term survivors and test interventions to prevent/remediate adverse effects of childhood cancer and its therapy. Findings from research facilitated by the ACT Clinic have informed health surveillance recommendations for long-term survivors and guided interventions to promote healthy aging among this growing population. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This review describes a model of care that addresses the medical and psychosocial challenges of survivorship while integrating research investigations to improve health outcomes among childhood cancer survivors.
Topics: Child; Humans; Cancer Survivors; Quality of Life; Survivors; Neoplasms; Hospitals
PubMed: 38294599
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01519-6 -
Heliyon Jan 2024In K-12 STEM education, engineering design is emphasized, as demonstrated by the bridge-design project. Due to the iterative nature of engineering design, engineering...
In K-12 STEM education, engineering design is emphasized, as demonstrated by the bridge-design project. Due to the iterative nature of engineering design, engineering practice is frequently complicated and requires pedagogical guidance. As an emerging pedagogy in STEM education, REP (Reverse Engineering Pedagogy) is showing, but not enough, some benefits in several cases. This paper aims to explore the effects of REP in a bridge-design course. A comparison experiment, REP versus PBL (Project-Based Learning), was conducted by randomly forming two groups of fourth-grade students from a primary school in China. Results indicated that REP was more advantageous than PBL in terms of decreasing students' cognitive load, boosting their scientific knowledge level and engineering design skills. However, REP and PBL have the same effect on the students' learning attitude and engagement. The key findings, possible reasons, and suggestions for practice are also discussed.
PubMed: 38293465
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24278 -
Open Veterinary Journal Dec 2023Traumatic reticulitis (TR) and abomasal obstruction are common digestive diseases in beef cattle. In clinical practice, these two conditions are often detected alone and...
BACKGROUND
Traumatic reticulitis (TR) and abomasal obstruction are common digestive diseases in beef cattle. In clinical practice, these two conditions are often detected alone and rarely occur at the same time. Surgical therapy is an effective approach to treat both of these diseases. However, there are no reports on the treatment of abomasal obstruction in cattle induced by TR.
CASE DESCRIPTION
We here report a rare case of the diagnosis and treatment of TR associated with abomasal obstruction in a beef cow during late pregnancy. The affected cattle had an iron wire that was piercing the wall of the reticulum, but did not penetrate the wall; the abomasum was blocked and appeared solid; and the fetus survived well (268 days gestation). To save the lives of the cow and fetus on the same day, a cesarean section was first performed, followed by rumenotomy, the foreign body (wire) was removed, and abomasotomy was finally performed. The fetus removed by cesarean section grew well, and the beef cow recovered and successfully became pregnant again.
CONCLUSION
This case thus offers guidance for the timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and postoperative management of these digestive diseases in cattle to prevent progression and further complications.
Topics: Cattle; Animals; Pregnancy; Female; Cattle Diseases; Abomasum; Cesarean Section; Foreign Bodies
PubMed: 38292727
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i12.27 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2023Xinjiang Brown cattle are a famous dual-purpose (dairy-beef) cultivated breed in China that occupy a pivotal position within the cattle breeding industry in Xinjiang,...
Xinjiang Brown cattle are a famous dual-purpose (dairy-beef) cultivated breed in China that occupy a pivotal position within the cattle breeding industry in Xinjiang, China. However, little information is available on the genetic background of this breed. To fill this research gap, we conducted a whole-genome screen using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing to examine the genetic structure and diversity of 130 Xinjiang Brown cattle-grazing type (XBG, traditional type) cattle. A subsequent joint analysis incorporating two ancestral breeds, specifically 19 Brown Swiss (BS) foreign and nine Kazakh (KZ) Chinese cattle, as well as 20 Xinjiang Brown cattle-housing type (XBH) cattle, was used to explore the genetic background of the Xinjiang Brown cattle. The results showed that, after nearly a century of crossbreeding, XBG cattle formed a single population with a stable genetic performance. The genetic structure, genetic diversity, and selection signature analysis of the two ancestral types showed highly different results compared to that of XBH cattle. Local ancestry inference showed that the average proportions of XGB cattle within the BS and KZ cattle lineages were 37.22% and 62.78%, respectively, whereas the average proportions of XBH cattle within the BS and KZ cattle lineages were 95.14% and 4.86%, respectively. Thus, XGB cattle are more representative of all Xinjiang Brown cattle, in line with their breeding history, which involves crossbreeding. Two complementary approaches, fixation index and mean nucleotide diversity, were used to detect selection signals in the four aforementioned cattle breeds. Finally, the analysis of 26 candidate genes in Xinjiang Brown cattle revealed significant enrichment in 19 Gene Ontology terms, and seven candidate genes were enriched in three pathways related to disease resistance (, , and ) and the endocrine system (, , , and ). Finally, development of the core SNPs in XBG cattle yielded 8,379 loci. The results of this study detail the evolutionary process of crossbreeding in Xinjiang Brown cattle and provide guidance for selecting and breeding new strains of this species.
PubMed: 38283146
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1348329