Prospects of contemplative urban park from expert perspectives

Abstract The urban park is part of urban biodiversity that restore the diverse ecosystem to be resilient from rapid urbanisation impact. Also, it is an invented landscape that serves recreational opportunities as well as contemplation. However, significant evidence to measure the contemplativeness of Malaysian urban parks as an eco-psychological restoration resource is indistinct. Previously, the restorative environments have determined by personal opinions and evaluations of researchers without operationalising the empirical study on landscape design quality. This study evaluated Taman Tasik Shah Alam’s contemplativeness via expert evaluation assessed by ten Malaysian Landscape Architects. The assessment involves eight physical attributes using Contemplative Landscape Model criteria on 35 images via an online survey. Eventually, five of the most contemplative scenes are recognised as eco-psychological restoration resources to remedy psychological distress, including landscape composition types. It also highlights the necessary physical attributes of the urban park towards inventing the existing one into a contemplative environment for the betterment of communities. Thus, the contemplative landscape can serve as an antidote for people affected by psychological distress to contemplate themselves by exposing and experiencing well-preserved urban biodiversity.

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Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24776 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽

Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽

Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽

Thanh Vo Van ◽

Toi Phung Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

General Population ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Survey Study ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

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Analysis of the Physical Properties of Seeds of Selected Viburnum Species for the Needs of Seed Sorting Operations

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr9040711 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 711

Author(s):

Zdzisław Kaliniewicz ◽

Dariusz J. Choszcz

Keyword(s):

Physical Properties ◽

Ornamental Plants ◽

Seed Mass ◽

Terminal Velocity ◽

Landscape Design ◽

Physical Parameters ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Uniform Size ◽

Size Fractions ◽

Physical Attributes

Viburnum is a genus of colorful and ornamental plants popular in landscape design on account of their high esthetic appeal. The physical properties of viburnum seeds have not been investigated in the literature to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the seeds of selected Viburnum species and to search for potential relationships between their physical attributes for the needs of seed sorting operations. The basic physical parameters of the seeds of six Viburnum species were measured, and the relationships between these attributes were determined in correlation and regression analyses. The average values of the evaluated parameters were determined in the following range: terminal velocity—from 5.6 to 7.9 m s−1, thickness—from 1.39 to 1.87 mm, width—from 3.59 to 6.33 mm, length—from 5.58 to 7.44 mm, angle of external friction—from 36.7 to 43.8°, mass—from 16.7 to 35.0 mg. The seeds of V. dasyanthum, V. lentago and V. sargentii should be sorted in air separators, and the seeds of V. lantana and V. opulus should be processed with the use of mesh screens with round apertures to obtain uniform size fractions. The seeds of V. rhytodophyllum cannot be effectively sorted into batches with uniform seed mass, but they can be separated into groups with similar dimensions.

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Psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study of older persons in Thailand

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047650 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e047650

Author(s):

Wiraporn Pothisiri ◽

Paolo Miguel Manalang Vicerra

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Low Income ◽

Older Persons ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Ageing Society ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Middle Income ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 situation in Thailand was controlled with various social measures. Much of the information covered in the media and in studies focused on the public health and economic aspects of the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the psychological well-being of older people, which is important especially in an ageing society categorised as low income or middle income due to the limits of economic and healthcare resources.SettingThe impact of COVID-19 on older persons in Thailand, an online survey, taken across nine provinces within the five regions of the country.ParticipantsInformation was collected from 1230 adults aged at least 60 years old.If an older person was illiterate, unable to access the internet or had a disability preventing them from responding to the survey, an intermediary residing in the community conducted the survey interview.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe analysis focused on the worries of older adults and the factors associated with psychological distress experienced during the pandemic using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe majority of people aged at least 60 years old experienced psychological distress during COVID-19. Employment loss (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.38), inadequate income (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.44) and debt incursion (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.80) were detrimental to psychological well-being. The negative changes in the perception of their health status (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.99) and decreased life satisfaction (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.87) also weighed on older Thais. The protective factors for psychological well-being were residing in rural areas (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.61) and being married (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.01).ConclusionObserving the concerns of the older population is important for introducing policies that can alleviate their precarious financial and health statuses.

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Psychological distress and coping styles in teachers: A preliminary study

Australian Journal of Education ◽

10.1177/0004944120908960 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 64 (2) ◽

pp. 127-146 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Peta Stapleton ◽

Sarah Garby ◽

Debbie Sabot

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Coping Styles ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Empirical Measures ◽

Brief Cope

Teaching professionals report higher levels of work-related stress and symptoms of psychological health problems than the general population. This study examined psychological distress, coping styles and wellbeing in 166 Australian teachers (aged 22–65 years; M = 37.74 years, SD = 10.84 years). Participants completed an online survey comprising demographic items and four empirical measures (The Satisfaction with Life Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, The Brief COPE Inventory and The Patient Health Questionnaire). Work, workload and finances were identified as leading sources of stress. Moreover, above-average clinical symptoms of anxiety, depression and physical concerns were reported, and 17% of respondents met criteria for probable alcohol dependence. Results suggested that maladaptive coping strategies employed by teachers may contribute to their risk of increased psychological distress, and decreased life satisfaction and happiness. These findings indicate the need for work-based programmes to enhance teachers’ coping strategies in an effort to reduce psychological distress and improve overall wellbeing in teaching professionals.

