scholarly journals The Role of the Mirror System in Influencing Musicians’ Evaluation of Musical Creativity: A tDCS Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Colombo ◽  
Reid Anctil ◽  
Stefania Balzarotti ◽  
Federica Biassoni ◽  
Alessandro Antonietti
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Response ◽  
Mirror System ◽  
Reactivity Index ◽  
Stimulation Condition ◽  
Negative Valence ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
System A ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Cathodal Stimulation

Evidence reported in the literature suggests that the mirror system not only plays a role in recognizing motor action but also fosters a better understanding of other people because it helps an individual assume another’s perspective. This led to the idea, supported by research findings, that people with higher empathy scores should show higher activation of the mirror system. Recently, it has been hypothesized that a purely auditory mirror system exists. In this study, we aimed to explore the possibility that this system might play a particular role for musicians. Specifically, this system would impact their response to a new piece of music by using non-invasive brain stimulation to modulate the activation of the mirror system. A sample of 40 young musicians was involved in this study. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to a cathodal stimulation condition, while the other half was used as a control. After listening to a new piece of music, participants were asked to rate the creativity of the piece (by focusing on how interesting, innovative, and exciting the piece was) as well as their general emotional response to it. Their empathy levels were also assessed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Results showed that the cathodal stimulation of the mirror system negatively affected both the perception of creativity (level of innovation) and the emotional response to the music. There was no significant difference in the ratings of how interesting the piece was perceived. The effect was mediated by the individuals’ level of empathy. Specifically, empathic concern and fantasy dimensions increased the evaluation of creativity. Results also showed that participants reported less emotion with a negative valence in the cathodal stimulation condition.

scholarly journals The Effect of Smart Boards on the Cognition and Motivation of Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitza Davidovitch ◽  
Roman Yavich
Keyword(s):  
Sixth Grade ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
General Level ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Measure Change ◽  
Smart Boards

In recent years the research literature has explored technological developments in varied areas that measure change. The current study focuses on the smart board, and its purpose is to examine its effect on the school system. The study was conducted via a questionnaire completed by 130 respondents (boys and girls) in the fifth and sixth grades of two elementary schools in Jerusalem—Efrata and Tali Gilo. Smart boards were introduced in these two schools in recent years.We hypothesized that smart boards improve teaching, based on the teaching measures developed by Nira Hativa of Tel Aviv University: order and organization, level of clarity, interest, and general level of satisfaction. The study’s significant finding is that the greatest improvement since the introduction of smart boards is in the variable of clarity, and a significant difference was found in the favor of sixth grade students. Additionally, a significant difference was found in the variable of interest, in favor of the girls. All four variables appear to be interrelated, and each contributes to the student’s success and to improving the student’s learning process.The research findings illuminate the contribution of technology to teaching, through a case study of smart boards, in the dimension of clarity, found by the study to be a significant criterion of good teaching. Examination of the various technological tools in light of their contribution to the research-proven dimensions of outstanding teaching might enhance the pedagogical contribution of technological developments to teaching.

scholarly journals A global non-invasive methodology for the phenotyping of potato under water deficit conditions using imaging, physiological and molecular tools

