Benefits of multinomial processing tree models with discrete and continuous variables in memory research: an alternative modeling proposal to Juola et al. (2019).

Signal detection theory (SDT) and two-high threshold models (2HT) are often used to analyze accuracy data in recognition memory paradigms. However, when reaction times (RTs) and/or confidence levels (CLs) are also measured, they usually are analyzed separately or not at all as dependent variables (DVs). We propose a new approach to include these variables based on multinomial processing tree models for discrete and continuous variables (MPT-DC) with the aim to compare fits of SDT and 2HT models. Using Juola et al.'s (2019, Memory & Cognition, 47[4], 855-876) data we have found that including CLs and RTs reduces the standard errors of parameter estimates and accounts for interactions among accuracy, CLs, and RTs that classical versions of SDT and 2HT models do not. In addition, according to the simulations, there is an increase in the proportion of correct model selections when relevant DV are included. We highlight the methodological and substantive advantages of MPT-DC in the disentanglement of contributing processes in recognition memory.

Heterogeneity estimation in meta-analysis of standardized mean differences when the distribution of random effects departs from normal: A Monte Carlo simulation study.

BACKGROUND: Advantages of meta-analysis depend on the assumptions underlying the statistical procedures used being met. One of the main assumptions that is usually taken for granted is the normality underlying the population of true effects in a random-effects model, even though the available evidence suggests that this assumption is often not met. This paper examines how 21 frequentist and 24 Bayesian methods, including several novel procedures, for computing a point estimate of the heterogeneity parameter ([Formula: see text]) perform when the distribution of random effects departs from normality compared to normal scenarios in meta-analysis of standardized mean differences. METHODS: A Monte Carlo simulation was carried out using the R software, generating data for meta-analyses using the standardized mean difference. The simulation factors were the number and average sample size of primary studies, the amount of heterogeneity, as well as the shape of the random-effects distribution. The point estimators were compared in terms of absolute bias and variance, although results regarding mean squared error were also discussed. RESULTS: Although not all the estimators were affected to the same extent, there was a general tendency to obtain lower and more variable [Formula: see text] estimates as the random-effects distribution departed from normality. However, the estimators ranking in terms of their absolute bias and variance did not change: Those estimators that obtained lower bias also showed greater variance. Finally, a large number and sample size of primary studies acted as a bias-protective factor against a lack of normality for several procedures, whereas only a high number of studies was a variance-protective factor for most of the estimators analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Although the estimation and inference of the combined effect have proven to be sufficiently robust, our work highlights the role that the deviation from normality may be playing in the meta-analytic conclusions from the simulation results and the numerical examples included in this work. With the aim to exercise caution in the interpretation of the results obtained from random-effects models, the tau2() R function is made available for obtaining the range of [Formula: see text] values computed from the 45 estimators analyzed in this work, as well as to assess how the pooled effect, its confidence and prediction intervals vary according to the estimator chosen.

Recovering the variance of d' from hit and false alarm statistics.

Sometimes the reports of primary studies that are potentially analyzable within the signal detection theory framework do not report sample statistics for its main indexes, especially the sample variance of d'. We describe a procedure for estimating the variance of d' from other sample statistics (specifically, the mean and variance of the observed rates of hit and false alarm). The procedure acknowledges that individuals can be heterogeneous in their sensitivity and/or decision criteria, and it does not adopt unjustifiable or needlessly complex assumptions. In two simulation studies reported here, we show that the procedure produces certain biases, but, when used in meta-analysis, it produces very reasonable results. Specifically, the weighted estimate of the mean sensitivity is very accurate, and the coverage of the confidence interval is very close to the nominal confidence level. We applied the procedure to 20 experimental groups or conditions from seven articles (employing recognition memory or attention tasks) that reported statistics for both the hit and false alarm rates, as well as for d'. In most of these studies the assumption of homogeneity was untenable. The variances estimated by our method, based on the hit and false alarm rates, approximate reasonably to the variances in d' reported in those articles. The method is useful for estimating unreported variances of d', so that the associated studies can be retained for meta-analyses.

Familiarity, recollection, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves in recognition memory.

