Developing L2 Listening Fluency through Extended Listening-focused Activities in an Extensive Listening Programme

RELC Journal ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna C-S Chang ◽  
Sonia Millett

This study investigates the effects on developing L2 listening fluency through doing extended listening-focused activities after reading and listening to audio graded readers. Seventy-six EFL university students read and listened to a total of 15 graded readers in a 15-week extensive listening programme. They were divided into three groups (Group 5, n = 30; Group 10, n = 20; Group 15, n =26) according to the number of post-listening-focused activities they completed. Another group who did not receive extensive listening served as the control group (Group 0, n =39). All participants were given a pre-test containing teacher-developed tests and a full-length simulated Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) listening test. Similar tests were repeated at the end of the programme. The study addresses the effect size of improvement that students made from listening to audio graded readers and doing post-listening-focused activities, the degree to which students progressed on their TOEIC listening test, and the transferring effect from narrative-type input to conversational-type listening. Results show that the effect size was very small, medium, and very large on the listening improvement for Group 5, Group 10 and Group 15 respectively. On their post-TOEIC tests, Groups 5, 10 and 15 made approximately 2, 9 and 16 points out of 100 respectively. Finally, only Group 15 demonstrated some transfer effect from narrative to conversational input type of listening. This study also discussed the reasons low-level learners need to read many more texts to see more significant improvement.

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-32
Author(s):  
Tatjana S. Sarenac-Vulovic ◽  
Mirjana A. Janicijevic Petrovic ◽  
Dejan D. Vulovic ◽  
Sladjana M. Pavlovic ◽  
Sladjana Simovic ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: Th e aim of our study was to establish a correlation between pseudoexfoliation and its systemic manifestation. Findings: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is an agerelated systemic disorder that leads to the overproduction and accumulation of the pseudoexfoliated materials in the visceral organs and in the eye. Many vascular diseases are closely related with pseudoexfoliation manifestations. Our results indicated that there were no statistically significant diff erences (p>0.05) among patients regarding the presence of hypertension in all groups: PEX glaucoma - 45% (9 patients); PEX syndrome- 40% (8 patients); and control groups- 35% (7 patients). Ischemic heart disease was statistically significant present in the sPEX syndrome- 20% (5 patients) and PEX glaucoma- 25% (5 patients) patient groupss, in comparison with those of the control group-10%, (p<0.05). Aortic aneurism was statistically significant present in patients with PEX (syndrome-5% or glaucoma-15%), compared to those in the control group, which included no patients with aneurisms, (p<0.05). Our results indicated that a statistically significant number of patients with aneurism were in the group of patients who developed PEX glaucoma (p<0.05). Cerebrovascular diseases were detected in all groups of patients, but a significant decrease in this metric was noted in the control group- 5% (2 patients), compared with patients with PEX syndrome- 15% and PEX glaucoma-25%, (p<0.05). Hearing loss, as a concomitant sign of PEX manifestation, was recorded in all patients, but in the group with PEX (syndrome-55% or glaucoma-75%), these results showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in comparison with those of patients in the control group (10%). Among the patients with PEX (syndrome and glaucoma), there were no statistically significant diff erences in the selected categories of systemic manifestations (p<0.05). Th is result indicates that the main risk for systemic manifestation is the presence of PEX and that other ocular and vascular complications are, in fact, consequences of PEX. Conclusion: Pseudoexfoliation is strongly related to systemic vascular disturbances. A detailed examination of patients with PEX by specialists in internal disease or by neurologists should be performed. Such recommended examinations can be helpful in the prevention of diff erent vascular diseasess among patients with PEX, especially atthose in the early stages.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 364-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esin Sakalli Çetin ◽  
Hasan Tetiker ◽  
Özgür İlhan Çelik ◽  
Nigar Yılmaz ◽  
İbrahim Hakkı Ciğerci

