scholarly journals The impact of pandemic-related worry on cognitive functioning and risk-taking

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin da Silva Castanheira ◽  
Madeleine Sharp ◽  
A Ross Otto
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Economic Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
The Impact

Here, we sought to quantify the effects of experienced fear and worry, engendered by the COVID-19 pandemic, on both cognitive abilities—speed of information processing, task-set shifting, and proactive control—as well as economic risk-taking. Leveraging a repeated-measures cross-sectional design, we examined the performance of 1517 participants, collected during the early phase of the pandemic in the US (April – June 2020), finding that self-reported pandemic-related worry predicted deficits in information processing speed and maintenance of goal-related context information. Cognitive performance was also impaired relative to pre-pandemic ‘baseline’ samples. In a classic economic risk-taking task, we also observed that more worried individuals’ choices were more sensitive to outcome probabilities of risky actions. Overall, these results elucidate the cognitive consequences of pandemic worry, which may play an important role in individuals’ understanding of—and adherence to—public health directives.

scholarly journals The impact of pandemic-related worry on cognitive functioning and risk-taking

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260061
Author(s):  
Kevin da Silva Castanheira ◽  
Madeleine Sharp ◽  
A. Ross Otto
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Economic Risk ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing ◽  
The Impact

Here, we sought to quantify the effects of experienced fear and worry, engendered by the COVID-19 pandemic, on both cognitive abilities—speed of information processing, task-set shifting, and proactive control—as well as economic risk-taking. Leveraging a repeated-measures cross-sectional design, we examined the performance of 1517 participants, collected during the early phase of the pandemic in the US (April–June 2020), finding that self-reported pandemic-related worry predicted deficits in information processing speed and maintenance of goal-related contextual information. In a classic economic risk-taking task, we observed that worried individuals’ choices were more sensitive to the described outcome probabilities of risky actions. Overall, these results elucidate the cognitive consequences of a large-scale, unpredictable, and uncontrollable stressor, which may in turn play an important role in individuals’ understanding of, and adherence to safety directives both in the current crisis and future public health emergencies.

scholarly journals The elections and campaign styles influence the spread of COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned from Kerala, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 5441
Author(s):  
Praveenlal Kuttichira ◽  
Pulikkottil Rapheal Varghese ◽  
Presthiena Lofi E. L. ◽  
Prasad A. B.
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Local Area ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Daily Number ◽  
Indian State ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Second Wave

Background: The pandemic caused by SARS-Cov-2 and its variants whack the world with overlapping waves. Kerala is the Indian state which successfully curbed the first wave of COVID-19, getting noticed when daunted by the second wave. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of two elections held in Kerala on the transmission of COVID-19 from October 1st, 2020 to May 5th, 2021.Methods: The study employed a retrospective cross-sectional design with publicly available data. The test positivity (TPR) and daily number of cases (DNC) collected from governmental websites of Kerala, India and COVID-19 dashboards entered in MS Excel 2007 and analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. Biweekly average of TPR and DNC was analysed in descriptive statistics and DNC at different periods in the context of elections were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Greenhouse-Geisser correction and post hoc test of Bonferroni correction.Results: The findings showed that the daily number of COVID-19 cases increased after both local body and assembly elections, but a statistically significant increase was found after the assembly election [mean difference= 1069 (357.047-1782.419) at p=0.002 from the pre-election period].Conclusions: The study revealed that the conduct of elections in stages and organizing campaigns limiting to the local area following COVID protocols had a demonstrable positive effect against the potential of pandemic spread.

scholarly journals Predicting Academic Achievement with Cognitive Abilities: Cross-Sectional Study across School Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Tatiana Tikhomirova ◽  
Artem Malykh ◽  
Sergey Malykh
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Number Sense ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between cognitive abilities and academic achievement across schooling from the first to the eleventh grade was analyzed. Information processing speed, visuospatial working memory, number sense, and fluid intelligence were considered predictors of general academic achievement, which was derived from grades in mathematics, language, and biology. This cross-sectional study involved 1560 pupils who were in grades 1–11 at general education schools and were aged from 6.8 to 19.1 years (50.4% were boys). Information processing speed, visuospatial working memory, and number sense were measured using the Choice Reaction Time, Corsi Block-Tapping, and Number Sense computerized tests, respectively. Fluid intelligence was measured using the paper-and-pencil version of the Standard Progressive Matrices test. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were carried out. It was shown that it is possible to describe the structure of the relationship between cognitive abilities and academic achievement for all levels of schooling with a single model. In this model, information processing speed is the key predictor of fluid intelligence, working memory, and number sense, which in turn contribute to individual differences in academic success. Additionally, the specificity of the relationship between individual indicators of cognitive abilities and academic achievement at each level of schooling was revealed.

