Differences In Course Research Articles

Preservice music educators’ perceived self-efficacy in teaching students with disabilities following special education coursework: A comparative mixed-methods study

Preservice music educators’ (PMEs) experiences teaching students with disabilities (SwD) often occurs through general education coursework. Researchers have examined the effect of content-specific course work on PMEs preparation to teach music to SwD but have not examined if differences in course and clinical settings impact their self-reported feelings of self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to examine whether differences in the delivery (online or in-person) of music-specific coursework and clinicals affected PMEs confidence to teach music to SwD. Students who participated in an online course reported a significant decrease in their self-efficacy ( t (17) = 3.57, p = .002, d = 0.89), while those who participated in an in-person course reported a significant increase ( t (10) = 7.116, p = .001, d = 2.15). Although no statistical significance was found between groups ( t (28) = 0.976, p = .33, d = 0.36), a comparative analysis of interview data provided nuanced differences. Applications for preservice music educator needs and instruction are discussed.

Development of a global landscape of undergraduate physics laboratory courses

Physics education research (PER) is a global endeavor, with a wealth of work performed at a variety of institutions worldwide. However, results from research into undergraduate physics laboratory courses are often difficult to compare due to the broad variations in courses. We report here how we developed and validated a survey to classify these courses, as well as compare and contrast them. This will be useful in two key endeavors: comparisons between PER studies and providing useful data for individual instructors hoping to improve their courses. While we are still in the process of collecting sufficient data to create a full taxonomy of laboratory courses, we present here details of the survey creation itself, including its face, construct, and content validation, as well as a first look at the data collected, which includes a broad landscape of lab courses in 41 countries. We used both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the data collected. Some of these results include similarities between courses, such as students often using preconstructed apparatuses and instructors hoping for students to learn technical skills. We also find differences in courses, such as in the number and types of goals of the course, as well as the activities students participate in. Thus, this survey and its results can provide information relevant to both researchers and instructors. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

#1774 ANCA vasculitis with renal involvement: age as a prognostic factor

Abstract Background and Aims Older patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) commonly experience renal impairment and poor prognosis. The European Vasculitis Study Group trials showed that approximately 16.7% and 22.5% of older patients with AAV suffered from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 5- and 10-year durations. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in course and outcome of patients with AAV with respect to age. Method This retrospective observational study included patients with diagnosis of AAV and biopsy proven renal involvement between 2000-2021. Patients were divided into two groups according to age: ≥65 or <65 years old. We recorded baseline characteristics and clinical data during follow-up. Response was defined as a BVAS reduction of at least 50% or BVAS of 0, while receiving prednisone dose higher than 4 mg; and remission as BVAS of 0 while receiving prednisone dose of 4 mg or less. Results We included 42 patients with AAV diagnosis, 47.6% of which were 65 years-old or older. Mean age of the older age group was 77 ± 8 years. No differences were found between older and younger patients at baseline (BVAS, FFS extra-renal symptoms, serum creatinine at diagnosis, hematuria), Patients > 65 years were significantly more likely to present p-ANCA positive MPA, as shown in Table 1. There was no difference in initial or maintenance immunosuppressive therapy between the two groups. No differences were found between older and younger patients with regard to treatment response. Although we found no statistical differences, older patients had worse renal outcomes. The older adult group had a higher mortality rate, p 0.01. The average time to death was 27 months for patients over 65 years and 34.5 in those who were younger (p 0.71). Conclusion No differences were found between older and younger patients with regard to treatment response. However, mortality was higher during follow-up in the group of older patients. Our results suggest that more attention should be paid to older patients with severe renal impairment.

The role of cannabis in bipolar disorder relapse: a prospective study of hospital acute readmissions

