scholarly journals Assessing the Impact of Attendance Modality on the Learning Performance of a Course on Machines and Mechanisms Theory

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 558
Author(s):  
David Valiente ◽  
Héctor Campello-Vicente ◽  
Emilio Velasco-Sánchez ◽  
Fernando Rodríguez-Mas ◽  
Nuria Campillo-Davo

University education approaches related to the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), have generally particularized on teaching activity and learning programs which are commonly understood as reoriented lessons that fuse theoretic concepts interweaved with practical activities. In this context, team work has been widely acknowledged as a means to conduct practical and hands-on lessons, and has been revealed to be successful in the achievement of exercise resolution and design tasks. Besides this, methodologies sustained by ICT resources such as online or blended approaches, have also reported numerous benefits for students’ active learning. However, such benefits have to be fully validated within the particular teaching context, which may facilitate student achievement to a greater or lesser extent. In this work, we analyze the impact of attendance modalities on the learning performance of a STEM-related course on “Machines and Mechanisms Theory”, in which practical lessons are tackled through a team work approach. The validity of the results is reinforced by group testing and statistical tests with a sample of 128 participants. Students were arranged in a test group (online attendance) and in a control group (face-to-face attendance) to proceed with team work during the practical lessons. Thus, the efficacy of distance and in situ methodologies is compared. Moreover, additional variables have also been compared according to the historical record of the course, in regards to previous academic years. Finally, students’ insights about the collaborative side of this program, self-knowledge and satisfaction with the proposal have also been reported by a custom questionnaire. The results demonstrate greater performance and satisfaction amongst participants in the face-to-face modality. Such a modality is prooven to be statistically significant for the final achievement of students in detriment to online attendance.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Urška Nabergoj Makovec ◽  
Igor Locatelli ◽  
Mitja Kos

Abstract Background Based on several existing patient-oriented activities, Medicines Use Review (MUR) service was standardized and officially adopted in Slovenia in 2015. Service aims to provide adherence support and ensure safe and effective medicines use. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits of MUR in Slovenia, primarily the impact on medication adherence. Methods A randomised controlled trial was performed in community pharmacies to compare MUR with standard care. Patients were randomised into either the test (patients received MUR by a certified MUR provider at visit 1), or control group. The study primary outcome was self-reported adherence to multiple medications, assessed by electronic ©Morisky Widget MMAS-8 Software at the first visit (V1) and after 12 weeks (V2). A sub-analysis of intentional and unintentional non-adherence was performed. MUR impact was defined as the relative difference in ©MMAS-8 score after 12 weeks between the test and control group. A multiple linear regression model was used to predict MUR impact based on baseline adherence (low versus medium and high). Several secondary outcomes (e.g. evaluation of drug-related problems (DRPs)) were also assessed. Results Data from 153 (V1) and 140 (V2) patients were analysed. Baseline adherence was low, moderate and high in 17.6, 48.4 and 34.0% patients, respectively. In the low adherence subpopulation, test group patients showed a 1.20 point (95% CI = 0.16–2.25) increase in total ©MMAS-8 score (p = 0.025) compared to control group patients. A 0.84 point (95% CI = 0.05–1.63) increase was due to intentional non-adherence (p = 0.038), and a 0.36 point (95% CI = − 0.23-0.95) was due to unintentional non-adherence (p = 0.226). Additionally, statistically significant decrease in the proportion of patients with manifested DRPs (p < 0.001) and concerns regarding chronic medicines use (p = 0.029) were revealed. Conclusion MUR service in Slovenia improves low medication adherence and is effective in addressing DRPs and concerns regarding chronic medicines use. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT04417400; 4th June 2020; retrospectively registered.


2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 688-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sukumaran Anil ◽  
Farouk Ahmed Hussein ◽  
Mohammed Ibrahim Hashem ◽  
Elna P Chalisserry

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of the current in-vivo study was to assess the effect of using 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouth rinse, before bonding, on shear bond strength of polycarbonate brackets bonded with composite adhesive. Subjects and methods Eighteen orthodontic patients with a mean age 21.41 ± 1.2 years, who were scheduled to have 2 or more first premolars extracted, were included in this study. Patients were referred for an oral prophylaxis program which included, in part, the use of a mouth rinse. Patients were divided into 2 groups, a test group of 9 patients who used 0.12% CHX gluconate mouth rinse twice daily and a control group of 9 patients who used a mouth rinse without CHX, but with same color. After 1 week, polycarbonate brackets were bonded to first premolars with Transbond XT composite adhesive. Premolars were extracted after 28 days and tested for shear bond strength on a universal testing machine. Student's t-test was used to compare shear bond strengths of both groups. Results No statistically significant difference was found in bond strengths’ values between both groups. The test group (with CHX) has mean shear bond strength of 14.21 ± 2.42 MPa whereas the control group (without CHX) revealed a mean strength of 14.52 ± 2.31 MPa. Conclusion The use of 0.12% CHX mouth rinse, for one week before bonding, did not affect the shear bond strength of polycarbonate brackets bonded with Transbond composite. Furthermore, these brackets showed clinically acceptable bond strength. How to cite this article Hussein FA, Hashem MI, Chalisserry EP, Anil S. The Impact of Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse on the Bond Strength of Polycarbonate Orthodontic Brackets. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(6):688-692.