Computerized Simple Reaction Time and Balance in Nondemented Parkinson’s Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Aida Arroyo-Ferrer ◽  
Jorge Andreo ◽  
José A. Periáñez ◽  
Marcos Ríos-Lago ◽  
Genny Lubrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Simple Reaction Time ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Simple Reaction ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients are known to suffer from subtle cognitive and balance deficits from the early stages although they usually manifest in advanced stages. Postural instability (PI) has been correlated with slower information processing speed. Simple reaction time (SRT) tasks can be used to measure the speed of information processing. The main objective of this study was to examine the usefulness of SRT as a valid predictor of balance in PD, thus providing a simple and complementary assessment method. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This cross-sectional study included 52 PD patients without dementia who were evaluated for balance using the pull test (PT) maneuver and Biodex® limits of stability (LOS). In addition, a reaction time task was used to measure processing speed. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The performance of SRT tasks was correlated with the evaluation of LOS% and PT, suggesting that the SRT may be a predictor of balance performance. Longer reaction time and poorer postural stability were also associated with disease duration but not with age. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Poor performance in a simple reaction task can predict altered PI and can complement staging and evaluation in PD patients.

Reduced information processing speed as primum movens for cognitive decline in MS

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeroen Van Schependom ◽  
Marie B D’hooghe ◽  
Krista Cleynhens ◽  
Mieke D’hooge ◽  
Marie-Claire Haelewyck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Survival Curves ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Cognitive impairment affects half of the multiple sclerosis (MS) patient population and is an important contributor to patients’ daily activities. Most cognitive impairment studies in MS are, however, cross-sectional or/and focused on the early disease stages. Objective: We aim to assess the time course of decline of different cognitive domains. Methods: We collected neuropsychological data on 514 MS patients to construct Kaplan-Meier survival curves of the tests included in the Neuropsychological Screening Battery for MS (NSBMS) and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Cox-proportional hazard models were constructed to examine the influence of MS onset type, age at onset, gender, depression and level of education on the time course, expressed as age or disease. Results: Survival curves of tests focusing on information processing speed (IPS) declined significantly faster than tests with less specific demands of IPS. Median age for pathological decline was 56.2 years (95% CI: 54.4–58.2) on the SDMT and 63.9 years (95% CI: 60–66.9) on the CLTR, a memory task. Conclusion: In conclusion, IPS is the cognitive domain not only most widely affected by MS but it is also the first cognitive deficit to emerge in MS.

scholarly journals CORRELATION BETWEEN SMOKE-FREE AREAS AND SMOKING BEHAVIOR IN INDONESIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Mohamad Anis Fahmi
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Smoking Behavior ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Computer Application ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
The Government ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
The Impact

Background: Low public awareness of the impact of smoking makes the implementation of smoke-free areas (KTR) difficult. Smoke-free areas aim to protect the public from the direct and indirect effects of smoking. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the application of smoke-free areas and the prevalence of active and ex-smokers in Indonesia. Method: This study implemented a cross-sectional design, using secondary data from the Riskesdas 2018 on active and ex-smokers. KTR application data were obtained from the Profile of Non-Communicable Diseases in 2016. A Pearson product-moment test was conducted by a computer application to determine the correlation coefficient (r). This coefficient was used to describe the level of correlation between the two variables; significance was determined as a p value of 5%. Results: This study showed that the average application of KTR throughout Indonesia was 50.83%, active smokers comprised 23.49% of the population, and ex-smokers comprised 4.94%. Most active smokers were in Java and Sumatra, while the majority of ex-smokers were in Java and Sulawesi and the majority of KTR was in Java. This study shows that there is a positive correlation between KTR application and the percentage of ex-smokers (r = 0.46; p value = 0.01). Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between the application of KTR and an increase in ex-smokers. The government needs to increase the application of KTR policies.

scholarly journals DAMPAK OVERCAPACITY TERHADAP TINGKAT STATUS GIZI NARAPIDANA

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-66
Author(s):  
Faiz Fakhri Isjwara
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Ideal Body Weight ◽  
Correctional Institution ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Unbalanced Diet ◽  
The Impact

The principle of the organization of prisons (Lembaga Pemasyarakatan/ LAPAS) must prioritize a humane approach so that prisoners and prisoners receive their rights. If the implementation is good, the objective of LAPAS is to carry out social reintegration, namely the restoration of the unity of life, life and livelihood of prisoners and correctional students both prisoners as individuals, social beings and God's creatures with society can be achieved. However, this organization faces obstacles, namely the problem of overcapacity. This can have implications for suboptimal and can even lead to failure to function as a correctional institution. The problem of over capacity will also have an impact on the health conditions of prisoners. Sleep conditions, eating patterns, health services that are less than the maximum due to over capacity will certainly have a negative impact on the nutritional status of prisoners. This study aims to determine the impact of Overcapacity Impacts on the Nutritional Status Level of Prisoners in Class II A Penitentiary, Sidoarjo. This type of research is a quantitative correlational analytic survey with a cross-sectional design. The number of samples was 91 inmates. The sampling technique is by random sampling. Data is collected by weighing body weight and height and comparing with ideal body weight. The results showed that the more overcapacity, the nutritional status of prisoners decreased. Room conditions can affect the provision of an unbalanced diet. Thus, that this causes the prisoners to experience malnutrition.

