1,303 results
Search Results
2. Hand hygiene monitoring: Comparison between app and paper forms for direct observation.
- Author
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Libero, Giulia, Bordino, Valerio, Garlasco, Jacopo, Vicentini, Costanza, and Maria Zotti, Carla
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STATISTICS , *SCIENTIFIC observation , *MOBILE apps , *TIME , *PATIENT monitoring , *CONTENT mining , *INFECTION control , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *HAND washing , *DATA analysis , *DATA analysis software - Abstract
Healthcare‐associated infections (HAIs) are a global public health threat. Italy is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of HAI. Hand hygiene (HH) is a pillar of infection prevention and control. Monitoring HH is necessary to improve HH compliance, and direct observation is considered the gold standard. Transcription and analysis of data collected during direct observation of HH compliance with the WHO paper form are time‐consuming. We collected, during a 9‐day observation period, HH opportunities and compliance both with a smartphone application (SpeedyAudit) and with the WHO paper form. Then, we investigated the difference in the required time for data transcription and analysis between the WHO paper form and the use of the app. The difference in the required time for data transcription and analysis was significant with a mean time of 2 s using the app and about 14–54 min/day using paper form (p =.004) while no significant difference was found in measured compliance rates between the two data collecting methods. HH monitoring with an app is time‐saving, and the app we used was easy to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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3. Electronic Versus Paper and Pencil Survey Administration Mode Comparison: 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey*.
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Bryan, Leah N., Smith‐Grant, Jennifer, Brener, Nancy, Kilmer, Greta, Lo, Annie, Queen, Barbara, and Underwood, J. Michael
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RISK-taking behavior , *CLUSTER sampling , *STATISTICS , *SUBSTANCE abuse , *SAMPLE size (Statistics) , *TIME , *HUMAN sexuality , *NUTRITION , *VIOLENCE , *MENTAL health , *SURVEYS , *PHYSICAL activity , *PSYCHOLOGY of high school students , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *SEX customs , *ALCOHOL drinking , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *STATISTICAL sampling , *DATA analysis software , *PROBABILITY theory , *ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
BACKGROUND: Since the inception of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System in 1991, all surveys have been conducted in schools, using paper and pencil instruments (PAPI). For the 2019 YRBSS, sites were offered the opportunity to conduct their surveys using electronic data collection. This study aimed to determine whether differences in select metrics existed between students who completed the survey electronically versus using PAPI. METHODS: Thirty risk behaviors were examined in this study. Data completeness, response rates and bivariate comparisons of risk behavior prevalence between administration modes were examined. RESULTS: Twenty‐nine of 30 questions examined had more complete responses among students using electronic surveys. Small differences were found for student and school response rates between modes. Twenty‐five of 30 adolescent risk behaviors showed no mode effect. CONCLUSIONS: Seven of 44 states and DC participated electronically. Because survey data were more complete; school and student response rates were consistent; and minor differences existed in risk behaviors between modes, the acceptability of collecting data electronically was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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4. Uncertainty propagation in matrix population models: Gaps, importance and guidelines.
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Simmonds, Emily G. and Jones, Owen R.
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TRANSIENTS (Dynamics) ,POPULATION forecasting ,LIFE history theory ,POPULATION dynamics ,STATISTICS ,POPULATION viability analysis - Abstract
Matrix population models (MPMs), which describe the demographic behaviour of a population based on age or stage through discrete time, are popular in ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology. MPMs provide a tool for guiding management decisions and can give insight into life history trade‐offs, patterns of senescence, transient dynamics and population trajectories. These models are parameterised with estimates of demographic rates (e.g. survival and reproduction) and can have multiple layers of underlying statistical analyses, all of which introduce uncertainty. For accurate and transparent results, this uncertainty should be propagated through to quantities derived from the MPMs, such as population growth rates (λ). However, full propagation is not always achieved, leading to omitted uncertainty and negative consequences for the reliability of inferences drawn.We summarised the contemporary standards regarding demographic rate uncertainty reporting and propagation, by reviewing papers using MPMs from 2010 to 2019. We then used reported uncertainties as the basis for a simulation study to explore the impact of uncertainty omission on inferences drawn from the analysis of MPMs. We simulated four scenarios of demographic rate propagation and evaluated their impact on population growth rate estimates.Although around 78% of MPM papers report some kind of uncertainty in their findings, only half of those report uncertainty in all aspects. Additionally, only 31% of papers fully propagate uncertainty through to derived quantities. Our simulations demonstrate that, even with moderate levels of uncertainty, incomplete propagation introduces bias. Omitting uncertainty may substantially alter conclusions, particularly for results showing small changes in population size. Biased conclusions were most common when uncertainty in the most influential demographic rates for population growth were omitted.We suggest comprehensive guidelines for reporting and propagating uncertainty in MPMs. Standardising methods and reporting will increase the reliability of MPMs and enhance the comparability of different models. These guidelines will improve the accuracy, transparency and reliability of population projections, increasing our confidence in results that can inform conservation efforts, ultimately contributing to biodiversity preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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5. The emergence of problem structuring methods, 1950s–1989: An atlas of the journal literature.
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Georgiou, Ion and Heck, Joaquim
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STATISTICS ,STRATEGIC planning ,BIBLIOGRAPHIC databases ,SERIAL publications ,MATHEMATICAL models ,RESEARCH methodology ,INFORMATION resources management ,CITATION analysis ,THEORY ,SYSTEM analysis ,DATA analysis ,ELECTRONIC publications ,LITERATURE - Abstract
Researchers need maps to effectively navigate increasingly voluminous literatures. This is no less the case in the field of problem structuring methods (PSMs). This paper offers an atlas of the journal literature of the theoretical development of, what are currently acknowledged to be, the four main PSMs up to their consolidation in 1989. A thorough contextual appreciation of the structure and dynamics of this literature sets the stage for addressing some of its specific aspects, for which an atlas is especially effective as an orientation device. Substantiated suggestions for exploratory excursions, as well as potential pitfalls, are accentuated, the overall aim being to provide researchers with navigational support that may assist their research objectives. Based on evidence uncovered from the atlas, a number of issues current in the PSM field are discussed, including the use of the collective descriptor 'family', the extent to which PSMs find their origins, and belong, in the wider field of operational research and the identification of sources that have hitherto received little or no acknowledgment but which merit attention as precursors and promising contributors to PSM research. The paper is accompanied by an electronic supplement containing the basic data of the atlas from which additional maps may be designed and constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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6. Allied health professional research engagement and impact on healthcare performance: A systematic review protocol.
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Chalmers, Sophie, Hill, James, Connell, Louise, Ackerley, Suzanne J., Kulkarni, Amit Arun, and Roddam, Hazel
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RESEARCH ,MEDICAL quality control ,PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems ,STATISTICS ,MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,JOB involvement ,INTER-observer reliability ,JOB performance ,MEDLINE ,THEMATIC analysis ,STATISTICAL sampling ,ALLIED health personnel - Abstract
Background: Existing evidence suggests that clinician and organization engagement in research can improve healthcare processes of care and outcomes. However, current evidence has considered the relationship across all healthcare professions collectively. With the increase in allied health clinical academic and research activity, it is imperative for healthcare organizations, leaders and managers to understand engagement in research within these specific clinical fields. This systematic review aims to identify the effect of engagement in research by allied health professionals (AHPs) and organizations on healthcare performance. Methods: This systematic review has a two‐stage search strategy. The first stage will be to screen a previous systematic review examining the effectiveness of engagement in research in health and social care to identify relevant papers published pre‐2012. The search strategy used in the previous review will then be rerun, but with a specific focus on allied health. This multi‐database search will identify publications from 2012 to date. Only studies that assessed the effectiveness of allied health engagement in research will be included. All stages of the review will be conducted by two reviewers independently, plus documented discussions with the wider research team when discrepancies occur. This systematic review protocol follows the EQUATOR reporting guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses for Protocols (PRISMA‐P). Discussion: The findings of this review will make a significant contribution to the evidence base around the effect of allied health engagement in research on healthcare performance. It will provide insights for clinicians and managers looking to understand the consequences of developing AHP research capability and capacity. The findings of this review will also aim to make recommendations for future evaluation approaches for engagement in research interventions. Trial registration: This systematic review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42021253461. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: This study will provide valuable evidence for professionals and policymakers seeking to understand engagement in research in the allied health disciplines. Where supported by the data, there may be recommendations for future research regarding specific variables to be considered when planning and evaluating engagement in research in allied health practice. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: A previous systematic review identified a positive association between clinician and organization engagement in research and improved processes of care and health outcomes. The reviews' findings have been used as a justification for clinicians and organizations to increase research capacity. That review evaluated literature published before 2012 and the studies that were identified predominantly reported on engagement in research by medics and nurses. An updated review is now required to include research published since 2012. This review will specifically focus on the effect of engagement in research within allied health disciplines. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Research activity among AHPs is gaining momentum. Given this growth in AHP research activity and the rise in dedicated clinical academic roles, a contemporary review to identify the specific effect of AHP engagement in research on healthcare performance is prudent. The findings will inform clinicians, clinical managers and leaders of the potential impact of research activities by AHP clinicians and organizations. This will support the planning and development of initiatives focused on research capacity, capability and culture within allied health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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7. Obituary: Sir David Cox.
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STATISTICS ,PROPORTIONAL hazards models - Abstract
His name has been attached to the Cox process, a stochastic process model he developed in a 1955 paper1 and, most prominently, to the Cox model,2 a semi-parametric regression framework for identifying factors that influence the time to an event occurring. This paper, published 9 years after his PhD, and after publishing 44 more specialised papers and a book, perhaps represents David Cox's first work on purely theoretical statistics. Discussion: IBS-BIR, 40 years of the Cox Model, March 8. 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y16ZxKs PTM&list=PL9jArM9qlWA-JJhrt3kwttDvmhluB z37&index=8 10 Cox DR. MRC Biostatistics Unit Armitage Lecture, 2016 Sir David Cox, who died on January 18, 2022, was arguably the most influential statistician of the latter half of the 20th Century. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2022
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8. P‐4.5: A video data compression algorithm based on bit plane.
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Chengyu, Wang and Limin, Yan
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VIDEO compression ,DATA compression ,ALGORITHMS ,IMAGE compression ,RANGE of motion of joints ,DATA transmission systems ,STATISTICS - Abstract
High resolution and high refresh rate increase the pressure of wide transmission. Usually, video compression is used to solve this problem. However, traditional video compression methods cannot be performed in bit‐plane, which will increase the cost of storage area. For this reason, this paper first introduces a bit just noticeable difference (BJND) model based on bit‐plane. By analyzing the relationship between the bit‐plane, frequency and eccentricity, the bit just noticeable difference threshold of viewpoint is calculated. Finally, the just noticeable difference model applied to bit‐plane is obtained. Then this paper proposes a video compression scheme based on bit motion estimation algorithm, which optimizes the search range of motion estimation into two small rhombuses of time dimension and gray‐scale dimension. According to human visual system and probability statistical analysis, supplementary matching blocks are added to replace residual data, so that the compression ratio will be constant. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme has the best comprehensive effect on the compression of the lower five‐bit plane. The compression ratio is 1.385, the data transmission is constant, and there is no obvious difference between the restored image and the original image, which conforms to the intuitive perception of the human eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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9. Student diversity and e‐exam acceptance in higher education.
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Froehlich, Laura, Sassenberg, Kai, Jonkmann, Kathrin, Scheiter, Katharina, and Stürmer, Stefan
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STATISTICS ,ANALYSIS of variance ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,COMPUTER assisted testing (Education) ,AGE distribution ,CROSS-sectional method ,SELF-evaluation ,TIME ,CULTURAL pluralism ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,SEX distribution ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,ACADEMIC achievement ,EDUCATIONAL technology ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,FACTOR analysis ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,STUDENT attitudes ,PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,ANXIETY ,DATA analysis software - Abstract
Background: The use of e‐exams in higher education is increasing. However, the role of student diversity in the acceptance of e‐exams is an under‐researched topic. In the current study, we considered student diversity in terms of three sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, and second language) and three dispositional student characteristics (computer anxiety, test anxiety, and technology openness). Objectives: The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between student diversity and acceptance of e‐exams. Methods: Our research combined cross‐sectional analyses (N = 1639) with data from a natural experiment on the introduction of e‐exams versus the established paper‐pencil exams (N = 626) and used both self‐report and institutional data. Sociodemographic and dispositional characteristics were indirectly related to pre‐exam acceptance via expectancy variables from the Technology Acceptance Model framework. Results and Conclusions: Comparisons of post‐exam acceptance showed that practical experience with the e‐exam led to a significant increase in e‐exam acceptance, and that students with low openness toward technology particularly benefited from this effect. Students' exam performance (i.e., grades) was unrelated to the exam format or their pre‐exam acceptance of the e‐exam format, and this was true across students' sociodemographic and dispositional characteristics. Takeaway: Student diversity plays a role in e‐exam acceptance, but its influence is mitigated by first‐hand experience with e‐exams. The practical implications for higher education institutions aiming to implement e‐exams are discussed. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: The use of e‐exams in higher education is increasingThe role of student diversity for e‐exam acceptance is unclearTechnology acceptance is predicted by expectancies towards new system What this paper adds: We investigated students' sociodemographic and dispositional diversityDiversity predicted e‐exam acceptance via the expectanciesIn a natural experiment, first‐hand experience increased e‐exam acceptanceNo difference between performance in e‐exams and paper‐pencil‐exams found Implications of the study findings for practitioners: Higher education institutions implementing e‐exams should consider diversitySupport for older students and students with low technology openness neededNo student groups systematically disadvantaged by e‐exam implementationPractice rooms can increase experience with new system before exam [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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10. Discussion of 'Is designed data collection still relevant in the Big Data era?'.
