Target-Specific Learning Contributes to Practice Effects in Paper-and-Pencil Tests of Attention

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
Peter Wühr
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Practice Effects ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychometric Tests ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Specific Learning

Abstract. Previous studies revealed that performance in paper-and-pencil tests of attention, such as the d2-R test, improves with practice, though the sources of these practice effects are yet unknown. Practice effects in psychometric tests are a serious problem because they impede the evaluation of test performance and constrain the utility of these tests. This study addresses the role of target-specific learning for practice in a d2-like paper-and-pencil test of attention. Two variants of a d2-like test, which exclusively differed in the set of target stimuli, were constructed. Participants were tested on two days separated by one week. Participants in the control condition searched for the same targets (among the same distractors) in each session, whereas participants in the test group searched for different targets (among the same distractors) in each session. Results showed practice benefits in both groups, but benefits were larger in the control group than in the test group. The results suggest that practice improves the processing of target features in paper-and-pencil tests of attention. Hence, using two versions with different sets of targets may effectively reduce practice effects in d2-like tests of attention. Further implications of the findings are discussed.

scholarly journals EFEKTIVITAS COOPERATIVE LEARNING DALAM PEMBELAJARAN (STUDI PADA MAHASISWA SEMESTER 1 FAKULTAS PSIKOLOGI UNIVERSITAS X)

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Ninawati Ninawati ◽  
Monika Monika
Keyword(s):  
Cooperative Learning ◽  
Peer Tutoring ◽  
Developmental Psychology ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Student Teams ◽  
Network Pattern ◽  
Junior Students

Cooperative learning is learning that occurs when students work in small groups to help one another in learning. In cooperative learning there are various approaches, one of wich is used this program si the Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD). In this progam a peer tutoring methos is carried out, namely the role of senior students who guide their junior students, as well as the role of peers in achieving progam goals, namely increasing the value of Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology Subyects. This research was conducted on first semester students of the Faculty of Psychology, Universty X. The result showed that the interventions for two groups were not yet effective, this happened because there was ahigh likelihood of interaction between the test group and the control group. While based on the network pattern, it can be seen the changes in relations and interactions between students in each group and some students who become opinion leaders and there are students who become isolated. Cooperative learning adalah pembelajaran yang terjadi ketika siswa atau mahasiswa bekerja dalam kelompok kecil untuk membantu satu sama lain dalam belajar. Pada cooperative learning terdapat berbagai pendekatan, salah satu di antaranya yang digunakan dalam program ini adalah Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD). Pada program ini dilakukan metode peer tutoring, yaitu adanya peran kakak asuh yang membimbing adik asuhnya, serta peran teman sebaya dalam mencapai tujuan program, yaitu meningkatkan nilai Mata Kuliah Psikologi Perkembangan Anak dan Remaja. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada mahasiswa semester 1 Fakultas Psikologi Universitas X. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan intervensi untuk kedua kelompok belum efektif, hal ini diduga terjadi karena interaksi antara kelompok uji dengan kelompok kontrol. Berdasarkan pola jaringan terlihat perubahan relasi dan interaksi antar mahasiswa pada masing-masing kelompok. Berdasarkan penelitian ditemukan beberapa mahasiswa menjadi pemuka pendapat dan beberapa menjadi pemencil.

scholarly journals The Role of Tuan Guru on Improving Iron Intake and Minimalizing Food Restriction Behavior among Pregnant Women with Anemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Sabi'ah Khairi ◽  
Lalu Muhammad Harmain Siswanto ◽  
Heri Bahtiar ◽  
Ristrini Ristrini
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Food Restriction ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Iron Intake ◽  
Post Intervention

