Experimental Group Research Articles

Enhancing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning in Saudi Arabia: the academic contribution of YouTube in EFL learning and cultural awareness

The incorporation of technology in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom has drastically transformed conventional learning models by offering innovative ways to boost students’ engagement and improve learning outcomes. This study investigates the impact of using YouTube as an educational tool to enhance EFL instruction in Saudi Arabia. A total of 200 EFL students were divided into two groups: An experimental group which used You Tube as a source of learning and another group which used normal curriculum. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from a paired-sample t-test with qualitative feedback from students. The results for paired-sample t-test computations revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0. 003) across the proficiency level indicating improvement in students’ speaking and listening skills at higher proficiency levels. Of the qualitative answers, motivational and participation enhancement were overemphasized. The research points that the integration of YouTube in EFL classrooms can lead to a remarkable increase in language learning especially in the learning area of listening and speaking abilities among the students. These results offer practical implications for educators seeking to integrate multimedia tools into their teaching strategies to promote more interactive and effective learning experiences.

Consequence of Orange Theory Fitness Training on Selected Health Related Physical Fitness Variables among Obese

Abstract The main task of the study was to find out Consequence of orange theory fitness training on Selected Health Related Physical Fitness Variables among Obese. To achieve the task of the study Forty class-I obese school boys were selected from various schools in Tuticorin were selected as subjects and their age ranged from 12-15 years only. The selected subjects were divided into two equal groups namely experimental group (20) and control group (20). The experimental group participated in orange theory fitness training. Pre and post-test method were followed. The experimental training was adopted for eight weeks on three days a week and control group was not exposed to experimental treatment. The selected variables namely flexibility, cardio respiratory endurance and muscular endurance. The above selected variables were tested through Flexibility (sit and reach in centimetre), Cardio Vascular Endurance (1.6 mile run in five minutes), and Muscular Endurance (bent knee sit-ups). The collected data were statistically analyses using dependent 't' test. The level of confidence was fixed at 0.05 for all cases. The result of the study showed that there was a significant improvement in flexibility, cardio respiratory endurance and muscular endurance among class -I obese school boys due to orange theory fitness training.

Reform Strategies for the Popular Music Public Course Based on Key Competences

This study aims to explore the application potential of international music teaching methods in the reform of public basic courses of popular music in Chinese universities. Using mixed research methods, the applicability of Dalcroze, Kodaly, and Orff teaching methods was systematically evaluated through expert interviews, teaching material development, and a quasi-experimental design. The study found that these methods have high overall applicability in the Chinese higher education environment (average rating 4.183/5), but require localization adjustments. Based on this, the innovative textbook "Fundamentals and Applications of Popular Music" (IOC value 0.920) and a 12-week teaching plan (IOC value 0.880) were developed. The results of the 16-week teaching experiment showed that the students in the experimental group were significantly better than the control group in terms of music theory knowledge, appreciation ability, creative ability and learning interest (p<0.01). This study proposes a curriculum reform strategy that integrates innovation, technology empowerment, and interdisciplinary integration, providing theoretical basis and practical guidance for improving the quality of popular music education in colleges and universities. Future research directions include expanding the sample scope, conducting long-term follow-up studies, and deepening cross-cultural comparative analysis.

Clinical trial protocol for continuous glucose monitoring in critical care at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (CGM-UCI23).

Hyperglycaemia is common in intensive care units (ICUs), with a prevalence of up to 86.2%, increasing mortality. Technology has evolved towards continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and its use in ICUs began especially during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Various studies have evaluated the reliability of CGM, indicating that it is safe for use in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to compare the use of CGM with point-of-care glucose (POC-G) testing in ICU. Specific objectives include evaluating the glycaemic control, the frequency of POC-G measurements, the incidence of hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia and morbidity and mortality at 90 days. An experimental, controlled and randomized clinical trial with a single-blind design will be conducted at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCB). A sample size of 376 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group, where glycaemic management will be based on CGM; and a control group, where glucose will be managed through POC-G testing, with a blinded CGM. The primary variable considered will be time in range (TIR), with secondary outcomes including, time above range (TAR), time below range (TBR), number of POC-G measurements, incidence of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, and mortality. Hypothesis testing will use the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to assess data normality, with appropriate statistical tests applied, considering a p-value <.05. The results obtained will help us understand the impact of CGM on critically ill patients. CGM could potentially reduce the workload of nurses and improve the efficiency of decision-making by the ICU team, enabling early identification and treatment of glucose complications, thereby enhancing safety. Patient safety, a reduction in patient fingerstick and a decreased care burden are the criteria that add value to this research.