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Aesthetic Consciousness of Literati Painting and its Application in Urban Planning

Open House International ◽

10.1108/ohi-03-2019-b0024 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 92-95

Author(s):

Hua Wei

Keyword(s):

Development Process ◽

Landscape Design ◽

Chinese Painting ◽

Landscape Model ◽

Natural Landscape ◽

Literati Painting ◽

Artistic Conception ◽

Residential Landscape ◽

Aesthetic Consciousness ◽

Classical Philosophy

In order to find a way to combine traditional culture with modern living needs, taking “Chinese painting” as the breakthrough point, through the study of the development process and artistic characteristics of Chinese painting, four aspects of classical philosophy, natural landscape image, brush and ink composition artistic conception, and abstract aesthetic conception contained in Chinese painting are summed up. The results of the study provide enlightenment for contemporary residential landscape design, and summarize the methods of creating Chinese paintings in residential landscape design. Thus, a residential landscape model with the characteristics of “Chinese painting” is found out.

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Understanding the Experience of Geriatric Care Professionals in Using Telemedicine to Care for Older Patients in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.34952 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Wenwen Chen ◽

Ashley Flanagan ◽

Pria MD Nippak ◽

Michael Nicin ◽

Samir K Sinha

Keyword(s):

Older Patients ◽

Online Survey ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Geriatric Care ◽

Knowledge Network ◽

Relative Advantage ◽

Design Quality ◽

Greater Toronto Area ◽

Knowledge And Beliefs ◽

Access To Knowledge

BACKGROUND Geriatric care professionals were forced to rapidly adopt the use of telemedicine technologies to ensure the continuity of care for their older patients in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is little current literature that describes how telemedicine technologies can best be employed to meet the needs of geriatric care professionals in providing care to frail older patients and their caregivers, and families. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the benefits and challenges geriatric care professionals face when using telemedicine technologies with frail older patients, their caregivers, and families, and how to maximize the benefits of this method of providing care. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study that recruited geriatric care professionals to complete an online survey regarding their personal demographics and experiences with using telemedicine and participate in a semi-structured interview. Interview responses were analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). RESULTS We obtained quantitative and qualitative data from 30 practicing geriatric care professionals (22 geriatricians, 5 geriatric psychiatrists, and 3 geriatric specialist nurses) recruited from across the Greater Toronto Area. Analysis of interview data identified 5 CFIR contextual barriers (Complexity, Design quality and packaging, Patient needs and resources, Readiness for implementation, and Culture) and 13 CFIR contextual facilitators (Relative Advantage, Adaptability, Tension for Change, Available Resources, Access to Knowledge, Network and Communications, Compatibility, Knowledge and Beliefs, Self-Efficacy, Champions, External Agents, Executing, and Reflecting and Evaluating). The CFIR concept of External Policy and Incentives was found to be a neutral construct. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known study to use the CFIR to develop a comprehensive narrative to characterize the experiences of geriatric care professionals using telemedicine technologies in providing care. Overall, telemedicine can significantly enable most of the geriatric care that is traditionally provided in person, but is less useful in providing specific aspects of geriatric care to frail older patients and their caregivers, and families.

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Feeling the Absence of Touch: Distancing, Distress, Regulation, and Relationships in the Context of COVID-19

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships ◽

10.1177/02654075211052696 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026540752110526

Author(s):

Mary H Burleson ◽

Nicole A Roberts ◽

Aubrie A Munson ◽

Cayla J Duncan ◽

Ashley K Randall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Individual Differences ◽

Relationship Quality ◽

Affect Regulation ◽

Romantic Relationship ◽

Online Survey ◽

Physical Contact ◽

Viral Spread ◽

Positive Behaviors ◽

Romantic Relationship Quality

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing guidelines were implemented to reduce viral spread, altering typical social interactions and reducing the amount of physical contact and affectionate touch many individuals experienced. The pandemic also caused psychological distress, perhaps in part related to reductions in affectionate touch with close others. We theorized that this would be particularly problematic for individuals reliant on affectionate touch to help regulate their emotions. Using online survey data collected nationwide from married or romantically partnered adults ( N = 585), we examined how physical distancing (moderated by cohabiting with spouse/partner) and affectionate touch with close others (moderated by individual differences in typical use and efficacy of touch for affect regulation [TAR]) related to individual psychological distress and romantic relationship quality. As hypothesized, more physical distancing was associated with less affectionate touch among non-cohabiters, but surprisingly with more touch among cohabiters. Also as hypothesized, participants higher in TAR and experiencing less affectionate touch reported more psychological distress than those similarly high in TAR and experiencing more affectionate touch, or than those lower in TAR. Unexpectedly, more physical distancing was associated directly with lower psychological distress and better relationship quality. Better relationship quality was linked directly to more affectionate touch and greater endorsement of TAR. Thus, for those cohabiting in satisfying romantic relationships, physical distancing may facilitate relationship-positive behaviors. Further, individual differences in TAR may influence the potency of touch effects on mood and stress.

