A Computer Method for Solving Dilemmas

1982 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 291-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morton Wagman
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Choice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Untreated Control Group ◽  
Modern Computer ◽  
Individual Interaction ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Generic Problem ◽  
Problems And Solutions ◽  
Measurement Design

The results of two studies which have assessed the effectiveness of Dilemma Counseling on plato and the reaction of students to computerized counseling are reported. Dilemma Counseling is a generic problem-solving method for psychological dilemmas. The method was taught to college students through individual interaction with the plato computer. In addition to the method itself, over 400 sample solutions to more than 70 problems were available on plato. The problems and solutions cover a wide range of topics such as dating, study habits, and occupational choice. In two experiments evaluating plato Dilemma Counseling, a randomized pre-, post-, follow-up measurement design was used. In one experiment, plato Dilemma Counseling ( N = 41) was as effective as standard eclectic counseling ( N = 31) in solving student problems. In a second experiment, students exposed to plato Dilemma Counseling ( n = 48) showed significantly ( p < .01) greater improvement than an untreated control group ( n = 62). These findings and favorable subjective reactions to the teaching and counseling functions of PLATO suggested that a modern computer system can be helpful in solving psychological dilemmas.

scholarly journals Aortic Stiffness Increases Upon Receipt of Anthracycline Chemotherapy

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narumol Chaosuwannakit ◽  
Ralph D'Agostino ◽  
Craig A. Hamilton ◽  
Kimberly S. Lane ◽  
William O. Ntim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Stiffness ◽  
Aortic Distensibility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Untreated Control Group ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Covariance Models ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Control Study ◽  
Anthracycline Chemotherapy

Purpose Cancer survivors exposed to anthracyclines experience an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. We hypothesized that anthracycline use may increase aortic stiffness, a known predictor of CV events. Patients and Methods We performed a prospective, case-control study involving 53 patients: 40 individuals who received an anthracycline for the treatment of breast cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia (cases), and 13 age- and sex-matched controls. Each participant underwent phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance measures of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic distensibility (AoD) in the thoracic aorta at baseline, and 4 months after initiation of chemotherapy. Four one-way analyses of covariance models were fit in which factors known to influence thoracic aortic stiffness were included as covariates in the models. Results At the 4-month follow-up visit, aortic stiffness remained similar to baseline in the control participants. However, in the participants receiving anthracyclines, aortic stiffness increased markedly (relative to baseline), as evidenced by a decrease in AoD (P < .0001) and an increase in PWV (P < .0001). These changes in aortic stiffness persisted after accounting for age, sex, cardiac output, administered cardioactive medications, and underlying clinical conditions known to influence aortic stiffness, such as hypertension or diabetes (P < .0001). Conclusion A significant increase in aortic stiffness occurs within 4 months of exposure to an anthracycline which was not seen in an untreated control group. These results indicate that previously regarded cardiotoxic cancer therapy adversely increases thoracic aortic stiffness, a known independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular events.

scholarly journals Cognitive Functioning and Schizotypy: A Four-Years Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny Karamaouna ◽  
Chrysoula Zouraraki ◽  
Stella G. Giakoumaki
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Response Inhibition ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Set Shifting ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Over Time

Although there is ample evidence from cross-sectional studies indicating cognitive deficits in high schizotypal individuals that resemble the cognitive profile of schizophrenia-spectrum patients, there is still lack of evidence by longitudinal/follow-up studies. The present study included assessments of schizotypal traits and a wide range of cognitive functions at two time points (baseline and 4-years assessments) in order to examine (a) their stability over time, (b) the predictive value of baseline schizotypy on cognition at follow-up and (c) differences in cognition between the two time points in high negative schizotypal and control individuals. Only high negative schizotypal individuals were compared with controls due to the limited number of participants falling in the other schizotypal groups at follow-up. Seventy participants (mean age: 36.17; 70% females) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Schizotypal traits were evaluated with the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. We found that schizotypal traits decreased over time, except in a sub-group of participants (“schizotypy congruent”) that includes individuals who consistently meet normative criteria of inclusion in either a schizotypal or control group. In these individuals, negative schizotypy and aspects of cognitive-perceptual and disorganized schizotypy remained stable. The stability of cognitive functioning also varied over time: response inhibition, aspects of cued attention switching, set-shifting and phonemic/semantic verbal fluency improved at follow-up. High negative schizotypy at baseline predicted poorer response inhibition and semantic switching at follow-up while high disorganized schizotypy predicted poorer semantic processing and complex processing speed/set-shifting. The between-group analyses revealed that response inhibition, set-shifting and complex processing speed/set-shifting were poorer in negative schizotypals compared with controls at both time points, while maintaining set and semantic switching were poorer only at follow-up. Taken together, the findings show differential stability of the schizotypal traits over time and indicate that different aspects of schizotypy predict a different pattern of neuropsychological task performance during a 4-years time window. These results are of significant use in the formulation of targeted early-intervention strategies for high-risk populations.