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King, Caleb and Jones, Bradley
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ACQUISITION of data ,BIG data ,SOCIAL processes ,EXPERIMENTAL design - Abstract
Given the popularity of Big Data (BD), there can be an impression that fields such as design of experiments (DOE) are now irrelevant. We would like to thank the authors for starting the conversation about the possible relationship between these two fields. A key contribution of this paper is in showing how DOE principles, as summarized under the name designed data collection (DDC), can be applied throughout the BD process. This name is quite appropriate, demonstrating that these principles apply not just to designed experiments, but to any form of data collection. This is especially important for situations where designed experiments are either impossible (i.e., assessing how a country's economy may impact certain responses) or unethical (i.e., certain sensitive types of medical studies). It shows that DOE is more than a particular choice of design type, but is rather a methodology for approaching data collection. One that seeks to extract the most relevant information from the data while also taking into account the various nuances and constraints of physical and social processes, which are ever present, even in massive datasets. The paper divides BD efforts into three general phases: Before BD, During BD, and After BD. As such, we have grouped our discussion accordingly, with general comments provided for the suggested contributions of DDC in each phase. We then close with some additional thoughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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11. (Disrupting) Continuities between Eugenics and Statistics: A Critical Study of Regression Analysis.
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Dodson, Samuel and Bartley, Jane
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EUGENICS , *REGRESSION analysis , *INFORMATION science students , *LIBRARY school students - Abstract
This paper critically examines the intertwined history of statistics and eugenics through the work of Francis Galton, whose statistical inventions were guided by his problematic belief in eugenics. The paper highlights the historical development of regression analysis, arguing that acknowledging the discriminatory origins of this method is crucial for understanding historical and contemporary injustices in data‐driven decision‐making. The paper also considers the ethical implications of other statistical techniques, emphasizing the need for library and information science (LIS) students and practitioners to be aware of the societal implications of "objective" data analysis methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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12. Multidimensional Scaling of Varietal Data in Sedimentary Provenance Analysis.
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Vermeesch, P., Lipp, A. G., Hatzenbühler, D., Caracciolo, L., and Chew, D.
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MULTIDIMENSIONAL scaling ,PROVENANCE (Geology) ,COMPOSITION of sediments ,PRINCIPAL components analysis ,MINERAL properties ,SPHENE - Abstract
Varietal studies of sedimentary provenance use the properties of individual minerals or mineral groups. These are recorded as lists of numerical tables that can be difficult to interpret. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) is a popular multivariate ordination technique for analyzing other types of provenance data based on, for example, detrital geochronology or petrography. Applying MDS to varietal data would allow them to be treated on an equal footing with those other provenance proxies. MDS requires a method to quantify the dissimilarity between two samples. This paper introduces three ways to do so. The first method ("treatment‐by‐row") turns lists of (compositional) data tables into lists of vectors, using principal component analysis. These lists of vectors can then be treated as "distributional" data and subjected to MDS analysis using dissimilarity measures such as the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov statistic. The second method ("treatment‐by‐column") turns lists of compositional data tables into multiple lists of vectors, each representing a single component of the varietal data. These multiple distributional data sets are subsequently subjected to Procrustes analysis or 3‐way MDS. The third method uses the Wasserstein‐2 distance to jointly compare the rows and columns of varietal data. This arguably makes the best use of the data but acts more like a "black box" than the other two methods. Applying the three methods to a detrital titanite data set from Colombia yields similar results. After converting varietal data to dissimilarity matrices, they can be combined with other types of provenance data, again using Procrustes analysis or 3‐way MDS. Plain Language Summary: The source of modern or ancient sediment can be determined by examining either the overall characteristics of the sediment or the chemical composition of individual sediment particles. With the help of recent analytical advancements, geologists can now analyze the complete chemical makeup of single grains of sand or silt. These types of data sets, known as "varietal" data sets, have the ability to uncover differences between sediments that are not visible through traditional methods. However, varietal data are incompatible with the statistical methods that geologists typically use to determine the origin of sediment. This paper addresses this issue by presenting three methods for quantifying the differences between varietal data sets, which is a crucial step in any further statistical analysis. Testing these methods on a varietal data set from Colombia shows similar outcomes. By using the techniques described in this paper, varietal data can now be combined with other conventional methods for determining sediment origin. Key Points: Varietal data are defined as lists of compositional tablesGiven an appropriate dissimilarity measure, varietal data can be subjected to multidimensional scalingThis paper introduces three ways to quantify the pairwise dissimilarity of varietal data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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13. Scientific research ability of specialist nurses in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China: A cross‐sectional study.
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Huang, Ziwei, Liu, Yuanfang, Lei, Yi, Wei, Yiping, Chen, Xiaomei, and Lan, Yuansong
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NATIONAL competency-based educational tests ,STATISTICS ,CROSS-sectional method ,NURSING research ,CLINICAL competence ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RESEARCH funding ,NURSE practitioners ,DATA analysis software ,LOGISTIC regression analysis - Abstract
Aim: This study investigated the scientific research ability of Chinese specialist nurses (SNs) in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and its influencing factors. Design: A cross‐sectional design. Methods: A total of 652 SNs in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were investigated from March to October 2021. The nursing scientific research ability level was measured using the Nursing Research Competence of Nurses Self‐evaluation Scale. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis and ordinal logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate factors affecting the scientific research ability of SNs. Results: The median score of scientific research ability of SNs was 31 (interquartile range: 19–41). Approximately 74.8% of clinical speciality nurses had low scientific research ability. Educational background, working hospital level, being the first author of a published paper and successful application for scientific research projects were identified as factors influencing scientific research ability score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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14. Incidence, mortality, survival, and treatment statistics of cancers in digestive organs—Japanese cancer statistics 2024.
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Higashi, Takahiro and Kurokawa, Yukinori
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DIGESTIVE organs ,BILIARY tract ,STOMACH cancer ,PANCREATIC cancer ,LIVER cancer - Abstract
Access to accurate statistical data is paramount in the pursuit of effective cancer control activities, including research, policy development, and clinical care. This paper presents a comprehensive statistical report on the incidence, mortality, survival, and treatment of major digestive organ cancers, including those of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, extrahepatic biliary tract, and pancreas, in Japan. We compiled data from the National Cancer Center's "Cancer Information Services" and government "e‐Stat" websites and offered a succinct overview of basic statistics by using tables and graphical presentations. Our findings underscore the critical role of the National Cancer Registry introduced by the Cancer Registry Act of 2016, which mandates hospitals across Japan to report cancer cases. This system ensures more accurate incidence statistics. Mortality data sourced from the National Vital Statistics System and survival rates derived from hospital‐based cancer registries offer insights into the outcomes and efficacy of treatment modalities. These data indicate a downward trend in mortality for stomach and liver cancers and stable or declining rates for other cancers except pancreatic cancer, which has the lowest survival rate. Treatment patterns indicate an increase in endoscopic procedures for esophageal and stomach cancers, with stable treatment approaches for colorectal cancer. This statistical overview aims to improve the understanding and inform research, policy, and clinical decisions in the field of digestive organ cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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15. Pairwise likelihood estimation and limited‐information goodness‐of‐fit test statistics for binary factor analysis models under complex survey sampling.
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Jamil, Haziq, Moustaki, Irini, and Skinner, Chris
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FACTOR analysis , *STATISTICS , *DATA modeling , *PROBABILITY theory , *CHI-squared test - Abstract
This paper discusses estimation and limited‐information goodness‐of‐fit test statistics in factor models for binary data using pairwise likelihood estimation and sampling weights. The paper extends the applicability of pairwise likelihood estimation for factor models with binary data to accommodate complex sampling designs. Additionally, it introduces two key limited‐information test statistics: the Pearson chi‐squared test and the Wald test. To enhance computational efficiency, the paper introduces modifications to both test statistics. The performance of the estimation and the proposed test statistics under simple random sampling and unequal probability sampling is evaluated using simulated data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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16. A simple activity to introduce matched pairs and learning effect.
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Davidson, Allison
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STUDENT activities , *PENCILS , *CLASSROOMS , *STATISTICS - Abstract
This paper describes an in‐class activity to introduce random assignment, paired data, and learning effect. The activity requires minimal materials, can be completed in a single class period, and is suitable for those using technology to conduct data exploration but can also be adapted for use in a technology‐free classroom. The activity consists of students filling in two lines of circles, one using their dominant and the other using their nondominant hand. The difference in time to fill in the circles is compared. Results typically show a significant difference in time to fill in circles with the nondominant hand taking significantly longer, a significant learning effect, and a difference in time to fill in circles using a pencil compared to pen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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17. Effect of Corrosion Wastage on the Limit States of Monopile‐Type Offshore Wind Turbines Under Combined Wind and Rotor Blade Rotation.
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Sindi, Abdulaziz, Kim, Hyeong Jin, Chaves, Igor A., and Paik, Jeom Kee
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WIND turbines , *FINITE element method , *DIGITAL health , *DATABASES , *STATISTICS - Abstract
ABSTRACT In digital healthcare engineering (DHE) for aging monopile‐type offshore wind turbines, predictive health analysis is essential for robust future maintenance planning. This paper presents the development of a DHE module for the predictive health analysis of corroded monopile‐type offshore wind turbines, focusing on wind and rotor blade rotation effects. An empirical formula for predicting time‐variant corrosion wastage is derived from a statistical analysis of a decade‐long corrosion wastage database and applied to predict the corrosion depth of a 5 MW monopile‐type offshore wind turbine, serving as an illustrative example. Nonlinear finite element analyses using LS‐DYNA are performed on the corroded turbine tower under combined wind‐induced loads and rotor‐induced thrust forces. Two types of corrosion wastage, pitting, and uniform (general) corrosion, are considered. The health condition of the corroded tower is evaluated based on serviceability limit state and ultimate limit state criteria. The methodology developed in this paper will be integrated into the DHE system currently being developed by the authors for aging monopile‐type offshore wind turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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18. Application of Nanopore Single Molecule Detection Technology in Analysis of Xylan Dissolved in Ionic Liquid†.
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Xie, Wanyi, Fang, Shaoxi, Yin, Bohua, Tian, Rong, Liang, Liyuan, He, Shixuan, and Wang, Deqiang
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NANOPORES ,SINGLE molecule detection ,XYLANS ,SURFACE charges ,WATER analysis ,STATISTICS ,ORGANIC solvents - Abstract
Comprehensive Summary: Xylan is the most abundant hemicellulose in nature. As a new type of green organic solvent, ionic liquid shows good preservation ability for the functional groups of hemicellulose. In this paper, a single molecule detection technology based on glass nanopore was established to analyze xylan dissolved in ionic liquid. Arabino‐xylan (AX) and beech xylan (BX) are respectively taken as the representatives of heterogeneous xylan and homogeneous xylan. Firstly, unmodified glass nanopore was used to detect the dissolved xylan in ionic liquid, and then poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) was used to modify the nanopore to change the surface charge in the nanopore and further enhance the interaction between the nanopore and the xylan molecule. It was found that before and after nanopore modification, at negative voltage and low positive voltage, AX didn't generate current blocking signal. On the contrary, BX didn't generate current blocking signal at positive voltage. This phenomenon may be due to the current disturbance driven by electrophoresis and electroosmosis of xylan molecules with weak negative charge. After statistics analysis, the current blocking signal of AX showed that the modified nanopore showed multiple peaks. It indicates that heterogeneous xylan and PEI modified nanopore had stronger interaction. The results show that the nanopore detection technology can show the structural difference of heterogenous branched chain and homogeneous straight chain based on the single characteristic current blocking signal and statistical information, providing a research basis for the structural analysis of water insoluble polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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19. Prediction of 3 Years of Annual Rain Attenuation Statistics at Ka‐Band in French Guiana Using the Numerical Weather Prediction Model WRF.
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Le Mire, Valentin, Boulanger, Xavier, Castanet, Laurent, and Féral, Laurent
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NUMERICAL weather forecasting ,RAINFALL ,ATMOSPHERIC models ,METEOROLOGICAL research ,CUMULATIVE distribution function ,STATISTICS - Abstract
This paper highlights the interest of using an Atmospheric Numerical Simulator (ANS) relying on a high resolution weather forecast model coupled with an ElectroMagnetic Module to compute Ka‐band rain attenuation statistics in an equatorial region. An optimization of the parametrization of the Weather Research and Forecasting meteorological model (WRF) is carried out using measurements collected from a propagation experiment carried out by Centre National d'Études Spatiales and Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales near Kourou in French Guiana. Both simulated and experimental annual Complementary Cumulative Distribution Functions of rain attenuation are presented and compared. An additional comparison to the rain attenuation prediction method of Rec. ITU‐R P.618‐13 is presented to evaluate the potentialities of the WRF‐EMM ANS to produce synthetic propagation statistics in equatorial regions. Key Points: Simulation of rain attenuation statistics in an equatorial region based on a meteorological modelAn optimization of the meteorological model is presented to obtain a better reproduction of the propagation channelThe long term statistics of rain attenuation compare better than the method of reference to the experimental data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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20. Accounting for component condition and preventive retirement in power system reliability analyses.
