Individual Distress Research Articles

An Enhanced Target Detection Algorithm for Maritime Search and Rescue Based on Aerial Images

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), renowned for their rapid deployment, extensive data collection, and high spatial resolution, are crucial in locating distressed individuals during search and rescue (SAR) operations. Challenges in maritime search and rescue include missed detections due to issues including sunlight reflection. In this study, we proposed an enhanced ABT-YOLOv7 algorithm for underwater person detection. This algorithm integrates an asymptotic feature pyramid network (AFPN) to preserve the target feature information. The BiFormer module enhances the model’s perception of small-scale targets, whereas the task-specific context decoupling (TSCODE) mechanism effectively resolves conflicts between localization and classification. Using quantitative experiments on a curated dataset, our model outperformed methods such as YOLOv3, YOLOv4, YOLOv5, YOLOv8, Faster R-CNN, Cascade R-CNN, and FCOS. Compared with YOLOv7, our approach enhances the mean average precision (mAP) from 87.1% to 91.6%. Therefore, our approach reduces the sensitivity of the detection model to low-lighting conditions and sunlight reflection, thus demonstrating enhanced robustness. These innovations have driven advancements in UAV technology within the maritime search and rescue domains.

Wheel and talk: A Progressive Supranuclear Palsy case summary

BackgroundThe negative psychological effects of neurogenerative disorders (NDDs) are well known. However, there is limited research identifying ways to ameliorate psychological distress in individuals with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).CaseAn 84-year-old gentleman was referred to the Older Adult (OA) Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) due to low mood following a PSP diagnosis. After assessment and formulation, elements of a cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) framework which adapted ‘Walk and Talk’ therapy to Wheel and Talk, was used to support a move towards a sense of acceptance following the associated losses of a PSP diagnosis.ConsentVerbal consent was sought and gained from the client. Details have been amended to protect their identity. A pseudonym, Robert, was utilised for this client.ResultsThrough ongoing assessment and reformulation, adapting sessions to have an outdoor focus enabled Robert to move towards a sense of connectedness to his values and identity.ConclusionThis case summary reveals the importance of empowering services to adapt to the needs of the client through simple modifications and modelling.

SEARCH AND RESCUE AUTONOMOUS VESSEL

Search and rescue operations in maritime environments are critical for saving lives and ensuring the safety of individuals in distress. The advancement of autonomous technologies has led to the development of Search and Rescue Autonomous Vessels (SRAVs), which have the potential to revolutionize the efficiency and effectiveness of such operations. This paper presents an example of the design, capabilities, and challenges associated with SRAVs. The integration of various sensors, communication systems, and artificial intelligence algorithms allows these vessels to navigate autonomously, detect and identify distress signals, locate survivors, and provide immediate assistance. Also, there are presented results from testing the SRAV and future development perspective.

AI-Enabled Mental Health Assessment and Intervention: Bridging Gaps in Access and Quality of Care.

This paper explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing mental health assessment and intervention, aiming to address critical gaps in both accessibility and quality of care. Mental health disorders pose a global challenge, with a significant portion of the population facing barriers to timely and effective treatment. Traditional mental health care systems often struggle to meet the increasing demand for services, leading to prolonged waiting times and inadequate support for individuals in distress. Moreover, stigmas surrounding mental health further hinder many from seeking help. The advent of AI technologies offers a promising solution to these challenges. Through advanced machine learning algorithms, AI can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mental health assessments, enabling early detection of disorders and personalized treatment plans. [1] AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can provide continuous, accessible support, offering a bridge to care for individuals who may be hesitant or unable to access traditional services. Furthermore, these technologies can help destigmatize mental health discussions by providing a private and non-judgmental space for users. The paper reviews the current landscape of AI applications in mental health, highlighting successful case studies and identifying key ethical considerations. It also delves into the potential pitfalls and challenges associated with AI implementation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between technological advancement and human-centric care. Ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and the need for ongoing human oversight are crucial elements in ensuring the responsible deployment of AI in mental health contexts. As AI continues to evolve, it is imperative to establish robust frameworks for regulation, accountability, and transparency to safeguard against unintended consequences. The paper concludes by proposing a holistic approach that integrates AI seamlessly into existing mental health care infrastructures, fostering collaboration between technology developers, mental health professionals, and policymakers to create a future where AI contributes significantly to bridging gaps in access and elevating the overall quality of mental health care.