The Atkinson-Shiffrin theory describes and explains some of the processes involved in storing and retrieving information in human memory. Here we examine predictions of related models for search and decision processes in recognizing information in long-term memory. In some models, recognition is presumably based on a test item's familiarity judgment, and subsequent decisions follow from the sensitivity and decision parameters of signal detection theory. Other models dispense with the continuous notion of familiarity and base recognition on discrete internal states such as relative certainty that an item has or has not been previously studied, with an intermediate state of uncertainty that produces guesses. Still others are hybrid models with two criteria located along a familiarity continuum defining areas for rapid decisions based on high or low familiarities. For intermediate familiarity values, the decision can be delayed pending the results of search for, and occasional recollection of, relevant episodic information. Here we present the results from a study of human recognition memory for lists of words using both response time and error data to construct receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves derived from three standard methods based on the same data set. Models are evaluated against, and parameters estimated from, group as well as individual subjects' behavior. We report substantially different ROC curves when they are based on variations in target-word frequency, confidence judgments, and response latencies. The results indicate that individual versus group data must be used with caution in determining the appropriate theoretical interpretation of recognition memory performance.

What is the Psychosocial Impact of Disasters? A Meta-Analysis.

The psychosocial impact concept improves the understanding of the effects of disasters on people and communities. However, its definition is not clear. This work explores consistencies between studies (k = 21) that refer to the psychosocial impact of disasters by way of a meta-analytic synthesis. This synthesis indicates that people are more prone to illness when they are exposed to a disaster, and less when they are protected (OR = 2.737). Please check the change conveys the intended meaning or amend Nevertheless, there are no differences in healthy responses, regardless of how protected or exposed they are (OR = 1.053). Finally, a model is proposed to explain four types of psychosocial impact: resilient, traumatic, sensitive, witness.

Consequences of sequential sampling for meta-analysis.

Sequential stopping rules allow hypotheses to be tested using smaller sample sizes than are possible under conventional methods, while controlling the Type I and II error rates. However, the consequences of using such procedures when combining studies in a meta-analysis have rarely been discussed. For a primary study to be included in a meta-analysis, it must provide an estimate of the effect size, and it must be possible to calculate the variance of this estimate, which is used for weighting the study. It is therefore crucial to know whether the use of sequential stopping rules introduces any bias in the estimate of the effect size and/or modifies the variance of the estimate. In the present research, both aspects were studied for the CLAST rule, as applied to testing the difference between two means from paired samples, in a variety of scenarios of sample size and population effect size. The results show that although the bias is small, but still larger than that for the fixed-sample rule, the variance of the estimate is much higher with the CLAST sequential stopping rule. The implications of these results for the incorporation of such studies into meta-analyses are discussed. It is recommended to incorporate such studies into meta-analyses by taking only the information conveyed in the initial sample. The authors of primary studies employing sequential rules should report that information when publishing their results.

Factors Associated with Revictimization in Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study conducted a meta-analysis to identify the primary risk and protective factors associated with the revictimization in intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). Out of 2382 studies initially identified in eight databases, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and provided the necessary data for calculating pooled effect sizes. The analysis focused on non-manipulative quantitative studies examining revictimization in heterosexual women of legal age. Separate statistical analyses were performed for prospective and retrospective studies, resulting in findings related to 14 variables. The Metafor package in RStudio was used with a random-effects model. The meta-analysis revealed that childhood abuse was the most strongly associated risk factor for revictimization, while belonging to a white ethnicity was the most prominent protective factor. Other significant risk factors included alcohol and drug use, recent physical violence, severity of violence, and PTSD symptomatology. The study also found that older age was a protective factor in prospective studies. The consistency of results across different study designs and sensitivity analyses further supported the robustness of the findings. It is important to note that the existing literature on revictimization in women facing intimate partner violence is limited and exhibits significant heterogeneity in terms of methodology and conceptual frameworks.

Arterial hypertension and smoking in pregnant women in the Valencian Community: maternal and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension and smoking during pregnancy have been linked to various adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The objective of this work is to study how the smoking influences the development of hypertension, its effects on the pregnant woman, and on the newborn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study in two phases was carried out: the descriptive first phase allows characterization of the sample and the analytical second phase is a case-control nested in a retrospective cohort corresponding to pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 712 women were included in the study. Of the 672 (94.4%) non-hypertensive women, 533 (79.3%) were non-smoking and 139 (20.7%) smoking. For the 40 (5.6%) hypertensive women, 30 (75.0%) were non-smoking and 10 (25.0%) smoking. The prevalence of hypertension was of 5.6%. Women who quit smoking before pregnancy saw a reduced risk of hypertension. For women who smoke during pregnancy, those of younger ages, with a normal body mass index, who are primiparous, employed and with a low-medium level of education have higher risk of hypertension. The risk of hypertension according to the level of physical activity during leisure time follows a "U" shape, with those who perform light physical activity at the lowest risk of hypertension. Hypertensive women have a higher risk of small for gestational age newborns. Smoking does not pose an additional risk for adverse outcomes once hypertension is diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should aim to determine the role of smoking habit in the appearance of hypertension in pregnancy in order to establish adequate intervention guidelines that may aid in reducing the prevalence of hypertension.

Changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 among first-year university students in Spain, considering the risk of problematic use - UniHcos project.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prevalence rates and self-reported changes in patterns of alcohol use among first-year university students in Spain, considering the risk of problematic alcohol use. A serial cross-sectional study based on the uniHcos project was carried out. Data from 10 518 first-year university students (73.3% female, mean age 19 (SD = 1.6)) collected between 2012 and 2022 were analysed. The evolution of the pooled prevalence rates during the time series was analysed and the risk of problematic alcohol consumption was assessed using the AUDIT. Also, self-reported changes in alcohol use patterns during the pandemic were assessed. According to the results, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of alcohol use in the past 30-days was reduced (76.3% in 2019 vs. 63.7% in COVID-19) increasing again in the New Normal period. Thus, a similar pattern in the practice of binge drinking was observed. Regarding the AUDIT score, 21.7% (95%CI 20.9, 22.6) of the students had harmful alcohol consumption, with a higher proportion among males. In the multivariable logistic models, a higher AUDIT score was significantly associated (p-value < 0.001) with being male and living with roommates. According to self-reported changes in consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher proportion of participants with harmful use reported an increase in alcohol consumption compared to those at low-risk (43% vs 19%). Finally, despite the overall reduction in drinking prevalence during COVID-19, changes were not equal for all students and depended on their previous level of problematic drinking, highlighting that this should be considered in the development of strategies against alcohol use in this population.

Methods for estimating the sampling variance of the standardized mean difference.

One of the most widely used effect size indices for meta-analysis in psychology is the standardized mean difference (SMD). The most common way to synthesize a set of estimates of the SMD is to weight them by the inverse of their variances. For this, it is necessary to estimate the corresponding sampling variances. Meta-analysts have a formula for obtaining unbiased estimates of sampling variances, but they often use a variety of alternative, simpler methods. The bias and efficiency of five different methods that have been proposed and that are implemented in different computerized calculation tools are compared and assessed. The data from a set of published meta-analyses are also reanalyzed, calculating the combined estimates and their confidence intervals, as well as estimates of the specific, between-studies variance, using the five estimation methods. This test of sensitivity shows that the results of a meta-analysis can change noticeably depending on the method used to estimate the sampling variance of SMD values, especially under a random-effects model. Some practical recommendations are made about how to choose and implement the methods in calculation resources. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

An ensemble multi-stream classifier for infant needs detection.

In this paper, we propose a novel multi-stream video classifier for infant needs detection. The proposed system is an ensemble-based system that combines several machine learning to improve the overall result of the state-of-the-art algorithms. It is a multi-stream in the sense that it combines the output predictions of both audio and images of infants from every single classifier employed in the system for a unified result. This produces better performance and results compared to the previous other research techniques, which relied on only one of these modalities. For training and testing the proposed system, from the Dunstan Baby Language video collection, we built three separate datasets for videos, images, and sounds encompassing the five primary infant needs that require predicting. These are: hunger, have wind, uncomfortable (require diaper change), wants to burp or tired, with a total of 3348 samples. We used four different ensemble algorithms for the best reachable performance. The proposed algorithm improves the overall accuracies of each single classifier from a low of 51% to a high of 99%. The proposed method also improves the accuracy of the classification process by about 9% compared to the state-of-the-art approaches, which was 90%.

[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cannabis use in young adults and general population: a systematic review]. / Impacto de la pandemia por la COVID-19 en el consumo de cannabis en jóvenes y población general: una revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: The first COVID-19 lockdown was a very restrictive situation that may have impacted on the prevalence and patterns of cannabis use. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence on cannabis use and reasons for use in different countries during first lockdown in young adults and general population. METHODS: This study followed PRISMA guidelines, and the review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration CRD42022303181). The search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science y Embase databases. Inclusion criteria were: cross-sectional or cohort studies; population ≥16 years; exploring cannabis use during lockdown; and English or Spanish language. RESULTS: Thirty studies, conducted in European countries (n=17), North America (n=12) and rest of the world (n=1), were analysed. The overall prevalence of cannabis use was found to be largely unchanged, but regular users tended to maintain (between 39.5% and 96.8% of the sample) or increase cannabis use (between 2.9% and 51.6%). The main decreases were among occasional users. Some reasons for the increase were boredom, loneliness, stress, coping and depressive symptoms. In addition, young people were the heaviest users, and being younger, live without family, financial problems and a low educational level were significantly (p-value<0.05) associated with increased use. CONCLUSIONS: Most regular users maintained or slightly increased their use, with young people being the main users. Concerning reasons for use like coping and depressive symptoms were found. Cannabis use needs to be addressed with strategies focused on the young population, considering occasional and regular use, as well as motivations.

