Seasonal changes in Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) song syntax

In many songbird species,birdsong features phonological syntax,meaning that the units within their vocal se-quences are ordered in a non-random way that adheres to a rule.While such syntactical patterns have been richly described in many species,comparatively little is known about how those patterns contribute to song achieving its important functions.For each of song’s main functions,territorial defense and mate attraction,evidence of a role for syntax is limited.One species for which syntax has been thoroughly described is the Hermit Thrush(Catharus guttatus),which presents song types from their repertoires in a semi-predictable order and,in doing so,rapidly cycle up and down the frequency spectrum.The objective of the present study was to explore the importance of song syntax in the Hermit Thrush through a within-subject examination of how measures of syntax,such as the predictability of song type order within song sequences,shift over the breeding season.We hypothesized that,if such syntactical characteristics are important to breeding behaviour,they would be most prominent at the start of the breeding season when activity associated with territory establishment and mate attraction is most intense.Analysis revealed that,as predicted,the rigidness of song type ordering within se-quences was highest at the start of the season and declined thereafter.That song type sequences were most predictable at the vitally important early part of the breeding season fit our hypothesis that this aspect of song syntax is important to song’s functions related to territory establishment and/or mate attraction.Future work will clarify whether that role relates to one of song’s two main functions or serves song transmission in some broader way.

Feasibility Study of Assist-Linked Brief Intervention for Substance Use Disorders in a Rural Community of Plateau State, Nigeria

Objective: We studied the feasibility of using Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) linked with Brief Intervention (ALBI) in treating Substance Use Disorder in Nigeria. There is a clear gap in meeting the needs for treatment and care for people with drug use disorders in Nigeria with many users reporting a self-perceived need for treatment and about 40% of them wanting to receive drug treatment but were unable to access such services. Methods: ASSIST questionnaire was used to gather baseline data, and ALBI along with Motivational Interviewing (MI) was used to intervene for 6 weeks following which ASSIST score was repeated and compared with baseline. Results: Majority of the participants were aged 21 - 30 years, mostly males with (61.3%) lacking steady jobs. Lifetime prevalence of any drug use was (88.2%). Three months prevalence was nicotine (72.0%), alcohol (66.7%), cannabis (47.3%), opioids (11.8%) among others. The ASSIST scores were mostly on the severe ranges. ASSIST result after six weeks showed marked reduction. The Mean Difference (MD) in the ASSIST scores after intervention was significant for tobacco, opioids, alcohol, and cannabis. The Cohen’s D effect size was large for tobacco (1.08), alcohol (0.92) and cannabis (0.73) but low for other substances. Conclusion: ALBI along with MI was helpful in combating the menace of substance use.

Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

Faith and Belief in Autism in Cote d’Ivoire: About Judith, God’s Strange Gift

Faced with autism, motherhood and parenthood are turned upside down in many ways. Coping with stress and mental health problems, continuing to assume a rewarding parental role and finding suitable care are the trials and tribulations that mark out the journey of African parents. Faith and belief have been described as providing meaning and coping mechanisms in the frightening ordeal of disability. An encounter with a young girl and her parents provided an opportunity to analyse the mother’s experience and the impact of beliefs and discourses on her commitment to care. Based on this clinical story, we discuss the place of other-actors (parents and carers) and the Other-God in relation to the psychopathological dynamics of the mother.

Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport:Associations with Weight Stigma,and Psychological Distress in a Two-Wave Longitudinal Study

Background:Physical inactivity is a major public health problem worldwide that results in physical and mental health problems.One major issue for physical inactivity is weight stigma(WS),especially perceived WS,which could lead to a tendency to avoid physical activity(PA).To better understand the association between perceived WS and PA,knowledge of the likely mediators in this association such as weight bias internalization(WBI)and psychological distress were investigated in the present study.Methods:Using a two-wave longitudinal study and convenient sampling,388 Taiwan residents participants(55%females;mean age=29.7 years[SD±6.3])completed two surveys six months apart.Body mass index(BMI),Perceived Weight Stigma Scale(PWSS),Weight Bias Internalization Scale(WBIS),Depression,Anxiety,Stress Scale(DASS-21),and Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale(TAPAS)were assessed.Results:A mediation model controlling for age,gender,and BMI with 5000 bootstrapping resamples was performed.Perceived WS exerted significant direct effects on WBI(β=0.25;p<0.001),psychological distress(β=0.15;p=0.003),and tendency to avoid PA(β=0.10;p=0.027);WBI exerted a significant direct effect on tendency to avoid PA(β=0.47;p<0.001).Standardized indirect effects of WBI and psychological distress on the association between perceived WS and tendency to avoid PA were 0.12 and 0.01,respectively.Conclusion:Given the direct association of perceived WS on the tendency to avoid PA and the mediating role of WBI in this association,interventions addressing perceived WS and WBI may contribute to promoting PA.Therefore,health interventionists(both when planning and executing PA programs)need to consider weight stigmawhen encouraging physical activity.

