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VFR travel in Turkey during and post-COVID-19

- Backer, Elisa, Erol, Günay, Düşmezkalender, Ebru

  • Authors: Backer, Elisa , Erol, Günay , Düşmezkalender, Ebru
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Tourism and hospitality Vol. 3, no. 3 (2022), p. 651-665
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  • Description: Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel is a significant component of travel across the globe. Whilst COVID-19 impacted all travel in all countries, its impact on VFR in certain cultures was particularly pronounced. Aside from reconnecting socially with friends and relatives, in some cultures, certain ceremonies and rituals were compromised, meaning a complex choice for residents between focusing on global health information (e.g., avoiding contact, especially with elderly who are at risk) and disobeying significant cultural rituals that signify respect and importance. Whilst most VFR travel research has focused on western countries, this research examined the impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions and health warnings on VFR travel in the country of Turkey. The significance of COVID-19 to VFR travel in Turkey is explained, and implications for the future are put forward. Author name Elisa Zentveld also known as Elisa Backer
  • Description: Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel is a significant component of travel across the globe. Whilst COVID-19 impacted all travel in all countries, its impact on VFR in certain cultures was particularly pronounced. Aside from reconnecting socially with friends and relatives, in some cultures, certain ceremonies and rituals were compromised, meaning a complex choice for residents between focusing on global health information (e.g., avoiding contact, especially with elderly who are at risk) and disobeying significant cultural rituals that signify respect and importance. Whilst most VFR travel research has focused on western countries, this research examined the impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions and health warnings on VFR travel in the country of Turkey. The significance of COVID-19 to VFR travel in Turkey is explained, and implications for the future are put forward. Author name Elisa Zentveld also know as Elisa Backer

A Scoping review of autism and the way it changes the presentation of suicidal thoughts and behavior compared to the general population

- Cleary, Michelle, West, Sancia, McLean, Loyola, Hunt, Glenn, Hungerford, Catherine, Kornhaber, Rachel

  • Authors: Cleary, Michelle , West, Sancia , McLean, Loyola , Hunt, Glenn , Hungerford, Catherine , Kornhaber, Rachel
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Issues Mental Health Nursing Vol. 44, no. 4 (2023), p. 282-301
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  • Description: Autism spectrum conditions are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that carries an array of co-occurring diagnoses, including a heightened risk of suicide attempts and suicide. This scoping review examined primary research focusing on autism and suicidality, to understand what is currently known on the topic, including how autism changes the presentation of suicidal thoughts and behavior and to assess the suicide awareness and prevention education programs currently available for autistic people, their families, and health professionals and support workers. A comprehensive search (November 2021) across Scopus, PubMed and CINAHL identified 39 articles from 38 studies. Three themes emerged, with five subthemes. 1. The prevalence of suicidality in autistic people 2. The presentation of suicidality in autistic people, including (a) risk of suicidality (b) gender, age, employment and education (c) co-occurring psychiatric conditions (d) autism traits and social communication (e) intellectual disability and 3. Autism-specific approaches to suicidal thoughts, behavior and prevention. Findings were mixed, including conflicting evidence on the risk of autism and suicidality, and limited evidence of resources related to autism-specific suicide awareness or information, and education or prevention programs.

Rheology of alkali-activated blended binder mixtures

- Tekle, Biruk, Hertwig, Ludwig, Holschemacher, Klaus

  • Authors: Tekle, Biruk , Hertwig, Ludwig , Holschemacher, Klaus
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Materials Vol. 14, no. 18 (2021), p. 5405
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  • Description: Alkali-activated cement (AAC) is an alternative cement that has been increasingly studied over the past decades mainly because of its environmental benefits. However, most studies are on heat-cured AACs and are focused on mechanical properties. There is a lack of research on the fresh properties of ambient-cured AAC systems. This study investigates the rheological properties of ambient-temperature-cured alkali-activated blended binder mixtures activated with sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions. The influence of binder amount, alkaline solid to binder ratio (AS/B), sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide solids ratio (SS/SH), and total water content to total solid (from the binding materials) ratio (TW/TS) on the rheological properties are investigated. The effect of borax as an admixture and silica fume as a replacement for fly ash is also investigated. The results showed that both the yield stress and plastic viscosity are mainly affected by the binder content and TW/TS ratio decreasing with the increase of each parameter. The yield stress increased with the increase of the SS/SH ratio. Borax significantly reduced the yield stress, while silica fume’s effect was dependent on its dosage.

Does personality matter in exercise participation?

