bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “Comfort Zoom”: Preservice Teachers’ (PTs’) Perceptions on Distance Learning During the Pandemic
Authors:   Department of Education and Teaching, Tel-Hai College, Israel, yonitn@telhai.ac.il, Nissim Yonit , Simon Eitan ,   Department of Education and Teaching, Tel-Hai College, Israel, eitans@telhai.ac.il
Published: December 2023

The study aims to evaluate in real time the level of PTs’ satisfaction with distance learning in three main aspects: lecturers, college’s functioning and self-appraisal of learning practices with distance learning in a teacher training campus. It can be defined as an action research, to understand and improve the quality of the educative process in an agile way during the crisis. Through the lens of performance improvement theory, we sought to determine if Preservice Teachers satisfaction with learning remotely would change over time because of institutional preparedness and faculty support. The sample group consisted of n=183 PTs ’in the first semester (31% Return percentage), N=193 in the second semester (32% Return percentage) and N=284 (47% Return percentage in the third semester (out of 600 Preservice Teachers’). The findings indicate both challenges and successes. In the second and third semesters, PTs’ reported higher levels of motivation, desire to learn, concentration taking an active part in class, and interest in the studied material, focusing on the lesson and ignoring distracting factors compared to the first semester. Preservice Teachers’’ coping with distance learning during the third semester were significantly better than the previous two semesters. Their evaluation of the lecturers’ at third semester was significantly higher. Preservice Teachers has perceived the lecturers’ role as an anchor of stability in the sea of change. The findings indicate the speed at which PTs’s adopted the innovative changes during the crisis. However, their evaluation of the college at the second semester was better than at the first and third semesters. These findings are important, as they shine a spotlight on associations between PTs’ satisfactions during times of change. Keywords: comfort zoom, distance learning, Covid-19, teacher training, teacher satisfaction
Developing a Five-Dimensional Construct of Pre-Service Teachers’ Conceptions of Assessment
Authors:   Dr., Faculty of Education, Beit Berl College, Israel, adi.levi_verd@beitberl.ac.il, Levy-Vered Adi
Published: December 2023

Research on teachers’ and pre-service teachers’ conceptions of assessment (CoA) has so far focused on assessment purposes and uses. However, recent decades have seen significant changes in assessment approaches that require a deeper examination of the nature and aspects of assessment concepts. The current study is a continuation of a previous qualitative study that analyzed the COA of 94 Israeli pre-service teachers before and after an assessment course. In this study, we examined these data extensively to identify and formulate key dimensions of assessment conception. Qualitative analysis of the rich datasets, including metaphors, indicates the diversity and complexity of the assessment concept. Five dimensions of conceptions were identified: (1) complexity of the assessment process, (2) emotional attitude toward assessment, (3) assessment uses and purposes, (4) teacher-student relationship in the assessment context, and (5) criticism of the educational system. The findings expand previous conceptualizations of assessment concepts and may develop a broad model and instruments for measuring CoA. This implication is significant in this era of paradigmatic shifting in the assessment field. Keywords: conceptions of assessment, student assessment, pre-service teachers, dimensions, metaphors
Slovak EFL Teachers' Perceptions of Using L1 at English Lessons
Authors:   Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, University of Žilina, Slovakia, rastislav.metruk@fhv.uniza.sk, Metruk Rastislav , Rafajdusová Patrícia ,   Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Education, Trnava University, Slovakia, rafajdusovap@gmail.com
Published: December 2023

Using L1 (mother tongue) for the purposes of the target language teaching and learning has been the subject of ample debate throughout the years, generating considerable controversy among instructors and researchers. Although the principles of CLT (communicative language teaching) somehow “delimit” to a certain extent its use at EFL (English as a foreign language) classes, attitudes towards the implementation of L1 into foreign language classes may vary considerably. Thus, this article endeavours to plug this gap by examining the Slovak in-service EFL teachers’ (n = 140) perceptions of using L1 at English classes by acquiring and interpreting the data derived from the research method of a questionnaire, employing a 5-point likers scale items. The research outcomes indicate that although it is the tactful, sound, and judicious use of L1 that is favoured by the teachers, the mother tongue appears to take on a relatively high importance in the realms of EFL teaching and learning. Finally, pedagogical implications are discussed, and suggestions are provided regarding the use of L1 at L2 classes. It is vital that further exploration in this area takes place by performing future studies in this regard. Keywords: EFL teacher, in-service English language teacher, EFL learner, teaching English, L1, native language, mother tongue, L2, foreign language
Economic Education, Digital Literacy and Intention to Invest Among Students: The Mediating Role of Financial Attitudes
Authors:   Head of Post Graduated Economics Education Program, Jakarta State University, Faculty of Economics, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia, suparno@feunj.ac.id, Suparno Suparno , Disman Disman ,   Prof., Economics Education, Faculty of Economics Education and Business, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia, disman@upi.edu, Saptono Ari ,   Prof., Economics Education, Faculty of Economics, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia, saptono.fe@unj.ac.id, Widhiastuti Ratieh ,   Senior Lecture, Faculty of Economics Education and Business, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia, ratieh.widhiastuti@mail.unnes.ac.id
Published: December 2023

