Paired Sample T-test Research Articles

Biomechanical Properties of Novel Porous Scaffold Core and Hollow Lateral Hole Pedicle Screws: A Comparative Study in Bama Pigs.

Screw loosening is a common complication of internal fixation of pedicle screw. Therefore, the development of a pedicle screw with low loosening rate and high biosafety is of great clinical significance. This study aimed to investigate whether the application of a porous scaffold structure can improve the stability of pedicle screws by comparing the biomechanical properties of novel porous scaffold core pedicle screws (PSCPSs) with those of hollow lateral hole pedicle screws (HLHPSs) in a porcine lumbar spine. Thirty-two pedicle screws of both types were implanted bilaterally into the L1-4 vertebrae of four Bama pigs, with our newly designed PSCPSs on the right and HLHPSs on the left. All the Bama pigs were sacrificed 16 weeks postoperatively, and the lumbar spine was freed into individual vertebrae. Biomechanical properties of both the pedicle screws were evaluated using pull-out tests, as well as cyclic bending and pull-out tests, while the mechanical properties were assessed using three-point bending tests. The data generated were statistically analyzed using paired-sample t-tests and two independent sample t-tests. We found that the maximal pull-out forces before and after cyclic bending of the PSCPSs (1161.50 ± 337.98 N and 1075.25 ± 223.33 N) were significantly higher than those of the HLHPSs (948.38 ± 194.32 N and 807.13 ± 242.75 N) (p < 0.05, p < 0.05). In 800 cycles of the bending tests, neither PSCPS nor HLHPS showed loosening or visible detachment, but their maximal pull-out forces after cyclic bending tests decreased compared to those in cycles without cyclic bending tests (7.43% and 14.89%, respectively), with no statistical significance (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). Additionally, both screws buckled rather than broke in the three-point bending tests, with no statistically significant differences between the maximal bending load and modulus of elasticity of the two screws (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). Compared with the HLHPSs, the PSCPSs have greater pull-out resistance and better fatigue tolerance with appropriate mechanical properties. Therefore, PSCPSs theoretically have significant potential for clinical applications in reducing the incidence of loosening after pedicle screw implantation.

Effects of Physical Therapy on the Activities of Daily Living and Life Participation among Hemodialysis Patients

This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of physical therapy on both activities of daily living (ADLs) and life participation among hemodialysis patients. Modified questionnaires were used for data collection, specifically the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) Survey. Statistical analyses, including Chi-Square and Paired Sample T-test, were utilized to investigate the correlation between patient independence in ADLs and their level of life participation before and during physical therapy treatment. The findings, derived from data collected from a sample of 32 respondents, revealed a statistically significant improvement in patients’ independence in ADLs following physical therapy intervention. This underscores the positive impact of therapeutic measures on ADLs. Additionally, a notable increase in the extent of patients’ life participation was observed during physical therapy treatment, indicating a significant improvement in this aspect. This study underscores the beneficial effects of physical therapy in enhancing functional abilities, particularly in improving ADLs among hemodialysis patients. It underscores the importance of such interventions in enriching the overall quality of life for individuals undergoing hemodialysis.

Evaluating a Trauma-Informed Care Training Program for Mental Health Clinicians

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the interRAI Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) training program based on evidence-informed Collaborative Action Plans. Focus groups and the Attitude Related Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) questionnaire addressed clinicians’ and mental health professionals’ attitudes toward the application of TIC with their child and youth clients. An explanatory sequential design was conducted. In total, 105 clinicians and mental health professionals who participated in a 4-hour, in-person or virtual TIC training, two comprehensive seminars, and 28 trauma-informed training web-based modules completed the ARTIC questionnaire. Researchers conducted seven focus groups with clinicians/participants (N = 23) to discuss the views and effectiveness of the interRAI TIC educational training modules. To quantitatively measure the change of attitudes towards TIC, descriptive statistical analysis was completed using the means and standard deviation of the ARTIC scores at the initial time point, the follow-up time point, and the difference between scores at both time points. Paired sample t-tests were conducted on both the overall score and each of the subscales in each of the three samples (total sample, online subsample, and hybrid subsample). A thematic analysis was conducted to generate qualitative findings from the focus groups. Findings from the quantitative and qualitative analyses suggest that the interRAI TIC training provided clinicians with an improved sense of knowledge and ability to apply trauma-informed care planning with their clients.