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy is an indirect cause maternal mortality. One of causes anemia during pregnancy is deficit of nutrient especially intake of iron. The aim of this study was to know that the role of religious leaders that called “Tuan Guru” as agent of change to improving iron intake among anemia pregnant women.Methods: This study was quasi-experimental with pre and post-test group design. 86 participants pregnant women with anemia have been recruited in this study with purposive sampling technic. They were divided in intervention group (47 participants) and control group (39 participants). This study involved Tuan Guru as main intervention to give health promotion about nutrition during pregnancy. This study used food recall as an instrument tool that it used to measure nutrient intake especially intake of iron both pre and post intervention and also used questonare to measure food restriction behaviour among anemia pregnant women. Statistical test used paired t-testResults: This study show that there were effect of religious leaders to improving the iron intake among pregnant women with anemia with p=0.01. This study also found that the habits of food restriction among pregnant women are decline between before and after intervention with p=0.00.Conclusion: Tuan Guru has a strong influence in helping to increase nutritional intake and is able to minimize the food restriction behaviour among anemia pregnant women. The result of this study can be a basis for government to make a policy related to involvement of religious leaders in health promotion.

EFFECTS OF LISTENERS' EXPECTATIONS OF SPEAKERS' NATIVENESS: IDENTIFICATION OF PHONEMIC VOWEL LENGTH

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1106-1115
Author(s):  
Wael Zuraiq ◽  
Moh'd Al-Omari ◽  
Sabri Al Shboul ◽  
Anas Al Huneety ◽  
Bassil Mashaqba
Keyword(s):  
Native Speakers ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Speaking Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Arabic Speakers ◽  
Minimal Pairs ◽  
Native Arabic Speakers

Purpose of the study: This study is to describe an experiment in which native Arabic listeners identified phonemic vowels in Arabic words. Native Arabic speakers from a variety of dialects and non-native Arabic speakers spoke the words. The main objective of the present study is to understand the neglected role of the native listeners in making communication successful or impeded when native listeners lack adequate information about the non-native speaker and when the top-down processing is absent. Methodology: The present study examined real Arabic minimal pairs (short versus long vowels) uttered at a regular speaking rate by both native speakers of Arabic (NSA) as a control group and non-native speakers of Arabic (NNSA) as a test group. First, we told the listeners that they would hear speakers from various countries, and we did not tell them that the stimuli had non-native words. In the subsequent part of the experiment, we told native listeners that they would hear both native speakers and non-native intermediate speakers. Main Findings: The major outcome of the present study is that listeners made slower and less correct identifications when they knew that some of the speakers were non-native. The finding of the experiment confirms the hypothesis that the processing of non-native productions is influenced by native listeners' negative expectations about non-native speakers with the absence of adequate facilitating details. Applications of this study: The study contributes to the psycholinguistic understanding of the role of the native listeners' expectations and attitudes towards non-native speakers and contributes to the understanding of the interaction between native listeners and non-native speakers. The study can help linguists in understanding the role of listeners in communication impediments within the top-down approach. Novelty/Originality of this study: This work adopts a new approach where we tested the same listeners twice, first with no information about non-native speakers and second with information that they will hear non-native speakers in the stimuli. Such an approach intends to improve our perception towards language communication within listeners' attitudes as associated with foreign speakers when information about the context of stimuli is inadequate.

scholarly journals A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON ROLE OF VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENTATION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavithra D ◽  
Praveen D ◽  
Vijey Aanandhi M
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Vitamin E ◽  
Blood Sugar ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Hypoglycemic Agents ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Vitamin E Supplementation

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Vitamin E supplementation in Type II diabetes mellitus (DM), to determines whether people with Type II DM treated with hypoglycemic agents alone, with or without Vitamin E, to determines the drug interaction in such treatment regimen, and to evaluates the Safety of the regimen.Methods: Type II DM patients with or without complications were included in this study along with serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration between 7.5% and 9.5%. They are divided into test group (which received hypoglycemic agent along with Vitamin E 4000 IU) and control group. Body mass index (BMI) status, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and post-prandial blood sugar (PPBS) were noted once in a month, HbA1c percentage, total cholesterol level (TC), and serum Vitamin E level were estimated and noted for every 3 months at total 9 months of this study. Patients with other comorbid conditions were prominent in this study.Results: It is perceptible with the analysis of obtained data that FBS, PPBS, HbA1c percentage, TC level, and BMI status of the patients were declined gradually in test group (patients with Vitamin E supplementation along with their hypoglycemic agents). Thus, antioxidant therapy is highly propitious whereby delaying the onset of complications in patients with DM. This development would be highly helpful for diabetic patients.