The effectiveness of teaching human evolution to 14-15-year-olds in Slovenia Učinkovitost poučevanja evolucije človeka pri 14-do 15-letnikih v Sloveniji

In Slovenia, human evolution is first taught in biology classes to 14–15-year-old students. For many of them, this will be the only contact with this topic at school. The objective was to determine how much knowledge students acquired about human evolution. Data were collected with a questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. The participants were 13–14-year-olds who had not yet learned about human evolution (the control group) and 15–16-year-olds who had learned about human evolution one year earlier in biology classes (the experimental group). The results show that students significantly improved their knowledge of human evolution with small to medium effect sizes. Students knew very well that modern humans are the only species of humans today and that they did not live at the same time as dinosaurs. The achievements were low on the following topics: modern humans lived at the same time as Neanderthals and mammoths, and modern humans did not evolve from Neanderthals. To the problematic topics, attention should be paid to teacher education and the primary school curriculum. There were few correlations between the knowledge of human evolution, acceptance of evolution, religiosity, and attitudes toward biology.

An investigation into how mindfulness practice might improve listening comprehension of English learners in Viet Nam

This study investigated the effect of short mindfulness exercises on the listening comprehension of Vietnamese students learning English. Research participants (N = 190) were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group who received three five-minute mindfulness sessions before listening tests and the control group who received the mindfulness intervention only before the last listening test. The results showed a significant interaction effect between the group variable and test scores, indicating that mindfulness meditation can enhance listening comprehension of the experimental compared to the control group. These findings align with previous studies on the positive effects of mindfulness on listening comprehension of foreign language learners. This study suggests that mindfulness may be a valuable tool not only in education in general but also in language learning and teaching.

Spatial Distribution of Fine Roots in Pinus tabuliformis and Populus tomentosa and Their Competition in Soils Response to Nutrient Availability and Proximity

Developing high-efficiency mixed forests or converting low-efficiency pure forests into near-natural mixed forests with optimal structure and function is a crucial aspect of forest management. In the initial stages of afforestation or stand improvement, fertilization and planting distance significantly influence the formation and development of mixed forests. This study investigated how nutrients and planting distance affect root competition between five-year-old Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis) and one-year-old Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa) and identified the factors influencing the competitive ability of these two species. Field planting experiments used three fertilization gradients (63 g·m−2, 125 g·m−2, and 250 g·m−2) of Stanley compound fertilizer with an N:P:K ratio of 2:1:1 and two planting distances (25 cm and 50 cm). Each experimental group was planted in circular plots with a radius of 0.5 m, yielding a total of nine plots. The effects of different fertilization concentrations and planting distances on root distribution were analyzed both horizontally and vertically. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between roots and soil nutrients, while Levins’ niche overlap formula evaluated the differences in root competition between the species. Furthermore, principal component analysis quantified the relationships between impact factors and the root competitiveness of the two species. Results indicated that both species primarily allocated their fine root biomass to the shallow 0–10 cm layer. Pinus tabuliformis primarily extended to the southwest, while Populus tomentosa predominantly grew to the north. Both species exhibited enhanced root growth at moderate nutrient concentrations of 125 g·m−2. At a planting distance of 50 cm from Pinus tabuliformis, Populus tomentosa seedlings demonstrated superior root growth compared to those planted 25 cm apart. Pinus tabuliformis demonstrated greater competitive ability in the deeper 10–30 cm soil layers compared to Populus tomentosa, which showed the opposite pattern in the shallow 0–10 cm layers. Furthermore, available phosphorus (contribution rate of one impact factor on the competitiveness indexes, CR: −0.998), organic matter (CR: −0.978), total nitrogen (CR: −0.947), and alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen (CR: −0.937) significantly negatively impacted the competitiveness indexes of Pinus tabuliformis. The fine root surface area, volume, and length of Populus tomentosa also significantly negatively affected its competitiveness indexes, with all contribution rates exceeding an absolute value of 0.847. Results indicated that the root distributions of Pinus tabuliformis and Populus tomentosa overlapped spatially, with each species exhibiting advantages in different regions. Therefore, in future plantation reconstruction and forest management, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate root, soil, and fertilizer factors, adjusting planting distances accordingly, to effectively mitigate competition between the two species and successfully establish a mixed forest.