A prospective observational study examining weight and psychosocial change in adolescent and adult eating disorder inpatients admitted for nutritional rehabilitation using a high-energy re-feeding protocol

BackgroundHigh-energy re-feeding protocols are increasingly utilised for nutritional rehabilitation in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN), however, concern persists that adults with AN may be at greater risk of developing complications. In addition, research on psychological outcomes of eating disorder (ED) inpatient treatment programs, and outcomes of high-energy protocols in avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and bulimia nervosa (BN), is limited. This study of an ED inpatient program using a high-energy protocol, compared changes in weight and psychosocial outcomes between adolescents and adults, and identified medical risk factors associated with deviation from the protocol.MethodThis prospective observational study took place in a voluntary ED treatment program in a private hospital. Weight, height, and psychosocial questionnaires (ED Examination-Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Score, Clinical Impairment Assessment and AN/BN Stage of Change) were collected from consenting adolescents (16–20 years) and adults (> 20 years) on admission and discharge. Medical tolerance to the high-energy protocol was assessed daily. Independent samples t-tests and paired samples t-tests were applied to normally distributed data, and Mann–Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to skewed data. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant statistically.ResultsNinety-seven participants were recruited. The majority (n = 91, 94%) were female and most (n = 80, 83%) had AN. Forty-two (43%) were adolescents and 55 (57%) were adults. In participants with AN, weight change (Δ) was significant [median Δ 8.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 4.3) kg]. There was no difference in rate of weight change between adolescents and adults with AN [mean Δ 1.8 (standard deviation (SD) 0.5) kg/week vs. Δ 1.8 (SD 0.6) kg/week; p = 0.841, respectively]. One (1%) participant with AN did not tolerate the high-energy protocol due to oedema. Participants achieved positive change in psychosocial questionnaire scores (p < 0.001) after the the specialist ED program, with no difference between adolescents and adults (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThis voluntary ED treatment program using a high energy re-feeding protocol was effective in achieving positive weight and psychological change for adolescents and adults with minimal adverse events. This indicates that the specialist ED program has both nutritional and psychological benefits.

Mind Mapping Technique with Students Team Achievement Division to Increase the Students’ Interest and Vocabulary Achievement to Tenth Grade Students at Smk Aku Cinta Indonesia Metro

The present study is aimed to find out whether there is a significant difference of students’ vocabulary achievement between students who are taught by using mind mapping technique with students team achievement divison and original mind mapping technique, and whether there is an increase in the students' interest of English vocabulary learning through mind mapping technique with students team achievement divison. The subjects of this research were the tenth grade students of SMK Aku Cinta Indonesia Metro. This study is quantitative research. The data were obtained from the pre-test, post-test, and questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using Independent group t-test and Paired sample t-test in SPSS (Statistical Program for Social Science). The results show that the students' vocabulary achievement in experimental class increased from 54.07 to 81.87 and there is a significant difference with the sig. (2 tailed) of 0.00 &lt; 0.05. The result of students' vocabulary achievement in control class also increased from 53.40 to 68.73 and there is a significant difference with the sig. (2 tailed) of 0.01 &lt; 0.05. Meanwhile, the result of the significance value of the experimental class and the control class are 0.00 &lt; α = 0.05. It means that the p value is less than 0.05. This indicates that there is a significant difference in students' vocabulary achievement between the students who were taught using mind mapping technique with students team achievement divison and original mind mapping technique. Furthermore, the results show that students' interest increased from 30.07 to 42.30 with a significance value of 0.00 &lt; α = 0.05. It can be concluded that H1 is accepted which states that there is an increase in students' interest in learning vocabulary using mind mapping technique with students team achievement divison. In conclusion, learning using digital mind mapping technique has a greater influence on students' vocabulary achievement and it is also able to increase students' interest in English vocabulary.

Educational training and nursing professional self-perception in Mongolia: A prospective observational pre-post design study.

