Struggling to Keep Tabs on Capstone Projects: A Chatbot to Tackle Student Procrastination

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Juanan Pereira ◽  
Óscar Díaz

Capstone projects usually represent the most significant academic endeavor with which students have been involved. Time management tends to be one of the hurdles. On top, University students are prone to procrastinatory behavior. Inexperience and procrastination team up for students failing to meet deadlines. Supervisors strive to help. Yet heavy workloads frequently prevent tutors from continuous involvement. This article looks into the extent to which conversational agents (a.k.a. chatbots) can tackle procrastination in single-student capstone projects. Specifically, chatbot enablers put in play include (1) alerts, (2) advice, (3) automatic rescheduling, (4) motivational messages, and (5) reference to previous capstone projects. Informed by Cognitive Behavioural Theory, these enablers are framed within the three phases involved in self-regulation misalignment: pre-actional, actional, and post-actional. To motivate this research, we first analyzed 77 capstone-project reports. We found that students’ Gantt charts (1) fail to acknowledge review meetings (70%) and milestones (100%) and (2) suffer deviations from the initial planned effort (16.28%). On these grounds, we develop GanttBot, a Telegram chatbot that is configured from the student’s Gantt diagram. GanttBot reminds students about close landmarks, it informs tutors when intervention might be required, and it learns from previous projects about common pitfalls, advising students accordingly. For evaluation purposes, course 17/18 acts as the control group ( N=28 ) while course 18/19 acts as the treatment group ( N=25 students). Using “overdue days” as the proxy for procrastination, results indicate that course 17/18 accounted for an average of 19 days of delay (SD = 5), whereas these days go down to 10 for the intervention group in course 18/19 (SD = 4). GanttBot is available for public usage as a Telegram chatbot.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Duygu Akçay ◽  
Nuray Barış

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of interventions focused on reducing screen time in children. Design/methodology/approach Studies that aim to investigate the effects of interventions aimed at reducing the time spent in front of the screen (i.e. screen time). A Random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled standard mean differences. The outcome was to evaluate the screen time in children in the 0–18 age range. A subgroup analysis was performed to reveal the extent to which the overall effect size varied by subgroups (participant age, duration of intervention and follow). Findings For the outcome, the meta-analysis included 21 studies, and the standard difference in mean change in screen time in the intervention group compared with the control group was −0.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.21 to −0.12) (p < 0.001). The effect size was found to be higher in long-term (=7 months) interventions and follow-ups (p < 0.05). Originality/value Subgroup analysis showed that a significant effect of screen time reduction was observed in studies in which the duration of intervention and follow-up was =7 months. As the evidence base grows, future researchers can contribute to these findings by conducting a more comprehensive analysis of effect modifiers and optimizing interventions to reduce screen time.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadaf Malik ◽  
Tarjei Tørre Asprusten ◽  
Maria Pedersen ◽  
Julie Mangersnes ◽  
Gro Trondalen ◽  
...  

​BackgroundCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in chronic fatigue syndrome. However, CBT has not been investigated in postinfectious chronic fatigue (CF), nor is it known whether addition of therapeutic elements from other disciplines might be feasible. We studied the feasibility of a combined CBT and music therapy intervention for CF following Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in adolescents.​MethodsAdolescents (12–20 years old) participating in a postinfectious cohort study who developed CF 6 months after an acute EBV infection were eligible for the present feasibility study. A combined CBT and music therapy programme (10 therapy sessions and related homework) was compared with care as usual in a randomised controlled design. Therapists and participants were blinded to outcome evaluation. Endpoints included physical activity (steps/day), symptom scores, recovery rate and possible harmful effects, but the study was underpowered regarding efficacy. Total follow-up time was 15 months.​ResultsA total of 43 individuals with postinfectious CF were included (21 intervention group, 22 control group). Seven individuals left the study during the first 3 months, leaving 15 in the intervention group and 21 in the control group at 3 months’ follow-up. No harmful effects were recorded, and compliance with appointment was high. In intention-to-treat analyses, number of steps/day tended to decrease (difference=−1158, 95% CI −2642 to 325), whereas postexertional malaise tended to improve (difference=−0.4, 95% CI −0.9 to 0.1) in the intervention group at 3 months. At 15 months’ follow-up, there was a trend towards higher recovery rate in the intervention group (62% vs 37%).​ConclusionAn intervention study of combined CBT and music therapy in postinfectious CF is feasible, and appears acceptable to the participants. The tendencies towards positive effects on patients’ symptoms and recovery might justify a full-scale clinical trial.​Trial registration numberNCT02499302.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeter Şener ◽  
Hüseyin Aksoy ◽  
Mürüvvet Başer

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of hydration with oral water on non-stress test (NST).Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted as single-blinded and randomized controlled. Healthy and outpatient 32- to 40-week pregnant women who were aged 19 and older were included in the study. Intervention group pregnant women (n = 66) drank 500 ccs of water before the NST, and no attempt was made to the control group (n = 66). The NST parameters of the groups with fetal heart rate (FHR), variability, acceleration, deceleration, reactivity and nonreactivity were evaluated.FindingsBoth groups were found to be similar in terms of their descriptive characteristics and variables related to pregnancy (p > 0.05). The median FHR was 130.0 in the intervention group, 140.0 in the control group (p < 0.001), and the median number of the acceleration was 6.0 in the intervention group and 4.0 in the control group (p < 0.001). In terms of the median number of decelerations, the groups were similar (p > 0.05).Originality/valueIt was found that hydration with oral water had an effect on NST parameters of FHR and the number of accelerations. However, it was observed that the FHR was within the normal range in both groups. It was thought that it tended to increase the number of accelerations.