scholarly journals PELATIHAN KEBERSYUKURAN UNTUK MENURUNKAN STRES KERJA GURU DI SEKOLAH INKLUSI

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 186
Author(s):  
Prapti Leguminosa ◽  
Fuad Nashori ◽  
Mira Aliza Rachmawati
Keyword(s):  
Work Stress ◽  
Untreated Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mixed Design ◽  
Untreated Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Group Design ◽  
Eta Squared ◽  
Experimental Group

Penelitian ini menguji pengaruh pelatihan kebersyukuran dalam menurunkan stres kerja guru di sekolah inklusi. Hipotesis dalam penelitian ini adalah tingkat stres kerja kelompok yang diberi perlakuan pelatihan kebersyukuran lebih rendah daripada kelompok yang tidak diberi perlakuan pelatihan kebersyukuran. Rancangan penelitian menggunakan untreated control group design with dependent prates and postetst dengan menambahkan tindak lanjut. Responden penelitian sebanyak 14 orang yang terbagi ke dalam 7 orang kelompok eksperimen dan 7 orang kelompok kontrol. Penelitian ini menggunakan alat ukur stres kerja guru dengan koefisien reabilitas sebesar 0,873. Modul pelatihan kebersyukuran disusunberdasarkan tiga aspek kebersyukuran (Al-Munajjid, 2006; Al-Jauziyyah, 2010), yakni niat (hati), ucapan (lisan), dan perbuatan (anggota badan). Data dianalisis menggunakan Anava Mixed Design untuk melihat perbedaan skor dalam kelompok (prates, pascates, dan tindak lanjut) serta perbedaan skor antar kelompok (eksperimen dan kontrol). Hasil analisis data menunjukkan adanya perbedaan skor yang signifikan pada prates, pascates, dan tindak lanjut antar kedua kelompok. Hal tersebut ditunjukkan dengan skor F = 7,393 dan p = 0,003 (p<0,05). Selain itu, terdapat penurunan tingkatstres kerja pada kelompok eskperimen secara signifikan (MD = 13,857 dan p = 0,012), sementara pada kelompok kontrol terjadi peningkatan stres kerja (MD = -6,571 dan p = 0,189). Artinya, kelompok eksperimen mengalami penurunan tingkat stres kerjasetelah diberi pelatihan kebersyukuran sementara kelompok kontrol yang tidak diberi pelatihan kebersyukuran mengalami peningkatan stres kerja. Selanjutnya, skor partial Eta Squared = 0,561 yang berarti bahwa pelatihan kebersyukuran memberikan kontribusi sebesar 56,1 % terhadap penurunan stres kerja guru.Kata kunci: Stres Kerja Guru, Pelatihan Kebersyukuran, Sekolah Inklusi This study examines the effect of gratitude training in reducing teachers work stress in inclusive schools. The hypothesis of this study is the group that given gratitude training has lower work stress than the group that did not receive gratitude training. This study was an experimental research that used the untreated control group design with dependent pretest and postetst added by follow-up. Participants of this study were 14 participants that divided into 2 groups (experimental group and control group). There are 7 participants in each group. This study used teacher stress inventory developed by Fimian (1988) that were modified by researchers with coefficient of reliability at 0,873. Gratitude training manuals were developed based on three aspects of gratitude according to Al-Munajjid, (2006) and Al-Jawziyyah (2010). Those three aspects are intention (liver), speech (verbal), and behavior (physically). The data were analyzed using Mixed Design Anova to determine the differences of pretest, pascates, and follow-up’s score, and the different between experimental and controlled group’s score. The results showed a significant difference in work stress score at pretest, posttest, and follow-up between the experimental and controlled group (F = 7.393, p = 0.003 (p <0.05)). In addition, there was significant changes in work stress at experimental group (MD = 13.857 and p = 0.012), whereas in the control group there was no significant change (MD = -6.571 and p = 0.189). Those findings indicate that there was reduction in the level of work stress in the experimental group. Whereas the increase of work stress showed in the controlled group. Furthermore, a score partial Eta Squared = 0.561 indicates that the gratitude training contributed 56.1% to the reduction of teacher work stress.Keywords: teachers work stress, gratitude training, inclusive school

7-Year follow-up of a lifestyle intervention in overweight children: Comparison to an untreated control group