To determine whether professional self-perception of nurses in Mongolia improves following an educational intervention and to identify differences in scores among participant subgroups. A prospective observational pre-post design. Using a convenience sample of 67 nurses in Mongolia in 2019, the Nursing Professional Values Scale-3 instrument was used pre- and post-intervention. Independent and paired sample t-tests were conducted. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 28.0.1.1 and Stata/SE 16.1. This study complied with the STROBE checklist. Of the 67 nurses, 92.0% were female, mean age was 32.15 years (SD 8.96), 70.0% held a bachelor's degree, 58.0% had 5 or more years' nursing experience and 51.0% were members of a professional nursing organization. After participating in the educational training, nurses reported higher overall professional self-perception as well as across subscales: activism, professionalism and caring. Considering the nursing shortage in lower-middle-income countries, it is important to recognise the influence of nurses' professional self-perception on nursing retention. This study highlights the significant role continuing educational opportunities play in increasing nurses' professional self-perception. It is imperative to explore ways of improving this perception and focusing on subgroups of nurses to help guide the use of limited resources. Further research is necessary to include nurses in other areas of Mongolia. Accurately assessing nursing professional self-perception and providing educational opportunities could improve nursing professional self-perception, nursing satisfaction, patient safety and nursing retention in lower-middle-income countries. What problem did the study address? This study meets the need for current study on the nursing professional self-perception of nursing from the perspective of nurses in Mongolia. It addresses the dangerous nursing shortage in Mongolia by determining if an educational intervention could improve nursing professional self-perception and thus improve nursing job satisfaction and retention. What were the main findings? Mongolian nurses in this study scored in the top quartile of the NPVS-3, indicating a baseline high NPSP. Educational intervention (including translated oral education and written clinical pathways) significantly improved the nurses' professional self-perception. Nurses were eager for training in other clinical and leadership topics. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This research can be impactful for nurses, nurse leaders and policy makers in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Specifically for nurses in Mongolia, with increasing technologies and services such as cardiac catheterization laboratories becoming available, more education in these nursing specialty areas is imperative. Professional Nursing Organizations are poised to foster more educational offerings to their members and to increase membership. Nursing education provided by international volunteer nurses with Non-Governmental Organizations can improve NPSP in nurses in LMICs. This study complied with the STROBE checklist. No patient or public contribution.

The effect of digital game-based language learning mobile application on the development of complexity, accuracy, and fluency in foreign language monologic oral production among Chinese learners of English as a foreign language

The study reported the effect of a digital game-based language learning (DGBLL) mobile application “Speaking English Fluently – An Automated Scoring Artificial Intelligent Tutoring System on Spoken English” on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency in foreign language (FL) monologic oral production among 31 second year Chinese university learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The participants’ monologic oral production was measured in the first (week 1) and last week (week 21) of a semester using the same narrative picture description task. The oral production was audio-recorded and transcribed. Both the transcripts and audio-files were analyzed on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency dimensions. The complexity was measured using the number of Mean (M) words per T-unit, the accuracy dimension was measured using the number of repairs and errors per 100 words; and the fluency dimension was measured via speech rate (i.e., number of words per minute), and M length of pauses. Students were required to download the mobile application and followed the monological practice section twice a week for 30 minutes each time. Using paired sample t-tests, we found that even though the participants’ repair rate and speech rate remained unchanged, they produced more complex monologic speech, had significantly fewer errors, and reduced average length of pauses after 20 weeks treatment using the mobile application, demonstrating a positive effect of the DGBLL mobile application on FL learners’ monologic oral production.

Social Media Insecurity and Intimate Partner Violence: Drug Use As an Escape Route

ABSTRACT The study examined social media insecurity and intimate partner violence as determinants of drug use. This prospective cohort study purposively recruited 387 married population with 54 of them re-enrolled in intervention therapy. Multilinear regressions and paired sample t-test were employed. Social media insecurity was an independent predictor of drug use; the higher the level of social media insecurity, the more participants used drugs whereas intimate partner violence did not predict drug use. The paired t-test showed a significant reduction in drug use after the eclectic therapy, which involved integrative coping skills, drug counseling/education and family therapy, aimed at reducing harms.

