scholarly journals Evaluation of the Semantic Dynamics of Educational Space of University in the Process of Nurturing Critical Thinking in Students of Liberal Arts and Sciences Programme

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-51
Author(s):  
O.I. Polyanina ◽  
M.V. Baleva ◽  
E.V. Shevkova

The study is devoted to the analysis of the connotative dynamics of the concepts describing the educational space of university in students of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree programme who took a course in “Thinking and Writing”. The hypothesis tested was that there would be a dynamic trend towards greater differentiation and individualization of concepts "student", "learning" and "training group" in the experimental group as compared to the control sample. The participants (152 students, including 126 females and 26 males aged from 17 to 23, M = 17.91, SD = 0.79) evaluated these concepts using the Semantic Differential Scale before and after the course. It was found (p <0.10 ÷ 0.05) that in the experimental sample the connotations for "student" showed an increase in imagery and subjective evaluation component, and the concept "learning" was assessed as less hostile and more diverse. In turn, the connotative dynamics of the meanings for "training group" was similar to that of the control group. The obtained results are of primary interest in the context of shaping the students’ learning motivation and can be employed in comparative studies of the effects produced by conceptually different educational programs.

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Piotrowska ◽  
Magdalena Zając ◽  
Łukasz Tota ◽  
Olga Czerwińska ◽  
Natalia Totko-Borkusiewicz ◽  
...  

Introduction. Pollen is a plant-based product and is a rich source of biologically active compounds such as: proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, fats and fatty acids, phenolic compounds and enzymes, considered as an promising ingredient in cosmetic formulations. Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a cream enriched with micronized bee pollen on selected skin characteristics evaluated in subjective and objective manner. Material and methods. The participants were 13 female volunteers (students) who met the following criteria: no dermatological and endocrine diseases, non-smoking and no special or elimination diets up to 3 months before the study, and also a negative allergy test result. Students were randomly assigned to the following groups: the experimental group – subjects using cream with 3% micronized bee pollen and the control one using cream base. Before and after the 5-day treatment, the participants undewent the measurements of skin hydration. The subjective evaluation of selected skin properties was examined by using a 3-grade scale. Results. All skin characteristics evaluated subjectively improved as a result of pollen-enriched formula treatment. The participants of the experimental group have noticed a significant change in the following properties: moisturizing, smoothness and skin tightening. The final measurement of skin hydration has showed an increase of 12.14 units in the experimental group and 4.52 units in the control group, indicating difference between groups (p = 0.0389). Also a positive correlation between application time and moisturizing (R = 0.929) has been found. Conclusions. The micronized bee pollen, as an active ingredient in protective and moisturizing preparations, seems to be an effective ingredient.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josué García Arch ◽  
Cèlia Ventura-Gabarró ◽  
Pedro Lorente Adamuz ◽  
Pep Gatell Calvo ◽  
Lluís Fuentemilla

The main purpose of the present research was to test whether involvement in a 14-day training program on the performing arts could reduce implicit biases. We asked healthy participants to complete an Implicit Association Test (IAT) to assess biased attitudes to physical illness in two separate sessions, before and after the training program. A separate control group matched by age, gender and educational level completed the two IAT sessions, separated by same number of days, without being involved in the training program. Results showed that participants who were involved in the training program reduced their implicit bias towards illness measured through IAT in the second session. This reduction in IAT measures was not observed in the control sample, despite the two IAT measures being matched in temporal delay with the experimental group. These findings suggest that an interventional program based on the performing arts could be effective in reducing levels of implicit biases among the general population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 36-41
Author(s):  
Belaidouni Mustapha ◽  
Benzidane Houcine ◽  
Ahmed Benklaouz Touati ◽  
Mokrani Djamel