IntroductionWith the rapid changes of attitude, investigation and legislation around cannabis and its subproducts in the Western world, there is a need to profoundly examine the consequences of its use in the general population and, specifically, in people affected by mental disorders. There is a clear relationship between cannabis use and psychosis, but there is also growing evidence of its relationship with manic episodes (Sideli et al, 2019).A systematic review published by the CANMAT Task Force in 2022 examined again the relationship between cannabis use and bipolar disorder (BD), establishing association with worsened course and functioning of BD in frequent users (Tourjman et al., 2023). On the other hand, some recent papers have highlighted the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in BD, suggesting even possible beneficial effects, mainly through the CB2 receptor (Arjmand et al, 2019).ObjectivesTo describe the impact of cannabis in the psychiatric readmission in BD and to approach the differences in course in cannabis users with regards to non-users.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study including the patients admitted to our acute psychiatric unit with the diagnosis of manic or mixed episode during the period between 2015 and 2019 (including patients with one of both final diagnosis: BD or schizoaffective disorder). We established a follow-up of 3 years from the date of admission in which hospital readmissions are examined.ResultsThe study, which included 309 patients, concluded that cannabis users were admitted and had the first episode at a younger age (p=0.005), a higher percentage of them did not have a previous diagnosis (p=0.026) nor a previous history of mental health issues (p=0.019) and it was more likely to be their first admission (p=0.011) and to suffer psychotic symptoms (p=0.002).As of treatment, the results were statistically significant regarding the fact that a lower proportion of patients had received previous psychiatric treatment (p=0.004) and previous electroconvulsive therapy (p=0.003). There was a higher chance of them being non-adherent with medication (p<0.001) and to be administered extended-release antipsychotic treatment during admission (p<0.001).The study did not find a statistically significant relationship with cannabis use and a higher rate of readmission in the 3 years of follow-up.ConclusionsAlthough a higher relapse rate could not be proven in our study, other previously identified factors related to a worse illness course (Sajatovic et al., 2009) did show a significant association with cannabis use, which could lead to one suggesting that our results are compatible with the actual evidence and that cannabis products are detrimental to people who suffer from BD and schizoaffective disorder.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Boundary interactions of applied physics and mechanical engineering students in a challenge-based learning course

ABSTRACT Higher engineering education programmes increasingly include courses characterised by real-world problems and student collaboration in multidisciplinary teams. Research findings demonstrate that students remain limited in perceiving and meaningfully bridging disciplinary differences in these course contexts. Drawing on the literature on boundaries and boundary interactions, this study sought to investigate how applied physics and mechanical engineering students managed their disciplinary differences in a challenge-based learning course. Using a qualitative, case study methodology, data from two multidisciplinary student teams (n = 12) were collected through reflective journals, individual interviews, and observations of team meetings. The findings confirm the value of disciplinary boundaries in creating new learning opportunities. The students coordinated their disciplinary differences during discussions in team meetings, preparations for the project plan and the stakeholder pitch, and test sessions in the lab. Results provide insights for designing similar courses and for future research.

Impact of First Healthcare Provider on Acanthamoeba Keratitis Course: How to Overcome Poor Prognosis in Acanthamoeba Keratitis Treatment? A Single Tertiary Center, Observational Study.

To assess the difference in course and final visual outcome of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) patients based on the first healthcare provider (HCP) seen. Retrospective observational cohort study of AK patients admitted to the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital between 2003 and 2017. HCPs were grouped (Group 1: Optometrists, Opticians; Group 2: General Practitioners (GPs); Group 3: Ophthalmologists) and the data analyzed on demographics, risk factors, clinical history, clinical features, and Acanthamoeba subspecies. Forty-one patients with unilateral culture-proven AK were included. Median time to consultation with first HCP was 7 days (IQR 4-14 days), while mean time to the correct diagnosis of AK was 15 days (IQR 7-29 days). Patients saw an optician, optometrist or ophthalmologists significantly earlier than GPs (median 4 days, vs 15 or 5 days, respectively, p = 0.04). Bacterial keratitis was the most common initial clinical diagnosis (43%). The shortest time to making the AK diagnosis (median 11 days) and the highest rate of initiating AK treatment started at the first visit (38%) were both in the ophthalmologists' group. No significant differences were observed in initial and final visual acuity between HCP groups (p = 0.36). AK patients often seek ocular help earlier from optometrists and opticians than medical doctors. Final clinical outcomes did not significantly differ based on the first HCP seen, but ophthalmologists were more likely to make the diagnosis of AK and initiate anti-amoebal therapy faster than other HCPs. Greater education and collaboration between ophthalmologists and other HCPs to increase awareness of AK are needed.

Predictors of symptom course in alcohol use disorder.