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Toftaker, Håkon, Foros, Jørn, and Sperstad, Iver Bakken
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STATISTICS ,POWER transformers ,RETIREMENT ,MARKOV processes ,ELECTRIC power failures ,FAILURE analysis - Abstract
Deteriorated power system components have a higher probability of failure than new components. Still, the reliability of supply analyses traditionally models all components of the same type with the same probability of failure, and thus neglects the effect of deteriorated components. This paper presents a methodology to integrate a condition‐dependent component probability of failure model into a power system reliability analysis. The component state is described by a semi‐Markov process, and the paper shows how this, under reasonable assumptions, can be approximated by a Markov process. The Markov assumption simplifies the analysis and allows the model to include preventive retirement and be calibrated to statistical data. A case study using statistical data for Norwegian power transformers shows that, in the Norwegian power system, the proportion of failures that are due to the poor condition is small, partly due to the common strategy of preventive retirement. However, if the condition of the transformers were worse, the impact of poor conditions can be considerable. The methodology further enables the identification of the transformers that contribute most to the risk to the reliability of supply. The paper thus highlights the importance of accounting for the component condition in strategic decisions such as long‐term renewal planning [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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21. Statistical meaningfulness, teaching craft and writing about teaching statistics and data science.
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DATA science ,STATISTICS ,MATHEMATICAL statistics - Abstract
Pedagogy and content pedagogy (the latter in particular for statistics and data science) are essential contributors to the learning and teaching of statistics and data science. In this issue we celebrate the awarding of three prizes for papers on good practice in teaching statistics and data science: the C Oswald George prize for best paper in I Teaching Statistics i issues 1 to 3 in 2021; the Peter Holmes prize for highlighting excellence in motivating practical classroom activity in these issues; and the Teaching Statistics Trust prize for best paper in the 2021 special issue on I Teaching Data Science and Statistics i . [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2022
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22. Examining the efficacies of instructor‐designed instructional videos in flipped classrooms on student engagement and learning outcomes: An empirical study.
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Shen, Yan
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SCHOOL environment , *SELF-efficacy , *FOCUS groups , *DATA analysis , *EDUCATIONAL outcomes , *EMPIRICAL research , *STATISTICAL sampling , *COLLEGE teachers , *TEACHING methods , *MANN Whitney U Test , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *CHI-squared test , *RESEARCH methodology , *LITERATURE reviews , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *STATISTICS , *LEARNING strategies , *COMPUTER assisted instruction , *STUDENT attitudes , *COMPARATIVE studies , *VIDEO recording - Abstract
Background: Instructional videos constitute a pivotal component in flipped learning. Despite their significance, there is a dearth of research specifically dedicated to instructional videos within the context of flipped classrooms. This paucity has led to an empirical void in verifying the efficacy of instructional videos in flipped learning environments. Objectives: The present study endeavours to contribute to the extant literature on flipped pedagogical practices by providing empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of instructional videos in flipped learning environments. Methods: This study employs a convergent mixed‐methods design. Forty‐five instructional videos in three subtypes were administered in two classes over a 15‐week semester. Data, both quantitative (log data from the learning management system) and qualitative (from focus group discussions at two time points), were concurrently collected from a flipped class (n = 25) and a blended class (n = 28) with the aim of gauging student engagement and learning outcomes in the flipped class and understanding video‐viewing features typical of the flipped class. Results: Both datasets corroborated that participants in the flipped class outperformed their counterparts in the blended class in terms of video‐watching, peer interaction, knowledge retention, and transfer skills. Conclusions: The instructional videos within the flipped classroom setting serve to enhance student engagement in the learning process and improve learning outcomes. The efficacy of these instructional videos in flipped learning can be further augmented through strategic approaches in both their design and implementation. Lay Description: What is currently known about this topic: The flipping pedagogy is conducive to learning.Videos play a crucial role in flipped learning.Videos prepared students for classroom activities.However, engaging students with pre‐class videos presents a challenge. What this paper adds: This paper furnishes direct empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of instructional videos in flipped learning.It uncovers factors affecting student engagement with videos in flipped learning.It offers insights into the design and implementation of videos in flipped learning. Implications for practice: Considering facilitating conditions and affective factors when creating videos.Acknowledging learner characteristics when designing videos.Utilizing instructional strategies when implementing videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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23. Mindfulness in a digital math learning game: Insights from two randomized controlled trials.
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Bereczki, Enikő Orsolya, Takacs, Zsofia K., Richey, J. Elizabeth, Nguyen, Huy A., Mogessie, Michael, and McLaren, Bruce M.
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SCHOOL environment , *REPEATED measures design , *STATISTICAL power analysis , *MATHEMATICS , *RESEARCH funding , *CRONBACH'S alpha , *T-test (Statistics) , *MINDFULNESS , *EDUCATIONAL outcomes , *PUBLIC sector , *EXECUTIVE function , *PROBLEM solving , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *RELATIVE medical risk , *MIDDLE school students , *PRE-tests & post-tests , *SCHOOL children , *ANALYSIS of variance , *STATISTICS , *LEARNING strategies , *ALTERNATIVE education , *DATA analysis software , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *VIDEO games , *ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
Background: Mindfulness practices enhance executive function skills and academic achievement, spurring interest in integrating mindfulness interventions into education. Embedding mindfulness practice into a digital math game may provide a low‐cost, scalable way to induce mindfulness and boost game‐based learning, yet this approach remains unexplored. Objectives: We investigated the learning benefits of integrating mindfulness exercises in a digital math learning game and examined how students' trait mindfulness might moderate the outcomes. Methods: Two classroom studies were conducted with 404 5th and 6th grade students from six public schools in the U.S. (nStudy 1 = 227, nStudy 2 = 177). The two randomized controlled experiments assigned students to one of the three conditions: passive control (playing the digital learning game Decimal Point), story‐enriched active control, or mindfulness‐enriched condition. Trait mindfulness, learning gains, and in‐game problem‐solving (including problem‐solving duration, error count and correctness after reminder) were assessed. Study 2 included a manipulation check to better understand the effects of the mindfulness intervention. Results: Findings showed no significant differences in learning gains, problem‐solving duration or error count among the conditions. Students' trait mindfulness did not moderate these outcomes. Mindfulness reminders in the mindfulness‐enriched game led to more correct answers after errors than jokes in the story‐enriched game. Study 2 revealed that we failed to induce higher state mindfulness through the mindfulness inductions. Conclusions: Mindfulness prompts could be especially beneficial for students experiencing frustration during gameplay, warranting more exploration for digital game‐based instruction. We highlight barriers and future directions for fostering mindfulness through computer‐based instruction in classrooms. Lay Description: What is currently known about this topic?: Researchers focus on digital games as productive learning environments for math, with potential for higher learning gains compared with traditional methods. However, results are mixed, and not all games lead to improved math outcomes.Executive function (EF) skills are crucial for math learning, and mindfulness‐based interventions show promise in enhancing EF skills in school‐aged students.Embedding mindfulness practice into a digital math game may provide a low‐cost, scalable way to induce mindfulness and, in turn, boost EF skills and game‐based learning, yet this approach remains unexplored What does this paper add?: This paper presents the results of two randomized control trials investigating the feasibility and benefits of incorporating mindfulness exercises into a digital math game designed for middle school students. Benefits are compared to those of a story‐enriched and regular version of the same digital math learning game.The paper also explores variations in the effects of the mindfulness‐enriched game based on students' initial trait mindfulness levels.We observe that listening to mindfulness inductions at the beginning of game sessions do not induce mindfulness, and therefore does not benefit math learning.We find that mindfulness prompts received after recurrent errors can be beneficial for students' problem solving. Implications of study findings for practitioners: Our study provides important information on how digital learning game designers should attempt to induce mindfulness in a digital game to promote learning.Digital learning game designers should consider incorporating mindfulness exercises into their games strategically. Presenting mindfulness inductions in audio format at the beginning of game sessions may not induce mindfulness or benefit math learning. Instead, designers should focus on integrating mindfulness prompts at moments when students encounter frustration within the learning game.Beyond embedding audio mindfulness exercises in the game, learning designers should also consider alternative technological and game features to induce mindfulness within a learning game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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24. Explaining trace‐based learner profiles with self‐reports: The added value of psychological networks.
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Jovanovic, Jelena, Gašević, Dragan, Yan, Lixiang, Baker, Graham, Murray, Andrew, and Gasevic, Danijela
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SCHOOL environment , *SELF-evaluation , *CONCEPTUAL models , *PHILOSOPHY of education , *HEALTH attitudes , *SOCIAL network analysis , *SELF-efficacy , *DATA analysis , *KRUSKAL-Wallis Test , *INTERNET , *INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *PSYCHOLOGY , *STATISTICS , *LEARNING strategies , *STUDENT attitudes , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *PHYSICAL activity , *COGNITION , *ALGORITHMS - Abstract
Background: Learner profiles detected from digital trace data are typically triangulated with survey data to explain those profiles based on learners' internal conditions (e.g., motivation). However, survey data are often analysed with limited consideration of the interconnected nature of learners' internal conditions. Objectives: Aiming to enable a thorough understanding of trace‐based learner profiles, this paper presents and evaluates a comprehensive approach to analysis of learners' self‐reports, which extends conventional statistical methods with psychological networks analysis. Methods: The study context is a massive open online course (MOOC) aimed at promoting physical activity (PA) for health. Learners' (N = 497) perceptions related to PA, as well as their self‐efficacy and intentions to increase the level of PA were collected before and after the MOOC, while their interactions with the course were logged as digital traces. Learner profiles derived from trace data were further examined and interpreted through a combined use of conventional statistical methods and psychological networks analysis. Results and Conclusions: The inclusion of psychological networks in the analysis of learners' self‐reports collected before the start of the MOOC offers better understanding of trace‐based learner profiles, compared to the conventional statistical analysis only. Likewise, the combined use of conventional statistical methods and psychological networks in the analysis of learners' self‐reports before and after the MOOC provided more comprehensive insights about changes in the constructs measured in each learner profile. Major Takeaways: The combined use of conventional statistical methods and psychological networks presented in this paper sets a path for a comprehensive analysis of survey data. The insights it offers complement the information about learner profiles derived from trace data, thus allowing for a more thorough understanding of learners' course engagement than any individual method or data source would allow. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Researchers have made extensive use of data from online learning platforms—often referred to as learning trace data—to understand how learners engage in online learning activities.Surveys are often used to gather information about learners' motivation, perceptions, and other internal factors, to complement the insight gleaned from learning traces and thus create a more complete picture of the learning behaviour.When analysing survey data, the focus is usually on individual factors without considering how different factors are connected and affect one another.Psychological networks analysis is a novel analytic approach to studying complex phenomena both in psychology and education. What this paper adds: The paper uses psychological networks as a method for examining mutual relations among learners' internal factors (e.g., motivation, perceptions) measured through self‐reports before and after a course.By combining conventional statistical analysis of self‐reports with psychological networks analysis, the paper develops a comprehensive picture of learners' internal factors measured through self‐reports, one that accounts for both individual and interconnected nature of those factors.This comprehensive approach to information extraction from surveys allows for better understanding of trace‐based learner profiles, that is, profiles mined from data about learners' interaction with online learning activities. Implications for practice and/or policy: The presented method paves a way for a comprehensive analysis of the data collected from learners through surveys.It helps us gain a better understanding of learners' engagement with online learning activities.It can advance the evaluation of digital educational programs that aim to encourage changes in health‐related behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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25. Blended learning in rural K‐12 education: Stakeholder dynamics and recommendations.
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Henríquez, Valeria and Hilliger, Isabel
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HIGH schools , *SUCCESS , *CURRICULUM , *SCHOOL environment , *DOCUMENTATION , *ELEMENTARY schools , *QUALITATIVE research , *MATHEMATICS , *HUMAN services programs , *CONTENT analysis , *INTERVIEWING , *STATISTICAL sampling , *SCIENCE , *LEADERSHIP , *GOVERNMENT agencies , *EVALUATION of human services programs , *SCHOOL administrators , *FAMILIES , *FAMILY roles , *TEACHERS , *THEMATIC analysis , *STUDENTS , *MOTIVATION (Psychology) , *RURAL conditions , *RESEARCH methodology , *TRUST , *STATISTICS , *MEDICAL coding , *LEARNING strategies , *MIDDLE schools , *STAKEHOLDER analysis , *STUDENT attitudes , *COMMITMENT (Psychology) , *INTER-observer reliability ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Background: With the growing integration of technology in education, the adoption of blended learning (b‐learning) has gained attention. B‐learning combines traditional classroom teaching with online components, holding potential to enhance student outcomes and educational efficiency. Yet, current research predominantly concentrates on higher education institutions in urban areas, creating a void in understanding its impact on K‐12 education, particularly in rural settings. Objectives: This qualitative study aims to propose recommendations for successful implementation of blended learning in rural K‐12 areas by addressing the key stakeholders influencing its adoption and identifying the main factors affecting its success. Methods: We performed a content analysis of grey literature documents detailing the implementation of b‐learning in K‐12 education. Additionally, interviews with crucial stakeholders such as teachers, principals, and experts in rural schools in South America provide insights into the challenges and prospects of b‐learning adoption in these contexts. Results and Conclusions: The study identifies pivotal stakeholders for effective b‐learning implementation, outlining their roles and addressing challenges inherent in rural settings. Recommendations for enhancing b‐learning's implementation in developing countries are also proposed. The research underscores the significance of involving diverse stakeholders such as governmental bodies, school leaders, educators, students, and families to ensure a holistic and efficient approach to blended learning. Lay Description: What is currently known about this topic: Blended Learning Definition and Benefits: Blended learning combines face‐to‐face and online instruction, enhancing student engagement and personalization by providing diverse learning pathways.Growth in K‐12 Implementation: Blended learning gained traction in K‐12 education, boosting academic outcomes, driven by recognition of learner diversity and potential in meeting students' needs.Contextual Challenges: Implementation challenges arise in low‐income households and rural areas, including limited access to technology and internet connectivity, impacting student engagement and success. What does this paper add: Focusing on Rural Dynamics: This study helps to fill a gap by investigating blended learning in rural K‐12 settings, spotlighting key players and success drivers in these unique contexts.Recommendations from Various Sources: By combining interviews and grey literature, this research generates comprehensive, practical recommendations grounded in both empirical insights and real‐world perspectives.Insights into Rural Hurdles: This paper extends the discussion on blended learning by addressing specific rural barriers, proposing family involvement, private sector partnerships for training, and tailored pedagogical strategies. Implications for practice or policy: Leadership and Collaboration: Effective school leadership and collaboration with local governments are pivotal for fruitful blended learning implementation, ensuring defined roles, responsibility, and accountability.Adaptable Curriculum Design: An adaptable, centralized curriculum aligns with recommendations, fostering efficient tracking of student progress and enabling customized learning.Engagement‐Centric Pedagogies: Recommendations spotlight interactive, student‐centered teaching methods, tailored to diverse student needs, nurturing active participation and elevated learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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26. Creating in the metaverse: An SSRL‐based collaborative painting approach to promote students' creativity, socially shared regulation and positive painting behaviours.
