9 results
The impact of obesity and metabolic syndrome on clinical and cognitive parameters in bipolar disorder: Results from the BIPFAT/BIPLONG study
- N. Dalkner, A. Birner, S. Bengesser, S. Guggemos, F. Fellendorf, A. Häussl, M. Lenger, A. Maget, A. Painold, M. Platzer, R. Queissner, F. Schmiedhofer, E. Schönthaler, S. Smolle, T. Stross, A. Tmava-Berisha, E. Z. Reininghaus
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S576-S577
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Introduction
Patients with bipolar disorder have a hig risk of becoming overweight and obese, associated with an increased risk of somatic diseases and premature mortality. The Austrian BIPFAT/BIPLONG study aims at investigating lipid metabolism, psychosocial functioning, and cognitive parameters in bipolar disorder (BD).
ObjectivesThe aim was to investigate to what extent overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with clinical symptoms (e.g. suicidality, depressive symptoms) and cognitive factors (attention, memory, executive function) in BD.
MethodsIn addition to anamnestic interview and psychological tests, all participants were tested with a neuropsychological test battery including the Trail Making Test A/B, the Stroop Color and Word Interference Test, the d2 Test of Attention Revised, Digit Span, Digit-Symbol-Test, and the California Verbal Learning Test. Additionally, body mass index (BMI) and variables defining MetS including waist circumference, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels have been collected in DSM-5 diagnosed patients with BD and healthy controls.
ResultsIn our Austrian bipolar cohort (n=290), the median BMI was 27.9 (SD=5.9), 30.5 % of the patients were overweight (BMI = 25.5-29.9) and 24.6% of the patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30.0). In the control group (n=183), the median BMI was 24.5 (SD=4.8), 15.2% were overweight and 8.0% were obese. A sub-analysis in 215 patients showed that compared to overweight patients, normal weight patients showed more suicidal ideation in psychiatric history (χ2(2)=7.97, p=.019). In addition, there was a significant association between suicidal ideation and glucose (r=.15, p=.043) and cholesterol (r=−.17, p=.028). In another sub-analysis with 148 euthymic bipolar patients, we found a high prevalence of MetS in patients with BD (30.4% versus 15.4% in healthy controls) associated with impaired executive function compared to patients without MetS or healthy controls with and without MetS (p=.020). Clinical variables (illness duration, suicidality, number of affective episodes, medication, age of onset, and history of psychosis) did not relate to MetS in BD (p > .05). A longitudinal analysis in 52 patients (35 without MetS and 17 with MetS) did not find an association of MetS on the one-year trajectory of cognitive decline in BD. In contrast, high baseline BMI predicted a decrease in the patient’s performance in working memory in the 12-months observation period.
ConclusionsThe BIPFAT/BIPLONG study demonstrated a high prevalence of overweight, obesity and MetS in bipolar patients with adverse effects on cognitive function. Clinical variables such as suicidality were not related to the presence of obesity or MetS. Clinical impact and further (unpublished) results will be presented.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The use of new technology in prevention and treatment of psychiatric diseases - preliminary results
- A. Häussl, F. Fellendorf, E. Fleischmann, S. Guggemos, E. Schönthaler, T. Stross, I. Zwigl, D. Albert, J. Mosbacher, K. Stix, S. Draxler, G. Lodron, T. Orgel, M. Pszeida, S. Russegger, M. Schneeberger, M. Uray, W. Weiss, M. Fellner, T. Fruhmann, R. Hartmann, P. Hauptmann, R. Pfiszter, G. Pötz, U. Prattner, N. Saran, S. Spat, E. Zweytik, T. Lutz, S. Lindner-Rabl, R. Roller-Wirnsberger, S. Schüssler, J. Zuschnegg, K. Ceron, M. Danilov, C. Grossegger, M. Macher, O. Sokolov, S. Egger-Lampl, B. Roszipal, L. Paletta, M. Lenger, N. Dalkner, E. Reininghaus
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S853-S854
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Introduction
The COVID-19 outbreak is a serious global public health issue with wide-ranging negative effects on people’s lives, which is reflected in steadily rising mental health problems. In order to appropriately respond to the increased occurrence of psychiatric illness, protect mental health and strengthen resilience it is necessary to include new technologies, such as extended reality (XR) or socially assistive robots (SAR) in not only psychiatric treatment but also in the prevention of psychiatric diseases. In this context, the use of new technologies offers innovative ways to strengthen resilience, self-efficacy and stress coping skills and plays an important role in improving psychological wellbeing.
ObjectivesPreliminary results from studies at the Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine in Graz, Austria, dealing with new technologies in psychiatry, show new options for psychiatric settings.