The Dynamics of Psychological Distress in the Trajectory of At-Risk and Problem Gambling: Results from a Prospective Population-Based Longitudinal Study in Australia

AbstractThis study employed parallel growth curve modelling to examine the changes in both psychological distress and at-risk and problem gambling as a development process. We used a prospective longitudinal population-based study to provide further insights beyond treatment samples and cross-sectional studies. A secondary data analysis was conducted by extracting a sample of 3460 Victorian adults from the Victorian Gambling Study 2008–2011. Findings suggested that psychological distress was a consistent risk factor for at-risk and problem gambling, as measured by the problem gambling severity index (PGSI), after controlling for other risk factors such as sex, age, histories of at-risk and problem gambling, and the experience of trauma. A more rapid increase in psychological distress over time was related to a more rapid increase in the PGSI trajectory. It is concluded that this study supports a positive association in the development trends of problem gambling severity and psychological distress in individuals who engaged in gambling. The association persists after adjusting for histories of gambling problem risk and the experience of trauma in life. The implications of the study suggest addressing the comorbidity of problem gambling risk and psychological distress in treatment and prevention, and the development of dual-diagnosis treatment programs.

Multipurpose deep learning-powered UAV for forest fire prevention and emergency response

This paper presents a customized UAV designed for rescue and safety purposes in the forest sector. The UAV features a durable F450 frame quadcopter with four 1000KV brushless motors and a KK2.1 Flight Control Board for stability and manoeuvrability with a runtime of 90 min. It incorporates a Raspberry Pi camera for real-time video streaming, enabling efficient identification of individuals in need of assistance. The GSM module allows contactless communication, ensuring streamlined and safe interaction. A motor controls the lid of the customizable first aid kit box, facilitating efficient aid delivery. The Neo-6 M GPS module provides accurate localization of the drone and individuals in distress with a horizontal position accuracy of 2.5 m. The UAV collects temperature and humidity data using the DHT 11 sensor having +/- 2 degreesC and +- 5% accuracy respectively. This sensor employs advanced deep learning models, including artificial neural networks (ANN) and generative adversarial networks (GANs), for real-time forest fire prediction with an accuracy of 90.7 % The integration of GANs enhances accuracy through synthetic data generation. Moreover, all these components are interfaced using a Raspberry Pi4 and a GUI, providing a smooth user control experience and end-to-end information for quick and effective emergencyresponse.

