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Zerr K, Seiler JPH, Rumpel S, Tüscher O. Validation of a German version of the Boredom Proneness Scale and the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2905. [PMID: 38316871 PMCID: PMC10844236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The scientific interest in boredom is growing over the past decades. Boredom has not only been linked to symptoms of psychopathology, but also shows a remarkable effect on individual behavior under healthy conditions. Current characterizations of boredom in humans mostly rely on self-report assessments which proved to faithfully reflect boredom in a vast range of experimental environments. Two of the most commonly used and prominent self-report scales in order to assess boredom are the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) and the Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS). Here, we present the German translations of both questionnaires and their validation. We obtained and analyzed psychometric data from more than 800 healthy individuals. We find that the German MSBS and BPS show vast congruence with their originals in respect to item statistics, internal reliability and validity. In particular, we find remarkable associations of state boredom and trait boredom with indicators of mental burden. Testing the factor structure of both questionnaires, we find supporting evidence for a 5-factor model of the MSBS, whereas the BPS in line with its original shows an irregular, inconsistent factor structure. Thus, we validate the German versions of MSBS and BPS and set a starting point for further studies of boredom in German-speaking collectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Zerr
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Straße 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Johannes P-H Seiler
- Institute of Physiology, Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Simon Rumpel
- Institute of Physiology, Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Straße 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstraße 7, 55122, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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Cottrell K, Chapman HM. Acquired brain injury (ABI) survivors' experience of occupation and activity during their inpatient stay: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2023:1-25. [PMID: 37982380 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2281601] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aimed to characterise and map: (1) what type of evidence and what dominant study characteristics are available regarding acquired brain injury (ABI) survivors' experience of occupation and activity in hospital? (2) How are occupation and activity conceptualised in the literature? (3) How are ABI survivors experiencing occupation and activity while in hospital? (4) What factors create barriers or opportunities for engagement in occupations or activity in hospital? (5) Are there any knowledge gaps identified? MATERIALS AND METHODS A scoping review was conducted examining literature published between 2017 and 2022. Relevant studies were systematically retrieved from electronic databases. RESULTS Thirty-four publications were included. There were more quantitative studies (n = 18). Much of the research has been conducted outside of the UK. The populations studied were principally stroke (n = 22). The concept of activity rather than occupation predominates. Patients spend their time alone and inactive. Structural and contextual barriers for engaging in activity are identified. Qualitative study designs exclude ABI survivors with communication or cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of research with ABI survivors in hospitals in the UK. Alternative methodological approaches such as ethnography would ensure those with communication or cognitive impairment are not excluded from research. Implications for rehabilitationRehabilitation professionals, especially occupational therapists, need to lead acquired brain injury (ABI) research in acute hospital settings in the UK.Conceptualisation of meaningful activity and occupation needs a clearer focus in ABI research.Qualitative studies frequently exclude participants with cognitive or communication impairments so methodologies that are more inclusive and representative of brain injury survivors are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hazel M Chapman
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society, University of Chester, Chester, UK
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Seiler JPH, Zerr K, Rumpel S, Tüscher O. High state boredom vastly affects psychiatric inpatients and predicts their treatment duration. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:350. [PMID: 37973905 PMCID: PMC10654381 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02650-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Boredom is a ubiquitous, aversive human experience typically elicited by low information and monotony. Boredom can occur either as a transient mental state that prompts individuals to adapt their behavior to avoid monotony or as a temporally stable trait, describing a chronic susceptibility to feeling bored. Increased trait boredom was found to correlate with various psychopathologies and indicators of mental burden. However, the role of state boredom in psychopathological conditions and its implications for psychiatric treatment remain elusive. Here, we address this issue by investigating state boredom and trait boredom in a cohort of psychiatric inpatients and a healthy control cohort. We find that in both groups, state boredom, even more than trait boredom, shows remarkable associations with psychopathology. In the inpatient group, state boredom is implicated broadly in multiple mental disorders and shows an association with treatment in closed psychiatric wards. Furthermore, through statistical modeling, we find that high-state boredom during inpatient therapy is predictive of a longer therapy duration. Thus, we show that state boredom constitutes an indicator of mild and severe psychopathology in different mental disorders, affecting the outcome of psychiatric patients. Potential therapeutic interventions are discussed, aiming to enhance information flow in the brain in order to alleviate boredom in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P-H Seiler
- Institute of Physiology, Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Katharina Zerr
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Straße 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstraße 7, 55122, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simon Rumpel