MethodsProject AMIGA: The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of a cognitive training session, conducted with the SAR named Pepper. In this randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of SAR on depressive symptoms and correlates is evaluated in a sample of 60 individuals with major depression. While the intervention group will receive cognitive training with the SAR Pepper, the control group will receive “treatment-as-usual” therapy with a common PC software. Participants will receive 30 minutes of training 2 times per week over a period of 3 weeks.
Project XRes4HEALTH: The aim of this study is to develop an XR resilience training to increase resilience and stress coping mechanisms in healthcare workers. A total of 40 people will be included. To test the effectiveness of the resilience training, 3 XR training sessions of 15 minutes each will be held. A pre-post measurement will test the effectiveness of the training on wellbeing and stress levels as well as the acceptance and satisfaction with the training.
Project AI-REFIT: The overall goal of this study is to explore key information to increase resilience in healthy individuals who are at increased risk for mental health problems. Through a usability study, the artificial intelligence-based prototype app of the resilience training will be tested for acceptance, usability, functionality, and efficiency. During the resilience training, participants are wearing a smartwatch which measures psychophysiological parameters. Conclusions about the success of the therapy can be drawn based on digital data acquisition.
ResultsNew technologies including XR and SAR support classical psychiatric treatment in the topics of resilience and cognitive training as an add-on therapy in times of reduced availability of healthcare workers.
ConclusionsThe rapid development of new technologies holds a lot of potential in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, which is why it is important to scientifically evaluate those innovative tools.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Robot assisted treatment in psychiatry - fiction or reality?
- E. Z. Reininghaus, A. Häussl, I. Zwigl, S. Guggemos, F. T. Fellendorf, N. Dalkner
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S856
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Introduction
The evolution of technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics has already begun to shape the future of health care delivery and will have an undeniable impact on patient experiences over the next decades. In times of shortened human resources, especially in the field of health care settings, we should also consider robots as assistance for existing treatment settings. The use of robotic assisted surgery has already found its way into clinical practice and allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control. Nevertheless, to date, the use of robotics in the field of psychiatry is sparse, at least in European countries.
Socially assistive robots (SARs) are robotic technology platforms with audio, visual, and movement capabilities that are being developed to interact with individuals while also assisting them with their management of their well-being. Robots could support classic psychiatric treatment by training cognition and motivation as well as educating patients.
ObjectivesThe robot “Pepper” has found its home at the Medical University of Graz, Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapeutic Medicine in Austria in summer 2022. It is friendly and positive, around 1,30m tall, can make conversations, learn people’s tastes, preferences, and habits to help personalize responses and better address needs. He can also offer games, make music and dance.
MethodsIn our ongoing studies we use the robot “Pepper” in the context of psychoeducational settings on different mental diseases, training of cognitive functions as well as motivational aspects in inpatients with psychiatric disorders. It can also react and suggest a break during the sessions if he has the impression that participants are stressed or overstrained with content. We collect personal feedback of the patients and associated employees in the hospital through the ongoing usability study, as well as perform a randomized controlled trial to test effects of cognitive and motivational training aspects in comparison to standardized treatment settings.
ResultsIt is time to apply new technologies in healthcare, especially in times when the staff is decreasing. Better integrating and expanding on the mental health implications of social robots will complement the ongoing drive in the field of psychology and psychiatry to better assist clients with supportive exercises and education, cognitive training, and an asynchronous care option.
ConclusionsAlthough the use of SARs in mental health research is not yet widespread, new robots and programming are constantly changing, adapting and expanding. There is an abundance of opportunity for growth, expansion, and exploration to triangulate SARs usability and efficacy as the next step in advancing this field. We should not be afraid of this new and expanding technology but come to use it as soon as possible as a support in psychiatric treatment. Let‘s make fiction become reality!
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
4 - A Network Analytical Four-Level Concept for an Interpretation of Social Interaction in Terms of Structure and Agency
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- By Roger Häussling, RWTH Aachen University
- Edited by Silvia Domínguez, Northeastern University, Boston, Betina Hollstein, Universität Bremen
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- Mixed Methods Social Networks Research
- Published online:
- 05 July 2014
- Print publication:
- 30 June 2014, pp 90-118
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Summary
Introduction
This contribution proposes a four-level concept for network analysis designed for adequately capturing and interpreting the socially multidimensional nature of human interaction. Specifically, the concept serves to link the actor perspective of an interaction-oriented sociology with a structural perspective on prevailing constellations of interaction and overall framework conditions. Both perspectives are warranted and stand more in a complementary than in a rival or even a mutually exclusive relationship. On the empirical side of methodology, this insight is mirrored by employing a combination of qualitative methods of collecting network data and formal methods of network analysis. The analysis itself follows a multilevel parallel design strategy (cf. Introduction). Exploiting the advantages of both approaches requires a conceptual framework capable of pinpointing what each approach can be expected to accomplish and where its limits is.