Age-related differences in the severity of sexual dysfunction symptoms and psychological distress in individuals with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundSexual dysfunction (SD) is a common symptom for many with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, SD research in general appears to often overlook young adults within their samples, which can be a major issue for better understanding and treatment for the MS population. Few studies have compared age-related differences in distress in response to physical disability. Research has also found that many people diagnosed with MS do not discuss any SD struggles with their providers. The present study hopes to see whether age-related differences exist in the reporting of the levels of primary, secondary, and tertiary SD, as defined by subscale scores of the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), and amount of distress, as defined by the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12)’s Mental Component Summary (MCS-12). Additionally, we hope to determine if there are any age-related or sex-related differences in help-seeking behaviors for SD. MethodsStudy participants were recruited from the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry. Participants completed the MSISQ-19, SF-12, and Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS), provided demographic information, and responded if they received medical or psychological treatment for SD. Study participants were 5815 respondents (Mage = 51 years, SD = 9.63, 75 % female, 30 % having attained a high school diploma, 35 % scoring “advanced disability” on the PDDS). Young adult (19–39 years), middle adult (40–64 years), and mature adult (65-older) were compared on SD. ResultsLinear mixed effects modeling revealed that the MSISQ-19 subscale scores were significantly predicted by secondary SD (t = 2.48, p < .13). Young adult participants had the lowest primary SD (M = 13.87, 95 % CI [13.13, 14.61]) when compared to mature adult (M = 14.12, 95 % CI [13.27, 14.97]) and middle adult participants (M = 14.44, 95 % CI [14.21, 14.66]), though none were statistically significant. Mature adults had the lowest secondary SD (M = 16.50, 95 % CI [15.65, 17.35]), a statistically significant difference from the middle adults (M = 18.20, 95 % CI [17.97, 18.42]) and young adults (M = 18.91, 95 % CI [18.17, 19.65]). Mature adults had the lowest tertiary symptoms (M = 10.12, 95 % CI [9.27, 10.96]), followed by young adults (M = 12.23, 95 % CI [11.48, 12.97]), and middle adults (M = 11.65, 95 % CI [11.43, 11.88]), though none were statistically significant. Hierarchical multiple regressions found that age had the most significant impact on SD. When SF-12 MCS-12 was added, linear mixed effects did not reveal any statistically significant results between the age groups and SD levels. In contrast, hierarchical multiple regressions found that SF-12 MCS-12 scores had the most significant impact on SD. There were significant age-related and sex-related differences in help-seeking behaviors in those who sought psychological counseling as opposed to medical treatment for SD. ConclusionOur study has highlighted the importance of clinicians assessing for SD and psychological distress within their patients and to consider potential differences in symptom presentations of age groups to better address their unique needs.

Elucidating the Interplay of Cognitive Theories and Novel Psychological Strategies in Mitigating Delusional Beliefs, Hallucinatory Experiences, and Emotional Distress

This theoretical research paper investigates the intricate relationship between cognitive theories and innovative psychological interventions employed to mitigate delusional beliefs, hallucinatory experiences, and emotional distress in individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders. Delusions and hallucinations frequently disrupt the lives of those affected, resulting in significant distress and functional impairment. By examining the cognitive underpinnings of these phenomena, this study aims to uncover fresh insights into their development and maintenance. Additionally, emerging therapeutic approaches, such as metacognitive training and mindfulness-based interventions, are explored as strategies targeting cognitive processes implicated in psychosis. The synthesis of theoretical frameworks and empirical findings within this paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the potential synergy between cognitive theories and novel interventions, paving the way for more effective and holistic treatment strategies for individuals encountering challenges related to psychosis.

The influence of shame in the psychological well-being of asexual people who experienced discrimination: A mediation model

Research on sexual minorities has demonstrated that they face greater risks of experiencing poorer mental health due to minority stress factors, but there has been limited investigation into how these factors affect the well-being of asexual individuals. This study addressed this gap by examining whether shame played a mediating role in the relationship between discrimination and the mental health outcomes (i.e., social anxiety and psychological distress) of asexual individuals, as well as whether social support moderated the association between discrimination and shame. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected through an online questionnaire as part of the VisaJe project, which examined the stigmatization of sexually inexperienced emerging adults. Validated scales were used to measure the study variables among a sample of 177 asexual individuals aged between 18 and 42. Structural equation modelling revealed that social support did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between discrimination and shame. However, after controlling for variables such as social support, gender, developmental period and ethnic minority status, the results indicated that shame partially mediated the relationship between discrimination and psychological distress, and fully mediated the relationship between discrimination and social anxiety. These findings indicate that asexual individuals face similar pathways linking discrimination to mental health, mirroring those observed in other sexual minority groups, as they derogate from the norms of compulsory sexuality. However, general support may not serve as a protective factor for asexual individuals facing discrimination. The implications of these findings for future studies and professional practice are discussed.

Study protocol for virtual leisure investigating the effect of virtual reality-delivered stress reduction, entertainment and distraction on the use of coercion and need-based medication and patient satisfaction at a closed psychiatric intensive care unit - a mixed-methods pilot clinical trial

IntroductionThe environment at a psychiatric inpatient ward can lead to emotional distress and behavioural deviations in vulnerable individuals potentially resulting in conflicts, increased use of need-based medication and coercive actions,...