- Yap, Sheau, Lee, Christina

  • Authors: Yap, Sheau , Lee, Christina
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Consumer Behaviour Vol. 12, no. 5 (2013), p. 401-411
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  • Description: This research extends previous work by demonstrating how the relationships between social cognition and exercise are influenced by different personality types. The theory of planned behaviour forms the basis of our theoretical model, and the Big Five personality framework was used to determine personality types. Data were collected from a quota sample of 512 Malaysian adults. The results suggest that an individual's personality can prevent him or her from exercising. For example, an extrovert is likely to be driven by affect and self-confidence in their capability to exercise, and thus are more likely to participate in exercise. Those who are more conscientious (and less neurotic) feel more in control and thus possess a greater ability to exercise in comparison with their less conscientious and more neurotic counterparts. Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering personality factors in exercise research and caution us about underestimating the relationship between perceived control, attitude and its potential behavioural outcomes that could lead to a misinterpretation of its true impact. Our core contribution lies in identifying the underlying causes of social cognition differences in a moderating capacity, which has potential to yield important theoretical and practical implications. This study sets the ground for social marketers to improve their understanding of exercise behaviour and, in turn, consumer welfare. Ultimately, they could be in a better position to develop effective health intervention and educational programmes. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A Social identity approach to understanding and promoting physical activity

- Stevens, Mark, Rees, Tim, Coffee, Pete, Steffens, Niklas, Haslam, S. Alexander, Polman, Remco

  • Authors: Stevens, Mark , Rees, Tim , Coffee, Pete , Steffens, Niklas , Haslam, S. Alexander , Polman, Remco
  • Date: 2017
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 47, no. 10 (2017), p. 1911-1918
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  • Description: Against the backdrop of a global physical inactivity crisis, attempts to both understand and positively influence physical activity behaviours are characterized by a focus on individual-level factors (e.g. cognitions, attitudes, motivation). We outline a new perspective, drawn from an emerging body of work exploring the applicability of social identity and self-categorization theories to domains of sport and health, from which to understand and address this pervasive problem. This social identity approach suggests that the groups to which people belong can be, and often are, incorporated into their sense of self and, through this, are powerful determinants of physical activity-related behaviour. We start by reviewing the current state of physical activity research and highlighting the potential for the social identity approach to help understand how social factors influence these behaviours. Next, we outline the theoretical underpinnings of the social identity approach and provide three key examples that speak to the analytical and practical value of the social identity approach in physical activity settings. Specifically, we argue that social identity (1) can be harnessed to promote engagement in physical activity, (2) underpins exercise group behaviour, and (3) underpins effective leadership in exercise settings. We conclude by identifying prospects for a range of theory-informed research developments.

Viscoelastic properties and fractal analysis of acid-induced SPI gels at different ionic strength

- Bi, Chonghao, Li, Dong, Wang, Li-jun, Adhikari, Benu

  • Authors: Bi, Chonghao , Li, Dong , Wang, Li-jun , Adhikari, Benu
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Carbohydrate Polymers Vol. 92, no. 1 (January 2013), p. 98-105
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  • Description: The viscoelastic property and scaling behavior of acid (glucono-delta-lactone)-induced soy protein isolate (SPI) gels were investigated at various ionic strengths (0-800 mM) and five protein concentrations ranging between 4% and 8% (w/w). The infinite storage modulus (G '(infinity)) and the gelation start time (t(g))which indicate the progress of gelation process exhibited strong ionic strength dependence. The storage modulus and critical strain were found to exhibit a power-law relationship with protein concentration. Rheological analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis were applied to estimate the fractal dimensions (D-f) of the gels and the values were found to vary between 2.319 and 2.729. The comparison of the rheological methods and the CLSM image analysis method showed that the Shih, Shih, Kim, Liu, and Aksay (1990) model was better suited in estimating the D-f value of acid-induced SPI gel system. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Synthesis of water treatment sludge ash-based geopolymers in an Amazonian context

- Santos, Gessica, Melo Filho, Joao, Pinheiro, Mauricio, Manzato, Lizandro

  • Authors: Santos, Gessica , Melo Filho, Joao , Pinheiro, Mauricio , Manzato, Lizandro
  • Date: 2019
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Environmental Management Vol. 249, no. (Nov 2019), p. 8
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  • Description: Water treatment plants (WTP) in the City of Manaus, Brazil, generate tons of sludge daily, which are then disposed of in landfills and main watercourses, particularly two important Amazonian Rivers: the blackwater Negro River and the pale sandy-colored water Solimoes River. Because WTP-based sludges are rich in silicon and aluminum, they have been employed in the synthesis of geopolymers - alkaline activated inorganic polymers consisting of silicate and aluminosilicate chains. This paper reports the results of a geopolymeric synthesis process in which calcined sludge was explored as a source of silica and alumina. In this research, a laboratory testing program was developed to characterize the waste material generated from a water treatment plant in Manaus, whose intake water is influenced by the above referred rivers. Sample preparation involved kiln drying at 110 degrees C for 8 h, grinding in ball mill for 2 h, and calcination at 750 degrees C for 6 h. The calcined sludge was used as precursor, and potassium hydroxide added as activating alkali. Two geopolymers, one from each sludge source, were prepared following identical procedures. The chemical, compositional, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of the fresh and hardened geopolymers were characterized. The geopolymers reached uniaxial compressive strengths of over 50 MPa at 28 days. Calcination conveyed more refined properties to the sludge-based geopolymers, akin to metakaolin-based geopolymers. The results presented herein support the technical feasibility of geopolymer synthesis in the lab scale.

