scholarly journals Collective violence and construction of peace culture in the Basque Country: two experiences of memory, recognition and forgiveness

2021 ◽  
pp. 103-130
Author(s):  
Nekane Basabe ◽  
Miren Harizmendi ◽  
José Joaquín Pizarro Carrasco ◽  
Saioa Telletxea ◽  
Pablo Castro-Abril ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basque Country ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Collective Violence ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
The Past ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Culture Of Peace ◽  
Intergroup Forgiveness ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Post-conflict societies must confront the past and build a culture of peace. Two interventions are presented here in the context of the Basque Country after the cessation of violence. The first, an intervention with the participation of victims of terrorism, where participants (N = 280 Mage = 19.83 SD = 1.29) were assigned to intervention and control groups. Results showed that participation in the programme produced more favourable attitudes towards intergroup forgiveness, intergroup empathy, and the mediating effect of self-transcending emotions. Second, the Citizenship Processes programme of memory and recognition (N = 31 Mage = 19.48 SD = 3.91). Results showed an increase in forgiveness, intergroup empathy and a change in outgroup emotions from before to after the intervention. The impact of both programmes was medium-high and the relevance of combining narratives that avoid competitive victimisation and promote peaceful intergroup attitudes is discussed. Received: 14 September 2021Accepted: 22 November  2021

457 The Impact of PAP Therapy on Hematocrit in OSA and Polycythemia: A Pilot Study

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A180-A181
Author(s):  
Mustafa Jafri ◽  
Gabrielle Rosa-Acosta ◽  
Jose Flores Martinez ◽  
Elizabeth Schofield ◽  
Cy Wilkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Group ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Event Analysis ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Testosterone Therapy ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Testosterone Administration ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Untreated polycythemia leads to complications including thrombosis. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is commonly associated with secondary erythrocytosis, which testosterone therapy can perpetuate. Effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) on elevated hematocrit (HCT) is unknown. We hypothesize PAP adherence can reduce HCT in men with OSA and polycythemia. Methods Retrospective chart review of male outpatients with newly diagnosed OSA and HCT≥45% at or 3 months before polysomnography (PSG) was conducted. Intervention group consisted of patients initiating PAP for OSA. HCT within 6 months of PAP initiation and PSG were recorded for intervention and control groups, respectively. Primary endpoint was time-to-HCT reduction of HCT<50% plus 3% decrease. Cox proportional-hazards analysis was used to assess time-to-HCT response. Demographics, smoking history, testosterone administration, STOP-Bang score, AHI, and PAP compliance data were obtained. Patients excluded if PAP not indicated, or if PSG, PAP compliance, or repeat HCT were unavailable. Results 41 men with OSA had HCT≥45%, of which 16 had HCT≥50%. Median age was 60 years and median BMI was 32 kg/m2. 28 started PAP. 21 met definition for PAP compliance within 6 months. Median AHI of intervention and control groups were 23 and 19 events/hr, respectively. Mean baseline HCT of both groups were 49 and 50, respectively. No significant difference in age, BMI, smoking history, testosterone therapy, and baseline HCT between both groups noted. 39% of intervention group exhibited HCT response at 1 or more longitudinal assessments, versus 38% of control. Intervention group had higher mean STOP-Bang than control (mean 5.9 vs. 4.6, p=0.01) and trended towards higher mean baseline AHI (27.4 vs. 19.0, p= 0.06). Time-to-event analysis controlling for STOP-Bang and AHI demonstrated PAP was not associated with time-to-HCT response (HR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.4–4.4). In moderate-severe OSA patients, 40% of intervention group had HCT response compared to 14% of control, though difference was not significant (HR = 2.5, 95% CI = 0.3–20.0). Conclusion Moderate-severe OSA patients trended towards reduction in HCT with PAP, although not statistically significant. Testosterone administration did not affect HCT response to PAP in this cohort. Larger studies are required to determine HCT response to PAP in these patients. Support (if any):

scholarly journals The Impact of Text Messaging on Iranian University Students as an English as a Foreign Language Instructional Tool to Enhance Learner Autonomy and Perception