2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Stojkovic ◽  
Z. Ilic ◽  
S. Ciric ◽  
B. Ristanovic ◽  
M.P. Petrovic ◽  
...  

The paper presents the results of a research on the impact of products based on natural zeolite on the production results of fattening lambs. The experiment involved two groups of lambs (the control - C and experimental - E groups), each consisting of 15 heads, for a period of 90 days. The meal was made from sheep milk, feed mixtures for fattening lambs and meadow hay. The test group lambs, unlike the ones from the control group, were given mixtures based on natural zeolite. Min-a-Zel S mixture (in the form of 25% composite) was fed to lambs from birth till their 14th day of life, directly into the mouth, once a day (before the morning feed), in the amount of 10 ml. Min-a-Zel Plus was given to them from their 15th day of life, together with the feed mixture (0.5%). Feeding was at will. The average weight of lambs at the end of the experiment, in accordance with the sequence of treatments (C:E) was 24.40:26.94 kg (P <0.01). Daily weight gain of lambs, during the experiment, was 229:256 g and in the experimental group it was by 27g or 11.79% higher (P <0.01). The test group lambs had a better utilization of dry matter, protein and energy, which justifies the use of products based on natural zeolite in fattening lambs.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajeev Ayyagari ◽  
Debbie Goldschmidt ◽  
Fan Mu ◽  
Stanley N. Caroff ◽  
Benjamin Carroll

Abstract:Study Objective:Evaluate the impact of orofacial tardive dyskinesia (TD) symptoms on the professional and social lives of patients with TD.Background:TD, a movement disorder affecting the face and extremities, may arise in patients taking antipsychotics. The impact of social stigma on the professional and social lives of patients with orofacial manifestations of TD has not been thoroughly examined.Methods:This study is an experimental, randomized digital survey of a general population sample. Three component surveys were developed, corresponding to employment, dating, and friendship domains. For each domain, participants were randomized 1:1 into either a test group (who viewed a video of a scripted interview with a standardized patient actor depicting TD movements) or a control group (who viewed the same actors but without TD movements), and asked about their impressions of the video subject. Actor simulations were validated by physicians familiar with TD and rehearsed to simulate a total Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale score between 6 and 10. Statistical comparison was made using Wilcoxon sign-rank or chi-squared tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively.Results:A total of 800 respondents completed each survey. In all domains, respondents had more-negative perceptions of actors portraying TD movements than of the same actors without movements. Regarding employment, 34.8% fewer respondents in the test group versus the control group agreed that the actor would be suitable for client-facing jobs (P<0.001). Regarding dating, the proportions of respondents who agreed that they would like to continue talking to the actor and who would be interested in meeting them for coffee/drink were 25.0% and 27.2% lower, respectively, in the test group than in the control group (P<0.001). Regarding friendship, the proportions of respondents who rated the actor as interesting and who would be interested in friendship with them were 18.8% and 16.5% lower, respectively, in the test group than in the control group (P<0.001).Conclusions:Actors simulating orofacial TD movements were perceived to be statistically significantly less likely to move forward in a job interview, be considered as a potential romantic partner, or be a new friend. This is the first study to quantify the stigma faced by people with TD in a variety of professional and social situations.Funding Acknowledgements:This study was funded by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Petach Tikva, Israel.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 1841
Author(s):  
Muaed Al Omar ◽  
Sanah Hasan ◽  
Subish Palaian ◽  
Shrouq Mahameed

Background: Social media can effectively mediate digital health interventions and thus, overcome barriers associated with face-to-face interaction. Objective: To assess the impact of patient-centered diabetes education program administered through WhatsApp on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, assess the correlation, if any, between health literacy and numeracy on intervention outcomes Methods: During an ‘intervention phase’ spread over six months, target diabetic patients (N=109) received structured education through WhatsApp as per the American Association of Diabetes Educators Self-Care Behaviors recommendations. The control group with an equal number of participants received ‘usual care’ provided by health professionals void of the social media intervention. Changes in HbA1c levels were recorded thrice (at baseline, 3 and 6 months) for the test group and twice (baseline and 6 months) for the control group. Change in HbA1c values were compared and statistical significance was defined at p<0.05. Baseline health literacy and diabetes numeracy were assessed for both groups (N=218) using the Literacy Assessment for Diabetes (LAD), and the Diabetes Numeracy Test (DNT), respectively, and values were correlated with HbA1c change p<0.05. Participants’ satisfaction with the intervention was also assessed. Results: The average age of respondents was 41.98 (SD 15.05) years, with a diabetes history of 10.2 (SD 8.5) years. At baseline, the average HbA1c in the control and test groups were 8.4 (SD 1.06) and 8.5 (SD 1.29), respectively. After six months, a significant drop in HbA1c value was noticed in intervention group (7.7; SD 1.35; p= 0.001); with no significance in the control group (8.4; SD 1.32; p=0.032, paired t-test). Moreover, the reduction in HbA1c was more in the test group (0.7%) than the control group (0.1%) with a difference of 0.6% which is considered clinically significant. There was no significant correlation between LAD score and HbA1c at baseline (r=-0.203, p=0.064), 3 months (r=-0.123, p=0.266) and 6 months (r=-0.106, p= 0.337) Pearson correlation. A similar result was observed with DNT, where DNT score and HbA1c at baseline, 3 months and 6 months showed no correlation (r=0.112, 0.959 and 0.886; respectively) with HbA1c levels. Eighty percent of the respondents found the social media intervention ‘beneficial’ and suggested it be used long term. Conclusions: Diabetes education via WhatsApp showed promising outcomes regardless of the level of patients’ health literacy or numeracy.