- Institute of Physiology, Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 19, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Straße 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstraße 7, 55122, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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Danckert J, Elpidorou A. In search of boredom: beyond a functional account. Trends Cogn Sci 2023; 27:494-507. [PMID: 36922277 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Boredom has been characterized as a crisis of meaning, a failure of attention, and a call to action. Yet as a self-regulatory signal writ-large, we are still left with the question of what makes any given boredom episode meaningless, disengaging, or a prompt to act. We propose that boredom is an affective signal that we have deviated from an optimal ('Goldilocks') zone of cognitive engagement. Such deviations may be due to a perceived lack of meaning, arise as a consequence of struggles we are experiencing in attending to a task, or be interpreted as a blunt call to find something different to engage with. Thus, the key to understanding boredom lies in its role in keeping us cognitively engaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Andreas Elpidorou
- Department of Philosophy, University of Louisville, 308 Bingham Humanities Building, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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Kenah K, Bernhardt J, Spratt NJ, Oldmeadow C, Janssen H. Depression and a lack of socialization are associated with high levels of boredom during stroke rehabilitation: An exploratory study using a new conceptual framework. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2022; 33:497-527. [PMID: 35142257 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2030761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This exploratory sub-study aimed to develop a framework to conceptualize boredom in stroke survivors during inpatient rehabilitation, establish the effect of an activity promotion intervention on boredom, and to investigate factors that are associated with boredom. A framework was developed and explored within a cluster non-randomised controlled trial. Self-reported boredom was measured in 160 stroke survivors 13 (±5) days after rehabilitation admission; 91 participants received usual-care (control) and 69 had access to a patient-driven model of activity promotion (intervention). Individuals with pre-existing dementia or unable to participate in standard rehabilitation were excluded. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was used to identify demographic, health and activity measures associated with boredom. Results indicated 39% of participants were highly bored. There was no statistically significant difference in boredom levels between treatment groups (difference -11%, 95% CI -26% to 4%). The presence of depression (OR 6.17, 95% CI 2.57-14.79) and lower levels of socialization (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.99) predicted high boredom levels. This comprehensive framework provides a foundation for understanding the many interacting factors associated with boredom. Results suggest managing depression and improving opportunities for socialization may support meaningful engagement in rehabilitation to optimize recovery following stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Kenah
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,Monash Health, Cheltenham, Australia
| | - Julie Bernhardt
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Neil J Spratt
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,Department Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | | | - Heidi Janssen
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,Hunter Stroke Service, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, Australia
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Yang X, Hu H, Zhao C, Xu H, Tu X, Zhang G. A longitudinal study of changes in smart phone addiction and depressive symptoms and potential risk factors among Chinese college students. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:252. [PMID: 33990181 PMCID: PMC8120756 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03265-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study aims to track the changes in the levels of smart phone addiction (SPA) and depressive symptoms between pre and during COVID-19 and potential risk factors of among Chinese college students in a four-wave longitudinal study. METHODS The participants were recruited from a Chinese university (n = 195; 58.5% females). The first three-wave surveys were conducted before COVID-19 (during December of Year 1, June of Year 1, and December of Year 2 of their college study; Time 1, Time 2, Time 3), while the fourth survey (Time 4; during June of Year 2 of their college study) was conducted in June 2020 during COVID-19. COVID-19-related factors, including quarantine, lockdown, boredom, emotional loneliness, and social loneliness, were investigated. RESULTS The results showed a significant increase in the levels of depressive symptoms and prevalence of probable depression during COVID-19 (69.2%) compared to those 18 months, 12 months and 6 months before COVID-19 (41.5, 45.6, 48.2%) but non-significant changes in SPA. Boredom and emotional loneliness were positively associated with both SPA and depressive symptoms during COVID-19. Social loneliness was also positively associated with depressive symptoms during COVID-19. Quarantine and lockdown were not significantly associated with SPA or depressive symptoms. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The results highlight that the study population may be a high risk group of probable depression. Future studies should continue to track these mental and behavioral status with the progression of the epidemic. The identified emotional factors could be used to reduce depressive symptoms during COVID-19 and prevent the potential risk of SPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huahua Hu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chengjia Zhao
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 P.R. China
| | - Huihui Xu
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 P.R. China
| | - Xiaolian Tu
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Renji College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China. .,School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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Abstract
Boredom is a common experience for everyone across the world—no matter how old you are or where you live, you can get bored. Boredom occurs when we are feeling negative and we want to be doing something other than what we are currently doing. Scientists think we may experience boredom as a way to tell ourselves that it is time to move on to something different. What we choose to do next may depend on what we are currently doing; we may choose to do something different based on whether we experience boredom during class vs. at home. Boredom is associated with some negative behaviors, but it may also lead to positive things like more creativity. This article provides an overview of the definition of boredom, who experiences boredom, when they experience it, and what behaviors and brain areas are associated with boredom.
