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Kim M, Seong G, Jeon MJ, Jung YC, Lee D. The mediating effect of attentional impulsivity between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:294. [PMID: 38637786 PMCID: PMC11025234 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05708-0] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Problematic smartphone use has been linked to lower levels of mindfulness, impaired attentional function, and higher impulsivity. This study aimed to identify the psychological mechanisms of problematic smartphone use by exploring the relationship between addictive smartphone use, mindfulness, attentional function and impulsivity. METHODS Ninety participants were evaluated with the smartphone addiction proneness scale and classified into the problematic smartphone use group (n = 42; 24 women; mean age: 27.6 ± 7.2 years) or normal use group (n = 48; 22 women; mean age: 30.1 ± 5.7 years). All participants completed self-report questionnaires evaluating their trait impulsivity and mindfulness and attention tests that assessed selective, sustained and divided attention. We compared the variables between the groups and explored the relationship between mindfulness, attentional function, impulsivity and addictive smartphone use through mediation analysis. RESULTS The problematic smartphone use group showed higher trait impulsivity and lower mindfulness than the normal use group. There were no significant group differences in performance on attention tests. Levels of addictive smartphone use were significantly correlated with higher levels of trait impulsivity and lower levels of mindfulness, but not with performance on attention tests. Mediation analysis showed that acting with awareness, an aspect of mindfulness, reduces the degree of addictive smartphone use through attentional impulsivity, one of the trait impulsivity. CONCLUSION Acting without sufficient awareness could influence addictive smartphone use by mediating attentional impulsivity. This supports that executive control deficits, reflected in high attentional impulsivity, contribute to problematic smartphone use. Our findings imply that mindfulness-based interventions can enhance executive control over smartphone use by promoting awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjung Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Goeun Seong
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Jeon
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Korea
| | - Young-Chul Jung
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Institute for Innovation in Digital Healthcare, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Deokjong Lee
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Yonsei Empathy Psychiatry Clinic, Seoul, Korea.
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Gritti ES, Bornstein RF, Barbot B. The smartphone as a "significant other": interpersonal dependency and attachment in maladaptive smartphone and social networks use. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:296. [PMID: 37770997 PMCID: PMC10540499 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01339-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Smartphones are increasingly widespread throughout the world and, although smartphones provide various benefits, excessive and maladaptive use is often reported. Given the penetration of smartphones in the individual's daily life, it is relevant to identify the mechanisms sustaining their use, including the affective bond that the owner may develop with the device. The aim of the current study is to test a novel model to explain smartphone and Social Network Sites (SNS) use from an interpersonal perspective. We hypothesized that adult attachment style and interpersonal patterns (i.e., features of interpersonal dependency) generalize to the emotional bond with the mobile device, interacting with psychological correlates and background factors to predict smartphone and SNS consumption. 341 nonclinical adults (57.2% females; age M = 35.5, SD = 14.6) completed a battery consisting of the Attachment Style Questionnaire, the Relationship Profile Test, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Young Adult Attachment to Phone Scale, and the Social Network Intensity and Social Network Access via Mobile phone Applications. A multi-mediation model supported the hypothesis regarding the influence of interpersonal style in the relationship of the individual with their smartphone and use of SNS. A parallel between attachment style and the emotional bond with the smartphone emerged, with anxious attachment style and destructive overdependence being potential risk factors for maladaptive smartphone use especially in individuals involved in a romantic relationship. Findings are discussed in terms of theoretical implications and intervention strategies towards smartphone dependency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela S Gritti
- Department of Psychology, Milano-Bicocca University, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, Milan, 20126, Italy.