Does the Use of the Yeast Probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae Actisaf Sc 47 Reduce the Environmental Impacts of Beef Cattle? A Study Based on Life Cycle Assessment

Increasing animal protein, especially from beef, is necessary to satisfy the requirements of the growing global population. However, this is becoming increasingly challenging due to stakeholders prioritizing sustainable systems with low environmental impacts. To answer these challenges, the use of feed additives such as yeast probiotics seems to be an effective route for improvements in feed efficiency and growth performance. The current study was performed to quantify the environmental impacts of the production and use of a yeast probiotic (Actisaf® Sc 47) through an LCA method in four trials performed during the fattening period: France (French trial), Spain (Spanish trial), and Italy (Italian trials A and B). During each trial, two groups of animals with the same characteristics were compared during the fattening period: the control group without Actisaf® Sc 47 supplementation used as a baseline, and the experimental group with Actisaf® Sc 47 supplementation. The calves started the trial at the ages of 224, 92, and 186 days during the French, Spanish, and Italian trials A and B, respectively. Of the sixteen impact category indicators, nine were analyzed. In Italian trials A and B, the Spanish trial, and the French trial, the use of Actisaf® Sc 47 reduced CC by 4.8, 3.8, 6.6, and 5.4%; FE by 4.8, 3.9, 8.2, and 6.3%; ME by 4.9, 4.0, 6, and 6.4%; and TE by 5.3, 4.1, and 6.2%, respectively. Moreover, during the same trials, Actisaf® Sc 47 reduced AC by 6.0, 4.1, 6.3, and 7.1%; LU by 4.7, 3.9, 5.8, and 6.1%; WU by 4.5, 3.4, 5.2, and 5.9%; RU (fossils) by 4.8, 3.7, 7.3, and 4.8%; and PM by 5.2, 4.1, 6.3, and 7.1%, respectively. The use of Actisaf® Sc 47 has beneficial effects on the environment. Regarding Actisaf® Sc 47 production, the results showed that the production of 1 kg of Actisaf® Sc 47 emitted 2.1 kg of CO2 eq, 60% of which came from the fermentation process and 39% from drying. The results demonstrate the interest in using Actisaf® Sc during the fattening period for its multiple positive outcomes: improving performance and efficiency, while reducing the global carbon footprint.

The use of digital technologies to promote sexual health in young adults: a narrative review

Abstract Background New technologies have the potential to play an important role in promoting sexual health, especially among young people, who are the biggest users and those at greatest risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). The risk behavior assumed by young people today highlights this vulnerability in several contexts, such as individual, social, economic, and family. In this sense, it becomes relevant to approach sex education in schools using digital technologies. Objectives To identify the evidence in the literature on the use of digital technologies to promote the sexual health of young adults. Methods Narrative literature review. Three independent reviewers extracted, analyzed and synthesized the articles and results. Results Through the selection process, four studies were included. The articles show that the use of digital technologies (mobile phones/applications) leads to increased knowledge, improved attitudes and sexual behavior among young adults. The interventions studied in the studies were based on Short Message Service, electronic mail interventions and the MyPEEPS mobile application, with the following main focuses: Increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of young adults. Considering the results of the studies, all interventions proved to be effective as facilitators of sexual health promotion. Conclusions The use of digital technologies allowed an increase in the promotion of the sexual health of the participants, since there was an increase in the level of knowledge with the use of digital technologies such as SMS, emails and mobile applications when comparing the experimental and control groups. The use of these digital technologies also allowed for a change in attitudes and behaviors, such as a significant increase in serological testing for STIs and an increase in health care seeking. Key messages • The use of digital technology promotes the sexual health of young adults, so these strategies should be implemented by health professionals. • The dissemination of these digital strategies will have an impact on Public Health, specifically regarding the sexual health of young adults.