Symptoms often play an important role in the scientific inquiry of psychological disorders and have been theorized to play a functional role in the disorders themselves. However, little is known about the course of specific symptoms and individual differences in course. Understanding the course of specific symptoms and factors influencing symptom course can inform psychological theory and future research on course and treatment. The current study examined alcohol use disorder (AUD) criteria to explore how etiologically relevant covariates differentially affected the course of individual criteria. The study examined 34,653 participants from Wave 1 (2001-2002) and Wave 2 (2003-2004) of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), to analyze the extent to which AUD symptom course is predicted by alcohol consumption patterns, family history of alcoholism, the presence of internalizing and externalizing disorders, and race. The course of all AUD criteria was significantly influenced by these predictors, with the magnitude of the influence varying across different criteria and different aspects of the course (i.e., onset, persistence, recurrence). The strength of the relationship is partially related to the theoretical proximity of a given covariate to AUD symptomatology, with heavy drinking being the strongest and family history of AUD being the weakest. The course of all criteria was strongly associated with the prevalence of the criterion in the overall sample. The course of AUD criteria is heterogeneous, appearing to be influenced by conceptually proximal predictors, the prevalence of the criterion, and perhaps an underlying common factor. Diagnostic accuracy may be improved by including a criterion related to alcohol consumption. Future work should include exploring the interchangeability of criteria and alternative operationalization of them.

A netnographic study of courses in an undergraduate management program at a leading university

Higher education is important for Indonesian society. This research uses a qualitative approach with a virtual netnography method. The purpose of this research is to find out how the implementation of education in the management study program of Universitas Brawijaya and to see which courses need to be developed in the undergraduate management program Universitas Brawijaya. Data collection by browsing the official websites of leading universities that are included in the top 10 QS World rankings domestically and abroad. The initial stage was to select universities according to the top 10 QS rankings. The second stage is to search for courses on the official websites of the selected universities. The third stage is data presentation by coding the search results courses. The next step is to analyze the data with the help of the PIVOT formula in Microsoft Excel. The results of the PIVOT formula are then depicted in graphical form. The results showed that the netnography method can explain the differences in courses applied at leading universities comprehensively. PSSM Universitas Brawijaya has not implemented several courses such as business model, business planning, business analytics, decision making, and innovation management. PSSM Universitas Brawijaya has provided courses following technological developments. Therefore, PSSM Universitas Brawijaya is advised to maintain the current courses and develop courses that have not been implemented.

Rainwater Retention Test of Various Green Roofs: Influence on Membrane Temperatures and Evapotranspiration

Green structures such as roofs or facades are great examples of ways to mitigate climate change, and they have multidisciplinary benefits. One of them is water retention during storms and high rainfalls. In this paper, the impact on the temperature of a membrane after excessive watering was investigated. The results of watered samples were compared to the non-watered ones. This test was carried out on five equal samples. The results showed that the actual foliage cover is very important. The worst results were obtained by the samples that did not have sufficient plant (foliage) cover. Notable differences in courses after watering reached up to 7 °C and lasted up to five days. Visible differences after watering were also exhibited by other samples. The type of drainage/retention layer also influenced the results, whereas the hard-profiled plastic board had high practical retention, which impacted temperatures over a long time period. The actual water content influenced and reduced the daily amplitude from 13 to 7 °C for at least five sunny days. This confirms the theoretical evapotranspiration calculations and actual water content in green roofs. In this case, the water content in the samples proves the cooling effect on the waterproofing membrane.

Association of albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio with renal injury in type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients

BackgroundStudies have shown that albumin/globulin ratio (AGR) can assess the extent of kidney damage in type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN). However, there is a lack of similar clinical data to support this.ObjectivesThis study sought to inquire into the correlation of albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB) and albumin/globulin ratio (AGR) with renal injury in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 82 patients with T2DM (Control group) and 110 patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from October 2019 to April 2022. T2DN patients were classified into mild renal impairment group (n = 75) and moderate renal impairment group (n = 35) according to urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER). Then, the general data of all groups were compared. Furthermore, Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation of serum ALB, GLB and AGR with UAER in the three groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was utilized to evaluate the diagnostic value of ALB, GLB and AGR for moderate renal injury in T2DN patients.ResultsThere were significant differences in course of disease, history of hypertension, levels of fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin among the three groups. Besides, compared with the Control group, the levels of ALB and AGR were lower while GLB levels were higher in the mild and moderate renal impairment group. In particular, ALB and AGR levels were lower in the moderate renal impairment group relative to the mild renal impairment group, but the GLB levels exhibited no significant difference between the two groups. According to the results of Pearson correlation analysis, a negative correlation of ALB and AGR levels with UAER was revealed in T2DN patients. ROC curves displayed the area under the curve (AUC) of ALB (0.88) and AGR (0.71) predicting moderate renal injury in T2DM patients (p < 0.05). However, GLB has no significant diagnostic value for moderate renal injury in patients with T2DN.ConclusionThe course of disease, hypertension and glycemic control may affect the occurrence and development of T2DN. ALB and AGR are of high value in predicting renal injury in patients with T2DN and can serve as the foundation for the clinical diagnosis of the condition.