Resin infiltration versus fluoride varnish for visual improvement of white spot lesions during multibracket treatment. A randomized-controlled clinical trial

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the visual improvement of resin infiltration of white spot lesions (WSL) during orthodontic treatment with the multibracket appliance (MBA) compared to fluoride varnish.MethodsPatients aged 12–17 years with at least one WSL with an International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) score of 1–2 during an active MBA treatment were included and randomized to receive either resin infiltration (Icon) or fluoride application (Flairesse). Standardized digital images were obtained before, one-day, one-week, one-month, three-months and six-months after treatment using a DSLR camera and a matching polarization filter. A grey reference card was used for color standardization. A Matlab routine was used to measure the color difference between adjacent healthy enamel and treated WSL. The independent-samples t-test was used for intergroup and paired-samples t-test for intragroup comparison.ResultsImages of 116 teeth from 36 patients were analyzed. The ΔE for the “Icon” treated WSL was smaller (T1ICON = 5.0 ± 1.4) than in the fluoride group (T1Fluoride = 8.4 ± 3.2). Caries infiltration significantly improved the aesthetic appearance of WSL (p < 0.001), which remained satisfactory at six months (T5ICON = 5.2 ± 1.6).ConclusionWSL infiltration management during orthodontic treatment was superior to topical fluoridation in not only arresting the enamel lesions but also significantly improving the aesthetic appearance of demineralized regions around the brackets.Clinical relevanceWSL treatment in orthodontic patients is usually initiated after debonding. Research has shown that the earlier WSL is treated, the better the aesthetic outcome. There is limited data on the efficacy of resin infiltration of WSL during orthodontic treatment.

Empirical examination of the Black–Scholes model: evidence from the United States stock market

Option pricing is crucial in enabling investors to hedge against risks. The Black–Scholes option pricing model is widely used for this purpose. This paper investigates whether the Black–Scholes model is a good indicator of option pricing in the United States stock market. We examine the relevance of the Black–Scholes model to certain stocks using paired sample t-test and Corrado and Miller’s approximation for the implied volatility. Empirical tests are applied to determine the significance of the relationship between the actual market values and the Black–Scholes model values. Paired sample t-tests are applied to 582 call options and 579 put options. The empirical test results show that there is no significant difference between the actual market premium value and the Black–Scholes model premium value for seven out of nine stocks considered for call options, and four out of nine stocks considered for put options. Thus, we conclude that the Black–Scholes option pricing model can be used to price call options but is not suitable for pricing put options in the United States stock market.

Effect of Resistance Training with Gym Machines On Muscle Strength and Body Mass Index in Obese Women Student College

Several countries have high obesity rates. Obesity poses serious health risks that require effective treatment. Too much fat reduces muscle strength, affecting obesity. Resistance training can overcome weight gain and muscle loss. Resistance training with gym machines for obese women is understudied. The effects of gym machine resistance training on muscle strength and BMI can help physical trainers design appropriate exercise programs. This study examines how gym-machine resistance training affects muscle strength and BMI in obese women. One pre- and post-test group included 30 obese 17-25-year-old women. Resistance training uses gym machines to target major muscle groups and lose fat. Prisoners are trained three times a week for ten weeks under supervision. Resistance exercises include lati pulldown, abdominal crunch, cable curl, chest press, and leg press. The one-repetition maximum (1RM) test measures muscle strength, while height and weight calculate BMI. Paired difference test (paired sample t-test) effect was then tested. Ten weeks of resistance training led to significant muscle strength gains across all measures (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the resistance training group demonstrated a significant BMI reduction (p &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that gym-machine resistance training can help obese women lose weight and gain muscle. Resistance training on gym machines can help obese women lose weight and build muscle. This study suggests systematic resistance training can improve muscle fitness and weight control in this population. Long-term health and well-being effects of these therapies can be examined. Keywords: Resistance Training, Obesity, Women, Muscle Strength, BMI.

Study on the relationship between fixation characteristics and hit rate in psychological procedure training of free throw.

