Experience Questionnaire Research Articles

EEG and Physiological Signals Dataset from Participants during Traditional and Partially Immersive Learning Experiences in Humanities

The relevance of the interaction between Humanities-enhanced learning using immersive environments and simultaneous physiological signal analysis contributes to the development of Neurohumanities and advancements in applications of Digital Humanities. The present dataset consists of recordings from 24 participants divided in two groups (12 participants in each group) engaging in simulated learning scenarios, traditional learning, and partially immersive learning experiences. Data recordings from each participant contain recordings of physiological signals and psychometric data collected from applied questionnaires. Physiological signals include electroencephalography, real-time engagement and emotion recognition calculation by a Python EEG acquisition code, head acceleration, electrodermal activity, blood volume pressure, inter-beat interval, and temperature. Before the acquisition of physiological signals, participants were asked to fill out the General Health Questionnaire and Trait Meta-Mood Scale. In between recording sessions, participants were asked to fill out Likert-scale questionnaires regarding their experience and a Self-Assessment Manikin. At the end of the recording session, participants filled out the ITC Sense of Presence Inventory questionnaire for user experience. The dataset can be used to explore differences in physiological patterns observed between different learning modalities in the Humanities.

The mediating role of self-control on the relations between adverse childhood experiences and substance use among adolescents in Uganda.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are established risk factors for undesirable consequences in adolescence and early adulthood, including substance use and a lack of self-control. Based on the Social Bonds Theory (SBT), this study aims to expand our knowledge of the pathways from ACEs and self-control to substance use in adolescence and early adulthood. The extent to which self-control mediates the association between ACEs and substance use was examined in a cross-sectional survey of 358 adolescents and young adults (N = 234, 65.5% girls, mean age 17.7, SD 0.58, range 15-18). Data were gathered using the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE-10) questionnaire, the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10), and the 10-item self-control scale to assess childhood adversity, substance use, and self-control, respectively. ACEs were widely reported and significantly associated with substance use and a lack of self-control. Self-control strongly predicted substance use, independent of ACEs. Among those reporting no ACEs, one to two, three to four, and five or more, there were significant variations in the respondents' substance use (F(3, 400) = 12.69, p = 0.001). Self-control explained 51.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41, 61%) of the associations between ACEs and substance use as assessed by linear regression. Self-control is key to understanding why adolescents and young adults with a history of childhood adversity indulge in substance use. Therefore, there is a need to advocate for psychological interventions such as cognitive and behavioural therapy that have demonstrated efficacy in promoting self-control in adolescents and young adults.

A Digital Health Intervention Platform (Active and Independent Management System) to Enhance the Rehabilitation Experience for Orthopedic Joint Replacement Patients: Usability Evaluation Study.

Optimal rehabilitation programs for orthopedic joint replacement patients ensure faster return to function, earlier discharge from hospital, and improved patient satisfaction. Digital health interventions show promise as a supporting tool for re-enablement. The main goal of this mixed methods study was to examine the usability of the AIMS platform from the perspectives of both patients and clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate a re-enablement platform that we have developed that uses a holistic systems approach to address the de-enablement that occurs in hospitalized inpatients, with the older adult population most at risk. The Active and Independent Management System (AIMS) platform is anticipated to deliver improved patient participation in recovery and self-management through education and the ability to track rehabilitation progression in hospital and after patient discharge. Two well-known instruments were used to measure usability: the System Usability Scale (SUS) with 10 items and, for finer granularity, the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) with 26 items. In all, 26 physiotherapists and health care professionals evaluated the AIMS clinical portal; and 44 patients in hospital for total knee replacement, total hip replacement, or dynamic hip screw implant evaluated the AIMS app. For the AIMS clinical portal, the mean SUS score obtained was 82.88 (SD 13.07, median 86.25), which would be considered good/excellent according to a validated adjective rating scale. For the UEQ, the means of the normalized scores (range -3 to +3) were as follows: attractiveness=2.683 (SD 0.100), perspicuity=2.775 (SD 0.150), efficiency=2.775 (SD 0.130), dependability=2.300 (SD 0.080), stimulation=1.950 (SD 0.120), and novelty=1.625 (SD 0.090). All dimensions were thus classed as excellent against the benchmarks, confirming the results from the SUS questionnaire. For the AIMS app, the mean SUS score obtained was 74.41 (SD 10.26), with a median of 77.50, which would be considered good according to the aforementioned adjective rating scale. For the UEQ, the means of the normalized scores were as follows: attractiveness=2.733 (SD 0.070), perspicuity=2.900 (SD 0.060), efficiency=2.800 (SD 0.090), dependability=2.425 (SD 0.060), stimulation=2.200 (SD 0.010), and novelty=1.450 (0.260). All dimensions were thus classed as excellent against the benchmarks (with the exception of novelty, which was classed as good), providing slightly better results than the SUS questionnaire. The study has shown that both the AIMS clinical portal and the AIMS app have good to excellent usability scores, and the platform provides a solid foundation for the next phase of research, which will involve evaluating the effectiveness of the platform in improving patient outcomes after total knee replacement, total hip replacement, or dynamic hip screw.