Detecting the seeds of Nassella neesiana in large round hay bales, by means of non-destructive core sampling

- Weller, Sandra, Florentine, Singarayer, Sillitoe, Jim, Grech, Charles, McLaren, David, Chauhan, Bhagirath

  • Authors: Weller, Sandra , Florentine, Singarayer , Sillitoe, Jim , Grech, Charles , McLaren, David , Chauhan, Bhagirath
  • Date: 2015
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Plos One Vol. 10, no. 9 (2015), p.
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  • Description: In the last three decades or so there has been a significant increase in fodder trading, both in terms of the quantity of fodder traded and in terms of its economic value to the industry. Often, this fodder type may be supplied free of charge to graziers in distress due to circumstances that follow natural disasters such as bushfires, drought, and flood. However, because of the obvious urgency arising from these situations, it is suspected that much relief fodder may unintentionally pose an elevated risk for dispersal of weeds since it may be supplied from pasture not normally used for trade in fodder, and therefore is of unknown quality. Previous destructive method to detect weed propagules in bales of fodder are cumbersome, time consuming and of limited ecological and statistical value. Therefore, objective of this paper was to development of a convenient method to assess round pasture hay bales for the presence of weed propagules, to prevent unintentional spread of noxious species in hay bales. To examine this objective known quantity of seeds were added in a series of distributions to bales of seed free pasture hay, and a positive correlation for the amount of seed added per bale with that recovered in core samples was observed. Whilst the number of seeds detected per bale varied according to the distribution of seeds within the bales and the number of cores analysed, the absolute detection of seeds suggests that this sampling method is worthy of further examination. In addition, a pragmatic estimation of bale remnants after stock feeding has been investigated to more closely estimate the potential size of the remaining seed bank. The authors propose that development of this approach is timely, in the light of future climatic uncertainty driving extreme weather events that increase the need for relief fodder, which can be a potential vector for the spread of noxious weed seeds.

Type D personality, stress, coping and performance on a novel sport task

- Borkoles, Erika, Kaiseler, Mariana, Evans, Andrew, Ski, Chantal, Thompson, David, Polman, Remco

  • Authors: Borkoles, Erika , Kaiseler, Mariana , Evans, Andrew , Ski, Chantal , Thompson, David , Polman, Remco
  • Date: 2018
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: PLoS One Vol. 13, no. 4 (2018), p. e0196692-e0196692
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  • Description: We investigated (1) the relationship between Type D personality, stress intensity appraisal of a self-selected stressor, coping, and perceived coping effectiveness and (2) the relationship between Type D personality and performance. In study one, 482 athletes completed the Type D personality questionnaire (DS14), stress thermometer and MCOPE in relation to a recently experienced sport stressor. Type D was associated with increased levels of perceived stress and selection of coping strategies (more emotion and avoidance coping) as well as perceptions of their effectiveness. In study two, 32 participants completed a rugby league circuit task and were assessed on pre-performance anxiety, post-performance affect and coping. Type D was associated with poorer performance (reduced distance more errors), decreases in pre-performance self-confidence and more use of maladaptive resignation/withdrawal coping. Findings suggest that Type D is associated with maladaptive coping and reduced performance. Type D individuals would benefit from interventions related to mood modification or enhancing interpersonal functioning.

We dare to ask new questions. Are we also brave enough to change our approaches?

- Verhagen, Evert, Bolling, Caroline

  • Authors: Verhagen, Evert , Bolling, Caroline
  • Date: 2018
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Translational sports medicine Vol. 1, no. 1 (2018), p. 54-55
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  • Description: Over the past decades research within the field of sports medicine has yielded a large amount of evidence of the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries. Despite the availability of high quality evidence, compliance to interventions that protect athletes’ health is low. Consequently, evidence‐based programs are not achieving their optimal effect in real‐life athletic situations. Implementation and knowledge translation are the contemporary incantations to resolve this apparent gap between science and practice. This has provided us novel research questions and challenges that follow on efficacious outcomes. Most of these questions are not answered through quantifiable outcomes measures as they revolve around user behaviors. This editorial argues that if we want to know why athletes and coaches behave as they do, and what barriers there may be to changing their behavior, qualitative research can be used to give athletes and coaches a voice.