Background: The protective effect of mistletoe extract (Helixor®, HLX) against methotrexate (MTX)-induced acute oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats was evaluated by histological and biochemical methods as well as the comet assay. Material and Methods: 32 female Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, HLX group (5 mg/kg body weight (bw), days 1-10, intraperitoneally (i.p.)), MTX group (10 mg/kg bw, days 7, 8, and 9, i.p.), and MTX + HLX group (10 mg/kg bw, days 7, 8, and 9, i.p. + 5 mg/kg bw, days 1-10, i.p.). At the end of the experiment, the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured, and a histopathological analysis and comet assay were carried out. Results: MTX induced renal oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in the rats. Pretreatment with HLX significantly improved the renal GSH-Px and SOD activities in the MTX + HLX group compared to the MTX group. The decrease in the NO and MPO levels in the rat groups pretreated with HLX was not significant. The histochemical evaluation revealed that HLX provided significant improvement in the MTX-induced renal degenerative changes, including tubule distension, interstitial inflammation, perirenal inflammation, glomerular congestion, glomerular degeneration, and parenchymal hemorrhage, in the MTX + HLX group compared to the MTX-administered group. According to the comet assay, pretreatment with HLX lowered the MTX-induced DNA damage in endogenous lymphocytes, although not significantly. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that HLX administration markedly reduced the MTX-induced acute oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.


2017 ◽  
Vol 87 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 179-190
Author(s):  
Amel Kanane ◽  
Fayrouz Rouaki ◽  
Mohamed Brahim Errahmani ◽  
Abdenour Laraba ◽  
Hayet Mesbah ◽  
...  

Abstract. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of α-tocopherol supplementation at two doses (600 and 1200 mg × kg–1) on kidney antioxidant status and the histopathological changes in Wistar rats after 12 weeks of exposure at different diets. Forty rats has been divided into 4 groups of 10 rats each, the control group received basal diet with 5 % fresh sunflower oil (FSO), the second group: 5 % oxidized sunflower oil (OSO), the third group: 5 % OSO supplemented with 600 mg × kg–1 α-tocopherol and the fourth group: 5 % OSO supplemented with 1200 mg × kg–1 α-tocopherol. In OSO groups, the results showed highly significant increases of LPO (from 31.3 ± 0.9 to 53.8 ± 1.2 nmol of MDA formed/min/mg protein, p < 0.0001) with a significant decrease (p < = 0.001) of the antioxidant enzymatic activities (CAT, SOD, GPX, GR and G6PDH), body weight (339 ± 9 to 290 ± 3 g) and α-tocopherol levels (13.6 ± 0.6 to 6.5 ± 0.4 μg/mg protein). In OSO groups with 600 mg × kg–1 α-tocopherol, an antioxidant effect was found, reflected by a return of the parameters to values similar to those of the control group. However, higher doses of α-tocopherol (1200 mg × kg–1) induced a depletion of antioxidant status, α-tocopherol levels (6.0 ± 0.3 μg/mg protein, p < 0.001) and a very highly significant rise (p < 0.0001) of LPO content (54.86 ± 0.01 nmol of MDA formed/min/mg protein). The kidney tissues also showed changes in glomerular, severe inflammatory cells infiltration, and formation of novel vessels. So, we can conclude that the oxidative stress is attenuated by a moderate administration of 600 mg × kg–1 α-tocopherol, while a pro-oxidant effect occurs at 1200 mg × kg–1 α-tocopherol.


Author(s):  
Mustafa Salah Hasan ◽  
Ayman Barzan Abdulgafor ◽  
Maher Saber Owain ◽  
Mohammed Ali Hussein ◽  
Qusay Mohammed Aboud ◽  
...  