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Guan, Jue‐Qi, Wang, Xiao‐Feng, Wang, Wen‐Zhuo, Zhu, Jiong, and Hwang, Gwo‐Jen
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CURRICULUM , *INTERPROFESSIONAL relations , *RESEARCH funding , *DATA analysis , *DRAWING , *SELF-control , *TEACHING methods , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *CREATIVE ability , *SOCIAL skills , *SCHOOL children , *RESEARCH methodology , *STATISTICS , *COMPUTER assisted instruction , *LEARNING strategies , *AUGMENTED reality - Abstract
Background: Painting is the foundational expression across all art forms and is one of the key creative practices for fostering students' aesthetic ability and creativity within fine arts courses. Collaborative painting in the form of socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) can be recognized as an effective strategy for enhancing creativity in both individual and group work. However, the absence of contextual experiences and collaborative spaces poses challenges for students in cultivating their creativity in painting. Objectives: The present study explores students' creativity, socially shared regulation (SSR) and positive painting behaviours using an SSRL‐based collaborative painting approach in the metaverse (Meta‐CP). Methods: Via a quasi‐experimental design, a total of 40 Chinese students in fifth grade were recruited and were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 20 students utilizing the Meta‐CP approach, while the remaining 20 students followed the conventional SSRL‐based paper‐and‐brush collaborative painting (C‐CP) approach. The Meta‐CP approach not only offers an authentic painting context and a collaborative space but also facilitates the collaborative process through the SSRL framework. The data collection included students' creative tendency, painting works and painting process. Results and Conclusions: The Meta‐CP approach effectively enhances students' creativity concerning adventure, curiosity and imagination, as well as results in the creation of more distinctive and logical artistic works. Furthermore, the approach significantly improved the quality of students' SSR. Additionally, students utilizing the Meta‐CP approach displayed more positive painting behaviours compared with those employing the C‐CP approach. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic:Collaborative painting is an effective strategy for enhancing creativity.Socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) fosters collaborative learning.Students in collaborative painting may lack a contextual and synchronized painting space.The metaverse benefits in terms of contextual experiences and collaborative spaces. What this paper adds:Using an SSRL‐based collaborative painting approach in the metaverse (Meta‐CP) is effective in improving students' creativity.The Meta‐CP approach has the potential to improve students' quality of socially shared regulation (SSR), and positive painting behaviours. Implications for practice and/or policy:The metaverse provides an immersive synchronized painting space for art education to stimulate students' creative potential.The metaverse with proper learning strategies (e.g., SSRL) provides an effective collaborative learning environment for creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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27. Beyond normative and non‐normative: A systematic review on predictors of confrontational collective action.
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Uysal, Mete Sefa, Saavedra, Patricio, and Drury, John
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SOCIAL psychology , *RESEARCH funding , *GROUP identity , *SOCIAL justice , *VIOLENCE , *SOCIAL norms , *EMOTIONS , *SOCIAL change , *COLLECTIVE efficacy , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *ATTITUDE (Psychology) , *THEMATIC analysis , *STATISTICS , *PRACTICAL politics - Abstract
This paper critically examines the normative versus non‐normative distinction commonly used in collective action research. To explore the similarities and differences between antecedents of normative versus non‐normative actions, we conducted a systematic review on diverse predictors of non‐normative, radical and violent collective actions. We examined 37 social and political psychology studies published after 2010 and identified five recurring themes: identity, efficacy, injustice, emotions and norms. Findings exhibited significant overlaps with those predictors associated with normative collective action. Thus, a reconceptualization is needed to undermine the rigid boundaries between these action types, highlighting the intricate interplay of factors that transcend the conventional binary. Aiming to avoid conceptual ambiguity and challenge the perspective that associating particular collective actions with unwarranted violence using social norms as fixed and a priori, we propose the term 'confrontational collective action' to separate out form of action from societal approval. Through this reconceptualization, we discussed the main limitations in the literature, focusing on how studies approach normativity and efficacy and addressing the issue of decontextualization in the literature. This paper calls for a contextually informed understanding of confrontational collective action that recognizes what is seen as 'normative' can change over time through intra‐ and intergroup interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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28. The risk factors for silent aspiration: A retrospective case series and literature review.
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Jamróz, Barbara, Sobol, Maria, Chmielewska‐Walczak, Joanna, Milewska, Magdalena, and Niemczyk, Kazimierz
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NECK surgery , *RESPIRATORY aspiration , *HEAD surgery , *RISK assessment , *TRACHEOTOMY , *DRINKING (Physiology) , *RADIOTHERAPY , *DATA analysis , *FOOD consumption , *THYROID gland tumors , *LOGISTIC regression analysis , *INTERVIEWING , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *FISHER exact test , *PARAGANGLIOMA , *RETROSPECTIVE studies , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *MANN Whitney U Test , *CHI-squared test , *INFRATENTORIAL brain tumors , *LARYNGOSCOPY , *ODDS ratio , *NEUROLOGICAL disorders , *MEDICAL records , *ACQUISITION of data , *STATISTICS , *CASE studies , *COMPARATIVE studies , *DATA analysis software , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *SALIVA , *CRANIAL nerve diseases , *PARALYSIS , *GASTROINTESTINAL diseases , *PARATHYROID gland tumors ,RISK factors - Abstract
Aim: Evidence shows that 20%–30% of patients who aspirate do so silently. Research to date has not demonstrated clear evidence to indicate which patients are at higher risk of silent aspiration. Our aim was to use univariate logistic regression analysis of retrospective case review to determine potential patterns of silent aspiration. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 455 fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) reports. The patients were divided into four groups: G1 – neurological diseases (n = 93), G2 – head and neck surgery (n = 200), G3 – gastroenterological diseases (n = 94) and G4 – other patients (n = 68). Data included the occurrence or absence of saliva penetration or aspiration, of silent fluid/solid food penetration or aspiration, type of penetration or aspiration, occurrence of cranial nerve paresis, radiotherapy and tracheostomy. Univariate logistic regression was used to evaluate independent risk factors of silent aspiration in the study population. Three models with different independent variables were considered. Results: There is a statistically significant difference in the frequency of occurrence of silent penetration and aspiration within the groups (p < 0.001), with intraglutative being most frequent. Fluid and food penetration and aspiration correlated with saliva penetration and aspiration in all groups (p < 0.001). Cranial nerve paresis (IX and X), radiotherapy and tracheostomy correlate with saliva penetration and aspiration (p = 0.020 for cranial nerve paresis; p = 0.004 for radiotherapy; p < 0.001 for tracheostomy). One hundred and fifteen patients (45.81%) in the subgroup of patients with intraglutative aspiration had cranial nerve paresis (IX, X or IX–X). Conclusions: Patients who should be prioritised or considered to be at a higher need of instrumental swallowing evaluation are those with IX and X cranial nerve paresis, tracheostomy and those who have had radiotherapy, with saliva swallowing problems, especially after paraganglioma, thyroid and parathyroid glands and middle and posterior fossa tumour surgery. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Clinical signs of penetration or aspiration include coughing, throat clearing and voice changes, while silent penetration or aspiration patients aspirate without demonstrating any clinical symptoms. The most common consequences of silent aspiration include aspiration pneumonia, recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and respiratory failure. Additionally, malnutrition and dehydration can be indicators of silent aspiration. Patients may unknowingly reduce their oral intake and lose weight. Retrospective studies have shown that 20%–30% of patients aspirate silently (e.g. patients after stroke, acquired brain injury, head and neck cancer treatment, prolonged intubation). Clinical examination of swallowing can miss up to 50% of cases of silent aspiration. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: Currently, silent aspiration is often discussed in neurological literature, but its applications to head and neck surgery are limited. In this study, we identify head and neck surgery patients who should be prioritised or considered to be in higher need of instrumental swallowing evaluation due to a higher risk of silent aspiration. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Post‐treatment structural changes can result in lower cranial nerve paresis (IX, X, XII) and face injury, in which vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves are injured. After tracheostomy and radiotherapy, patients with problems swallowing saliva need careful clinical examination, particularly cranial nerve examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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29. An exploratory study of longitudinal trajectory of language, swallowing and cognition post endovascular clot retrieval.
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D'Netto, Pamela, Finch, Emma, Rumbach, Anna, and Copland, David A.
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LANGUAGE & languages , *DISABILITIES , *NIH Stroke Scale , *STATISTICAL correlation , *COGNITIVE testing , *DATA analysis , *FUNCTIONAL assessment , *ENDOVASCULAR surgery , *APHASIA , *HOSPITALS , *LONGITUDINAL method , *QUALITY of life , *RESEARCH , *LANGUAGE disorders , *COGNITION disorders , *NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL tests , *FRIEDMAN test (Statistics) , *STATISTICS , *DEGLUTITION , *THROMBECTOMY , *STROKE , *STROKE patients , *REPERFUSION , *DATA analysis software , *DEGLUTITION disorders , *DIET , *NONPARAMETRIC statistics , *DISEASE complications - Abstract
Background: Endovascular clot retrieval (ECR) is known to reduce global disability at 3 months post stroke however limited research exists regarding the trajectory of specific clinical impairments including language, swallowing and cognitive deficits between onset and 3 months. Aims: To assess language, swallowing, and cognitive performance following ECR and explore whether impairment severity is correlated with modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score (mTICI), stroke severity or quality of life (QoL). Methods: Assessment was completed within 7 days (T1), 1 month (T2) and 3 months (T3) post‐stroke. Performance was measured with the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Trail Making Test (TMT A and B) and Brixton Spatial Awareness Test. The Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) was used for left hemisphere stroke. QoL was measured with the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale. Results: Twenty‐five participants (median 72 years; 64% male) were prospectively recruited following ECR. High reperfusion success (68% mTICI 3) and low stroke severity post ECR (median 24 h NIHSS = 3, IQR 7–18) were noted. At T1, 10 participants presented with aphasia, eight required a modified diet and 20 had impaired cognition. At T3 all had recovered to a normal oral diet, 39% had persistent cognitive impairment and 45% of patients with left hemisphere stroke remained aphasic. Performance on the WAB, FOIS, RBANS and TMT changed significantly over time (all p < 0.05). The severity score at T1 for all measures, excluding TMT B and Brixton, was significantly correlated with 24 h NIHSS. WAB scores at T3 were correlated with QoL (r = 0.618; p = 0.043). Conclusion: This exploratory study found the longitudinal performance of language, swallowing and cognition significantly improved over time and severity in the first‐week post‐ECR was correlated with 24 h NIHSS rather than the degree of reperfusion. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Randomised control trials have demonstrated the benefit of ECR in patients with ischemic stroke using global measures of disability and function. Limited research exists regarding the trajectory of specific clinical impairments including language, swallowing and cognitive deficits. There is also a reliance on screening assessments and a lack of consideration of the influence of co‐occurring impairments. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This prospective study is amongst the first to explore the longitudinal trajectory of language, swallowing and cognitive impairment using a standardised assessment battery. Twenty‐four‐hour NIHSS was significantly correlated with language, swallowing, global cognition and some measures of executive function. Language performance post ECR was correlated with domain‐specific cognitive assessment of attention, immediate memory and delayed memory, which differed from swallowing performance post ECR that correlated with measures of executive function. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: It is important for speech‐language pathologists and the wider medical team to monitor language, swallowing and cognitive performance post ECR regardless of treatment success. Stroke severity at 24 h post‐ECR influences the severity of language, swallowing and cognitive impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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30. Characteristics of drawing deficits in people with aphasia: Differences between symbolic and realistic drawn objects.