This conceptual framework is outlined in the following section. Its application is demonstrated afterwards drawing on a case study. The findings from a study on processes of communication and knowledge transfer in the sales department of an auto manufacturer are presented. Special attention is paid to ways of linking the results obtained through different methods of network analysis. The chapter concludes by underscoring that, when using mixed methods designs, method triangulation should be based on a conceptual framework defining the range and function of the individual methods applied. In case of network analysis, the concept of interaction is especially suited for this purpose.
Shipping containers in a sustainable city
- G. Abrasheva, R. Häußling, D. Senk
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- Journal:
- Revue de Métallurgie – International Journal of Metallurgy / Volume 110 / Issue 1 / 2013
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 13 March 2013, pp. 55-63
- Print publication:
- 2013
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The challenges of sustainable urban development are tremendous. More than half of the earth’s population lives in cities and there is an upward trend. On a global scale, the cities are the greatest greenhouse gas producers and the biggest consumers of water and energy. Urbanisation, climate change and demographic change are forcing metropolises to make their infrastructure more efficient, be environmentally friendlier, keep the high standard of living and if possible save costs. One of the keys is the selection of materials. Buildings are responsible for 40% of the energy consumption and approx. 21% of produced CO2 worldwide. Scientists and researchers from all over the world are looking into new technologies, so that energy could be used efficiently and CO2 emissions reduced, without having to pass on comfort or “lifestyle habits” [http://www.siemens.de/nachhaltige-stadtentwicklung/nachhaltige-stadtentwicklung.html?stc=deccc020187 (accessed 27.04.2012)]. Sustainability is a complex term, used in the last 2–3 decades. It involves more than just the environment and it concerns every one of mankind [cf. Schlussbericht der Enquete-Kommission Globalisierung der Weltwirtschaft – Herausfordeung-en und Antworten, Drucksache 14/9200, http://dipbt.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/14/092/1409200.pdf, p. 393]. This is why social and engineering scientists from RWTH Aachen University have joined in their efforts to figure out how used shipping containers, which are in abundant supply, can play their role in the future of sustainable construction. After they have been used several times, freight containers are considered disused and begin to accumulate in the surroundings of seaports and harbours. The energy to produce a container is significant and considered wasted if the steel box has completed only a few runs. The first association with containers can be a cold and uncomfortable cell, however, after a glance at the properly adapted shipping containers, converted into cosy, pretty and affordable habitable spaces, this preconception can soon be dismissed. Research has shown, in terms of environment and design, they are innovative and intelligent – building with cargo containers is cheaper, “greener”, faster and more flexible than traditional methods. With the increase of life expectancy and population continuing to grow, demand for housing will rise as well. Demographic change and the demand will contribute to rising construction prices. Habitation is one of the essential basic needs of all people. If one takes into account population growth and the timely provision of housing for all people, existing construction methods have to be adapted and new ones developed. Space in the social sense is an expression of the society and not its reflexion [cf. M. Castells, The Rise of Network Society, Wiley-Blackwell, 2010, p. 440f]. Bearing in mind the diversity in Europe’s population and the anxiety for environmental protection and sustainability, also the contrariness in environmental awareness and behavior, likewise eco-friendly and polluting habits in our everyday life, which are linked together in a various and unconsidered way, validates having different levels of environmental awareness depending on the different segments of society. We speak here of the “patchwork” – character of lifestyles and values, which is illustrated and explained easily with the Sinus-Milieu-Model [Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit, Umweltbewusstsein in Deutschland 2010, Ergebnisse einer repräsentativen Bevölkerungsumfrage, 2010, p. 13]. This paper discusses the existing Sinus-Milieus® [http://www.sinus-institut.de/en/ (accessed 27.04.2012)] and their features and show hereupon the growing demand in the society on flexible living concepts and habitat designs. The theory supports, that building with steel containers could be a real solution for the social and environmental problems. A continuously availability of shippingcontainers as a building block is expected and therefore the construction business with steel containers has a great potential in terms of sustainability towards a sustainable construction in a sustainable city.