Free throw is an important means of scoring in basketball games. With the improvement of basketball competition level and the enhancement of confrontation degree, the number of free throws in the game gradually increases, so the score of free throw will have an important impact on the result of the game. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between visual attention characteristics and hit rate of basketball players in free throw psychological procedure training, so as to provide scientific basis for basketball teaching and training. Forty players with similar free throw abilities were randomly assigned to the experimental group (10 males, 10 females) and control group (10 males, 10 females). The experimental group was free throw psychological procedure training, while the control group was trained with routine training, Eye movement indices (number of fixations, fixation duration, and pupil dilation) and the free throw hit rate and analyzed before and after the experiment. Group differences were examined using t-tests, while paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare pre- and post-test results within each group. The training time and training times of the two groups were the same. There were significant differences in fixation duration, number of fixations, pupil diameter and free throw hit rate between pre-test and post-test in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Post-test, there were significant differences in number of fixations, fixation duration, pupil diameter and free throw hit rate between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between number of fixations and free throw hit rate in top (P < 0.01), and there was a significant positive correlation between fixation duration and hit rate in front (P < 0.01). The psychological procedure training can improve the visual information search strategy and information processing ability of free throw, and significantly improve the free throw hit rate. There was a positive correlation between the front fixation time and the free throw hit rate, and there was a positive correlation between the top number of fixations and the free throw hit rate.

Midwife-led obstetric triage to increase providers’ knowledge and improve timeliness of care: A pre and posttest design

BackgroundResearch in low- and middle-income countries has shown that maternal mortality is directly related to inadequate or absent obstetric (OB) triage systems. Standard triage systems and knowledge on triaging for obstetric emergencies are often absent or lacking in most healthcare systems in Liberia. ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to address the third delay defined as receiving adequate, quality care when a facility is reached by increasing knowledge through the establishment of a midwife-led, hospital-based OB triage system to stratify care based on risk and imminence of birth and to improve timely assessment at two district referral hospitals. MethodsA quasi-experimental study design using a pre/post survey was employed for a midwife-led OB triage training course. Using a train-the-trainer model, five midwives were trained as champions, who in turn trained an additional 62 providers. Test results were analyzed with the R statistical software using paired sample t-test and descriptive statistics. ResultsPretest results revealed a knowledge and practice gap among OB providers on key components of the standard triage package. However, post-test mean scores were significantly higher (M = 79.6, SD = 2.32) than pre-test mean scores (M = 59.0, SD = 2.30) for participants following a 2-day training (p = <0.001). DiscussionFollowing a structured OB triage training, participants showed significant improvement in post-test OB triage scores. ConclusionStandard OB triage protocols incorporated into the policies and procedures of obstetric wards have the potential to improve knowledge and practice, addressing the third delay and reducing preventable, obstetrics-related deaths.

Screen-based Simulation Supporting Problem-based Learning to Improve Football Tactics

Introduction This study measured the effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) with Screen-Based Simulation (SBS) on undergraduate football tactical decision-making, tactical skills, and student engagement. The Screen-Based Simulation showed tactical scenarios in real games to learners, promoting the identification and analysis of tactical problems in learning. Problem-Based Learning enabled learners to get a deeper understanding of the tactical problems and discuss them effectively. Materials and Methods Two simulation tools were used in this study. The first one, ‘football match basic offensive and defensive tactical simulation experiment platform,’ is scaffolding in football tactics teaching. Students could use the simulation platform to find tactical problems and learn tactics. The second one, TacticUP, is a screen-based simulation tool to test football tactical decision-making. We used second-year students majoring in physical education at a Chinese university. Seventy-nine students were divided into an experimental group using PBL-SBS and a group taught traditionally. Before the experiment, the tactical decision-making of both groups was assessed in a pretest, and at the end of the six-week experiment, the students were tested again. They also completed a questionnaire on tactical skills and student engagement. Results There was no significant difference between the pretest scores on tactical decision-making between the two groups (independent-sample t-test, sig = 0.997 &gt; 0.05). However, after the experiment, significantly better improvement was observed in tactical decision-making in the experimental group. The pretest mean score (59) was significantly lower than the post-test one (67) on a scale of 100 (paired sample t-test, sig &lt;0.01). ANOVA showed that the experimental group performed better in all aspects, namely tactical decision-making, tactical skill, and student engagement, than the traditional group (Sig values were all less than 0.01). Conclusion Compared with traditional teaching, PPL-SBS students performed better in tactical decision-making, tactical skills, and student engagement than students in the traditional teaching group.