To identify the effectiveness of plyometric exercises to improve muscular strength and achievement in shot put event by students (20-22 years old). The researchers used an experimental method; the sample was formed by students belonging to the institute of physical education & sports, University of Mostaganem (Algeria). Thus it was the application of the experimental method was applied on a sample of third-year students (males) of 45 students divided into two groups, first control group of 22 students and an experimental group of 23 students. While the tests used were (strength test, achievement test). After the treatment of the results by statistical means, and through these results it have been reached several conclusions of them, plyometric Exercises to develop muscular strength and achievement in shot put [discussion significant difference (*p?0.05)]. And best improve of the experimental sample based on plyometric exercises compared to the control sample, which rely more on the technical side only in shot put event.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Praful Prabhuappa Kapse ◽  
Manisha Kiran

Caring for the persons with first episode psychosis is challenging and demanding. It may lead to the increased burden, expressed emotions among the caregivers. The numerous studies have shown that high burden and negative expressed emotions among caregivers can lead to early relapse in the patients with first episode psychosis. To evaluate the effects of the brief psychoeducation on the caregivers burden and expressed emotions. A quasi experimental - before and after with control group research design was adopted for the study. A total of 60 caregivers have participated in the study, of which 30 caregivers in experimental group and 30 caregivers in the control group. Family Burden Interview Schedule (Pai and Kapoor, 1981) and Attitude Questionnaire (Sethi et al., 1981) was used to assess caregiver's burden and expressed emotions. At end of the psychoeducation intervention, burden among caregivers and negative expressed emotions of the caregivers have significantly reduced. The positive expressed emotions have been increased. Study results demonstrates the importance of psychoeducation intervention in reducing the burden and negative expressed emotions.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 820
Author(s):  
Ju-Yong Bae ◽  
Hee-Tae Roh

We aimed to investigate the effect of Taekwondo training on physical fitness, mood, sociality, and cognitive function among international students in South Korea. We randomly assigned 24 international students to a control group (CG, n = 12) and experimental group (EG, n = 12). The EG performed Taekwondo training for 16 weeks, while the CG did not train. Each participant underwent a physical fitness test and sociability questionnaire before and after the intervention. We also examined changes in mood state and cognitive function, using the Korean version of the Profile of Mood State-Brief (K-POMS-B), and the Stroop Color and Word test, respectively. Regarding the physical fitness variables, sit-and-reach records in the EG significantly increased after intervention (p < 0.05). In the sub-variable of K-POMS-B, Vigor-Activity scores significantly increased (p < 0.05) after intervention, while the Fatigue-Inertia scores significantly decreased in the EG (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the EG, peer relationship scores, a sub-variable of sociability, significantly decreased after intervention (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that Taekwondo training can not only improve flexibility among physical fitness factors, but can also be effective in improving the mood state and sociality of international students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. A4.2-A4
Author(s):  
Matthew Warren-James ◽  
Julie Hanson ◽  
Belinda Flanagan ◽  
Mary Katsikitis ◽  
Bill Lord

BackgroundWhilst there is evidence to suggest paramedics experience significant stress when working in the ambulance setting little is known about the experiences of first year paramedic students. This research aimed to: (i) identify whether levels of stress, anxiety and depression experienced by first year paramedic students changed after ambulance placement compared to a control group, and (ii) identify the main perceived and actual sources of stress around ambulance placement.MethodsA before-and-after quasi-experimental design was used to compare whether the experience of ambulance placement altered the levels of stress, anxiety and depression in an experimental group that attended an ambulance placement (n = 20) and the control group who did not (n = 10). Online surveys encompassing the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and qualitative questions about sources of stress were concurrently deployed to both the experimental and control groups before and after the ambulance placement. Participants were first year paramedic students working in Queensland Ambulance Service, Australia.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in levels of stress in participants after undertaking their first ambulance placement (Mdn = -4.00) when compared to a control group (Mdn = 0.00), U = 52.5, p = .035, n2 = 0.15. Responses to survey questions suggest anticipation about experiencing death and dying of patients was the most frequently reported stressor of student paramedics before undertaking ambulance placements, however insecurity about knowledge, competence and fear of failure was the most frequently experienced stressor reported after completing ambulance placements.ConclusionsThe findings from this study suggest that the fear of the unknown may be worse than the reality. Anticipatory stress is the foremost problem for first year paramedic students attending their first ambulance placement. Placement pre-briefing should focus on educational interventions to build knowledge and skills competency to reduce stress levels and fear of failure.


