Affirmative Effect Research Articles

Research progress of cyclosporine A in treatment of recurrent abortion

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is one of the common complications of pregnancy in obstetrics and gynecology, and it seriously threatens the physical and mental health of women in the reproductive period. The etiology of RSA is complex, and based on the basic national conditions and clinical practice in China, it is found that the incidence rate of RSA among women of childbearing age increases year by year. At present, the etiology of some patients with RSA is unknown, and some studies have reported that its pathogenic factors are closely related to immune abnormalities. At present, immunization-related therapeutic scheme of RSA has attracted more and more attention from scholars. Many studies have found that the immunosuppressive agent A (cyclosporine A, CsA) has an affirmative effect on the prevention and treatment of RSA by benign regulation of maternal-fetal immune tolerance and positive regulation of trophoblast biological function. However, the application of CsA in the reproduction field is still in the exploratory stage, and there are no standardized treatment standards, large samples and high quality clinical trials. In view of this, we reviewed the mechanism of action of CsA in the treatment of RSA and the research progress of combination therapy in recent years, in order to provide new theoretical support for the subsequent clinical treatment of RSA.

STIMULATING COOPERATION OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITALIZATION AND POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION OF UKRAINE

Introduction. The intellectualization of business processes in the country, the development of the startup industry, and the implementation of advanced scientific achievements in the practice of domestic entrepreneurship will play a significant role in ensuring the recovery of Ukraine’s economy after the war. Accordingly, the problem of improving the quality of education and the applied orientation of scientific and technical developments based on the intensification of cooperation between educational, scientific and business institutions, taking into account the global trends of digitization of the economy and society, is actualized. The purpose of the article is to analyze the methods of cooperation between educational, scientific and business institutions in the conditions of digitalization and prove scientific and practical recommendations for optimizing the interaction between them in the conditions of war and post-war recovery. Results. Strengthening cooperation between business and the educational and scientific sphere in developed countries makes it possible to increase the productivity of human capital, boost the competitiveness of graduates in the market, and also contributes to the practical use of the achievements of scientists. In domestic conditions, the advantage for business will be the training of highly qualified specialists who will be able to competently perform the necessary functions and the tasks set by the management. Simultaneously, universities and scientific institutions will obtain extra funding to update equipment or other needs. The result of the interaction will be an affirmative effect for the digital transformation of the national economy, its stability in the conditions of war and post-war recovery. Conclusions. The state regulates economic growth due to high-quality education and science, while the system of higher education and effective scientific institutions in the long term affect the sustainability of economic growth. Tools for intensifying cooperation between educational, scientific and business institutions, which can be applied and are potentially effective, are tax and budgetary levers of influence. Their scientifically based, practical and timely implementation will be the key to the post-war recovery of Ukraine’s economy and the building of a digital society.

Effects of mobile-based cognitive interventions for the cognitive function in the community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cognitive interventions that can be operated using mobile gadgets could facilitate the maintenance and improvement in the cognitive function of the community-dwelling elderly. The aims of this study was to estimate influences for mobile-based cognitive interventions in the community-dwelling elderly. A systematic literature search were conducted using various databases such as the Cochrane Library, PubMed, the Excerpta Medica Database, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Published articles up to August 2021 were searched without period limit. Integrated and analyzed RCTs’ results that identified the effects of mobile-based cognitive interventions on the cognitive function of community-dwelling older adults with normal cognitive function. A meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 version. The methodological quality was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Registered with PROSPERO, the registration number is CRD42021268788. Overall, 6 randomized controlled trials identified from 400 articles were included in meta-analysis. The mobile-based cognitive interventions were found to have a significant effect on the short-term memory [standardized mean difference(SMD)= 0.22; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.13,0.32; p<.001; I²=0%], working memory (SMD=0.70; 95% CI=0.02,1.37; p=.040; I²=81%), reasoning (SMD=0.27; 95% CI=0.11,0.42; p<.001; I²=25%), and executive function (SMD=0.62; 95% CI=0.09,1.16; p=.020; I²=0%). Finally, Egger's regression test and a funnel plot were conducted to examine publication bias; however, there was no significant bias. The mobile-based cognitive interventions had significantly affirmative effect on the older adults' executive function, reasoning, short-term memory, and working memory. Such programs may be employed as a supportive or an alternative method for improving their cognitive functions.