scholarly journals Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (14) ◽  
pp. 2267-2270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Ristikj-Stomnaroska ◽  
Valentina Risteska-Nejashmikj ◽  
Marija Papazova
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Nerve Damage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Peripheral Nerve Damage ◽  
Tnf Α

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) means the presence of symptoms and/or signs of peripheral nerve damage that occur to people with diabetes, excluding all other causes of neuropathy. Chronic hyperglycaemia leads to increased secretion of tumour necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-α), with the development of micro and macroangiopathy, damage to nerve fibres and local demyelination. AIM: To determine the role of inflammation in the peripheral nerve damage process concerning people suffering from type II diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a total of 80 subjects, men and women, divided into two groups: an examined group (n = 50) consisting of subjects with DPN at the age from 30 to 80 years and a control group (n = 30) of healthy subjects aged from 18 to 45. In the investigated group, a neurological examination was performed using the Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms (DNS) Score and Electroneurography. All the subjects had the blood plasma concentration of TNF-α by ELISA technique. RESULTS: The average value of TNF-α in the test group was 8.24 ± 2.899 pg/ml, while the control group was 4.36 ± 2.622 pg/ml (p < 0.0001). The average value of TNF-α was correlated with the achieved DNS score in the investigated group (p = 0.005). Concerning the linear association of the concentration of TNF-α with the peripheral nerve velocity in the investigated group, no statistical significance was detected. CONCLUSION: Inflammation can play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic autonomic neuropathy and cranial neuritis.

scholarly journals Novel PGC-1α/ATF5 Axis Partly Activates UPRmt and Mediates Cardioprotective Role of Tetrahydrocurcumin in Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Bing Zhang ◽  
Yanzhen Tan ◽  
Zhengbin Zhang ◽  
Pan Feng ◽  
Wenyuan Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Neonatal Rat ◽  
Activation Mechanism ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy

Mitochondrial unfolding protein response (UPRmt) effectively resists the pathological cardiac hypertrophy and improves the mitochondrial function. However, the specific activation mechanism and drugs that can effectively activate UPRmt in the cardiac muscle are yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the regulation role of UPRmt on preventing pathological cardiac hypertrophy by tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) and explore its underlying molecular mechanism. Male C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice were divided into a control group and subjected to sham treatment for 4 weeks, and a test group which was subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery. Animals in the control and test group were orally administered THC (50 mg/kg) for 4 weeks after TAC procedure; an equivalent amount of saline was orally administered in the control sham-treated group and the TAC group. Subsequently, oxidative stress and UPRmt markers were assessed in these mice, and cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac function were tested. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1α and activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) were used to determine the UPRmt activation mechanism. THC supplement partly upregulated UPRmt effectors and inhibited TAC-induced oxidative stress compared with TAC-operated WT mice, thereby substantially attenuating contractile dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Furthermore, PGC-1α knockdown blunted the UPRmt activation and the cardioprotective role of THC. The interaction between PGC-1α and ATF5 was tested in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes under normal conditions. The results showed that PGC-1α was an upstream effector of ATF5 and partly activated UPRmt. In vitro, phenylephrine- (PE-) induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy caused ATF5 upregulating rather than downregulating corresponding to the downregulation of PGC-1α. The PGC-1α/ATF5 axis mediated the UPRmt activation and stress-resistance role of THC in vitro. Collectively, the present study provides the first evidence that PGC-1 and ATF5 can form a signaling axis to partly activate UPRmt that mediates the cardioprotective role of THC in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Personalized Learning Opportunities in 3D VR

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ildikó Horváth
Keyword(s):  
Learning Styles ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Adaptive Learning ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Personalized Learning ◽  
Task Type ◽  
Control Group