Early life stress is associated with greater negative emotionality and peripheral inflammation in alcohol use disorder

Early life stress (ELS) increases risk for psychiatric illness, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers have hypothesized that individuals with and without a history of ELS who have the same primary DSM-5 diagnosis are clinically and biologically distinct. While there is strong support for this hypothesis in the context of mood disorders, the hypothesis remains largely untested in the context of AUD. This study investigated the impact of ELS on the neuroclinical phenomenology and inflammatory profile of individuals with AUD. Treatment-seeking adults with AUD (N = 163) completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire and phenotypic battery as part of a pharmacotherapy trial for AUD (NCT03594435). Participants were classified as having “no-ELS,” (ACE = 0) “moderate-ELS,” (ACE = 1, 2 or 3) or “high-ELS” (ACE = 4 + ). The Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment domains incentive salience and negative emotionality were derived and used to assess the neuroclinical phenomenology of AUD. We tested (1) cumulative ELS as a predictor of ANA domains and (2) ELS group differences in ANA domains. A subset of participants (N = 98) provided blood samples for a biomarker of peripheral inflammation (C-reactive protein; CRP); analyses were repeated with CRP as the outcome variable. Greater ELS predicted higher negative emotionality and elevated CRP, but not incentive salience. The high-ELS group exhibited greater negative emotionality compared with the no-ELS and moderate-ELS groups, with no difference between the latter two groups. The high-ELS group exhibited elevated CRP compared with the no/moderate-ELS group. Findings suggest that high-ELS exposure is associated with a unique AUD neuroclinical presentation marked by greater negative emotionality, and inflammatory profile characterized by elevated peripheral CRP.

Turkish adaptation of a brief self-report measure of fantasy proneness: The Creative Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ)

This research addresses the construct of fantasy proneness that is unexplored in the context of Turkey by adapting and assessing the psychometric properties of the widely accepted Creative Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ), aiming to fill a significant gap in existing literature and contribute to the understanding of this construct and its correlates in a population aged between 18 and 60 years. The Turkish version of the CEQ demonstrated face validity, aligning participant responses with fantasy, imagination, and dissociation (n = 15). Exploratory Factor Analysis confirmed a single-factor solution based on the scree plot graphic, without item removal (n = 310). Reliability and validity analyses (N = 464) affirmed robustness with adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.78, McDonald’s Omega = 0.77) and test-retest reliability (n = 110, r = .72). Convergent validity was supported by correlations with dissociative experiences (r = .51) and magical ideation (r = .51). Discriminant validity was evident in negative correlations with social desirability (r = -.10, p < .05), notably, impression management (r = -.12, p < .05), indicating unbiased capture of fantasy experiences. Predictive validity was supported by a positive correlation observed between fantasy proneness and interest in creative activities (r = .21). Participants engaged in or aspiring to engage in creative activities professionally scored notably higher, broadening implications for creativity research. Similarities between the original and Turkish versions suggested cultural variations do not significantly affect fantasy proneness in adults. Considering limitations, future research should explore age-related variations of fantasy proneness as well as its association with social desirability. Implications extend to clinical research, emphasizing consideration of fantasy proneness and its correlates in psychopathological and broader psychological health studies in Turkey and globally.