How effective are eHealth literacy interventions? A meta-analysis of experimental studies

Abstract The rapid evolution of digital health emphasises the need for effective eHealth literacy (eHL) to ensure equitable access to health information and improve patient outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the effectiveness of eHL interventions, addressing the significant gap in knowledge about which strategies are most beneficial. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we systematically retrieved, quantitatively pooled and critically appraised available experimental evidence on the effectiveness of eHL interventions across different populations. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies reporting original quantitative outcomes of eHL, assessed by the eHealth Literacy Scale or other validated scales. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, with critical appraisal of the included studies. From the 504 records screened, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. They encompass interventions targeting adults with chronic diseases (6 studies), older adults (5), and young people (4) and examine either individualistic or collaborative approaches (respectively, 9 and 5 studies, and 1 assessing both). The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in eHL, both pre- vs post-intervention (UMD 5.81, 95%CI 3.38-8.26, N = 1,025) and experimental vs control groups (OR 3.65, 95%CI 2.06-6.46, N = 1,258). Meta-regression showed a significant correlation between pre/post-intervention outcomes and baseline eHL levels (slope=-0.91, p-value=0.009). Our findings support the effectiveness of tailored interventions in significantly enhancing eHL, providing key insights (role of baseline eHL levels and intervention approach) for intervention design and implementation that are adaptable to various demographic contexts. This research was supported by the National Plan for Complementary Investments to the NRRP Hub Life Science-Digital Health (PNC-E3-2022-23683267, DHEAL-COM).

Fermented By-Products of Banana Wine Production Improve Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality, and Flavor Fingerprint of Domestic Chicken

This study aimed to compare the effects of incorporating fermented feed into daily diets on the slaughter performance, meat quality, and flavor compounds of 120 domestic chickens over a 140-day period. A total of five groups (n = 24), including the control group (CK) of the Guangxi Partridge chickens received a standard base diet. The other four groups were provided with pellets that had been added with 10% fermented banana peel (Pe-10), 20% fermented banana peel (Pe-20), 10% fermented banana pulp residue (Pu-10), and 20% fermented banana pulp residue (Pu-20). The flavor compounds in the meat samples of the chickens in these groups were determined using the gas chromatographic method. The results demonstrated that the chickens in the Pe-10, Pe-20, Pu-10, and Pu-20 groups exhibited pectoral muscle percentages, thigh muscle percentages, and total fatty acid content of chest meat that were higher than those observed in the CK group. The moisture content, meat color, carcass weight, total net weight, and abdominal fat percentage of the meat samples in these experimental groups exhibited no notable differences. The flavor compounds in the meat samples of the chickens fed with the two concentrations of fermented banana peel and banana residue were found to be significantly different from those in the control group, with p-values less than 0.05. As the quantity of fermented banana peel incorporated into the daily ration was increased from 10% to 20%, a notable alteration in the flavor compounds present in the chicken samples was observed. The chickens that were provided with fermented banana peels and pulps in their diets exhibited superior slaughter performance and meat quality, particularly in the case of the Pu-10 group, in comparison to the control chickens.

Comparison of Malondialdehyde, Acetylcholinesterase, and Apoptosis-Related Markers in the Cortex and Hippocampus of Cognitively Dysfunctional Mice Induced by Scopolamine