Analyzing Cults and Saving Believers on Cults from the Perspectives of Psychology

There is cult leader who has not studied the psychology in a systematic way, but he is very good at using some psychology principles to capture a large number of believers and to make them follow him with their whole hearts. This article takes the need theory, the psychological frustration theory, the cognitive process theory and the theory of group psychological motivation as the principles, and obtaining the event in the actual struggle with the cult, the author reveals how the cult sets up the swindle with these theories and how the cult organization is developed fast and how to control cult believers and how they provide a service to themselves. The writers argue that when the cult leader crazily steals the psychological theory to deceive others and murder others and to loot money, we also should wave the psychological sword, and should use the psychological theory and methods against the cult to rescue the practitioners captured by cults, and the article also provides a strategy and method which can be a reference.

Sociopsychological impact factors of depression patients during the COVID-19 epidemic period

Objective:To investigate the impact factors of the COVID-19 epidemic on the mental health of patients with depression.Methods:The relevant data of 242 residents aged 18-50 years in a certain area were collected,118 patients and 124 healthy people were analyzed by general information questionnaire,the PsychoSocial Index(PSI)questionnaire,Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS)and Symptom Checklist 90(SCL-90).Compare the differences in social and psychological factors between the two groups.Then use logistic regression to evaluate the social and psychological influencing factors of depression patients during the epidemic.Results:Two results of logistic regression analysis showed that marital status,occupational status,abnormal pathological behavior,and utilization of support were still significantly associated with depression.Compared to working,unemployed/unemployed/retired,students are closely related to depression,followed by abnormal pathological behavior and utilization of support.Conclusion:Under the epidemic,depression groups lacking social relationships should actively pay attention to their mental health status and comprehensively enhance their social and psychological support.To avoid the exacerbation of psychological and psychological symptoms caused by the epidemic.

Reporting Children’s Development below the Test Floor: Looking Back and Forth to Describe Individual Strengths and Needs

The test floor effects seen in standardised tests lead to a standardised score of 1 or less with a flat profile that hides a child’s individual strengths and needs. The Griffiths III community of practitioners requested advice on the reporting of children’s development below the floor of the test, so that individual strengths and needs can be described. This paper reports the third phase of research following an earlier Scoping Review and a wider literature review. To confirm quality control, Phase 3 was conducted in a retrospective manner using the same methodology as the earlier phases but in a reverse direction. Peer reviewer comments and key elements from the Scoping Review and keywords from the publications were tabulated. Data analysis included a change of perspective to that of the child and their individual rights with respect to the literature themes already described in Phase 2. These confirmed that there is little specific guidance in the literature, but that computational advances for homogeneous populations and especially disaggregated data offer some solutions. A greater balance between broad biopsychosocial models and standardised models of assessment should be sought by practitioners together with the use of disaggregated data to highlight issues that pertain to individual subsets of results. This will ensure that the child’s right for their individual strengths and needs to be described together with a plan for management, may be met.

A Clinical Study on the Effect of Group Nostalgia Therapy on Quality of Life and Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Depression

Background:Elderly people with depression require special care and attention.However,nostalgia is a complex emotional situation for a person who recalls the missing past.To improve mental health,quality of life,and attitudes toward aging in institutional care,group nostalgia therapy can be a nursing intermediary for the elderly.This study aimed to analyze the effect of group nostalgia therapy on quality of life cognitive function in elderly patients with depression.Methods:A total of 89 participants were enrolled in this study,which was further categorized into a control(n=40)and a nostalgia therapy group(n=49).A standard questionnaire was used to compare the QoL,MMSE and GDS scores between the control and the nostalgia therapy groups.Results:Neither the nostalgia group nor the control group showed any statistical difference based on the patient characteristics,and both groups had a homogeneous distribution with p<0.05.However,in the intervention with nostalgia therapy,the therapy group showed improvements in almost all four domains of quality of life:physical health,psychological,environmental and social well-being.Moreover,the standard regression residual plot observed that both the post-test scores of MMSE and GDS showed favorable scores with respect to WHO-QoL.Conclusion:The study observed that group nostalgia therapy helps improve the quality of life and cognitive function in elderly patients with depression.The study also concludes that reducing depressive symptoms through nostalgia therapy could improve all four domains of the WHOQoL BREF.