OBJETIVO: El primer confinamiento por la COVID-19 fue una situación muy restrictiva que pudo haber impactado sobre la prevalencia y los patrones de consumo de cannabis. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue evaluar la evidencia sobre el consumo y los motivos de consumo de cannabis en diferentes países durante el primer confinamiento en adultos jóvenes y población general. METODOS: Este estudio siguió las directrices PRISMA y el protocolo de revisión se registró en PROSPERO (registro CRD42022303181). Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science y Embase en julio de 2023. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: estudios transversales o de cohortes; población con edad igual o mayor de 16 años; explorar el consumo durante el confinamiento; e idioma inglés o español. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron treinta estudios, realizados en países europeos (n=17), norteamericanos (n=12) y resto del mundo (n=1). Se observó que la prevalencia global de consumo de cannabis no experimentó grandes cambios, pero los consumidores regulares tendieron a mantener (entre el 39,5% y el 96,8% de la muestra) o a incrementar el consumo (entre el 2,9% y el 51,6%). Las principales disminuciones se dieron en consumidores ocasionales. Algunos motivos para el aumento fueron aburrimiento, soledad, estrés, afrontamiento y síntomas depresivos. Además, los jóvenes fueron los mayores consumidores y ser más joven, vivir sin la familia, los problemas financieros y un bajo nivel de estudios se asociaron significativamente (p-valor menor de 0,05) con el aumento del consumo. CONCLUSIONES: La mayor parte de consumidores regulares mantuvieron o aumentaron ligeramente su consumo, siendo los jóvenes los principales consumidores. Se encontraron motivos de consumo alarmantes como el afrontamiento y los síntomas depresivos. Es necesario que el consumo de cannabis se aborde con estrategias enfocadas en la población joven, considerando el consumo ocasional y regular, así como las motivaciones.

Excess Weight in Relation to Lifestyle Habits in Spanish First-Year University Students: Differences between Pre- and Post-COVID-19-A Serial Cross-Sectional Study Based on uniHcos Project.

The objective of this research was to study the relationship between the body weight and diet, physical activity, and other habits among freshmen students by sex, and to determine whether these habits have changed during the post-era of the COVID-19 pandemic. A serial cross-sectional study with data from 11 Spanish universities was carried out. In total, 10,096 first-year university students (73.2% female, mean age = 19.0 ± 1.5 years) completed an online self-administered questionnaire between 2012 and 2022. For some analyses, questionnaires were categorized by the year in which the survey was filled out as Before COVID-19, Lockdown, and New Normal. In total, 72.9% of participants were within the normal weight range, and 17.7% of men and 11.8% of women were overweight (p < 0.001). The students who did not meet the WHO criteria of physical activity, spent more than 7 h per day sitting, and skipped breakfast had a higher prevalence of obesity (p < 0.05). According to the period of study, the prevalence of overweight/obesity Before COVID-19 was 16.1% (95% CI: 15.4-16.9%), while in Lockdown the prevalence was significantly higher (20.2, 95% CI: 17.1-23.8) and in New Normal it was 18.9% (CI: 15.7-22.5). Moreover, the study suggests that during the Lockdown period, there was a reduction in the practice of physical activity and an increase in the prevalence of a healthy diet. For all these, it is necessary to propose public health interventions that improve the lifestyles of university students.

Factors associated with emotional well-being in primary and secondary caregivers of patients with eating disorders.

The aim of this study was to examine and identify the psychological, clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with emotional well-being by type of caregiver. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 primary caregivers and 92 secondary caregivers of patients with an eating disorder using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Experience of Caregiving Inventory and the Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale. According to a multiple regression analysis, a total of four models were obtained accounting for 42%-47% of the variance in emotional well-being. The variable that accounted for most of the variance of emotional well-being in three of the models was the impact of nutrition. Improving aspects of the relationships with the patients reduced anxiety and depression levels in primary caregivers. Similarly, a positive personal experience reduced depression in secondary caregivers. A higher education level was associated with decreased anxiety levels in both types of caregivers. Specific family interventions including both types of caregivers may be useful for providing emotional and adaptive personal coping skills.