Exploring Engagement and Efficacy in Secondary English Education in China: A Problem-Based Social Constructivism Approach

The English learning environment, both online and offline, can be improved through the implementation of effective pedagogical approaches. In response to secondary education needs, it is critical to establish comparable curriculum paradigms that address the knowledge acquisition gap and psychometric variation. This study aims to promote student engagement and self-efficacy in English education by implementing a problem-based learning (PBL) approach integrated with social constructivism (SC). A t-test and a correlation test were used in a single-group quasi-experiment with 45 participants. The results of paired samples t-tests show a significant difference in engagement (M = 4.78, SD = 2.95, p = .001, p &lt; .05) and self-efficacy (M = 6.49, SD = 16.59, p = .01). Admittedly, both cognitive engagement and social engagement enhance grammatical and textual competence efficacy dramatically, leading to a spectacular improvement. After controlling for the pre-test, a correlation between engagement and efficacy remains significant (r (43) = -0.40, p = .01). In conclusion, the combination of PBL with SC education has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in facilitating English language learning, meeting the needs of secondary education teenagers, whether in a physical classroom or engaging through online platforms.

A Combined Interventional Approach to Train Interview Skills in Autistic Transition-Age Youth.

The job interview can be challenging for autistic adolescents considering the required social communication skills. Further, having decreased awareness of personal strengths may make it difficult to advocate for oneself to a future employer. The purpose of the current pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to examine the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a combined interventional approach using: the Virtual Interview Tool for Autistic Transition-Age Youth (VIT-TAY) and Kessler Foundation Strength Identification and Expression (KF-STRIDE). Twenty autistic transition-age youth (TAY) were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group (n = 10) that received 9h of VIT-TAY (interviewing practice with a virtual human), and three lessons of KF-STRIDE (positive psychology intervention to learn and discuss one's personal character strengths) and a services-as-usual (SAU) group (n = 10). The primary outcome was measured using a video-recorded mock job interview performed at pre- and post-test, which was rated by blinded assessors. Secondary outcomes included self-reports of job interview skill, interview anxiety, work readiness and recent job search behavior. Paired samples t-tests revealed significant differences between pre- and post-test in the intervention group (but not the control group) on the mock interview total score (p = 0.02, d = 0.76) and self-reported job interview skills total score (p = 0.02, d = 0.75). The intervention group (but not the control group) had improvements in work-readiness (p = 0.06, d = 0.53) and job search behavior (p = 0.07, d = 0.52) that were characterized by medium effect sizes. This pilot study suggests that combining VIT-TAY with KF-STRIDE leads to improvements in performance-based and self-reported job interview skills.

The Effectiveness of the Incentive Autonomous Learning Strategies (IALS) Module to Improve Chinese Non-English Major Undergraduates’ EFL Speaking Proficiency

Very limited research has examined the application of the Incentive Autonomous Learning Strategies (IALS) module to improve the speaking proficiency of English as a foreign language (EFL) among Chinese non-English major undergraduates at a public university in China. Thus, this study attempted to bridge this gap by incorporating autonomous learning with incentive strategies to enhance Chinese non-English major undergraduates’ EFL oral performance. Utilising a quantitative research approach, this study adopted a quasi-experimental design to carry out a 14-week intervention. The participants were purposively sampled with the experimental group undergoing the IALS speaking intervention, while the control group received conventional in-situ teaching approaches. A pretest and post-test were conducted on both groups to examine any changes in their speaking proficiency before and after the intervention. Results obtained from the paired-sample t-test demonstrate a statistically significant increase in the experimental group’s EFL oral performance, rising from a mean score of 50.52 before the intervention to 71.60 after the intervention. The control group’s mean score also improved from a pretest mean score of 51.08 to a mean score of 54.98 in the posttest. These results suggest that the IALS module has proven to be efficacious in improving Chinese non-English major undergraduates’ EFL speaking proficiency. It is hoped that the results of this study might provide insights into the effective strategies to enhance English speaking skills among Chinese non-English major undergraduates in EFL contexts.

