A Newspaper’s Effect on the Strength of Automatic Associations in Memory

A test was done to see if reading a newspaper which consistently overrepresents foreigners as criminals strengthens the automatic association between foreign country and criminal in memory (i.e., implicit cultivation). Further, an investigation was done to find out if reading articles from the same newspaper produces a short-term effect on the same measure and if (1) emotionalization of the newspaper texts, (2) emotional reactions of the reader (indicated by arousal), and (3) attributed text credibility moderate the short-term treatment effect. Eighty-five participants were assigned to one of three experimental conditions. Participants in the control group received short factual crime texts, where the nationality of the offender was not mentioned. Participants in the factual treatment group received the same texts, but the foreign nationality was mentioned. Participants in the emotionalized treatment group received emotionalized articles (i.e., texts which are high in vividness and frequency) covering the same crimes, with the foreign nationality mentioned. Supporting empirical evidence for implicit cultivation and a short-term effect was found. However, only emotionalized articles produced a short-term effect on the strength of the automatic association, indicating that newspaper texts must have a minimum of stimulus intensity to overcome an effect threshold. There were no moderating effects of arousal or credibility pertaining to the impact on the implicit measure. However, credibility moderated the short-term effect on a first-order judgment (i.e., estimated frequency of foreigners of all criminals). This indicates that a newspaper’s effect on the strength of automatic associations is relatively independent from processes of propositional reasoning.

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Vaccination against rubella and measles: quantitative investigations of different policies

Journal of Hygiene ◽

10.1017/s002217240002893x ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 90 (2) ◽

pp. 259-325 ◽

Cited By ~ 211

Author(s):

R. M. Anderson ◽

R. M. May

Keyword(s):

Mathematical Models ◽

Age Groups ◽

Term Effect ◽

Short Term ◽

Short Term Effect ◽

Congenital Rubella ◽

Theoretical Predictions ◽

The Impact ◽

Epidemiological Parameters ◽

Immunization Programmes

SUMMARYThis paper uses relatively simple and deterministic mathematical models to examine the impact that different immunization policies have on the age-specific incidence of rubella and measles. Following earlier work by Knox (1980) and others, we show that immunization programmes can, under some circumstances, increase the total number of cases among older age groups; the implications for the overall incidence of measles encephalitis and of congenital rubella syndrome are examined, paying attention both to the eventual equilibrium and to the short-term effect in the first few decades after immunization is initiated. Throughout, we use data (from the U.K., and U.S.A. and other countries) both in the estimation of the epidemiological parameters in our models, and in comparison between theoretical predictions and observed facts. The conclusions defy brief summary and are set out at the end of the paper.

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Short-term effect of electroacupuncture on rehabilitation after arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex repair: a randomised study

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-021-02361-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chiu-Ming Chang ◽

Cheng-En Hsu ◽

Yu-Chen Lee ◽

Chen-Wei Yeh ◽

Yung-Cheng Chiu

Keyword(s):

Arthroscopic Surgery ◽

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽

Term Effect ◽

Pinch Strength ◽

Control Group ◽

Short Term ◽

Short Term Effect ◽

Triangular Fibrocartilage ◽

Active Rehabilitation

Abstract Background Electroacupuncture (EA) alleviates chronic pain and acute postoperative pain after several surgical procedures. However, whether EA facilitates postoperative functional recovery after arthroscopic surgery has yet to be determined. This study investigated the short-term effect of EA on a rehabilitation course after arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair. Methods Forty-two patients undergoing arthroscopic TFCC repair were randomised to an EA group (n = 19) or control group (n = 23). In the EA group, patients received EA treatment and standard active rehabilitation for 4 weeks. In the control group, patients received standard active rehabilitation for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment and at the follow-up visit 4 weeks after the treatment, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, wrist range of motion (ROM), handgrip strength, and key pinch strength were collected and analysed. Results The EA group improved significantly than the control group in terms of DASH scores, all wrist motion arcs, and key pinch strength (P < 0.05) at the end of the 4-week treatment and the follow-up visit another 4 weeks later. Conclusion Patients treated with 4 weeks of EA after the arthroscopic TFCC repair had better wrist ROM and DASH scores than patients of control group

