scholarly journals The Effects of a Digital Articulatory Game on the Ability to Perceive Speech-Sound Contrasts in Another Language

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sari Ylinen ◽  
Anna-Riikka Smolander ◽  
Reima Karhila ◽  
Sofoklis Kakouros ◽  
Jari Lipsanen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Speech Sound ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Perceptual Skills ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Phonetic Contrasts ◽  
Mandarin Tones

Digital and mobile devices enable easy access to applications for the learning of foreign languages. However, experimental studies on the effectiveness of these applications are scarce. Moreover, it is not understood whether the effects of speech and language training generalize to features that are not trained. To this end, we conducted a four-week intervention that focused on articulatory training and learning of English words in 6–7-year-old Finnish-speaking children who used a digital language-learning game app Pop2talk. An essential part of the app is automatic speech recognition that enables assessing children’s utterances and giving instant feedback to the players. The generalization of the effects of such training in English were explored by using discrimination tasks before and after training (or the same period of time in a control group). The stimuli of the discrimination tasks represented phonetic contrasts from two non-trained languages, including Russian sibilant consonants and Mandarin tones. We found some improvement with the Russian sibilant contrast in the gamers but it was not statistically significant. No improvement was observed for the tone contrast for the gaming group. A control group with no training showed no improvement in either contrast. The pattern of results suggests that the game may have improved the perception of non-trained speech sounds in some but not all individuals, yet the effects of motivation and attention span on their performance could not be excluded with the current methods. Children’s perceptual skills were linked to their word learning in the control group but not in the gaming group where recurrent exposure enabled learning also for children with poorer perceptual skills. Together, the results demonstrate beneficial effects of learning via a digital application, yet raise a need for further research of individual differences in learning.

scholarly journals Does Social Exclusion Alter Sensory and Pain Thresholds in Children and Adolescents with Functional Abdominal Pain? – Results from a Preliminary Study

Pain Medicine ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1472-1478
Author(s):  
Marco Daniel Gulewitsch ◽  
Aiste Jusyte ◽  
Katja Weimer ◽  
Michael Schönenberg
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Sensory Threshold ◽  
Functional Abdominal Pain ◽  
Pain Thresholds ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract Objective Functional abdominal pain (AP) is a prevalent issue in childhood and adolescence. The contribution of psychosocial factors in the development and maintenance of this health problem is rather unclear, and experimental studies about underlying mechanisms are lacking. This study investigates whether experimentally induced social exclusion decreases sensory and pain thresholds in children suffering from AP. Subjects Twenty children/adolescents with AP and 22 healthy controls. Methods Children/adolescents participated in the Cyberball paradigm, which affects an experience of social exclusion. Thermal sensory and pain thresholds were measured before and after Cyberball. Results Children/adolescents with AP showed a divergent reaction regarding their sensory threshold after social exclusion: The control group exhibited a tendency toward a decreased sensory threshold whereas the AP group remained stable. Concerning the pain threshold, no effect of social exclusion could be identified. The increase of both thresholds (“numbing”) after Cyberball was positively correlated with symptoms of mental health issues. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate changes in sensory and pain thresholds following painful social interactions in a sample of children/adolescents with a chronic pain condition. Results suggest that AP and control children differ in their reaction of sensory thresholds, which might indicate an altered processing of social exclusion. Replication and further methodological improvements are needed.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIABLES IN EX-CRACK COCAINE USERS

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 284-289
Author(s):  
Jéssica Abatti Martins ◽  
Ana Maria Volpato ◽  
Vanise dos Santos Ferreira Viero ◽  
Antonio Jose Grande ◽  
Leonardo Roever ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Crack Cocaine ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cocaine Users ◽  
Total Body