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 184-202
Author(s):  
Behnam Behforouz ◽  
Anca Daniela Frumuselu
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Instructional Tool ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This paper investigates the efficiency of text messaging as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructional tool to enhance learner autonomy and perception at the Islamic Azad University-South Tehran Branch, Iran. The study considers seventy-four learners to participate in the study after the administration of an Oxford Placement Test to measure their proficiency level. Participants are randomly assigned in experimental and control groups, including 37 participants each. A questionnaire is used as a pretest and posttest to measure learners` autonomy. Participants from the experimental group use text messaging (the treatment) to receive instructions, whereas those from the control group receive traditional classroom instructions in a face-to-face channel. A semi-structured interview is also used to collect date on experimental group participants` perception in using MALL in classrooms. The results reveal remarkable differences between the experimental and control groups’ means on their learner autonomy scores. However, the impact of the independent samples t-test has shown that there is no statistically meaningful gender difference among the learners regarding their autonomy scores. The findings based on the semi-structured interview showed complimentary views on MALL. The current study is beneficial since its outcomes could be relevant for EFL curriculum developers and English language teachers in the use of mobile learning and text messaging in the English classroom.

scholarly journals The impact of online learning on student motivation in science and biology classes

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-87
Author(s):  
Mila Bulić ◽  
Ines Blažević
Keyword(s):  
Student Motivation ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Online Classes ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Motivation For Learning ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The research aimed to check for difference in learning motivation between students learning online and students participating in modern classroom instruction. The study participants included students attending grades 5 to 8, divided into experimental (online classes) and control groups based on pre-testing. The results show that there is no statistically significant difference in motivation between the tested sub-samples. Student motivation for learning natural sciences declines with their years of schooling, but this is not statistically significant. It can be concluded that online teaching of Science and Biology as a learning tool can be as motivating as modern teaching using active classroom methods.

Effects of a Curriculum-Integrated Dance Program on Children’s Physical Activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 1179-1183
Author(s):  
Geeta Sharma ◽  
Tom Stewart ◽  
Scott Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
School Time ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Background: Curriculum-integrated dance programs are a promising but relatively under-researched strategy for increasing children’s physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a curriculum-integrated dance program on children’s PA. Methods: A total of 134 primary children aged 7–9 years from 4 New Zealand schools were assigned to either a dance group (n = 78) or a control group (n = 56). The dance group participated in a 6-week curriculum-integrated dance program during school time. Although the dance program focused on curricular learning, fitness and coordination were embedded in the dance sessions. Intensity of PA varied according to the focus of each dance session. PA was measured at baseline and postintervention using a waist-mounted ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 8 consecutive days. Results: There were no significant intervention effects on PA levels between the dance and control groups postintervention. Conclusion: Dance-embedded learning did not increase overall levels of PA in this study. Future studies may consider assessing longer term effects of a dance-based intervention, or programs that place more focus on PA promotion.

scholarly journals Concurrent Ventral Hernia Repair Is Effective in Patients Undergoing Abdominally Based Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (08) ◽  
pp. 572-576
Author(s):  
Casey T. Kraft ◽  
Albert H. Chao
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Surgery ◽  
Hernia Repair ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Ventral Hernia ◽  
Ventral Hernia Repair ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background The abdomen remains the most preferable donor site for autologous breast reconstruction. Many patients in this population will have had prior abdominal surgery, which is the chief risk factor for having a ventral hernia. While prior studies have examined the impact of prior abdominal surgery on breast reconstruction, limited data exist on the management of patients with a preexisting ventral hernia. The objective of this study was to investigate outcomes of performing ventral hernia repair concurrent with abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction. Methods A 5-year retrospective review of patients undergoing abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction was performed. The experimental group consisted of patients with a preexisting ventral hernia that was repaired at the time of breast reconstruction, and was compared with a historical cohort of patients without preexisting hernias. Results There were a total of 18 and 225 patients in the experimental and control groups, respectively. There was a higher incidence of prior abdominal surgery in the experimental group (p = 0.0008), but no other differences. Mean follow-up was 20.5 ± 5.2 months. There were no instances of recurrent hernia or flap loss in the experimental group. No significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in the incidence of donor-site complications (27.8 vs. 20.9%, respectively; p = 0.55), recipient site complications (27.8 vs. 24.0%, respectively; p = 0.78), operative time (623 ± 114 vs. 598 ± 100 minutes, respectively; p = 0.80), or length of stay (3.4 ± 0.5 vs. 3.1 ± 0.4 days, respectively; p = 0.98). Conclusion Concurrent ventral hernia repair at the time of abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction appears to be safe and effective. Larger studies are needed to further define this relationship.

