Showing papers by "Paris West University Nanterre La Défense published in 2021"
135 citations
University of Sfax1, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense2, University of Münster3, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg4, University of Twente5, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart6, Estácio S.A.7, Canadian University of Dubai8, Imam Khomeini International University9, Paris 12 Val de Marne University10, York University11, University of Giessen12, Loughborough University13, Stanford University14, National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse15, University of Thessaly16, Assiut University17, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology18
TL;DR: The COVID-19 home confinement led to impaired sleep quality, as evidenced by the increase in the global PSQI score and the number of hours of daily-sitting increased by ~2 hours/days during home confinement.
Abstract: Symptoms of psychological distress and disorder have been widely reported in people under quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic;in addition to severe disruption of peoples’ daily activity and sleep patterns This study investigates the association between physical-activity levels and sleep patterns in quarantined individuals An international Google online survey was launched in April 6th, 2020 for 12-weeks Forty-one research organizations from Europe, North-Africa, Western-Asia, and the Americas promoted the survey through their networks to the general society, which was made available in 14 languages The survey was presented in a differential format with questions related to responses “before” and “during” the confinement period Participants responded to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire 5056 replies (59 4% female), from Europe (46 4%), Western-Asia (25 4%), America (14 8%) and North-Africa (13 3%) were analysed The COVID-19 home confinement led to impaired sleep quality, as evidenced by the increase in the global PSQI score (4 37 ± 2 71 before home confinement vs 5 32 ± 3 23 during home confinement) (p <0 001) The frequency of individuals experiencing a good sleep decreased from 61% (n = 3063) before home confinement to 48% (n = 2405) during home confinement with highly active individuals experienced better sleep quality (p <0 001) in both conditions Time spent engaged in all physical-activity and the metabolic equivalent of task in each physical-activity category (i e , vigorous, moderate, walking) decreased significantly during COVID-19 home confinement (p <0 001) The number of hours of daily-sitting increased by ~2 hours/days during home confinement (p <0 001) COVID-19 home confinement resulted in significantly negative alterations in sleep patterns and physical-activity levels To maintain health during home confinement, physical-activity promotion and sleep hygiene education and support are strongly warranted © 2021 Institute of Sport All rights reserved
119 citations
University of Sfax1, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg2, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense3, University of Münster4, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases5, Rio de Janeiro State University6, University of Twente7, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart8, Estácio S.A.9, Canadian University of Dubai10, Imam Khomeini International University11, Keele University12, University of Genoa13, Loughborough University14, Stanford University15, University of Toulouse16, University of Thessaly17, Assiut University18, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology19, Georgia Southern University20, Government of Extremadura21, University Medical Center Groningen22, University of Ulm23, Yarmouk University24, University of Jordan25, Qatar Airways26, University of Porto27, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw28, University of Arkansas29, University of Paris30, Coventry University31, University of Sousse32, Manouba University33
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated whether sociodemographic variables, changes in physical activity, and sleep quality from pre- to during lockdown were predictors of change in mental wellbeing in quarantined older adults.
Abstract: Background. The COVID-19 lockdown could engender disruption to lifestyle behaviors, thus impairing mental wellbeing in the general population. This study investigated whether sociodemographic variables, changes in physical activity, and sleep quality from pre- to during lockdown were predictors of change in mental wellbeing in quarantined older adults. Methods. A 12-week international online survey was launched in 14 languages on 6 April 2020. Forty-one research institutions from Europe, Western-Asia, North-Africa, and the Americas, promoted the survey. The survey was presented in a differential format with questions related to responses “pre” and “during” the lockdown period. Participants responded to the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results. Replies from older adults (aged >55 years, n = 517), mainly from Europe (50.1%), Western-Asia (6.8%), America (30%), and North-Africa (9.3%) were analyzed. The COVID-19 lockdown led to significantly decreased mental wellbeing, sleep quality, and total physical activity energy expenditure levels (all p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that the change in total PSQI score and total physical activity energy expenditure (F(2, 514) = 66.41 p < 0.001) were significant predictors of the decrease in mental wellbeing from pre- to during lockdown (p < 0.001, R2: 0.20). Conclusion. COVID-19 lockdown deleteriously affected physical activity and sleep patterns. Furthermore, change in the total PSQI score and total physical activity energy expenditure were significant predictors for the decrease in mental wellbeing.
80 citations
Uppsala University1, University of Cologne2, Max Planck Society3, University of Amsterdam4, University of Oregon5, University of Koblenz and Landau6, VU University Amsterdam7, University of Hong Kong8, Sapienza University of Rome9, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven10, Beijing Sport University11, University of Mainz12, National University of Singapore13, University of Hamburg14, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University15, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense16
TL;DR: A preregistered multilab replication of a recent preregistered experiment with the Stroop task as the depleting task and the antisaccadetask as the outcome task revealed a small and significant ego depletion effect.