Associations between Mental Health Outcomes and Adverse Childhood Experiences and Character Strengths among University Students in Southern China

Adverse childhood experiences(ACEs)can negatively affect mental health,whereas character strengths seem to be positively correlated with mental health.Detailed information on the history of ACEs among university students in China and the extent which mental health is associated with ACEs and character strengths can contribute to the needed empirical evidence for relevant stakeholders.Objectives of this study are 1)to estimate the prevalence of ACEs among undergraduate students in Southern China;and 2)to assess the extent which mental health outcomes(positive growth,well-being,and depression)are associated with ACEs and character strengths among undergraduate students in Southern China.We conducted a self-administered survey amongfirst and second-year students at a university in Southern China and analyzed data using descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses.Among the 779 students who completed the questionnaire,283 were males,439 were females,and 57 did not indicate their gender.The prevalence of ACEs among the participants was 32.1%.History of ACEs was associated with lower positive growth score(Adjusted Beta=-0.20;95%CI=-0.37,-0.02;p=0.030)and lower well-being score(Adjusted Beta=-1.13;95%CI=-2.04,-0.23;p=0.014).Vitality domain of character strength was associated with all three mental health outcomes after adjusting for covariables(all p-values<0.001).Our studyfindings provide empirical evidence for stakeholders in university mental health.However,caveats regarding lack of temporality,selection bias,social desirability bias,and lack of generalizability should be considered in the interpretation of the studyfindings.

Chinese herbal medicine combined with cognitive–behavioural therapy for avoidant paruresis:a controlled trial

Background Avoidant paruresis is a common clinical condition in urology and psychosomatic medicine.However,it has limited treatment options that are safe and effective with few side effects.Aims Our study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the Chinese herbal Yangxin Tongquan decoction combined with cognitive-behavioural therapy(CBT)for avoidant paruresis.Methods Sixty-eight patients with avoidant paruresis were divided into a treatment group(33 patients)and a control group(35 patients).The control group was assigned 10 weeks of CBT and systematic desensitisation.In addition to CBT and systematic desensitisation,the treatment group was given the Chinese herbal Yangxin Tongquan decoction during the 10-week study.The Shy Bladder Syndrome Scale(SBS)and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)were administered before and after treatment to measure any change.Results The overall efficacy in the treatment group(n=30)was 80.0%vs 62.5%in the control group(n=33).Comparing pretreatment and post-treatment measures,both groups showed improvement in SBS scores and SAS scores(treatment group:t_((SBS))=8.397,p_((SBS))<0.001,t_((SAS))=8.216,p_((SAS))<0.001;control group:t_((SBS))=6.802,p_((SBS))<0.001,t_((SAS))=5.171,p_((SAS))<0.001).Moreover,both groups’SBS and SAS scores changed significantly over time(SBS scores:F_(time)=118.299,p<0.001;SAS scores:F_(time)=92.114,p<0.001).However,the treatment group performed better than the control group(SBS scores:F_(time*group)=5.709,p=0.020;SAS scores:F_(time*group)=7.235,p=0.009).Conclusions The Chinese herbal Yangxin Tongquan decoction combined with cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy positively affects the treatment of avoidant paruresis without significant adverse effects.

Social Determinants of Social Zapping:Exploring Predictors of Planned Scheduled Social Events with Others

Social zapping has gained popularity as a term that refers to canceling plans or appointments at the last minute to attend other,supposedly more appealing events.This behavior resembles rapidly switching channels on a television,as individuals frequently jump between different social engagements.The present study examined potential behavioral trait predictors of social zapping,such as belongingness,self-esteem,sense of control,and meaningful existence among community residents ranging from 40 to 75 years of age(n=48).The study utilized simple linear regressions to identify potential predictors of social zapping,exploring how the four fundamental needs(belongingness,self-esteem,sense of control,and meaningful existence)might be linked.Results indicated that belongingness and self-esteem are significant predictors of social zapping tendencies.Additionally,an independent samples t-test was conducted to determine the relationship both older and younger adults have with the four fundamental needs as well as the role age plays in social zapping tendencies.Older adults exhibited a significant and more positive association with self-esteem,sense of control,and meaningful existence compared to individuals aged 39 and younger.Social zapping frequency was nonsignificant for both older adults and younger adults.Furthermore,a separate set of linear regression analyses were completed to determine how social desirability affects social zapping across age groups.Social desirability significantly predicted both self-esteem and meaningful existence.Overall,the present study builds on what is currently a new phenomenon in research and will provide new information on the relationship between age,social zapping,and behavioral traits.