Plant Methods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Musse ◽  
G. Hajjar ◽  
N. Ali ◽  
B. Billiot ◽  
G. Joly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Stress ◽  
Water Deficit ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Tuber Growth ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Potato Plants ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Drought is a major consequence of global heating that has negative impacts on agriculture. Potato is a drought-sensitive crop; tuber growth and dry matter content may both be impacted. Moreover, water deficit can induce physiological disorders such as glassy tubers and internal rust spots. The response of potato plants to drought is complex and can be affected by cultivar type, climatic and soil conditions, and the point at which water stress occurs during growth. The characterization of adaptive responses in plants presents a major phenotyping challenge. There is therefore a demand for the development of non-invasive analytical techniques to improve phenotyping. Results This project aimed to take advantage of innovative approaches in MRI, phenotyping and molecular biology to evaluate the effects of water stress on potato plants during growth. Plants were cultivated in pots under different water conditions. A control group of plants were cultivated under optimal water uptake conditions. Other groups were cultivated under mild and severe water deficiency conditions (40 and 20% of field capacity, respectively) applied at different tuber growth phases (initiation, filling). Water stress was evaluated by monitoring soil water potential. Two fully-equipped imaging cabinets were set up to characterize plant morphology using high definition color cameras (top and side views) and to measure plant stress using RGB cameras. The response of potato plants to water stress depended on the intensity and duration of the stress. Three-dimensional morphological images of the underground organs of potato plants in pots were recorded using a 1.5 T MRI scanner. A significant difference in growth kinetics was observed at the early growth stages between the control and stressed plants. Quantitative PCR analysis was carried out at molecular level on the expression patterns of selected drought-responsive genes. Variations in stress levels were seen to modulate ABA and drought-responsive ABA-dependent and ABA-independent genes. Conclusions This methodology, when applied to the phenotyping of potato under water deficit conditions, provides a quantitative analysis of leaves and tubers properties at microstructural and molecular levels. The approaches thus developed could therefore be effective in the multi-scale characterization of plant response to water stress, from organ development to gene expression.

scholarly journals Machine Learning and Radiomics Applications in Esophageal Cancers Using Non-Invasive Imaging Methods—A Critical Review of Literature

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2469
Author(s):  
Chen-Yi Xie ◽  
Chun-Lap Pang ◽  
Benjamin Chan ◽  
Emily Yuen-Yuen Wong ◽  
Qi Dou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Quantitative Imaging ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Imaging Markers

Esophageal cancer (EC) is of public health significance as one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Accurate staging, treatment planning and prognostication in EC patients are of vital importance. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) techniques demonstrate their potential to provide novel quantitative imaging markers in medical imaging. Radiomics approaches that could quantify medical images into high-dimensional data have been shown to improve the imaging-based classification system in characterizing the heterogeneity of primary tumors and lymph nodes in EC patients. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the evidence of the most recent developments in ML application in imaging pertinent to EC patient care. According to the published results, ML models evaluating treatment response and lymph node metastasis achieve reliable predictions, ranging from acceptable to outstanding in their validation groups. Patients stratified by ML models in different risk groups have a significant or borderline significant difference in survival outcomes. Prospective large multi-center studies are suggested to improve the generalizability of ML techniques with standardized imaging protocols and harmonization between different centers.

In vivo exploration of brain phosphorus 31 metabolism in patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type

1994 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-109
Author(s):  
G Mecheri ◽  
Y Bissuel ◽  
J Dalery ◽  
JL Terra ◽  
G Balvay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Senile Dementia ◽  
Phospholipid Metabolism ◽  
Alzheimer Type ◽  
Dementia Of Alzheimer Type ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Brain

SummaryIn vivo NMR 31p spectroscopy is a non invasive, non ionizing method of exploration of energy and phospholipid metabolism in the brain. This study consisted of comparing 31p spectra in five patients with Senile Dementia of Alzheimer Type (SDAT) with those of four controls of similar ages. Abnormal phosphonionocsters (PME) concentrations, either high or low, were found in the patients, but statistical analysis did not elicit any significant difference relative to controls.

Myocardial work in Stage 1 and 2 hypertensive patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshar Jaglan ◽  
Sarah Roemer ◽  
Ana Cristina Perez Moreno ◽  
Bijoy K Khandheria
Keyword(s):  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Lv Ejection Fraction ◽  
Global Work ◽  
Stage 1