The Fear of COVID-19 Scale: A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis.

A reliability generalization meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the average reliability of the seven-item, 5-point Likert-type Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), one of the most widespread scales developed around the COVID-19 pandemic. Different reliability coefficients from classical test theory and the Rasch Measurement Model were meta-analyzed, heterogeneity among the most reported reliability estimates was examined by searching for moderators, and a predictive model to estimate the expected reliability was proposed. At least one reliability estimate was available for a total of 44 independent samples out of 42 studies, being that Cronbach's alpha was most frequently reported. The coefficients exhibited pooled estimates ranging from .85 to .90. The moderator analyses led to a predictive model in which the standard deviation of scores explained 36.7% of the total variability among alpha coefficients. The FCV-19S has been shown to be consistently reliable regardless of the moderator variables examined.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Evolution of Prevalence and Patterns of Cannabis Use among First-Year University Students in Spain-UniHcos Project.

Among university students there has been evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic increased their psychological distress, exacerbated by social restrictions. The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and patterns of cannabis use among university students, in contrast to previous trends since 2012. Data from 10,522 first-year university students (73.3% female, Mage 19 (SD = 1.6)) from eleven Spanish universities collected between 2012 and May 2022 was analysed. Prevalences of cannabis use and their differences by sex were studied, as well as changes in patterns of use and its use for coping during the pandemic. It was found that during lockdown, all prevalence rates of cannabis use decreased in both sexes, showing no statistically significant differences and increasing again in the new normal period in both. Among regular cannabis users, 79.7% reported maintaining or increasing their cannabis use during the pandemic, and of these, half reported using cannabis to cope. Moreover, cannabis use in the usual household increased during the lockdown. These results show that although the overall prevalence of cannabis use was reduced during the lockdown, regular users tended to maintain or increase cannabis use. This could imply two different patterns of use among students, one social and occasional versus the other regular, providing new lines of research for prevention and the implementation of social policies.

Behavioral Lifestyles and Survival: A Meta-Analysis.

The aim of the study is to determine the association between Behavioral Lifestyles (regular physical activity, healthy diet, sleeping, and weight control) and longevity in the elderly. A search strategy was conducted in the PsycInfo, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus databases. The primary outcome was mortality/survival. Four variables (mean of participant's age at the baseline of the study, follow-up years of the study, gender, and year of publication) were analyzed to evaluate the role of potential moderators. Ninety-three articles, totaling more than 2,800,000 people, were included in the meta-analysis. We found that the lifestyles analyzed predict greater survival. Specifically, doing regular physical activity, engaging in leisure activities, sleeping 7-8 h a day, and staying outside the BMI ranges considered as underweight or obesity are habits that each separately has a greater probability associated with survival after a period of several years.

Effects of memory load on visual search.

It remains unclear how memory load affects attentional processes in visual search (VS). No effects, as well as beneficial and detrimental effects of memory load, have been found in this type of task. The main goal of the present research was to explore whether memory load has a modulating effect on VS by means of a different attentional set induced by the order of trials (mixed vs. blocked) and by the time presentation of visual display (long vs. short). In Experiment 1, we randomized the order of type of trial (5, 10 and 15 items presented in the display) while it remained constant (10 items) in Experiments 2A and 2B. In the later experiments, we also changed time presentation of visual display (3000 vs. 1300 ms, respectively). Results showed no differential effects of memory load in Experiments 1 and 2A, but they showed up in Experiment 2B: RTs were longer in the attentional task for trials under high memory load conditions. Although our hypothesis of the attentional set is supported by the results, other theoretical implications are also worth discussing in order to better understand how memory load may modulate attentional processes in VS.

Performance as a function of ability, resources invested, and strategy used.

Computerized tasks allow a more fine-grained analysis of the strategy deployed in a task designed to map a specific ability than the usual assessment on the basis of only the level of performance. Manipulations expected to impair performance sometimes do not have that effect, probably because the level of performance alone can confound the assessment of the ability level if researchers ignore the strategy used. In a study with 1,872 participants, the authors applied the Spatial Orientation Dynamic Test-Revised (J. Santacreu, 1999) in single and dual task settings, identifying 3 different strategies. Strategy shifts were associated with the level of performance, as more apt individuals were more likely to shift to better strategies. Ignoring the strategies yields counterintuitive results that cannot be explained by simple, direct relations among the constructs involved.