Abstract: There is an active debate regarding whether the ego depletion effect is real. A recent preregistered experiment with the Stroop task as the depleting task and the antisaccade task as the outcome task found a medium-level effect size. In the current research, we conducted a preregistered multilab replication of that experiment. Data from 12 labs across the globe (N = 1,775) revealed a small and significant ego depletion effect, d = 0.10. After excluding participants who might have responded randomly during the outcome task, the effect size increased to d = 0.16. By adding an informative, unbiased data point to the literature, our findings contribute to clarifying the existence, size, and generality of ego depletion.
66 citations
Qatar Airways1, University of Melbourne2, University of Canberra3, VU University Amsterdam4, Loughborough University5, Open University of Hong Kong6, University of the Basque Country7, University of Cassino8, Qatar University9, Sultan Qaboos University10, Yarmouk University11, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg12, Northumbria University13, University of Waikato14, University of Marburg15, University of Tirana16, University of Zagreb17, University of Sfax18, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul19, John Jay College of Criminal Justice20, University of Extremadura21, Brock University22, University of Craiova23, Ljubljana University Medical Centre24, Claude Bernard University Lyon 125, Hacettepe University26, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense27, Prince Sultan University28, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse29, University of São Paulo30, University of New Caledonia31, La Trobe University32, University of Western Australia33, Australian Catholic University34, Tehran University of Medical Sciences35, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg36, University of the West of Scotland37, University of Jyväskylä38, University of Pretoria39, Yonsei University40, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College41, University Hospital Coventry42, University of Lausanne43, Kogi State University44, University of the West45, University of Lyon46, University of Milan47, University of Tasmania48, Australian Institute of Sport49, Mahasarakham University50, University of Isfahan51, State University of Semarang52, University of Indianapolis53, University of Agder54, VU University Medical Center55, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg56, University of Sousse57, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw58, Norwegian University of Science and Technology59
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the training-related knowledge, beliefs, and practices of athletes and the influence of lockdowns in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Abstract: Our objective was to explore the training-related knowledge, beliefs, and practices of athletes and the influence of lockdowns in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Athletes (n = 12,526, comprising 13% world class, 21% international, 36% national, 24% state, and 6% recreational) completed an online survey that was available from 17 May to 5 July 2020 and explored their training behaviors (training knowledge, beliefs/attitudes, and practices), including specific questions on their training intensity, frequency, and session duration before and during lockdown (March–June 2020). Overall, 85% of athletes wanted to “maintain training,” and 79% disagreed with the statement that it is “okay to not train during lockdown,” with a greater prevalence for both in higher-level athletes. In total, 60% of athletes considered “coaching by correspondence (remote coaching)” to be sufficient (highest amongst world-class athletes). During lockdown, < 40% were able to maintain sport-specific training (e.g., long endurance [39%], interval training [35%], weightlifting [33%], plyometric exercise [30%]) at pre-lockdown levels (higher among world-class, international, and national athletes), with most (83%) training for “general fitness and health maintenance” during lockdown. Athletes trained alone (80%) and focused on bodyweight (65%) and cardiovascular (59%) exercise/training during lockdown. Compared with before lockdown, most athletes reported reduced training frequency (from between five and seven sessions per week to four or fewer), shorter training sessions (from ≥ 60 to < 60 min), and lower sport-specific intensity (~ 38% reduction), irrespective of athlete classification. COVID-19-related lockdowns saw marked reductions in athletic training specificity, intensity, frequency, and duration, with notable within-sample differences (by athlete classification). Higher classification athletes had the strongest desire to “maintain” training and the greatest opposition to “not training” during lockdowns. These higher classification athletes retained training specificity to a greater degree than others, probably because of preferential access to limited training resources. More higher classification athletes considered “coaching by correspondence” as sufficient than did lower classification athletes. These lockdown-mediated changes in training were not conducive to maintenance or progression of athletes’ physical capacities and were also likely detrimental to athletes’ mental health. These data can be used by policy makers, athletes, and their multidisciplinary teams to modulate their practice, with a degree of individualization, in the current and continued pandemic-related scenario. Furthermore, the data may drive training-related educational resources for athletes and their multidisciplinary teams. Such upskilling would provide athletes with evidence to inform their training modifications in response to germane situations (e.g., COVID related, injury, and illness).
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed an EEG classification system for drowsiness detection based on deep learning networks, which is mainly realized into two procedures; (i) data acquisition and (ii) model analysis.