1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (S2) ◽  
pp. S42-S42
Author(s):  
Todd J. Le Duc ◽  
William E. Goellner ◽  
Nabil E. Sanadi

Objective: Determine whether radio alerts to paramedics after 7 minutes of on-scene time reduces total on-scene time for trauma patients.Methods: Paramedics radio base once they determine ACS criteria were met. Paramedics were informed by radio when 7 minutes lapsed on-scene. Dispatch times were recorded.Results: The control group (Nov. 1-30, 1995) of 135 consecutive patients were reviewed without a radio alert. The test group (Dec. 1-31, 1995) of 103 consecutive patients, with a radio alert message 7 minutes after scene arrival were also reviewed. Groups were matched for extrication times, blunt versus penetrating trauma, age, etc. We analyzed both groups for the interval of time from announcement of “trauma alert,” (when paramedics determined the patient met ACS criteria or from the time extrication was complete (if applicable) to the time en route to the hospital. Average on-scene time for the control group was 13.7 minutes [range 4-35] versus test group 9.3 minutes [range 2-26] (p <0.001).


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

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.


Blended learning is one of the e-learning models integrating an online course and face-to-face classroom by optimizing the use of ICT as instructional media to enhance the teaching and learning experience for the teachers and students. The main aim of this research study explores the impact of the Blended Learning Environment on students’ academic achievement. Quasi-experimental design research methodology was used in this study. The sample was drawn from Government Diploma Polytechnic college in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India. The tools utilized for data collection were Blended Learning Environment and Academic achievement test. For six weeks, the students in the control group were treated with Lecture Based Environment (LBE) where the conventional lecture method of teaching was adopted, while the experimental group were carried out through the Blended Learning Environment (BLE) where both on-line and face to face modes are adequately utilized based on the subject matter. Two groups were administered a test before and after the implementation of BLE. To analyze the data, t-test was conducted to compare the test mean scores of both groups. Further, the gap closure analysis was used to find out and ensure the effectiveness of the experimental treatment. The results revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the scores of the two groups. The study concluded that blended learning improves students’ academic achievement. This study also testifies that BLE is more conducive to improve academic achievement than LBE.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Rohayati Rohayati ◽  
Etty Rekawati ◽  
Poppy Fitriani

Prevention of obesity should start early because obesity in children can continue into adulthood. Consumption of vegetables and fruit according to the recommendations is proven to prevent obesity from an early age. The role model of parents is very important in shaping the behavior of eating fruits and vegetables in preschool children. The aim of study to determine the effect of online and face-to-face health education methods on the role models of parents in consuming fruits and vegetables. The study used a quasi-experimental design pre-post-test without a control group. The number of samples was 115 parents of students spread across 5 kindergarten schools. The results showed 49.6% of parents have graduated from high school with an income of 52.7% above the minimum wage. The results of statistical tests showed that there was an effect of online and face-to-face health education methods on the role models of parents in eating vegetables and fruit with their children (17.92 ± 4.61, p = 0.00, 95% CI). Health education using online and face-to-face methods can be an intervention in increasing parental role models of fruit and vegetable consumption.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vandana Dhingra

Cash Management is always one of the cherished objectives of Planners & Policymakers not only in India but all over the world. The current Covid 19 crisis is the root for a shift in the Alternative payment methods. The usage of non-cash payment methods, such as e-wallets, online transactions using e-banking, debit and credit cards will increase extensively due to the impossibility of doing face to face transactions. People are forced to find alternative ways of shopping in the wake of Coronavirus crisis, and hence there will be a shift in the pattern of purchase (from real shopping to virtual/online shopping) and online payment methods. Not only this, certain payments like mobile recharge, electricity and water bills, municipal taxes, etc. are to be made online. People who were reluctant or slow in adapting to online payment methods have no choice but to adopt the non-traditional payment alternatives (m-wallets, Paytm, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, etc). The Indian Income Tax act also encourages noncash payments by the customers through Section 44AD, Section 40A(3), to name a few. The paper examines the impact of Covid 19 on the payment pattern of Indian buyers by comparing the two scenarios 1. Before Covid 19, and 2. During Covid 19. The RBI statistic of payment methods from November 2019 to May 2019. To extrac the results, statistical tests like Paired t-test have been used with the help of SPSS software. The results indicate that covid 19 has a vital impact on non-cash payment methods.


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