Overshadowing and salience attribution in relation to cannabis use

Aberrant attentional salience has been implicated in the cannabis-psychosis association. Here, history and frequency of cannabis use were examined against changes in overshadowing (OS), a cue competition paradigm that involves salience processing. Additionally, we examined the association between OS and alternative measures of aberrant salience, as well as schizotypy, in a non-clinical adult sample.280 participants completed an online geometry learning-based OS task, while a subset (N = 149) also completed the Salience Attribution Task (SAT) measure of aberrant salience. All completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI), and the modified Cannabis Experience Questionnaire (CEQmv). Differences across OS and SAT performance stages and between cannabis use groups were assessed using mixed ANOVAs. Multiple regression and correlational analyses assessed the relationships between OS and SAT task metrics and SPQ and ASI subscale scores.Current cannabis users had significantly lower OS scores during the testing phase relative to those who do not use cannabis, at medium effect sizes. Schizotypy or ASI scores did not mediate this relationship. In the SAT, current cannabis users presented significantly higher implicit aberrant salience relative to non-users. Scores in the first training phase of the OS task significantly predicted higher explicit aberrant and adaptive salience scores in the SAT.These data indicate an association between regular cannabis use and abnormalities in cue competition effects in a healthy adult sample. Comparisons of OS and SAT cast new light on putative overlapping mechanisms underlying performance across different measures of salience.

What makes an efficacious teacher? The role of basic psychological needs and recovery from stressors in relation to teachers' self-efficacy and performance.

Studies suggest that teachers' ability to perform their work tasks well is one of the most important antecedents of the achievements of students. This project was focused on verifying an underresearched relation among basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration, the way the teachers use their time to recover from work stressors, with their performance and self-efficacy. The participants were 503 teachers from a representative sample of schools in Poland. In the study performance (Individual Work Performance Questionnaire), self-efficacy (Norwegian Teachers Self-Efficacy Scale), basic psychological needs (Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale), and recovery processes (Recovery Experience Questionnaire) were measured. As expected, the results showed that there is a strong relation between basic psychological needs and teachers' individual performance and self-efficacy. However, this relation is partially mediated by some recovery processes, mostly control and detachment. The results prove that, to some extent, the relation between basic psychological needs satisfaction and teachers' performance and self-efficacy could be explained by the stress recovery processes undertaken by teachers in their free time. This study focused on explaining these relations and suggesting ideas for further studies in this domain. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(4):309-320.

Development and Usability Evaluation of VulcanH, a CMMS Prototype for Preventive and Predictive Maintenance of Mobile Mining Equipment

This paper details the design, development, and evaluation of VulcanH, a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) specialized in preventive maintenance (PM) and predictive maintenance (PdM) management for underground mobile mining equipment. Further, it aims to expand knowledge on trust in automation (TiA) for PdM as well as contribute to the literature on explainability requirements of a PdM-capable artificial intelligence (AI). This study adopted an empirical approach through the execution of user tests with nine maintenance experts from five East-Canadian mines and implemented the User Experience Questionnaire Plus (UEQ+) and the Reliance Intentions Scale (RIS) to evaluate usability and TiA, respectively. It was found that the usability and efficiency of VulcanH were satisfactory for expert users and encouraged the gradual transition from PM to PdM practices. Quantitative and qualitative results documented participants’ willingness to rely on PdM predictions as long as suitable explanations are provided. Graphical explanations covering the full spectrum of the derived data were preferred. Due to the prototypical nature of VulcanH, certain relevant aspects of maintenance planning were not considered. Researchers are encouraged to include these notions in the evaluation of future CMMS proposals. This paper suggests a harmonious integration of both preventive and predictive maintenance practices in the mining industry. It may also guide future research in PdM to select an analytical algorithm capable of supplying adequate and causal justifications for informed decision making. This study fulfills an identified need to adopt a user-centered approach in the development of CMMSs in the mining industry. Hence, both researchers and industry stakeholders may benefit from the findings.

Evaluation of augmented reality training for a navigation device used for CT-guided needle placement.

