Paired T-test Research Articles

Abstract 4112926: Echocardiography in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Virtual Continuing Medical Education Advances Physician Knowledge and Confidence

Purpose: This study examined whether online CME could improve the knowledge and confidence of cardiologists regarding the use of echocardiography for HCM diagnosis and management. Methods: The CME intervention comprised of a series of 6 online interviews between 1 moderator and 2 expert faculty. Educational effect was assessed using a repeated-pair design with pre-/post-assessment. 3 multiple choice questions assessed knowledge, and 1, rated on a Likert-type scale, assessed confidence. A paired samples t-test was conducted on overall average number of correct responses and for confidence rating, and a McNemar’s test was conducted at the question level (significance level, P < .05). Data were collected August 8-September 8, 2023. Results: 165 cardiologists answered all assessment questions during the study period. Analysis of pre- vs. post-intervention responses demonstrated a significant improvement in overall knowledge; average correct responses increased from 48% pre-assessment to 74% post-assessment ( P <.001). Specific areas of improvement include: Knowledge of the quantification of LVOT gradients, MR, and LVEF in the echocardiographic workup of HCM: 21% improved and 62% reinforced; the correct response increased (P<.001) from 65% (pre) to 84% (post). Knowledge of the utility of echocardiography for follow-up and monitoring response to HCM treatment: 48% improved and 35% reinforced; the correct response increase (P<.001) from 39% (pre) to 70% (post). Post-education, 48% of cardiologists had a measurable increase in their ability to diagnose HCM using echocardiographic parameters, resulting in 43% who were mostly or very confident after education (24% pre vs 43% post; P<.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the success of online CME at improving the knowledge and confidence of cardiologists related to the use of echocardiography to identify and manage HCM.

Self Help Groups as a Support System: Their Influence on Stress Levels in New Nursing Students

New students must adapt to a new environment because of the differences in the nature of education in Senior High School (SMA) and college. If students are unable to meet the demands in college, it can cause stress. One of the therapeutic activities that aims to improve and maintain mental health in students is Self Help Group (SHG) therapy . The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Self Help Group (SHG) on stress levels in new students of the Nursing Study Program at the University of Muhammadiyah Gresik. This study uses a one group pretest-posttest approach. The population is 48 new students of the Nursing Study Program, Muhammadiyah University of Gresik, class of 2023. The sampling technique uses total sampling , with the research sample being all new students of the Nursing Study Program. Data collection uses questionnaires and Self Help Group (SHG) therapy observation sheets. Data analysis uses the parametric statistical test of the paired T-test (Paired Sample T-Test). The results of the study on stress levels before being given Self Help Group (SHG) therapy were that almost half of the students experienced severe stress as many as 21 (48.8%) and after being given Self Help Group (SHG) therapy, almost half of them experienced a decrease in severe stress levels in new students as many as 16 (37.2%) students. The results of the Paired Sample T-Test statistical test obtained a ρ value of 0.038 <α 0.05. There is an influence of Self Help Group (SHG) on stress levels in new students of the Nursing Science Study Program, Muhammadiyah University of Gresik.

An innovative gamification tool to enhance intercultural competence and self-efficacy among healthcare professionals caring for vulnerable migrants and refugees.

The growing number of vulnerable migrants and refugees (VMRs) in the European Union presents challenges to healthcare systems, emphasizing the need for enhanced intercultural competence training for healthcare professionals. Educational escape rooms, using gamification-based principles, may offer an innovative solution to improve these competencies. This pilot study evaluates the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of an educational escape room aimed at improving intercultural competence, self-efficacy, and knowledge among healthcare students and professionals caring for VMRs. A pre-post, single-group pilot study was conducted with 101 healthcare students and professionals, recruited through convenience sampling. Participants engaged in an educational escape room simulating a migratory crisis, designed to foster collaborative problem-solving under pressure. A newly validated questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention to measure changes in intercultural competence, self-efficacy, and knowledge. Paired t-tests were used to analyze pre-post differences, and thematic analysis explored participant feedback on the learning experience and the acceptability of the intervention. Significant improvements were observed in intercultural competence (d = 1.13, p < 0.001), self-efficacy (d = 0.38, p = 0.001), and knowledge (d = 1.19, p < 0.001). Participants reported high engagement, satisfaction, and an enhanced understanding of healthcare challenges related to VMRs. The escape room was deemed acceptable. This pilot study provides evidence of the acceptability and effectiveness of an educational escape room in enhancing intercultural competence, self-efficacy, and knowledge. Further research with larger, more rigorous studies is recommended to confirm these findings and explore scalability.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oral Health Behaviors Among Children in Iran.

Parents are responsible for their children's oral health. This study evaluated parents' knowledge, attitudes, and performance on their children's oral health before and after an educational intervention and the impact of COVID-19 on these variables. This quasi-experimental study included 227 children aged 6-8 years who were referred to 11 Shiraz medical centers from July to December 2021. Data were collected from questionnaires and interviews. After completing the questionnaire, oral health education was provided immediately and then monthly thereafter using dental models and pamphlets. After 3 months, a questionnaire assessed the education's effectiveness. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired t-tests, and Pearson's correlation. A total of 163 participants (71.80%) completed all phases, including the second questionnaire. Participants showed moderate knowledge (77.30%), attitude (89.00%), and performance (80.40%). Neither knowledge nor attitude before the intervention had a significant association with demographic characteristics. Parents' education, number of children, and maternal employment were significantly associated with performance (p = 0.002, p = 0.040, p < 0.001, respectively). The intervention significantly enhanced these variables (p < 0.001). In terms of COVID-19, 72.40% of participants expressed good knowledge about transmission, 52.80% showed moderate concern, and 54% had poor performance. Parental knowledge, attitude, and performance changed significantly following the intervention (p = 0.030, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Educational intervention significantly improved parents' knowledge, attitudes, and performance toward children's oral health. Because of the poor performance of parents during the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend the implementation of continuing education and preventive oral health programs.

