Group Design Research Articles

Conquer Fear of Heights Using Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy With Cognitive Restructuring

Acrophobia has traditionally been treated using exposure therapy; however, virtual reality technology has emerged as an alternative that minimizing security risks by presenting three-dimensional stimuli. This study aimed to investigate virtual reality exposure therapy-cognitive restructuring (VRET-CR) effectiveness in reducing acrophobia symptoms. In a pretest-posttest control group design, 27 participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=13) and the control group (n=14). An independent sample t-test revealed a significant differences in the gain scores of the acrophobia questionnaire (AQ) 1 [t (17.08) = -6.173; p <0.05] and AQ 2 [t (25) = -4.250; p <0.05] between these groups. Scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Autonomic Perception Questionnaire (APQ) decreased after six exposure sessions, supporting these findings. Skin conductance and respiratory rate changes during therapy were less significant than heart rate changes. Overall, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of VRET-CR in reducing acrophobia symptoms.

Technology and Language: Improving Speaking Skills through Cybergogy-Based Learning

Language learning in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Society 5.0 era is required to produce students with 21st-century skills by increasing the capacity and capability of using technology in learning. Technology-based learning, known as cybergogy, is a continuity of learning paradigms that previously applied the principles of pedagogy and andragogy in the learning process. As a new concept in learning, cybergogy is essential in improving 21st-century skills in the form of the 6Cs (Citizenship, Character, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Creativity, and Collaboration). Enhancing communication skills through cybergogy-based learning is a novelty that has not been done much and has become the focal point of research. This research, part of development research using the ADDIE model, employed a quasi-experimental design conducted in 3 senior high schools in Yogyakarta, representing one school per category, namely the lower, medium, and high categories, based on UTBK scores. A non-equivalent control group design involving an experimental and control class was applied. The results of this study, which showed a significant improvement in students' communication skills, especially speaking aspects, through blended learning, are of great significance. Therefore, it can be concluded that cybergogy-based language learning has proven effective in improving students' communication skills through blended learning.

A brief tablet-based intervention benefits linguistic and communicative abilities in toddlers and preschoolers

Young children’s linguistic and communicative abilities are foundational for their academic achievement and overall well-being. We present the positive outcomes of a brief tablet-based intervention aimed at teaching toddlers and preschoolers new word-object and letter-sound associations. We conducted two experiments, one involving toddlers ( ~ 24 months old, n = 101) and the other with preschoolers ( ~ 42 months old, n = 152). Using a pre-post equivalent group design, we measured the children’s improvements in language and communication skills resulting from the intervention. Our results showed that the intervention benefited toddlers’ verbal communication and preschoolers’ speech comprehension. Additionally, it encouraged vocalizations in preschoolers and enhanced long-term memory for the associations taught in the study for all participants. In summary, our study demonstrates that the use of a ludic tablet-based intervention for teaching new vocabulary and pre-reading skills can improve young children’s linguistic and communicative abilities, which are essential for future development.

Effect of NPK fertilizer (16-16-16) concentration on the production and quality of cayenne pepper seeds (Capsicum frutescens L.) Bonita and Loblita varieties

One way to increase the production and quality of cayenne pepper seeds is by proper fertilization. The purpose of this study was to obtain the best concentration of NPK (16-16-16) fertilizer for the production and quality seeds of Bonita and Loblita varieties. This study used a nested design with a basic design of randomized group design consisting of 4 levels of NPK (16-16-16) fertilizer concentrations (0 g/l (control), 5 g/l, 10 g/l, and 20 g/l) and 2 varieties of cayenne pepper (Bonita and Loblita) using 3 replications. The concentration of 5 g/l NPK fertilizer (16-16-16) on the Bonita variety gave the best results on germination (85,33%), seed growth speed (24,73%/ethmal), and seed growth uniformity (84,33%). While in the Loblita variety, the concentration of NPK fertilizer (16-16-16) 10 g/l gives the best results on germination (83%), seed growth speed (11,31%/ethmal), and seed growth uniformity (64,33%).

