Nurse-led group cognitive behavioral therapy for major depressive disorder among adults in Japan: A preliminary single-group study

Objectives:The prevalence and burden of disease of depression necessitates effective and accessible treatment options worldwide.Since April 2016,Japanese national health insurance has covered nurseadministered cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)for mood disorders.However,empirical support for nurse-led CBT for depression in Asian countries,especially in Japan,is still lacking.This preliminary study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of nurse-led group CBT for Japanese patients with depression.Methods:In this single-arm study,we evaluated the effects of a 6-week group CBT,led by trained nurses,on patients with major depression.The primary outcome was the Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱ(BDI-Ⅱ).Assessments were conducted at the beginning and end of the intervention.Results:Of 25 participants screened,23 were eligible for the study(of these,three dropped out during the trial but were included in the analysis).Nurse-led group CBT led to significant improvements in the severity of depression(BDI-Ⅱ,P<0.001).The mean total BDI-Ⅱscore improved from 23.1(SD=7.56)to 12.4(SD=8.57),and the pre-to post-effect size was large(Cohen's d=1.33).After CBT,45%of the participants were judged to be treatment responders,and 34%met the remission criteria.Conclusions:Our preliminary findings indicate that 6 weeks of nurse-led group CBT produced a favorable treatment outcome for individuals with major depression in a Japanese clinical setting.The results of this study might encourage more Asian nurses to provide CBT as a part of their nursing practice.Further controlled trials that address the limitations of this study are required.

Can environmental sustainability be decoupled from economic growth? Empirical evidence from Eastern Europe using the common correlated effect mean group test

The European Union(EU) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD) aim to develop long-term policies for their respective member countries. Having observed increasing dangers to the environment posed by rising economic growth, they are seeking pathways to enable policy action on economic growth and environmental sustainability. Given the facts in theoretical and empirical studies, this study assessed the validity of the decoupling hypothesis by investigating asymmetricity in the relationship between environmental sustainability and economic growth in nine Eastern European countries from 1998 to 2017 using the cross-section augmented Dickey-Fuller(CADF) unit root, panel corrected standard error(PCSE), common correlated effect mean group(CCEMG), and Dumitrescu Hurlin causality approaches. Both population growth and drinking water are used as controlled variables. The outcomes establish strong cointegration among all the variables of interest. According to the results of CCEMG test, economic growth exerts short-term environmental degradation but has long-term environmental benefits in Eastern Europe;and population growth and drinking water exert a positive effect on environmental sustainability in both the short-and long-run. The results of Dumitrescu Hurlin causality test indicate that environmental sustainability is unidirectionally affected by economic growth. Based on these outcomes, we suggest the following policies:(1) the EU and OECD should implement member-targeted policies on economic growth and fossil-fuel use towards regulating industrial pollution, water use, and population control;and(2) the EU and OECD member countries should invest in environmental technologies through green research and development(R&D) to transform their dirty industrial processes and ensure productive energy use.

Non-Cooperative Behavior Management in Large-Scale Group Decision-Making Considering the Altruistic Behaviors of Experts and Its Application in Emergency Alternative Selection

Emergency decision-making problems usually involve many experts with different professional backgrounds and concerns,leading to non-cooperative behaviors during the consensus-reaching process.Many studies on noncooperative behavior management assumed that the maximumdegree of cooperation of experts is to totally accept the revisions suggested by the moderator,which restricted individuals with altruistic behaviors to make more contributions in the agreement-reaching process.In addition,when grouping a large group into subgroups by clustering methods,existing studies were based on the similarity of evaluation values or trust relationships among experts separately but did not consider them simultaneously.In this study,we introduce a clustering method considering the similarity of evaluation values and the trust relations of experts and then develop a consensusmodel taking into account the altruistic behaviors of experts.First,we cluster experts into subgroups by a constrained Kmeans clustering algorithm according to the opinion similarity and trust relationship of experts.Then,we calculate the weights of experts and clusters based on the centrality degrees of experts.Next,to enhance the quality of consensus reaching,we identify three kinds of non-cooperative behaviors and propose corresponding feedback mechanisms relying on the altruistic behaviors of experts.A numerical example is given to show the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method in emergency decision-making.The study finds that integrating altruistic behavior analysis in group decision-making can safeguard the interests of experts and ensure the integrity of decision-making information.

Convergence theorem of common fixed points for Lipschitzian pseudo-contraction semi-groups in Banach spaces

The purpose of this paper is to study the weak convergence problems of the implicity iteration process for Lipschitzian pseudocontractive semi-groups in the general Banach spaces. The results presented in this paper extend and improve the corresponding results of some people.

