Urban nature as a response to stress of urban population

In everyday life, urban residents, especially the younger population, have given up some healthy habits of spending their free time outdoors in urban forests or parks. This study was conducted in order to understand how urban nature might help in reducing psychological stress and improving mental wellbeing. The participants were volunteer students of the Faculty of Forestry in Belgrade (n=47). These students were randomly recruited in the study and control group and self-tested using DASS 21 scale. The Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry represented a research location and a special healing environment with a high variety of species. The study group stayed at the Arboretum during the study break period, while a control group was inside the Faculty. After the intervention, a slightly greater reduction in stress scale on the total score was recorded in the study group (F1.45 = 3.781; r < .058). This study has shown that urban green areas can have a positive impact on the mental well-being and reveal their role as a great response to the stress from urban population.

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The impact of Lung-Strengthening Qigong on wellbeing: a case study

10.31219/osf.io/yvt4q ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

zeyneb kurt ◽

Petia Sice ◽

Krystyna Krajewska ◽

Garry Elvin ◽

Hailun Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Well Being ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Control Group ◽

Free Text ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative ◽

Quantitative Analyses ◽

Group B ◽

High Level ◽

And Control ◽

The Impact

Qigong is an umbrella term for a group of traditional exercises originated from China. Lung- Strengthening Qigong (LSQ) is one of these techniques enabling practitioners to maintain and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. We recruited 170 practitioners and 42 non- practitioner/control samples to investigate the impacts of LSQ practice on body, mind, thoughts, and feelings. We requested completion of a questionnaire regularly from both of the practitioner and control group, fill in an online diary and end of study survey (EOS) only from the practitioners. Statistical analysis was conducted on the questionnaires, whereas qualitative thematic- and quantitative machine learning-based analyses were applied to the free-text diary entries. We evaluated all different data resources together and observed that (a) there was a significant improvement in physical and mental wellbeing (increase in sleep quality, feeling life, coping with life, feeling life energy and a decline in stress amount) of the practitioners, which were not observed in the control group, (b) four different groups (non, low, moderate, high-level) of benefits were emanated among the practitioners, (c) numerical evaluation of questionnaires and EOS, as well as the qualitative and quantitative analyses of the diary entries were all found to be consistent, and (d) majority of the participants (84%) reported a striking improvement in their well-being, (e) majority of the positively impacted practitioners had no or some little prior experience with LSQ. This study is novel in various aspects including (i) increasing the sample size radically compared to other conventional studies as well as considering a control group for comparisons, (ii) providing regular live LSQ sessions to the practitioners, (iii) incorporating both qualitative and quantitative type of analyses to understand the impacts of Qigong.

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The Relationship between Well-Being and Knowledge Sharing

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13094978 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 4978

Author(s):

Kei Aoki

Keyword(s):

Knowledge Sharing ◽

Paradigm Shift ◽

Online Survey ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

User Innovation ◽

Work Style ◽

Financial Benefits ◽

The Relationship

This research studies the relationship between well-being and knowledge sharing. While user innovation has garnered greater attention in recent years, the market has failed to properly incentivize the diffusion of user innovations. This study proposes that this shortcoming could be resolved through a consumer-to-consumer (C-to-C) marketplace and sheds light on non-financial benefits for the contributors, specifically, how knowledge sharing impacts contributor well-being. This research consists of two online survey studies. In both studies, the level of well-being was compared between knowledge sharing contributors and a control group using a scale developed in positive psychology. This study empirically shows that participation in knowledge sharing has a significant positive impact on contributor well-being. In a C-to-C marketplace, contributors diffuse and monetize their creations themselves, resulting in increased well-being. Contributing to knowledge sharing may be a sufficient incentive for user innovators to diffuse their innovations. The findings of this study will gain significance as the utilization of personal knowledge increases due to the expansion of the C-to-C business and the paradigm shift in work style.