Attitudes of the Host Population towards Syrian Refugees: A New Theoretical Perspective

This study delves into the nuanced attitudes of the host community in Izmir,Turkey,towards Syrian refugees,employing a robust threat and benefit theoretical model.It scrutinizes the multifaceted factors contributing to perceived threats and benefits,elucidates the reasons behind the variation in these attitudes,identifies the individuals responsible for holding these perspectives,pinpoints the specific contexts in which they manifest,examines the temporal dimension of these attitudes,and dissects the profound impact they have on mutual adaptation processes and the formulation of migration policies.A diverse group of 34 participants from the host community actively engaged in semi-structured interviews,comprising 16 females and 18 males across an age spectrum spanning 19 to 64 years.Thematic analysis methodically uncovered that economic and demographic considerations prominently constitute the bedrock of perceived threats,while conversely,the study illuminated financial contributions as pivotal benefits.The in-depth understanding garnered from this study holds significant promise for fostering enduring mutual adaptation between the host and refugee communities,thereby cultivating a more harmonious coexistence.Additionally,this nuanced insight informs the strategic development of immigration policies,ensuring they align with the evolving dynamics of this complex relationship.

A Case Report on Sandplay Therapy for a 3-Year-11-Month-Old Child with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This report presents a case study of sandplay therapy for a 3-year-11-month-old child with post-traumatic stress disorder. The child had experienced a distressing traumatic event and exhibited symptoms of anxiety, fear, and traumatic reenactment. Sandplay therapy, as a therapeutic modality, was utilized to provide a safe environment for the child to express and process their inner experiences. The case report provides a detailed account of the child’s presentation, treatment goals, therapeutic strategies, and treatment outcomes. Through sandplay therapy, the child achieved emotional release, resolution of internal conflicts, and a reframing of the traumatic event. Ultimately, a significant reduction in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder was observed, along with improved functioning and psychological well-being.

Investigation and analysis of mental health status and related influencing factors of medical staff in Karamay City who assisted Ili during the outbreak of COVID-19

Background:To investigate the mental health status and its influencing factors of medical staff in Karamay City who assisted Ili during the outbreak of COVID-19,so as to provide a reliable basis for timely and effective psychological intervention.Methods:Applied questionnaire survey and used the“questionnaire star”platform to investigate the mental health status of medical staff assisting Ili by the General information,the PHQ-9,the GAD-7 and the SCL-90.And the relevant influencing factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.Results:Factors such as whether they will support again,whether they need to provide psychological staff,and whether they have a sense of guilt for their families have a significant impact on the PHQ-9 of medical staff(p<0.05);Whether they will support again,whether they need psychological staff,and whether they feel bored and lonely during the closed loop management have a significant impact on the GAD-7 of medical staff(p<0.05);The SCL-90 was compared with the norm,and the scores of somatization,interpersonal sensitivity and terror factors of medical personnel were statistically significant(p<0.05),scores in other aspects(diet sleep)are obvious(1.63±0.72).Conclusion:During the period of COVID-19,the medical staff in Karamay City who assisted Ili had anxiety and depression,and their mental health was not optimistic,more attention and the necessary intervention should be given.

Look into my eyes:What can eye-based measures tell us about the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance?

Background:There is a growing interest to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that drive the positive associations of physical activity and fitness with measures of cognitive performance.To better understand those mechanisms,several studies have employed eye-based measures(e.g., eye movement measures such as saccades,pupillary measures such as pupil dilation,and vascular measures such as retinal vessel diameter)deemed to be proxies for specific neurobiological mechanisms.However,there is currently no systematic review providing a comprehensive overview of these studies in the field of exercise-cognition science.Thus,this review aimed to address that gap in the literature.Methods:To identify eligible studies,we searched 5 electronic databases on October 23,2022.Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using a modified version of the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise(TESTEX scale,for interventional studies) and the critical appraisal tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute(for cross-sectional studies).Results:Our systematic review(n=35 studies) offers the following main findings:(a) there is insufficient evidence available to draw solid conclusions concerning gaze-fixation-based measures;(b) the evidence that pupillometric measures,which are a proxy for the noradrenergic system,can explain the positive effect of acute exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness on cognitive performance is mixed;(c) physical training-or fitness-related changes of the cerebrovascular system(operationalized via changes in retinal vasculature) are,in general,positively associated with cognitive performance improvements;(d) acute and chronic physical exercises show a positive effect based on an oculomotor-based measure function(operationalized via antisaccade tasks);and(e) the positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive performance is partly mediated by the dopaminergic system(operationalized via spontaneous eye-blink rate).Conclusion:This systematic review offers confirmation that eye-based measures can provide valuable insigt into the neurobiological mechanisms that may drive positive associations between physical activity and fitness and measures of cognitive performance.However,due to the limited number of studies utilizing specific methods for obtaining eye-based measures(e.g.,pupillometry,retinal vessel analysis,spontaneous eye blink rate) or investigating a possible dose-response relationship,further research is necessary before more nuanced conclusions can be drawn.Given that eye-based measures are economical and non-invasive,we hope this review will foster the future application of eye-based measures in the field of exercise-cognition science.