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Komori, Noriyo, Hashimoto, Ritsuo, Jinushi, Chihiro, Uechi, Momoko, Oikawa, Shou, and Hirano, Emi
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FACILITATED communication , *RESEARCH funding , *DATA analysis , *DRAWING , *MULTIPLE regression analysis , *APHASIA , *CHI-squared test , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *ANALYSIS of variance , *STATISTICS , *COMPARATIVE studies , *DATA analysis software , *INTER-observer reliability - Abstract
Background: Pictures drawn by people with aphasia (PWA) are often more challenging to understand than those drawn by healthy people. There are two types of objects: those that tend to be drawn symbolically (symbolically drawn objects—SOs) and those that are likely to be drawn realistically (realistically drawn objects—ROs). Aims: To compare the identification rate and number of misunderstanding types between SOs and ROs drawn by PWA and healthy controls (HCs). To reveal trends in the misunderstandings of drawings by PWA, and to identify the language or cognitive abilities related to the identification rate of pictures drawn by PWA. Methods & Procedures: We designed a drawing task involving SOs and ROs. A total of 18 PWA and 30 HCs completed the task, and respondents identified the drawings. The identification rate and number of misunderstandings were analysed with two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) including group (PWA and HCs) and object type (SOs and ROs). The misunderstandings were divided into four categories varying in semantic and morphological similarity; these ratios were examined with a chi‐square test. The relationships of language and cognitive abilities with the identification rate were investigated with multiple regression analyses. Outcomes & Results: There was a significant effect of the interaction between group and object type on the identification rate (F(1.1387) = 3.90, Mean Squared Error (MSE) = 4139.67, p = 0.04): the identification rates for ROs were lower in the PWA than in the HCs. For the number of misunderstanding types, an interaction was observed between group and object type (F(1.56) = 8.26, MSE = 26.93, p < 0.01): the number of misunderstanding types for ROs in the PWA was greater than that in the HCs. The misunderstanding patterns differed between ROs and SOs (χ2(3) = 694.30, p < 0.001, V = 0.37). ROs were semantically related, whereas SOs were morphologically related. The identification rates of ROs and SOs were correlated only with Kanji writing scores (ROs: β = 3.66, p = 0.01; SOs: β = 6.57, p < 0.01). Conclusions & Implications: In drawings by the PWA, SOs had a higher identification rate, while ROs had a lower identification rate and a greater variety of misunderstandings. SOs may increase drawing motivation. Interventions to improve the identifiability of SOs and ROs should reflect each character. Identification rates were correlated only with Kanji writing scores. The PWA, whose native language was Japanese and had preserved Kanji writing abilities, and their communication abilities may be increased through drawing. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: PWA often have impaired drawing abilities and draw pictures that third parties misinterpret. Some objects tend to be drawn symbolically, and some are drawn realistically. However, it is not clear whether there is a difference between these types of drawings depicted by PWA in identifiability and the tendency to be misunderstood by ordinary people. In addition, the relationships between language or cognitive abilities and the identification rate of drawn pictures are not clear. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: The identification rate differed between SOs and ROs. In drawings by PWA, SOs had a higher identification rate, while ROs had a lower identification rate and the greatest variety of misunderstandings. Approximately half of the misunderstandings were related to the target object. SOs tended to be confused with morphologically related objects, while ROs tended to be confused with semantically related objects. Identification rates were correlated only with Kanji writing scores. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: To motivate PWA's drawing, it is suitable to begin with SOs. Examining drawing ability from the perspective of SOs and ROs increases the chance of identifying drawing ability. PWA whose native language is Japanese and have preserved Kanji writing abilities may be able to increase their communication abilities through drawing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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31. Novel statistical method for data drift detection in satellite telemetry.
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Praveen, M. V. Ramachandra, kuchhal, Piyush, and Choudhury, Sushabhan
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SATELLITE telemetry , *LOW earth orbit satellites , *MACHINE learning , *SPACE environment , *ELECTRIC power , *STATISTICS - Abstract
Summary: Autonomy is becoming a prime requirement for satellite mission control operations. Data‐driven methods like Machine Learning models are playing a key role in bringing in autonomy. Health keeping data from satellite telemetry is a key ingredient in these data‐driven methods. In real‐world satellite operations, the health‐keeping telemetry data gradually drifts due to adverse space weather effects and wear and tear of electronic and mechanical components. The key question that arises is how to detect and quantify the data drift which is generally a gradual phenomenon. This paper discusses a novel statistical method for detecting data drift occurring in satellite telemetry. For the purpose of experimental work in this paper, an actual telemetry data set of the BUS CURRENT sensor which is part of the Electrical Power System of a Low Earth Orbit Satellite was considered. Data drift detection test was carried out using this sensor data using the developed novel statistical method and with Kolmogorov Smirnov test which is a probabilistic method. Both results are analysed and compared. Thereafter novel statical method was used to check its efficacy using a synthetic data set with induced drift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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32. Development and validation of a test for measuring primary school students' effective use of ICT: The ECC‐ICT test.
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Ackermans, Kevin, Bakker, Marjoke, Gorissen, Pierre, van Loon, Anne‐Marieke, Kral, Marijke, and Camp, Gino
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COMMUNICATIVE competence , *INTERPROFESSIONAL relations , *DATA analysis , *RESEARCH funding , *PILOT projects , *INTERVIEWING , *RESEARCH methodology evaluation , *INFORMATION technology , *EXPERIMENTAL design , *INFORMATION literacy , *SCHOOL children , *RESEARCH methodology , *COMPUTER literacy , *ANALYSIS of variance , *STATISTICS , *ACADEMIC achievement , *NATIONAL competency-based educational tests , *FACTOR analysis , *TEST design , *COGNITION , *DISCRIMINANT analysis ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Background: A practical test that measures the information and communication technology (ICT) skills students need for effectively using ICT in primary education has yet to be developed (Oh et al., 2021). This paper reports on the development, validation, and reliability of a test measuring primary school students' ICT skills required for effectively using ICT (the ECC‐ICT test). Objectives: Based on existing literature, three ICT use domains were identified for effectively using ICT: Effective, collaborative, and creativeuse of ICT. For these three domains, 24 corresponding teaching objectives were identified from a widely used digital literacy framework. Thirty‐four test items cover these teaching objectives in an online test. Methods: A mixed‐method approach was used for the ECC‐ICT test. Four pilot rounds (n=25) implemented qualitative interviews for cognitive validity and refining the test items, followed by a qualitative usability study(n=6). Confirmatory factor analysis and ANOVA provided quantitative insight into the large‐scale test administration(n=575). Results and Conclusions: Composite reliability of our conceptual 3‐factor confirmatory model showed that the test reliably measured primary school effective use of ICT (ω = 0.82), collaborative use of ICT (ω = 0.80) and creative use of ICT (ω = 0.64). Convergent validity (ranging from 0.41 to 0.46) was acceptable. Internal consistency (ranging from 0.84 to 0.91) and discriminant validity (HTMT values below 0.90) are good. ANOVA results show that mean test scores are higher for students in higher grade levels (p < 0.001). The post hoc Bonferroni results show that most grade‐by‐grade comparisons are significant (p < 0.001). Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Information and communication technology (ICT) skills are finding their way into national curriculums as teachers implement more digital learning environments.Teachers currently do not have a measurement instrument for the ICT skills primary education students need to learn in a personalised way. What this paper adds: This paper gives teachers a test that reliably measures the effective, collaborative, and creative ICT skills required for primary school students to learn using ICT.To our knowledge, this test is the first of its kind.Al materials to reproduce the test are available digitally for teachers. The implications of study findings for practitioners: For policy, this test can be used to check if a student is ready to use ICT in a self‐regulated setting.With this test, teachers can assess and support students' growth on the effective, collaborative, and creative ICT skills required for primary school students using ICT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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33. Shake it or light it! The effects of cueing in desktop‐VR learning environments on search time and learning.
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Decker, Daniela and Merkt, Martin
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GERMANS , *STATISTICAL power analysis , *SCALE analysis (Psychology) , *PROMPTS (Psychology) , *LIGHT , *TASK performance , *CRONBACH'S alpha , *DATA analysis , *STATISTICAL sampling , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *VIRTUAL reality , *ANALYSIS of variance , *STATISTICS , *LEARNING strategies , *BODY movement , *COMPUTER assisted instruction , *SPACE perception , *DATA analysis software , *TIME - Abstract
Background: Virtual reality (VR) offers much potential for learning, but it challenges learners' orientation. Objectives: This paper investigates whether it is possible to use light or movement cues to facilitate orientation in a search task in a desktop‐VR environment so that participants can better attend to the learning content presented simultaneously. Methods: In two pre‐registered online experiments, we investigated the effects of cueing (light and movement) on search time, learning, and several evaluation variables. Participants were asked to find tools in a virtual workshop, while information about the respective tool was narrated. Experiment 1 (N = 60) used a within‐subject design, that is, the objects were alternately highlighted by light, movement or not. For Experiment 2 (N = 159) the narration was substantially shortened, and a between‐subject design was used. Cognitive load and presence were measured additionally. Results and conclusions: In Experiment 1, only the movement cue decreased search time, indicating automatic guidance of learners' attention. There was no effect of cueing on learning, which may be due to the average search time being substantially shorter than the narration, leaving sufficient time to attend to the narration exclusively. In Experiment 2 search times were significantly faster for both cueing methods, but only the light cue resulted in better learning outcomes, which could be explained by the slightly lower presence in the movement cue condition. Implications: Results imply that it is important to develop cues that automatically guide attention without reducing presence. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Virtual reality (VR) offers a lot of opportunities for the integration of educational scenarios.VR is challenging for learners with regard to orientation in a 360° environment.Regarding learning outcomes, research on the effects of cues to highlight important content in a 360° environment is still rare.Presence, defined as the feeling of being there in a VR environment, is an important prerequisite for learning in VR. What this paper adds: The influence of light and movement cues on search times and learning outcomes in a desktop‐VR environment was tested.Movement cues can reliably reduce search times (indicating successful orientation), whereas light cues only reduced search times in predictable scenarios.In a predictable scenario, light cues enhanced learning outcomes compared with movement cues.Movement cues reduced presence, which is one potential reason why movement cues did not improve learning. Implications for practice and/or policy: Using light cues might assist orientation and enhance overall performance in predictable scenarios (i.e., when learners know what kind of cue to expect).In an unpredictable setting with variable cues, light cues did not facilitate orientation, whereas movement cues did.However, movement cues reduced presence, which may have negatively affected learning outcomes. It is important to develop cueing methods that also work in more unpredictable settings, but that do not reduce presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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34. Investigating Constructed‐Response Scoring Over Time: The Effects of Study Design on Trend Rescore Statistics.
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Donoghue, John R., McClellan, Catherine A., and Hess, Melinda R.
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EXPERIMENTAL design ,STATISTICS - Abstract
When constructed‐response items are administered for a second time, it is necessary to evaluate whether the current Time B administration's raters have drifted from the scoring of the original administration at Time A. To study this, Time A papers are sampled and rescored by Time B scorers. Commonly the scores are compared using the proportion of exact agreement across times and/or t‐statistics comparing Time A means to Time B means. It is common to treat these rescores with procedures that assume a multinomial sampling model, which is incorrect. The correct, product‐multinomial model reflects the stratification of Time A scores. Using direct computation, the research report demonstrates that both proportion of exact agreement and the t‐statistic can deviate substantially from expected behavior, providing misleading results. Reweighting the rescore table gives each statistic the correct expected value but does not guarantee that the usual sampling distributions hold. It is also noted that the results apply to a wider class of situations in which a set of papers is scored by one group of raters or scoring engine and then a sample is selected to be evaluated by a different group of raters or scoring engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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35. There is more to cluttering than meets the eye: The prevalence of cluttering and association with psychological well‐being indices in an undergraduate sample.
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Icht, Michal, Zukerman, Gil, Zigdon, Avi, and Korn, Liat
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MENTAL illness risk factors ,MENTAL depression risk factors ,STUTTERING ,WELL-being ,RESEARCH ,STATISTICS ,SPEECH therapy ,HAPPINESS ,SELF-perception ,PSYCHOSOMATIC disorders ,SELF-evaluation ,CROSS-sectional method ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,QUANTITATIVE research ,UNDERGRADUATES ,RISK assessment ,SURVEYS ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,PSYCHOLOGICAL tests ,PATHOLOGICAL psychology ,HEALTH ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,CHI-squared test ,STATISTICAL correlation ,DATA analysis software ,PSYCHOLOGICAL stress ,DISEASE risk factors ,DISEASE complications - Abstract
Background: Cluttering is a fluency disorder characterized by an abnormally fast or irregular speech delivery rate along with disfluencies that are frequent but are not judged to be stuttering. Data on cluttering prevalence in the general population are scarce, as well as its association with psychological well‐being indices, such as anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Aims: To estimate cluttering prevalence among undergraduates, as well as its relationship with psychological and well‐being indicators. Methods & Procedures: To address these issues, a large sample (n = 1582) of undergraduates completed a questionnaire that provided a lay definition of cluttering and were asked to identify themselves as clutterers (SI‐Clut), as well as to indicate the presence of several psychological and mental well‐being indices. Outcomes & Results: A total of 276 respondents (23%) self‐identified as clutterers (now or in the past), with 55.1% of those being male. Only 56 respondents (3.5% of the total sample; about 21% of SI‐Clut) reported having received speech therapy for cluttering. Relative to students self‐identifying as non‐clutterers, self‐identification of cluttering was associated with higher levels of psychosomatic symptoms, depressive symptoms and stress, indicating a tendency toward internalizing psychopathology, along with lower self‐esteem, and lower subjective happiness. Conclusions & Implications: The current findings point to the high prevalence of students self‐identifying as clutterers, along with a significant link between cluttering and mental distress. Therefore, it is important to increase public awareness of cluttering, its diagnosis and treatment. From the clinical perspective, the elevated levels of somatic complaints, anxiety and depression may represent internalizing psychopathology, associated with more covert rather than overt symptomatology. Such symptom manifestation calls for special attention from the speech–language pathologists providing cluttering therapy, using designated well‐being or mental health screening tools. Although data on standard cluttering treatment are limited, it should be customized to the client's unique difficulties. Speech–language pathologists' understanding of cluttering, which includes both speech characteristics as well as psychological and social aspects of well‐being, may assist them in implementing effective treatments. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Cluttering is a fluency disorder characterized by an abnormally fast or irregular speech rate, along with various disfluencies and articulatory imprecision. It may co‐occur with other disorders, such as learning disabilities, and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Data on cluttering prevalence and its association with psychological well‐being indices, such as anxiety and depression, are limited. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: A total of 276 undergraduates (23%) self‐identified as clutterers, of whom 55.1% were males. A total of 56 respondents (3.5% of the total sample, and about 21% of undergraduates self‐identified as clutterers) reported having received speech therapy for cluttering. Psychosomatic symptoms, depressive symptoms and stress levels were higher among these students, suggesting a tendency toward internalizing psychopathology, along with a lower sense of self‐esteem and subjective happiness. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The high prevalence of students self‐identifying as clutterers, along with the low percentage of respondents who received speech therapy for cluttering, emphasize the need to raise public awareness of the problem, its diagnosis and treatment (Reichel et al., 2010). The association between cluttering and mental distress requires speech–language pathologists to be aware that cluttering may have covert symptomatology, similar to stuttering, which should be addressed in therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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36. On the questionable use of CIEL* to infer geometric properties of achromatic perception.