ABSTRACT Introduction: Worldwide cocaine use in all its various forms is increasing; cocaine users exceeded 17 million in the world. In Brazil, this data is also alarming. A survey conducted in 2010 found that the country has more than 900,000 crack-cocaine users. Objective: To evaluate the effects of exercise on anthropometric variables and components of physical fitness in ex-crack cocaine users. Methods: Randomized controlled trial with 20 men, divided into exercise group (n=10) and control group (n=10), admitted to a detoxification center. We assessed the physical fitness components related to health (cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular strength/endurance, and body composition) before and after the physical training program. Results: The exercise contributed to the maintenance of anthropometric variables, while the control group had an increased in total body fat and visceral fat. Regarding physical fitness, resistance training led to the increase of most variables studied, particularly strength and cardiorespiratory capacity. On the other hand, the VO2max and the strength of the sedentary subjects were reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion: The exercise showed beneficial effects on the components of physical fitness and maintenance of body composition.

scholarly journals The Effect of Brain-Based Teaching on Young EFL Learners’ Self-Efficacy

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parastoo Alizadeh Oghyanous
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Teaching Approach ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group A ◽  
Age Range

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of brain-based teaching on the self-efficacy of young EFL learners. The initial participants of the study were 90 learners within the age range of 13-16 who were selected based on convenience sampling. Theses 90 young EFL learners were given a Flyers test the scores of which were used to choose 60 homogeneous learners whose scores fell within the range of +/- one standard deviation from the mean. The 60 selected learners were then divided into an experimental and a control group. A Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C), developed by Muris (2001) was administered to the participants in both groups before and after the treatment after being translated into Persian and piloted for reliability check. To implement brain-based teaching in the experimental group, the researcher taught the lessons based on the three techniques of Brain Based Teaching Approach (BBTA). The three techniques used were Relaxed Alertness (RA), Orchestrated Immersion (OI) and Active Processing (AP) in line with Thomas and Swamy (2014). The results of statistical analyses indicated that brain-based teaching approach had a significant effect on students’ self-efficacy. The findings of the study can have implications for both students and EFL teachers in the realm of foreign language learning and teaching.

scholarly journals Effect of 12 Months of Exercise with Stachys Lavandulifolia Consumption on anxiety, Metabolic Syndrome Profiles and Antioxidant Defense and Lipid Peroxidation in Women with Syndrome Metabolic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali osali ◽  
Alireza Rostami
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Antioxidant Defense ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Before And After

Abstract BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 months of aerobic exercise combining stachys lavandulifolia (S. lavandulifolia) consumption on anxiety, Metabolic Syndrome profiles and antioxidant defense (Glutathione) and lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde) in 50-65 years old women with syndrome metabolic.Methods48 women with syndrome Metabolic were randomly divided into four groups: exercise (n=12), exercise+S. lavandulifolia (n=12), S. lavandulifolia (n=12) and control group (n=12). S. lavandulifolia groups consumed 3 g aerial parts of S. lavandulifolia daily. Training groups performed an exercise protocol of aerobic exercise for 12 months (three sessions per week). Blood samples were obtained before and after training period for antioxidant indicators and lipid degradation measurement. Also, Beck anxiety questionnaire used for evaluating levels of anxiety. T-test and one-way analysis of variance were used for the evaluation of within-group and between-group differences, respectively.ResultsA significant increase was observed in serum levels of Malondialdehyde (P =0.004), Catalase indexes (Pvalue= 0.01), and Glutathione (P=0.001) in the training group and S. lavandulifolia groups after 12 months. Body weight, BMI, and SBP and Anexiety was decreased significantly greater in exercise +S. lavandulifolia group compared to control, exercise and S. lavandulifolia groups (P=0.001)ConclusionAnxiolytic effect and Anti-Oxidative Stress Activity was seen, so taking S. lavandulifolia along with exercises may have beneficial effects on reinforcement the antioxidant system and prevention of anxiety and The negative effects of indicators related to cardiovascular disease in women with metabolic syndrome.