The pandemic has raised the students’ activities in finding income, ranging from entrepreneurship to investing intention. This study aims to determine the role of economic education and digital literacy on student investment interest in universities during the Covid-19 period. In the analytical model proposed, it is assumed that the financial attitude variable is a mediating variable in education and financial knowledge in investment intentions. Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior and Bandura’s Social Learning Theory was developed for the research model. The research adopted quantitative methods using survey research data from saturated sampling techniques. The participants in this study were students of Universitas Negeri Jakarta who are members of the Indonesian stock exchange investment gallery organization. From the 234 proposed questionnaires, 203 questionnaires were returned and filled out completely for data analysis. The study results confirmed the three hypotheses and rejected the four proposed hypotheses. Economic education affects student investment intentions and significantly affects financial attitudes. However, digital literacy affects students’ investment intentions but fails to shape investment intentions through financial attitudes. Another finding is that economic education and digital literacy have no effect on shaping financial attitudes, but financial attitudes influence students’ investment intentions during the pandemic. Keywords: economic education, digital literacy, intention to invest, financial attitudes, covid-19 period
Impact of a Student-Designed Videogame on Students’ Perceptions of Sexual Genre-Based Violence Risks
Authors:   Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de América Latina (UCAL), Peru,  bjperdomod@crear.ucal.edu.pe, Perdomo Bexi , Swayne Dora Viviana Vega ,   Toulouse Lautrec, Peru, dvegas@tls.edu.pe, Ordinola Marianella Cecilia Hernández ,   Toulouse Lautrec, Peru, mhernandez@tls.edu.pe, Novoa Claudia Sofia Olivares ,   Toulouse Lautrec, Perú,  colivares@tls.edu.pe, Ugarte María del Carmen Galarreta ,   Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de América Latina (UCAL), Peru, mdgalarretau@crear.ucal.edu.pe
Published: December 2023

The study aimed to assess the impact of a student-created videogame on university students’ perceptions of the risk of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) against women. It was based on two research questions: (1) to what extent the game ‘Un día a la vez’ (UDALV) impacts students’ perceptions of SGBV? (2) How do students perceive the game’s efficiency to change their perception of SGBV? This mixed study included the qualitative analysis of the game and, quantitative and qualitative techniques to assess and understand its impact on students’ perception. The sample consisted of 51 students aged between 17 and 24. The game showed easygoing narrative and mechanics with varied dynamics. Quantitative results indicated a positive effect of UDALV on all students’ perceptions of the risks of SGBV with a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest for the overall sample: t (50) = 9.050 (p = .000; d = .497). However, no differences were observed for the impact between males and females: t (47) = .581 (p = .564; d = .167). The interviews indicated that students find the game effective. In the context of this research, the results seem to be beneficial for gender-equity education programs addressed to young people. Keywords: serious games; university students; higher education; gender-equity education; students’ perception
Exploring Effective Methods for Identifying Gifted and Talented Students
Authors:   Asst. Prof., Amman Arab University, Jordan, s.ayasrah@aau.edu.jo, Ayasrah Samer , Alnasraween Mo’en ,   Assoc. Prof., Amman Arab University, Jordan, mueen@aau.edu.jo, Hanandeh Anas ,   Asst. Prof., Amman Arab University, Jordan, a.hanandeh@aau.edu.jo
Published: December 2023

Identifying gifted and talented students is one of the biggest challenges that face those working with them. As a result, the purpose of this research was to investigate the most effective methods of identifying gifted and talented students. Furthermore, the study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study’s sample size was 465 teachers and administrators, and the results revealed that the level of effective identification methods for gifted and talented students from the teachers’ and administrators’ point of view who work with them was moderate. As well, the findings showed statistically significant differences due to the gender variable in favor of males and due to the experience variable in favor of those with more than 10 years of experience. Furthermore, the study recommended using new technologies to identify gifted and talented students, as well as rehabilitating and training teachers and administrators on methods of identifying gifted and talented students, whether before or during their service, and providing them with all the necessary knowledge and practical experiences. Keywords: exploring, identification methods, gifted, talented, gifted schools
Perceptions and readiness of high school mathematics teachers for integration of ICT tools in the teaching and learning of mathematics
Authors: Arhin Jacob , Boateng Francis Ohene , Akosah Ernest Frimpong , Gyimah Kennedy
Published: December 2023

This paper seeks to gain insights into teachers’ perceptions, and readiness to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) tools in mathematics instruction. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving surveys and interviews with a sample of high school mathematics teachers. The study involved 90 mathematics teachers working in three senior high schools in Kumasi metropolis in Ghana. The study revealed that teachers generally hold positive perceptions of the benefits of ICT tools in mathematics teaching. They strongly agree that ICT tools enhance students’ understanding of mathematical concepts and improve their engagement and motivation in mathematics classes. Teachers also recognize the potential of ICT tools in promoting problem-solving skills and providing opportunities for differentiation and personalized learning. However, opinions regarding student-centered learning, exploration, and creativity through ICT tools were more varied, suggesting a need for further investigation and support in these areas. In addition teachers expressed the need for continuous training on specific tools, curriculum alignment, and assessment methods. 
Quercetin'in HT-29 ve HCT-116 kolon kanseri hücre hatları üzerine etkisinin RIPK1, RIPK3 ve MLKL genlerinin ekspresyonları ile incelenmesi
Authors: TUNCER Alp Can , HAS Sevval , BAĞIŞ Haydar , BOZGEYİK Esra
Published: December 2023