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 1558-1562 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Reinehr ◽  
J. Bucksch ◽  
A. Müller ◽  
E. Finne ◽  
P. Kolip
Keyword(s):  
Lifestyle Intervention ◽  
Untreated Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Overweight Children ◽  
Untreated Control Group

scholarly journals Transfer of Learning in People who Are Blind: Enhancement of Spatial-Cognitive Abilities through Drawing

2018 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lora T. Likova ◽  
Laura Cacciamani
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Transfer Of Learning ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Training Method ◽  
Drawing Task ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Blind Individuals

Introduction This study assessed whether basic spatial-cognitive abilities can be enhanced in people who are blind through transfer of learning from drawing training. Methods Near-body spatial-cognitive performance was assessed through the Cognitive Test for the Blind (CTB), which assesses a wide range of basic spatial-cognitive skills. The CTB was administered to 21 participants who are blind in two behavioral testing sessions separated by five days. For participants in the “trained” group, these intervening days were occupied by the Cognitive-Kinesthetic Drawing Training method, during which participants learned how to draw freehand from memory. The “control” participants were not trained. Results The results showed significantly increased overall CTB performance in the trained but not in the control group, indicating that the drawing training effectively enhanced spatial-cognitive abilities. A three- to six-month follow-up session with a subset of trained participants suggested that these training-induced spatial-cognitive improvements might persist over time, at least for some tasks. Discussion These findings demonstrate that learning to draw from memory without vision over just five sessions can lead to enhancement of basic spatial-cognitive abilities beyond the drawing task. This study is the first to examine the transfer of learning of cognitive ability in blind individuals. Implications for practitioners This study sheds light on the Cognitive-Kinesthetic Drawing Training as an effective wide-range rehabilitation technique that could be used to enhance basic spatial-cognitive abilities in those who are blind.

Effects of ECT and Depression on Various Aspects of Memory

1983 ◽  
Vol 142 (6) ◽  
pp. 610-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. D. Frith ◽  
Marilyn Stevens ◽  
Eve C. Johnstone ◽  
J. F. W. Deakin ◽  
P. Lawler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Depressed Patients ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Degree Of Recovery

SummarySeventy severely depressed patients randomly assigned to receive 8 real or sham ECT were further subdivided on the basis of degree of recovery from depression afterwards. In comparison to a non-depressed control group the depressed patients were impaired on a wide range of tests of memory and concentration prior to treatment, but afterwards performance on most of the tests had improved. Real ECT induced impairments of concentration, short-term memory and learning, but significantly facilitated access to remote memories. At 6 month follow-up all differences between real and sham ECT groups had disappeared. On the majority of tests the previously depressed patients now performed at the same level as the control group. There was some evidence that a subgroup of treatment-resistant patients (poor outcome after real ECT) were significantly more likely to complain of memory problems 6 months later.

scholarly journals Can goal-setting for patients with multimorbidity improve outcomes in primary care? Cluster randomised feasibility trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e025332 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A Ford ◽  
Elizabeth Lenaghan ◽  
Charlotte Salter ◽  
David Turner ◽  
Alice Shiner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Leisure Interests

IntroductionGoal-setting is recommended for patients with multimorbidity, but there is little evidence to support its use in general practice.ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of goal-setting for patients with multimorbidity, before undertaking a definitive trial.Design and settingCluster-randomised controlled feasibility trial of goal-setting compared with control in six general practices.ParticipantsAdults with two or more long term health conditions and at risk of unplanned hospital admission.InterventionsGeneral practitioners (GPs) underwent training and patients were asked to consider goals before an initial goal-setting consultation and a follow-up consultation 6 months later. The control group received usual care planning.Outcome measuresHealth-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), capability (ICEpop CAPability measure for Older people), Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care and healthcare use. All consultations were video-recorded or audio-recorded, and focus groups were held with participating GPs and patients.ResultsFifty-two participants were recruited with a response rate of 12%. Full follow-up data were available for 41. In the goal-setting group, mean age was 80.4 years, 54% were female and the median number of prescribed medications was 13, compared with 77.2 years, 39% female and 11.5 medications in the control group. The mean initial consultation time was 23.0 min in the goal-setting group and 19.2 in the control group. Overall 28% of patient participants had no cognitive impairment. Participants set between one and three goals on a wide range of subjects, such as chronic disease management, walking, maintaining social and leisure interests, and weight management. Patient participants found goal-setting acceptable and would have liked more frequent follow-up. GPs unanimously liked goal-setting and felt it delivered more patient-centred care, and they highlighted the importance of training.ConclusionsThis goal-setting intervention was feasible to deliver in general practice. A larger, definitive study is needed to test its effectiveness.Trial registration numberISRCTN13248305; Post-results.