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Effect of exergaming on wellbeing of residents in a nursing home: a single blinded intervention study

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research ◽

10.1007/s40520-021-01903-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marlies Gunst ◽

Isabelle De Meyere ◽

Hannah Willems ◽

Birgitte Schoenmakers

Keyword(s):

Intervention Study ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Objective Assessment ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Social Contact ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Future Research ◽

Control Group ◽

Average Intensity

Abstract Introduction To improve the quality of life in nursing homes, meaningful activities and social contact are indispensable. Exergames can play a role addressing these needs. Methods In a randomized single blinded controlled intervention study, we investigated the effect of playing exergames on general wellbeing, fun and on social interaction. Results Thirty-five residents participated: 18 residents took part in the intervention group and 17 in the control group. The median mental wellbeing score of the intervention group increased from 42/50 to 45. The median sleep score of the intervention increased from 23/30 to 28. The median pain score of the intervention group improved from 18/20 to 20. The median score on subjective cognition increased from 24/30 to 26 while the mean scores on the objective assessment decreased from 1.8/2 to 1.7. Coaches gave an average fun score of 8.9/10 and an average intensity of exercise score of 11.6/20. Residents and coaches appreciated the social contact. Coaches reported a high feasibility (average of 4.1/5) but a low accessibility and a high intensity of supervision. Conclusions Exergaming is a feasible and pleasant complement to the usual activities with a positive impact on wellbeing, sleep, pain, and perceived cognition. Future research should focus on vulnerable groups and aim to develop a study in an implementation design.

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Impression cytology and meibomian glands in conjunctivochalasis

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/11206721211008789 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112067212110087

Author(s):

Ersin Muhafiz ◽

Erdinç Bozkurt ◽

Remzi Erten

Keyword(s):

Dropout Rate ◽

Meibomian Gland ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Impression Cytology ◽

Schirmer Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Meibomian Glands ◽

And Control ◽

Margin Cytology

Purpose: To evaluate the tear parameters, meibomian glands and lid margin and tarsal conjunctival impression cytology in patients with conjunctivochalasis (CCH). Methods: The study included 57 patients diagnosed with CCH and 35 healthy volunteers. Tear break-up time (TBUT) was measured and Schirmer test was performed. Meibomian gland morphologies, dropout rates, and meiboscores were evaluated using meibography. Finally, impression cytology samples were taken by pressing the impression filters on the lower lid margin and lower tarsal conjunctiva. The samples were evaluated according to the Nelson grading system. Results: Schirmer test was longer and TBUT was shorter in the study group ( p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively). The median of meibomian gland dropout rate was 33.45% (Interquartile range [IQR]; 23.17%–49.75%) and 18.80% (IQR; 12.35%–26.50%) in the study and control groups, respectively ( p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of lid-margin cytology between the two groups ( p = 0.481). In tarsal conjunctiva cytology, the median value of Nelson grade of the study group was 2 (IQR; 1–2) and that of the control group was 1 (IQR; 1–2) ( p = 0.040). When Nelson grade-2 and above was accepted as the pathological limit, it was found that 27.5% of the study group and 15.2% of the control group showed pathological findings ( p = 0.204). Conclusions: In patients with CCH, damage occurs in the tarsal conjunctiva with the effects of redundant conjunctival folds. In these patients, atrophy occurs in the meibomian glands and tear stability is impaired. Therefore, CCH should not be overlooked in clinical practice.

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Sonographic Signs of Adenomyosis in Women with Endometriosis Are Associated with Infertility

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10112355 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 2355

Author(s):

Dean Decter ◽

Nissim Arbib ◽

Hila Markovitz ◽

Daniel S. Seidman ◽

Vered H. Eisenberg

Keyword(s):

Laparoscopic Surgery ◽

Retrospective Study ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Conservative Management ◽

Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Increased Risk ◽

And Control

We compared the prevalence of ultrasound signs of adenomyosis in women with endometriosis who underwent surgery to those who were managed conservatively. This was a retrospective study of women evaluated at a tertiary endometriosis referral center who underwent 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasound. Adenomyosis diagnosis was based on the presence of at least three sonographic signs. The study group subsequently underwent laparoscopic surgery while the control group continued conservative management. Statistical analysis compared the two groups for demographics, symptoms, clinical data, and sonographic findings. The study and control groups included 244 and 158 women, respectively. The presence of any, 3+, or 5+ sonographic signs of adenomyosis was significantly more prevalent in the study group (OR = 1.93–2.7, p < 0.004, 95% CI; 1.24–4.09). After controlling for age, for all findings but linear striations, the OR for having a specific feature was higher in the study group. Women in the study group with ≥ 5 sonographic signs of adenomyosis had more than twice the risk of experiencing infertility (OR = 2.31, p = 0.012, 95% CI; 1.20–4.45). Sonographic signs of adenomyosis are more prevalent in women with symptomatic endometriosis who underwent surgery compared with those who continued conservative management. Women with 5+ findings have a significantly increased risk of infertility. Adenomyosis on ultrasound should be considered in the management decisions regarding these patients.