Real-time instance-level detection of asphalt pavement distress combining space-to-depth (SPD) YOLO and omni-scale network (OSNet)

Pavements function as protective layers for roads and require frequent inspection and maintenance throughout their service life. This paper describes an intelligent pavement distress inspection system that uses an enhanced version of the ‘you only look once’ (YOLO) model and an omni-scale network (OSNet) to instantly capture road surface distress images and their precise locations. The YOLO model was evaluated on a dataset comprising 9749 pavement distress images, with the detected distress serving as an input for feature extraction and instance-level recognition through OSNet. The OSNet model achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 99.4% for a dataset containing 398 individual distress instances. The proposed methods were successfully integrated into a pavement distress inspection vehicle. Field experiments demonstrated the real-time capability and high efficiency of the system, with significant improvement in road maintenance inspection efficiency

Relationships between diversity demographics, psychological distress, and suicidal thinking in the veterinary profession: a nationwide cross-sectional study during COVID-19.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between demographic diversity and veterinary professionals regarding their psychological distress and suicidal experiences. This study also aimed to determine what demographic factors were associated with psychological distress and suicidal experiences for veterinary professionals. This study used a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire to assess the prevalence of diversity, psychological distress, and suicidality in individuals over 18 working in the veterinary field within the United States. The study received 2,482 responses resulting in 2,208 responses that were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed to identify the categories with the highest rates of psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behaviors. Binomial logistic regressions were conducted to identify the strongest statistical predictors of psychological distress (Kessler-6-K6), suicidal thinking and suicide behaviors. Of the 2,208 respondents included in the analysis, 888 (41%) were experiencing serious psychological distress and 381 (17.3%) had considered suicide in the past 12 months. Results of the binomial regressions indicate gender, social class, age, and disability status were the strongest predictors of psychological distress. When controlling for psychological distress, the strongest predictors of suicidal thinking were sexual orientation, marital status, and professional role. Limited research has been done to explore the relationship between demographic diversity of veterinary professionals and psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behaviors specifically. These results shed light on multiple demographic factors that promote and attenuate mental health, as well as the importance of asking respondents their demographic identities in veterinary medicine research. This research attempts to identify these mental health factors without collapsing categories with small sample sizes, which does cause a limitation in statistical power, yet also demonstrates how to increase inclusivity in research.

A history of borderline: disorder at the heart of psychiatry

This article suggests that to appreciate some of the conundrums that surround ‘borderline personality disorder’ (BPD), we need to understand more about its history and the contexts and cultures in which it arose, consolidated and proliferated. Previous work on the development of personality disorder diagnoses (Jones, 2016) points to their emergence and shape being determined by the interaction of a multiplicity of forces including the needs of distressed individuals and communities; the manoeuvring of professional groups seeking to provide solutions to that distress and the cultural, public and media representations and responses to those problems and the proposed solutions. This single article can only begin to outline some of the key issues and will focus on the emergence of the diagnosis within the discourses of psychiatry. As we will see in the case of BPD, like other, so-called, disorders of personality, there are connections to major social changes; in particular to some of the anxieties raised by urbanisation and industrialisation and later processes of deindustrialisation and their impacts on people’s lives and identities. The article argues that significant roots of the diagnosis can be traced back to major fault lines in the discipline of psychiatry and unresolved questions about its own borders. Is psychiatry a branch of the medical profession or is it a cross-disciplinary endeavour that centres the mind as an object of study and treatment, which cannot merely be located in the individual but is instead immanently connected to the social and cultural world?

