scholarly journals Can Remote Monitoring Measure Life Activity and Caregiver Experience? Early Results of Multi-modal Assessments

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1003-1003
Author(s):  
Allison Lindauer ◽  
Walter Dawson ◽  
Sarah Gothard ◽  
Leslie Tran ◽  
Zachary Beattie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Life Activity ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Early Results ◽  
Subjective Assessments

Abstract Subjective assessments of dementia caregiver burden are vulnerable to recall and recency biases. Objective continuous home assessment using passive technologies (e.g., bed mats, actigraphy watches) can provide ecologically valid detail on caregiver stress and family function. We tested the utility of objective assessment of activity before, during and after the behavioral intervention of STELLA (Support via Technology: Living and Learning with Advancing AD) which facilitates effective online management of behavioral symptoms of dementia. We present preliminary data on objective measures of sleep and step counts, and subjective measures of burden. We captured data from three caregivers caring for a family member with dementia. Each family lives in home with unobtrusive monitoring devices that recorded data on sleep (Emfit sleep mat) and daily steps (Withings watch). Self-report assessments of burden, depression and grief were collected prior to and after the 2-month intervention. Objective data was collected continuously. Pre/post subjective assessments suggest that the STELLA intervention has the potential to reduce behavioral symptom frequency and caregiver reactivity to symptoms (pre-STELLA behavior frequency=44.9, post=39.2; pre-STELLA reactivity=50.5; post=38.5). Step count ranged from 775 steps/day to 5065, with each participant trending fewer steps during the intervention. Mean sleep time ranged from 6.3 to 8.6 hours and didn’t change during the intervention. The small sample size limits interpretation but provides evidence that it is feasible to collect continuous objective life-activity data during caregiver interventions. This digital data has the potential to inform the validity of subjective findings by limiting recall and recency biases.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Effects of Age and Duration of HIV Infection on Anxiety and Depression in Cisgender Men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Gianella ◽  
Rowan Saloner ◽  
Genevieve Curtin ◽  
Susan J. Little ◽  
Anne Heaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results

AbstractThis observational cross-sectional study of 152 people with HIV (PWH) examined the effects of age and estimated duration of HIV infection (EDI) on depressive and anxiety symptoms. All participants were cisgender men and completed the Profile of Moods State (POMS), a self-report inventory of current (i.e., past week) mood states. Overall, study results confirmed higher levels of anxiety and depression in PWH compared to individuals without HIV. Age group (< 50 or ≥ 50 years) moderated the effect of EDI (< 3 or ≥ 3 years) on mood disturbance. Specifically, younger PWH with early diagnosed infection exhibited the highest levels of depression and anxiety, whereas depression and anxiety were attenuated in older PWH with early infection such that their POMS scores did not significantly differ from the HIV-negative and chronically HIV-infected groups. Despite the small sample size and other important limitations in our study design, our preliminary findings confirm previous observations that older people may have some adaptive ability to better handle the acute psychological stressors associated with recent HIV infection.

An initial validation of a new quality of life measure for adults with intellectual disability: The Mini-MANS-LD

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-193
Author(s):  
Roman Raczka ◽  
Kate Theodore ◽  
Janice Williams
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Life Measure ◽  
Acceptable Internal Consistency ◽  
Report Measure

There is an appropriate increasing focus on the need to ensure the voices of people with intellectual disability are captured as part of assessing individuals’ quality of life; however, there remains a lack of a consensus on ways to achieve this. This article describes the development of a self-report measure of quality of life for people with intellectual disability, the ‘Mini-MANS-LD’, based on the concepts of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Following use with 33 individuals with intellectual disability, the Mini-MANS-LD was found to have acceptable psychometric properties, including moderate congruent validity and acceptable internal consistency. Administrators’ feedback suggested good acceptability and feasibility, and the measure was relatively quick to administer, easy to use and acceptable to service users. Despite a small sample size, this initial study suggests that the Mini-MANS-LD may present a conceptually relevant, feasible and acceptable self-report measure of quality of life for people with intellectual disability.