Due to its constantly developing technological background, VR and AR technology has been gaining increasing popularity not just in industry or business but in education as well. Research in the field of Cognitive Infocommunications (CogInfoCom) shows that using existing digital technologies, online collaboration and cooperation technologies in 3D VR supports cognitive processes, including the finding, processing, memorization and recalling of information. 3D VR environments are also capable of providing users with a much higher level of comprehension when it comes to sharing and interpreting digital workflows. The paper presents a study carried out with the participation of 90 students. The aim of this study is to investigate how the application of 3D VR platforms as personalized educational environments can also increase VR learning efficiency. Besides considering participants’ test performance, metrics such as results on visual, auditory and reading-based learning tests for information acquisition, as well as responses on Kolb’s learning styles questionnaires are taken into consideration. The participants’ learning styles, information acquisition habits were also observed, allowing us to create and offer a variety of learning pathways based on a variety of content types in the 3D VR environment. The students within the study were divided into two groups: a test group receiving personalized training in the MaxWhere 3D VR classroom, and a control group that studied in a general MaxWhere 3D VR space. This research applies both quantitative and qualitative methods to report findings. The goal was to create adaptive learning environments capable of deriving models of learners and providing personalized learning experiences. We studied the correlation between effectiveness of the tasks and Kolb’s learning styles. The study shows the major importance of choosing the optimal task type regarding each Kolb learning style and personalized learning environment. The MaxWhere 3D spaces show a high potential for personalizing VR education. The non-intrusive guiding capabilities of VR environments and of the educational content integrated in the 3D VR spaces were very successful, because the students were able to score 20 percent higher on the tests after studying in VR than after using traditional educational tools. Students also performed the same tasks with 8-10 percent faster response times.

Effect of Salvestrol as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Head & Neck, GIT, Ovary, Breast and Lung Malignancies Undergoing Conventional Treatment in an Indian Population

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bathoju Gayathri
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Conventional Treatment ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lung Malignancies ◽  
Impact On Survival ◽  
The Mean

Background: Previous studies have elucidated that Salvestrols are a class of phytonutrients that, function through an extremely targeted mechanism that hinges on their metabolism by the universal cancer marker CYP1B1, causing cell apoptosis. Unfortunately, modern-day cultivation practices have severely limited the obtainability of these specific phytonutrients in the modern food regime. These phytonutrients are all phytoalexins and are not induced in abundance until the plants are exposed to predation or infection as a part of their defense mechanism. Hence this investigation aims to study the effect of Salvestrol as an adjunct to routine cancer therapy on five different types of malignancies and to assess its impact on survival and quality of life has been studied. Patients and Methods: This is a two-arm study comprising of a cohort of 102 patients having cancers of the head and neck, lung, ovary, breast, and GIT. The patients in both the arms were randomized to receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery or in combination. The test group received the above along with Salvestrol (6000 salvestrol units as leader dose for 1 month followed by maintenance 4000 salvestrol units till death or discontinuation). The control arm received the same treatment as the test arm minus the salvestrol. Vitamin C and B complex was given to both groups. Results: The mean overall survival in the head and neck cancer salvestrol arm was 15.91 ±10.73 months and that of the controls was 8.0 ± 5.83 months, which was statistically significant (P=0.0441). The mean overall survival in the lung cancer salvestrol arm was 8.708 ± 9.006 months and in the controls was 2.292 ±1.484 months, which was statistically significant (p=0.0234). The mean overall survival in the GIT salvestrol arm was 10.000 ± 10.317 months and that in the control arm was 3.550 ± 3.700 months which was statistically significant (p=0.0792). The mean survival in the ovary salvestrol arm was 17.63 ± 7.19 months and in the control, the arm was 6.63 ± 7.56, which is very statistically significant (p=0.0099). The mean survival in the breast salvestrol arm was 21.80 ± 6.96 months and that of the control group was 22.10 ± 4.01 months (p=0.9073), which was statistically insignificant. The overall survival among the salvestrol patients was 14.480 ± 10.036 months as compared to 8.333 ± 8.507 months in the control arm (p=0.0012). The mean ECOG score was 1.12 ± 0.773 in the salvestrol arm (n=60) and 1.58 ± 0.8593 in the control arm (n=60), which was statically significant (p=.00591). The HAM-A scores were 2.4314 ± 2.9138 in the salvestrol arm (n=60) and 3.0612 ± 3.4666 in the control arm (n=60), which was statically insignificant (p=0.97). The mean PGSGA scores in the salvestrol arm (n=60) were 6.4688 ± 2.8959 and that in the control arm (n=60) was 7.625 ± 5.7291, which was also statistically insignificant (p=.312209). Conclusion: To date, there have been a case or series of reports on the efficacy of salvestrols in cancer. No randomized control trial has been undertaken with conventional treatment and salvestrol. Hence it was imperative to study the role of salvestrol in a randomized controlled fashion. This study was designed to compare the survival of 102 patients with five types of cancer by adding salvestrol in the prescribed treatment regime to one arm. As the results of the study showed improved overall survival in cancers of the head and neck, lung, GIT, and ovary, it may consider that salvestrols have played a role in survival, as both groups, received the same TNM based treatment. Salvestrols improved ECOG scores but not HAM –A or PGSGA. The use of salvestrol as an adjunct to surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in GIT, lung, Head & neck and ovarian malignancies may prolong the overall survival and improve the ECOG status. CYP1B1 pathways and salvestrol were found to be promising solutions to improve cancer treatment with no added side effects or toxicity. Larger randomized studies are required to further confirm the role of salvestrols.