Response of a pile group behind quay wall to liquefaction-induced lateral spreading:a shake-table investigation

The response of pile foundations near a quay wall under liquefaction-induced lateral spreading remains a complex problem. This study presents the results of a shake-table test on a 2×2 pile group behind a sheet-pile quay wall that was subjected to lateral spreading. The quay wall was employed to trigger liquefaction-induced large lateral ground deformation. The discussions focus on the behavior of the pile and the soil and on the bending moment distributions within the group pile and the restoring force characteristics at the superstructure. Overall, the piles exhibited apparent pinning effects that reduced soil deformation. In addition, the rear-row piles near the quay wall experienced larger bending moments than did the front-row piles, indicating significant pile group effects. The tests showed that lateral spreading could be a primary cause of larger monotonic deformations and bending moments. It can also be concluded that the monotonic bending moments were significantly decreased due to the presence of slow soil flow. The stiffness at the superstructure was reduced because of accumulated excess pore pressure before liquefaction, and it was recovered during lateral spreading. The present study further enhances current understanding of the behavior of low-cap pile foundations under lateral spreading.

Experimental and numerical investigation on the dynamic response of pile group in liquefying ground

The response of pile foundation in liquefable sand reinforced by densification techniques remains a very complex problem during strong earthquakes. A shake-table experiment was carried out to investigate the behavior of a reinforced concrete low-cap pile group embedded in this type of ground. In this study, a three-dimensional （3D） finite element （FE） analysis of the experiment was conducted. The computed response of the soil-pile system was in reasonable agreement with the experimental results, highlighting some key characteristics. Then, a parametric study was performed to explore the influence of pile spacing, pile stiffness （E/）, superstructure mass, sand permeability, and shaking characteristics of input motion on the behavior of the pile. The investigation demonstrated a stiffening behavior appearing in the liquefied medium- dense sand, and the pile group effect seemed negligible. Furthermore, the kinematic effect was closely connected with both EI and sand permeability. Nevertheless, the inertial effect was strongly influenced by the superstructure mass. Meanwhile, high frequency and large amplitude of the input motion could produced greater the pile＇s moments. It is estimated that this case study could further enhance the current understanding of the behavior of low-cap pile foundations in liquefied dense sand.

Territory and territorial behavior of migrating Common Coot (Fulica atra)

Territory and territorial behavior of the Common Coot（Fulica atra） were studied in two breeding sites,Anbanghe Nature Reserve and Daqing Longfeng wetland,in Heilongjiang Province,China from April to October in 2008 and 2009.In the breeding season,the breeding pairs occupied an area and protected it throughout the reproduction,and both interspecific and intraspecific conflicts were observed.Territory activities became severe since early May,the peak of territory behaviors appeared at late May,and then declined gradually.The territorial activities level was higher than that in the nest building period than in the laying and incubation periods.The most adopted behavioral model was expelling,which was the least energy cost.The degree of territorial behavior tended to be descended since the development of breeding phase.The territory size differed from 1 333 m2 to above 5 000 m2.Wintering population was observed in Poyang Lake of Jiangxi Province.The coots gathered in the open water;however,there was no territory behavior both in the interspecies and intraspecies in wintering sites.The hypotheses why there was territory behaviors for coots both in the interspecies and intraspecies were also discussed.

Synthesis and Characterization of Sidechain Liquid Cryastalline Polysiloxanes Containting Either Cholesteryl or Cyanobiphenyl Mesogenic Groups

A series of side chain liquid crystalline polysiloxanes containing either cholesteryl or cyanobiphenyl mesogenic groups were synthesized by the hydrosilylation reaction of a polysiloxane containing Si H group with a vinyl terminated compound containing the mesogenic group. Their chemical structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis, Their phase behaviors were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarizing microscope, and X ray diffraction techniques. The results show that all these polysiloxanes except PⅤ display smectic or nematic mesonorphism or both. The dependence of phase transition temperature on the rigidity of mesogenic unit. the length of spacer group, and the flexibility of Si(CH 3) 2O chain is also described.