This study aimed to evaluate the liver, kidney damage caused by S. typhimurium and to estimate the oxidative damage in association with this bacteria. A highly virulent isolates of S. typhimurium were obtained from the department of internal and preventive medicine/ College of Veterinary Medicine/ University of Baghdad. A twenty five local rabbits of both genders with age range (2-4 months) weeks old were used for this study, the rabbits were divided randomly into five groups each group contains 5 rabbits :- group 1: drenched orally with 5 ml of normal saline and consider as control group, group 2: were drenched orally with (5 ml) suspension which contain (5��109 CFU) of Salmonella typhimurium and regarded as infected group, group 3 were drenched orally with (5 ml) suspension which have (5��109 CFU) of Salmonella typhimurium then treated with a single dose of gentamicin alone at 0.05ml/kg (5mg/ml) orally after presence of signs (after 24hrs. post inoculation), group 4 were drenched (5 ml) suspension having (5��109 CFU) of Salmonella typhimurium then treated with a single dose of Ca-EDTA alone at 40mg/kg orally after presence of signs (after 24hrs. post inoculation) and group 5 were drenched (5 ml) suspension that contain (5��109 CFU) of Salmonella typhimurium then treated with a single dose of combined gentamicin at 0.05ml/kg (5mg/ml) orally after presence of signs (after 24hrs. post inoculation) and Ca-EDTA 40mg/kg after presence of signs (after 24hrs. post inoculation).The results of biochemical profile showed a significant increase (p less than 0.05) in ALT, creatinine and urea levels in infected group as compared with control group, while, the treated groups especially group 5 showed a significant improvement in ALT, Urea and creatinine levels which returned to relative normal levels as compared with infected group after 96hrs. post treatment. Also, the results of oxidative stress showed a significant increase in the levels of MDA in G2, G3, G4 and G5 after 48 hrs. post treatment, while the level of GSH showed a significant decrease in the level at 48hrs., both were returned to relative normal levels after 96hrs.post treatment especially in group 5.In conclusion, S. typhimurium can causing liver and kidney damage which is manifested by increase ALT, Urea and Creatinine. Also, MDA and GSH is increased due to salmonellosis.


Author(s):  
Nurul Laili

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model pembelajaran penemuan terbimbing berbantu LKPD terhadap kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis siswa SMPN 6 Depok pada semester genap tahun ajaran 2017-2018. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif menggunakan metode penelitian jenis quasi experimental dengan the nonequivalent posttest only control group. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah metode cluster random sampling. Instrumen penelitian berupa soal uraian sebanyak 9 butir, dari hasil perhitungan uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, uji tingkat kesukaran dan uji daya pembeda. Uji prasayarat yang dilakukan yaitu uji normalitas dan homogenitas diperoleh hasil data yang berdistribusi normal dan homogen. Uji hipotesis menggunakan uji-t kemudian diperoleh thitung = 2,6053 > 1,6690 = ttabel   mengakibatkan tolak  pada taraf signifikasi 5% dengan effect size sebesar 0,5807 yang tergolong sedang. Disimpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran penemuan terbimbing berbantu LKPD terhadap kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis siswa SMPN 6 Depok.


2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 348-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
IGOR NAGAI YAMAKI ◽  
RUY VICTOR SIMÕES PONTES ◽  
FELIPE LOBATO DA SILVA COSTA ◽  
VITOR NAGAI YAMAKI ◽  
RENAN KLEBER COSTA TEIXEIRA ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the effects of blocking the regulation of vascular tone on the ischemia and reperfusion syndrome in rats through the use of lidocaine in the postconditioning technique. Methods: we randomized 35 rats into seven groups of five animals: Group 1- Control; Group 2- Ischemia and Reperfusion; Group 3- Ischemia, Reperfusion and Saline; Group 4- Ischemic Postconditioning; Group 5- Ischemic Postconditioning and Saline; Group 6- Lidocaine; Group 7- Ischemic Postconditioning and Lidocaine. Except for the control group, all the others were submitted to renal ischemia for 30 minutes. In postconditioning groups, we performed ischemia and reperfusion cycles of five minutes each, applied right after the main ischemia. In saline and lidocaine groups, we instilled the substances at a rate of two drops per minute. To compare the groups, we measured serum levels of urea and creatinine and also held renal histopathology. Results: The postconditioning and postconditioning + lidocaine groups showed a decrease in urea and creatinine values. The lidocaine group showed only a reduction in creatinine values. In histopathology, only the groups submitted to ischemic postconditioning had decreased degree of tubular necrosis. Conclusion: Lidocaine did not block the effects of postconditioning on renal ischemia reperfusion syndrome, and conferred better glomerular protection when applied in conjunction with ischemic postconditioning.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 391
Author(s):  
Azarinvand, Abrahim ◽  
Gorjee, Yosef ◽  
Sadrepooshan, Najmeh ◽  
Esmaili, Ghasem