Abstract: Drowsiness detection (DD) has become a relevant area of active research in biomedical signal processing. Recently, various deep learning (DL) researches based on the EEG signals have been proposed to detect fatigue conditions. The research presented in this paper proposes an EEG classification system for DD based on DL networks. However, the proposed DD system is mainly realized into two procedures; (i) data acquisition and (ii) model analysis. For the data acquisition procedure, two key steps are considered, which are the signal collection using a wearable Emotiv EPOC+ headset to record 14 channels of EEG, and the signal annotation. Furthermore, a data augmentation (DA) step has been added to the proposed system to overcome the problem of over-fitting and to improve accuracy. As regards the model analysis, a comparative study is also introduced in this paper to argue the choice of DL architecture and frameworks used in our DD system. In this sense, The proposed DD protocol makes use of a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture implemented using the Keras library. The results showed a high accuracy value (90.42%) in drowsy/awake discrimination and revealed the efficiency of the proposed DD system compared to other research works.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effect of home confinement on sleep quality, screen time and physical activity in Tunisian children with a special focus on gender differences. And they found that gender differences had a negative effect on all the considered parameters (p < 0.05).
Abstract: COVID-19 home confinement has led to a stressful situation for children around the world and affected their lifestyle. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of these restrictions on sleep quality, screen time (ST) and physical activity (PA) in Tunisian children with a special focus on gender differences. An online survey was launched in April 2020. Questions were presented in a differential format, with expected responses related to "before" and "during" confinement. Participants (52 boys and 48 girls, age: 8.66 ± 3.3 years) responded to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the digital media use, and the Ricci and Gagnon sedentary behavior questionnaires. Findings revealed that COVID19 home confinement had a negative effect on all the considered parameters (p < 0.05). Significant effects of gender were found on sleep disturbances (p = 0.016, np2 = 0.05), subjective sleep quality (p < 0.01, np2 = 0.07), global score of PSQI (p = 0.01, np2 = 0.01) and nocturnal and global screen time (p < 0.001, np2 = 0.09) with poorer sleep and higher screen time in girls compared to boys during home confinement. A significant correlation was shown between Global ST and PSQI score (r = 0.39, p < 0.001). Programs of PA for children and sensitization campaigns against the use of screens have been deemed urgent with special focus oriented to girls.
37 citations
TL;DR: The ECLB-COVID19 consortium is highlighting the importance of providing innovative ICT-based solutions (ICT-CO VID-Companion) to improve elderly physical and mental health, thereby preventing/dampening psychosocial strain during pandemics.
Abstract: Although recognized as effective measures to curb the spread of the COVID19 outbreak, social distancing and home confinement have generated a mental health burden with older adults who are considered to be more vulnerable to psychosocial strains. To date, the application of digital technologies in response to COVID-19 pandemic has been narrowed to public-health needs related to containment and mitigation. However, information and communications technology (ICT)-based initiatives directed toward prediction and prevention of psychosocial support are still limited. Given the power of digital health solutions to allow easy and accurate characterization and intervention for health and disease, as well as to flatten the COVID19 incidence curves in many countries, our ECLB-COVID19 consortium is highlighting the importance of providing innovative ICT-based solutions (ICT-COVID-Companion) to improve elderly physical and mental health, thereby preventing/dampening psychosocial strain during pandemics. Based on innovative approaches (e.g., emotional/social computing, open social platform, interactive coaching, gamification, fitness-tracker, internet of things) and smart digital solutions (smartwatch/smartphone), smart companions must provide safe personalised physical, mental and psychosocial health surveillance. Additionally, by delivering personalised multi-dimension crisis-oriented health recommendations, such innovative crisis-oriented solutions would help (i) facilitate a user's adherence to active and healthy confinement lifestyle (AHCL), (ii) achieve a rapid psychosocial recovery in case of depression issues and (iii) enhance preparedness for eventual future pandemics.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, semi-structured interviews and observations were undertaken at two sites in France and the UK with 16 implant recipients who had received either the Argus II or IRIS II devices.