scholarly journals Effect of Core Mass and Alloy on Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Different Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instruments in Matching Artificial Canals

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
pp. 5734
Author(s):  
Sebastian Bürklein ◽  
Lennart Zupanc ◽  
David Donnermeyer ◽  
Karsten Tegtmeyer ◽  
Edgar Schäfer
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Resistance ◽  
Cyclic Fatigue ◽  
Nickel Titanium ◽  
The Other ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Core Mass ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
The Impact

Instrument failure during root canal preparation is still a concern among endodontists. However, it remains unclear whether the use of more martensitic alloys or the cross-sectional design parameters (i.e., core mass) significantly improve fracture resistance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of core mass and alloy on dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel-titanium endodontic instruments in matching artificial canals at body temperature. Two groups were tested. (A) taper 0.04: F360 (Komet, Lemgo, Germany), Twisted file (Sybron Endo, Glendora, CA, USA) (=TF), JIZAI (Mani, Tochigi, Japan) (=J_04) (all size #25) and the variable tapered TruNatomy (Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland) (size #26) (=TN). (B) size #25; taper 0.06: (Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany), JIZAI (Mani) (=J_06), and variable tapered Hyflex EDM OneFile (Coltene Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland) (=HF). Time, number of cycles to fracture (NCF), and number and length of fractured fragments were recorded and statistically analysed using ANOVA Student-Newman-Keuls, Kruskal–Wallis or Chi-square test (significance level = 0.05). (A) TN showed the significantly shortest time until fracture, followed by TF, F360 and J_04 which also differed significantly, while NCF showed the following order: F360 < TN < TF < J_04 (p < 0.05). Only one J_04 but all instruments of the other groups fractured within the test-limit of 10 min. (B) Mtwo was significantly inferior concerning time until fracture and NCF, compared to J_06 and HF (p < 0.05), which did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). While all Mtwo instruments fractured, only four instruments failed in the other groups (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, alloy and cross-sectional design (i.e., core mass) were critical factors regarding instrument failure, but none of these factors could be determined as a main parameter for increased or decreased time, and cycles to fracture. Rather, it seemed to be the interaction of multiple factors (e.g., longitudinal and cross-sectional design, alloy, and rotational speed) that was responsible for differences in the time and cycles to fracture. Nonetheless, all instruments had lifetimes that allow safe clinical use. However, the superiority or inferiority of an instrument with regard to cyclic fatigue based on laboratory results—even when identical trajectories are guaranteed—may be considered questionable, as the characteristics and design parameters of the instruments vary considerably, and the experimental setups lack additional clinical parameters and thus clinical relevance.

Impact of nurses' emotional intelligence on the implementation of a professional practice model in cancer care

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (19) ◽  
pp. 1110-1116
Author(s):  
Majeda A Al-Ruzzieh ◽  
Omar Ayaad
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Practice Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
The Impact

Aim: To examine the impact of emotional intelligence on the effective implementation of a professional practice model in a specialised cancer centre. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design with 580 frontline nurses at King Hussein Cancer Center, Jordan. The sample was selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using two self-administered questionnaires to measure emotional intelligence and professional practice. Results: The overall mean value of emotional intelligence was 5.60 out of 6 (SD=0.78), while the overall mean value for the implementation of the professional practice model was 4.76/5 (SD=0.59). The results showed that the overall mean value of emotional intelligence had a significant positive correlation with the effective implementation of the professional practice model (r=0.580, P<0.001), even after adjusting for the participants' demographics (P<0.001). Conclusion: Emotional intelligence can be considered a predictor for the effective implementation of a professional practice model.

Abusive supervisors and employees who cyberloaf

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 789-809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Upasnaa A. Agarwal ◽  
James B. Avey
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Abusive Supervision ◽  
Psychological Contract Breach ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contract Breach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effects of abusive supervision on cyberloafing behavior, to test the mediating role of PsyCap in this relationship and the extent to which these relationships are moderated by psychological contract breach.Design/methodology/approachA total of 394 full-time managers across different Indian organizations served as the sample for this study.FindingsThe results revealed that the abusive supervision and PsyCap are significantly correlated with cyberloafing, the relationship between abusive supervision and cyberloafing is partially mediated by PsyCap and the impact of abusive supervision and PsyCap on cyberloafing is moderated by psychological contract breach such that the effects of abusive supervision and PsyCap on cyberloafing are stronger when employees perceive high psychological contract breach.Research limitations/implicationsA cross-sectional design and use of self-reported questionnaires are a few limitations of this study.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies examining cyberloafing in response to abusive supervision and one of the few attempts to examine the effects of abusive supervision on individual resources (PsyCap) in response to workplace mistreatment. This study is also the first to examine these phenomena in the Indian context.

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