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Effect of Aerosol Inhalation of Budesonide Suspension on Clinical Efficacy, Remission Time of Asthma and Disappearance Time of Rales in Children with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia

Tobacco Regulatory Science ◽

10.18001/trs.7.5.1.75 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 3057-3062

Author(s):

TingTing Zheng ◽

XiNi Liu ◽

Xuechun Chen

Keyword(s):

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Oral Treatment ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Aerosol Inhalation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Disappearance Time ◽

And Control ◽

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia

To investigate the effect of aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension on clinical efficacy, remission time of asthma and disappearance time of rales in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Methods: 100 cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in our hospital from February 2019 to February 2021 were randomly divided into study group (n = 50) and control group (n = 50). The control group was given azithromycin intravenous drip followed by oral treatment, and the study group was given aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension on the basis of the control group. Results: Compared with the control group, disappearance time of rales in the study group, remission time of cough, remission time of asthma and time of hospitalization in the study group were relatively short (P<0.05), and the efficacy in the study group was relatively high (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and hoarseness between the two groups (P>0.05). The improvement of FVCS FEV1 and PEF and other indexes was relatively high in the study group by comparing with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia can effectively enhance the therapeutic effect, promote the improvement of lung function, and reduce the disappearance time of rales and remission time of asthma, so it can be popularized.

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Comparative study of the areas of osteochondral defects produced in the femoral condyles of rabbits treated with gel of sugarcane biopolymer

Acta Cirurgica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0102-86502011000500010 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (5) ◽

pp. 383-386 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Paulo Cezar Vidal Carneiro de Albuquerque ◽

José Lamartine de Andrade Aguiar ◽

Saulo Monteiro dos Santos ◽

Nicodemus Pontes Filho ◽

Roberto José Vieira de Mello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sugar Cane ◽

Digital Camera ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Osteochondral Defects ◽

Control Groups ◽

The Right ◽

And Control ◽

Natural Healing ◽

Femoral Condyles

PURPOSE: To measure the healed areas of osteochondral defects produced in femoral condyles of rabbits filled with biopolymer sugar cane gel and to compare these with those of the control group at 90, 120 and 180 days. METHODS: A study was made of 16 New Zealand rabbits, 6 and 7 months old, weighing between 2 and 2.5 kg. Defects of 3.2 x 4 mm were made, with trephine, in the femoral condyles of the right and left knees. As to the study group defects of the medial and lateral condyles of the right knee were used which were filled with Biopolymer Sugar Cane Gel; as to the Control Group defects of the medial and lateral condyles of the left t knees were used which were left open for natural healing. The defects were analyzed at 90, 120 and 180 days after surgery. After euthanasia, the knees were removed and fixed in Bouin's solution for later digital photographic documentation with a digital camera. The areas healed were measured in both the study and control groups using the images obtained from an Image-J® program. Statistical analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the means of the healed areas in the study and control groups at 90, 120 and 180 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: The dimension of the healed areas of the defects treated with the biopolymer sugar-cane gel in the study group was similar to those of the control group, which healed naturally.

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True and Pseudo Cholinesterase levels in short and long-term of pesticides exposures

International Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Research ◽

10.31878/ijcbr.2020.64.03 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 9-12

Author(s):

Mohammed Abdul Rahman ◽

Raghunatha Rao D ◽

Vasantha L

Keyword(s):

Whole Blood ◽

Acute Poisoning ◽

Mean Value ◽

Serum Cholinesterase ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Chronic Poisoning ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference ◽