Numerous navigation devices for percutaneous, CT-guided interventions exist and are, due to their advantages, increasingly integrated into the clinical workflow. However, effective training methods to ensure safe usage are still lacking. This study compares the potential of an augmented reality (AR) training application with conventional instructions for the Cube Navigation System (CNS), hypothesizing enhanced training with AR, leading to safer clinical usage. An AR-tablet app was developed to train users puncturing with CNS. In a study, 34 medical students were divided into two groups: One trained with the AR-app, while the other used conventional instructions. After training, each participant executed 6 punctures on a phantom (204 in total) following a standardized protocol to identify and measure two potential CNS procedural user errors: (1) missing the coordinates specified and (2) altering the needle trajectory during puncture. Training performance based on train time and occurrence of procedural errors, as well as scores of User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) for both groups, was compared. Training duration was similar between the groups. However, the AR-trained participants showed a 55.1% reduced frequency of the first procedural error (p > 0.05) and a 35.1% reduced extent of the second procedural error (p < 0.01) compared to the conventionally trained participants. UEQ scores favored the AR-training in five of six categories (p < 0.05). The AR-app enhanced training performance and user experience over traditional methods. This suggests the potential of AR-training for navigation devices like the CNS, potentially increasing their safety, ultimately improving outcomes in percutaneous needle placements.

Development of a Self-Report Measure of Prediction in Daily Life: The Prediction-Related Experiences Questionnaire.

Predictions are complex, multisensory, and dynamic processes involving real-time adjustments based on environmental inputs. Disruptions to prediction abilities have been proposed to underlie characteristics associated with autism. While there is substantial empirical literature related to prediction, the field lacks a self-assessment measure of prediction skills related to daily tasks. Such a measure would be useful to better understand the nature of day-to-day prediction-related activities and characterize these abilities in individuals who struggle with prediction. An interdisciplinary mixed-methods approach was utilized to develop and validate a self-report questionnaire of prediction skills for adults, the Prediction-Related Experiences Questionnaire (PRE-Q). Two rounds of online field testing were completed in samples of autistic and neurotypical (NT) adults. Qualitative feedback from a subset of these participants regarding question content and quality was integrated and Rasch modeling of the item responses was applied. The final PRE-Q includes 19 items across 3 domains (Sensory, Motor, Social), with evidence supporting the validity of the measure's 4-point response categories, internal structure, and relationship to other outcome measures associated with prediction. Consistent with models of prediction challenges in autism, autistic participants indicated more prediction-related difficulties than the NT group. This study provides evidence for the validity of a novel self-report questionnaire designed to measure the day-to-day prediction skills of autistic and non-autistic adults. Future research should focus on characterizing the relationship between the PRE-Q and lab-based measures of prediction, and understanding how the PRE-Q may be used to identify potential areas for clinical supports for individuals with prediction-related challenges.

Utility of next generation sequencing in paediatric neurological disorders: experience from South Africa

Next generation sequencing (NGS)-based tests have become routine first-line investigative modalities in paediatric neurology clinics in many high-income countries (HICs). Studies from these countries show that these tests are both cost-effective and reliable in diagnosing many complex childhood neurological diseases. However, NGS-based testing in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited due to affordability constraints. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and impact of targeted gene panel sequencing in a selected paediatric cohort attending a tertiary paediatric neurology clinic in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This retrospective study included 124 consecutive paediatric patients with neurological disease, aged 6 weeks to 17 years, referred for NGS-based multi-gene panel testing over a 41-month period. Twenty-four different disease group-specific panels were utilized. A caregiver experience questionnaire was administered when a pathogenic variant was identified. The overall study diagnostic yield (DY) was 45% (56/124 patients). The diagnostic yield in this study is similar to previously reported paediatric cohorts in HICs. The high yields for neuromuscular disorders (52%) and early epileptic encephalopathies (41%) suggest that NGS-based panels may be more cost-effective as first-line testing in well-defined phenotypes. The latter finding argues for early inclusion of all children with developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), as early diagnosis leads to better treatment and avoidance of unnecessary investigations.

