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Chemouny M, Wendland J. The experience of miscarriage and its impact on prenatal attachment during the following pregnancy: A mixed-methods study. Midwifery 2024; 136:104072. [PMID: 38945103 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In France, miscarriage affects nearly 200,000 women every year. This life event may generate negative effects on the mother-child relationship and the mother's mental health in the following pregnancy. OBJECTIVES To investigate the influence of body satisfaction, partner support, resilience and previous experience of a miscarriage on prenatal attachment in pregnant women. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional mixed-methods study. Women answered an online questionnaire in the period between November 2022 to April 2023. PARTICIPANTS 267 French pregnant women who had previously experienced a miscarriage were recruited for this study. MEASUREMENTS Study outcomes included prenatal attachment, resilience, partner support, history of previous pregnancies and miscarriages, the current pregnancy, and questions relating to body experience. FINDINGS Participants who reported a high investment in the current pregnancy, high partner support and a positive image of their body had higher levels of prenatal attachment. The experience of miscarriage also seems to influence prenatal attachment: pregnancy investment at the time of miscarriage had a positive influence, while medical experience had no significant impact. While the global resilience score was not related to prenatal attachment, sense of control was positively linked to prenatal attachment. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE These results highlight the importance of considering miscarriage as a perinatal loss with potential for long-lasting impact on women, which deserves particular attention from professionals. Enhancing partner support and helping women build a positive image of their pregnant body can also have a role in fostering prenatal attachment to the foetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Chemouny
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Boulogne-Billancourt F-92100, France
| | - Jaqueline Wendland
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Boulogne-Billancourt F-92100, France.
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Liu CH, Koire A, Ma C, Mittal L, Roffman JL, Erdei C. Prenatal mental health and emotional experiences during the pandemic: associations with infant neurodevelopment screening results. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03100-y. [PMID: 38431665 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03100-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study determined whether parental mental health and emotional experiences during the prenatal period were linked to infant developmental outcomes through the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) at 8-10 months. METHODS Participants included 133 individuals who were living in the US and were pregnant or had given birth within 6 months prior to enrollment. Respondents were majority White with high education and income levels. Online surveys were administered from May 2020 to September 2021; follow-up surveys were administered from November 2020 to August 2022. RESULTS Parent generalized anxiety symptoms were positively associated with infant communication (β = 0.34, 95% CI [0.15, 1.76], p < 0.05), while parent-fetal bonding was positively associated with infant communication (β = 0.20, 95% CI [0.05, 0.76], p < 0.05) and personal-social performance (β = 0.20, 95% CI [0.04, 0.74], p < 0.05). COVID-19-related worry was negatively associated with infant communication (β = -0.30, 95% CI [-0.75, -0.12], p < 0.05) and fine motor performance (β = -0.25, 95% CI [-0.66, -0.03], p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Parent mental health and emotional experiences may contribute to infant developmental outcomes in high risk conditions such as a pandemic. IMPACT STATEMENT Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection has been evaluated in relation to child outcomes, however, parent psychosocial experiences should not be overlooked when considering pandemic risks to child development. Specific prenatal mental health and pandemic-related emotional experiences are associated with infant developmental performance, as assessed by the Ages and Stages. Questionnaire (ASQ-3) at 8 to 10 months old. Findings indicate that parental prenatal anxiety and emotional experiences from the pandemic should be assessed when evaluating child developmental delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy H Liu
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Ave., BLI 341, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Amanda Koire
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Candice Ma
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Ave., BLI 341, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Leena Mittal
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joshua L Roffman
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Carmina Erdei
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Ave., BLI 341, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Riggan KA, Weaver AL, Ashby G, Huang L, Long ME, Torbenson VE, Wick MJ, Allyse MA, Rivera-Chiauzzi EY. Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on prenatal and postpartum patient experiences and well-being. Birth 2023; 50:1034-1044. [PMID: 37555375 PMCID: PMC10843728 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has yet to be fully elucidated how differing populations of obstetric patients adapted to the disruptions in perinatal care and postpartum support from the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed an enriched sample of socioeconomically advantaged patients to understand the influence of COVID-19 on their perinatal care experience, well-being, and coping. METHODS We surveyed pregnant and postpartum patients (n = 6140) at a large academic medical center in the Midwest of the United States using the Coronavirus and Perinatal Experiences instrument in Spring 2021. RESULTS The survey was sent to 6141 pregnant and postpartum patients; 1180 (17.8%) respondents completed the survey, including 256 who were pregnant and 834 postpartum. Most pregnant patients experienced no changes in their prenatal care with 16.5% indicating somewhat worsened care. In the postpartum cohort, 37.5% stated their care had somewhat worsened. In describing influences on stress and mental health, 58.1% of postpartum respondents stated it was moderately, and 17.4% significantly, worse. The pandemic had a somewhat or moderately negative influence for 72.7% of respondents, with 11.0% stating these effects were extremely negative. Both cohorts characterized a range of coping strategies, most commonly, talking with friends and family (76.3%). CONCLUSION(S) Even among this sample of socioeconomically advantaged patients, respondents indicated that the pandemic disrupted many facets of their medical care and daily life, especially social activities and postpartum support. Our findings suggest that counseling on coping and adaptation strategies for stressors and increased health systems support be part of perinatal care during public health emergencies for all demographic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy L. Weaver
