A study of cultural orientation and attitudes and meaning toward play: A cross cultural investigation among emerging adulthood in the People Republic of China, Hong Kong, and United States

The purpose of this study was to examine play among emerging adults in the People Republic of China, Hong Kong, and the United States. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the respondents\u27 perceptions of play and their personal cultural orientation. The study also explored the relationship between respondents\u27 perceptions of play\u27s importance and their cultural orientation. Respondents\u27 frequency of play was also studied to determine whether there were relationships between frequency of play, countries of origin, and personal cultural orientation. Finally, the study considered the interactive effects among perceptions of play, play\u27s importance, personal cultural orientation, and countries of origin. The study was organized as a non-experimental research design. Written questionnaires were distributed to 322 respondents. A total of 301 completed instruments were return, which yielded a 93.4 % response rate. Data were collected from students who were enrolled in physical education, recreation and leisure courses during the 2010-2011 academic years at the University of Northern Iowa in the U.S. (n=139), Zhejiang University in the PRC (n=70), and the Community College of City University of Hong Kong in HK (n=92). The research instrument in the present study was a self-reported questionnaire that was divided into six main sections: (a) perceptions of play; (b) frequency of play; (c) frequencies of play; (d) personal cultural orientation; (e) criteria for reaching adulthood; and (f) demographics. Play was important for emerging adults in this study for the following reasons: (a) for socialization, (b) for relaxation, (c) to challenge skill and ability, (d) to express emotion, (e) to expend energy, (f) to establish identity, (g) to develop mature interpersonal relationships, and (h) for development. This study demonstrated that personal cultural orientations have significant effects on perceptions of play and play\u27s importance. Moreover, more females than males perceived play as creativity, expression, and learning. Female emerging adults were: (a) more focused on social status, respect, wealth, rights, and privileges (POW); (b) unwilling to take risks (RSK); and (c) tolerant of ambiguity and uncertain situations (AMB) than were male respondents. This research found that emerging adults identified perceptions of play within four categories: (a) intrinsic goal/outcome benefits; (b) intrinsic non goal/outcome benefits; (c) relationship non goal/outcome benefits; and (d) relationship non goal/outcome benefits. Emerging adults perceived play\u27s importance within four categories: (a) for development and socialization; (b) for relaxation; (c) to establish identity; and (d) for expression. Emerging adults in HK perceived team sports, social activities, and card games as the most frequent activities they engaged in during play. Emerging adults in HK indicated that all activities they engaged in during play involved other people. In addition, emerging adults in the PRC perceived team sports, entertainment, and travel as the most frequent activities they engaged in during play. The results of this study have added to the body of knowledge related to Chinese definitions of play and play benefits for emerging adults. The study suggest the need for additional research to gain a greater understanding of Chinese definitions of play and the benefits of play for emerging adults in different countries

Design of A Saccadic Active Vision System

Human vision is remarkable. By limiting the main concentration of high-acuity photoreceptors to the eye's central fovea region, we efficiently view the world by redirecting the fovea between points of interest using eye movements called saccades. Part I describes a saccadic vision system prototype design. The dual-resolution saccadic camera detects objects of interest in a scene by processing low-resolution image information; it then revisits salient regions in high-resolution. The end product is a dual-resolution image in which background information is displayed in low-resolution, and salient areas are captured in high-acuity. This lends to a resource-efficient active vision system. Part II describes CMOS image sensor designs for active vision. Specifically, this discussion focuses on methods to determine regions of interest and achieve high dynamic range on the sensor

Genome sequence and genetic linkage analysis of Shiitake mushroom _Lentinula edodes_

_Lentinula edodes_ (Shiitake/Xianggu) is an important cultivated mushroom. Understanding the genomics and functional genomics of _L. edodes_ allows us to improve its cultivation and quality. Genome sequence is a key to develop molecular genetic markers for breeding and genetic manipulation. We sequenced the genome of _L. edodes_ monokaryon L54A using Roche 454 and ABI SOLiD genome sequencing. Sequencing reads of about 1400Mb were de novo assembled into a 40.2 Mb genome sequence. We compiled the genome sequence into a searchable database with which we have been annotating the genes and analyzing the metabolic pathways. In addition, we have been using many molecular techniques to analyze genes differentially expressed during development. Gene ortholog groups of _L. edodes_ genome sequence compared across genomes of several fungi including mushrooms identified gene families unique to mushroom-forming fungi. We used a mapping population of haploid basidiospores of dikaryon L54 for genetic linkage analysis. High-quality variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions, and deletions of the mapping population formed a high-density genetic linkage map. We compared the linkage map to the _L. edodes_ L54A genome sequence and located selected quantitative trait loci. The Shiitake community will benefit from these resources for genetic studies and breeding.
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Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy v. group psychoeducation for people with generalised anxiety disorder: randomised controlled trial

Background: Research suggests that an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) course may be effective for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Aims: To compare changes in anxiety levels among participants with GAD randomly assigned to MBCT, cognitive–behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation and usual care. Method: In total, 182 participants with GAD were recruited (trial registration number: CUHK_CCT00267) and assigned to the three groups and followed for 5 months after baseline assessment with the two intervention groups followed for an additional 6 months. Primary outcomes were anxiety and worry levels. Results: Linear mixed models demonstrated significant group × time interaction (F(4,148) = 5.10, P = 0.001) effects for decreased anxiety for both the intervention groups relative to usual care. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for worry and depressive symptoms and mental health-related quality of life for the psychoeducation group only. Conclusions: These results suggest that both of the interventions appear to be superior to usual care for the reduction of anxiety symptoms