Abstract Aims Myocardial work (MW) is a novel parameter that can be used in a clinical setting to assess left ventricular (LV) pressures and deformation. We sought to distinguish patterns of global MW index in hypertensive vs. non-hypertensive patients and to look at differences between categories of hypertension. Methods and results Sixty-five hypertensive patients (mean age 65 ± 13 years; 30 male) and 15 controls (mean age 38 ± 12 years; 7 male) underwent transthoracic echocardiography at rest. Hypertensive patients were subdivided into Stage 1 (n = 32) and Stage 2 (n = 33) hypertension based on 2017 American College of Cardiology guidelines. Exclusion criteria were suboptimal image quality for myocardial deformation analysis, reduced ejection fraction, valvular heart disease, intracardiac shunt, and arrhythmia. Global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency were estimated from LV pressure–strain loops utilizing proprietary software from speckle-tracking echocardiography. LV systolic and diastolic pressures were estimated using non-invasive brachial artery cuff pressure. Global longitudinal strain and LV ejection fraction were preserved between the groups with no statistically significant difference, whereas there was a statically significant difference between the control and two hypertension groups in GWI (P = 0.01), GCW (P < 0.001), and GWW (P < 0.001). Conclusion Non-invasive MW analysis allows better understanding of LV response under conditions of increased afterload. MW is an advanced assessment of LV systolic function in hypertension patients, giving a closer look at the relationship between LV pressure and contractility in settings of increased load dependency than LV ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain.

scholarly journals Clinical and microbiological effects of adjunctive photodynamic diode laser therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-197
Author(s):  
Sahana Mallineni ◽  
Sreenivas Nagarakanti ◽  
Sumanth Gunupati ◽  
Ramesh Reddy BV ◽  
Mahaboob V Shaik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Periodontitis ◽  
Scaling And Root Planing ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Root Planing ◽  
Probing Depth ◽  
Tissue Healing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bactericidal Effects ◽  
Microbiological Parameters

Background. Conventional mechanical debridement alone cannot eliminate bacteria and their products from periodontal pockets. Adjunctive therapies improve tissue healing through detoxification and bactericidal effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment procedure that involves the use of a dye as a photosensitizer to attach to the target cell and be activated by a photon of an appropriate wavelength. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of PDT in treating periodontitis as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Methods. Fifteen subjects with chronic periodontitis were treated randomly with scaling and root planing (SRP), followed by a single PDT (test) or SRP (control) episode alone. Full-mouth plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were assessed at baseline and 1-month and 3-month intervals. Microbiological evaluation of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) in subgingival plaque samples was performed using a commercially available real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. The results revealed a significant difference in PI, SBI, PD, CAL, and microbiological parameters between the groups one and three months after treatment. Conclusion. A combination of PDT and SRP gave rise to a significant improvement in clinical and microbiological parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis.

scholarly journals Direct and Indirect Costs Associated With Non-invasive Treatments in Obesity and Overweight Patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saman Maaroufi ◽  
Mina Golestani ◽  
Mohammad Alizadeh ◽  
Ali Imani ◽  
Koustuv Dalal
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Medical Costs ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Direct And Indirect Costs ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Basic Diet ◽  
Obesity And Overweight ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Clinical Records

Abstract Background: Obesity and overweight are a global public health problem causing several chronic diseases which can lead to various degrees of morbidity and mortality. These medical conditions cause economic costs and complications. The purpose of the present study to estimate the direct and indirect costs incurred by obese and overweight patients with non-invasive treatments in Tabriz, north-western Iran.Methods: The number of 247 patients were studied by cross-sectional approach and used cost of illness's prevalence approach assessing the total costs (direct and indirect) of obesity and overweight through interview and assessing relevant clinical records. The study conducted over three months from December 2018 to February 2019 in Tabriz, capital of East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Direct costs included hospitalization, para-clinical medications and outpatient visits for treatment of obesity and overweight. Loss of productivity, days of restricted activity and days in bed, cost of wasting time, transportation costs and nursing expenditure were estimated as indirect costs in the present study. For estimating direct and indirect costs, we used the bottom-up costing approach. The foreign exchange rate used in the analysis was 42000 Iranian Rial = 1US$ (December-February 2018).Results: The mean three months cost per patient is 38529697 IRR (equivalent to $91.73 USD), Direct medical costs have a most significant part of total costs with 36765292 IRR (87.53USD) per three months (95%). Direct non-medical costs were 1380484 IRR (3.28USD) per patient (4%) and indirect costs were estimated 383981 IRR ($0.9USD) per patient (1%). The results of the analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between the four strategies in three months. Among the therapeutic strategies, the most changes in body mass index (BMI) occurred in patients who used Basic diet with several types of medicines strategy (p<0.001). Tukey post hoc showed BMI Changes in a patient with a Basic diet with herbal remedies was minimum (p<0.001). According to results in the first month, BMI has a significant reduction over three months. Regarding costs, the analysis showed that Patients who used the Basic diet strategy incurred the lowest costs (p<0.001) and the highest costs are related to patients with a Basic diet with several types of medicines (p<0.001).Conclusions: The results of the present study are useful in improving health policymakers and researchers in motivating to do more studies in particular for adopting new policies depending on the level of insurance coverage and their problems which patients deal with during the treatment period.