α-Connexin Carboxyl Terminal Peptide 1 Attenuates Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Liver Transplantation With Extended Cold Preservation by Stabilizing Cell Junctions in Mice

• ⚫Peptide α-connexin carboxyl terminal peptide (ACT1) protects graft livers during cold storage by steadying cell junctions. • ⚫ACT1 reduces hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury following transplantation. • ⚫ACT1 inhibits acute and chronic inflammation after transplantation. • ⚫The effect of ACT1 on cell junctions is long term. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is an inevitable process that the liver must go through after liver transplantation. Because of the worldwide shortage of grafts, reliable intervention strategies should be explored to protect grafts. α-Connexin carboxyl terminal peptide (ACT1), which is a synthetic peptide containing 25 amino acids, has the effect of stabilizing cell junctions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of ACT1 on ischemia-reperfusion injury after liver transplantation in mice. Experimental results showed that injury to livers that underwent extended cold preservation was reduced by ACT1. After 6 hours of reperfusion, ACT1-treated livers showed less necrosis and acute inflammation and the cell junctions were strengthened. Moreover, after 28 days of reperfusion, the application of ACT1 distinctly alleviated hepatic damage and later cholangiopathy as well as conspicuously consolidated the cell junctions. This study indicated that ACT1 produced affirmative effects in suppressing hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in liver transplantation with extended cold preservation in mice by protecting cell junctions and may be a potential strategy to extend the cold preservation time of grafts for liver transplantation.

A Classpoint as intervention strategy in teaching Business Math

Due to the unusual effects that the COVID-19 epidemic brought, the educational system as well as people's lives worldwide are experiencing difficulties. Nobody was prepared to deal with its effects on society since it arrived so abruptly. Exploring more cutting-edge learning modalities is now urgently needed in order to support the transition from traditional to flexible teaching and learning alternatives. The objective of this Action Research is to determine the effectiveness of utilizing class points in teaching Business Mathematics among grade 11 ABM learners in the Mataas Na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales. This study was undertaken to identify the level of performance in Business Mathematics of Grade 11 ABM2 students of Mataas Na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales before and after the use of class points in the teaching of the subject. The 29 ABM2 students during the S.Y. 2021-2022 were the participants of the research study. Data were gathered through the researcher-made Mathematics Performance Test (MPT). A quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Learner-respondents came from 11 ABM2 at Mataas Na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales. Data were generated from the Pre-test, in order to determine the prior knowledge of the learners before using Classpoint. Weekly Assessments in a form of teacher-made learning activity sheets which undergo a quality assurance process to be able to determine the performance of students while using the class point in teaching the Business Mathematics and Posttest was administered in order to determine the mastery of the learners in Business Mathematics after using the class point. The frequency, mean, and t-test for a dependent sample set at a 0.05 level were used. The study found that the intervention has a positive effect on the performance of the students. After the intervention, the student's scores in the pre-test had much different from their scores in the post-test. The t-test revealed that the hypothesis of no significant difference was rejected. The students were found to perform better in Business Mathematics after using the class point. Findings also showed that the mean performance of the pre-test and post-tests are numerically more incredible. This suggests that the class point has an affirmative effect on a student's performance in mathematics. The utilization of class points greatly contributes to the improvement and performance of the learners in Business Mathematics despite the current learning situation. Findings have shown that the implementation of class point treatment in Business Mathematics class has been effective in the academic achievement of students. The use of class points can offer an efficient and effective ways of providing quality education in this pandemic. The application of this class point in teaching business math will surely address the least mastered skill to improve the performance of the students

Evaluation of the effects of Ankaferd haemostat application on bone regeneration in rats with calvarial defects: histochemical, immunohistochemical and scintigraphic study.