| | - Robert F Bornstein
- Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University, Garden City, USA
| | - Baptiste Barbot
- UCLouvain, Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Louvain, Belgium
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Jin X, Jiang Q, Xiong W, Zhao W. Effects of use motivations and alexithymia on smartphone addiction: mediating role of insecure attachment. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1227931. [PMID: 37529314 PMCID: PMC10389275 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1227931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Concern exists regarding the potential negative consequences of smartphone addiction among adolescents. This study investigated the effect of use motivations and alexithymia on smartphone addiction among adolescents with two insecure attachment styles, namely, anxious and avoidant attachment. These attachment styles were regarded as mediating variables. Methods Self-report measures were used to assess use motivations, alexithymia, insecure attachment and smartphone addiction. Data were collected from 748 junior high school students (382 males and 366 females) in northeastern China. Structural equation modeling was used to test our hypothesis that use motivations and alexithymia are directly associated with smartphone addiction and also through the mediation of attachment insecurities. Results The structural equation modeling results showed a strong and positive correlation between use motivation and smartphone addiction, with avoidant attachment mediating such a relationship. Meanwhile, the two components of alexithymia, difficulty identifying feelings and externally oriented thinking, positively predicted smartphone addiction, with avoidant attachment serving as a mediator of this effect. In addition, the mediation analysis results demonstrated that attachment anxiety mediated the connection between escape drive, extrinsically focused thought, and smartphone addiction. Conclusion Findings describe how attachment insecurities, smartphone use motivations, and alexithymia can interact with one another to predict smartphone addiction. Smartphone use motivation types and alexithymia symptoms should be taken into consideration when designing targeted intervention programs for smartphone addiction to address the different attachment needs of adolescents, which would be helpful to reduce their smartphone addiction behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinquan Jin
- Jiangsu Research Center of “Internet Plus Education,” Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qiang Jiang
- College of Information Science and Technology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Weiyan Xiong
- Department of International Education, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- College of Information Science and Technology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
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Hao Z, Jin L, Huang J, Akram HR, Cui Q. Resilience and problematic smartphone use: a moderated mediation model. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:36. [PMID: 36639669 PMCID: PMC9838355 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04541-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is adversely correlated with resilience. To completely comprehend the mechanism underlying this relationship, however, more investigation is required. METHODS For this cross-sectional study, the method of stratified random cluster sampling was applied. 834 Chinese undergraduate students (aged 17 to 24) were recruited, and self-reported questionnaires were administered to measure their levels of resilience, perceived social support, the sense of school belonging, and habitual and problematic smartphone use. RESULTS The findings showed that resilience both directly and indirectly predicted PSU through perceived social support and the sense of school belonging. Additionally, there were significant moderating effects of habitual smartphone use between resilience and perceived social support, the sense of school belonging, and PSU. CONCLUSIONS Our research identified the negative influence of resilience on PSU, and specifically, highlighted the mediation effects of perceived social support and the sense of school belonging. Of significance, we also found the moderation effect of habitual smartphone use in the development of PSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Hao
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Institute of Foreign Languages, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liangyi Jin
- Shenyang Women’s and Children’s Hospital, No.87 Danan Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110011 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinzi Huang
- Liaoning National Normal College, No. 45, Chongshan East Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hafiza Rabia Akram
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Cui
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 16 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110134, People's Republic of China.