Pengaruh Penggunaan Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Augmented Reality terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa

In 21st century learning, teachers should be able to adjust to current conditions where technological developments can be utilized in the learning process. Learning media that utilizes technological developments in the field of education is Augmented Reality-based learning media. Augmented Reality as a learning media is expected to increase student learning motivation.The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the use of Augmented Reality-based learning media on the learning motivation of grade VI elementary school students in learning social studies. This research uses a quantitative approach, Quasi Experimental Design with a Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The subjects of this research were class VI students at SDN 102 Cikudayasa with a total of 50 students divided into experimental class and control class. The data collection techniques used were tests, questionnaires, and interviews. Based on the results of data analysis shows that student learning motivation in learning social studies in experimental class which used Augmented Reality-based learning media has increased very well compared to the control class. So it can be concluded that there is an effect of Augmented Reality-based learning media on student learning motivation.

Improving critical thinking skills of preservice chemistry teachers through integrated biochemistry course.

Many studies have reported various interventions to increase critical thinking, but very few studies have examined the impact of learning in classrooms and laboratories. This study aimed to find a learning pattern (practice to theory or theory to practice) in improving students' critical thinking skills (CTs). Pre and posttest nonequivalent group design was employed in this study. Eighty preservice chemistry teachers divided 40 students in experimental class 1 and 40 in experimental class 2. A test of enzyme-CTs was developed to measure student CTs before and after the intervention. The result showed that integrated biochemistry courses could improve students' CTs. An independent sample t-test was employed, and the result showed a significant difference N-gain students' CTs between experimental classes 1 and 2 (p = 0.018). It indicates that the pattern of developing CTs from practice to theory is better than theory to practice. The research result can be taken into consideration for placing biochemistry theory and biochemistry practicum in the same semester for the chemistry or chemistry education curriculum. Students can find concepts independently in practical activities and develop them in theoretical activities. Further research should analyze the discriminant factors that differentiate between students in experimental classes 1 and 2.

The Effect of Dynamic Problem-Solving Learning Strategy on Students' Critical Thinking Skills

This study aims to examine the effect of dynamic problem-solving learning strategies on students' critical thinking skills. This research employed a quantitative approach with a true experimental design in the form of a posttest-only control group design. The population of this study was drawn from all first-year undergraduate students in the academic year 2022/2023 of the Physics department in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Universitas Negeri Makassar. The sample was determined using simple random sampling, resulting in 25 students in the experimental group and 27 students in the control group. Based on the data analysis, it was found that the implementation of dynamic problem-solving learning strategies was well-executed and highly rated in terms of management, according to expert judgement. Meanwhile, the analysis results of the critical thinking skills of students in the experimental group were 80.10 in average and 59.81 in the control group. The analysis of the impact of physics learning strategies on students' critical thinking skills yielded a value of 0.00, which is smaller than 0.05. Therefore, it can be concluded that dynamic problem-solving learning strategies have a significant impact on students' critical thinking skills.

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Lymfit: A Theory-Guided Exercise Intervention for Young Adults with Lymphoma.

Despite the rapidly emerging evidence on the contributions of physical activity to improving cancer-related health outcomes, adherence to physical activity among young adults with lymphoma remains suboptimal. Guided by self-determination theory (SDT), the Lymfit intervention (a 12-week individualized exercise program with bi-weekly kinesiologist support and an activity tracker) aimed to foster autonomous motivation toward physical activity. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Lymfit. Young adults (N = 26; mean age of 32.1 years) with lymphoma who were newly diagnosed and those up to six months after completing treatment were recruited and randomly assigned one-to-one to either the intervention group (n = 13) or a wait-list control group (n = 13). All a priori feasibility benchmarks were met, confirming the feasibility of the study in terms of recruitment uptake, retention, questionnaire completion, intervention fidelity, missing data, Fitbit wear adherence, and control group design. The intervention acceptability assessment showed high ratings, with eight out of ten items receiving >80% high ratings. At post-intervention, an analysis of covariance models showed a clinically significant increase in self-reported physical activity levels, psychological need satisfaction, and exercise motivation in the intervention group compared to controls. Lymfit also led to meaningful changes in six quality-of-life domains in the intervention group, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, social roles and activities, and pain interference. The findings support Lymfit as a promising means to meet psychological needs and increase the autonomous motivation for physical activity in this group. A fully powered efficacy trial is warranted to assess the validity of these findings.