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Lily Huang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Margaret E. Long
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Myra J. Wick
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Megan A. Allyse
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Schaal NK, Marca-Ghaemmaghami PL, Märthesheimer S, Hepp P, Preis H, Mahaffey B, Lobel M, Castro RA. Associations of stress, anxiety, and partner satisfaction with maternal-fetal attachment in women pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:483. [PMID: 37391704 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05804-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to exceptional stress in pregnant women. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations of maternal stress (pandemic-related and -unrelated), anxiety, and relationship satisfaction experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic with prenatal mother-infant attachment. METHODS An online study was conducted evaluating pandemic-related stress, pregnancy-specific stress (unrelated to the pandemic), anxiety, partnership satisfaction, and maternal-fetal attachment in German-speaking women during the second COVID-19 lockdown between January and March 2021. In total, 431 pregnant women (349 lived in Germany and 82 in Switzerland) filled in the questionnaires and gave information on demographic and pregnancy-related variables (i.e. age, gestational age, parity). Bivariate correlations were calculated in order to investigate associations between the different variables and additionally, a hierarchical regression model was conducted in order to evaluate the influence of the independent variables on prenatal attachment. RESULTS The hierarchical regression analysis revealed that after controlling for age, gestational age, and parity higher pandemic-related stress, namely stress associated with feeling unprepared for birth, higher partnership satisfaction as well as higher positive appraisal (considered as a way of coping with pandemic-related stress) was associated with stronger maternal-fetal attachment, whereas associations of anxiety and other forms of stress were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights interesting associations between maternal pandemic-related preparedness stress and positive appraisal of the pregnancy as well as partnership satisfaction and prenatal attachment in women pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora K Schaal
- Institut für Experimentelle Psychologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Pearl La Marca-Ghaemmaghami
- Psychology Counselling and Research Institute for Sexuality, Marriage, and Family, International Academy for Human Sciences and Culture, Walenstadt, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Märthesheimer
- Institut für Experimentelle Psychologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philip Hepp
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, KJF Klinik Josefinum gGmbH, Augsburg, Germany
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, HELIOS University Hospital Wuppertal, University Witten/Herdecke, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Heidi Preis
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Brittain Mahaffey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Marci Lobel
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Rita Amiel Castro
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Skelton E, Smith A, Harrison G, Rutherford M, Ayers S, Malamateniou C. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK parent experiences of pregnancy ultrasound scans and parent-fetal bonding: A mixed methods analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286578. [PMID: 37267279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Companionship in antenatal care is important for facilitating positive parental experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on partner attendance at fetal ultrasound scans were introduced nationally to minimise transmission of the virus. This study aimed to explore the effect of these restrictions on maternal and paternal experiences of pregnancy scans and evaluate their potential effect on parent-fetal bonding. METHODS A UK-wide, anonymous cross-sectional survey was completed by new and expectant parents (n = 714) who had, or were awaiting a pregnancy scan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CORE-10 and an adapted version of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory were used to evaluate psychological distress and prenatal bonding. Additional survey questions captured parental experiences of scans. Separate statistical and thematic analyses of the data were undertaken. A joint display matrix was used to facilitate integration of quantitative and qualitative claims to generate a comprehensive interpretation of study findings. FINDINGS When fathers did not attend the scan, feelings of excitement and satisfaction were significantly reduced (p<0.001) and feelings of anxiety increased (p<0.001) in both parents. Mothers were concerned about receiving unexpected news alone and fathers felt excluded from the scan. Mean paternal bonding (38.22, SD 10.73) was significantly lower compared to mothers (47.01, SD 7.67) although no difference was demonstrated between those who had attended the scan and those who had not. CORE-10 scores suggested low-to-mild levels of psychological distress, although the mean difference between mothers and fathers was not significant. Key themes described both parents' sense of loss for their desired pregnancy scan experience and reflected on sonographers' central role in providing parent-centred care during scans. CONCLUSION Restrictions on partner attendance at scans during the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on parental experiences of antenatal imaging. Provision of parent-centred care, which is inclusive of partners, is essential for improved parental experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Skelton
- Division of Radiography and Midwifery, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Smith
- Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gill Harrison
- Society and College of Radiographers, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Rutherford
- Perinatal Imaging and Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Malamateniou