scholarly journals Determination of occupational anxiety levels of teacher candidates studying in a different departmentsFarklı bölümlerde öğrenim gören öğretmen adaylarının mesleki kaygı düzeylerinin belirlenmesi

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 2168
Author(s):  
Duygu Harmandar Demirel ◽  
Emrah Serdar ◽  
Mehmet Demirel
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Teachers ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
English Summary ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Anxiety Levels

The aim of this study is to determine the anxiety levels of the students studying in the teaching departments and to examine these according to different variables. The sample of the study consisted of 400 non-random sampling methods and 400 prospective teachers who were studying at Dumlupinar University. The personal information form created by the researchers and the data related to the pre-service teachers' concerns about the teaching profession were provided by Caba and Yalçınalp (2009). In the research findings: “Gender”, “Age”, “Satisfaction Status”, “Class”, “Faculty” and “Sports Making Status” showed a significant difference in “OAST” total scores (p <0.05). As a result, it can be concluded that the vocational anxiety levels of the teacher candidates studying in different departments differ according to some variables.Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetBu araştırma ile öğretmenlik bölümlerinde okuyan öğrencilerinin mesleğe yönelik kaygı düzeylerini belirlemek ve bunu farklı değişkenlere göre incelemektir. Araştırmanın örneklemini seçkisiz olmayan örnekleme yöntemlerinden uygun örnekleme yoluyla seçilen ve Dumlupınar Üniversitesinde öğrenim görmekte olan 400 öğretmen adayı oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmada oluşturulan demografik bilgi formu ve öğretmen adaylarının öğretmenlik mesleğine yönelik kaygılarına ilişkin veriler Cabı ve Yalçınalp (2009) tarafından geliştirilen Öğretmen Adaylarına Yönelik Mesleki Kaygı Ölçeği (ÖAYMK) ile sağlanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde; betimsel istatistik yöntemler, Man Whitney U ve Kruskal Wallis testlerinden faydalanılmıştır. Araştırma bulgularında: “Cinsiyet”, “Yaş”, “Okuduğu Bölümden Memnun Olma Durumu”, “Sınıf”, “Fakülte” ve “Spor Yapma Durumu” göre “ÖAYMK” toplam puanlarında manidar farklılık bulunmuştur. Araştırmaya gore, öğretmen adaylarının meslekleri ile ilgili kaygı seviyelerinin değişkenlere göre farklılaştığı sonucuna varılabilir.

scholarly journals Mostar university students' self-assessment of lifelong learning competencies

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-93
Author(s):  
Anita Klapan ◽  
Marija Šaravanja ◽  
Marijeta Mašić
Keyword(s):  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Professional Orientation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Key Competencies ◽  
Learning Competencies ◽  
The University

The introductory part of this paper defines the concept of lifelong learning and describes the key competencies for lifelong learning as defined by the European Union. The empirical part of the paper outlines the results of the research on students’ self-assessment of lifelong learning competencies. The goal of the research was to re-evaluate students’ self-assessment of lifelong learning competencies and to establish whether or not there is a significant difference in attitudes towards the usage and assessment of lifelong learning competencies among students of various study programmes. The research was conducted on the student population at the University of Mostar (N=283). The principal research findings suggest that various study groups of students provide various assessments of lifelong learning competencies, depending on their professional orientation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document