Improved Fitness and VO2Max: Implementation of Traditional “Massallo” Games

Students' health needs are one of the priorities in learning. Therefore, physical education, sports and health have a very significant role. Physical education, sports and health are not only a means of improving physical fitness, but also play a role in maintaining body health and understanding the local wisdom contained in traditional sports such as Massallo. Therefore, the aim of this research is how Massallo games can shape students' fitness and Vo2max. This research is a quantitative pre-experimental design research using a Pretest-Posttest one group design. With a total of 42 students participating, they used exercises with the Massallo game. All data obtained were searched for mean, min, max, and standard deviation values as well as differences in applying exercises and Massallo games using independent sample t-test and simple regression. There are differences in results in implementing training with Massallo games in increasing students' fitness and VO2Max. It was found that using the Massallo game training method had a difference of 11,421 in increasing students' fitness and VO2Max and had a significant influence of 0.610, which indicated that the Massallo game had a good role in students' fitness and VO2Max. Key Words: Fitness, Massallo Games, Physical Education, VO2Max

AIGO-DTI: Predicting Drug-Target Interactions Based on Improved Drug Properties Combined with Adaptive Iterative Algorithms.

Artificial intelligence-based methods for predicting drug-target interactions (DTIs) aim to explore reliable drug candidate targets rapidly and cost-effectively to accelerate the drug development process. However, current methods are often limited by the topological regularities of drug molecules, making them difficult to generalize to a broader chemical space. Additionally, the use of similarity to measure DTI network links often introduces noise, leading to false DTI relationships and affecting the prediction accuracy. To address these issues, this study proposes an Adaptive Iterative Graph Optimization (AIGO)-DTI prediction framework. This framework integrates atomic cluster information and enhances molecular features through the design of functional group prompts and graph encoders, optimizing the construction of DTI association networks. Furthermore, the optimization of graph structure is transformed into a node similarity learning problem, utilizing multihead similarity metric functions to iteratively update the network structure to improve the quality of DTI information. Experimental results demonstrate the outstanding performance of AIGO-DTI on multiple public data sets and label reversal data sets. Case studies, molecular docking, and existing research validate its effectiveness and reliability. Overall, the method proposed in this study can construct comprehensive and reliable DTI association network information, providing new graphing and optimization strategies for DTI prediction, which contribute to efficient drug development and reduce target discovery costs.

Identifying the plane position of the receiver coil in a multi‐transmitter IPT system through the identification of parameters

AbstractThe study introduces a method for identifying the location of receiver coils within a multi‐transmitter IPT system that utilizes shared transmitter coils. In contrast to the conventional receiver coil position recognition methods, this approach eliminates the need for additional detection coils and position sensors. Identifying the location of the receiver coil in a multi‐transmitter IPT system is achieved through the concurrent optimization of the transmitter coil and its electrical characteristics. The study presents the design of coil grouping and control mechanisms for a 3×3 multi‐transmitter. A mathematical model has been developed for the mutual inductance between receiver and transmitter coils on the X–Y plane. Adaptive cooperative particle swarm optimizer (ACPSO) facilitates the identification of mutual inductance and load parameters in a multi‐transmitter IPT system, positioning the receiver coil in a 2D plane using genetic particle swarm optimization (GAPSO) and a mutual inductance mathematical model. The discrepancy in accuracy between the receiver coil's test coordinates and the absolute coordinates remains below 3.5%.