Abstract: Introduction Retinal implants have now been approved and commercially available for certain clinical populations for over 5 years, with hundreds of individuals implanted, scores of them closely followed in research trials Despite these numbers, however, few data are available that would help us answer basic questions regarding the nature and outcomes of artificial vision: what do recipients see when the device is turned on for the first time, and how does that change over time? Methods Semi-structured interviews and observations were undertaken at two sites in France and the UK with 16 recipients who had received either the Argus II or IRIS II devices Data were collected at various time points in the process that implant recipients went through in receiving and learning to use the device, including initial evaluation, implantation, initial activation and systems fitting, re-education and finally post-education These data were supplemented with data from interviews conducted with vision rehabilitation specialists at the clinical sites and clinical researchers at the device manufacturers (Second Sight and Pixium Vision) Observational and interview data were transcribed, coded and analyzed using an approach guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) Results Implant recipients described the perceptual experience produced by their epiretinal implants as fundamentally, qualitatively different than natural vision All used terms that invoked electrical stimuli to describe the appearance of their percepts, yet the characteristics used to describe the percepts varied significantly between recipients Artificial vision for these recipients was a highly specific, learned skill-set that combined particular bodily techniques, associative learning and deductive reasoning in order to build a "lexicon of flashes"-a distinct perceptual vocabulary that they then used to decompose, recompose and interpret their surroundings The percept did not transform over time; rather, the recipient became better at interpreting the signals they received, using cognitive techniques The process of using the device never ceased to be cognitively fatiguing, and did not come without risk or cost to the recipient In exchange, recipients received hope and purpose through participation, as well as a new kind of sensory signal that may not have afforded practical or functional use in daily life but, for some, provided a kind of "contemplative perception" that recipients tailored to individualized activities Conclusion Attending to the qualitative reports of implant recipients regarding the experience of artificial vision provides valuable information not captured by extant clinical outcome measures
34 citations
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a 2D reconfigurable reflective metasurface with individually addressable meta-atoms enabling a continuous phase control is proposed in the microwave regime, where the response of the meta-atom is flexibly controlled by changing the bias voltage applied to the embedded varactor diode through an elaborated power supply system.
Abstract: The emergence of metasurfaces provides a novel strategy to tailor the electromagnetic response of electromagnetic waves in a controlled manner by judicious design of the constitutive meta-atom. However, passive metasurfaces tend to perform a specific or limited number of functionalities and suffer from narrow-frequency-band operation. Reported reconfigurable metasurfaces can generally be controlled only in a 1D configuration or use p-i-n diodes to show binary phase states. Here, a 2D reconfigurable reflective metasurface with individually addressable meta-atoms enabling a continuous phase control is proposed in the microwave regime. The response of the meta-atom is flexibly controlled by changing the bias voltage applied to the embedded varactor diode through an elaborated power supply system. By assigning appropriate phase profiles to the metasurface through voltage modulation, complex beam generation, including Bessel beams, vortex beams, and Airy beams, is fulfilled to demonstrate the accurate phase-control capability of the reconfigurable metasurface. Both simulations and measurements are performed as a proof of concept and show good agreement. The proposed design paves the way toward the achievement of real-time and programmable multifunctional meta-devices, with enormous potential for microwave applications such as wireless communication, electromagnetic imaging, and smart antennas.
TL;DR: Diurnal napping may be beneficial for athletes but this benefit should be viewed with caution due to the quality of the evidence, risk of bias and the limited evidence about napping interventions.
Abstract: Evidence suggests that athletes often experience chronic sleep disturbance. Napping is widely recommended as a safe and non-invasive intervention to counteract the negative effects of partial sleep deprivation. However, systematic reviews on the benefits of napping have yet to be undertaken. (i) To evaluate the effectiveness of diurnal napping opportunities on athletes’ physical and cognitive performance and (ii) to outline how aspects of the study design (i.e., nap duration, exercise protocol, participants’ fitness level and previous sleep quantity) can influence the potential effects of napping through a systematic appraisal of the literature. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases were searched up to June 2020 for relevant studies investigating the effect of napping on physical and cognitive performances in physically active participants. Fourteen strong-quality and four moderate-quality (mean QualSyst score = 75.75 ± 5.7%) studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final sample (total participants: 158 physically active and 168 athletes). Most studies (n = 15) confirmed the beneficial effects of napping and showed that diurnal napping improved short-term physical performance (n = 10), endurance performance (n = 3) and specific skills performance (n = 2). Two studies showed no significant napping effect and only one study showed reduced sprint performance following diurnal napping. Moreover, napping improved reaction time (n = 3), attention (n = 2) and short-term memory (n = 1) performances. Importantly, “replacement naps” improved both physical and cognitive performance regardless of the type of exercise. However, “prophylactic naps” improved only jump, strength, running repeated-sprint, attention and reaction time performances. In addition, this systematic review revealed that longer nap opportunities (i.e., 90 min) resulted in better improvement of physical and cognitive performance and lower induced fatigue. A diurnal nap seems to be an advantageous intervention to enhance recovery process and counteract the negative effect of partial sleep deprivation on physical and cognitive performance. Particularly, to optimize physical performances of athletes experiencing chronic lack of sleep, findings from the included individual studies suggest 90 min as the optimal nap duration. Diurnal napping may be beneficial for athletes but this benefit should be viewed with caution due to the quality of the evidence, risk of bias and the limited evidence about napping interventions.
TL;DR: A Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) solution helping hospital administrators identify potentially denied claims and help patients focus on their recovery instead of dealing with appealing claims is developed.