Understanding narrative effects

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurik Gustomo ◽  
Hary Febriansyah ◽  
Henndy Ginting ◽  
Imelia Martinovita Santoso
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Expressive Writing ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
West Java ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

PurposeEmployee engagement has been directly linked to organizational outcomes, and at present, improving employee engagement has increasingly been a main focus for organizations. However, studies evaluating the impact of storytelling interventions on increasing the level of employee engagement are limited. Storytelling is one of the intervention methods that can provide cognitive stimulus to employees, which in turn could change their attitudes toward work including employee engagement. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of storytelling as an intervention tool for increasing employee engagement in one of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in West Java, Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quantitative method. Employees from a West Java branch of large SOEs were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The research design used a pretest and a post-test with an expressive writing method to identify the extent of employee engagement by comparing participant groups and measuring the increase of employee engagement as a result of the storytelling intervention. The experimental group participated in three storytelling sessions that had been set up by panels of experts, while the control group was not given any treatment. The expressive writing analysis was conducted using software that has been developed and tested for validity and reliability. Furthermore, statistical analysis was used to test the results of expressive writing scoring to determine the impact of storytelling interventions.FindingsDirect storytelling is proven to be one of the most effective methods of increasing employee engagement in one of the SOEs in the West Java region. The results of this study showed that there were differences between the experiment and control groups after experiencing a direct storytelling intervention where there was a significant increase in the dimensions of employee engagement. Participants in experimental group had higher scores than participants in control group in most of the employee engagement dimensions. Additionally, expressive writing methods are also proven to be able to provide a stimulus for employees in expressing thoughts, perceptions and motivations for employee engagement in the company.Research limitations/implicationsAs direct storytelling has not been frequently used, especially to improve employee engagement, more studies should be conducted in various settings, with different measurement tools, and in a more controlled environment to confirm the effects of the intervention.Practical implicationsThis paper provides insight into how companies can use direct storytelling to improve the dimensions of employee engagement. Additionally, this research can also be used as a reference by companies in Indonesia, especially SOEs, for applying the same method in an effort to improve work-related attitudes, such as employee satisfaction and organizational commitment.Social implicationsThis study raises social implications in which employees enthusiasm increases in improving personal relationships between employees and storytellers, who are middle or upper management employees. In addition, employees also more appreciate their struggles when starting their careers, so they care more about increasing their role and involvement in the company.Originality/valueThis paper provides resources and information for companies and organizations to improve employee engagement through the implementation of direct storytelling. The focus of this paper is to gain information on the role of direct storytelling in improving employee engagement within a company or organization.

scholarly journals Assessment of anxiety and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients

2004 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 252-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tathiana Pagano ◽  
Luciana Akemi Matsutani ◽  
Elisabeth Alves Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Amélia Pasqual Marques ◽  
Carlos Alberto de Bragança Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Outpatient Service ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

CONTEXT: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, and by a low pain threshold at specific anatomical points. The syndrome is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness and anxiety. Because of its chronic nature, it often has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life and anxiety level of patients with fibromyalgia. TYPE Of STUDY: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Rheumatology outpatient service of Hospital das Clínicas (Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo). METHODS: This study evaluated 80 individuals, divided between test and control groups. The test group included 40 women with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The control group was composed of 40 healthy women. Three questionnaires were used: two to assess quality of life (FIQ and SF-36) and one to assess anxiety (STAI). They were applied to the individuals in both groups in a single face-to-face interview. The statistical analysis used Student's t test and Pearson's correlation test (r), with a significance level of 95%. Also, the Pearson chi-squared statistics test for homogeneity, with Yates correction, was used for comparing schooling between test and control groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.000), thus indicating that fibromyalgia patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety. The correlations between the three questionnaires were high (r = 0.9). DISCUSSION: This study has confirmed the efficacy of FIQ for evaluating the impact of fibromyalgia on the quality of life. SF-36 is less specific than FIQ, although statistically significant values were obtained when analyzed separately, STAI showed lower efficacy for discriminating the test group from the control group. The test group showed worse quality of life than did the control group, which was demonstrated by both FIQ and SF-36. Even though STAI was a less efficient instrument, it presented significant results, showing that fibromyalgia patients presented higher levels of anxiety, both on the state and trait scales. Thus, patients with fibromyalgia had higher levels of tension, nervousness, preoccupation and apprehension, and higher propensity towards anxiety. CONCLUSION: The three instruments utilized showed efficiency in evaluating fibromyalgia patients. FIQ was found to be the most efficient instrument for discriminating and assessing the impact of fibromyalgia on their quality of life. It can be concluded that such patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety.