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Marshall CA, Davidson L, Li A, Gewurtz R, Roy L, Barbic S, Kirsh B, Lysaght R. Boredom and meaningful activity in adults experiencing homelessness: A mixed-methods study. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2019; 86:357-370. [PMID: 30987447 DOI: 10.1177/0008417419833402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Boredom has been reported as a frequent problem experienced by homeless persons, with implications for mental and social well-being. PURPOSE. This study aimed to explore the nature and impact of boredom in the lives of homeless and formerly homeless persons. METHOD. A mixed-methods design was used to engage 13 participants in a structured 92-item quantitative interview using six standardized measures, followed by a semistructured qualitative interview. Correlational analyses were performed with the data compiled from the quantitative interviews, and grounded theory strategies were used to analyze our qualitative data. The two analyses were integrated at the stage of interpretation. FINDINGS. Boredom was described as a profound and pervasive experience for homeless persons, imposing deleterious impacts on mental well-being and driving substance use. A strong positive correlation between meaningful activity and mental well-being (r s = .767, p <. 01) and a strong negative correlation between boredom and belonging in one's community (r s = -.771, p < .01) were identified. IMPLICATIONS. Boredom is a critical topic of study for occupational therapy in the area of homelessness. Future research is needed to design and test interventions to optimize the mental well-being, participation, and social connectedness of this population.
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Baratta PL, Spence JR. Capturing the noonday demon: development and validation of the State Boredom Inventory. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/1359432x.2018.1481830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Kenah K, Bernhardt J, Cumming T, Spratt N, Luker J, Janssen H. Boredom in patients with acquired brain injuries during inpatient rehabilitation: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2017; 40:2713-2722. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1354232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Kenah
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie Bernhardt
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Toby Cumming
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil Spratt
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie Luker
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, Sansom Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Heidi Janssen
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Hunter A, Eastwood JD. Does state boredom cause failures of attention? Examining the relations between trait boredom, state boredom, and sustained attention. Exp Brain Res 2016; 236:2483-2492. [PMID: 27510405 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4749-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Boredom is an important personal and social problem, but the phenomena itself remains poorly understood. Recent work has shown that boredom is highly related to attention, and that this relationship may be instrumental in revealing boredom's causes and consequences. In this paper, experimental findings on trait boredom, state boredom, and sustained attention performance are presented. We demonstrate that trait boredom uniquely predicts sustained attention performance, over and above depression and self-report attention problems. We also present exploratory findings consistent with the claim that attention failures may cause boredom and that sustained attention tasks may themselves be boring. Discussion of each of these findings, and potential ramifications for cognitive research as a whole, is included.
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Isacescu J, Danckert J. Exploring the relationship between boredom proneness and self-control in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Exp Brain Res 2016; 236:2493-2505. [PMID: 27215775 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4674-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Characterized as an agitated state in which the individual is motivated to engage in their environment but all attempts to do so fail to satisfy, boredom represents a disengaged attentional state that is associated with negative affect and poor self-control. There have been anecdotal reports of increased levels of boredom post-traumatic brain injury (TBI). For the first time, we provide objective evidence that TBI patients do indeed experience higher levels of boredom proneness. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that the presence and severity of head injury were a significant positive predictor of levels of boredom proneness and a negative predictor of self-control. As with healthy controls, TBI patients showed a strong negative correlation between boredom proneness and self-control-those with lower levels of self-control exhibited higher levels of boredom proneness. This was despite the fact that our TBI patients reported higher overall levels of self-control (probably concomitant with their older mean age). The TBI patients also showed strong positive correlations between boredom proneness and measures of physical aggression and anger. Together, this suggests that patients with TBI may be more susceptible to increased levels of boredom proneness and other negative affective states that arise as a consequence of failures of self-control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Isacescu
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Merrifield C, Danckert J. Characterizing the psychophysiological signature of boredom. Exp Brain Res 2013; 232:481-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-013-3755-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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