And Control

The present study is aimed to study and analyze the true and pseudo Cholinesterase levels in the subjects exposed to pesticides during short term by intentional or accidental intake and long term exposure due to their occupation were studied at Department of Biochemistry, SVS medical college and hospital mahbubnagar district. Whole blood cholinesterase levels and Pseudo cholinesterase levels were estimated. 150 people were taken as controls who had no medical illness and a total number of 300 cases of pesticide poisoning were selected, aged between 20 to 55 years, which consist of 150 acute poisoning and 150 chronic poisoning subjects in Mahbubnagar district, were taken as case study, the detailed case history and the type of organophosphorus pesticide taken were recorded. Mean and standard deviation (S.D) of all variables were calculated and compared with those of controls. Statistical significance was assessed and P-value <0.05 were considered significant. During acute poisoning the mean value of Whole blood cholinesterase/True cholinesterase (U / L) in acute poisoning cases on first day was 1.267± 0.612 on 3th day was 1.651±0.647, on 7th day was 2.221±0.684 and at the end of 6 months was 3.970±0.404.The difference between the study group and control group (4.0 ± 0.39) was found to be statistically significant in1st, 3rd, 7th day but not significant at the end of 6 months. The mean value of serum cholinesterase/pseudo cholinesterase (U/L) in acute poisoning cases on first day was 2213.05 ± 1749.81, on 3th day was 2862.3 ± 2025.6, on 7th day was 4008.4 ± 2355.9 and at the end of 6 months was 7708.34 ± 880.72.The difference between the study group and control group (7991.97 ± 1276.5) was found to be statistically significant in1st, 3rd, 7th day but not significant at the end of 6 months. During chronic poisoning (exposure) the mean value of Whole blood cholinesterase (U/L) in controls is 4.0 ± 0.39 as compared to 3.019 ± 0.848 in cases of chronic poisoning. The difference between the study group and control group was found to be statistically significant. The mean value of serum cholinesterase/pseudo cholinesterase (U/L) in controls was 7991.97 ± 1276.5 as compared to 6214 ± 1189 in cases of chronic poisoning. The difference between the study group and control group was found to be statistically significant.

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The effect of 8-week thera-band exercises on male swimmers’ 100 m freestyle swimming performance

Journal of Human Sciences ◽

10.14687/jhs.v14i4.4825 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 3950 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ahmet Gönener ◽

Utku Gönener ◽

Ozan Yılmaz ◽

Tuğçe Horoz ◽

Deniz Demirci

Keyword(s):

Swimming Performance ◽

Training Programme ◽

Rank Test ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Test Results ◽

Signed Rank ◽

Post Test ◽

Signed Rank Test ◽

And Control

The aim of this study is to investigate 8 weeks Thera-Band trainings' effects on male swimmers' 100 m freestyle swimming performance.The study group is created by 20 (n = 20) licenced male athletes that had trained at least 3 days in a week and have been active in swimming sport at least 3 years in Gebze Genclerbirligi Swimming Club 20 (n = 20). Athletes were divided into experiment group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10) randomly. Training programme was applied to the study group for 55-60 minutes for 3 days on alternate days and times when the club does not have swimming training. 12 different Thera-Band trainings were applied for 40-45 mins and each set was 15 minutes.Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze differences between groups and Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied for analyzing the differences of intra-groups. SPSS 21.0 Statistics package software was used for statistical analyzes. The results show that there are no significantly differences between experimental group's and control group's post test results. (p>0.05). Statistically significant differences are found as a result of intra-group comparison of the experimental group's pre-test and post-test results (p<0.05).Depending on the results obtained after reviewing the literature, it can be concluded that Thera-Band training is effective on the performance improvement of swimmers aged 13-15 years.

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Monitoring changes in the shape of the spine in children with postural disorders

10.21203/rs.3.rs-311523/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Arkadiusz Żurawski ◽

Zbigniew Śliwiński ◽

Grażyna Nowak Starz ◽

Wojciech Kiebzak (Kiebzak)

Keyword(s):

Three Dimensional ◽

Control Group ◽

Spine Deformity ◽

Study Group ◽

Lateral Deviation ◽

Method Of Measurement ◽

The Individual ◽

Post Hoc ◽

And Control ◽

Postural Disorders

Abstract BackgroundDue to numerous complications of an abnormal shape of the spine, it is extremely important to systematically monitor its shape. Precise and routine method of measurement enables comparison of the scores obtained over time and possible early intervention in order to avoid complications.The aim of the work is to present the pattern for monitoring changes in the shape of the spine in children with postural deformities.MethodsThe study group (n = 211) consisted of the patients with diagnosed shape of the spine deformity, who underwent a four-month therapy, supervised by a physiotherapist. The control group (n = 101) were the children with no shape of spine deformity.The children in the study group underwent a three-dimensional computer analysis of the shape of the spine. The DIERS test was performed in both groups (study and control). In the study group it was performed four times. It involved the measurement of seven parameters enabling a complete assessment of body posture.ResultsStatistically significant scores of the Friedman test for imbalance, pelvic tilt, kyphosis angle, lordosis angle, and lateral deviation were observed. Therefore, a series of post-hoc analyzes were performed using Dunn-Bonferroni tests. It was observed that changes in individual parameters analyzed in the authors' study come up at a different pace.ConclusionsDetailed monitoring of the parameters describing the position of the spine makes it possible to control the course of the treatment process of patients with disorders of the position of the spine. The dynamics of changes taking place within the spine position varies for the individual parameters analyzed.

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