An Individual Patient-Level Meta-Analysis of Ischemic Versus Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy and Trajectory of Decongestion in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Data are limited regarding the impact of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) or non-ICM (NICM) on the trajectory of in-hospital decongestion among patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Therefore, we aimed to assess the course of decongestion among patients admitted for ADHF by history of ICM and NICM. Patients included in the DOSE (Diuretic strategies in patients with acute decompensated heart failure), ROSE (ROSE acute heart failure randomized trial), and Ultrafiltration in decompensated heart failure with cardiorenal syndrome (CARRESS-HF) trials of patients with ADHF were categorized into ICM and NICM based on history. Among 762 patients included in our meta-analysis, 433 (56.8%) had a history of ICM. Patients with ICM were older (70.8 vs 63.9years; p ≤0.001) and had higher rates of co-morbidities. After covariate adjustment, there was no significant differences between NICM and ICM regarding net fluid loss (4,952 vs 4,384ml, p=0.81) or mean change in serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (-2,162 vs -1,809pg/ml, p=0.092). Mean change in weight showed modest improvement in favor of patients with NICM, but this did not meet statistical significance (-8.24 vs -7.70pounds, p=0.068). After adjustment, there was no significant difference in the risk of 60-day composite all-cause mortality or hospitalization for HF among those with ICM versus NICM. Among patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, NICM was associated with higher scoring on global sense of well-being (global visual analog scale; +25.5 vs +19.1, p=0.023) and improvement in serum creatinine (-0.031mg/100ml vs +0.042mg/100ml, p=0.009) at 72hours. Among patients with left ventricular ejection fraction >40%, NICM was associated with decreased scoring on global visual analog scale at 72hours (+15.7 vs +21.2, p=0.049). In conclusion, more than half of the patients admitted for ADHF had ICM. History of ICM was not independently associated with a difference in course of decongestion, self-assessment of well-being and dyspnea, or short-term clinical outcomes.

Characterizing the individual course of health-related quality of life after subarachnoid haemorrhage: Latent growth mixture modelling

BackgroundSurvivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) show heterogeneous profiles of health-related quality of life (HrQoL). The aim of this study was to characterize individual differences in the course of HrQoL following SAH using latent growth mixture modelling (LGMM). MethodsA longitudinal study with 113 incident cases of aneurysmal SAH was performed in order to evaluate clinical outcome (Hunt and Hess scale, Barthel-Index, Beck Depression Inventory) and HrQoL data (EQ-5D) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The heterogeneity in HrQoL courses after SAH was analysed using LGMM. ResultsFour subgroups (classes) of different patterns of HrQoL course after SAH were identified. Two of these classes (1 and 3) comprised patients with considerably reduced initial HrQoL, which was associated with more severe symptoms of SAH. Class 1 showing the worst EQ5D-index values during the entire study period. Class 3 experiencing a considerable improvement in HrQoL values. In comparison to classes 1 and 3, class 2 and 4 were characterized by less severe SAH and better functional outcome. An important difference in the disease course between classes 2 and 4 was a temporary increase in depression scores at the 6-month time point in class 4, which was associated with a considerable reduction in HrQoL.The specific clinical parameters characterizing differences between classes, such as severity of SAH, functional outcome, cognitive impairment and post-stroke depression, were identified and the influence of their potential improvement on HrQoL was estimated. ConclusionBy means of LGMM we could classify the course of HrQoL after SAH in four different patterns, which are relevant for the clinical decisions. Clinical parameters, which can be modified in order to improve the course of HrQoL were identified and could help to develop individual therapeutic strategies for the rehabilitation after SAH.