薪酬预期与选择：基于三参照点理论的验证与探讨

两项实验研究对新近提出的风险决策的三参照点(TRP)理论进行了验证。实验就大学生对就业的薪酬制度的偏好和选择对三参照点理论的独特推断进行了检验。三参照点理论强调决策参照点对预期结果分布的界定作用。人们在决策时不仅会考虑现状(SQ)还会考虑最低要求(MR)和目标(G)。MR,SQ和G三个参照点把结果空间分成了四个功能区域:成功、获益、损失和失败。根据三参照点理论,参照点的心理效应为MR>G>SQ。当预期结果的平均值低于MR(或者G)的时候,人们会偏好风险高的选择以增加达到或者超过参照点的可能性;而当预期结果的平均值高于MR(或者G)的时候,人们会偏好风险低的选择以减少低于MR(或者G)的可能性。实验1中,根据预先测定的大学生群体对第一份工资的最低要求,准确地预测了参与者在高稳定型、高弹性型和中间型三种工资类型的风险偏好和取舍。实验2进一步探讨了MR和G之间的权衡:实验发现当弹性型工资的浮动范围双向超出MR和G(而不是双向非临界)时,人们会优先考虑MR从而使超过G的可能性的吸引力相对降低;而不会为了追求达到G而忽略低于MR的风险。

视觉反馈增益对力量输出影响的行为学研究

视觉反馈对运动功能执行的准确性有重要作用,而视觉反馈增益、反馈延迟时间及反馈频率都会影响运动功能的输出。通过测试不同增益的视觉反馈刺激对握力输出的影响,从行为学上研究视觉反馈增益在运动功能执行中的调节作用。作者设计了变化速度快慢不同的两种力量跟踪任务,在高低不同的两种视觉反馈增益下测定12个受试者力量输出的出错率和偏差两个参数。统计分析表明,视觉反馈增益对力量输出有显著影响;对同样的力量变化速度,视觉反馈增益提高使力量输出的调节作用增强。实验结果提示,视觉反馈增益变化会引起不同皮层区域参与运动功能的执行。

基于单片机的MRI仿真脉冲发生器的设计

在功能磁共振实验设计中,需要利用脉冲发生器模拟磁共振设备的扫描脉冲以实现精确的时间控制。本文提出了一种基于单片机PIC16F877的MRI仿真低频脉冲发生器设计方案,用于需要精准时序的功能磁共振实验设计。本装置的核心部分是单片机PIC16F877,通过单片机的软件来产生不同频率和占空比的脉冲波。通过选择开关来实现脉冲周期和占空比的调节;同时用数码管LED显示脉冲的相应周期。由此装置得到的脉冲幅度为5V,可调周期范围是0.5s^8.0s,精度为0.1s。占空比有20%、30%、40%、50%4种可调。这种MRI仿真脉冲发生器使用简单方便,产生的低频脉冲精度高并且稳定性好,能很好的模拟功能磁共振实验中需要的脉冲信号。

如何用行为经济学应对不确定性:拓展有效助推的范围

本文提出了决策中不确定性的五种类型及其行为学和心理学的应对机制:用简捷启发式替代加权求和应对信息不确定性,用直觉应对认知不确定性,用价值观预测选择偏好应对行为不确定性,用决策参照点的权重替代概率应对结果不确定性,用时间换时间以降低延迟折扣应对未来不确定性。新行为经济学应当通过"为什么"的功能性分析,找到行为助推的心理杠杆。化解不确定性本身就是一种有效的行为助推;化繁为简是行为助推的关键所在。