Amaç: Quercetin kolon kanseri dahil birçok kanser çeşidinde anti-kanser aktivite gösteren bir bileşiktir. Ancak, quercetinin nekroptoz yolağı üzerine etkilerini gösteren çalışmalar kısıtlıdır ve bu nedenle bu çalışmada quercetinin nekroptoz yolağına etkisinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Gereç ve Yöntem: HT-29 ve HCT-116 kolon kanseri hücreleri kültür edilip farklı konsantrasyondaki quercetinin hücre canlılığına etkisi MTT yöntemi ile belirlendi. Sonrasında quercetinin nekroptoza etkisinin belirlenmesi için RIPK1, RIPK3 ve MLKL genlerinin ekspresyon seviyesi analiz edildi.
Bulgular: HT-29 hücrelerinde quercetinin aktif dozu 50 µM (p=0,0286) olarak bulunurken HCT-116 hücrelerinde 100 µM (p=0,009) bulundu. 50 ve 100 µM quercetin ile maruz bırakılan HT-29 hücrelerinde nekroptoz belirteçlerinin ekspresyon seviyesinde ciddi bir artış tespit edildi.
Sonuç: Bu çalışmanın sonuçları quercetinin nekroptoz yolağının aktif bir düzenleyicisi olabileceğini göstermiştir.
Preterm doğum sonrası germinal matriks kanaması olan yenidoğanların retrospektif değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ÖZEN Ali , AKAR Selahattin
Published: December 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmada germinal matriks kanaması olan hastaların klinik seyri ve tedavi sonuçlarını değerlendirmek amaçlanmıştır.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Ocak 2018 – Mart 2020 tarihleri arasında germinal matriks kanaması olan hastalar retrospektif olarak incelenmiştir.
Bulgular: Toplam 66 hasta germinal matriks kanaması nedeni ile takip edildi. Hastaların 34’ü kadın, 32’si erkekti. On sekiz hastanın evre-1, 22 hastanın evre-2, 16 hastanın evre-3 ve 10 hastanın evre-4 kanaması vardı. Yirmi altı hastaya ventriküler tap yapıldı. On üç hastaya eksternal ventriküler drenaj takıldı. Bir hastaya ventriküler rezervuar ve bir hastaya ventrikülosubgaleal şant takıldı. Takiplerinde sekiz hastaya ventriküloperitoneal şant takıldı. Otuz altı hasta exitus oldu. Yirmi beş hasta taburcu edildi. Beş hasta dış merkeze sevk edildi.
Sonuç: Preterm doğum sonrası germinal matriks kanamaları sık görülmekte ve asemptomatik olabilmektedir. Hastaların transfontanel ultrasonografi ile değerlendirilmeleri erken tanı ve tedavi olanağı sağlamaktadır. Bu hastaların tedavileri konusunda ortak bir algoritma henüz bulunmamaktadır.
Assessment of bruxism and temporomandibular disorder in mothers of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: DURSUN Ömer , DİNCER Erhan , SAĞOL İbrahim Hakkı
Published: December 2023

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess bruxism and temporomandibular disorder in mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Materials and Methods: 18 mothers of children with CP and 18 mothers of healthy children were included in study. The pressure pain threshold of the masticatory muscles and the upper trapezius were measured with a digital dynamometer. Maximum mouth opening was assessed with a digital caliper. Bruxism was evaluated by a non-instrumental method. Sleep quality, depression, neck disability, and temporomandibular disorder were evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Index, Neck Disability Index, and Fonseca Questionnaire.
Results: Pain thresholds were lower (p<0.05), sleep disturbance, depression, neck disability, and temporomandibular disorder were higher in the mothers of children with CP (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Our study showed that bruxism and temporomandibular disorder are highly observed in mothers of children with CP.
TAFI phenomenon and its clinical significance
Authors: Bokarev I. N. , Melnikov A. P. , Burykh S. I.
Published: December 2023

Thrombin activatable fi brinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is one of the key proteins of fi brinolysis and infl ammation systems. Based on  literature data, information is presented on the biological eff ects of TAFI, the mechanisms of its activation, gene polymorphism  that determines the duration of its action and activity. Nosological forms are listed, where TAFI is important in the pathogenesis  of the development of diseases, its role in experimental and laboratory studies, and the possibility of pharmacological infl uence  on the activity of this protein.
Primary hyperaldosteronism: the choice in favor of conservative surgery
Authors: Annayev M. S. , Stegniy K. V. , Geltser B. I. , Goncharuk R. A. , Morozova A. M. , Maslyantsev E. V.
Published: December 2023

Primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) is the most common cause of secondary arterial hypertension among endocrine disorders.  Given that patients with this pathology are at a higher risk of developing fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, early  diagnosis and timely treatment are of great importance. Currently, the two main forms of PHA are aldosterone-producing  adenoma and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, which are treated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy or pharmacotherapy with  mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Although most patients experience restoration of their functional and metabolic  status after surgical intervention, some may develop postoperative adrenal insuffi ciency, which requires long-term hormone  replacement therapy. This review examines the options for organ-preserving surgeries, such as partial adrenalectomy and  selective embolization of the adrenal artery.
Non-antimicrobial therapy of community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Zaitsev A. A.
Published: December 2023

This publication deals with the issue of adjuvant (non-antimicrobial) therapy for community-acquired pneumonia. A critical analysis is provided on the appropriateness of using various drugs (mucolytics, non-steroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs, immunoglobulins, etc.) and physical methods of chest impact for community-acquired pneumonia, and recommendations are given for their clinical use. Special attention is paid to the use of systemic glucocorticosteroids and inhaled nitric oxide.
Features of the blood lipid spectrum in men exposed to elevated noise levels
Authors: Rudoi M. D. , Makarova E. V. , Strakhova L. A. , Ivanova Yu. V.
Published: December 2023

Dyslipidemia is the main factor in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The search for probable factors aff ecting  lipid metabolism is relevant.The aimof the study was to evaluate the parameters of lipid metabolism in the blood serum  of men exposed to elevated noise levels.Material and methods.293 men with no confi rmed atherosclerotic cardiovascular  diseases were examined. Among the surveyed, 2 groups were identifi ed: 203 men who work under the infl uence of noise, and  90 men who do not come into contact with harmful production factors. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low- and high-density  lipoproteins, and the level of oxidized low-density lipoproteins were determined. Remnant cholesterol, atherogenic index and  atherogenic plasma index were calculated.Results.Among persons under 55 years of age working in noise, an increase in total  cholesterol (p = 0.02) and remnant cholesterol (p = 0.0006), a decrease in high-density lipoproteins (p = 0.03) and a tendency  to increase the atherogenic index (p = 0.05) and the atherogenic plasma index (p = 0.07) were revealed. The prevalence  of hypercholesterolemia was comparable in the main and control groups and amounted to 56.7 and 47.4%, respectively  (p = 0.17). The median level of oxidized low-density lipoproteins in people working with noise did not exceed the upper limit  of the norm. Conclusions. In men younger than 55 years old, working under conditions of exposure to increased noise levels,  some features of the blood lipid spectrum are observed. The revealed changes may indicate an increase in the atherogenic  potential of the blood serum
Renovascilar hypertension against the background of multifocal atherosclerosis: impact of endovascular methods of correction on its course and optimization of remedial measures
Authors: Fursov A. N. , Potekhin N. P. , Chernov S. A. , Zakharova E. G. , Gaidukov A. V.
Published: December 2023

The course of renovascular (resistant) arterial hypertension was analyzed in 60 patients (45 men, 15 women) with isolated  atherosclerotic stenosis of the renal artery of more than 75% (group 1), and in 30 patients (26 men, 4 women) who, in addition  to unilateral stenosis of the renal artery of more than 75%, also had stenoses of the brachiocephalic arteries up to 60% of  the vessel diameter (group 2). The mean age of the examined patients in group 1 was 52.4 ± 6.9 years, and in group 2 it was  53.2 ± 7.4 years. Endovascular correction of hemodynamically significant stenosis of the renal artery leads to a significant  decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, a reduction in the number of antihypertensive drugs from 5-4 to a  3-component scheme in most cases, and an improvement in the functional state of the kidneys. At the end of the 2-year observation  period, in patients with multifocal lesions of the renal and cerebral arteries (group 2), both systolic and diastolic blood pressure  levels corresponded to “high normal” values, while in group 1 (isolated renal artery lesions) they corresponded to “normal”  blood pressure levels. Patients in group 2 had metabolic disorders such as atherogenic dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and  significant signs of renal dysfunction. The multifocal nature of atherosclerotic vascular lesions contributes to a more “severe”  course of the disease, which should be taken into account when conducting treatment measures.
Modern approaches to the choice of schemes for eradication of Helicobacter рylori infection (based on the materials of the consensus meeting "Maastricht-VI")
Authors: Sheptulin A. A. , Kardasheva S. S. , Kurbatova A. A.
Published: December 2023

The article presents an analysis of the provisions of the consensus meeting “Maastricht-VI”, dedicated to the treatment  of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The expediency of preliminary testing for H. pylori sensitivity to antibiotics is emphasized. Since this strategy has not yet been implemented in everyday clinical practice, empirical therapy is often carried  out based on the results of the assessment of H. pylori resistance to antibiotics in this region. The sequence of administration of  eradication regimens of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th lines, optimal duration of treatment, new therapy regimens (with rifabutin, double  therapy with proton pump inhibitors and amoxicillin in high doses) are considered. The implementation of the new consensus  meeting will contribute to improving the results of eradication therapy of H. pylori infection.
Capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of exophytic gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the small intestine
Authors: Kortieva A. T. , Krushelnitsky V. S. , Gabriel S. A. , Dynko V. Yu. , Guchetl A. Ya. , Tlekhuray R. M.
Published: December 2023