Bone wax, a haemostatic agent, is widely used in craniospinal surgical procedures for a long time, in spite of controversial results regarding its negative influence upon bone regeneration. In this experimental study, the effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), as an alternative haemostatic agent, were evaluated through histochemical, immunohistochemical and scintigraphic studies. The total of 30 adult female Wistar albino rats was randomly divided into three groups: intact control group (n = 10), bone wax group (n = 10), and ABS group (n = 10). Surgically, a 3.0 mm hole in diameter was drilled on the right side of calvarium of the rats using a Class Mini Grinder set in all three groups, as described previously. At the end of 8 weeks, bone healing and connective tissue alterations surrounding drilled calvarial defect areas of the rats were determined via haematoxylin and eosin and the Mallory's trichrome staining and anti-bone sialoprotein immunohistochemistry. Image Pro Express 4.5 programme was used for histomorphometric calculation of new bone and fibrotic tissue areas. All statistical analyses were made with SPSS 25.0 and analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post hoc test was performed, p < 0.001 was considered as significance level. Histomorphometrically, it was found that he had the largest hole diameter and the least fibrotic scar area in the bone-wax group. In the bone wax group, it was observed that the material closed the hole and there was only a fibrotic scar tissue in the area between the bone tissue at the edge of the hole and bone wax, and a fibrotic tissue was formed in the bone wax area. During the histological procedure, this bone-wax material was poured and the sections were seen as a gap in this area. In the ABS haemostat group, the smallest hole diameter and the least fibrotic scar tissue were observed. Fibrotic scar tissue close to each other was found in the ABS haemostat and bone wax groups. Histological analysis of samples also showed a statistical significance for fibrotic connective tissue area between groups (p < 0.05). Scintigraphically, osteoblastic activity related to blood flow in the animal taken from the group with application of ABS haemostat was more pronounced compared to the other two groups. In our study, it has been concluded that the ABS yields affirmative effects on the bone healing, while bone wax leads to negative impact on the bone regeneration. Scintigraphic, histochemical and immunohistochemical data support the affirmative impact of the ABS haemostat application upon the bone regeneration apart from the quick stop of haemorrhage.

Initial development of multiple anionic transition metal hydroxy selenide—A novel negative electrode material for potassium‐ion batteries

Multiple anionic anode materials for alkali metal-ion storage systems have received attention because of their remarkable electrochemical behavior in fabricating heterostructures after the initial cycle, which can provide an affirmative effect on ionic/electronic conductivity during cycling. Herein, for the first time, cobalt hydroxy selenide (Co(OH)Se) containing OH− and Se2− ions is prepared via a simple and facile liquid-phase selenization process using NaHSe solution, and its structural and chemical properties are studied by scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. The electrochemical mechanisms of Co(OH)Se with potassium ions are investigated systematically through various ex situ and in situ techniques. The conversion reaction between Co(OH)Se and potassium ions can be proposed as the following equation; Co(OH)Se + 3 K+ + 3 e− → Co + KOH + K2Se ↔ ½ Co(OH)2 + ½ CoSe2 + 3 K+ + 3 e−. As an anode material for potassium-ion batteries, Co(OH)Se exhibited excellent cycling stability (414.7 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 60 cycles) and rate capability (194.7 mA h g−1 at 5.0 A g−1). Moreover, carbon-material composited Co(OH)Se@C delivered specific discharge capacity of 353.9 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 150 cycles. This study is a novel approach to the anion regulation strategy, which can be utilized for the synthesis of energy storage materials, electrocatalysts, etc.

GAMIFICATION INTERACTION FEATURES IN LANGUAGE LEARNING APPS, BRAND ENGAGEMENT, AND BRAND-CONSUMER RELATIONSHIP QUALITY

Gamified interactions are extensively used in Language learning apps to make learning languages easier. Gamified interactions are the result of the game-like feature being used to co-create compelling experiences. However, there exists a lack of empirical studies on the efficiency of gamified interaction on brand engagement and brand relationships, which are the main constructs for assessing the métier and worth of the brand in the contemporary framework of language learning apps. The current study aims to fill the research gap by exploring the associations between gamified interaction features in Language learning apps, brand engagement, and brand-consumer relations quality parameters, namely Trust, Commitment and Satisfaction. The proposed conceptual model was validated utilizing the Partial least squares (PLS) structural equation model (SEM) with SmartPLS, using data collected from 152 respondents in March 2022 through an e-questionnaire. The findings showed that interacting with gamified achievement features influenced brand engagement positively and significantly; absorption and social interactions had a minor positive but negligible influence on brand engagement. Brand engagement exerted an affirmative substantial influence on Brand Trust, Commitment, and Satisfaction. Trust has a strong influence on Commitment; Commitment has an affirmative effect on brand satisfaction. These findings imply that gamified interactions may positively influence brand engagement and enhance brand-consumer relations quality in the context of Language learning apps. The theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Influence of Hand Anthropometry and Nutrient Intake on Hand Grip Strength: A Correlational Study Among Young Indian Badminton Players