Objectives: Until now, many researchers have conducted evaluations on hippocampi for analyses of cognitive dysfunction models using scopolamine. However, depending on the purposes of these analyses, there are differences in the experimental results for the hippocampi and cortexes. Therefore, this study intends to compare various analyses of cognitive dysfunction after scopolamine administration with each other in hippocampi and cortexes. Methods: Scopolamine was administered at three dosages in mice: 0.5, 1, and 3 mg/kg. And this study evaluates the differences in cognitive function and the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mice’s hippocampi and cortexes based on scopolamine dosages. Results: The Morris water maze test was conducted between 1 and 3 h after scopolamine injection to assess its duration. A significant decrease in behavioral ability was evaluated at 1 h, and we observed a similar recovery to the normal group at 3 h. And the Morris water maze escape latency showed differences depending on scopolamine concentration. While the escape waiting time in the control group and scop 0.5 administration group remained similar to that seen before administration, the administration of scop 1 and 3 increased it. In the experimental group administered scop 1 and 3, cerebral MDA levels in the cerebral cortex significantly increased. In the hippocampus, the MDA level in the scopolamine-administered groups slightly increased compared to the cortex. A Western blotting assay shows that Bax and Bcl-xl showed a tendency to increase or decrease depending on the concentration, but BDNF increased in scop 0.5, and scop 1 and 3 did not show a significant decrease compared to the control at the cerebral cortex. In the hippocampus, BDNF showed a concentration-dependent decrease in expression. Conclusions: This study’s findings indicate that chemical analyses for MDA and AChE can be performed in the cerebral cortex, while the hippocampus is better suited for protein analysis of apoptosis and BDNF.

Sotatercept: The First FDA-Approved Activin A Receptor IIA Inhibitor Used in the Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

This report illustrates the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of first-in-its-class activin A receptor IIA inhibitor, sotatercept (Winrevair™), for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sotatercept is used to increase exercise capacity, improve WHO functional class, and decrease the risk of clinical worsening events in adults with PAH. One phase 2 trial, one phase 3 trial, and an ongoing open-label extension study is described in detail within the current text. Sotatercept significantly improved the 6-min walk distance in patients with PAH after 24 weeks with a mean change increase of 40.1 meters in the experimental group versus 1.4 meters decrease in the placebo group. Epistaxis, telangiectasia, increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell levels, and dizziness were adverse events more frequently observed in the sotatercept group than in the placebo group. Sotatercept has shown significant benefits in the reduction of pulmonary vascular resistance and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide in patients with PAH. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the reduction in mortality. Limitations in practice include high cost and unknown long-term effects.

Partial deletion of the Akap1 gene promotes abnormalities in gut barrier function, gut microbiota composition and cardiac function during cardiovascular aging in mice

Abstract Background Cardiovascular aging is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, changes in intestinal permeability and microbiota composition. Mitochondria-targeted A-kinase anchoring proteins (mitoAKAPs) are a group of structurally diverse proteins binding the regulatory subunits of protein kinase A (PKA), and targeting PKA at discrete intracellular locations. We analyzed the effects of global partial genetic deletion of Akap1 on intestinal barrier permeability, microbiota composition, inflammation, and cardiac function during aging in mice. Purpose The proposal of this study was to determine the role of mitoAKAPs in the gut-heart axis during cardiovascular aging. Methods Young (4-6-month) and old (18-24-month) genetically modified Akap1+/+ and Akap1+/− mice of either sex underwent evaluation of cardiac function by transthoracic echocardiography. To evaluate gut barrier integrity, we analyzed expression levels of intestinal junction proteins occludin (Ocln), zonulin (Tjp1) in colonic samples and FITC-dextran permeability in vivo, circulating levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10). Fecal microbial composition was evaluated by Illumina Mi-Seq, Gut microbiota differences based on 16S rDNA sequencing at genus and species taxonomic levels were identified using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) combined with effect size (LEfSe) algorithm. Finally, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed for five weeks to test whether modification of gut microbiota composition can affect cardiac function. Results A reduction in % left ventricular shortening (FS%) was observed in young and old Akap1+/- mice compared to Akap1+/+ mice. This finding was associated to increased intestinal permeability, as indicated by reduced mRNA levels of Ocln and Tjp1, increased LPS traslocation across intestinal epitelium into blood in 24m Akap1+/- mice compared to Akap1+/+. Through the analysis of the microbial signature, we observed the different bacterial species present in the microbiota of the experimental groups. FMT of bacteria species from old Akap1+/− to young Akap1+/+ mice induced gut abnormalities and cardiac dysfunction, while FMT from young Akap1+/+ donors ameliorated cardiac dysfunction in old Akap1+/+ mice. Conclusions MitoAKAPs play a crucial role in the maintenance of intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota composition and cardiac function during aging. Modulation of the composition of the intestinal microbiota influences intestinal permeability and cardiac function. MitoAKAPs could represent an important diagnostic and therapeutic target for cardiac and intestinal dysfunction.