Effect of Indoor Wall Climbing on Self-Efficacy and Self-Perceptions of Children with Special Needs

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin R. Mazzoni ◽  
P. Lynn Purves ◽  
Julie Southward ◽  
Ryan E. Rhodes ◽  
Viviene A. Temple
Keyword(s):  
Special Needs ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Children With Special Needs ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

The impact of a six-week indoor wall climbing on the perceptions of self for children with special needs aged 6–12 years was explored. Participants (n = 46) were randomly assigned to the intervention (girls, n = 4; boys, n = 19) and control groups (girls, n = 5; boys, n = 18). Belayers’ and children’s perceptions of efficacy were measured using specifically designed questionnaires and perceptions of competence and global self-worth were measured using Harter’s (1985) Self-Perception Profile for Children for participants with an adaptive age of 8 years or higher. Children’s self-efficacy and belayers’ ratings of children’s efficacy improved significantly, t(21) = 3.9, p = .001, d = .84 and F(2, 44) = 30.03, p < .001, respectively. The children’s judgments of their athletic and social competence and global self-worth, however, did not change over time or differ from the wait-listed control group (p > .05). These results suggest that it is likely that many experiences that enhance self-efficacy may be needed to improve self-perceptions.

scholarly journals Age at Vaccination and Timing of Infection Do Not Alter Vaccine-Associated Enhanced Respiratory Disease in Influenza A Virus-Infected Pigs

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 470-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carine K. Souza ◽  
Daniela S. Rajão ◽  
Crystal L. Loving ◽  
Phillip C. Gauger ◽  
Daniel R. Pérez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Swine Industry ◽  
Vaccine Component ◽  
Live Attenuated Influenza Virus ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTWhole inactivated virus (WIV) vaccines are widely used in the swine industry to reduce clinical disease against homologous influenza A virus (IAV) infection. In pigs experimentally challenged with antigenically distinct heterologous IAV of the same hemagglutinin subtype, WIV vaccinates have been shown to develop vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease (VAERD). We evaluated the impact of vaccine valency, age at vaccination, and duration between vaccination and challenge on the development of VAERD using vaccine containing δ1-H1N2 and challenge with pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) virus. Pigs were vaccinated with monovalent WIV MN08 (δ1-H1N2) and bivalent (δ1-H1N2–H3N2 or δ1-H1N2–pH1N1) vaccines and then were challenged with pH1N1 at 3 weeks postboost (wpb). Another group was vaccinated with the same monovalent WIV and challenged at 6 wpb to determine if the time postvaccination plays a role in the development of VAERD. In a follow-up study, the impact of age of first WIV vaccination (at 4 versus 9 weeks of age) with a boost 3 weeks later (at 7 versus 12 weeks of age) was evaluated. A monovalent live-attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) vaccine administered at 4 and 7 weeks of age was also included. All mismatched WIV groups had significantly higher lung lesions than the LAIV, bivalent MN08-CA09, and control groups. Age of first vaccination or length of time between booster dose and subsequent challenge did not alter the development of VAERD in WIV-vaccinated pigs. Importantly, the mismatched component of the bivalent MN08-CA09 WIV did not override the protective effect of the matched vaccine component.

Impact of Pharmacy Student and Resident-Led Discharge Counseling on Heart Failure Patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 574-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Szkiladz ◽  
Katherine Carey ◽  
Kimberly Ackerbauer ◽  
Mark Heelon ◽  
Jennifer Friderici ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Medication Errors ◽  
Pharmacy Student ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Cost Avoidance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Heart Failure Readmissions ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: Many health systems have implemented interventions to reduce the rate of heart failure readmissions. Pharmacists have the training and expertise to provide effective medication-related education. However, few studies have examined the impact of discharge education provided by pharmacy students and residents on patients hospitalized with heart failure exacerbations. Methods: This was a nonrandomized intervention study evaluating the impact of a pharmacy student and resident-led discharge counseling program on heart failure readmissions. The primary end point was the 30-day heart failure readmission rate. Secondary end points included self-reported patient understanding of medications, number of medication errors documented, and estimated associated cost avoidance. Results: A total of 86 and 94 patients were enrolled into the intervention and control groups, respectively. No statistically significant difference in readmission rates was detected between the intervention and the control groups. Thirty-four medication errors and discrepancies were documented, or 1 for every 2.5 patients counseled, resulting in an estimated cost avoidance of $4241 for the institution. Eighty-nine percent of patients who received discharge counseling agreed they had a better understanding of their medications after speaking with a pharmacy resident or student. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference in readmission rates; however, several medication errors were prevented, and a large percentage of patients expressed an improved understanding of their medications.

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