Investigating psychometric properties of short versions of the depressive experiences questionnaire: Findings from a representative large sample of Chinese adolescents

BackgroundAdolescence involves a period of swift change, including the development of personality vulnerabilities (i.e., dependency and self-criticism) that act as transdiagnostic factors to psychopathology. Over the past several decades, numerous short revisions have condensed the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ) into more efficient measures of personality vulnerability. Prior research has investigated the psychometric properties of the short DEQs in adult and clinical samples. However, there has been insufficient exploration within adolescents, who are in addition marked by fluctuating personality vulnerabilities. MethodA representative large sample of adolescents and emerging adults in China aged 10 to 25 (N = 23,953) was administered five short DEQs, including the Revised DEQ (RevDEQ), Reconstructed DEQ (RecDEQ), Theoretical DEQ-21/12 (TDEQ-21/12) and adolescent DEQ (DEQ-A). The data was evaluated for internal consistency and criterion-related validity, while factor structure and measurement invariances across gender and age groups were analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A subset of the original sample (N = 2874) was retested after six months and analyzed for test-retest reliability and cross-time invariance. ResultCFA of the TDEQ-21/12 and RecDEQ supported the intended two-factor model. Good criterion-related validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability for these three versions were found. Satisfying measurement invariances across gender, time, and age groups were established. LimitationThe study's scope was confined to non-clinical adolescent populations within China, highlighting a gap in cross-cultural and clinical applicability. ConclusionThe present study supports the use of the TDEQ-21/12 and RecDEQ as valid and concise instruments for measuring Chinese adolescent personality vulnerability.

History of Childhood Trauma in Patients Presenting with Conversion Disorder

Background: Conversion disorder, characterized by neurological symptoms without an identifiable organic cause, has historically posed diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The role of psychosocial factors, especially childhood trauma, in the development of this disorder is increasingly recognized, yet the relationship remains under-explored in diverse populations. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, clinical features, and prevalence of childhood trauma among patients diagnosed with conversion disorder at a teaching hospital in Peshawar, enhancing understanding of the disorder's psychosocial dimensions. Methods: This observational study included 55 patients diagnosed with conversion disorder at the Department of Psychiatry, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. Participants were diagnosed according to DSM-5 and ICD-10 criteria. Data were collected through detailed reviews of electronic medical records and structured interviews focusing on demographic data, clinical manifestations, and childhood trauma experiences. Childhood trauma was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 to calculate frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Results: Of the participants, 54.5% were female and 45.5% were male, with a significant number having only primary education (56%). The average age was 37.4 years (SD=10.2). Clinically, 81.8% reported motor symptoms, 54.5% had sensory symptoms, and 36.4% experienced seizure-like episodes. The average duration of symptoms was 18.6 months (SD=7.9). Childhood trauma was reported by 36.4% for physical abuse, 27.3% for sexual abuse, and 45.5% for emotional abuse. High CTQ scores indicated substantial trauma levels among participants. Conclusion: The study confirms a high prevalence of childhood trauma among patients with conversion disorder and underscores the need for a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach in managing these patients. The findings highlight the importance of considering psychosocial factors in the diagnosis and treatment of conversion disorder to improve patient outcomes.

Short communication: Lifetime musical activity and resting-state functional connectivity in cognitive networks.

Participation in multimodal leisure activities, such as playing a musical instrument, may be protective against brain aging and dementia in older adults (OA). Potential neuroprotective correlates underlying musical activity remain unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between lifetime musical activity and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in three higher-order brain networks: the Default Mode, Fronto-Parietal, and Salience networks. We assessed 130 cognitively unimpaired participants (≥ 60 years) from the baseline cohort of the DZNE-Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE) study. Lifetime musical activity was operationalized by the self-reported participation in musical instrument playing across early, middle, and late life stages using the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ). Participants who reported musical activity during all life stages (n = 65) were compared to controls who were matched on demographic and reserve characteristics (including education, intelligence, socioeconomic status, self-reported physical activity, age, and sex) and never played a musical instrument (n = 65) in local (seed-to-voxel) and global (within-network and between-network) RSFC patterns using pre-specified network seeds. Older participants with lifetime musical activity showed significantly higher local RSFC between the medial prefrontal cortex (Default Mode Network seed) and temporal as well as frontal regions, namely the right temporal pole and the right precentral gyrus extending into the superior frontal gyrus, compared to matched controls. There were no significant group differences in global RSFC within or between the three networks. We show that playing a musical instrument during life relates to higher RSFC of the medial prefrontal cortex with distant brain regions involved in higher-order cognitive and motor processes. Preserved or enhanced functional connectivity could potentially contribute to better brain health and resilience in OA with a history in musical activity. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00007966, 04/05/2015).

The Correlates of Collective and Individual Trauma on Mental Health Outcomes Among Afghan Refugees: A Study of Sociodemographic Differences.