High-Intensity interval training improves global longitudinal strain in patients with metabolic syndrome and high risk of heart failure

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MS) has been associated with the development of myocardial dysfunction which can lead to heart failure (HF). It is possible to detect early signs of myocardial dysfunction by assessing the global longitudinal strain (GLS) in a transthoracic echocardiography. A reduced GLS is considered as a predictor of HF development. Preventive strategies are recommended in patients with MS to avoid the progression to HF. Although exercise improves cardiovascular and metabolic health in MS patients, it is unknown whether exercise can affect the evolution of GLS in a group of patients with MS who are under medical treatment. Purpose To assess the prevalence of myocardial dysfunction (i.e., reduced GLS) in a heterogeneous group of patients with MS who are under medical treatment, and to test in these patients if 16 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve the GLS. Methods Seventy-seven volunteers with MS and without signs or symptoms of HF were randomized in one of two 16-week intervention: i). HIIT in stationary bikes 3 sessions/week, 50 minutes/session + medical treatment (HIIT group), or ii). medical treatment (CONTROL). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and GLS together with rutinary echocardiographic parameters were assessed before and after intervention. The effect of HIIT compared to CONTROL was analyzed by a split-plot ANOVA to compare the effects of time (pre vs. post) and group (HIIT vs. CONTROL), and the interaction between the two factors. Results Before intervention 48.9% of participants from the HIIT group, and 46.7% from the CON group had a reduced GLS (i.e., &amp;gt;17% for men and &amp;gt;18% for women). However, none of them had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), signs of diastolic dysfunction or an abnormal VO2max (less than 80% of predicted VO2max). After the 16-week intervention, only individuals from the HIIT group improved their VO2max (time*group P&amp;lt;0.001). LVEF did not improve in any of the experimental groups (time P=0.278) HIIT group improved their GLS by 0.51%, whereas CONTROL group improved it by 0.05% without reaching statistical significance (time*group P=0.186). However, a subgroup analysis of GLS conducted among the participants from the HIIT group discriminated by their pre-intervention values (GLS normal or reduced), showed that individuals with reduced GLS improved significantly by 1,41% (P=0.001) whereas those with a normal GLS improved by 0.14% without reaching statistical significance (P=0.736, time*group P=0.009). Conclusions Myocardial dysfunction assessed by GLS is present in MS even in the absence of symptoms, diastolic dysfunction, or reductions in the LVEF. HIIT can reduce the risk of HF development by improving GLS in patients with MS and early signs of myocardial dysfunction.A. Overall changes in GLSB. Subgroup analysis of GLS pre vs. post

Effects of Collaborative Support on Learning in Serious Games for Programming

This study examines the effectiveness of a collaborative support method in enhancing programming learning outcomes in a serious game. The game Code Hasp was developed to facilitate the comparison between two support methods, worked examples and a collaborative peer support approach. A total of 111 elementary school students participated, divided into two groups. The experimental group received collaborative support from teammates alongside worked examples, while the control group relied solely on worked examples. Pre- and post-test results and in-game data revealed that the collaborative support method improved learning efficiency and problem-solving skills. A notable effect of the process was the emergence of a leadership role in most collaborative groups. The game’s support design and shared goal structure mitigate potential problems associated with unbalanced participation. These findings suggest that collaborative support systems in serious games are a promising strategy for promoting engagement and improving learning outcomes in programming education.