Shipping containers for a sustainable habitat perspective
- G. Abrasheva, D. Senk, R. Häußling
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- Journal:
- Revue de Métallurgie – International Journal of Metallurgy / Volume 109 / Issue 5 / 2012
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 26 September 2012, pp. 381-389
- Print publication:
- 2012
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Shipping containers have many names: cargo containers, sea cans, metal boxes, freight containers. Originally they were constructed, as the name reveals, “to contain” and store items and mainly to transport goods. Freight containers are built to strict international quality standards, to survive harsh treatment and a violent life in the marine environment 1. The main technical details regarding containers were specified in an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard in January 1968 2. The history of the shipping container starts like any other invention with a simple thought. It takes Malcom McLean, father of the shipping container, over 20 years to realize his revolutionary idea for the shipping industry and create a closed transport chain of universal freight container for ships, trucks and trains 3. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that shipping containers have laid the foundation for globalization and changed the world. Over 95% of the worldwide trade affairs are winded up in containers. Today, international freight transportation is no longer conceivable without containerization. There are approx. 28 million containers circulating the globe. In the last couple of years up to 3 billion TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) shipping containers were produced annually, mainly in Asia 4. Most of the freight containers are made out of COR-TEN-Steel, which ensures strong carrying and loading capacity and supports withstanding deformations or corrosion. Once they have served their purpose, shipping containers are being recycled as scrap. Another possibility is to be used in the architecture as spatial modules. A container’s life is ca.12 years and every year up to 1.5 billion TEU are considered disused. The continued availability of shipping containers as a building block is thus assured. Therefore, the construction business with containers has a great potential regarding sustainability. In the last 15 years shipping container construction has become popular for not only living spaces and homes, but for offices, studios, schools – the variety of uses is huge. Containers offer suitable solutions for a wide range of uses. The increasing interest in these “icons of globalization” can be explained with the fact, that they are relatively inexpensive, structurally sound and in abundant supply 6. Using old freight containers could be seen as an environmental protection strategy and also as a redesign of technical artefacts. Building with shipping containers is a new more affordable method of construction and design. Due to metamorphose in functionality and meaning of containers – from a cargo box into a habitable space – we realize how big the technical range of diversity is. Technique reaches and changes the “Social” through design. The imprecise term design, which has become a vogue term nowadays, is the interface between technique, body, mind and communication 5. Designed objects are always also symbolic objects for different milieus; design has an effect on awareness raising, thus on environmental awareness. An ongoing project at RWTH Aachen University gives attention exactly to those disused shipping containers, their eventuality and boundary as environmental protection strategies in the living area, as well as to the well-known cleavage between environmental awareness and environmental behaviour. The project focuses on the living situation in Germany and its potential for such new and innovative living concepts.
Nonlinear water waves generated by an accelerated circular cylinder
- H. J. Haussling, R. M. Coleman
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- Journal of Fluid Mechanics / Volume 92 / Issue 4 / 27 June 1979
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 April 2006, pp. 767-781
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Numerical solutions for the irrotational flow of an incompressible fluid about a circular cylinder accelerated from rest below a free surface are presented. The usual restriction to linearized free-surface boundary conditions has been avoided. The transient period from the start to a local steady state or to the development of a very steep wave slope is investigated in terms of free-surface profiles and body-surface pressure distributions. Linear and nonlinear results are used to illustrate the transition from deep submergence when nonlinear effects are small to shallow submergence when linearized analysis is inaccurate.
Two-dimensional linear and nonlinear stern waves
- H. J. Haussling
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- Journal of Fluid Mechanics / Volume 97 / Issue 4 / 29 April 1980
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 April 2006, pp. 759-769
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Numerical solutions are presented for the unsteady irrotational flow generated by the movement of the stern of a two-dimensional semi-infinite body at the free surface of an incompressible fluid. When separation occurs other than at a sharp trailing edge, the location of the separation point is computed as part of the solution. Linear and nonlinear results are compared. It is shown that for draught-based Froude numbers greater than 3 the nonlinear effects are negligible for most practical purposes while for Froude numbers less than three these effects can be significant.
Laminar flow past an abruptly accelerated elliptic cylinder at 45° incidence
- H. J. Lugt, H. J. Haussling
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- Journal:
- Journal of Fluid Mechanics / Volume 65 / Issue 4 / 2 October 1974
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 29 March 2006, pp. 711-734
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Numerical solutions for laminar incompressible fluid flows past an abruptly started elliptic cylinder at 45° incidence are presented. Various finite-difference schemes for the stream-function/vorticity formulation are used and their merits briefly discussed. Almost steady-state solutions are obtained for Re = 15 and 30, whereas for Re = 200 a Kármán vortex street develops. The transient period from the start to the steady or quasi-steady state is investigated in terms of patterns of streamlines and lines of constant vorticity and drag, lift and moment coefficients.