Nature Enhanced Meditation: Effects on Mindfulness, Connectedness to Nature, and Pro-Environmental Behavior

2020 ◽  
pp. 001391652095245
Author(s):  
Travis N. Ray ◽  
Scott A. Franz ◽  
Nicole L. Jarrett ◽  
Scott M. Pickett
Keyword(s):  
Natural Environment ◽  
Environmental Behavior ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Connectedness To Nature ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Before And After

Previous research suggests that meditation, a mindfulness exercise, could result in increased connectedness to nature and pro-environmental behavior. Exposure to nature also is associated with these outcomes. It was hypothesized that meditation alongside stimuli reminiscent of the natural environment would produce enhanced effects. Participants ( N = 97) were randomly assigned to complete a 4-week online meditation program consisting of a guided meditation paired with either nature sounds (“nature group”) or spa-like sounds (“control group”). Mindfulness, connectedness to nature, and pro-environmental behavior were assessed before and after the program. Meditation, in general, produced increases in mindfulness, connectedness to nature, and pro-environmental behavior. Additionally, the nature group had a greater rate of change in connectedness to nature when compared to the control group. The results extend previous cross-sectional research by demonstrating the beneficial effects of meditation on pro-environmental behavior and its theorized mechanisms, which may be informative for future research and interventions.

Interaction of Spatial Perception, Vestibular Function, and Exercise in Young School Age Boys with Learning Disabilities

1989 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 727-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy N. Byl ◽  
Frederick M. Byl ◽  
Joseph H. Rosenthal
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Perception ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Perceptual Skills ◽  
Group I ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Vestibulo Ocular Reflex ◽  
Experimental Group

Form rotation, figure directionality, and figure-ground discrimination were evaluated before and after 10 days of vestibular or aerobic exercises for 30 boys (7 to 12 yr.) who showed problems in learning, reading, and inattention. Eight subjects had normal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) responses as determined by caloric and rotational testing. They were assigned to a vestibular program (Control Group I). The 22 subjects with abnormal VOR test responses were randomly assigned to either aerobic exercises (Experimental Group II) or a vestibular program (Experimental Group III). Spatial perceptual test scores varied widely, with the majority performing below age-expected norms but no significant differences on vestibular status appeared. Postexercise, only subjects completing the vestibular program made significant gains: Experimental Group III (abnormal VOR) made significant gains in accuracy and normal test responses compared to the other groups, and Control Group I made significantly greater gains in speed of spatial perceptual processing. For boys with problems in learning, reading, inattention, and vestibular function, a vestibular exercise program complementing a traditional or special educational program may enhance the spatial perceptual skills needed for reading.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Psychological Workshops for Coaches on Well-Being and Psychomotor Performance of Children Practicing Football and Gymnastics

2021 ◽  
pp. 586-593
Author(s):  
Dominika Wilczyńska ◽  
Anna Łysak-Radomska ◽  
Magdalena Podczarska-Głowacka ◽  
Wojciech Skrobot ◽  
Katarzyna Krasowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychomotor Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Seven Principles ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
And Control

Coach workshops based on seven principles (inspiration, explanation, expectation, support, reward, appreciation, growth and winning) enhance the sport experience of adult athletes. Therefore, we have investigated the effects of such workshops with coaches of child athletes. Study participants were coaches of 57 9- to 12-year old girls (practicing gymnastics) and boys (practicing football). Three coaches of 28 children attended three workshops over 12 weeks, while a control group of 5 coaches of 29 children attended no workshops. Measures of well-being and psychomotor performance were taken on the children before and after the intervention; differences in mean changes between intervention and control groups were adjusted for baseline, standardized, and assessed with a conservative magnitude-based decision method. There were clear substantial effects of the workshop on motivation averaged across several dimensions (girls, large, most likely beneficial), on a decision test (boys, small-moderate, very likely beneficial), on state anxiety self-reflection (girls, moderate, likely harmful), and on reaction time (boys, small, possibly harmful). The beneficial effects of the workshop in this pilot study are encouraging, but the unclear and potentially harmful effects and the roles of presenter- and coach-specific effects need to be investigated further with a representative sample of coaches and more children before the workshop is recommended for implementation.

scholarly journals The Effect of Listening Strategy Instruction on Iranian Pre-intermediate EFL Learners’ Listening ability