Current Technologies for Managing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Impact on Quality of Life-A Narrative Review.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people and generates high healthcare costs due to frequent complications when inappropriately managed. Our paper aimed to review the latest technologies used in T1DM management for better glycemic control and their impact on daily life for people with diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring systems provide a better understanding of daily glycemic variations for children and adults and can be easily used. These systems diminish diabetes distress and improve diabetes control by decreasing hypoglycemia. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions have proven their benefits in selected patients. There is a tendency to use more complex systems, such as hybrid closed-loop systems that can modulate insulin infusion based on glycemic readings and artificial intelligence-based algorithms. It can help people manage the burdens associated with T1DM management, such as fear of hypoglycemia, exercising, and long-term complications. The future is promising and aims to develop more complex ways of automated control of glycemic levels to diminish the distress of individuals living with diabetes.

Mental health and psychosocial support in response to onset of the COVID-19 pandemic: Emotional and Stress Management Intervention in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast.

In response to the psychological distress experienced by people affected by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Action Against Hunger (Action contre la Faim, ACF) developed and implemented the Emotional and Stress Management Intervention (ESMI) in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast. ESMI is a person-to-person two-session, non-specialized, mental health and psychosocial support intervention for adults and adolescents in the general population based in problem solving therapy and principles of emotional regulation. Using de-identified programmatic data for each country, we conducted paired t-tests to assess whether adults and adolescents who received ESMI experienced changes in reported psychological distress and perceived social support following the intervention. We also performed pairwise correlations to test whether there were associations between changes in distress and social support over the course of participation in ESMI. Descriptive analyses were performed for presenting problems and coping strategies reported during the sessions. Mean scores for psychological distress at baseline and follow-up were significantly different in all countries: Sierra Leone (mean (m) = -6.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -6.25 to -5.96); Ivory Coast (m = -3.21; 95% CI = -3.33 to -3.10); and Liberia (m = -2.86; 95% CI = -3.15 to -2.56). Changes in perceived social support were also statistically significant for Sierra Leone (m = 6.87; 95% CI = 6.72-7.02); Ivory Coast (m = 3.12; 95% CI = 2.97-3.27); and Liberia (m = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.00-1.27). Correlations (r) between changes in distress and changes in social support varied by country, and ranged from negative in Liberia, (r = -0.88, P = 0.001), to positive in Ivory Coast (r = 55, P = 0.001), and null in Sierra Leone (r = -0.07, P = 0.11). Our findings show changes in psychological distress and perceived social support for participants who completed two sessions of ESMI, suggesting a potential benefit of ESMI as a person-to-person mental health and psychosocial support for individuals in distress affected by a pandemic. A future randomized controlled trial with a focus on key implementation factors (i.e., pre-testing visual analogue scales, treatment fidelity, and comparison of in-person vs remote) is recommended as next steps in research.

Aerial hyperspectral remote sensing detection for maritime search and surveillance of floating small objects

Over the past decades, maritime accidents have been increasing due to the rise in maritime transportation and ship traffic. While detecting accident-prone vessels is crucial, it is equally important to identify individuals in distress and small floating objects. Real-time monitoring and wide-area high-resolution observations enabled by aerial remote sensing have proven effective in maritime detection. In this study, we developed a technology for detecting small objects by conducting two aerial experiments targeting various objects, including ships, mannequins (human-shaped objects), and maritime safety equipment floating in coastal areas, thereby acquiring hyperspectral image data. By utilizing the hyperspectral data, we detected the pixels corresponding to the edges of ships and employed an ellipse fitting approach to identify the vessels, achieving a length error of 0.44 m. Additionally, we detected small floating objects based on a spectral database using spectral matching. The N-finder algorithm (N-FINDR) spectral unmixing technique was applied to detect lifebuoys, buoyant apparatus, and mannequins, resulting in relatively small length errors ranging from 0.08 to 0.17 m. As satellite hyperspectral sensors continue to advance significantly, it is expected that this study will contribute to future research in the field of detecting small objects and maritime surveillance.