2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Bäck ◽  
Bertil Wennerblom ◽  
Susanna Wittboldt ◽  
Åsa Cider

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high frequency exercise for patients before and after an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with special reference to maximal aerobic capacity, muscle function, health related quality of life (HRQoL), waist–hip ratio (WHR) and restenosis. Methods: A randomised, controlled study was performed in Sweden between 2004 and 2006 in thirty-seven patients (five women) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), age 63.6 ± 6.9 years, randomised to either high frequency exercise or control group. The patients in the training group performed three endurance resistance exercises and trained on a cycle ergometer 30 min, 5 times a week for 8 months at 70% of VO2max. Results: Patients in the training group significantly improved their maximal aerobic capacity (15 (9–46) vs. 8 (0–18)% p ≤ 0.05), shoulder flexion ( p ≤ 0.01), shoulder abduction ( p ≤ 0.01) and heel-lift ( p ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in HRQoL, WHR and restenosis. Conclusion: High frequency exercise in patients treated with PCI seems to improve maximal aerobic capacity and muscle function, which may reduce the risks of further progression of atherosclerosis. However, further larger studies are needed to fully investigate the effects of exercise in patients with PCI.


2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 967-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radamés Boostel ◽  
Jorge Vinícius Cestari Felix ◽  
Carina Bortolato-Major ◽  
Edivane Pedrolo ◽  
Stela Adami Vayego ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare the perception of stressors by nursing students before and after a high-fidelity clinical simulation or conventional laboratory practice class. Method: This is a randomized clinical trial conducted with 52 nursing students. Both groups had theoretical classes about cardiothoracic physical examination, followed by practice class in skill laboratory. In addition, the experimental group took part in a high-fidelity simulation scenario. Stressors were evaluated before and after class, with the application of KEZKAK questionnaire. Results: The experimental group was significantly more worried about six factors related to lack of competence and to interpersonal relationships (p < 0.05), while the control group was significantly more worried about being in contact with suffering (p = 0.0315). Conclusion: The simulation affects students’ perception of stressors and promotes their self-evaluation and critical thinking regarding the responsibility that comes with their learning.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Bertini ◽  
Elena Isola ◽  
Giuseppe Paolone ◽  
Giuseppe Curcio

The study aims at evaluating health-generating function of humor therapy in a hospital ward hosting children suffering from respiratory pathologies. The main scope of this study is to investigate possible positive effects of the presence of a clown on both the clinical evolution of the on-going disease, and on some physiological and pain parameters. Forty-three children with respiratory pathologies participated in the study: 21 of them belonged to the experimental group (EG) and 22 children to the control group (CG). During their hospitalization, the children of the EG interacted with two clowns who were experienced in the field of pediatric intervention. All participants were evaluated with respect to clinical progress and to a series of physiological and pain measures both before and after the clown interaction. When compared with the CG, EG children showed an earlier disappearance of the pathological symptoms. Moreover, the interaction of the clown with the children led to a statistically significant lowering of diastolic blood pressure, respiratory frequency and temperature in the EG as compared with the control group. The other two parameters of systolic pressure and heart frequency yielded results in the same direction, without reaching statistical significance. A similar health-inducing effect of clown presence was observed on pain parameters, both by self evaluation and assessment by nurses. Taken together, our data indicate that the presence of clowns in the ward has a possible health-inducing effect. Thus, humor can be seen as an easy-to-use, inexpensive and natural therapeutic modality to be used within different therapeutic settings.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document