Abstract: It is estimated that one out of seven health insurance claims is rejected in the US; hospitals across the country lose approximately $262 billion annually due to denied claims. This widespread problem causes huge cash-flow issues and overburdens patients. Thus, preventing claim denials before claims are submitted to insurers improves profitability, accelerates the revenue cycle, and supports patients’ wellbeing. This study utilizes Design Science Research (DSR) paradigm and develops a Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) solution helping hospital administrators identify potentially denied claims. Guided by five principles, this framework utilizes six AI algorithms – classified as white-box and glass-box – and employs cross-validation to tune hyperparameters and determine the best model. The results show that a white-box algorithm (AdaBoost) model yields an AUC rate of 0.83, outperforming all other models. This research’s primary implications are to (1) help providers reduce operational costs and increase the efficiency of insurance claim processes (2) help patients focus on their recovery instead of dealing with appealing claims.
University of Lausanne1, Université catholique de Louvain2, University of Geneva3, University of Lyon4, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne5, François Rabelais University6, University of Savoy7, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense8, Université de Montréal9, Stanford University10, French Institute of Health and Medical Research11, University of Padua12, Flinders University13, Kore University of Enna14, University of Bern15
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employed an item-based network analysis conducted in two different samples: a large sample of non-clinical participants (N = 18,568) and a sample of clinical participants with psychiatric disorders (n = 385) to examine whether positive and negative urgency constructs constitute separate impulsivity traits.
Abstract: Aims: Negative and positive urgency are emotion-related impulsivity traits that are
thought to be transdiagnostic factors in psychopathology. However, it has recently
been claimed that these two traits are closely related to each other and that considering them separately might have limited conceptual and methodological value. The
present study aimed to examine whether positive and negative urgency constructs
constitute separate impulsivity traits.
Methods: In contrast to previous studies that have used latent variable approaches,
this study employed an item-based network analysis conducted in two different samples: a large sample of non-clinical participants (N = 18,568) and a sample of clinical
participants with psychiatric disorders (N = 385).
Results: The network analysis demonstrated that items denoting both positive and
negative urgency cohere as a single cluster of items termed “general urgency” in both
clinical and non-clinical samples, thereby suggesting that differentiating positive and
negative urgency as separate constructs is not necessary.
Conclusion: These findings have important implications for the conceptualization
and assessment of urgency and, more broadly, for future research on impulsivity,
personality, and psychopathology.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a three-dimensional framework to distinguish motives for policy implementation (prudential or promotional), policy instruments (informational, incentive-based or quantity-based), and implementing authorities (political or delegated).
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs), represented by ICT capital services, on total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) in developing, emerging and developed countries with particular attention on countries' absorption capacities over the period 2006-2016.
TL;DR: In this paper, changes in hematological parameters are becoming evident as important early markers of COVID-19 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has been shown to be associated with increased severity.
Abstract: Objectives: Changes in hematological parameters are becoming evident as important early markers of COVID-19 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has been shown to be associated with increased severity of COVID-19 In this study, we aim to explore the various hematological variables in COVID-19 positive patients with T2DM, so as to act early and improve patient outcomesMethods: Medical e-records of seventy adult patients with T2DM who were COVID-19 positive have been analyzed in this retrospective cohort study Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters for these patients were examinedResults: Of the seventy patients with T2DM, 4888% had poorly controlled diabetes 7069% were pyrexial, 5625% were tachycardic and 3858% were asymptomatic on presentation Amongst the hematological parameters, anemia was seen in 10% of males and 1538% of females 20% had a high red-blood-cell-distribution-width (RDW) 727% had thrombocytosis and 364% had thrombocytopenia 733% had a high platelet-distribution-width (PDW) and 4444% had an increased mean-platelet-volume (MPV) 1636% were neutropenic and 1667% had lymphocytopeniaConclusion: Diabetic COVID-19 positive patients have been shown to have prominent manifestations of the hemopoietic-system with varied hematological profiles Recognizing the implications of these variables early in primary-care, can help clinicians aid management decisions and dictate early referral to secondary-care services, to help improve prognosis
TL;DR: In this article, the authors extend the growth-at-risk approach of Adrian et al. (2019) by accounting for the high-frequency nature of financial conditions indicators, and they use Bayesian mixed-data sampling (MIDAS) quantile regressions to exploit the information content of both a financial stress index and a financial conditions index, leading to real-time highfrequency GaR measures for the euro area.
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative study explores coping strategies of energy-poor households in urban settings in four European countries with different levels of energy poverty: France, Spain, Austria, and North Macedonia.