Assessing interactional metadiscourse in EFL writing through intelligent data-driven learning: the Microsoft Copilot in the spotlight

The purpose of the current study was twofold: examining the efficacy of data-driven learning (DDL) (hands-on and hands-off approaches) in the realization of interactional metadiscourse markers (IMMs) among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners and analyzing the learners’ perceptions of DDL. The participants consisted of 93 male and female advanced language learners randomly assigned to one of the three groups: hands-on, hands-off, and control. Throughout the duration of treatment lasting for 10 sessions, the hands-on group employed the use of Microsoft Copilot, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, on a computer screen to discuss and explore IMMs, but the hands-off group was exposed to IMMs through written texts that were physically printed on paper and articles to be examined through AntConc concordancing program. The control group received conventional instructional techniques including reading assigned course materials. The findings from a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) procedure indicated that both experimental groups outperformed the control group in the posttest of realizing and identifying IMMs. However, the post hoc comparisons showed statistically significant differences between the hands-on and hands-off groups, with the hands-on group performing more successfully in identifying IMMs. The results of the questionnaire data revealed that all the learners had positive perception of DDL. The results of the current study suggest using both hands-on and hands-off DDL methods helps learners develop their writing performance through metadiscourse realization.

Evaluating the effectiveness of oral presentations towards students' English speaking ability at Nguyen Tat Thanh University

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of oral presentations to improve the ability to speak English of first-year non-English major students at Nguyen Tat Thanh University. A quasi-experimental design is conducted with two groups, including an experimental group that receives instruction utilizing an oral presentation approach and a control group that receives no intervention. Pre-test and post-test assessments are used to systematically evaluate the impact of oral presentations on students' English speaking ability in terms of grammar, pronunciation, lexical proficiency, fluency, and discourse coherency. The results show the significant improvement of oral presentations compared to traditional teaching method in improving the English speaking skills of first-year non-English major students at Nguyen Tat Thanh University.

Pathological and Hormonal Alterations of the Testis in Balb/C Mice Treated With Spirotetramat Insecticide

Background and Objectives: The side effects of insecticides are undeniable due to their excessive use by farmers. This study aims to investigate the impact of spirotetramat insecticide on pathological and hormonal alteration in BALB/c mice testes. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 adult BALB/c male mice, with a body weight range of 25-30 g, were obtained from the Animal House of Uremia University and examined. Mice were randomly divided into three groups of eight: control, experimental group 1, and experimental group 2. The mice of experimental group 1 received 2.5 mg/kg, and experimental group 2 received 10 mg/kg of spirotetramat. The control group received the same amount of distilled water for 21 days through the mouth by gavage. After this period, the mice were anesthetized and evaluated. Data were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance in SPSS version 19 software. Results: The results of the study showed that spirotetramat increased the thickness of the tunica albuginea, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the differentiation index of the testis tube, and the spermiogenesis index, but it decreased the thickness of the epithelium of the spermatogenic tubules, the replacement index of active spermatogonia, Leydig cells, and FSH, LH, and testosterone hormone levels. The thickness of interstitial tissue, Sertoli, and lymphocyte cells did not change significantly. Conclusion: By inhibiting the activity of acetyl coenzyme A, spirotetramat insecticide disrupts energy production and prevents the synthesis of lipids in the cells, finally decreasing spermatogenesis in mice.

Effectiveness of Local Glucocorticoid Infiltration Versus Traditional Gauze Bandaging for the Treatment of Onychocryptosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/objectives: Local intralesional corticosteroid injections into the periungual fold are used to treat patients with onychocryptosis, but their short- or medium-term effects are unknown. The goal was to compare the efficacy of this treatment in stages IIa, IIb, and III of the condition with a common conservative method such as gauze bandaging. Methods: A two-arm randomized trial with 40 patients with stage IIa, IIb, and III onychocryptosis equally assigned into two treatment groups—control (spiculotomy and application of gauze bandaging) and experimental group (spiculotomy and infiltration of corticosteroid)—was performed. Anthropometric data, initial clinical status, pain, and inflammatory measures were collected before and at least one month after the intervention. Results: Pain reduction was higher in the experimental group (5.5 vs. 4.8 points) but with no significant differences (p = 0.306).Corticosteroids significantly reduced inflammation over gauze bandaging (1.9 vs. 1) with significant differences between them (p = 0.029). Conclusions: Corticosteroid infiltration was more effective than gauze bandaging application in reducing inflammation in patients with onychocryptosis, with similar effects on pain. These findings support the clinical importance of corticosteroid treatment for this condition, although a single infiltration may not be sufficient to prevent relapses.