Optimal design of the side sensitive group runs double sampling (SSGRDS) X¯ scheme with estimated process parameters

The side sensitive group runs double sampling (SSGRDS) [Formula: see text] scheme is previously studied under the known process parameters (Case-K) assumption. As the process parameters are hardly known in practical situations, they must be estimated using a suitably chosen in-control (IC) Phase-I sample. However, various studies demonstrated that a substantial amount of Phase-I sample is necessary so that the scheme with unknown process parameters (Case-U) attains a performance almost similar to that of the Case-K counterpart. Since it is challenging to acquire a vast number of IC samples, we examine the optimal designs of the Case-U SSGRDS [Formula: see text] scheme such that the average number of observations to signal (ANOS) and expected ANOS (EANOS) are minimised. The optimal parameters obtained for the Case-U SSGRDS [Formula: see text] scheme enable it to have a performance comparable to that of the Case-K counterpart, without the need for a large number of Phase-I samples. We show that the Case-U SSGRDS [Formula: see text] scheme is effective in identifying the process mean shift of a silicon epitaxial process.

Support Group WhatsApp Chat Method on Knowledge of Heart Failure Patients at RSUD dr. R. Koesma Tuban

Heart failure patients need to gain knowledge of heart failure, one of which is by providing education related to the process of heart failure, its causes and treatment, ways of self-care, how to take medicine, consumption of drinking water and salt intake in food to achieve actual health status. This study aims to determine the effect of group support with the WhatsApp chat method on heart failure patients. This type of research is quasi-experimental, with pretest and posttest control group designs, and it is conducted with a population of 50 patients with heart failure. We had 25 people in the treatment group and 25 people in the control group. Then, the normality test and data analysis were carried out using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test < 0.05. The results showed that the average respondent was female 33 (66%), farmer occupation 22 (44%), and Killip I functional status was 41 (82%), and the result was p = 0.000 at the level of knowledge of the respondents. From the results of this study, it was concluded that the support group using the WhatsApp chat method can affect knowledge. Still, WhatsApp chat is more appropriate for heart failure patients with higher activities.

Burnout amongst Generalist and Forensic Social Workers: A Comparative Study

Forensic social work poses obstacles that can increase the risk of burnout among practitioners. Prior research studies have explored burnout among generalist social workers; however, there is a noticeable deficiency in the literature regarding burnout among forensic social workers, as well as the absence of comparisons between these two professions to discern variations in burnout patterns. The aim of this study was to compare burnout patterns among generalist and forensic social workers using a quantitative approach and a comparison group design. Qualified generalist and forensic social workers from an accredited South African university participated in an all-inclusive willing participation sample approach. The study found that, while both groups had moderate degrees of emotional exhaustion, forensic social workers experienced higher levels. There were also significant disparities in depersonalisation, with forensic social workers suggesting higher levels. This study contributes to understanding burnout patterns in forensic social workers, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to mitigate their effects.

PENERAPAN E-LKPD BERBASIS SAINTIFIK INKUIRI TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA KELAS 5

This study aims to determine the application of E-LKPD based on scientific inquiry on critical thinking skills in grade V science subjects at SDN Karawaci 1. The research method used is quasi-experiment with a research design of nonequivalent control group design. There are two classes in this study, namely the experimental class and the control class. The experimental class consisted of 25 students who applied learning using E-LKPD based on scientific inquiry and the control class consisted of 25 students who applied conventional LKPD. The research data collection used observation instruments, pretests and posttests. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Inferential statistical data analysis using independent sample t-test one party right and n-gain. Based on the data analysis calculations that have been carried out by researchers, the research results obtained are the critical thinking skills of students who use E-LKPD are better than the critical thinking skills of students who use LKPD. Through the research that has been done, it is hoped that this research will be a motivation and innovation in learning and provide information to readers, teachers and other educators about the importance of developing critical thinking skills for elementary school students

The Effect of Argument Driven Inquiry Learning Models on Scientific Argumentation Skills and Higher Order Students on The Topics of Acid Base

This study aims to determine the effect of the argument driven inquiry learning model on the simultaneous scientific argumentation skills and higher order thinking skills in students on the topic of acid base. The research uses a quasi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest control group design. This research was conducted on 137 students of class XI MIPA at a high school in Palembang. Sampling was done by the simple random sampling technique. The results of the study showed that there was a significant effect of the argument driven inquiry learning model on the scientific argumentation skills and higher order thinking skills of the students on the topic of acid base. There is an effective contribution of the application of the learning model of argument driven inquiry on the topics of acid base to enhance the scientific arguments skills and the higher order thinking skills of students at the same time of 18.90%. In general, the students gave a positive response to the application of the argument driven inquiry learning model to enhance the scientific argumentation skills and higher order thinking skills.