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Interactive patient education via an audience response system in cardiac rehabilitation

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312120942118 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 205031212094211

Author(s):

Dietrich Stoevesandt ◽

Andreas Weber ◽

Andreas Wienke ◽

Steffi Bethge ◽

Viktoria Heinze ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Patient Education ◽

Term Effect ◽

Control Group ◽

Audience Response System ◽

Audience Response ◽

Short Term ◽

Short Term Effect ◽

Response System

Objectives: Patient education and compliance play an important role in the success of rehabilitation in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to analyze whether interactive learning methods, in this study, the audience response system with a “clicker,” can improve the learning success of patients during and after their rehabilitation process. Methods: In a randomized, prospective cohort study, a total of 260 patients were randomized to either an interactive training group using Athens audience response system or to a control group without the use of audience response system during the educational sessions. Patients were taught and tested on four different topics concerning their primary disease: heart failure, arterial hypertension, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and coronary heart disease. After each session, the patients had to answer questions on the previously taught topics via questionnaires. These questions were asked again at the day of discharge, as well as 3 and 12 months after discharge. Additional information on the patients’ health, plus their mental status, was gathered with the help of further questionnaires (HADS and SF-12). Results: A total of 260 patients (201 men and 59 women) were recruited. The patients were on average 61.1 ± 11 years old. A significant short-term effect on the patients’ knowledge about their disease was found immediately after the educational sessions in the intervention group. However, there was no long-term effect in either the intervention or control group. Although there was no statistical significance found in any of the observations, a positive short-term effect on learning capacity as well as positive trends in mental and physical health after discharge could be found in patients after the use of audience response system during their rehabilitation. Conclusion: This study provides interesting and new data on the use of an interactive learning method for patients to gain knowledge about their primary disease and eventually improve their physical and mental health status in a long-term perspective. By implementing different and new ways of teaching and interaction during the hospitalization, not only patients, but also medical staff and caregivers could benefit.

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Short-Term Effect of Acupuncture on Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Subjects

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/aim.2009.001081 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 25-27 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Daniel Meira-Freitas ◽

Angelino Julio Cariello ◽

Ruth Cardoso Vita ◽

Ângela Tabosa ◽

Luiz Alberto S Melo

Keyword(s):

Intraocular Pressure ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Sham Group ◽

Term Effect ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Short Term ◽

Short Term Effect ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Purpose To evaluate the short-term effect of acupuncture on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy subjects. Methods A randomised controlled double-blinded trial was performed. 48 healthy volunteers (94 eyes) were randomly allocated to three groups: acupuncture group—19 subjects (38 eyes) were submitted to a 20 min session of acupuncture (GB1, GB14 and BL1); sham group—14 subjects (27 eyes) were submitted to a 20 min session of acupuncture with needles inserted in false points; and control group—15 subjects (29 eyes) who underwent no intervention. All subjects had the IOP measured by a masked investigator using Goldmann applanation tonometry immediately before intervention, as well as 20 min and 24 h after. Results The mean (SD) IOP in the acupuncture group was 17.9 (3.3) mm Hg at baseline, 16.4 (3.9) mm Hg at 20 min and 16.3 (3.3) mm Hg at 24 h. The mean (SD) IOP in the sham group was 18.6 (3.3) mm Hg at baseline, 17.7 (2.6) mm Hg at 20 min and 15.9 (3.6) mm Hg at 24 h. The mean (SD) IOP in the control group was 16.9 (3.5) mm Hg at baseline, 16.5 (3.8) mm Hg at 20 min and 15.8 (3.3) mm Hg at 24 h. There was no statistically significant difference in the IOP variation (post-intervention minus baseline measurements) between groups after 20 min (p=0.13) and 24 h (p=0.21). Conclusion Acupuncture in the studied points did not produce significant short-term effect on the IOP of healthy individuals in comparison with control groups. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT00639977