Sleep Disorders in Post-COVID Syndrome: A Psychiatric or Neurological Problem?

The coronavirus pandemic that began in 2019 continues. COVID-19 adversely affects human health not only in the acute, but also in the long-term period of the disease: in a large percentage of cases, health is not fully restored after long periods, requires medical intervention, and is often difficult to correct. Researchers noted during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020 that about 10-20% of patients did not fully recover by three weeks from disease onset and the possible duration of the recovery period remains insufficiently clear, as do the reasons for differences in course during this period. Prolonged recovery after viral infection is not a feature exclusive to COVID-19, which does not facilitate the management of patients with post-COVID syndrome (PCS). The mental health impact of COVID-19 is significant, with at least 30% of recovered patients likely to have symptoms of anxiety and/or depression after the acute phase has passed. Since the onset of COVID-19, there has been an increase in sleep disorders by 42%, with every third COVID-19 survivor reporting sleep complaints. In PCS, this condition is referred to as coronasomnia. The success of therapy for this condition depends on identifying and correcting patients' mental disorders, as anxiety and depression are often accompanied by sleep disorders this results in a bidirectional interaction between mental disorders and sleep quality. This article presents data on the anti-anxiety drugs Noofen and Adaptol, which help to correct the manifestations of PCS with sleep disorders.

Treatment response and complications of older patients with ANCA(antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody)-associated vasculitis

ANCA (antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody)-associated vasculitis (AAV) mainly affects elderley people but adjusted therapy concepts for this patient group are lacking. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze differences in course and outcome of patients with AAV with respect to age. 62patients were analyzed for treatment response, of whom 53 (85%) experienced adverse events (AE and SAE) that could be evaluated. Older (> 65 yrs.) versus younger (< 65 yrs.) patients were compared. Treatment response was assessed at 6months, complications were assessed over 18months. Treatment response was not seen to differ by age groups. In multiple logistic regression, pulmonary involvement (OR = 6,9; CI = 1,7-27,8, p < 0,01) and ΔGFR [ml/min] (OR = 0,93; CI = 0,89-0,97, p < 0,01) were predictors of SAE. 14patients had more than 1SAE. Again, pulmonary involvement (28,2% vs. 78,6%, p < 0,01) was a risk factor and older patients (78,6% vs. 43,6%, p = 0,025) were more frequently affected. Patients with multiple SAEs received glucocorticoids of more than 5 mg/d for longer periods of time (171± 65days vs. 120± 70days, p = 0,03). No differences were found between older and younger patients with regard to treatment response. Multiple SAEs occurred more frequently in elderly patients. There was a correlation between pulmonary manifestation and duration of glucocorticoid therapy with a complicated course. The most frequent SAEs were infections requiring hospitalisation. Therapy for elderly patients should be individualized with the goal of a fast reduction of glucocorticoids. Special monitoring is indicated for elderly patients, especially those with pulmonary involvement.

Heterogeneity of obesity and the main pathogenetic factors of its development (a review of resources)

Introduction. Among medical and social problems, obesity (Ob) occupies one of the leading places. This is related to the established pathogenetic connection of Ob with type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, acute vascular events, dementia, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea and some forms of cancer. Ob is also associated with social problems and reduced work capacity. Despite numerous studies on the study of Ob, a number of unresolved issues and controversial points of view remain. The aim – is to analyze the currently existing data on the heterogeneity of Ob and the main pathogenetic factors of its development based on the study of literary sources, mainly for a period of 10 years. Materials and methods – an electronic search was carried out in MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases using the keywords "obesity", "obesity heterogeneity", "obesity etiopathogenesis" with subsequent analysis of literature sources published mainly in the last 10 years. The results. To date, there is no single universally accepted classification of Ob, and those currently used in clinical practice and during scientific research are based on one or another criterion. Such criteria include etiopathogenetic factors, type of adipose tissue deposition, degree of weight gain, etc. The use of bioimpedancemetry became the basis for the assertion about the heterogeneity of Ob with the selection of its separate forms, namely: metabolically healthy Ob; metabolic Ob with normal body weight, sarcopenic and metabolically unhealthy Ob. Despite the lack of clear diagnostic criteria for each of these forms, their differences in clinical course, pathogenetic factors of development and degree of cardiovascular risk have been established. Considering the indicated heterogeneity, the selection of the leading etiological factor of Ob remains a rather controversial and difficult issue. The exceptions, obviously, should include cases of the secondary form of this pathology, when Ob is one of the symptoms and is pathogenetically related to the underlying disease. In general, it is believed that, being hereditary, Ob is the result of the interaction between genetic, hormonal-metabolic, behavioral and environmental factors. Conclusions. Ob is a chronic multifactorial and heterogeneous disease, the individual clinical forms of which differ in the course and level of metabolic disorders. Etiopathogenetic factors of the development and progression of Ob are multifactorial and include genetic predisposition, factors of the external and internal environment, eating behavior and hormonal and metabolic shifts. According to the data obtained today regarding the heterogeneity of Ob and the pathogenetic mechanisms of its development, a new generally accepted characteristic and classification of this pathology should be accepted.