Regulating interfacial behavior of zinc metal anode via metal-organic framework functionalized separator

Aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs)are one of the promising energy storage devices.However,uncontrolled dendrite and side reactions have seriously hindered its further application.In this study,the metal-organic framework(MOF)functionalized glass fiber separator(GF-PFC-31)was used to regulate interfacial behavior of zinc metal anode,enabling the development of high-performance AZIBs.In PFC-31,there areπ-πinteractions between two adjacent benzene rings with a spacing of 3.199 A.This spacing can block the passage of[Zn(H_(2)O)_6]^(2+)(8.6 A in diameter)through the GF-PFC-31 separator to a certain extent,which promotes the deposition process of Zn ions.In addition,the sulfonic acid group(-S03H)contained in GF-PFC-31 can form a hydrogen bonding network with H_(2)O,which can provide a desolvation effect and reduce the side reaction.Consequently,GF-PFC-31 separator achieves uniform deposition of Zn ions.The Zn‖GF-PFC-31‖Zn symmetric cell exhibits stable cycle life(3000 h at 1.2 mA cm^(-2),2000 h at 0.3 mA cm^(-2),and 2000 h at 5.0 mA cm^(-2)),and Zn‖GF-PFC-31‖MnO_(2) full cell with GF-PFC-31 separator can cycle for 1000 cycles at 1.2 A g^(-1)with capacity retention rate of 82.5%.This work provides a promising method to achieve high-performance AZIBs.

An Event Alarm System Based on Single and Group Human Behavior Analysis

Due to the increasing demand for security, the development of intelligent surveillance systems has attracted considerable attention in recent years. This study aims to develop a system that is able to identify whether or not the people need help in a public place. Different from previous work, our work considers not only the behaviors of the target person but also the interaction between him and nearby people. In the paper, we propose an event alarm system which can detect the human behaviors and recognize the happening event through integrating the results generated from the single and group behavior analysis. Several new effective features are proposed in the study. Besides, a mechanism capable of extracting one-to-one and multiple-to-one relations is also developed. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can correctly detect human behaviors and provide the alarm messages when emergency events occur.

Pedestrian evacuation simulation in multi-exit case:An emotion and group dual-driven method

This paper analyzes the characteristics of emotion state and group behavior in the evacuation process.During the emergency evacuation,emotion state and group behavior are interacting with each other,and indivisible.The emotion spread model with the effect of group behavior,and the leader-follower model with the effect of emotion state are proposed.On this basis,exit choice strategies with the effect of emotion state and group behavior are proposed.Fusing emotion spread model,leader-follower model,and exit choice strategies into a cellular automata(CA)-based pedestrian simulation model,we simulate the evacuation process in a multi-exit case.Simulation results indicate that panic emotion and group behavior are two negative influence factors for pedestrian evacuation.Compared with panic emotion or group behavior only,pedestrian evacuation efficiency with the effects of both is lower.

Influence of Data Clouds Fusion From 3D RealTime Vision System on Robotic Group Dead Reckoning in Unknown Terrain

This paper proposes the solution of tasks set required for autonomous robotic group behavior optimization during the mission on a distributed area in a cluttered hazardous terrain.The navigation scheme uses the benefits of the original real-time technical vision system(TVS)based on a dynamic triangulation principle.The method uses TVS output data with fuzzy logic rules processing for resolution stabilization.Based on previous researches,the dynamic communication network model is modified to implement the propagation of information with a feedback method for more stable data exchange inside the robotic group.According to the comparative analysis of approximation methods,in this paper authors are proposing to use two-steps post-processing path planning aiming to get a smooth and energy-saving trajectory.The article provides a wide range of studies and computational experiment results for different scenarios for evaluation of common cloud point influence on robotic motion planning.

Vocal structure, behavior and partitioning of all 23 Pternistis spp. into homologous sound(and monophyletic) groups

The aims of this research were (1) to provide a description of spurfowl Pternistis spp. calls and their social context;(2) to describe the divergence of advertisement calls;and (3) to appropri-ate 23 spurfowl species to homologous sound groups which have been synthesized with recognized monophyletic groups within Pternistis spurfowls. Sound group partitioning was primarily based on male advertisement calls. A total of 218 recordings (rendering^300 identifiable calls) were analyzed covering 22 out of 23 spurfowl species in Africa. One species was assessed from written accounts. The repertoire size per spurfowl varies between 7 and 11 calls. Spurfowl calls were arranged into three broad categories including (1) advertisement calls;(2) maintenance calls including distress calls, juve-nile whining (“mews”), cheeps and comfort calls;and (3) male-female and female-offspring bonding calls. Spurfowl species were set out in eight sound groups of which five were more or less congruent with the monophyletic groups of Hall (1963), but sound groups produced more partitioning as Hall described only five groups relevant to Pternistis spp. The divergence of advertisement calls appar-ently minimizes hybridization between sympatric species but the“genetic distance”between spurfowl species is relatively small causing hybridization among spurfowl species. Despite the vocalizations of Hartlaub’s Spurfowl (P. hartlaubi) differing significantly from the rest of the spurfowls, sound analy-ses suggest that it remains within Pternistis.