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Lifestyle Changes among Polish University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189571 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9571

Author(s):

Karolina Fila-Witecka ◽

Adrianna Senczyszyn ◽

Agata Kołodziejczyk ◽

Marta Ciułkowicz ◽

Julian Maciaszek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Psychiatric Treatment ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Behavioral Changes ◽

Daily Routine ◽

Eating Pattern

Students worldwide have been impacted by nationwide safety closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating an environment with loss of interaction with colleagues, social isolation, boredom, and economic uncertainty. Since university students were considered uniquely vulnerable to mental health problems even before the pandemic, this study aimed to investigate lifestyle and behavioral changes experienced by this population due to the epidemiological situation and their effect on their mental health. Data were collected via an online survey conducted among university students across Poland. The survey addressed recent lifestyle changes that were a result of the pandemic as well as psychological distress, symptoms of insomnia and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The results indicate that protective factors include maintaining a daily routine, staying physically active, following a usual eating pattern and taking care of sleep hygiene. Changes in behavior contributing to poorer mental health included giving up a daily routine, neglecting meals, tidiness, hygiene as well as social relationships, changes in food intake, sleeping schedule, a decrease in physical activity and the onset of sexual dysfunctions. A history of psychiatric treatment and an increase in self-harm as well as an increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption were also found to be associated with psychological distress. Experienced lifestyle and behavioral changes and their impact on mental health were apparent throughout the obtained data, highlighting the need for psychological support in the studied population. Based on the results we were able to establish a list of protective and risk factors influencing the everyday life and psychological wellbeing of students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which could also be translated into life skills.

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Factors associated with violence against women following the COVID-19 lockdown in France: Results from a prospective online survey

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0257193 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. e0257193

Author(s):

William Peraud ◽

Bruno Quintard ◽

Aymery Constant

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Violence Against Women ◽

Online Survey ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Prospective Survey ◽

Social Media Networks ◽

History Of ◽

The Impact ◽

Unwanted Sexual Contact ◽

Insomnia Symptoms

Background The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown (March 17th—May 11th 2020) on violence against women in France. Methods A prospective survey was conducted online between April 2th 2020 and July 5th 2020. Female respondents were recruited from social media networks using the snowball sampling method. Data were collected three times: during (2–19 April) and at the end (11–25 May) of the first lockdown, and following the first lockdown (20 June– 05 July). Sociodemographic variables, lockdown living conditions, financial impact of COVID, and history of psychiatric disorder were evaluated, together with changes in psychological distress over the lockdown period, and the risk of being assaulted post lockdown. Results Psychological distress was elevated and remained stable for most of the 1538 female respondents during lockdown. More than 7% of women were affected by physical or sexual violence post lockdown. Unwanted sexual contact accounted for the majority of abuse, but physical and sexual assault were also prevalent. The risk of being abused was higher for participants who had changed anxiety/insomnia symptoms over the lockdown period, and a history of abuse. Discussion Women who experienced changes in anxiety/insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown were at higher risk than others of being assaulted post lockdown, especially when they were already socially vulnerable. While social and psychological factors accounting for these changes warrant further investigation, communication and preventive measures during pandemics should include initiatives tailored to women more vulnerable to violence.

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Dealing With the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Portugal: On the Important Role of Positivity, Experiential Avoidance, and Coping Strategies

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647984 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Maria José Ferreira ◽

Rui Sofia ◽

David F. Carreno ◽

Nikolett Eisenbeck ◽

Inês Jongenelen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Experiential Avoidance ◽

Online Survey ◽

Critical Role ◽

Well Being ◽

Coping With Stress ◽

Self Blame ◽

And Coping

The global COVID-19 pandemic crisis has caused an unprecedented impact on most areas of people’s lives. Thus, framed within the scope of Existential Positive Psychology (PP2.0), this study aimed at assessing the psychological distress of adults living in Portugal during the first national lockdown, how they are coping with stress, as well to contribute to a deeper understanding about the role that positivity, experiential avoidance, and coping strategies have in psychological distress and well-being. For this purpose, 586 Portuguese adults (73% females) ranging between 18 and 78 years old (M = 38.96, SD = 12.20) completed an online survey during the initial phase of the pandemic crisis in Portugal. Findings suggest that experiential avoidance was the strongest predictor of a negative response (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and negative emotions), whereas positivity was a better predictor of psychological well-being and lower levels of depression. Additionally, self-blame, behavioral disengagement, and emotional venting were strong risk factors for psychological distress, whereas positive reframing, planning, and acceptance were associated with more positive outcomes. These findings highlight the critical role of experiential avoidance on individuals’ psychological distress and the essential contribution of positive life orientation in promoting flourishing. By offering a better understanding of the complex navigation through the dialectics between positive and negative life features, this study provides important and useful cues for psychological interventions directed at promoting a more positive and adaptive human functioning even through such potential adverse and painful life events.

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