The frequency of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is 0.1–0.3% of all neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common clinical feature of GISTs is gastrointestinal bleeding caused by ulceration of the tumor. Based on a clinical case, the eff ectiveness of capsule endoscopy in diagnosing GISTs is demonstrated.
Comprehensive Colony Health Management and Emerging Pathogens of the Annual Killifish Species Nothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Naumann Uta , Brazzell Jennifer L , Crim Marcus J , Hoppe Beate
Published: December 2023

The Leibniz Institute on Aging has maintained killifish colonies for over 15 y. Our veterinarians, scientists, and animal technicians developed a fish health scoring system and routine colony health surveillance program for our colonies. Over a 4-y period, health data from the African turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri colony were systematically collected and analyzed. The fish health assessment system facilitated categorization of clinical signs and differentiation of fish with mild clinical signs from fish that required euthanasia. This report provides new information on clinical signs and conditions that may occur in young and aged N. furzeri. To be comprehensive, a colony health surveillance program incorporates animal health at both the individual and the population levels. The quarterly routine health monitoring program identified Mycobacterium spp. as the most common agent in our facility and identified the killifish pathogen (Loma acerinae) for the first time. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive colony health management system in a fish research facility. By improving the health and welfare of fish used for research, the scientific community will benefit from less variable and more reliably reproducible research results.
Tribe Potentilleae (except for Alchemilla; Rosaceae) in the flora of the Republic of Dagestan: conspectus, distribution, identification key
Authors: Murtazaliev R. A. , Kechaykin A. A. , Vaganov A. V. , Tatanov I. V. , Shmakov A. I.
Published: December 2023

A review of the tribe Potentilleae Sweet (except for Alchemilla L.) in the flora of the Republic of Dagestan with an identification key is presented. According to preliminary data, the tribe includes 8 genera and 36 species. Genus Potentilla L. is the most numerous and numbers 26 species. Among them, P. assalemica Soják is a new species for Russia, P. pedata Willd. ex Hornem. is reported for Dagestan for the first time, P. daghestanica Soják is a subendemic of the study region, which was omitted from the earlier published «Conspectus of the flora of Dagestan» (CFD). In the flora of Dagestan, the genera Fragaria L. and Sibbaldia L. consist of 3 and 2 species respectively; Aphanes L., Argentina Hill, Dasiphora Raf., Drymocallis Fourr. ex Rydb. and Sibbaldianthe Juz. include one species each. For some botanical-geographical regions of Dagestan new findings are given, including Potentilla adenophylla Boiss. and P. ruprechtii Boiss., subendemics of the Caucasus. Compared with CFD, Potentilla is considered here in a strict sense, with separation of such genera as Argentina, Dasiphora, Drymocallis, and Sibbaldianthe.
Addendum to “The parasite-mediated domestication hypothesis”
Authors: Skok Janko
Published: December 2023

The parasite-mediated domestication hypothesis (PMD) assumes an important role of endoparasites in the process of domestication, primarily in the initial phase, i.e. proto-domestication. It predicts that the frequency of domestication syndrome traits in the wild population increases i) with decreasing genetic resistance to parasites and/or ii) with increasing parasite load. This addendum expands on the aspect of genetic resistance/tolerance to parasites, explains the limitations associated with artificial and relaxed selection, and suggests a possible experimental approach to testing PMD.
HIIT at Home: Enhancing Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Older Adults – A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Fosstveit Sindre , Berntsen Sveinung , Feron Jack , Joyce Kelsey E. , Ivarsson Andreas , Segaert Katrien , Lucas Sam , Seiler Hilde Lohne
Published: December 2023

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a six-month home-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention to improve peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak) and lactate threshold (LT) in older adults.Methods: 233 healthy older adults (60-84 years; 54% females) were randomly assigned to either six-month, thrice-weekly home-based HIIT (once-weekly circuit training and twice-weekly interval training) or a passive control group. Exercise sessions were monitored using a Polar watch and a logbook for objective and subjective data, respectively, and guided by a personal coach. The outcomes were assessed using a modified Balke protocol combining V̇O2peak and LT measures.1 General linear regression models assessed between-group differences in change and within-group changes for each outcome.Results: There was a significant between-group difference in the pre-to-post change in V̇O2peak (difference: 1.8 [1.2;2.3] mL/kg/min; exercise: +1.4 [1.0;1.7] mL/kg/min; control: -0.4 [-0.8;-0.0] mL/kg/min; effect size (ES):0.35). Compared to controls, the exercise group had lower blood lactate concentration (-0.7 [-0.9;-0.4] mmol/L, ES:0.61), % of peak heart rate (-4.4 [-5.7;-3.0], ES:0.64), and % of V̇O2peak (-4.5 [-6.1;-2.9], ES:0.60) at the intensity corresponding to pre-intervention LT, and achieved a higher treadmill stage at LT (0.6 [0.3;0.8]; ES:0.47), following the intervention. Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of a home-based HIIT intervention as an accessible and equipment-minimal strategy to induce clinically meaningful improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults. Over six months, the exercise group showed larger improvements in all outcomes compared to the control group. Notably, the LT outcome exhibited a more pronounced magnitude of change than V̇O2peak.
Statistical Analysis Plan for the Early & Intensive SCI-MT Trial
Authors: Herbert Rob , Billot Laurent , Harvey Lisa
Published: December 2023