Abstract: This article is a qualitative study exploring coping strategies of energy-poor households in urban settings in four European countries with different levels of energy poverty: France, Spain, Austria, and North Macedonia. We have drawn inspiration from previous studies conducted in the health area that pay attention to the behavioral, psychological, and emotional response, which provided a partial understanding of coping strategies as largely individual, with a negative impact on households. Based on the evidence of interviews with energy vulnerable households and observation of their practical actions in four cities, we categorize coping strategies to reflect a more comprehensive snapshot of the everyday experience of energy vulnerability. The results demonstrate that the coping strategies of energy vulnerable households are manifold and complex. We expand the concept of coping strategies to include a collective response which is more likely to enable household empowerment that fills up their resilience reserves and facilitates rebound from energy vulnerability. Contrarily, other strategies lead to lock-ins, which may further deplete energy vulnerable households’ resilience reserve, thus making their lived experience more taxing for them. Lastly, we emphasize that personal and structural lock-ins determine energy vulnerable households’ choice of coping strategies.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the psychosocial effects of home confinement in two European countries that underwent different lockdown intensities: Italy and the Netherlands and the role of communication technology in relation to feelings of loneliness.
Abstract: (1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced people from all around the globe to strongly modify their daily routines, putting a significant strain on the social aspects of daily lives. While the first wave of the pandemic was a very challenging time in all countries, it is still uncertain whether various lockdown intensities and infection rates differed regarding their psychosocial impact. This work therefore aimed to investigate (i) the psychosocial effects of home confinement in two European countries that underwent different lockdown intensities: Italy and the Netherlands and (ii) the role of communication technology in relation to feelings of loneliness. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional online survey inquiring about different psychosocial variables and the use of and satisfaction towards communication technology was circulated among the general public during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 629 participants (66% female, 68% from the Netherlands) answered each question twice, referring to "before" and "during" the pandemic. (3) Results: We found significant negative effects of COVID-19 home confinement on depressive feelings (p < 0.001, %∆ = +54%), loneliness (p < 0.001, %∆ = +37.3%), life satisfaction (p < 0.001, %∆ = -19.8%) and mental wellbeing (p < 0.001, %∆ = -10.6%) which were accompanied with a significantly increased need for psychosocial support (p < 0.001, %∆ = +17.3%). However, the magnitude of psychosocial impact did not significantly differ between residents undergoing a more intense (Italy) versus a less intense (Netherlands) lockdown, although the decrease in social participation was found to be significantly different for both countries (z = -7.714, p < 0.001). Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that the increase in loneliness was associated with the adoption of new digital communication tools (r = 0.21, p < 0.001), and significantly higher for individuals who started to adopt at least one new digital communication tool during confinement than for those who did not (z = -4.252, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: This study highlights that, although COVID-19 home confinement significantly impacted psychosocial wellbeing during the first wave of the pandemic, this impact did not differ based on lockdown intensity. Recognizing the increasing adoption of digital communication technology in an attempt to reduce lockdown loneliness, future studies should investigate what is needed from the technology to achieve this effect.
TL;DR: In this paper, a quasi-3D finite element model (FEM) with a low computational cost is presented for coupled bending and torsional-warping analysis of thin-walled beams.
Abstract: A quasi-3D finite element model (FEM) with a low computational cost is presented for coupled bending and torsional–warping analysis of thin-walled beams. The presented FEM converts the problem of 3D analysis of thin-walled beams into separated 2D cross-sectional and 1D modeling. The warping function over the cross-section of the thin-walled beams is firstly approximated, via a 2D FEM. Then, a 1D FEM is developed for computing the axial variations of the displacement field variables. For describing the kinematic of the thin-walled beam due to axial extension and bending, the concept of hypothetical equivalent layered composite cross-section (HELCS) is employed. Using the HELCS, the non-classical effects like transverse shear flexibility can be easily incorporated into the formulation. A refined sinus theory is employed to describe the displacement fields of the equivalent layered cross-section. In contrast to other refined models of literature, the present model does not require the calculation of any geometric, torsional and warping constants. For validation of the proposed model, comparisons are made with the results of 2D/3D finite element analysis as well as the numerical and analytical results reported by other researchers. The proposed model not only gives accurate results but also reduces the number of involved degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) significantly. Considering the effects of the restrained warping due to torsion, no need to use the shear correction factor, satisfaction of zero-conditions of shear stresses on the exterior surfaces of beams are other advantages of the proposed FEM.