Badminton is a fast shuttle-racquet game, which requires adequate endurance and agility for hitting shots. For consistent and superior performances, players need to develop decent nutritional status and tremendous physical fitness. The present study concerns with the effect of anthropometric indices and nutritional profiles on arm strength for racquet gripping. Adolescent male (N=100) and female (N=100) badminton players aged 10 to 15 years were selected from Nagpur, India, and arm anthropometric indices and skeletal muscles of the players were determined by tape and bioelectrical impedance analyzer respectively. Muscle growing macronutrient (protein) and skeletal developing micronutrients (calcium and phosphorus) were calculated from dietary data for consecutive 3 days by the 24-hour dietary recall method. Arm strength was appraised from the hand grip strength test. Statistically, the assessed data were tested at 1% and 5% significance levels. Pearson correlation coefficients were derived. All the age groups possessed substantially shorter arm lengths (2.41-15.43%) than reference standards. Older groups appeared to have greater arm circumferences (1.00-3.92 cm) than younger groups. Overall, boys showed elevated skeletal muscles (6.69% and 8.29%) than girls. Dietary protein and phosphorus ingestion were significantly higher (45.42-90.88% and 16.18-40.62%) than recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). Calcium intake (23.26-28.48%) was below the RDA. Older male players performed under excellent grade (38%) in the hand grip strength test, depicting masculine supremacy. Positive correlations (r= 0.0710 to 0.5947) between arm anthropometry and nutrient intake with grip strength proved their affirmative effects on delivering various explosive shots, which can enhance the performance level of emerging young players.

Cyclohexane oxidation using advanced oxidation processes with metals and metal oxides as catalysts: a review

Abstract Selective oxidation of cyclohexane has gained substantial interest in the field of research due to the prominence of its products in industrial processes. Particularly, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) constitute a positive technology for the oxidation of cyclohexane owing to their high oxidation potentials and environmental benign properties. This review entails to address the progress made in advanced oxidation of cyclohexane over nanostructured metals and metal oxides catalysts. The main focus is directed toward the photocatalysis, Fenton oxidation and ozonation as advanced oxidation processes. Mainly, the fundamental principles, prime factors of the AOPs in conjunction with metal and metal oxide catalysts and the mechanistic insight toward the oxidation of cyclohexane are highlighted. The affirmative effects of the metals and metal oxide catalysts mainly focusing on particle size, structure and elemental composition is stressed. Lastly, the advantages and disadvantages of the AOPs and the strategic approaches to counter the disadvantages are also clearly elucidated.

Effects of audio-visual affirmations on toddlers tantrum behavior

Introduction: Tantrums are a normal condition that occurs in children aged 1-3 years. If not handled properly, Tantrum behavior will affect the formation of the next child's personality. In Indonesia, 23-83% of children aged 2 to 4 years have experienced temper tantrums. One way to overcome tantrums in toddlers is to provide sound to children. However, not all mothers can do sounding to their children; another alternative is to provide sounding using media. The alternative media is audio-visual affirmation. This study aimed to analyze the effect of audio-visual affirmation on tantrum behavior in toddlers. Methods: This study uses a quasi-experimental study with one group pre-test-post-test. The population is toddlers who attend Raudlatul Jannah Preschool, namely 98 children, then sampling is done with simple random sampling, a sample of 78 respondents is obtained. The data used in this study is data on the temper tantrums of children aged 1-5 years before and after being given an audio-visual affirmation. This data was analyzed by comparing the temper tantrums in toddlers before and after being given audio-visual affirmation therapy. Results: The results of data analysis using the Paired T-test showed a significant effect between before and after being given the audio-visual affirmation treatment with p = 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05). This study shows that audio-visual affirmation affects tantrum behavior in toddlers. Conclusion: Audio-visual affirmation affects tantrum behavior in toddlers.