The SCIA Questionnaire: standards for communities for children and adolescents – a tool for the evaluation of good practices

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Cinzia Guarnaccia ◽  
Anna Maria Ferraro ◽  
Maria Lo Cascio ◽  
Simone Bruschetta ◽  
Francesca Giannone
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Community Treatment ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Therapeutic Communities ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the Italian validation of the standards for communities for children and adolescents (SCIA) Questionnaire, an evaluation tool of communities quality standards, based on the “Service Standards for Therapeutic Communities for Children and Young People – 2nd edition” of the Community of Communities (2009), that enables an empirical, multidimensional and complex evaluation of the therapeutic community (TC) “system”. It is a self-report that sets out and measures variables that allow to get an overview of organisational models and the possible development areas to improve the effectiveness of the protection of child and adolescents in community treatment. The validation and a preliminary analysis to develop a short version of the SCIA are presented. Design/methodology/approach The questionnaire (composed, in the extended form, by 143 items) was administered to 101 community workers, 20 males (19.8 per cent) and 81 females (81.2 per cent) aged between 24 and 61 years (M=36.20, SD=8.4). The analysis of reliability (Cronbach’s α) and a series of exploratory factor analysis allowed to eliminate redundant or less significant items. Findings The short form of the self-report consists of 67 items, divided into seven subscales, which explore different areas of intervention in TCs. Despite the limitations due to the small sample size, the utility of this tool remains confirmed by its clinical use and the development of good operating practices. Originality/value The SCIA Questionnaire responds to the need to adopt empirical variables in the process of evaluation of the communities. The SCIA is also a useful tool for clinical evaluation, as it allows a detailed observation of residential community treatment with children and adolescents that allows to analyse and monitor the structural and organisational aspects and the quality of practices that guide the interventions.

scholarly journals Internship and Private Fellowship: Why is it Difficult for Companies to Find Suitable Candidates?

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-187
Author(s):  
Bogdan Rusu
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
A Company

AbstractThis exploratory study aims to identify the factors that prevent companies to find suitable candidates for private fellowships and internships: what students believe to be the causes, how would they explain these and which stakeholders should be involved to eliminate them. Data collection based on a sample of 18 engineering students that attended a company presentation inviting applications for private fellowship and student practice. Opinions were expressed in writing prior to structured interviews and group discussions. Limitations to this study are the relatively small sample size (n =18) and reliance on self-report measures. Information related causes were perceived by the students to lead their decisions, followed by lack of self-confidence of successful application for the grant. Respondents were classified in „Doers”, „Wishers “and „Lagers”. Universities must reinvent themselves in order to provide students with better knowledge and confidence on the job market, measured through a larger number of doers, which could become role models for wishers. Such process may generate a “critical mass” or tipping point in the transformation of a significant number of “wishers and lagers”. Whilst some of the students’ opinions are subjective, cooperation between universities and companies must continue to improve in order to enhance learning and better prepare students for their future careers.

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention with Sheltered Youth Experiencing Homelessness

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 261-272
Author(s):  
Diane Santa Maria ◽  
Paula Cuccaro ◽  
Kimberly Bender ◽  
Stanley Cron ◽  
Micki Fine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Test Design ◽  
At Risk Youth ◽  
Potential Efficacy ◽  
Delivery Format ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Quantitative Assessments

Abstract Objectives Evidence of the acceptability and potential efficacy of mindfulness strategies with at-risk youth is mounting. Yet only a few studies have assessed these strategies among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). Methods We conducted a mixed methods feasibility study of an adapted mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) with sheltered YEH. The MBI consisted of five 1.5-h sessions delivered at a youth homeless shelter over 2.5 weeks. A one-group pre/post-test design was utilized to collect quantitative assessments of real-time cognitions followed by qualitative inquiry to assess participants’ experiences and perceptions of the intervention. Results Participants (N = 39) were between 18–21 years old with the majority identifying as male (56.4%), heterosexual (74.4%), Black (51.3%) and Hispanic (15.4%). Attendance was challenging for participants (2.2 sessions attended on average) who had varying work and school obligations. However, pre–post session survey data completeness was excellent (92% completion rate). Participants completed self-report surveys prior to and after each session that measured affect. Significant improvement in pre–post session outcomes were found for frustration, restlessness, stress, depression, boredom, and mindlessness. Participants reported high levels of acceptability of the curriculum content and delivery format. However, several substantial adaptations that youth identified may improve feasibility and acceptability among YEH. The results are limited by the small sample size and the use of a curriculum not developed with or for YEH. Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential feasibility of using MBIs among YEH although adaptations to existing curricula are necessary to increase relevance, acceptability of, and access to MBIs among YEH.