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of eight weeks of fitness and dance training, followed by four weeks of COVID-19-induced detraining, on cardiac adaptations and physical performance indicators in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Abstract: Physical training is considered as a low-cost intervention to generate cardioprotective benefits and to promote physical and mental health, while reducing the severity of acute respiratory infection symptoms in older adults. However, lockdown measures during COVID-19 have limited people's opportunity to exercise regularly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of Fitness and Dance training, followed by four weeks of COVID-19-induced detraining, on cardiac adaptations and physical performance indicators in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Twelve older adults (6 males and 6 females) with MCI (age, 73 ± 4.4 y; body mass, 75.3 ± 6.4 kg; height, 172 ± 8 cm; MMSE score: 24-27) participated in eight weeks of a combined Fitness-Dance training intervention (two sessions/week) followed by four weeks of training cessation induced by COVID-19 lockdowns. Wireless Polar Team Pro and Polar heart rate sensors (H10) were used to monitor covered distance, speed, heart rate (HR min, avg and max), time in HR zone 1 to 5, strenuousness (load score), beat-to-beat interval (max RR and avg RR) and heart rate variability (HRV-RMSSD). One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data of the three test sessions (T1: first training session, T2: last training session of the eight-week training program, and T3: first training session after the four-week training cessation). Statistical analysis showed that eight weeks of combined Fitness-Dance training induced beneficial cardiac adaptations by decreasing HR (HR min, HR avg and HR max) with p < 0.001, ES = 0.5-0.6 and Δ = -7 to-9 bpm, and increasing HRV related responses (max and avg RR and RMSSD), with p < 0.01 and ES = 0.4. Consequently, participants spent more time in comfortable HR zones (e.g., p < 0.0005; ES = 0.7; Δ = 25% for HR zone 1) and showed reduced strenuousness (p = 0.02, Δ = -15% for load score), despite the higher covered total distance and average speed (p < 0.01; ES = 0.4). However, these changes were reversed after only four weeks of COVID-19 induced detraining, with values of all parameters returning to their baseline levels. In conclusion, eight weeks of combined Fitness-Dance training seems to be an efficient strategy to promote cardioprotective benefits in older adults with MCI. Importantly, to maintain these health benefits, training has to be continued and detraining periods should be reduced. During a pandemic, home-based exercise programs may provide an effective and efficient alternative of physical training.
TL;DR: In this paper, a new dataset of individual balance sheets from more than 300 French banks was used to assess the scale of the French banking crisis of 1930-1 and their consequences.
Abstract: Despite France's importance in the interwar world economy, the scale of the French banking crises of 1930–1 and their consequences have never been fully assessed quantitatively. The lack of banking regulation severely limited the availability of balance sheet data. Using a new dataset of individual balance sheets from more than 300 banks, this article shows that the crises were much more severe than previously thought, although they did not affect the main commercial banks. By reconstructing financial flows, this study shows that the fall in bank credit was mostly driven by a flight‐to‐safety by deposits, from banks to savings institutions and the central bank. The decrease in bank deposits due to bank runs was offset by an increase in deposits with savings institutions, with the central bank, and in cash hoarding, whereas the decrease in bank credit was not offset by an increase in loans from non‐bank financial institutions. In line with the gold standard mentality, cash deposited with savings institutions and the central bank was used to decrease marketable public debt and increase gold reserves, rather than pursuing countercyclical policies. Despite massive capital inflows and rising aggregate money supply, France suffered from a severe, persistent credit crunch.
University of Sfax1, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense2, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg3, University of Arkansas4, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw5, Carlo Besta Neurological Institute6, University of Genoa7, Coventry University8, Qatar Airways9, Manouba University10, York University11, University of North Texas12
TL;DR: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of Ramadan observance on sleep duration, sleep quality, daily nap duration, and daytime sleepiness in athletes and physically active individuals is presented in this paper.
Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an accurate description of the effect of Ramadan observance on sleep duration, sleep quality, daily nap duration, and daytime sleepiness in athletes and physically active individuals. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley, and Taylor and Francis) were used to search for relevant studies conducted with athletes or physically active individuals during Ramadan, published in any language, and available before May 23, 2021. Studies that included assessments of sleep quantity and/or quality, and/or daytime sleepiness, and/or daily naps in athletes and physically active individuals were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using "QualSyst". Of the 18 papers included in this study (298 participants in total), 14 were of strong quality, two were moderate, and the remaining two were rated as weak. Individuals who continued to train during Ramadan experienced a decrease in sleep duration (number of studies, K = 17, number of participants, N = 289, g = -0.766, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.199 to -0.333, p = 0.001). Additionally, the global score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index increased from 4.053 (K = 5, N = 65, 95% CI 3.071-5.034) pre-Ramadan, to 5.346 (95% CI 4.362-6.333) during Ramadan, indicating a decrease in sleep quality. The duration of daytime naps increased during compared to pre-Ramadan (K = 2, N = 31, g = 1.020, 95% CI 0.595-1.445, p = 0.000), whereas Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores remained unchanged during versus pre-Ramadan (K = 3, N = 31, g = 0.190, 95% CI -0.139-0.519, p = 0.257). In conclusion, individuals who continued to train during Ramadan experienced a decrease in sleep duration, impairment of sleep quality, and increase in daytime nap duration, with no change in daytime sleepiness levels.
TL;DR: This article explored some of the mechanisms underlying the photographic visualisations of the French Empire between the late nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries, focusing in particular on the visualisation of the Paris skyline.