Analysis and Comparison of Financial Technology Peer to Peer Lending Sharia and Conventional

Among the types of fintech that are growing rapidly in Indonesia at this time are peer-to-peer lending fintechs, technology-based money-borrowing fintechs through peer-to-peer lending services have advantages, namely simple requirements and a fast process compared to borrowing and borrowing. money to banking institutions. In addition to conventional peer to peer lending fintech services, there are also sharia peer to peer lending fintech services. This study aims to identify and analyze the differences between conventional peer to peer lending fintech and sharia peer to peer lending fintech and how to apply sharia principles in sharia peer to peer lending fintech. So that it can guarantee the Indonesian people, whose residents are generally Muslim, will the halal products offered. The differences between sharia peer to peer lending fintech and conventional peer to peer lending fintech include: First, from the regulatory aspect that governs it, Second, the existence of a Sharia Supervisory Board in sharia fintech, Third, in the working mechanism between conventional fintech and sharia fintech which makes the difference of course with the existence of sharia principles. And fourth, in practice, in sharia fintech generally the loans provided are productive and more varied. Meanwhile, in its application, sharia peer to peer lending fintech is in accordance with the Fatwa of the MUI National Sharia Council No. 117/DSN-MUI/II/2018. in the working mechanism between conventional fintech and sharia fintech, the difference is of course with the existence of sharia principles. And fourth, in practice, in sharia fintech generally the loans provided are productive and more varied. Meanwhile, in its application, sharia peer to peer lending fintech is in accordance with the Fatwa of the MUI National Sharia Council No. 117/DSN-MUI/II/2018. in the working mechanism between conventional fintech and sharia fintech, the difference is of course with the existence of sharia principles. And fourth, in practice, in sharia fintech generally the loans provided are productive and more varied. Meanwhile, in its application, sharia peer to peer lending fintech is in accordance with the Fatwa of the MUI National Sharia Council No. 117/DSN-MUI/II/2018.

Gender differences in the first course in accounting: An achievement goal approach

We examine whether gendered patterns can be observed in first-year students' achievement goals in an introductory accounting course; a question largely overlooked by prior literature. This investigation is motivated by perceptions of accounting as a masculine field involving gender role stereotypes and business schools as competitive and performance-oriented environments. Our findings suggest that male students tend to adopt performance-approach goal, implying that they are more competitive than female students, and that their performance is thus driven by a desire to outperform others. Our findings further suggest that male students' expectations of learning accounting are higher than those of female students. The expectations explain the gender differences in the performance-approach goal. Finally, we find that this performance-approach goal mediates gender differences in course performance depending on the mode of assessment; male students received higher grades for exams but not for teamwork. Overall, our study highlights the importance of considering contextual aspects related to competitiveness, masculinity, and the mode of assessment on an accounting course when addressing students’ achievement goals and expectations of learning accounting. We thus contribute to the understanding of how learning environment, accounting pedagogy, and the broader field of professional accounting intersects with individual student attributes, creating differential learning outcomes.