The similiarity of facial expressions in response to emotion-inducing films in reared-apart twins

2007 ◽  
Vol 38 (10) ◽  
pp. 1475-1483 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. Kendler ◽  
L. J. Halberstadt ◽  
F. Butera ◽  
J. Myers ◽  
T. Bouchard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Emotional Expressions ◽  
Emotional Facial Expressions ◽  
Minimal Contact

BackgroundWhile the role of genetic factors in self-report measures of emotion has been frequently studied, we know little about the degree to which genetic factors influence emotional facial expressions.MethodTwenty-eight pairs of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins from the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart were shown three emotion-inducing films and their facial responses recorded. These recordings were blindly scored by trained raters. Ranked correlations between twins were calculated controlling for age and sex.ResultsTwin pairs were significantly correlated for facial expressions of general positive emotions, happiness, surprise and anger, but not for general negative emotions, sadness, or disgust or average emotional intensity. MZ pairs (n=18) were more correlated than DZ pairs (n=10) for most but not all emotional expressions.ConclusionsSince these twin pairs had minimal contact with each other prior to testing, these results support significant genetic effects on the facial display of at least some human emotions in response to standardized stimuli. The small sample size resulted in estimated twin correlations with very wide confidence intervals.

scholarly journals Immune Response to an Acute Moderate Dose of Alcohol in Healthy Young Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 616-623
Author(s):  
Mollie A Monnig ◽  
Philip S Lamb ◽  
Jose M Parra ◽  
Patricia A Cioe ◽  
Christina M Martone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Alcohol Craving ◽  
Linear Decrease ◽  
Cluster Of Differentiation

Abstract Prior research on alcohol and the immune system has tended to focus on binge doses or chronic heavy drinking. The aim of this single-session preliminary study was to characterize immune response to moderate alcohol (0.60 g alcohol per kilogram body weight) in healthy, nonchronic drinkers. The sample (N = 11) averaged 26.6 years of age and was balanced in gender. Plasma samples were collected at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 hours postconsumption. Markers of microbial translocation [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and innate immune response [LPS-binding protein (LBP), soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14), and selected cytokines] were measured using immunoassays. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on subjective alcohol response and craving. Linear mixed models were used to assess changes in biomarkers and self-report measures. Breath alcohol concentration peaked at 0.069 ± 0.008% 1 hour postconsumption. LPS showed a significant linear decrease. LBP and sCD14 showed significant, nonlinear (U-shaped) trajectories wherein levels decreased at 1 hour then rebounded by 3 hours. Of nine cytokines tested, only MCP-1 and IL-8 were detectable in ≥50% of samples. IL-8 did not change significantly. MCP-1 showed a significant linear decrease and also accounted for significant variance in alcohol craving, with higher levels associated with stronger craving. Results offer novel evidence on acute immune response to moderate alcohol. Changes in LBP and sCD14, relative to LPS, may reflect their role in LPS clearance. Results also support further investigation into the role of MCP-1 in alcohol craving. Limitations include small sample size and lack of a placebo condition.

scholarly journals Effort-Reward Imbalance and Work Productivity Among Hotel Housekeeping Employees: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (11) ◽  
pp. 516-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Anne S. Rosemberg ◽  
Yang Li
Keyword(s):  
Work Performance ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effort Reward Imbalance ◽  
Reward Imbalance ◽  
The Relationship