Efektivitas Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Augmented Reality Untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis pada Materi IPAS

Technology in the 5.0 revolution is developing very rapidly so it is necessary to prepare the student to face the challenges of the 21st century by having 21st century skills, namely critical thinking Having a low category of critical thinking because the teacher in using the media has not facilitated students to think critically tends to be monotonous and boring. The purpose of this experiment is to establish the effective of AR media to improving learners' critical thinking skills on IPAS material. The study used quantitative research methods with the research type true experiment with pretest-posttest control group design. The data collection methods used are test instrument. The results of the study were tested Independent T-Test to find out the enhancing students' critical thinking skills then conducted an effectiveness test to determine the effectiveness of the application of Augmented Reality-based learning media to improve critical thinking skills on IPAS material. The research results of the average value of the experimental class using AR media are 58.92 and 75.98 while the average value of the control class using conventional media is 58.80 and 63.56. The test results of the Independent Sample T-Test obtained with a value of 0.000 with the provisions of the test decision if significant less than 0.05 then there is sig. effects among the experimental and control posttests. The effective test using N-Gain obtained a result of 56.52 which was categorized as sufficient. It is synthesized that AR-based learning media improves critical thinking skills and the effectiveness of AR-based learning media is effective to use with the N-Gain test.

Elevating Problem-Solving Prowess: The Impact of ICT-Assisted ReCODE Learning Model on Class VIII Students' Problem-Solving Skills at SMPN 18 Makassar

Problem-solving skills are one of the 21st-century skills that are important to improve, especially in the field of science. However, some studies show that students' problem-solving skills are still low. This study aims to determine the effect of the ICT-assisted Reading, Connecting, Observing, Discussing, Evaluating (ReCODE) learning model on students' problem-solving skills. This research is a quasi-experimental research with Pretest-Posttest Nonequivalent Control Group Design research design. The study population was all students of class VIII SMPN 18 Makassar. Sampling using a purposive sampling technique which consisted of experimental class and control class. The instrument used was an essay test instrument with data collection methods using pre-test and post-test results. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The results of the analysis were obtained tcount = 2.4 > ttable = 1.67 which means H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the ReCODE Learning model assisted by ICT affects the problem-solving skills of class VIII students of SMPN 18 Makassar.

The effects of aftercare/resettlement services on crime and violence in children and youth: A systematic review.