The early and intensive motor training (versus usual care) to enhance neurological recovery and function in people with spinal cord injury (SCI-MT) randomised clinical trial aims to determine whether 10 weeks of intensive motor training enhances neurological recovery in people with recent spinal cord injury (SCI). This statistical analysis plan pre-specifies the method of analysis for every outcome and key variable collected in the trial. The primary analysis will consist in a linear mixed model to estimate the between-group mean difference in Total Motor Scores at 10 weeks. The statistical analysis plan also describes planned sensitivity analyses including covariate adjustments, missing data handling and subgroup analyses.
Motivasi Kerja Pegawai
Authors: Christian Ferdinandus
Published: December 2023

Untuk meningkatkan kinerja pegawai, maka salah satu faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi kinerja pegawai adalah Motivasi. Motivasi adalah doroangan dari dalam diri seseorang yang membuat mereka mau bergerak, bekerja melaksanakan tugas dan tanggung jawab sesuai dengan tupoksi mereka ditempat kerja.
Assessing recent thaw and subsidence of peatland permafrost in coastal Labrador, northeastern Canada
Authors: Wang Yifeng , Way Robert , Lewkowicz Antoni , Tutton Rosamond , Beer Jordan , Colyn Victoria , Forget Anika
Published: December 2023

Ground temperatures have been monitored since 2014 in four shallow boreholes (up to 5.7 m deep) drilled in palsas along the southeastern Labrador Sea coastline. This borehole network is critical for monitoring the effects of climate change on the terrestrial cryosphere and includes some of the southernmost coastal permafrost in the Northern Hemisphere. In this region, there are very few published measurements of active layer thickness, permafrost thickness, and permafrost temperatures. Mean annual ground temperatures of -1.7 to -0.7°C at 1 m depth were surprisingly low at the beginning of the study period, given the relatively thin bodies of permafrost present (<3 m thick). Statistically significant increases in ground temperatures were observed from 2015 to 2022 at some but not all depths in the four boreholes, despite decreases in permafrost thickness observed at all sites. Permafrost thaw resulted from both increased thaw penetration and thaw from the base of permafrost. Thaw penetration relative to the original ground surface increased by 24 to 92% due to a combination of active layer thickening and ground subsidence. Permafrost thaw at these sensitive locations may be driven by changes in mean annual air temperature, vegetation, snow dynamics, hydrology, and human disturbance. These data provide novel insights into the sensitivity of permafrost in this understudied region and can be used to validate predictive thermal modelling under future climate scenarios.
Intolerance of Uncertainty and Psychosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morriss Jayne , Ellett Lyn
Published: December 2023

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU), the tendency to interpret and react negatively to uncertainty, is a transdiagnostic risk factor for anxiety, depression, and eating-related conditions. Given the high comorbidity between anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses (SSDs), there is potential for IU to play a role in modulating psychosis symptoms. To address this gap in our understanding, we conducted a systematic review on IU and psychosis within the general population and SSDs. The systematic review identified seven studies (four clinical samples (total n = 453), two student samples (total n = 413), and one at-risk mental state of psychosis sample (n = 35)) that measured IU and psychosis symptoms. Key findings: (1) IU was not associated with measures of total psychotic symptoms, (2) Higher IU in individuals with at risk mental state of psychosis, compared to controls, (3) Higher IU was associated with more psychotic symptoms related to delusions and paranoia within clinical and nonclinical samples, and (4) there was mixed evidence for a relationship between IU and auditory hallucinations (‘hearing voices’) in clinical samples. Overall, these findings highlight that IU may be an important transdiagnostic dimension for psychotic symptoms such as delusions and paranoia in people with SSDs.
Effects of Chronic Intranasal Oxytocin on Visual Attention to Faces vs. Natural Scenes in Older Adults
Authors: Shoenfelt Alayna , Pehlivanoglu Didem , Lin Tian , Ziaei Maryam , Feifel David , Ebner Natalie C.
Published: December 2023