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Short-term effect of Tramadol injection on the serum levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone in Male Sahel Goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria

International Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology ◽

10.14419/ijpt.v7i1.28585 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 6

Author(s):

Babagana Bako ◽

Sani Malami ◽

Garba Uthman Sadiq ◽

Lawan Gana Ashiekh

Keyword(s):

Luteinizing Hormone ◽

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Term Effect ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Short Term ◽

Short Term Effect ◽

Group 4 ◽

Stimulating Hormone

Tramadol is a synthetic analogue of codeine. Its mood elevation property and sex enhancement potentials are the main reason for its abuse. The aim of the study was to determine the short-term effect of tramadol administration on Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Testosterone (TEST) levels in Male Sahel Goats. This was an experimental study conducted from 1st October 2017 to 12th November 2017 at the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria involving 20 Male Sahel Goats. The goats were divided in to 4 groups of 5 each; group 1 served as control and groups 2, 3 and 4 were injected intramuscularly with 4 mg/kg (low dose), 8 mg/kg (medium dose) and 12 mg/kg (high dose) of Tramadol respectively. The injections were given intramuscularly, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine the serum levels of FSH, LH and TEST at 0, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks of tramadol injections. The Mean±SD of the hormones were computed using SPSS 20. The difference in mean was compared using t test and ANOVA with p < 0.05 set for statistical significance. The baseline levels of FSH, LH and TEST in Male Sahel Goat in Maiduguri were 2.91±5.74 Miu/ml, 0.29±0.72 Miu/ml and 3.92±6.39 ng/ml respectively. Only the goats in group 4 showed a significant increase in serum FSH and LH by the 4th week (P=0.01 and 0.03 respectively) while no significant change was noted in the other groups. The was a decline in the level of Testosterone from 1st week through 4th week in all the experimental group but the level in the control group remain fairly constant throughout the experiment. The decline is inversely proportional to the dose of tramadol injection and most marked in group 4.High dose and prolonged used of Tramadol should be avoided because of side effects of Hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism.

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The effect of a serious game on empathy and prejudice of psychology students towards persons with disabilities

African Journal of Disability ◽

10.4102/ajod.v8i0.328 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Linda Olivier ◽

Paula Sterkenburg ◽

Esmé Van Rensburg

Keyword(s):

Term Effect ◽

Serious Game ◽

Control Group ◽

Short Term ◽

Dynamic Component ◽

Persons With Disabilities ◽

Short Term Effect ◽

Empathy Score ◽

Post Test ◽

Randomised Controlled

Background: Much has been done regarding the promotion of equality in rights in terms of legislation, but persons with disabilities remain marginalised in society. Negative attitudes and prejudice contribute towards numerous challenges for persons with disabilities.Objectives: This study investigated the level of empathy and prejudice of students towards persons with disabilities, and the effect of the use of a serious game to enhance empathy and reduce prejudice.Method: A randomised controlled experiment with pre-test, post-test and follow-up test was used. Availability sample (N = 83) of psychology university students (22% males; 78% females) was divided into an experimental group that played the serious game The World of Empa and two control groups. The first control group received texts on case studies and information on reacting in a sensitive and responsive way, and the second control group received no intervention.Results: Participants have average levels of empathy (score: 32 to 52) and strong prejudice (score: 0.08 to −0.87) towards persons with disabilities. The intervention results in a slight short-term effect for prejudice and sub-scale measurements of empathy. A slight improvement was noted in participants’ ability to transpose themselves imaginatively into the experience of disabled characters.Conclusion: The findings contribute to the understanding of empathy as a dynamic component that can be positively influenced by, for example, a serious game. These results have teaching implications on the facilitation of empathy. The short-term effect on empathy and prejudice towards persons with disabilities may contribute to bridge the inequality experienced by persons with disabilities.

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