2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 1521-1532 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. van Straten ◽  
J. Emmelkamp ◽  
J. de Wit ◽  
J. Lancee ◽  
G. Andersson ◽  
...  

BackgroundInsomnia is a prevalent problem with a high burden of disease (e.g. reduced quality of life, reduced work capacity) and a high co-morbidity with other mental and somatic disorders. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in the treatment of insomnia but is seldom offered. CBT delivered through the Internet might be a more accessible alternative. In this study we examined the effectiveness of a guided Internet-delivered CBT for adults with insomnia using a randomized controlled trial (RCT).MethodA total of 118 patients, recruited from the general population, were randomized to the 6-week guided Internet intervention (n = 59) or to a wait-list control group (n = 59). Patients filled out an online questionnaire and a 7-day sleep diary before (T0) and after (T1) the 6-week period. The intervention group received a follow-up questionnaire 3 months after baseline (T2).ResultsAlmost three-quarters (72.9%) of the patients completed the whole intervention. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed that the treatment had statistically significant medium to large effects (p < 0.05; Cohen's d between 0.40 and 1.06), and resulted more often in clinically relevant changes, on all sleep and secondary outcomes with the exception of sleep onset latency (SOL) and number of awakenings (NA). There was a non-significant difference in the reduction in sleep medication between the intervention (a decrease of 6.8%) and control (an increase of 1.8%) groups (p = 0.20). Data on longer-term effects were inconclusive.ConclusionsThis study adds to the growing body of literature that indicates that guided CBT for insomnia can be delivered through the Internet. Patients accept the format and their sleep improves.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 800-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate E. Williams ◽  
Donna Berthelsen

Self-regulation skills are an important predictor of school readiness and early school achievement. Research identifies that experiences of early stress in disadvantaged households can affect young children’s brain architecture, often manifested in poor self-regulatory functioning. Although there are documented benefits of coordinated movement activities to improve self-regulation, few interventions have focused exclusively on music and rhythmic activities. This study explores the effectiveness of a preschool intervention, delivered across 8 weeks, which focused on coordinated rhythmic movement with music to improve self-regulation and executive function. The study involved 113 children across three preschools in disadvantaged communities. The intervention group received 16 sessions of a rhythm and movement program over 8 weeks, whereas the control group undertook the usual preschool program. Executive functions were directly assessed, and teachers reported on children’s self-regulation before and after the intervention. Path analyses found positive intervention effects for emotional regulation reported by teachers and, for boys, on the measure of shifting in the executive function assessment. Teacher-reported cognitive and behavioral regulation also improved in one research site. These early findings suggest that a rhythm and movement intervention has the potential to support the development of self-regulation skills in preschool; however, further research is required.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 490-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Pei Kong ◽  
Linda Jok ◽  
Azlee Bin Ayub ◽  
Rawa Ak Bau

Purpose This study aims to pilot test a new multi-component worksite intervention for weight loss in a primary healthcare setting. Design/methodology/approach This randomized trial involved 88 participants (43, 45; intervention, control group). The intervention group enrolled in a 12-week lifestyle program that involved modification of dietary intake by community Registered Dietitian (RDs) and increasing high-intensity interval training (HITT) with motivational interviewing (MI) to support changes. The control group received traditional counselling and weekly aerobic exercise from Medical Officer and physiotherapist. The primary outcome measure was the changes in body weight. Secondary measures were changes in blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, fasting blood lipid and dietary changes. Assessments were repeated at a three-month interval. Findings There was a significant reduction in body weight and waist circumference within groups. Intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in all cardiometabolic risk factors. This study showed that primary healthcare setting can be successful locations in promoting short-term health benefits. RDs were more successful and HITT appeared to be a favorable workout with MI in achieving drastic weight loss. Research limitations/implications The short-term worksite intervention and not recording of body composition were the major drawbacks in this study. Originality/value The efficacy of multi-component worksite intervention (Diet–HITT–MI) in primary healthcare setting has not been clearly defined.


2010 ◽  
Vol 196 (4) ◽  
pp. 326-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Meulenbeek ◽  
Godelief Willemse ◽  
Filip Smit ◽  
Anton van Balkom ◽  
Philip Spinhoven ◽  
...  