Following the U.S. military's departure from Afghanistan, a significant number of Afghan refugees have resettled in the United States, presenting complex mental health challenges exacerbated by extensive traumatic exposure. This demographic is particularly affected by collective trauma due to war, genocide, and the loss of homeland. However, detailed investigations into the correlations between collective trauma and mental health outcomes among Afghan refugees are limited. This study sought to explore the relationship between collective trauma and mental health outcomes within the Afghan refugee population in the United States, paying particular attention to the influence of sociodemographic factors. Identifying subgroups at greater risk allows for the development of more targeted mental health interventions. The study surveyed 173 Afghan refugees employing snowball sampling, utilizing a cross-sectional design. Data collection was facilitated through online and in-person surveys in English, Dari, and Pashto. Key measures included the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire for individual trauma experiences, the Historical Loss Scale for collective trauma, the Historical Loss Associated Symptoms Scale for collective trauma symptoms, the Afghan Symptom Checklist-22 for mental health symptoms, and the Post-Migration Living Difficulties Scale for post-migration stressors. Statistical analyses involved Pearson's correlation for variable associations, with nonparametric Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests conducted to assess sociodemographic impacts due to data's non-normal distribution. The analysis revealed significant variations in collective trauma and mental health outcomes across subgroups. Afghan women, minoritized ethnic groups, those who experienced extended displacement, and refugees with uncertain visa statuses reported higher collective trauma levels and worse mental health outcomes. Statistical significance was noted in the correlations between collective trauma and mental health symptoms (r = .53, p < .01) and between post-migration difficulties and mental health (r = .33, p < .01). The disparities in mental health outcomes based on sociodemographic characteristics were significant, with nonparametric tests showing clear distinctions across different groups (Kruskal-Wallis H = 14.76, p < .05 for trauma experience by visa status). This study emphasizes the critical need for mental health interventions that account for the complex experiences of collective trauma among Afghan refugees, especially among identified subgroups. Tailoring mental health services to address the specific needs highlighted through disaggregated data can enhance support for Afghan refugees in the United States. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between collective trauma and refugee mental health, advocating for nuanced care strategies in resettlement environments.

Sex Differences in Stress-Induced Cortisol Response Among Infants of Mothers Exposed to Childhood Adversity

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk for mental illness in women and their children, and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may play a role. The impact of ACEs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may be strongest when ACEs occur prepubertally and in people who are exposed to abuse ACEs. MethodsTo test this, we measured salivary cortisol in 96 mother-infant dyads while mothers were separated from their infants, who were experiencing a laboratory stressor. Mothers completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire; ACEs that occurred prepubertally (pACEs) were measured, and mother-infant dyads were grouped based on maternal pACE history as follows: no pACEs, ≥1 pACEs with abuse, or ≥1 pACEs but no abuse. ResultsMothers with ≥1 pACEs exhibited decreases in cortisol (relative to preinfant stressor), which differed significantly from the cortisol increase experienced by mothers with no pACEs, regardless of abuse presence (p = .001) or absence (p = .002). These pACE groups did not differ from one another (p = .929). Significant sex differences in infant cortisol were observed in infants of mothers with ≥1 pACEs (regardless of abuse) but not in infants of mothers with no pACEs. When mothers had experienced ≥1 pACEs, males showed decreases in cortisol in response to a stressor whereas females demonstrated increases, and males and females differed significantly when their mothers had ≥1 pACEs with (p = .025) and without (p = .032) abuse. ConclusionsRegardless of maternal exposure to childhood abuse, in response to a stressor, pACEs were associated with lower cortisol response in mothers and sex differences in 6-month-old infants, with males showing a lower cortisol response than females.