- Division of Radiography and Midwifery, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Yoon H, Choi H. Factors influencing maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. KOREAN JOURNAL OF WOMEN HEALTH NURSING 2023; 29:55-65. [PMID: 37037451 PMCID: PMC10085665 DOI: 10.4069/kjwhn.2023.02.21.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread widely throughout the world, causing psychological problems such as fear, anxiety, and stress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women have been concerned about both their own health and the health of their fetuses, and these concerns could negatively affect maternal-fetal attachment. Thus, this study aimed to explore the level of COVID-19 stress, resilience, and maternal-fetal attachment among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify factors influencing maternal-fetal attachment.Methods: In total, 118 pregnant women past 20 weeks gestation were recruited from two maternity clinics in Daegu, Korea, to participate in this descriptive correlational study during COVID-19. The factors influencing maternal-fetal attachment were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis.Results: The mean scores for COVID-19 stress, resilience, and maternal-fetal attachment were 57.18±10.32 out of 84, 67.32±15.09 out of 100, and 77.23±9.00 out of 96, respectively. Nulliparous pregnant women reported greater maternal-fetal attachment than multiparous pregnant women (p=0.03). Religious pregnant women also reported greater maternal-fetal attachment than non-religious pregnant women (p=.039). Resilience (β=.29, p=.002), COVID-19 stress (β=.20, p=.030) and parity (β=–.17, p=.047) were factors influencing maternal-fetal attachment, and these factors explained 26.4% of the variance in maternal-fetal attachment (F=10.12, p<.001). Conclusion: Converse to common sense, COVID-19 stress exerted a positive influence on maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers need to recognize the positive influence of COVID-19 stress and implement intervention strategies to strengthen resilience in pregnant women to improve attachment with their fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeryeong Yoon
- College of Nursing, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyunkyung Choi
- College of Nursing, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Research Institute of Nursing Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Corresponding author: Hyunkyung Choi College of Nursing, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea Tel: +82-53-200-4791 E-mail:
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Koire A, Feldman N, Erdei C, Mittal L, Liu CH. Postpartum experiences among individuals with suspected and confirmed prenatal generalized anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for help-seeking. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115169. [PMID: 36989907 PMCID: PMC10010836 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common and underdiagnosed condition with negative health consequences to both the pregnant individual and child. Here we studied the relationship between diagnosis and treatment status of GAD during pregnancy (no GAD diagnosis, suspected but not diagnosed, diagnosed but not treated, diagnosed and treated) during the COVID-19 pandemic and postpartum mental health outcomes, while considering the potential influence of individual psychological factors such as distress tolerance and resilience and the role of COVID-19-related health worries. In this sample of predominantly highly educated and white birthing individuals, one in five respondents experienced GAD during pregnancy and another one in six suspected GAD but was not diagnosed. Amongst those with a GAD diagnosis, 30% did not receive treatment. We found that those with a GAD diagnosis during pregnancy who did not receive treatment showed the highest levels of postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms in the postpartum, even after controlling for covariates, and experienced the most COVID-19-related health worries. In comparison, individuals with a GAD diagnosis during pregnancy who received treatment experienced significantly lower anxiety symptom burden and depressive symptom burden, with a symptom burden similar to those without a confirmed or suspected diagnosis after controlling for individual psychological factors. We conclude that clinicians should strongly consider screening for and treating prenatal anxiety to prevent suboptimal postpartum mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Koire
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA 02115,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Natalie Feldman
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA 02115,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Carmina Erdei
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, USA 02115,Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Ave. Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Leena Mittal
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA 02115,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Cindy H. Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA 02115,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, USA 02115,Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Ave. Boston, MA, USA 02115,Corresponding Author: Cindy H. Liu, Tel: 617-525-4131, 221 Longwood Ave., BLI 341, Boston, MA 02115
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Lee L, Chang YH, Liang WJ, Huang YC. The Effect of Music Intervention on Fetal Education via Doppler Fetal Monitor. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9060918. [PMID: 35740853 PMCID: PMC9221695 DOI: 10.3390/children9060918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This study focused on the effects of music intervention on fetal education in pregnant women. The fetal heart rate of the fetus at 30–38 weeks of gestational age was monitored by an ultrasound Doppler fetal monitor, and differences in the frequency of fetal movement responses to familiar and unfamiliar music courses were recorded and analyzed. The analysis results showed that the fetuses had less fetal movement to fixed singing activities, with a mean of 0.7 and a standard deviation of 0.79. On the contrary, the fetuses had significant fetal movement responses to irregular singing, with a mean of 1.73 and a standard deviation of 1.37. The results showed that the fetus receives external sounds through hearing, and a pregnant woman singing fixed music to her fetus can stabilize the frequency of fetal movement, promote the health of herself and the fetus, and establish maternal-fetal bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Lee
- Department of Early Childhood Development and Education, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung 413310, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Hsin Chang
- Department of Marketing and Logistics Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung 413310, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Ju Liang
- Ph.D. Program Business Administration in Industrial Development, Department of Business Administration, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung 413310, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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