A circuit from the locus coeruleus to the anterior cingulate cortex modulates offspring interactions in mice

Social sensitivity to other individuals in distress is crucial for survival. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a structure involved in making behavioral choices and is influenced by observed pain or distress. Nevertheless, our understanding of the neural circuitry underlying this sensitivity is incomplete. Here, we reveal unexpected sex-dependent activation of ACC when parental mice respond to distressed pups by returning them to the nest ("pup retrieval"). We observe sex differences in the interactions between excitatory and inhibitory ACC neurons during parental care, and inactivation of ACC excitatory neurons increased pup neglect. Locus coeruleus (LC) releases noradrenaline in ACC during pup retrieval, and inactivation of the LC-ACC pathway disrupts parental care. We conclude that ACC maintains sex-dependent sensitivity to pup distress under LC modulation. We propose that ACC's involvement in parenting presents an opportunity to identify neural circuits that support sensitivity to the emotional distress of others.

Representations of Mental Illness in a Ga Community in Southern Ghana

This study explored lay concepts about and attributions of mental illness in a Ga community in southern Ghana. The study’s sample consisted of 11 Ga men and 12 Ga women, ranging in age from 30-81. Participants completed one-on-one interviews. Participants ascribed to polyphasic attributions of mental illness including biomedical and spiritual explanations. Attributions informed understandings of help-seeking behavior. Stigma was recognized as an important factor in the lived experience of people with mental illness. The recognition of individual distress as a marker of mental illness seemed less prominent than social indicators. Our interviewees’ narratives highlighted the importance of the social context in identifying and making meaning of mental illness in the community of study.

Using Electronic Medical Records and Clinical Notes to Predict the Outcome of Opioid Treatment Program.

Opioid addiction is a serious public health problem in the US, and this study aimed to explore how natural language processing (NLP) can be used to identify factors that contribute to distress in individuals with opioid addiction, and then use this information along with structured data to predict the outcome of opioid treatment programs (OTP). The study analyzed medical records data and clinical notes of 1,364 patients, out of which 136 succeeded in the program and 1,228 failed. The results showed that several factors influenced the success of patients in the program, including sex, race, education, employment, secondary substance, tobacco use, and type of residences. XGBoost with down sampling was the best model. The accuracy of the model was 0.71 and the AUC score was 0.64. The study highlights the importance of using both structured and unstructured data to evaluate the effectiveness of OTP.

The relationships between pain-associated psychological distress, pain intensity, patient expectations, and physical function in individuals with musculoskeletal pain: A retrospective cohort study.

The presence of pain-associated psychological distress (PAPD) in musculoskeletal disorders, including negative mood, fear-avoidance, and lack of positive affect/coping, is associated with prolonged disability. The importance of considering psychological influence on pain is well known, but practical ways of addressing it are not as straightforward. Identifying relationships between PAPD and pain intensity, patient expectations, and physical function may guide the development of future studies that assess causality and inform clinical practice. To assess the relationship between PAPD measured by the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome-Yellow Flag tool, and baseline pain intensity, expectations of treatment effectiveness, and self-reported physical function at discharge. Retrospective cohort study. Hospital-based outpatient physical therapy. Patients 18 to 90 years old with spinal pain or lower extremity osteoarthritis. Pain intensity and patient expectations of treatment effectiveness at intake, and self-reported physical function at discharge. A total of 534 patients, 56.2% female, median (interquartile range [IQR]) age 61 (21) years with an episode of care between November 2019 and January 2021 were included. A multiple linear regression showed a significant association between PAPD and pain intensity with 6.4% (p < .001) of the variance explained. PAPD explained 3.3% (p < .001) of the variance in patient expectations. One additional yellow flag present resulted in a 0.17-point increase in pain intensity and 1.3% decrease in patient expectations. PAPD was also associated with physical function with 3.2% (p < .001) of the variance explained. PAPD explained 9.1% (p < .001) of the variance in physical function at discharge in the low back pain cohort only when assessed independently by body region. These findings support the theory that the pain experience is complex and multiple factors should be considered when evaluating a patient with musculoskeletal pain. Clinicians who have identified PAPD may consider these relationships when planning or modifying interventions and pursuing multidisciplinary collaboration.