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Berthier, Michel and Provenzi, Edoardo
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COLOR space ,RIEMANNIAN metric ,COLOR in nature ,MATHEMATICAL analysis ,STATISTICS - Abstract
In the paper "The non‐Riemannian nature of perceptual color space," the authors analyze the data of visual experiments conducted using triad of CIE L* achromatic stimuli. The statistical analysis of their results leads them to claim that the L* axis cannot be endowed with a Riemannian metric coherent with observers' responses. In this communication we provide a mathematical analysis which, in our opinion, refutes the main claim of the quoted paper. Furthermore, we raise questions on the soundness of using an achromatic perceptual coordinate to describe non‐chromatic perception. We inform about an alternative in which achromaticity emerges from the very act of observing colors (Provenzi E. SIAM J Imag Sci, 15(4):1944–1976, 2022; Berthier M, Provenzi E. Proc R Soc A, 478(2258):20210508, 2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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37. Learning to use electronic outlining via observational learning: Effects on students' argumentative writing performance.
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de Smet, Milou J. R., Brand‐Gruwel, Saskia, and Kirschner, Paul A.
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STATISTICS ,SCIENTIFIC observation ,ANALYSIS of variance ,LEARNING ,ACADEMIC achievement ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,T-test (Statistics) ,STUDENTS ,RESEARCH funding ,REPEATED measures design ,CHI-squared test ,WRITTEN communication ,DATA analysis ,ODDS ratio ,STUDENT attitudes - Abstract
Background: Writing is an important and complex skill, which could be enhanced by teaching students effective writing strategies such as outlining. Electronic outlining ‐ integrated feature in Microsoft® Word – has been shown to enhance students' writing performance. However, little is known about the optimal didactic approach for electronic outlining. Objective: This study examined the effects of learning to use electronic outlining either via observational learning or via learning‐by‐doing on students' argumentative writing performance. Methods: Students (N = 129, 10th‐grade) were assigned with their complete class to one of three conditions: a control (traditional pen and paper outlines via learning‐by‐doing), outline (electronic outlines via learning‐by‐doing) or observation (electronic outlines via observational learning) condition. Students followed an argumentative writing lesson‐series that differed across conditions in terms of planning strategies and didactic approaches used. To examine the influence of the different conditions on students' writing, argumentative texts were used as pre‐ and post‐tests, and the quality was evaluated with an analytic assessment protocol. In addition, data regarding students' perceived mental effort and the organisation of the writing process were collected. Finally, students' attitudes towards electronic outlining were assessed. Results and Conclusion: Although the overall text structure had improved after the lesson series, no significant differences were found between conditions. Electronic outlining increased the total amount of time dedicated to the texts as well as the revision ratio. Students in the observation condition showed a higher pause ratio and a lower fluency on the post‐test as compared to students who learned by doing (both control and outline conditions). With regard to perceived mental effort, students in the outline and control conditions perceived significant decreases over tasks, as opposed to those in the observation condition. In conclusion, the self‐reports indicate that students in the outline condition appropriated electronic outlining significantly better than those in the observation condition, suggesting that practice enhanced students' appropriation of electronic outlining. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Planning as a writing strategy helps students organise their writing and reduce mental effort.Electronic outlining is an effective and efficient tool to support a planning strategy.Observational learning is an effective didactic approach in writing education. What this paper adds: Traditional planning and electronic outlining via either observational learning or learning‐by‐doing affect writing products equally.Tool appropriation is greater for students who learned‐by‐doing. Implications for practice: Importance of elaborated and explicit (strategy) instruction.Advantage of video‐based modelling for teacher efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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38. Oral diadochokinetic production in children with typical speech development and speech–sound disorders.
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Ha, Seunghee
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SPEECH perception ,STATISTICS ,PHYSIOLOGICAL aspects of speech ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,ARTICULATION disorders in children ,CHILD development ,ONE-way analysis of variance ,SPEECH evaluation ,TASK performance ,LANGUAGE acquisition ,COMPARATIVE studies ,CONSONANTS ,ANALYSIS of covariance ,STATISTICAL hypothesis testing ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RESEARCH funding ,DATA analysis ,STATISTICAL correlation ,MOUTH ,MOTOR ability ,CHILDREN - Abstract
Background: Aims: To investigate the developmental trajectory of the rate and perceptual assessment of oral diadochokinesis (DDK) in typically developing children compared with adults. Also to examine the characteristics of DDK productions in children with speech sound disorders (SSD) and the relationship between DDK production and percentage of consonants correct (PCC). Methods & Procedures: Participants were 316 typically developing children and 90 children with SSD from 3 to 9 years old, as well as 20 adults with normal speech. The mono‐, bi‐ and trisyllabic nonsense strings containing Korean tense consonants and the vowel [a] were used for DDK tasks. The number of iterations per s was measured as the DDK rate for each stimulus. The perceptual assessment of DDK productions was also performed for regularity, accuracy and rate. Outcomes & Results: The DDK rates increased throughout childhood, but the oldest children, 9‐year‐olds in the current study, did not achieve adult‐like rates for all mono‐ and trisyllabic strings. Children with SSD also did not show significant differences from typically developing children when the DDK productions were analysed using only accurate tokens. The PCC of children with SSD showed higher correlations with regularity, accuracy and rate of perceptual ratings than the timed DDK rate. Conclusions & Implications: This study highlighted the fact that the comprehensive evaluation of DDK productions may provide even more useful information about children's oral motor skills. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Rates of DDK reflect the motor skills of the articulatory systems independently of phonological skills; therefore, the tasks are widely used in the diagnostic evaluations of speech disorders in both children and adult populations. However, a substantial number of studies have questioned the validity and usefulness of DDK rates for evaluating speech abilities. Also, the literature suggested that the measure of DDK rate alone does not provide a clear and useful indication of children's oral motor skills. DDK tasks should be analysed in terms of accuracy and consistency as well as rate. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: The literature reporting normative DDK performance has mainly been based on English speakers. As different consonants have different temporal characteristics, the linguistic and segmental features of DDK tasks can impact the DDK rate. This study established a norm for DDK rate for Korean‐speaking children and investigated the developmental trajectory of DDK performance in typically developing children compared with adults. This study suggested that the comprehensive evaluation of DDK productions may provide even more useful information about children's oral motor skills by examining the characteristics of DDK productions in children with SSD. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This study provided normative data of young Korean‐speaking children aged 3–9 years. Normative data in children under 5 years of age are valuable given that the majority of children referred for speech difficulty assessments are between 3 and 5 years of age, but only a few studies have provided the normative data in young children. This study showed that many children could not complete DDK tasks correctly and provided additional support for the notion that other aspects of DDK performance, including accuracy and regularity, may yield more useful diagnostic indications than timed DDK rates alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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39. Comprehensive Assessment of Reading in Aphasia (CARA) reading questionnaire—German version.
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Thumbeck, Sarah‐Maria, Webster, Janet, and Domahs, Frank
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STATISTICS ,STATISTICAL reliability ,RESEARCH evaluation ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation ,RESEARCH methodology ,SPEECH evaluation ,APHASIA ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,REPEATED measures design ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RESEARCH funding ,DATA analysis ,SENSITIVITY & specificity (Statistics) ,DATA analysis software ,READING ,GOAL (Psychology) ,EVALUATION - Abstract
Background: Reading comprehension is frequently impaired in persons with aphasia (PWA). For goal‐setting and outcome measurement, speech and language therapists (SLTs) need to determine an individual's perspective of their reading difficulties and everyday reading activities. The Comprehensive Assessment of Reading in Aphasia (CARA) reading questionnaire provides a person‐centred tool to find out the individual perception of reading functions, reading‐related emotions and reading activities in PWA. It was developed and evaluated in English. So far, there is no equivalent instrument in German. Aims: To translate and adapt the CARA reading questionnaire into German language and culture, to evaluate its practicability and acceptance, and to provide the first psychometric properties of the German version. Methods & Procedures: Based on translation and adaptation guidelines, we conducted two forward translations that were merged and then adapted. A back translation was prepared and compared with the original version. It was found to be semantically equivalent by one of the authors of the original version. We performed pilot testing with 12 PWA, and the pilot version was adapted according to the comments of these participants. We then collected data on self‐reported perception of reading and on psychometric properties of the translated and adapted German version. A total of 22 German‐speaking PWA completed the questionnaire at least five times during an intervention study. We analysed retest reliability with Spearman correlation, internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha, internal responsiveness with the standardized response mean, as well as the relationship between outcomes of the questionnaire and text comprehension measures using repeated measures correlations. Outcomes & Results: Our data suggest good practicability and acceptance of the German version of the CARA reading questionnaire as well as appropriate validity, reliability and sensitivity to measure therapy‐induced change. We found moderate correlations between outcomes of the questionnaire and text‐level reading speed. Conclusions & Implications: The German version of the CARA reading questionnaire could be helpful in intervention planning and goal‐setting with German‐speaking PWA. By using the questionnaire, SLTs can find out about a person's individual perception of reading difficulties as well as individually relevant reading activities. The questionnaire provides a tool to measure change and is therefore valuable to demonstrate self‐reported individual progress. As reading speed seems to be an indicator of personal perception of reading difficulty, it is important to consider reading speed in reading interventions and in reading comprehension assessments. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Reading comprehension is frequently impaired in PWA. Reading preferences, the perception of difficulties and the impact on everyday life reading activities are specific to the individual and thus need to be known for goal‐setting, intervention planning and monitoring of change. As part of a comprehensive assessment of reading, Morris et al. developed a person‐centred English language questionnaire for this purpose. So far, there is no equivalent tool in German. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: In this study, we translated and adapted the questionnaire to German language and culture, and analysed its validity and reliability with German‐speaking PWA. We demonstrated that the German version is accessible for German‐speaking PWA, and that it has appropriate validity, reliability and sensitivity to measure self‐reported change. Outcomes of the questionnaire correlate with text level reading speed. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The German version of the questionnaire could be a valuable self‐reported outcome measure to assess individual perceptions of reading and to measure progress (as perceived by an individual) as a consequence of recovery or intervention in either clinical or research settings. As reading speed might be an indicator of everyday life reading as perceived by an individual, it should be considered in reading assessments and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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40. A Python package based on robust statistical analysis for serial crystallography data processing.
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Hadian-Jazi, Marjan and Sadri, Alireza
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STATISTICS ,ELECTRONIC data processing ,ROBUST statistics ,CRYSTALLOGRAPHY ,PYTHON programming language ,X-ray crystallography ,OUTLIER detection - Abstract
The term robustness in statistics refers to methods that are generally insensitive to deviations from model assumptions. In other words, robust methods are able to preserve their accuracy even when the data do not perfectly fit the statistical models. Robust statistical analyses are particularly effective when analysing mixtures of probability distributions. Therefore, these methods enable the discretization of X‐ray serial crystallography data into two probability distributions: a group comprising true data points (for example the background intensities) and another group comprising outliers (for example Bragg peaks or bad pixels on an X‐ray detector). These characteristics of robust statistical analysis are beneficial for the ever‐increasing volume of serial crystallography (SX) data sets produced at synchrotron and X‐ray free‐electron laser (XFEL) sources. The key advantage of the use of robust statistics for some applications in SX data analysis is that it requires minimal parameter tuning because of its insensitivity to the input parameters. In this paper, a software package called Robust Gaussian Fitting library (RGFlib) is introduced that is based on the concept of robust statistics. Two methods are presented based on the concept of robust statistics and RGFlib for two SX data‐analysis tasks: (i) a robust peak‐finding algorithm and (ii) an automated robust method to detect bad pixels on X‐ray pixel detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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41. Correction to "All‐Natural Immunomodulatory Bioadhesive Hydrogel Promotes Angiogenesis and Diabetic Wound Healing by Regulating Macrophage Heterogeneity".
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ANIMAL experimentation ,IMMUNOSTAINING ,IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE ,PUBLISHED articles ,STATISTICS ,WOUND healing - Abstract
This document is a correction to a previously published paper titled "All-Natural Immunomodulatory Bioadhesive Hydrogel Promotes Angiogenesis and Diabetic Wound Healing by Regulating Macrophage Heterogeneity." The correction addresses mistakes in Figure 7A, which included the wrong image due to a computer lag during data processing. The incorrect images have been replaced, and errors in the annotations of other figures have also been corrected. The corrections do not impact the results and conclusions of the original article. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
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42. Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with music therapy in non‐fluent aphasia after stroke: A randomised controlled study.