<p>The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group counseling with cognitive – behavioral method in reducing mother’s stress of child with mental retardation less than 6 years old covered of Khorramabad province welfare organization (2012). The statistical society of this study consisted of 52 mothers of child with mental retardation who their children had file in the welfare office. 30 persons were selected by simple random sampling and were divided into two groups including trial group (15 persons) and control group (15 persons).</p><p>The method of study was quasi – experimental way with control group and random trial and data gathering tool such as Friedrich, Greenberg and Crink resources and stress questionnaire. To perform the study; the first step was pretest trial and control group and then 10 group counseling sessions with cognitive- behavioral method had hold among trial group. The control group’s mothers did not receive any counseling. Then, it established post – testing of both group again and another test provided to following – up step for two weeks after test.</p><p>The result of variance analysis with repeated measurements showed that, there is significant difference in percentage1 level between control and trial groups post – test and follow – up scores, so, the first hypothesis of this study had approved upon group counseling efficacy with cognitive – behavioral method in reducing mother’s stress of child with mental retardation. In addition, these results showed that group counseling with cognitive – behavioral method has been established significant reduction in percentage 1 level physical and emotional symptoms of trial groups’ mothers, but it did not find the significant difference in the cognitive symptoms.</p>


Author(s):  
Effat Davoudi-Monfared ◽  
Mostafa Mohammadi ◽  
Meysam Khoshavi ◽  
Hossein Khalili

Background: The effect of midodrine on lactate clearance has not been assessed in critically ill patients yet. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the effect of adjunctive midodrine therapy on lactate clearance in patients with septic shock. Materials & methods: Patients with septic shock were assigned to receive either adjunctive midodrine 10 mg three-times a day for 5 days (midodrine group = 15 patients) or not (control group = 13 patients). Results: The lactate clearance was significantly faster in the midodrine group than the control group (p = 0.049) with a large effect size ([Formula: see text] = 0.141). Conclusion: When midodrine was added to intravenous vasopressors, it significantly accelerated lactate clearance in patients with septic shock. Trial registration number: IRCT20100228003449N25 (Clinicaltrials.gov).


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-169
Author(s):  
V. A. Gordeeva ◽  
I. V. Kulik ◽  
E. A. Khromova ◽  
A. L. Rubezhov ◽  
M. V. Gordeeva

Relevance. The paper demonstrates the need to implement modern diagnostic techniques for diagnosis of precancerous and cancerous lesions at early or preclinical stages. Additional diagnostic methods are necessary, e.g. tissue autofluorescence, which allows revealing insidious pathological risk zones, particularly precancerous and cancerous lesions, to evaluate the condition of the oral tissues in patients with chronic oral mucosa disorders, especially caused by trauma. Purpose – to assess trauma-specific effectiveness of autofluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) in risk group patients with chronic trauma of the oral mucosa to reveal early malignization signs.Materials and methods. 25 subjects were selected for the study and divided into 2 groups: main group – 20 patients with different manifestations of chronic oral mucosa trauma; control group – 5 subjects without visible clinical manifestations and without oral trauma factors. Autofluorescence spectroscopy was performed in both groups using AFS-400 stomatoscope.Results. The received data demonstrated that the change in autofluorescence doesn’t allow drawing final conclusions on the presence or absence of chronic oral trauma malignization signs.Conclusion. AFS-400 stomatoscope may be effective in differentiating between healthy and damaged tissues, but there is no solid evidence that the change in fluorescence shade can help differentiate between various types of damaged tissues. Autofluorescence spectroscopy should be considered as an additional method for examination of patients with chronic oral mucosa trauma to reveal early malignization signs.


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