High rates of youth re-offending indicate that young custody-leavers face challenges when reintegrating into their communities. Aftercare and resettlement programs can occur pre-, during, and post-release and generally provide multiple forms of support services to address youths' transitional needs. The present review examines (1) the impact of youth aftercare/resettlement programs on crime-related outcomes, (2) how treatment effect is moderated by participant, program, and study characteristics, (3) whether some types of interventions are more effective than others, (4) barriers/facilitators to effective program implementation, (5) the theory of change underlying resettlement interventions, and (6) available research on intervention cost. A comprehensive set of keywords and synonyms was combined in a Boolean search across 26 electronic databases. Multiple gray literature sources were also searched, including 23 journals, 4 meeting archives, 11 organization websites, 3 open access journal websites, and the CVs of 8 well-known researchers in the field. The search was completed in January 2023. For objectives 1-3, studies were included if they utilized a randomized controlled design or quasi-experimental comparison group design in which participants were matched on at least some baseline variables and included at least one quantitative individual-measure of crime. For objective 4, included studies presented process evaluations of aftercare/reentry programs, clearly stated their research goals, and used qualitative methods in an appropriate way to answer the stated research question. For objectives 5 and 6, no specific methods were required; any study meeting the criteria for objectives 1-4 which presented findings on theory of change or cost data were included. For all outcomes, only studies conducted in a westernized country, and published after 1991 in English, French, or German were considered. Two coders conducted primary data extraction for the included studies. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database. After data extraction, the two coders validated the coding by cross-checking the database with each research report. Discrepancies between coders were discussed until consensus was reached. Where consensus could not be reached, a third coder was consulted. Study risk of bias was addressed using the ROBINS-I (Sterne et al., 2016), ROB-2 (Higgins et al., 2019), and the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP, 2018). Objectives 1-3 were addressed by synthesizing quantitative outcomes from rigorous impact evaluations of aftercare interventions using random effects models and meta-regression. Thematic and narrative analysis was conducted to address objectives 4-6. The search resulted in 15 impact studies, representing 4,718 participants across 21 program sites, and 35 effect sizes. The 21 impact evaluations were rated as having either low/moderate bias (k = 11) or serious bias (k = 10). The synthesis of 15 impact studies found no significant effects for arrest (k = 14; OR = 1.044, 95% prediction interval [0.527, 2.075], t = 0.335) or incarceration (k = 8, OR = 0.806, 95% prediction interval [2.203, 1.433], t = -1.674). A significant pooled effect was found for conviction (k = 13, OR = 1.209, 95% prediction interval [1.000, 1.462], t = 2.256), but results were highly sensitive to the inclusion of specific studies. No meaningful pattern of results emerged in moderator analyses with respect to study, sample, program component, or program delivery characteristics. The 19 process studies were rated as either high quality (k = 12) or moderate quality (k = 7). Thematic synthesis of the process evaluations revealed 15 themes related to the strengths/challenges of program implementation. The assessment of program cost (k = 7) determined a lack of data within the literature, preventing any summative analysis. Current evidence is promising with respect to conviction outcomes but overall does not find that aftercare/resettlement interventions have a reliably positive impact on crime-related outcomes for young people who have offended. High variability across outcomes and reported data resulted in small sample sizes per outcome and limited moderator analyses. Multiple challenges for program implementation exist; additional rigorous research is sorely needed to further investigate the nuances of the program effects.

COMBINATION OF ETHNOMATHEMATICS AND THE MOZART EFFECT TO IMPROVE PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS AND MATHEMATICAL DISPOSITION

The background of this research is that student learning outcomes in analytical geometry lecture during the transition from pandemic to Covid-19 endemic are still low, which is due to a lack of student interest in learning, and they are still accustomed to online learning, thus having an impact on their low problem-solving skills and mathematical disposition. This research aims to determine to what extent the implementation of ethnomathematics and the Mozart effect can improve students' problem-solving skills and mathematical disposition in analytical geometry lecture during the transition from pandemic to endemic COVID-19, so the research is important to do. The implementation of ethnomathematics and the Mozart effect in mathematics learning is unique because it is a combination of learning approaches that have never been used before in Indonesia and other countries. The research method used was a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design because this research was experimental and sample determination was not carried out randomly, but using purposive sampling technique on the second-semester students of the mathematics undergraduate program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran. The instruments used in this study were problem-solving skills test, mathematical disposition scale, and students’ attitude questionnaire toward learning with the implementation of ethnomathematics and the Mozart effect. The results showed that: (1) problem-solving skills of students who received learning by implementing ethnomathematics and the Mozart effect are better than students who achieved direct instruction; (2) mathematical disposition of students who received learning by implementing ethnomathematics and the Mozart effect is better than students who achieved direct instruction; and (3) students are interested and motivated to learn mathematics by implementing ethnomathematics and the Mozart effect. This research concludes that the implementation of ethnomathematics and the Mozart effect can improve students' problem-solving skills and mathematical disposition in analytical geometry lecture during the transition period from the pandemic to endemic COVID-19. It can be seen from good average post test scores achieved by students.