A Brief Mindfulness-Based Family Psychoeducation Intervention for Chinese Young Adults With First Episode Psychosis: A Study Protocol

Family psychoeducation (FPE) has been recommended as a major component in the treatment of psychosis. Many previous studies have implemented an intensive program design that often only emphasized improvements in patients’ illness outcomes but the benefits for caregivers were limited. There have been calls for a time-limited but cost-effective FPE program to mitigate the looming reality of the suffering of people with psychosis and their families. A Brief Mindfulness-Based Family Psychoeducation for psychosis program is developed to reduce caregivers’ burden and promote young adult’s recovery. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to compare this intervention with an ordinary FPE intervention. Both arms will involve six sessions, with a total contact time of 12 h. 300 caregivers of young adults who have experienced first episode psychosis within last 3 years will be recruited. Program effectiveness will be assessed by comparing outcomes measuring the caregivers’ burden, mental health symptoms, positive well-being, and the young adult’s mental health symptoms during the study and at 9-month post-randomization. The role of expressed emotions, interpersonal mindfulness, and non-attachment in mediating these outcomes will be explored. An additional qualitative approach Photovoice is selected to explore the complex family experiences and the benefits of mindfulness from the caregivers’ personal perspectives.Trial Registration: The trial is registered with the United States Clinical Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov): NCT03688009

Linking healthcare and social service databases to study the epidemiology of child maltreatment and associated health problems: Hong Kong's experience

Objective: To examine the incidence and trend of child maltreatment and its associated health problems in Hong Kong by linking healthcare and social service databases. Study design: Data on 4816 children under the age of 18 years registered with the Child Protection Registry and matching health records in public hospitals in Hong Kong from 2003 to 2010 were extracted. Associations were examined between different types of child maltreatment and child's medical diagnosis according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision codes including suicidal attempt (X60-X84), nonchild maltreatment related injuries (S00-S99; T00-T98, excluding T74 and T76 that are maltreatment related injuries), mental health problems (F00-F99), and congenital malformations/chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Results: Significant rising trends were found for child physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse during the period from 2003 to 2010. Psychological abuse remained stable. Risk of suicide attempt was higher among children suffering from sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and children experiencing multiple abuses; mental health diagnoses were more common in victims of psychological and multiple abuses. Congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities were more commonly found among neglected children. Conclusions: In contrast to the decreasing trend observed in the West during the study period, there has been an escalating trend in child maltreatment in Hong Kong and child maltreatment is strongly associated with major health problems. This is one of the first studies to demonstrate the power of linking healthcare and social service databases, which allows for both a better understanding of the impact of child maltreatment and as a guide future policy and service planning

Factors predicting patient satisfaction in women with advanced breast cancer: a prospective study

Abstract Background The present study (1) examined patient satisfaction with care over the first year following the diagnosis of advanced breast cancer and (2) tested if unmet health system and information needs, physical symptom distress, and psychological distress predicted patient satisfaction. Methods Prospective study of 213 Chinese women with advanced breast cancer assessed while awaiting or receiving initial chemotherapy (baseline), then again at 1.5-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-baseline. Health system and information unmet (HSI) needs, psychological distress, physical symptom distress, and patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline; patient satisfaction was reassessed at each follow-up assessment. Latent growth curve analysis assessed changes in patient satisfaction over the 12 months follow-up; hierarchical multiple regression analysis tested if baseline health system information needs, physical symptom distress, anxiety and depression predicted patient satisfaction at one-year post-baseline. Results The level of patient satisfaction was high and did not change significantly over time. Only HSI needs (β = − 0.27, p < 0.005) significantly associated with baseline patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction at one-year post-baseline was predicted by HSI needs (β = − 0.26, p < 0.005), Anxiety (β = 0.23, p < 0.05) and Depression (β = − 0.28, p < 0.005), adjusting for the effect of baseline patient satisfaction (β = 0.22, p < 0.005). Conclusions Unmet health information needs and greater depressive symptoms at initial treatment phased predicted subsequent poorer patient satisfaction. This highlights a need to reinforce the importance of patient-centered care model in managing advanced breast cancer

Prevention of anxiety and depression in Chinese: a randomized clinical trial testing the effectiveness of a stepped care program in primary care

&lt;b&gt;Background&lt;/b&gt; Despite empirical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative stepped care program (SCP) in Western countries, such programs have not been evaluated in the east, which has a different services system structure and cultural nuances in seeking help for mental illness. Furthermore, only a few studies have used SCP for depression and anxiety prevention. We conducted a trial to test its effectiveness in preventing major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder among primary care patients with subthreshold depression and/or anxiety in Hong Kong.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods&lt;/b&gt; Subthreshold depression and/or anxiety patients were randomized into the SCP group (n=121) or care as usual (CAU) group (n=119). The SCP included watchful waiting, telephone counseling, problem solving therapy, and family doctor treatment within one year. The primary outcome was the onset of major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder in 15 months. The secondary outcomes were depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of life and time absent from work due to any illness.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt; Survival analysis showed no differences between the SCP and CAU groups (the cumulative probability of onset at 15 month was 23.1% in the SCP group and 20.5% in the CAU group; Hazard Ratio=1.62; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.82-3.18; p=0.16). No significant differences were found in secondary outcomes.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Limitations&lt;/b&gt; Sample size might not have been large enough.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt; SCP did not show beneficial effect on depression/anxiety prevention compared with CAU in Hong Kong primary care. As a large majority of patients improved overtime without any intervention, we are not able to exclude the possibility that the intervention might be effective. Future studies would need to have a larger sample size and conduct on patients with more severe symptoms or perform a second screening