Aging is associated with changes in face processing, including desensitization to face cues like gaze direction and an attentional preference to faces with positive over negative emotional valence. A parallel line of research has shown that acute administration of oxytocin (OT) increases visual attention to social stimuli such as human faces. The current study examined effects of chronic OT administration among older adults on fixation duration to faces that varied in emotional expression, gaze direction, age, and sex. One hundred and twelve generally healthy older adults (aged 55 - 95 years) underwent a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, between-subject clinical trial in which they self-administered either OT or placebo (P) intranasally twice a day for 4 weeks. The behavioral task involved rating the trustworthiness of faces (i.e., social stimuli) and natural scenes (i.e., non-social control stimuli) during eye tracking and was conducted before and after the intervention. Fixation duration to both the faces and the natural scenes declined from pre- to post-intervention, however this decline was less pronounced among older adults in the OT compared to the P group for faces but not scenes. Further, face cues (emotional expression, gaze direction, age, sex) did not moderate the treatment effect. This study provides first evidence that chronic intranasal OT maintains salience of social cues over time in older adults, perhaps buffering effects of habituation. These findings enhance understanding of OT effects on social cognition among older adults, and would benefit from follow up with a young adult comparison group to directly speak to specificity of observed effects to older adults and reflection of the aging process.
Uncovering urgency in daily life: Testing a novel method for assessing emotion-impulsivity cooccurrence in momentary data
Authors: Mostajabi Janan , Sperry Sarah Havens , King Kevin Michael , Wright Aidan G.C.
Published: December 2023

Impulsivity is a personality trait with broad health implications. Urgency is a facet of impulsivity defined as the tendency to engage in rash action when experiencing strong emotions. Thus, as defined, urgency is a dynamic, if-then process. However, urgency has mostly been studied using cross-sectional dispositional scales. Recent work modeling urgency dynamically as the covariance of momentary emotion and impulsivity has found no associations with trait scores of urgency and impulsivity. We propose that the cooccurrence only of intense instances of emotion and impulsivity may better match urgency’s conceptualization. In exploratory analyses of ambulatory assessment data (N=342), we found a significant correlation between dispositional impulsivity and intense emotion-impulsivity cooccurrences, but not with their momentary covariance. We replicated these results in five preregistered ambulatory assessment studies (total N=786). These findings have implications for the measurement of momentary urgency, and for the articulation of other intense and dynamic events in the moment.
Rejecting an Intergroup Apology Attenuates Perceived Differences Between Victim and Perpetrator Groups in Morality and Power
Authors: Kazarovytska Fiona , Imhoff Roland
Published: December 2023

Intergroup crimes are a ubiquitous element of our political reality, as are attempts to redress these crimes through apologies. Six experiments (N = 2,432) demonstrate that the victim group’s response to an offered apology has the power to shape uninvolved third parties’ impressions of the conflicting groups, and influence their willingness to support the victim group. Across a variety of intergroup contexts, a victim group’s apology rejection attenuated perceived differences between the victim and perpetrator groups by diminishing the morality but increasing the power of the victim group, while simultaneously reducing the power of the perpetrator group in the eyes of third parties (Experiments 1-4). These judgments, particularly the less favorable morality judgments of the victim group, suppressed the allocation of valued goods (Experiment 3a), political support (Experiment 3b-4), and actual donations (Experiment 4) granted to the victim group. Regarding the social costs imposed on the perpetrator group, we found mixed evidence. Taken together, these findings highlight the relevance of victim group responses in navigating post-transgression reactions, and offer implications for understanding apologetic interactions from the perspective of uninvolved observers.
O nó e o tempo pela lógica do sentir
Authors: de Melo Baptista Domingues Guilherme
Published: December 2023

tempo e o nó, a lógica do sentir
Cognitive maps for a non-Euclidean environment: path integration and spatial memory on a sphere
Authors: Kim Misun , Doeller Christian F.
Published: December 2023

Humans build mental models of the world and utilize them for various cognitive tasks. The exact form of cognitive maps is not fully understood, especially for novel and complex environments beyond the flat Euclidean environment. To address this gap, we investigated path integration - a critical process underlying cognitive mapping - and spatial memory capacity on the spherical (non-Euclidean) and planar (Euclidean) environments in young healthy adults (n=20) using immersive virtual reality. We observed a strong Euclidean bias during the path integration task on the spherical surface, even among participants who possessed knowledge of non-Euclidean geometry. Notably, despite this bias, participants demonstrated reasonable navigation ability on the sphere. This observation and simulation suggest that humans navigate non-flat surfaces by constructing locally confined Euclidean maps and flexibly combining them. This insight sheds light on potential neural mechanisms and behavioral strategies for solving complex cognitive tasks.
Effect of Cognitive Load on Time Spent Offline during Wakefulness
Authors: Wamsley Erin J. , Collins Megan B
Published: December 2023

Humans continuously alternate between online attention to the current environment and offline attention to internally generated thought and imagery. This may be fundamental feature of the waking brain, but remains poorly understood. Here, we took a data-driven approach to defining online and offline states of wakefulness, using machine learning methods applied to measures of sensory responsiveness, subjective report, EEG, and pupil diameter. We tested the effect of cognitive load on the structure and prevalence of online and offline states, hypothesizing that time spent offline would increase as cognitive load of an ongoing task decreased. We also expected that alternation between online and offline states would persist even in the absence of a cognitive task. As in prior studies, we arrived at a 3-state model comprised of one online state and two offline states. As predicted, when cognitive load was high, more time was spent online. Also as predicted, the same three states were present even when participants were not performing a task. These observations confirm our method is successful at isolating seconds-long periods of offline time. Varying cognitive load may be a useful way to manipulate time spent in at least one of these offline states in future experimental studies.
On the Credibility of Statistical Inference Within the Neyman-Pearson Hypothesis Testing Framework
Authors: Wong Tsz Keung , Mulder Joris
Published: December 2023