This study explored the relationship between effort-reward imbalance (ERI) at work and work productivity among hotel housekeepers. A community-based approach was used to recruit 23 hotel housekeepers who completed the ERI and Work Performance Questionnaires. Work productivity was determined by combining self-report absenteeism and presenteeism. More than 40% of the participants reported high ERI (ERI >1). Also, 59.1% reported low work productivity. Interestingly, despite the individualized high reports of ERI and low work productivity, correlation analysis showed that high ERI was correlated with high presenteeism and work productivity as a whole. This is the first study to explore work productivity among this worker group. Despite the small sample size and the cross-sectional nature of the study, this study points to the need for organization-based interventions to not only improve employee health but also their work productivity.

scholarly journals Patient perspective of tardive dyskinesia: results from a social media listening study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mallory Farrar ◽  
Leslie Lundt ◽  
Ericha Franey ◽  
Chuck Yonan
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Tardive Dyskinesia ◽  
English Language ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent and potentially disabling movement disorder associated with prolonged exposure to dopamine receptor blocking agents such as antipsychotics. With the expanding use of antipsychotics, research is needed to better understand patient perspectives of TD, which clinical assessments may fail to capture. Social media listening (SML), which is recognized by the US FDA as a method that can advance ongoing efforts for more patient-focused drug development, has been used to understand patient experiences in other disease states. This is the first study to use SML analysis of unsolicited patient and caregiver insights to help clinicians understand how patients describe their symptoms, the emotional distress associated with TD, and the impact on caregivers. Methods In this pilot study, a comprehensive search was performed for publicly available, English-language, online content posted between March 2017 and November 2019 on social media platforms, blogs, and forums. An analytics platform (NetBase™) identified posts containing patient or caregiver experiences of assumed TD using predefined search terms. All posts were manually curated and reviewed to ensure quality and validity of the post and to further classify key symptoms, sentiments, and themes. Results A total of 261 posts from patients/caregivers (“patient insights”) were identified using predefined search terms; 107 posts were used for these analyses. Posts were primarily from forums (47%) and Twitter (33%). Analysis of the most common sentiment-related terms (e.g. “feel” [n = 31], “worse” [n = 17], “symptom” [n = 14], “better” [n = 12]) indicated that 64% were negative, 33% were neutral, and 3% were positive. Theme analysis revealed that patients often felt angry about having TD from a medication used to treat a different condition. In addition, patients felt insecure, including feeling unaccepted by society and fear of being judged by others. Conclusion Although this study was limited by inherent methodological constraints (e.g., small sample size, reliance on patient self-report), the perspectives generated from analyzing social media may help convey the unmet needs of patients with TD. This analysis indicated that movement-related symptoms are the most common patient concern, resulting in strong feelings of anger and insecurity.

scholarly journals Productivity and Lexical Pragmatic Features in a Contemporary CAT Environment: An Exploratory Study in English to Japanese

2017 ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Joss Moorkens ◽  
Ryoko Sasamoto
Keyword(s):  
Machine Translation ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Relevance Theory ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Translation Memory ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Japanese Translation ◽  
Language Pair

As the translation profession has become more technologized, translators increasingly work within an interface that combines translation from scratch, translation memory suggestions, machine translation post-editing, and terminological resources. This study analyses user activity data from one such interface, and measures temporal effort for English to Japanese translation at the segment level. Using previous studies of translation within the framework of relevance theory as a starting point, various features and edits were identified and annotated within the texts, in order to find whether there was a relationship between their prevalence and translation effort. Although this study is exploratory in nature, there was an expectation based on previous studies that procedurally encoded utterances would be associated with greater translation effort. This expectation was complicated by the choice of a language pair in which there has been little research applying relevance theory to translation, and by contemporary research that has made the distinction between procedural and conceptual encoding appear more fluid than previously believed. Our findings are that some features that lean more towards procedural encoding (such as prevalence of pronouns and manual addition of postpositions) are associated with increased temporal effort, although the small sample size makes it impossible to generalise. Segments translated with the aid of translation memory showed the least average temporal effort, and segments translated using machine translation appeared to require more effort than translation from scratch.

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