Informal healthcare sector and marginalized groups: Repeat visits in rural North India

- Iles, Richard

  • Authors: Iles, Richard
  • Date: 2018
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: PLoS One Vol. 13, no. 7 (2018), p. e0199380-e0199380
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  • Description: The interrelationship between the public and private sectors, and formal and informal healthcare sectors effects market-level service quality, pricing behaviour and referral networks. However, health utilisation analysis of national survey data from many low and middle income countries is constrained by the lack of disaggregated health provider data. This study is concerned with the pattern of repeat outpatient consultations for a single episode of fever from public and private qualified providers and private unqualified providers. Cross-sectional survey data from 1173 adult respondents sampled from three districts within India's most populous state-Uttar Pradesh is analysed. Data was collected during the monsoon season-September to October-in 2012. Regression analysis focuses on the pattern of repeats visits for a single episode of mild-sever fever as the dependent variable. Results show that Women and Muslims in rural north India are more likely to not access healthcare, and if they do, consult with low quality unqualified outpatient healthcare providers. For fever durations of four or more days, men are more likely to access unqualified providers compared to women. Results of the current study supports the literature that women's utilisation of outpatient healthcare for communicable illnesses in LMICs is often less than men. A relative lack of access to household resources explains why fever duration parameter estimates for women and men differ.

Efficacy of a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral intervention for eating disorder psychopathology delivered through a smartphone app: a randomized controlled trial

- Linardon, Jake, Shatte, Adrian, Rosato, John, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew

  • Authors: Linardon, Jake , Shatte, Adrian , Rosato, John , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Psychological Medicine Vol. 52, no. 9 (2022), p. 1679-1690
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  • Description: Abstract Background Although effective treatments exist for diagnostic and subthreshold-level eating disorders (EDs), a significant proportion of affected individuals do not receive help. Interventions translated for delivery through smartphone apps may be one solution towards reducing this treatment gap. However, evidence for the efficacy of smartphones apps for EDs is lacking. We developed a smartphone app based on the principles and techniques of transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy for EDs and evaluated it through a pre-registered randomized controlled trial. Methods Symptomatic individuals (those who reported the presence of binge eating) were randomly assigned to the app ( n = 197) or waiting list ( n = 195). Of the total sample, 42 and 31% exhibited diagnostic-level bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder symptoms, respectively. Assessments took place at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks post-randomization. Analyses were intention-to-treat. The primary outcome was global levels of ED psychopathology. Secondary outcomes were other ED symptoms, impairment, and distress. Results Intervention participants reported greater reductions in global ED psychopathology than the control group at post-test ( d = −0.80). Significant effects were also observed for secondary outcomes ( d 's = −0.30 to −0.74), except compensatory behavior frequency. Symptom levels remained stable at follow-up. Participants were largely satisfied with the app, although the overall post-test attrition rate was 35%. Conclusion Findings highlight the potential for this app to serve as a cost-effective and easily accessible intervention for those who cannot receive standard treatment. The capacity for apps to be flexibly integrated within current models of mental health care delivery may prove vital for addressing the unmet needs of people with EDs.

Predicting mental health problems with personality, behavior, and social networks

- Zhang, Dongyu, Guo, Teng, Han, Shiyu, Vahabli, Sadaf, Naseriparsa, Mehdi, Xia, Feng

  • Authors: Zhang, Dongyu , Guo, Teng , Han, Shiyu , Vahabli, Sadaf , Naseriparsa, Mehdi , Xia, Feng
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Conference paper
  • Relation: 2021 IEEE International Conference on Big Data, Big Data 2021, virtual online, 15-18 December 2021, Proceedings - 2021 IEEE International Conference on Big Data, Big Data 2021 p. 4537-4546
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  • Description: Mental health is an integral part of human health and well-being. Unhealthy mentality leads to serious consequences such as self-mutilation and suicide, especially for college students. While the literature focused on analysing the relationship between mental health and a single factor such as personality or behavior, accurate prediction is yet to be achieved due to the lack of cross-dimensional analysis and multi-dimensional joint prediction. To this end, this work proposes leveraging multiple factors from three crucial dimensions of mental health: behaviors, personality, and social networks. We recruited 490 college students, and collected their behavioral records from smart cards. In addition, we extracted their psychological traits from questionnaires, and social networks by conducting the survey on the nominating community members. We created a neural network-based model to integrate behavioral, psychological, and social network factors to predict mental health problems. The experimental results verify the efficacy of the proposed model, and demonstrate that the classification model of various factors effectively predicts the students' mental issues. © 2021 IEEE.
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