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Ding Y, Huang H, Zhang Y, Peng Q, Yu J, Lu G, Wu H, Chen C. Correlations between smartphone addiction and alexithymia, attachment style, and subjective well-being: A meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:971735. [PMID: 36124050 PMCID: PMC9481561 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.971735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSmartphone addiction (SA) has become a social problem that affects peoples’ quality of life and is frequently reported to be correlated with alexithymia, avoidant or anxious attachment styles, and subjective well-being. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SA and alexithymia, attachment style, and subjective well-being.MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANFANG DATA, and Chongqing VIP Information Co., Ltd. (VIP). Stata 16.0 was used to analyze the overall effect and test the moderating effect.ResultsOne hundred and ten studies were included, involving a total of 96,680 participants. SA had a significantly high positive correlation with alexithymia (r = 0.40), attachment anxiety (r = 0.37), and negative emotions (r = 0.31), and a low positive correlation with attachment avoidance (r = 0.17). In addition, there was a high negative correlation between SA and subjective well-being (r = –0.33) and a low negative correlation between SA, life satisfaction (r = –0.17), and positive emotions (r = –0.18). A moderation analysis revealed that age significantly moderated the relationship between SA and positive emotions. The tools for measuring SA significantly moderated the relationship between SA, alexithymia, attachment anxiety, and subjective well-being. Meanwhile, subjective well-being measurement tools significantly moderated the relationships between SA, subjective well-being, and negative emotions.ConclusionSA was closely related to alexithymia, attachment style, and subjective well-being. In the future, longitudinal research can be conducted to better investigate the dynamic changes in the relationship between them.Systematic review registration[www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [CRD42022334798].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Ding
- School of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Haitao Huang
- School of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- School of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qianwen Peng
- School of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jingfen Yu
- School of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Guangli Lu
- School of Business, Institute of Business Administration, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Huifang Wu
- School of Business, Institute of Business Administration, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Huifang Wu,
| | - Chaoran Chen
- School of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Chaoran Chen,
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Zhou H, Xiao W, Li X, Jiang H. The influence of alexithymia on problematic mobile phone use among Chinese adolescent students: Multiple mediating roles of social interaction anxiousness and core self-evaluations. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:569-576. [PMID: 35429535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia can lead to problematic mobile phone use (PMPU). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. METHODS Drawing on the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model, the present study tests the mediating effects (parallel and serial) of social interaction anxiety (SIA) and core self-evaluations (CSE) on the relationship between alexithymia and PMPU. We obtained 1267 valid responses from adolescent students (mean age, 20.36, standard deviation, 0.97) from southeast China who completed the Mobile Phone Addiction Index, Toronto Alexithymia-20 Scale, Social Interaction Anxiousness Scale, and Core Self-Evaluation Inventory. RESULTS After controlling for demographic variables (i.e., gender) as covariates, the results revealed that: (1) alexithymia had a positive predictive effect on PMPU in adolescent students; (2) SIA and CSE mediated the association between alexithymia and PMPU; and (3) a series of indirect pathways (i.e., from alexithymia to PMPU via SIA and CSE) were detected. Thus, alexithymia can directly affect (parallel mediation) PMPU by increasing SIA and lowering CSE simultaneously. However, alexithymia can also indirectly affect (serial mediation) PMPU by increasing the level of SIA by decreasing CSE. LIMITATIONS Data were collected by participant self-report. This method may lead to recall bias. Further, we adopted a cross-sectional rather than an experimental design, thus precluding causal conclusions. Lastly, it would be useful to validate our findings with other age groups outside southeast China. CONCLUSIONS The current study findings are conducive to understanding the relationship between alexithymia and PMPU and inspire the prevention and intervention of PMPU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- School of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, China; Jinhua Advanced Research Institute, China
| | - Weilong Xiao
- School of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, China; School of Education, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, China
| | - Xinwei Li
- School of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, China.
| | - Huaibin Jiang
- School of Education, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, China.