Amodiaquine–Ciprofloxacin: a potential combination therapy against drug resistant malaria

Parasitology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 142 (6) ◽  
pp. 849-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. F. FALAJIKI ◽  
O. AKINOLA ◽  
O. O. ABIODUN ◽  
C. T. HAPPI ◽  
A. SOWUNMI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Plasmodium Berghei ◽  
Complete Resolution ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Untreated Control Group ◽  
Peak Parasitaemia

SUMMARYEmergence of malaria parasites resistant to artemisinin necessitates the need for development of new antimalarial therapies. Ciprofloxacin (CFX) a second generation quinolone antibiotic possesses some antimalarial activities. We investigated the in vivo antimalarial activities of CFX in combination with amodiaquine in mice infected with chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Animals were treated orally with 80 or 160 mg kg−1 body weight of CFX alone given twice daily or in combination with amodiaquine (AQ) 10 mg kg−1 body weight. Parasitological activity and survival of the animals were assessed over 21 days. Peak parasitaemia in the untreated control group was 72·51%. Treatment with AQ alone resulted in clearance of parasitaemia by day 4 while treatment with CFX 80 and 160 mg kg−1 alone suppressed parasitaemia by 13·94–54·64% and 35·6–92·7%, respectively. However, the combination of CFX with AQ significantly enhanced response of infection in the animals to treatment (P < 0·05) resulting in complete resolution of parasitaemia throughout follow up period with CFX 160 mg kg−1, delayed recrudescence time with CFX 80 mg kg−1 and significant increase in survival rate of the animals. The results demonstrate beneficial interaction between AQ and CFX which may provide a clinically relevant antimalarial/antibiotic therapeutic option in the management of malaria.

scholarly journals Trypanocide treatment among adults with chronic Chagas disease living in Santa Fe city (Argentina), over a mean follow-up of 21 years: parasitological, serological and clinical evolution

2007 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana L. Fabbro ◽  
Mirtha L. Streiger ◽  
Enrique D. Arias ◽  
María L. Bizai ◽  
Mónica del Barco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Santa Fe ◽  
Untreated Control Group ◽  
Clinical Evolution ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Chronic Chagas Disease

The efficacy of treatment with nifurtimox and/or benznidazole among adults with chronic Chagas disease with no previous electrocardiographic disturbances was evaluated over a mean follow-up of 21 years, by means of conventional serology, xenodiagnosis, clinical examination, electrocardiograms and chest X-ray. One hundred and eleven patients, between 17 and 46 years old, were studied: 54 underwent treatment (nifurtimox 27, benznidazole 27) and 57 remained untreated (control group). Xenodiagnosis was performed on 65% of them: 36/38 of the treated and 9/34 of the untreated patients had previous positive xenodiagnosis. Post-treatment, 133 xenodiagnoses were performed on 41 patients, all resulting negative. In the control group, 29 xenodiagnoses were performed on 14 patients; 2 resulted positive. Sera stored during the follow-up were simultaneously analyzed through conventional serology tests (IHA; DA-2ME; IIF). The serological evolution in the treated group was: a) 37% underwent negative seroconversion (nifurtimox 11, benznidazole 9); b) 27.8% decreased titers (nifurtimox 9, benznidazole 6), 9 showed inconclusive final serology (nifurtimox 7, benznidazole 2); c) 35.2% remained positive with constant titers (nifurtimox 7; benznidazole 12). The control group conserved the initial antibody levels during the follow-up. In the clinical evolution, 2/54 (3.7%) of the treated and 9/57 (15.8%) of the untreated patients showed electrocardiographic disturbances attributable to Chagas myocardiopathy, with a statistically relevant difference (p<0.05). Treatment caused deparasitation in at least 37% of the chronically infected adults and a protective effect on their clinical evolution.

Audio Stories as Incidental Language Teachers

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ute Ritterfeld ◽  
Timo Lüke
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Migrant Families ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Grammatical Skills ◽  
Entertainment Value

Abstract. Audio stories offer a unique blend of narrative entertainment with language learning opportunities as a user’s enjoyment is dependent on their processing of the linguistic content. A total of 138 third- and fourth-graders from low socioeconomic status and migrant families recruited from a metropolitan area in Germany participated in a randomized pre–post follow-up intervention study with a control group. Children listened to a tailored crime story of approximately 90 min over a period of 3 days within the classroom setting. Entertainment value for the age group was established in a pilot study. Outcome variables included semantic and grammatical skills in German and were administered before (pretest), shortly after intervention (posttest), and 2 weeks later (follow-up). We used nonverbal intelligence, reading, comprehension skills, age and sex as control variables. Results indicate a strong positive effect of media reception on language skills. The effectiveness of the intervention is discussed with reference to different linguistic domains, entertainment value, and compensatory effects in populations at risk of language learning deficits.

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