Neyman-Pearson based Null Hypothesis Significance Testing belongs to one of the most commonly used methods for testing hypotheses in psychological research. Despite Neyman and Pearson’s recommendation that the specification of alpha (α) and beta (β) levels should be adapted given each unique research scenario, clear guidelines for doing so are missing. As a result, the conventional level of α = .05 is often used as default without the consideration of β. Moreover, the use of the conventional α-level is argued to be one of the leading causes of the replication crisis. To address this major shortcoming, the goal of the current paper is to propose an intuitive conditional justification of the error rates to guide applied researchers to choose a specific set of alpha and beta for a given research scenario to better reflect the credibility of research findings. More specifically, the selection is based on (i) the proportion of true null hypotheses in the research field and (ii) the conditional probabilities of (in)correct conclusions given the (known) decision to reject or accept the null hypothesis (rather than conditioning on the null and alternative hypotheses being true which is unknown). A Shiny app is available to help researchers with the computation. The method aims to encourage researchers to move away from conventional levels and, instead, strive to rationalize and customize their choices of alpha and beta for each research scenario. This shift aims to facilitate the attainment of trustworthy conclusions, moving beyond automated decision-making based on conventional levels.
Knowing and experiencing the benefits: Factors influencing restoration evoked by nature photographs
Authors: Menzel Claudia , Gessler Miriam , Hoffmann Sonja , Kenst Stefan
Published: December 2023

Nature experiences improve various measures of human well-being. Even viewing nature photographs can lead to subjective restoration, as well as improvement in mood and cognitive function. To investigate how merely viewing images can promote such benefits, we investigated in three online studies whether knowledge about beneficial effects related to nature experiences predicts restoration after viewing nature photographs. Using a between-subjects design in Study 1 (N = 224) and Study 2 (N = 490), we manipulated knowledge about physical and mental health effects related to nature experiences before participants viewed nature photographs and rated them for restorativeness (Study 1) or preference (Study 2). In Study 1, knowledge manipulation had no effect on preference ratings or restoration outcome. However, in Study 2, we found small differences in preference compared to two of the control conditions and for restoration outcome compared to one of the control conditions. In Study 3 (N = 360), we varied between-subjects the assessment of outcome expectancy. Although the assessment itself did not predict restoration, for the respective sub-sample actual restoration was positively related to expected restoration. Moreover, measured knowledge about beneficial effects of nature and - even stronger - reported restorative effects of the participants’ last stay in nature positively predicted restoration evoked by the nature photographs. Overall, our results show that knowledge about beneficial effects of nature exposure can be predictive for restoration evoked by visual representations of nature. However, related factors, such as previous experiences and outcome expectancy, may play more important roles than factual knowledge.
The Importance of Usability and User-Centred Design in Web Applications: A Critical Review of Literature
Authors: Omonigho Toje Joel
Published: December 2023

The importance of usability and user-centric approach towards the success of web applications are examined in this study. Through the digital age, we are becoming increasingly reliant upon online applications. User experience is an essential determinant of whether or not such an app succeeds. In effect, the experience is heavily determined by usability and user-centered design. The research addresses a persistent problem in the digital environment: the gap in the performance of web applications against what users expect them to be. It further illustrates how crucial users' perception of and interaction with online applications is beyond functionality. This paper discusses the benefits and obstacles of adopting a usability and user-centered approach when developing web applications. Relying on contemporary literature, it identifies such aspects as race, gender, social class, language, sexual orientation, religion and others that nowadays remain ignored in social sciences. The lack of consistency between the application's performance and the user's expectations is the primary reason for this negligence.
Assessing the Effectiveness of ChatGPT in Simulating Client Role Play to Practice Counseling Skills
Authors: Maurya Rakesh K.
Published: December 2023

The present study used qualitative content analysis research design to explore and assess the efficacy of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, in the facilitation of simulated client role play aimed at helping counselors in training (CITs) to practice counseling skills. The authors created 10 case vignettes, conducted a simulated role play with ChatGPT as the client. The qualitative content analysis of the session transcripts indicated that ChatGPT, as the simulated client, demonstrated commendable strengths. Its authentic portrayal of diverse client scenarios, nuanced emotional expressions, and empathetic responses indicate its potential as a valuable tool for CITs practicing counseling skills. The model's ability to maintain consistency throughout the role-play sessions, aligning with the provided case vignettes, underscored its reliability in simulating realistic counseling interactions. However, the study also revealed certain limitations, including occasional instances of inauthentic responses and temporary role confusion. Despite these limitations, the study supports the integration of ChatGPT into counseling education programs, emphasizing its role as a promising resource for enhancing the training experience of future counselors.