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Liu, Qingqing, Li, Weibo, Chen, Yuanwu, Zhang, Shaohua, Sun, Zengxin, Yang, Yuhui, Lv, Peiyuan, and Yin, Yu
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PREVENTION of mental depression , *STATISTICAL power analysis , *PEARSON correlation (Statistics) , *DATA analysis , *REHABILITATION of aphasic persons , *MUSIC therapy , *STATISTICAL sampling , *BLIND experiment , *STUTTERING , *TREATMENT effectiveness , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *MANN Whitney U Test , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *CONTROL groups , *PRE-tests & post-tests , *STROKE rehabilitation , *COMBINED modality therapy , *STATISTICS , *STROKE , *PSYCHOLOGICAL tests , *DATA analysis software , *TRANSCRANIAL magnetic stimulation , *SPEECH therapy , *DISEASE complications - Abstract
Background: Although existing studies have shown that both repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and music therapy have advantages in the treatment of non‐fluent aphasia, the efficacy of the combination of these two methods remains to be investigated. Aims: To investigate the clinical efficacy of low‐frequency rTMS combined with music therapy on language function and depression in patients with non‐fluent aphasia after stroke. Methods & Procedures: A single‐blind parallel randomised controlled trial was conducted. Sixty patients (mean duration = 93.78 days) with non‐fluent aphasia after stroke were randomly divided into a traditional therapy group (n = 20), a music therapy group (n = 20) and a combined therapy group (n = 20, 1 Hz). The language function and depression were evaluated before and 3 weeks after treatment with the Chinese version of the Western Aphasia Battery scale, Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination scale and Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire Hospital Version scale. Outcomes & Results: The combined therapy group was significantly better in all outcomes than the traditional therapy group and was significantly better in depression than the music therapy group. The music therapy group was significantly better in repetition and depression than the traditional therapy group. Language improvement was positively correlated with depression improvement. For adverse events, only two patients in the combined therapy group showed slight dizziness during rTMS treatment and their symptoms improved after rest. Conclusions & Implications: Our preliminary randomised controlled study indicates that low‐frequency rTMS combined with music therapy is feasible and safe in improving language function and depression in non‐fluent aphasia patients after stroke. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and music therapy respectively have advantages in the treatment of non‐fluent aphasia after stroke, but whether the combination of the two methods is more effective is still unknown. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This is one of the first randomised control trials to investigate whether the clinical efficacy of low‐frequency rTMS combined music therapy for non‐fluent aphasia is better. The findings show that low‐frequency rTMS combined music therapy is superior to traditional therapy in spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, repetition, naming, aphasia quotient, functional language level and depression, and superior to music therapy in depression, while music therapy is superior to traditional therapy in repetition and depression. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Low‐frequency rTMS combined music therapy may be a better method for treatment of non‐fluent aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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43. Validation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the Italian version of the paediatric eating assessment tool (I‐PEDI‐EAT‐10) in genetic syndromes.
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Onesimo, Roberta, Sforza, Elisabetta, Triumbari, Elizabeth Katherine Anna, Proli, Francesco, Leoni, Chiara, Giorgio, Valentina, Rigante, Donato, Trevisan, Valentina, De Rose, Cristina, Kuczynska, Eliza Maria, Cerchiari, Antonella, Pane, Marika, Mercuri, Eugenio, Belafsky, Peter, and Zampino, Giuseppe
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MULTITRAIT multimethod techniques , *PEARSON correlation (Statistics) , *CHILDREN with disabilities , *CRONBACH'S alpha , *DATA analysis , *STATISTICAL hypothesis testing , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *RESEARCH methodology evaluation , *TRANSLATIONS , *DEGLUTITION disorders in children , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *MANN Whitney U Test , *GENETIC disorders , *STATISTICAL reliability , *STATISTICS , *TEST validity , *DISCRIMINANT analysis , *EVALUATION - Abstract
Background: The Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI‐EAT‐10) is a reliable and valid tool for rapid identification of dysphagia in patients aged 18 months to 18 years. Aims: To translate and adapt the PEDI‐EAT‐10 into the Italian language and evaluate its validity and reliability. Methods & Procedures: The translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the tool consisted of five stages: initial translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, expert committee evaluation and test of the prefinal version. The internal consistency of the translated tool was analysed in a clinical group composed of 200 patients with special healthcare needs aged between 18 months and 18 years. They were consecutively enrolled at the Rare Disease Unit, Paediatrics Department, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli‐IRCCS, Rome. For test–retest reliability, 50 caregivers filled in the PEDI‐EAT‐10 questionnaire for a second time after a 2‐week period. Construct validity was established by comparing data obtained from patients with data from healthy participants (n = 200). The study was approved by the local ethics committee. Outcomes & Results: Psychometric data obtained from patients (104 M; mean age = 8.08 ± 4.85 years; median age = 7 years) showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.89) and test–retest reliability (Pearson r = 0.99; Spearman r = 0.96). A total of 30% of children were classified as having a high risk of penetration/aspiration. The Italian PEDI‐EAT‐10 mean total score of the clinical group was significantly different from that resulting from healthy participants. Conclusions & Implications: The PEDI‐EAT‐10 was successfully translated into Italian, validated and found to be a reliable one‐page rapid screening tool to identify dysphagia in children and adolescents with special needs. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: The PEDI‐EAT‐10 is a valid and reliable quick discriminative paediatric tool for identifying penetration/aspiration risks. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: In the present study we successfully translated and adapted the PEDI‐EAT‐10 into the Italian language. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This translation and adaptation increase access to valid feeding and swallowing assessment for children of Italian‐speaking families. In addition, the I‐PEDI‐EAT‐10 can suggest further assessment of patients' swallowing abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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44. Recommendations of good practice to prevent aspiration pneumonia in older adults at risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia living in nursing homes: A modified e‐Delphi study protocol.
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Santos, Joana M. L. G., Ribeiro, Oscar, Jesus, Luis M. T., Sa‐Couto, Pedro, and Matos, Maria Assunção C.
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RISK assessment , *MALNUTRITION , *MEDICAL quality control , *PROFESSIONAL practice , *RESEARCH funding , *QUALITATIVE research , *ASPIRATION pneumonia , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *PILOT projects , *STATISTICAL sampling , *CONTENT analysis , *ORAL hygiene , *QUANTITATIVE research , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *SURVEYS , *STATISTICS , *ONLINE education , *DATA analysis software , *DELPHI method , *DEGLUTITION disorders , *DISEASE risk factors , *OLD age - Abstract
Background: Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is a subset of pneumonia caused by the aspiration of food and fluids to the lungs and is highly prevalent in the older population. Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is one of the risk factors for AP and it is also associated with malnutrition, dehydration and poor functional outcomes. As pneumonia is the second most common infection in nursing homes (NHs) and OD represents a major concern to NH staff, good practices for the prevention of AP in older adults at risk of OD are needed. Purpose: The aim of this modified e‐Delphi study is to build consensus among a panel of experts regarding a set of recommendations for NH staff on good practices to prevent AP in older adults at risk of OD living in NHs. The objective of this paper is to establish the methodology inherent to the Delphi study. Methods: An online modified Delphi study will be developed in three rounds. Criteria for the Delphi panel participants include holding a master's or doctoral degree in OD or speech and language therapy; or having 10 or more years of experience in OD; or having at least one scientific publication related to OD. A previously described modified Delphi methodology will be used to achieve consensus (75% agreement). An additional round will be performed to collect the experts' perspectives regarding the priority for application of each recommendation previously validated. Discussion: This protocol aimed to describe the methodology of a future Delphi study on the prevention of AP, seeking to fulfil the gap in the literature regarding this topic. The modified Delphi technique is a widely used method for collecting experts' opinion in health sciences, but the absence of standardised guidelines allows some heterogeneity between studies with the same aim. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is related to three main risk factors: impaired safety of swallow, impaired nutritional status and poor oral health. It is known that being dependent for feeding is one of the main risk factors for AP and around 50% of nursing home (NH) residents need feeding assistance. Thus, it is important to promote specialised intervention and care by the NH staff for preventing AP. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: It is hypothesised that increasing the knowledge of NH staff regarding the best practices for preventing AP in older adults at risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) will improve outcomes such as quality of life, incidence of AP and mortality. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The recommendations resulting from this study will address a current gap in healthcare practice of NH staff regarding older adults at increased risk for OD and, consequently, for AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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45. Speech disfluencies in children with developmental dyslexia: How do they differ from typical development?
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Pistono, Aurélie, Maziero, Stéphanie, Chaix, Yves, and Jucla, Mélanie
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READING disability , *DATA analysis , *RESEARCH funding , *DYSLEXIA , *STUTTERING , *AGE distribution , *CHI-squared test , *DISCOURSE analysis , *CHILD development , *SPEECH evaluation , *STATISTICS , *LANGUAGE acquisition - Abstract
Background: Disfluency is a multifactorial concept that can be linked to several of the language production levels, in both typical and atypical populations. In children, the language system is still developing and few studies have explored disfluency patterns. In typical development (TD), in particular, studies have shown discrepancies according to the language being considered. In neurodevelopmental disorders, such as developmental dyslexia (DD), it is still unclear whether the pattern of disfluency is similar to TD. Aims: To analyse the type of disfluency and their evolution in French children aged 8–12 years. Also to compare the pattern of disfluency in DD and TD, and to test whether disfluencies were correlated with reading difficulties. Methods & Procedures: A total of 25 children with DD and 21 children with TD aged 8–12.6 years produced an autobiographical narrative. Seven types of disfluencies were coded: part‐word repetitions; repetitions of monosyllabic words; other types of repetitions (words and phrases); filled pauses; revisions—substitutions; revisions—additions; and abandoned utterances. We compared the proportion of each disfluency in DD and TD. Spearman correlations were then performed between disfluencies, reading performance and age. Outcomes & Results: The results showed that both DD and TD children mainly produced filled pauses, repetitions of monosyllabic words and substitutions. Both groups displayed a high rate of disfluency (> 10%). No correlations with age were found. Correlations with reading performance were significant in the TD group only. Conclusions & Implications: The study showed that DD is not characterized by a specific pattern of disfluency. Additionally, disfluency rates were similar in children aged 8–12 years. In contrast to other languages, the current study suggests that French‐speaking children have a high rate of disfluency. The study also suggests that disfluency should be interpreted with caution in DD, given that TD children also have a high rate of disfluency. Therefore, it seems important to adapt the pathological threshold of disfluency to the language being spoken in order to avoid an overestimation of the prevalence of these deficits in French‐speaking children. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: TD children produce a high rate of disfluency, which is also influenced by the language being spoken. No study looked at the effect of DD on disfluency production. Nonetheless, problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience may impact lexical development and speech fluency. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: In our study, both groups (French‐speaking children) produced a substantial amount of disfluency as compared with other languages (> 10%). Additionally, the pattern of disfluency was similar in TD and DD (namely, filled pauses, prolongations repetitions of monosyllabic words and substitutions). In the DD group, disfluency production was not correlated with reading performance. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: These results indicate that it is crucial to consider the language being spoken when examining disfluency in order to avoid an overestimation of language difficulties in some languages, such as in French. Moreover, the production of disfluencies in DD should not be considered as language dysfunction since the pattern of disfluency what quite similar in TD and DD, and did not correlate with their reading difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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46. Hybrid teaching and learning: A conjoint analysis of student preferences in online and onsite scenarios.
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Feubli, Patricia, MacKevett, Douglas, and Schwarz, Jürg
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SCHOOL environment , *CROSS-sectional method , *STATISTICAL correlation , *DATA analysis , *INTERPROFESSIONAL relations , *AFFINITY groups , *TEACHING methods , *SURVEYS , *EXPERIENCE , *STUDENTS , *ONLINE education , *ONE-way analysis of variance , *STATISTICS , *RESEARCH , *LEARNING strategies , *STUDENT attitudes , *TEACHER-student relationships , *INTERPERSONAL relations , *SOCIALIZATION - Abstract
Background: This research paper presents a cross‐sectional study that examinefs the preferences of students for hybrid teaching and learning scenarios. Unlike previous studies that merely describe hybrid scenarios, this research prioritizes them, offering evidence‐based findings for informed policy decisions. Methods: The data collection method involved eight choice‐based tasks using the conjoint analysis technique conducted with 'Sawtooth' software. The study surveyed students at a mid‐sized university across four departments in Central Switzerland. The sample analysed in this article comprised 319 respondents from the Lucerne School of Business. Results and Conclusions: Our survey found that students' own location during a teaching session played a significant role in determining participation preferences, followed by that of the lecturer. Factors that influenced students' preferences whether to attend onsite or online include workload, didactical format, perceived level of difficulty, student residence, and semester. Forms of hybrid collaboration and student–student interaction did not significantly influence student preferences. Takeaways: The value of this study lies in its evidence‐based findings for specific hybrid scenarios, which can provide useful insights for policymakers in degree programs and faculty in hybrid classrooms. This study is one of only a few to use conjoint analysis with such a high respondent rate to determine student preferences for hybrid attendance. Lay Description: What is currently known about this topic?: Student demand for hybrid teaching scenarios remains high, while many faculty find the scenario technically challenging.Opinions as to the precise features of 'hybrid' vary widely.No clear understanding of the conditions under which students will decide to attend any given class.Demand for additional exchange among online students is recommended in the literature, but often not implemented. What does this paper add?: The study uses conjoint analysis to simulate how students make attendance decisions.The study shows empirically which factors are most important to determine students' attendance.Two‐thirds of the students surveyed prefer an online option.Group composition and informal exchange do not significantly impact students' attendance preferences. Implications for practice/or policy: Students appreciate the flexibility of online learning but expect lecturers to be onsite.Difficult subjects are more likely to be attended onsite.Student residence, workload, degree program, and semester impact students' attendance preferences.No additional infrastructure is needed to encourage exchange among students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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47. Towards tailored cognitive support in augmented reality assembly work instructions.