An experimental study on differences in aesthetic experience according to thermal environments

Over an extended period, the art museum prioritized regulating its thermal environment solely for the preservation of artworks, without considering the visitors' aesthetic experience. However, it is no longer an exception, given the ongoing development of HVAC systems. This research aims to investigate how museums' thermal environment and the resulting thermal comfort impact visitors' aesthetic experience. The experiment was performed to examine the subjects' aesthetic experience under three temperature conditions: 18 °C, 26 °C, and 32 °C. Subjects experienced VR museum exhibition, and their physiological responses, heart rates and variability were measured. Psychological responses were gathered through thermal comfort votes, and Aesthetic Experience Questionnaire (AEQ). As a result, the thermal comfort votes were highest in the order of 26 °C, 18 °C, and 32 °C. Aesthetic experience responses, measured by AEQ, were highest at 26 °C and lowest at 32 °C. This suggests that subjects enhanced aesthetic experiences in a thermally comfortable environment, while high temperature hindered them. Beyond temperature, factors like thermal sensation and comfort were considered influential in aesthetic experiences. Thermal sensation was found to impact aesthetic experiences in a quadratic manner, and thermal comfort had a positive effect on them. Lastly, physiological responses previously associated with aesthetic experiences showed no significant impact in this study. Only thermal sensation demonstrated a significant influence, attributed to thermoregulation responding to thermal environment changes. In other words, when the thermal environment changes, the physiological response can't reliably indicate aesthetic experiences due to the thermoregulation. This study is significant in proposing unexplored aspects of thermal environments in enhancing aesthetic experiences.

ANALISIS USER EXPERIENCE PADA APLIKASI VOTING BERBASIS FLUTTER: STUDI EVALUASI MENGGUNAKAN UEQ+

This study aims to analyze user experience (UX) on the Muhammadiyah Paguyangan Voting Application Based on Flutter (EVoMu) to support electronic voting in selecting new leadership in the Muhammadiyah Paguyangan organization. This evaluative study employs the User Experience Questionnaire Plus (UEQ+) method, covering four main dimensions: Efficiency, Intuitive Use, Visual Aesthetic, and Trust. The author gathered data from 120 users who participated as voters in this election process. The research yielded a positive response to the EVoMu application, as evidenced by the overall scale average score exceeding 0.8. Additionally, data diversity across all scales was noted to be at a very good and acceptable level. Measurement results indicate high reliability across all scales. The trust level in the application emerges as the most influential factor in its implementation, with a mean importance rating of 2.68.

Implementation and evaluation of the WHO maternity care model: a convergent parallel mixed-methods study protocol.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), intrapartum care is considered a platform for providing respectful, personalized, and women-centered services to women. This study aims to investigate the intrapartum care model proposed by WHO. This convergent parallel mixed-methods study will be carried out in qualitative and quantitative phases. In the quantitative phase (a quasi-experimental study), 108 pregnant women admitted to the maternity ward will be randomized to intervention (receiving intrapartum care based on the WHO model) and control group (receiving routine hospital care) before the beginning of the active stage of labor (cervix dilatation equal to 5 cm) and Wijma's delivery fear scale (DFS) will be completed for them and again at 7-8 cm dilatation. The participants of both groups will be followed up for 6 weeks after labor and then they will be invited to a relatively quiet place to complete the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ 2.0), the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptom Scale (PSS-I), the Pregnancy and Childbirth Questionnaire (PCQ), exclusive breastfeeding and a checklist on willingness to give birth to another child. The qualitative phase will employ content analysis to explain mothers' views about the effects of this model especially subjective components of this model on their labor process after 4-6 weeks. The two phase's results will be discussed in combination. The implementation of such care models is expected to prevent mental disorders caused by negative experiences of childbirth, and also, prevent uncontrolled increases in cesarean sections. https://fa.irct.ir/user/trial/68313/view, identifier (IRCT20120718010324N69).

Comparing User Experience Maxim and inDrive Applications Using the User Experience Questionnaire

Online transportation applications are vital in meeting daily mobility needs in today's world. The fierce competition between transportation apps like Maxim and Indrive demands a deep understanding of user satisfaction factors to ensure preference and loyalty. This study aims to recognize and compare elements that impact user satisfaction of the two applications. User satisfaction with both applications. Using the quantitative method of data for the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) was gathered via an online survey. from 89 respondents. These questionnaires are designed to measure specific aspects of the user experience. The data analysis findings indicate that Maxim achieved a superior user experience score over InDrive because it excelled in attractiveness, perspicuity, efficiency, dependability, stimulation, and novelty. These findings indicate that service availability and the quality of user interaction with the application determine user satisfaction. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the importance of understanding user preferences and providing services that meet their needs and offer a superior user experience. These results can potentially guide the development of strategies to increase user satisfaction and loyalty in the ride-hailing industry.