Mechanisms of cognitive-behavioral therapy effects on symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder: a network intervention analysis.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a severe and undertreated condition. Although cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line psychosocial treatment for this common disorder, how the intervention works is insufficiently understood. Specific pathways have been hypothesized, but only one small study has examined the precise nature of treatment effects of CBT, and no prior study has examined the effects of supportive psychotherapy (SPT). This study re-examined a large trial (n = 120) comparing CBT to SPT for BDD. Network intervention analyses were used to explore symptom-level data across time. We computed mixed graphical models at multiple time points to examine relative differences in direct and indirect effects of the two interventions. In the resulting networks, CBT and SPT appeared to differentially target certain symptoms. The largest differences included CBT increasing efforts to disengage from and restructure unhelpful thoughts and resist BDD rituals, while SPT was directly related to improvement in BDD-related insight. Additionally, the time course of differences aligned with the intended targets of CBT; cognitive effects emerged first and behavioral effects second, paralleling cognitive restructuring in earlier sessions and the emphasis on exposure and ritual prevention in later sessions. Differences in favor of CBT were most consistent for behavioral targets. CBT and SPT primarily affected different symptoms. To improve patient care, the field needs a better understanding of how and when BDD treatments and treatment components succeed. Considering patient experiences at the symptom level and over time can aid in refining or reorganizing treatments to better fit patient needs.

Pre-graduation grade inflation in medical training in Turkey: a longitudinal study from 2005 to 2020

BackgroundGrade inflation which is known as the awarding of higher grades than students deserve in higher education has been observed since the 1960s. There is comprehensive evidence that document the allegations, prevalence, and severity of grade inflation in higher education in universities around the world for the past 10 years.MethodsThis study analyzes the change in the ratio of graduates with a “very good (>2.99)” degree in medical education in Turkey within a 15-year-long period in terms of the grade inflation (when all other factors are constant), and factors that affect the overall achievement grades. The analyses were carried out using the grade point average (GPA) of 9,618 students who graduated from the medical schools of 25 Turkish universities, and grades of 288,540 students for 7,597 courses. In doing so, the “real” university random effects estimator modelling considering the differences in universities with correlation, ANOVA, t-test and ANCOVA analyses were carried out.ResultsThe results revealed that there was a marginal increase in grades in medical training before graduation. Twenty-nine percent grade inflation was detected in line with the relevant findings in literature and this figure is one of the highest that has been reported so far. It was also detected that the ratio of graduates with a “very good (>2.99)” degree was 17% in 2005 and it increased to 46% in 2020. Additionally, the class size, academic rank of the instructors, grades, course contents, types of the universities (public & non-profit private), accreditation of the program, and the age of the medical schools were considered as important determinants of the difference in course grades.ConclusionThese results show that both the uncontrolled expansion of medical schools in Turkey and the decrease in quality cause a significant increase in grades. Moreover, an important finding is that accreditation slows down the grade inflation. Both the course grades following the accreditation process and the inflation in the graduation grades (grade inflation) slowed down significantly in the accredited medical schools. This finding is an important example for the necessity of accreditation for universities, which is referred to as the “gold standard” to improve the quality of medical education.

Results From the German Fungal Keratitis Registry: Significant Differences Between Cases With and Without a History of Contact Lens Use.

Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious ophthalmic disease with a potentially devastating outcome that seems to be increasing in recent years. The use of contact lenses (CLs) was evaluated as a risk factor for FK to determine possible differences in course and outcome. Data from 173 cases reported in the German FK registry until August 2019 were evaluated regarding CL behavior, other ophthalmological and general risk factors, age, sex, identified pathogens, conservative and surgical therapy, visual acuity, and findings at admission and follow-up. One hundred seventy-four eyes from 173 patients between 2000 and 2019 were included [64.4% women, median age 54 (39; 72) years]; 49.7% wore CL, of which 81.3% were soft CL, and 50.3% had no history of contact lens use (NCL). CL users were significantly more often women and otherwise healthy (CL: 80.2% vs. NCL: 48.9%; P < 0.0001). The spectrum of pathogens among CL users showed a significantly higher proportion of infections with filamentous pathogens, in particular Fusarium sp. (total filament: CL 69.8% vs. NCL 27.3%; P = 0.0001; Fusarium sp.: CL 50.0% vs. NCL 14.8%; P < 0.0001). Overall, 54.6% required keratoplasty and 8.6% enucleation. CLS are the most important risk factor for FK in Germany. With CLs, typically, the infection is caused by molds, and patients are comparably younger and otherwise healthy. Often, extensive surgery is needed. To evaluate changes in the pathogen and resistance spectrum and to further monitor possible CL-related risk factors, a consistent collection of data remains paramount.