How Group Heuristics Promotes Cooperative Behavior in Social Dilemma SituationmExploration of Group Heuristics Effects on the Basis of Computer Simulation

As it is impossible to assume complete rationality in a social dilemma situation, the assumption of bounded rationality is appropriate. Under the bounded rationality, it would be reasonable to assume that one behaves according to the heuristics principle. The group identity effect in a social dilemma situation might be very important in order to attain cooperation. The aim of this study was to clarify how to promote a cooperative behavior by avoiding a social dilemma situation. The group heuristics was taken into account, and it was explored how the group heuristics promotes a cooperative behavior in a social dilemma situation. As a result of a two-person game theory experiment, the group heuristics was found to play an important role in a social dilemma situation, and enhance a cooperative behavior. For the following three cases, the higher cooperation rate was attained at the latter half of the experiment： （a） mutual in-group condition, （b） one-way in-group condition, and （f） one-way unknown condition （in-group）. In conclusion, the consciousness of in-group membership might help to promote actively mutual cooperation.

Effect of group size and regrouping on physiological stress and behavior of dairy calves

Mixing or regrouping of calves from different pens is a common animal management practice on the farm, which frequently occurs after weaning and has a negative effect on calve welfare. Social integration before regrouping may relieve stresses, but more evidences are needed to verify this hypothesis. The present study aimed to investigate acute physiological and behavioral variations of individually-or group-housed calves after being introduced into a mixed group. A total of 132 postnatal calves were randomly divided into groups of 1, 3, 6 and 12 animals(S, G3, G6, and G12;6 replicates in each group) until 59 days of age. At 60 days of age, every two replicates from different groups(S, G3, G6 and G12)were introduced in a larger pen which containing 44 of the aboved experimental calves. Before and after regrouping,physiological parameters of stress, including heart rate(HR), saliva cortisol(S-CORT), saliva secretory immunoglobulin A(SIgA), interleukin-2(IL-2), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels, and behavioral responses were recorded. After regrouping, HR and S-CORT increased immediately(P<0.05), and higher(P<0.05) levels of such molecules were found in S calves compared to those in group-housed calves. Levels of SIgA and IL-2 were decreased(P<0.05), and the lowest(P<0.05) IL-2 values were found in S calves compared to those in group-housed calves. In addition, the introduced calves displayed a distinct behavior, including altered active and rest time, which was associated with negative emotions triggered by the novel surroundings. Allogrooming, play, exploration behaviors and lying time were increased significantly(P<0.05) in group-housed calves than those in S calves. Conversely, self-grooming, aggressive behaviors, standing and walking time were increased(P<0.05) in S calves than those in group-housed calves. These findings suggest that individually-housed calves may be more susceptible to stressors arising from regrouping than grouphoused calves, which consequently negatively affected behavioral and neuroendocrine responses. Furthermore, moving calves with previous social experience may help mitigate regrouping stress.

Cognitive behavioral therapy group intervention for HIV transmission risk behavior in perinatally infected adolescents

Purpose: This study analyzed treatment effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group counseling intervention on HIV transmission risk behavior, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use in HIV perinatally infected adolescents attending an HIV clinical care center in Uganda, Africa. Method: A total of 186 adolescents were randomly assigned to an experimental or control arm and assigned into groups of 11 - 16 adolescents. The experimental groups received an 80-minute CBT based weekly intervention for 8 consecutive weeks, while the control groups received only standard group care. Data from self report assessments were analyzed at pre- and post-test using repeated measures of analysis of variance. The participants, analyzed by variable, included 115 for sexual behavior, 106 for depression, 88 for anxiety, and 115 for alcohol use. Results: The results from the study show a large significant difference (p = 0.006) between the experimental and control groups on the anxiety variable. There were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups on the variables of sexual behavior (p = 0.876), depression (p = 0.700), and alcohol use (p = 0.815). There was an indication of reduced levels of HIV sexual transmission risk behavior, depression, and alcohol use levels in the participants in both the experimental and control groups. Conclusions: Risky sexual behavior places HIV perinatally infected adolescents at risk of re-infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and transmitting HIV to their sexual partners. CBT group counseling intervention equipped the participating adolescents with appropriate life skills to deal with psychological distress and anxiety often seen in their lives and may be useful in routine medical care to reduce transmission risks and improve wellness and call for its incorporation into HIV preventive programs and counselor education.