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Liu X, Lu H, Zhou Z, Chao M, Liu T. Development of a Computerized Adaptive Test for Problematic Mobile Phone Use. Front Psychol 2022; 13:892387. [PMID: 35712155 PMCID: PMC9197499 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.892387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The great number of mobile phone users in the world has increased in recent years. More time spent on a phone, more negative effects such as problematic mobile phone use. Many researchers have devoted themselves to revise tools to measure problematic mobile phone use better and more precisely. Previous studies have shown that these tools have good reliability and validity, but that most of them have some shortcomings because they were traditional paper-and-pencil tests based on Classical Test Theory (CTT). This study, based on Item Response Theory (IRT) in order to solve these shortcomings, developed Computerized Adaptive Test for problematic mobile phone use (CAT-PMPU) and discussed the performance of CAT-PMPU. Then, we used real data to simulate CAT, and the measurement accuracy and reliability between a paper-and-pencil test and CAT-PMPU were compared under the same test length. The results showed that CAT-PMPU was better than the paper-and-pencil test in all aspects, and that it can reduce the number of items and improve measurement efficiency effectively. In conclusion, the CAT-PMPU was developed in this study has good reliability, and it provided novel technical support for the measurement of problematic mobile phone use. It had a good application prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Lu
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Zhou
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Miao Chao
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
- Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Social Science Laboratory of Students’ Mental Development and Learning, Tianjin, China
| | - Tour Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
- Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Social Science Laboratory of Students’ Mental Development and Learning, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Tour Liu,
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Xiao W, Zhou H, Li X, Lin X. Why are Individuals with Alexithymia Symptoms More Likely to Have Mobile Phone Addiction? The Multiple Mediating Roles of Social Interaction Anxiousness and Boredom Proneness. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2021; 14:1631-1641. [PMID: 34675703 PMCID: PMC8518138 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s328768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Previous studies have investigated the relationship between alexithymia and problematic mobile phone use (PMPU). However, yet gaps in identifying the internal mechanisms of this relationship remain. Hence, based on the Interaction of Person–Affect–Cognition–Execution model, the current research examined the mediating roles of college students’ social interaction anxiousness (SIA) and boredom proneness (BPS) in the relationship between alexithymia and PMPU. Methods A total of 1300 college students (Mage = 20.36 years, SD = 0.97) were recruited from two universities in the southeast of China to complete a series of questionnaires, including the Toronto alexithymia scale, SIA scale, BPS scale, and mobile phone addiction index questionnaire. In order to conduct conservative predictions, the demographic variables (ie, gender) were controlled as covariates. Results The results of multiple mediation analysis showed that (1) alexithymia was positively linked with PMPU; (2) both SIA and BPS mediated the link between alexithymia and PMPU; and (3) a serial indirect pathway emerged (ie, alexithymia → SIA → BPS → PMPU). Conclusion These findings indicated that alexithymia could influence PMPU in a simple indirect way (parallel mediation) and in a complex indirect way (serial mediation). Besides, these findings provide some insights into the prevention and intervention of PMPU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilong Xiao
- School of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, People's Republic of China.,School of Education, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Jinhua Advanced Research Institute, Jinhua, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinwei Li
- School of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Lin
- Psychological Counseling Center of Student Affairs Office, Zhangzhou City College, Zhangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Jin L, Hao Z, Huang J, Akram HR, Saeed MF, Ma H. Depression and anxiety symptoms are associated with problematic smartphone use under the COVID-19 epidemic: The mediation models. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2021; 121:105875. [PMID: 36540404 PMCID: PMC9756353 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 epidemic has brought wide psychological impacts on the young adults. To investigate the depression and anxiety symptoms and their associations with problematic smartphone use under the COVID-19 epidemic, a total of 847 Chinese undergraduate students joined in this study and were measured with their levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, resilience, perceived social support, the sense of school belonging and problematic smartphone use. Results showed that among the Chinese undergraduate students, the disorder rates of depression and anxiety symptoms were 29.16% and 46.64% respectively, and their symptoms ranged from mild to extreme severe. Depression and anxiety symptoms both positively predicted problematic smartphone use. Resilience, perceived social support and the sense of school belonging partially mediated both associations; resilience and the sense of school belonging exerted buffering effects, while perceived social support exacerbated the impacts. The current study advanced our understanding of the COVID-19 impacts and furthermore, suggested the protective factors for mitigating these impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyi Jin
- China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122 Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
- Shenyang Women's and Children's Hospital, No. 87 Danan Street, Shenhe District, 110011 Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Zejun Hao
- China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122 Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Jinzi Huang
- Liaoning National Normal College, No. 45, Chongshan East Road, Huanggu District, 110032 Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Hafiza Rabia Akram
- China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122 Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Muhammad Farhan Saeed
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, 61100 Vehari, Pakistan
| | - Haibo Ma
- Guidaojiaotong Polytechnic Institute, No. 5 17A, N0. 13 Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, 110023 Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
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