Abstract: This article explores some of the mechanisms underlying the photographic visualisations of the French Empire between the late nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries, This study focuses in par...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether a tone shock derived from European Central Bank communication helps predict ECB monetary policy decisions, and they found that the tone shock is significantly and positively related to future ECB monetary policies, even when controlling for market expectations of monetary policy and the Governing Council's intermeeting communication.
TL;DR: The experimental results agree well with the numerical simulations and the theoretical predictions, which make the proposed multiplexed two-bit coding meta-hologram a great potential in numerous applications such as data storage and information processing.
Abstract: Multiplexing technologies can be used as a platform for low-cost, high-performance, and large-capacity holographic displays and data storage systems. In this paper, a polarization multiplexed method is proposed to realize two different information channels under orthogonally linear-polarized incidences utilizing the coding metasurface. Based on the modified weighted Gerchberg–Saxton (GSW) algorithm, a two-bit coding metasurface is designed with a set of double-layer cross-type meta-atoms to encode the holographic phase information, which can reflect two independent holographic images with respect to different incident polarization. The experimental results agree well with the numerical simulations and the theoretical predictions, which make the proposed multiplexed two-bit coding meta-hologram a great potential in numerous applications such as data storage and information processing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the link between impairments, motor strategies and individual performance in object handling tasks is examined. But, the authors focus on tasks involving manual dexterity where prehensile movements are contingent upon the task (individual digit movement, grasping, and manipulation) and its objective (placing, two step actions).
Abstract: Impairments in dexterous upper limb function are a significant cause of disability following stroke. While the physiological basis of movement deficits consequent to a lesion in the pyramidal tract is well demonstrated, specific mechanisms contributing to optimal recovery are less apparent. Various upper limb interventions (motor learning methods, neurostimulation techniques, robotics, virtual reality, and serious games) are associated with improvements in motor performance, but many patients continue to experience significant limitations with object handling in everyday activities. Exactly how we go about consolidating adaptive motor behaviors through the rehabilitation process thus remains a considerable challenge. An important part of this problem is the ability to successfully distinguish the extent to which a given gesture is determined by the neuromotor impairment and that which is determined by a compensatory mechanism. This question is particularly complicated in tasks involving manual dexterity where prehensile movements are contingent upon the task (individual digit movement, grasping, and manipulation…) and its objective (placing, two step actions…), as well as personal factors (motivation, acquired skills, and life habits…) and contextual cues related to the environment (presence of tools or assistive devices…). Presently, there remains a lack of integrative studies which differentiate processes related to structural changes associated with the neurological lesion and those related to behavioral change in response to situational constraints. In this text, we shall question the link between impairments, motor strategies and individual performance in object handling tasks. This scoping review will be based on clinical studies, and discussed in relation to more general findings about hand and upper limb function (manipulation of objects, tool use in daily life activity). We shall discuss how further quantitative studies on human manipulation in ecological contexts may provide greater insight into compensatory motor behavior in patients with a neurological impairment of dexterous upper-limb function.
TL;DR: RF increased ESS and decreased RAST performances associated with higher muscle damage and fatigue, especially at LWR, and these previous alterations could be attributed to disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms rather than nutritional deficiency or dehydratation.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the impact of total sleep deprivation on approach/avoidance decisions when faced with threatening individuals, as well as the potential moderating role of sleep-related mood changes.
Abstract: Study objectives Total sleep deprivation is known to have significant detrimental effects on cognitive and socio-emotional functioning. Nonetheless, the mechanisms by which total sleep loss disturbs decision-making in social contexts are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of total sleep deprivation on approach/avoidance decisions when faced with threatening individuals, as well as the potential moderating role of sleep-related mood changes. Methods Participants (n = 34) made spontaneous approach/avoidance decisions in the presence of task-irrelevant angry or fearful individuals, while rested or totally sleep deprived (27 hours of continuous wakefulness). Sleep-related changes in mood and sustained attention were assessed using the Positive and Negative Affective Scale and the psychomotor vigilance task, respectively. Results Rested participants avoided both fearful and angry individuals, with stronger avoidance for angry individuals, in line with previous results. On the contrary, totally sleep deprived participants favored neither approach nor avoidance of fearful individuals, while they still comparably avoided angry individuals. Drift-diffusion models showed that this effect was accounted for by the fact that total sleep deprivation reduced value-based evidence accumulation toward avoidance during decision making. Finally, the reduction of positive mood after total sleep deprivation positively correlated with the reduction of fearful display avoidance. Importantly, this correlation was not mediated by a sleep-related reduction in sustained attention. Conclusions All together, these findings support the underestimated role of positive mood-state alterations caused by total sleep loss on approach/avoidance decisions when facing ambiguous socio-emotional displays, such as fear.