The Foundations of Corporate Strategies Comment on "'Part of the Solution': Food Corporation Strategies for Regulatory Capture and Legitimacy".

The "Part of the Solution" article describes how the food industry has evolved its strategies to respond to critics and government regulation by co-option and appeasement to create a less hostile environment. Rather than focusing research on single industries it would be more efficient and productive to focus on corporate political activities (CPAs) that directly influence democratic institutions and processes having authority over laws, policy, rules and regulations that govern industry. The most influential and direct CPA are election campaign donations, lobbying, and the reverse revolving door (RRD). In the United States those CPA flow from rights of corporations that underlie all industry strategies. The US history of how corporations obtained their rights is described, and research about the affirmative effects of those three CPA is summarized. Health research is needed about those CPA and their effects on health law, policy and regulation in the United States and other nations.

THE NEXUS BETWEEN FISCAL POLICY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR JORDAN: FRESH INSIGHTS FROM MAKI COINTEGRATION

The current study was carried out to empirically investigate the relationships between government expenditure, taxes, and debt in Jordan, using the annual time series data over the period 1980-2020. Despite the increased awareness of the importance of fiscal policy, Jordan is still seeing a drastic decrease in the volume of growth. Thus, this study was carried out to determine how government expenditure, taxes, and debt affect economic growth. For the empirical analysis, the study adopted Augmented Dicky Fuller, Phillips-Perron unit root tests, Zivot and Andrews and Lumsdaine and Papell unit root tests with structural breaks. It employs recently developed econometric techniques such as Maki cointegration tests allowing for an unknown number of breaks. The results of the cointegration test showed the presence of a cointegration relationship with structural breaks. It was found that the Jordanian crisis that occurred in 1989 harmed economic growth. However, the structural break in 2008 had an affirmative effect on economic growth. According to the study, tax revenues, public deficits, and debt can all be reduced and the economy can thrive if policymakers implement smart fiscal policies that boost gross fixed capital formation.

Religious “Bubbles” in a Superdiverse Digital Landscape? Research with Religious Youth on Instagram

Religious activities are no longer confined to local religious communities, but are increasingly taking place online. In that regard, social media is of particular importance for young believers that connect with their peers via platforms such as Instagram. There are conflicting views on the functioning of social media platforms: they are either conceptualized as superdiverse spaces, in which social boundaries can be overcome, or as resulting in separate bubbles that foster exclusive exchanges between like-minded people sharing certain characteristics, including religious affiliation. This article assesses online religious activities based on qualitative research involving 41 young, urban, religious Instagram users of different faiths. We demonstrate how young believers’ interactions on social media produce thematically bound content bubbles that are considerably homogeneous when it comes to religion, but superdiverse in other areas. Religious activities online often have an affirmative effect on religious belonging. This is especially true for young people that perceive themselves in a minority position and search for like-minded people online. We have found that religious content bubbles are clustered around religious traditions. Interreligious exchange (e.g., between Christians and Sikhs) is largely absent, whereas intrareligious boundaries (e.g., between Lutherans, Catholics, and Pentecostals) become blurred. This suggests that differences within religious traditions are losing significance in a digitalized world, while interreligious boundaries remain.

Does &amp;ldquo;male beauty&amp;rdquo; really work: The impact of male endorsements on female consumers&amp;rsquo; evaluation of female-gender-imaged product