scholarly journals Does a single high dose of vitamin D3 have an effect on fracture healing? Animal study

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
Ahammed Zakir Hussain ◽  
N. Jambu ◽  
Kevin Lourdes
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Fracture Healing ◽  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Maximum Load ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Single High Dose

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Vitamin D has an important role in the regulation of calcium by stimulating intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorous and osteoclastic resorption of bone thus being critical building bone. Given the high prevalence, severity, and cost of osteoporotic fractures, prevention strategies that are effective, low in cost and well tolerated are needed. One promising prevention strategy may be vitamin D supplementation. This animal study was done in order to establish the role of Vitamin D in fracture healing among rabbits.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 8 rabbits were involved in the study with 4 in the control group &amp; 4 in the test group. A fracture was surgically induced on both the groups following which a single high dose of vitamin D was administered intra muscular injection to the test group and normal saline for the control group. Biomechanical properties of the fractured bones such as energy absorbed until fracture (EAUF), maximum load (N) and diameter at the fracture site (D) were assessed 12 weeks later.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Mean value of EAUF for test group was 401.8 N-mm and control group was 404 N-mm. Mean value of maximum load in control group is 228.8 N and for test group is 186.9 N.</p><strong>Conclusions:</strong>From the above results, the authors did not find any significant improvement in fracture healing in test group. Hence, further investigations are to be needed to prove the role of vitamin D3 in fracture healing.

scholarly journals Apoptosis in pulp elimination during physiological root resorption in human primary teeth

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Villela Rodrigues ◽  
Anilton César Vasconcelos ◽  
Pedro Alves Campos ◽  
Juliana Massote Caldeira Brant
Keyword(s):  
Genomic Dna ◽  
Primary Teeth ◽  
Root Resorption ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Permanent Tooth ◽  
Primary Tooth ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tunel Reaction

Pulp samples of 50 healthy human teeth with indication for extraction were examined to evaluate the role of apoptosis in pulp elimination during physiological root resorption. Two groups were formed: a test group (n=30) composed of pulp samples of primary teeth with physiological root resorption and a control group (n=20) composed of pulp samples of permanent maxillary third molars. Morphological evidence of apoptosis as well as in situ detection of cellular DNA fragmentation by TUNEL assay and detection of internucleosomal pattern of fragmentation of the genomic DNA by electrophoresis were observed. The apoptotic index of the primary tooth group was significantly higher than that of the permanent tooth group (51.01 ± 0.52 versus 25.32 ± 0.68) (p<0.001). TUNEL reaction showed intense and diffuse labeling in the pulp samples of primary teeth, which were discrete in the controls. Intense DNA internucleosomal fragmentation, a specific pattern for apoptosis, was observed in primary tooth pulps DNA by electrophoresis, in the permanent tooth pulps this pattern fragmentation of the genomic DNA for apoptosis were not present. These results seem to indicate a role of apoptosis in pulp elimination during the physiological root resorption of human primary teeth.

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