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Vanneste, Pieter, Dekeyser, Kim, Ullauri, Luis Alberto Pinos, Debeer, Dries, Cornillie, Frederik, Depaepe, Fien, Raes, Annelies, Van den Noortgate, Wim, and Said‐Metwaly, Sameh
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EFFECT sizes (Statistics) , *DATA analysis , *RESEARCH funding , *HIGH school students , *MULTIPLE regression analysis , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *COGNITION disorders , *STATISTICS , *SOCIAL support , *COMPUTER assisted instruction , *LEARNING strategies , *AUGMENTED reality - Abstract
Background: Augmented reality (AR) is receiving increasing interest as a tool to create an interactive and motivating learning environment. Yet, it is unclear how instructional support affects performance in AR. Objectives: This study sought to explore how varying the instructional support in AR can affect performance‐related behaviours of students with low cognitive abilities during assembly work. Methods: A total of 90 Belgian secondary school students repeatedly executed four different realistic assembly tasks. Three levels of instructional support (low, medium, and high) in AR as well as a control condition with paper instructions with a high level of detail were systematically varied across tasks and participants. Results and Conclusions: Multilevel regression analyses showed that AR instructions yielded lower assembly times and a lower perceived physical effort than paper instructions. Additionally, participants perceived tasks as less complex when given AR instructions with a high or a medium level of detail than when given a low level of detail. No effects of instructional support were established for other performance‐related behaviours, namely necessary assistance, error‐making, cognitive load, competence frustration, and stress. Effect sizes were small, at least among the instructional support conditions studied, yielding a limited base for adaptivity. Presumably, tailoring the instructional support in AR is only beneficial for highly complex tasks. The results might be useful for the design and implementation of AR in educational settings. Lay Description: What is currently known about the subject matter: Augmented reality is knowing increased use in education.Little is known about how to design effective instructional support in augmented reality. What this paper adds: This study represents an initial insight into how to personalize instructional support.The impact of instructional support on augmented reality performance of students with low cognitive abilities was investigated.The study suggests that varying instructional support may lead to differences in performance outcomes. Implications for practitioners: How instructional support is constructed may affect augmented reality learning.The results may inform the design of effective augmented reality learning environments for students with special needs.How individual, contextual, and task‐specific characteristics moderate the effectiveness of instructional support should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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48. Comparing narrative storytelling ability in individuals with autism and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Pham, Linh N. H., Lee, Adrian KC, Estes, Annette, Dager, Stephen, Hemingway, Susan J., Thorne, John C., and Lau, Bonnie K.
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PEARSON correlation (Statistics) , *T-test (Statistics) , *DATA analysis , *AUTISM , *PHONOLOGICAL awareness , *FISHER exact test , *KRUSKAL-Wallis Test , *DISCOURSE analysis , *FETAL alcohol syndrome , *STORYTELLING , *MEDICAL coding , *ONE-way analysis of variance , *STATISTICS , *CONFLICT management , *LANGUAGE acquisition , *PEOPLE with disabilities ,PHYSIOLOGICAL aspects of speech - Abstract
Background: Narrative discourse, or storytelling, is used in daily conversation and requires higher‐level language and social communication skills that are not always captured by standardised assessments of language. Many autistic individuals and individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have difficulties with both social communication and language skills, and narrative discourse analysis offers an ecologically relevant approach to assessing those challenges. Aims: This study investigated narrative discourse in individuals with autism and FASD, as well as an age‐ and sex‐matched comparison group. Methods and Procedures: Narratives from 45 adolescents and adults, 11 with autism, 11 with FASD and 23 age‐ and sex‐matched comparison participants were elicited using a wordless storybook. They were then transcribed orthographically, formatted to the Systematic Analyses of Language Transcript (SALT) convention and scored based on the SALT Narrative Scoring Scheme (NSS), a standardised language analysis protocol. In addition to the NSS total score, which assesses the overall structure and cohesion of the narratives produced, local and global measures of language ability were also employed. The local language measures included the number of mental state and temporal relation terms produced, while the global language measures included mean length of utterance, total different words, total words, total utterances, rate of speech, the number of mazes (e.g., repetitions, 'um', 'uh' or self‐corrections) per total word and the NSS total score. Outcomes and Results: Using the SALT Language Sample Analysis tool, our results revealed that on global language measures, group differences were found on rate of speech, number of mazes per total words and the description of conflict/resolution in the narratives produced. The autism group produced significantly more mazes per total word and scored higher on the NSS conflict/resolution category score compared to the FASD and comparison groups. Both the autism and FASD groups spoke at a lower rate than the comparison group. On local language measures of narrative production, all groups were comparable, on average. Conclusions and Implications: While many aspects of narrative discourse in the autism and FASD groups were similar to each other and to the comparison group, we observed group differences on global measures of narrative production and significant individual variability within groups, suggesting that narrative abilities considered at an individual level may provide important clinical information for intervention planning. Future research should also consider additional variables that influence narrative discourse, such as motivation, distractibility or decision‐making of individual participants. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Narrative discourse, or storytelling, is used in daily conversational interactions and reveals higher‐level language skills that may not be well captured by standardised assessments of language. Many autistic individuals and individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) show difficulty with pragmatic and expressive language skills. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: We found that many aspects of the narratives produced by the adolescents/young adults in the autism and FASD groups were comparable to each other and to the neurotypical group. However, the groups differed on three global measures of narrative production: rate of speech, number of mazes per total words and the description of conflict/resolution in the narratives produced. Also, significant variability was observed within groups, suggesting that narrative abilities should be considered at an individual level as opposed to their clinical groups. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This study showed that narrative discourse is an appropriate task that can be added to routine clinical assessments of language abilities in autistic adolescents/young adults as well as those with FASD or typical development and has the potential to reveal higher‐level, real‐world language skills. An important clinical implication of this study is that narrative language abilities should be considered at an individual level and individual‐tailored interventions based on ability level due to the variability observed across individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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49. 'Turning up and tuning in'. Factors associated with parental non‐attendance and non‐adherence in intervention for young children with speech, language communication needs.
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Williams, Penny, Slonims, Vicky, and Weinman, John
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TREATMENT of language disorders , *PATIENTS' families , *EFFECT sizes (Statistics) , *SELF-efficacy , *MATERNAL age , *MEDICAL personnel , *SATISFACTION , *DATA analysis , *MULTIPLE regression analysis , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *PARENT-child relationships , *STATISTICAL sampling , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *LOGISTIC regression analysis , *PARENT attitudes , *PARENTING , *FAMILY relations , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *SELF-control , *CHI-squared test , *CONFIDENCE , *MOTIVATION (Psychology) , *PRE-tests & post-tests , *MEDICAL records , *TELEPHONES , *RESEARCH , *MEDICAL appointments , *ELECTRONIC health records , *STATISTICS , *PSYCHOLOGY of parents , *NEEDS assessment , *DATA analysis software , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *SPEECH therapy , *PATIENT participation , *EDUCATIONAL attainment , *REGRESSION analysis , *SENSITIVITY & specificity (Statistics) , *PATIENT aftercare - Abstract
Background: When parents bring their child to appointments and then adhere to agreed speech and language therapy (SLT) recommendations, there is the potential to increase the intensity of the intervention, support generalization and improve outcomes. In SLT, however, little is known about factors that may promote attendance or adherence. Studies in other clinical areas such in medicine, psychology and physiotherapy have identified risk factors for non‐attendance or non‐adherence that are multifactorial and variable dependent on, for example, population and intervention. Aims: To identify rates of non‐attendance and non‐adherence, and to identify parent or child factors associated with parent involvement in intervention for children under 5 years of age receiving SLT. Methods: Parents completed questionnaires at two time points assessing the domains of parents' beliefs (problem perceptions, self‐efficacy), personal circumstances (socio‐demographics, family functioning), treatment experience and child factors. Predictors of parent attendance and adherence were identified through multiple regression analyses. Non‐attendance rates were identified via local health records and non‐adherence ascertained using a specific parent‐reported measure within the treatment experience domain. Results: Participants (N = 199) were predominantly mothers, and were ethnically and socio‐economically diverse, speaking a wide range of languages. Their children presented with a range of speech, language communication needs (SLCN). The rate of non‐attendance was 25% and the main predictors of non‐attendance were maternal age, education level and two factors within the parent beliefs domain. This model explained 40% of the variance in attendance. The rate of non‐adherence in this cohort was 26% with parental rating of the importance of a recommendation and self‐efficacy beliefs predicting adherence; this explained 56% of the variance in adherence to SLT recommendations at home. Conclusions & Implications: Our research has provided preliminary evidence of the influence of parents' beliefs, personal circumstances and treatment experiences on their involvement in their child's therapy. Speech and language therapists should consider factors impacting attendance and adherence to treatment and explore parental perceptions of their child's SLCN before embarking on an intervention, a foundation for collaborative practice. A possible limitation of this study is that the levels of attrition in our sample led to generally high measured rates of participation, which should be considered in future studies. Future research should explore adherence in treatments with varying doses, with different types of SLCN or interventions and in different settings. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: It is acknowledged that parent involvement in their child's therapy, such as attending and adhering to recommendations, is important but little is known about the rates of involvement and what factors may be associated with attendance and adherence in SLT. Qualitative research has explored parental involvement suggesting that beliefs about an intervention may be pertinent. Extensive research in other clinical areas suggest multiple and varied factors are influential and further exploration of particular populations and interventions is necessary. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This study identified rates of parental non‐attendance and non‐adherence in a cohort of predominantly mothers of children under the age of 5 years. It is the first study to measure parent adherence in SLT and identify factors that are associated parental adherence to SLT recommendations. It adds to the small body of SLT specific research in understanding risk factors for non‐attendance. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This study highlights the need for a speech and language therapist to consider and explore parents' perspectives of their child's SLCN as a part of achieving collaboration with a parent in order to achieve the best outcomes. It provides a foundation for further systematic research into parent involvement with the ultimate aim of enhancing outcomes for children with SLCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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50. 'It gives you encouragement because you're not alone': A pilot study of a multi‐component social media skills intervention for people with acquired brain injury.
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Brunner, Melissa, Rietdijk, Rachael, Summers, Kayla, Southwell, Kylie, Avramovic, Petra, Power, Emma, Miao, Melissa, Rushworth, Nick, MacLean, Liza, Brookes, Anne‐Maree, and Togher, Leanne
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BRAIN physiology , *REHABILITATION for brain injury patients , *SOCIAL media , *HUMAN services programs , *DATA analysis , *RESEARCH funding , *MEDICAL care , *PILOT projects , *INTERVIEWING , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *CONTENT analysis , *INTERNET , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *PRE-tests & post-tests , *QUALITY of life , *RESEARCH methodology , *STATISTICS , *BRAIN injuries , *SOCIAL support , *SOCIAL skills education , *COGNITION - Abstract
Background: People with an acquired brain injury (ABI) find it challenging to use social media due to changes in their cognition and communication skills. Using social media can provide opportunities for positive connection, but there is a lack of interventions specifically designed to support safe and successful social media use after ABI. Aims: To investigate the outcomes of completing a social media skills intervention and identify barriers and facilitators for future implementation. Methods & Procedures: The study used a mixed‐methods, pre‐post‐intervention design. A total of 17 adults with an ABI were recruited. Participants completed an intervention that included a short self‐guided course about social media skills (social‐ABI‐lity course), and then participated in a private, moderated Facebook group over a 12‐week period (social‐ABI‐lity Facebook group). Data were collected over this period through observation of group activity and weekly surveys. They were also collected on social media use and quality of life at pre‐intervention, post‐intervention and after 3 months. Participants provided feedback on the experience of participating in the programme via a post‐intervention interview. Outcomes & Results: At post‐intervention, there were significant improvements in confidence in using Facebook (p = 0.002) and enjoyment of using Facebook to connect with others (p = 0.013). There was no significant change in reported quality of life, although participants described the multiple benefits of connection they perceived from involvement in the group. Observational data and feedback interviews were informative about the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Conclusions & Implications: This pilot study provided preliminary evidence that an intervention comprising a short, self‐guided training course and a private, moderated Facebook group improved outcomes for people with ABI. Key recommendations for future implementation include embedding active peer moderators within groups and taking an individualized approach to delivery of the intervention. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Research has documented the challenges that people with ABI experience in using social media, and the difficulty for rehabilitation clinicians in providing appropriate support in this field. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This pilot study reports the outcomes of people with ABI completing a short, self‐guided social media skills course and participating in a private, moderated Facebook group. After the intervention, participants reported significantly increased confidence and enjoyment in using Facebook, described the benefits of connection found in the groups, and suggested potential improvements for future implementation. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: With the growing use of social media for connection and participation, there is a professional obligation to address social media communication skills in cognitive–communication rehabilitation for people with ABI. The findings of this study will inform interventions and future research to assist people with ABI to build their social media skills for communication, social support and a sense of connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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