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
Farzaneh Ghaed sharaf ◽  
Melika Mobaraki ◽  
Maryam Rabani Nia
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
Lesson Plan ◽  
Strategy Instruction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Listening Ability ◽  
Listening Strategies ◽  
Age Range

Listening comprehension plays an important role in the process of language learning as it is one of the four major skills in language acquisition. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of listening strategy instruction on improving listening comprehension of Iranian EFL learners. To achieve this goal, forty students studying at Birjand University were participated in the current study. All of thestudents were within the age range of 18 to 22. Then, they were non-randomly divided into two groups, as a control and an experimental group. Theexperimental was taught based on a guide lesson plan regarding listening strategies while the control group did not receive any treatment. The listening section of TOEFL was utilized to measure the listening performance of the participants before and after the treatment. The results of Independent Samples Test indicated thatinstructing listening strategies had no significant impact onlistening comprehension of Iranian pre-intermediate EFL learners.

scholarly journals COMMUNICATIVE TECHNIQUES IN FORIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING IN THE FIELD OF SPORT

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 93-97
Author(s):  
Tatiana Hristakieva
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Learning Methods ◽  
Sport Practice ◽  
Basic Language ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
Experimental Group

This article presents ideas and models for English language learning, using elements of two communicative learning methods for the specific purposes of sport practice. It is part of a pedagogical experiment, carried out with students from the National Sport Academy “V.Levski”, Sofia, organized into an experimental group (34) and a control group (34). The aim of the experiment was to study the influence of interactive techniques applied in the specialized English language course for sport terminology. The experimental course work involved using elements of different interactive learning methods to teach sport terminology to the experimental group of students for about 30-40 minutes of every academic class of 90 minutes. Initial and final tests of the basic language skills and knowledge of sports terminology were carried out with the experimental and control group of students, in order to establish their language competences before and after the experimental course. The results from the tests were processed with statistical methods – variation analysis and Student’s t-test (dependent and independent samples). The results from the initial and final tests of the two groups have shown that students from the experimental group have improved their language skills, their confidence in using the language and their knowledge of sports terms to a greater extent than the control group. Applying interactive techniques in language learning for the needs of sport specialists leads to better results in their language acquisition.

scholarly journals Evidence of Less Severe Aortic Valve Destruction after Treatment of Experimental Staphylococcal Endocarditis with Vancomycin and Dexamethasone

2001 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 3531-3537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Siaperas ◽  
Angelos Pefanis ◽  
Dimitrios Iliopoulos ◽  
Ioannis Katsarolis ◽  
Aspassia Kyroudi-Voulgari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Tissue Damage ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Valve Tissue ◽  
Leukocyte Number ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT The beneficial effects of therapy combining an antibiotic and dexamethasone have been reported in human studies on meningitis and in experimental studies on septic arthritis, nephritis, and endophthalmitis. Since most patients with staphylococcal endocarditis need a combination of medical and surgical treatment, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of dexamethasone to vancomycin has any beneficial effect regarding the degree of valve tissue damage or the course of experimental aortic valve endocarditis caused by a methicillin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Rabbits with catheter-induced aortic valve vegetations were randomly assigned to a control group and to groups receiving dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg of body weight, intravenously [i.v.], twice a day [b.i.d]), vancomycin (30 mg/kg, i.v., b.i.d), or dexamethasone plus vancomycin, for a total of 10 doses (two doses per day for 5 days). The severity of valve tissue damage was significantly less in groups receiving vancomycin plus dexamethasone compared with that of the group receiving vancomycin alone (P < 0.001). The severity of tissue damage was inversely correlated with the mean polymorphonuclear leukocyte number in valve tissue. No statistically significant differences were observed between the vancomycin-treated group and the vancomycin-plus-dexamethasone-treated group in survival, blood culture sterilization rate, or reduction of the microbial burden (in CFU per gram) in valvular tissue. In conclusion, treatment with a combination of vancomycin and dexamethasone for 5 days reduces the severity of valve tissue damage in experimental staphylococcal aortic valve endocarditis. These findings could have significant implications in the treatment of staphylococcal endocarditis and deserve further confirmation in clinical trials.

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