Coaching entrepreneurs towards growth: an experimental design study of coaching effectiveness for business leaders’ psychological capabilities

ABSTRACT Coaching has a well-established history over the past two decades as a development tool and it can help entrepreneurs deal with the psychological challenges of building a venture. But there is a lack of understanding how coaching can support entrepreneurs on their journey. This study uses a coaching psychology framework to investigate the effectiveness of evidence-based (EB) coaching for entrepreneurs. The aim of this study was to understand how coaches can support cognition change, wellbeing, and accelerated performance improvement of entrepreneurs. The study used a within participant design, and data were collected using a pre and post coaching survey. The study involved n = 19 participants who were early-stage entrepreneurs. Pre and post surveys were assessed using paired sample t-tests. For cognitions, the results indicate higher levels in solution-focused thinking, hope sub-scales agency thinking and goal-orientation. No changes were found for sub-scales pathways thinking and self-efficacy. For Wellbeing, the findings show psychological wellbeing increased with sub-scales autonomy, self-acceptance, personal growth and purpose in life while relationship with others and environment mastery did not change. Negative emotions reduced while positive emotions did not change. For performance, the results show that participants progressed significantly towards attaining their coaching goals.

Improving critical thinking and metacognitive skills through the discovery learning model assisted by practicum for high school students

Metacognitive abilities and critical thinking support the success of learning biology, so these skills need to be empowered. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the practicum-based discovery learning model to improve critical and metacognitive thinking skills in digestive system material. The research method is a quasi-experimental research with a one-grub pretest-posttest design. The research was conducted from November to December 2022 at SMA Negeri 9. The research was carried out from November to December 2022 at one of the high schools in Mataram City. The research population was 98 students of class XI Science. The research sampling technique is a purposive sampling technique. The data collection technique used a test technique, namely 9 critical thinking essay questions and MAI. The instruments used in this study were the ability to think critically about the digestive system with several questions and the MAI instrument. The data analysis technique uses inferential statistics using the Paired Sample T-Test Assisted by SPSS IBM 27 software. The results of the study show that with an alpha of 5%, the practicum-based discovery learning model is effective for increasing critical thinking skills and metacognitive abilities. The average pre-test of critical thinking skills on the digestive system material was 54.0333 and the post-test was 75.8667. While the average pre-test of metacognitive abilities is 73.37 and the post-test of metacognitive abilities is 76.93 The application of the practicum-based discovery learning model effectively improves students' critical thinking and metacognitive skills with an alpha significance level of 5%.

Reproducibility of a semiautomatic lobar lung tissue assignment technique on noncontrast CT scans: a study on swine animal model

BackgroundTo evaluate the reproducibility of a vessel-specific minimum cost path (MCP) technique used for lobar segmentation on noncontrast computed tomography (CT).MethodsSixteen Yorkshire swine (49.9 ± 4.7 kg, mean ± standard deviation) underwent a total of 46 noncontrast helical CT scans from November 2020 to May 2022 using a 320-slice scanner. A semiautomatic algorithm was employed by three readers to segment the lung tissue and pulmonary arterial tree. The centerline of the arterial tree was extracted and partitioned into six subtrees for lobar assignment. The MCP technique was implemented to assign lobar territories by assigning lung tissue voxels to the nearest arterial tree segment. MCP-derived lobar mass and volume were then compared between two acquisitions, using linear regression, root mean square error (RMSE), and paired sample t-tests. An interobserver and intraobserver analysis of the lobar measurements was also performed.ResultsThe average whole lung mass and volume was 663.7 ± 103.7 g and 1,444.22 ± 309.1 mL, respectively. The lobar mass measurements from the initial (MLobe1) and subsequent (MLobe2) acquisitions were correlated by MLobe1 = 0.99 MLobe2 + 1.76 (r = 0.99, p = 0.120, RMSE = 7.99 g). The lobar volume measurements from the initial (VLobe1) and subsequent (VLobe2) acquisitions were correlated by VLobe1 = 0.98VLobe2 + 2.66 (r = 0.99, p = 0.160, RSME = 15.26 mL).ConclusionsThe lobar mass and volume measurements showed excellent reproducibility through a vessel-specific assignment technique. This technique may serve for automated lung lobar segmentation, facilitating clinical regional pulmonary analysis.Relevance statementAssessment of lobar mass or volume in the lung lobes using noncontrast CT may allow for efficient region-specific treatment strategies for diseases such as pulmonary embolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.Key points• Lobar segmentation is essential for precise disease assessment and treatment planning.• Current methods for segmentation using fissure lines are problematic.• The minimum-cost-path technique here is proposed and a swine model showed excellent reproducibility for lobar mass measurements.• Interobserver agreement was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients greater than 0.90.Graphical