Strong convergence theorems for nonexpansive semi-groups in Banach spaces

Some strong convergence theorems of explicit composite iteration scheme for nonexpansive semi-groups in the framework of Banach spaces are established. Results presented in the paper not only extend and improve the corresponding results of ShiojiTakahashi, Suzuki, Xu and Aleyner-Reich, but also give a partially affirmative answer to the open questions raised by Suzuki and Xu.

Impact of Relaxation and Group Psycho-Education on Health Outcomes Using Integrated Care Models and Quality Improvement

The purpose of this Integrated Care Practice Change and Quality Improvement (ICPCQI) initiative was to evaluate the impact of wellness and relaxation and group psycho-education on health out-comes in an integrated care setting. Individuals diagnosed with mental illness and a co-occurring chronic medical condition participated in the ICPCQI initiatives which were run by peer support and wellness experts in an integrated care setting over the one-year project implementation period. Evaluation of outcome measures revealed an overall decline of 8.3% (p < 0.0001) and 7.3% (p < 0.0001) in the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure respectively. There was a 12.3% (p = 0.02) reduction on the average PHQ-9 scores. GAD-7 (p = 0.9) scores had a mean reduction of 1.5%. These preliminary results suggest that the evidence-based ICPCQI initiatives positively impact health outcomes among individuals with mental illness and chronic medical conditions.

Urban and Rural HIV Estimates among Adult Population (15 - 49 Years) in Selected States of India Using Spectrum Data

HIV estimation has become a standard tool for understanding the epidemic. Although the majority of India’s population lives in rural areas, to date, an exploration of the urban and rural HIV epidemic has not been undertaken. The objective of this study is to develop HIV estimation based on urban and rural adult populations in selected states of India to understand the difference in HIV related indices geographically. Ten states were selected based on HIV prevalence levels-Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, and Nagaland, Mizoram, Punjab, Odisha and Jharkhand. Spectrum, version 4.53 beta 19, was used. Data files of Indian national estimation, 2010-11 which included population, HIV Sentinel Surveillance, Integrated Bio Behavioral Assessment and program coverage data, were used and alterations made wherever necessary. The urban and rural sub epidemic structures and their subpopulations were separately configured in the Estimation projection package and curve fitting done. Outputs for each state were separately analyzed. Findings show that HIV prevalence is lower in urban than rural areas in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra;in Karnataka there is no difference in HIV prevalence in the urban and rural populations;and in the remaining seven states urban HIV prevalence is higher as compared to rural HIV prevalence. In the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Odisha and Punjab, the number of people living with HIV, new HIV infections and deaths among people living with HIV is higher in the rural than in the urban population. An early and lower peak in HIV prevalence and incidence in the urban population was seen in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Naga-land, while in Maharashtra the rural peak was earlier and higher. Mizoram shows an earlier and lower peak in the rural population while Manipur shows an earlier and higher urban peak. In Odisha, the epidemic peaked earlier and was lower in the rural than the urban population. HIV prevalence in the urban population in Punjab was still peaking while HIV incidence was earlier and lower in the rural population. In Jharkhand, both urban and rural HIV prevalence and incidence are still increasing. Our findings indicate lower levels of HIV prevalence and incidence in the urban population as compared to the rural populations in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. In the remaining eight states, urban prevalence and incidence are higher than their rural counterparts. Future estimations of the HIV epidemic in the country need to adopt a similar approach to inform the design of appropriate state-level strategies for HIV prevention in urban and rural areas.

The Influencing Factors and Inter-Group Differences for Urban Residents' Behavior of Consuming Edible Vegetable Oil

To clarify the determinant factors and inter-group differences of Chinese urban residents' edible vegetable oil consuming behavior is very important for us to understand their consumption features of edible vegetable oil,so as to guide their consuming behavior and improve China's vegetable oil industry security.In this article,urban residents of China's three traditional vegetable oil main production areas have been chosen as study objects,and multiple linear regression and one-way ANOVA have been used to do empirical analysis on the determinant factors and inter-group differences of their edible vegetable oil consuming behavior.The results indicate that the edible vegetable oil consuming behavior of urban residents from China's three traditional vegetable oil main production areas show a trend of diversification;" publicity measures"," preference evaluation"," personal characteristics" and " family characteristics" remarkably affect urban residents' edible vegetable oil consuming behavior and show obvious provincial characteristics.In addition,urban residents from different groups show differences in terms of " publicity measures" and " preference evaluation".