<p id="p00005">Nowadays, using male spokesperson to endorse female-gender-imaged product has become an important advertising strategy and has penetrated into many female-gender-imaged products, especially thanks to celebrity influence. Does it really work? While previous research only combined with a certain degree of theory to explain the cross-gender endorsement phenomenon, this paper aims to explore the relationship between the gender of female-gender-imaged product spokesperson and female consumer's product evaluation through a quantitative approach. Specifically, we proposed that when male spokesperson endorses female-gender-imaged product, female consumers would significantly downgrade their evaluation of the products compared to female spokesperson, which is mediated by a sense of gender-identity threat. In addition, when the participants are manipulated to increase gender affirmation, the main effect would be strengthened. <break/>Study 1 used a single factor (gender of female-gender-imaged product spokesperson: male vs. female) between-subjects design. 145 female college students were invited to participate in this study. Participants were asked to imagine a billboard advertising a lipstick endorsed by male star or female star, and then evaluated this lipstick by a scale. We examined the main effect through this scenario that using male spokesperson to endorse female-gender-imaged product would decrease female consumers’ product evaluation. <break/>Study 2A used a similar between-subjects design. 119 female participants were recruited to imagine a billboard of obstetrics and gynecology hospital endorsed by male star or female star, and then evaluated this obstetrics and gynecology hospital as well as sense of gender-identity threat by scales. Study 2B invited 136 female college students to replicate the results of Study 2A, ruling out the alternative explanations of shyness and shame. Participants were asked to look at an underwear advertisement poster that used endorsement by a real celebrity. We repeated the results of Study 1 and confirmed the mediating effect of a sense of gender-identity threat with bootstrap test to clarify the underlying mechanism. <break/>Study 3 used a 2 (gender of female-gender-imaged product spokesperson: male vs. female) × 2 (gender affirmation: with vs. without) between-subjects design. 250 female Mturk workers participated in this study. In the gender affirmation condition, participants were asked to write about important qualities and values of women. In the control condition, participants were asked to list 20 everyday items that came to mind. Next, participants were told that they were browsing an online shopping platform and intended to buy underwear. They would see the underwear picture of a famous brand endorsed by a popular female star (vs. a popular male star) and then fill out the same product evaluation scale as above. We examined the interaction between gender of female-gender-imaged product spokesperson and gender affirmation. Specifically, when the female-gender-imaged product uses male endorsement, the product evaluation of the gender affirmation condition is lower than that of the control condition. <break/>Apart from the above, results from these studies were summarized and showed that both exclusivity and privacy of female-gender-imaged product have significant interaction effects on the relationship between spokesperson gender and product evaluation. <break/>In summary, this paper combines the theory of self-concept and identity consciousness to provide evidences for a mechanism between cross-gender endorsement and female consumer's product evaluation mediated by a sense of gender-identity threat, and the moderating effect of gender affirmation, expanding the downstream results of product gender attribute research and contributing to the practice of advertising field.

Minoritized Sexual Identity and Perceived Effectiveness of Instagram Public Health Messaging about E-cigarettes

E-cigarette (EC) use in young adult sexual-minoritized women (SMW) is disproportionately higher than among heterosexual women and sexual-minoritized men. Public health messaging utilizing social branding, a method used to tailor health messages to one’s identity, may help combat this problem. We conducted an online study with SMW (N= 457) and asked them to complete scales assessing their sexual minoritized identity affirmation and centrality. Participants were randomized to view socially branded messages discouraging EC use across three themes (general wellness, pride, health harms). Results revealed that overall lesbian, bisexual, or queer (LBQ) identity (affirmation and centrality) was significantly positively associated with perceived message effectiveness (PME) (p < .001). Identity affirmation was significantly associated with PME when controlling for identity centrality (p = .004). Interaction between identity affirmation and theme was significant (p= .02), as positive effects of identity affirmation on PME were greater when participants viewed pride-themed messages versus wellness (p= .03) or harms messages (p = .01). The findings suggest that socially branded EC prevention messages emphasizing sexual minoritized identity may be more effective for SMW with a strong connection to their LBQ identity. Future research should examine how identity and socially branded messages can impact health behaviors.

Effects of Positive Affirmation and Constructive Criticism on Student Writing and Success

Is it more helpful for an individual such as a teacher to provide a student with constructive criticism or positive affirmations in relation to their writing work? Which method is helpful in pushing the student to prosper and which can be detrimental when utilized inappropriately and ineffectively? Do positive affirmations provide students with a false sense of confidence with little knowledge of what they can improve upon or does constructive criticism dismantle the faith an individual has in their writing capabilities causing them to produce work that is not of their best quality? This paper explores both forms of feedback often employed by educators through the utilization of various research papers and sources to determine which method of response or assessment is most useful in order for a student to reach their full writing potential.