BackgroundMany people suffer from subthreshold and mild panic disorder and are at risk of developing more severe panic disorder.AimsThis study (trial registration: ISRCTN33407455) was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an early group intervention based on cognitive–behavioural principles to reduce panic disorder symptomatology.MethodParticipants with subthreshold or mild panic disorder were recruited from the general population and randomised to the intervention (n = 109) or a waiting-list control group (n = 108). The course was offered by 17 community mental health centres.ResultsIn the early intervention group, 43/109 (39%) participants presented with a clinically significant change on the Panic Disorder Severity Scale–Self Report (PDSS–SR) v. 17/108 (16%) in the control group (odds ratio (OR) for favourable treatment response 3.49, 95% CI 1.77–6.88, P = 0.001). The course also had a positive effect on DSM–IV panic disorder status (OR = 1.96, 95% CI=1.05–3.66, P = 0.037). The PDSS–SR symptom reduction was also substantial (between-group standardised mean difference of 0.68). The effects were maintained at 6-month follow-up.ConclusionsPeople presenting with subthreshold and mild panic disorder benefit from this brief intervention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Hamid Reza Morteza Bagi ◽  
Rouzbeh Rajaei Ghafouri ◽  
Seyedhossein Ojaghihaghighi ◽  
Hoorolnesa Ameli

Background and Aims: Medical errors are important in all fields of medicine and have larger consequences in risky and stressful fields like emergency medicine. Social carelessness can cause these errors. On the other hand better understanding of time perception can lead to increased power of management and better decision making. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of time management education on social procrastination among emergency medicine residents.Material and Methods: In this interventional study, 25 residents in intervention group had a time management workshops for two weeks and we evaluated them for social procrastination before and after intervention. 25 residents were studied and compared as control group. Results: Both groups were matched according to baseline findings. Married residents compared to single ones had significantly lower procrastination score (p=0.02). The serial changes in procrastination score after the workshop in intervention group was significantly higher that control group (p=0.006). Conclusion: Education time management skills workshops could be effective in reducing social procrastination among emergency medicine residents. Married residents possibly due to responsiveness in their marriage and management skills have low procrastination.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Julian David Pillay ◽  
Tracy Lynn Kolbe-Alexander ◽  
Karin I Proper ◽  
Willem Van Mechelen ◽  
Estelle Victoria Lambert

Background. The emergence of the pedometer as a useful motivational aid for increasing physical activity (PA) has supported its use in PA interventions. Objectives. To examine the feasibility of a 10-week pedometer-based intervention complemented by regular motivational messages, to increase ambulatory PA; and to determine the minimum sample size required for a randomised, controlled trial (RCT). Methods. Participants, sourced by convenience sampling of employees from an academic institution, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG) (n=11) or control group (CG) (n=11), following baseline health measurements and blinded pedometer wear (week 1). Participants in the IG subsequently wore an unblinded pedometer (10 weeks) to self-monitor daily steps. Individualised messages using pedometer data (IG) and general motivational messages (IG and CG) were provided bi-weekly. Blinded pedometer wear (IG and CG) and a feedback questionnaire (IG) were completed at week 12. Pedometer data were compared between the IG and CG at week 12. Results. Participants’ perceptions of the intervention supported the benefit of the pedometer as a useful motivational aid and a reminder to increase steps per day. Occupational sitting time and inability to incorporate PA into daily routine emerged as the main barrier to adherence. Steps per day increased more in the IG (mean ± standard deviation (SD) 996±1 748) than in the CG (mean±SD 97±750). Modest improvements were noted in all clinical measures (IG). Conclusion. Based on the improvement of 1 000 steps/day (IG), a minimum of 85 participants in the IG and CG, respectively, is required for a future RCT (80% power; p<0.05). We recommend a minimum of 150 participants in each group to account for loss to follow-up and to allow for subgroup analyses.


10.2196/14058 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. e14058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lean L Kramer ◽  
Silke ter Stal ◽  
Bob C Mulder ◽  
Emely de Vet ◽  
Lex van Velsen

Background Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) are animated computer characters that simulate face-to-face counseling. Owing to their capacity to establish and maintain an empathic relationship, they are deemed to be a promising tool for starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Objective This review aimed to identify the current practices in designing and evaluating ECAs for coaching people in a healthy lifestyle and provide an overview of their efficacy (on behavioral, knowledge, and motivational parameters) and use (on usability, usage, and user satisfaction parameters). Methods We used the Arksey and O’Malley framework to conduct a scoping review. PsycINFO, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, and Scopus were searched with a combination of terms related to ECA and lifestyle. Initially, 1789 unique studies were identified; 20 studies were included. Results Most often, ECAs targeted physical activity (n=16) and had the appearance of a middle-aged African American woman (n=13). Multiple behavior change techniques (median=3) and theories or principles (median=3) were applied, but their interpretation and application were usually not reported. ECAs seemed to be designed for the end user rather than with the end user. Stakeholders were usually not involved. A total of 7 out of 15 studies reported better efficacy outcomes for the intervention group, and 5 out of 8 studies reported better use-related outcomes, as compared with the control group. Conclusions ECAs are a promising tool for persuasive communication in the health domain. This review provided valuable insights into the current developmental processes, and it recommends the use of human-centered, stakeholder-inclusive design approaches, along with reporting on the design activities in a systematic and comprehensive manner. The gaps in knowledge were identified on the working mechanisms of intervention components and the right timing and frequency of coaching.


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