The Affimation of “idaman jelita” Character to Form Students Economics Literacy

This study aims to analyze the effect of affirmation of the Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) values, called by “idaman jelita” character both directly and indirectly on self-efficacy, academic cheating and student economic literacy. This is explanatory research with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Warppls approach. The population and sample in this study are 254 students of UNESA, Department of Economic Education, Faculty of Economics. The sampling technique used was a saturated sample. Data collection techniques using interviews and questionnaires.The results show that academic cheating committed by students has no effect on their economic literacy, and vice versa, when students do not commit fraud in academic activities, it does not have a significant effect on economic literacy. This study was conducted on college students who have different characteristics with lower education levels. For the future research conduct re-examining using high school students as participants to confirm the findings to be generalized.

Effect of Values Affirmation on Reducing Racial Differences in Adherence to Hypertension Medication

Stereotype threat, or the fear of confirming a negative stereotype about one's social group, may contribute to racial differences in adherence to medications by decreasing patient activation to manage chronic conditions. To examine whether a values affirmation writing exercise improves medication adherence and whether the effect differs by patient race. The Hypertension and Values trial, a patient-level, blinded randomized clinical trial, compared an intervention and a control writing exercise delivered immediately prior to a clinic appointment. Of 20 777 eligible, self-identified non-Hispanic Black and White patients with uncontrolled hypertension who were taking blood pressure (BP) medications, 3891 were approached and 960 enrolled. Block randomization by self-identified race ensured balanced randomization. Patients enrolled between February 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019, at 11 US safety-net and community primary care clinics, with outcomes assessed at 3 and 6 months. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. From a list of 11 values, intervention patients wrote about their most important values and control patients wrote about their least important values. The primary outcome of adherence to BP medications was measured using pharmacy fill data (proportion of days covered >90%) at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The secondary outcome was systolic and diastolic BP. Patient activation to manage their health was also measured. Of 960 patients, 474 (286 women [60.3%]; 256 Black patients [54.0%]; mean [SD] age, 63.4 [11.9] years) were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 486 (288 women [59.3%]; 272 Black patients [56.0%]; mean [SD] age, 62.8 [12.0] years) to the control group. Baseline medication adherence was lower (318 of 482 [66.0%] vs 331 of 412 [80.3%]) and mean (SE) BP higher among Black patients compared with White patients (systolic BP, 140.6 [18.5] vs 137.3 [17.8] mm Hg; diastolic BP, 83.9 [12.6] vs 79.7 [11.3] mm Hg). Compared with baseline, pharmacy fill adherence did not differ between intervention and control groups at 3 months (odds ratio [OR], 0.91 [95% CI, 0.57-1.43]) or at 6 months (OR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.53-1.38]). There were also no treatment effect differences in pharmacy fill adherence by patient race (Black patients at 3 months: OR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.61-1.92]; at 6 months: OR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.58-1.87]; White patients at 3 months: OR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.33-1.44]; at 6 months: OR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.24-1.27]). Immediately after the intervention, the median patient activation was higher in intervention patients than in control patients, but this difference was not statistically significant in an unadjusted comparison (75.0 [IQR, 65.5-84.8] vs 72.5 [IQR, 63.1-80.9]; P = .06). In adjusted models, the Patient Activation Measure score immediately after the intervention was significantly higher in the intervention patients than in control patients (mean difference, 2.3 [95% CI, 0.1-4.5]). A values affirmation intervention was associated with higher patient activation overall but did not improve adherence or blood pressure among Black and White patients with hypertension. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03028597.

Enhancing 6th Grade Students’ Learning in Social Studies through Technology Based Teaching Approach

This quasi experimental study examined the effect of technology based teaching approaches on the 6th grade students’ learning in social studies subject. The participants of the study included two classes of 6th grade students: control group (n=25) and experimental group (n=24) in one of the middle schools in Bhutan. The research instruments consisted of experimental group treatment, survey questionnaire and semi-structured interview questions. The result suggested that there is an affirmative effect of technology based teaching approaches on the 6th grade students’ social studies learning achievement test. It was found that mean test scores of the experimental group were higher than the control group on pretest and post test analysis. Further, the findings from the study established that students had a positive perception of learning through technology based instructions, as learners enjoyed, and were better able to understand, what has been taught. The findings from the study concluded that teaching through technology based approaches enhanced students’ learning in the classroom, so, it is recommended that teachers apply technology based instructions as a tool to maximize student learning. In addition, building of smart classrooms through digitalization could support students with learning difficulties in different subjects.