The Effect of Audio Visual and Booklet to Increase Behaviour of Screening IVA Test at Sukarasa Public Health Center

Introduction: Women's health is an indicator of health achievement in the world, including in Indonesia. Cervical cancer is a female cancer that causes the most deaths due to cancer, especially in developing countries. Objective: The study aims to analyse the effect of audio-visual and booklet in education to increase behavior of screening IVA test at the Sukarasa Public Health Center Area. Method: This research used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest posttest non-equivalent control group design. Data analysis in this study used univariate analysis, bivariate analysis using paired T-test, independent T-test, Mc-Namer, chi-square and multivariate test using multiple logistic regression. Results: The results of this study show that the results of the paired T-test of knowledge have a p-value (p=0.001) in the intervention and the control (p=0.724). In the attitude category, p-value is a (p=0.001) in the intervention and the control (p=0.469) so it can be concluded that there are differences in knowledge and attitudes before and after the intervention. In the practice category using the Mc-Nemar test produced a p-value (p=0.001) in the intervention and control so that there were differences in practice before and after intervention. The results of the independent T-Test showed a p-value for knowledge (p=0.001) and attitude (p=0.001), which means there were differences after the intervention. The results of knowledge and attitudes the chi-square test show (p=0.001), which means there is a relationship between knowledge with practice, and attitude with practice. Multivariate test on knowledge of occupational confounders. In attitude there is a confounder of education, while in practice there are confounders, namely age and education. Conclusion: Audio visual and booklet can increase behaviour of screening IVA Test at the Sukarasa Community Health Center, Bandung City.

Comparative evaluation of autologous dental bone powder and deproteinized bovine bone mineral allografts for oral implant bone deficits.

To compare the effectiveness of autologous dental bone powder grafts with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) allografts in oral implant bone deficiency. Between January 2021 and January 2023, we enrolled 120 patients with inadequate bone for oral implantation, dividing them into an experimental group and a control group (60 each). The experimental group received autologous dental bone powder grafts, while the control group received DBBM allografts. Wound healing was assessed using the early healing index (EHI) with 5 days of closure as the baseline timeline, as Grade I: full closure without a fibrin line, Grade II: closure with a fibrin line, and Grade III: closure with fibrin covering the incision. Additional outcomes included buccal and palatal alveolar bone height, alveolar bone width at 3 (W1), 7 (W2), and 11mm (W3) below the top of the alveolar ridge, and bone density measured before and 3 months after tooth extraction. The altered shape of the alveolar bone at the extraction site was assessed at 3- and 6-months post-extraction. Implant success rate was also evaluated at 15 days and 1 month after implantation. Comparisons were made using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, χ² tests, and Z tests, as appropriate. The experimental group had a lower wound healing time and a greater prevalence of EHI categorization class I compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Three months after tooth extraction, there was no statistically significant difference in buccal and palatal alveolar bone heights between the experimental group and the pre-treatment measurements (P > 0.05). However, the control group showed a decrease in buccal and palatal alveolar bone heights compared to the pre-treatment period, while the experimental group had greater bone heights than the control group (P < 0.05). Three months after extraction, the widths of W1, W2, and W3 decreased in both groups. However, the experimental group maintained greater widths compared to the control group (P < 0.05). At 3 months post-extraction, both groups showed an increase in alveolar bone density at the extraction site. Notably, the experimental group had a higher bone density compared to the control group as well as new bone contour score of the alveolar bone at the extraction site (P < 0.05). However, at 6 months after extraction, there was no statistically significant difference in the new bone contour score of the alveolar bone at the extraction site between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the implant success rate between the two groups. (P > 0.05). Autologous dental bone powder grafting promotes initial alveolar bone regeneration, enhances wound healing, and increases new bone density, providing favorable surgical conditions for dental implants. However, by 6 months, there was no significant difference in bone contour compared to DBBM allografts, indicating similar long-term clinical outcomes for both materials.

Evaluation of Preclinical Class I Amalgam Cavity Preparation: A Comparison of Two Assessment Methods

Preclinical assessment forms an effective strategy in undergraduate training. It enhances the continuous development of skills, facilitates early intervention, and optimizes training resources. Constructive feedback provided to the student fosters continuous improvement in preparedness for professional practice and has implications for the development of a learning culture characterized by student activity. This indeed ensures that a smooth transition will be made toward clinical application of skills. The aim of the study was to evaluate examiner`s reliabilities while applying two different assessment methods: a Glance and Grade assessment method and a Checklist and Criteria assessment method. A total of 100 class I amalgam cavity preparations were assessed by three independent examiners to evaluate Class I amalgam cavity preparations on artificial first mandibular molar teeth prepared by second-year undergraduate dental students in a preclinical laboratory setting. Statistical analysis for inter-examiner and intra-examiner variability was tested using one-way ANOVA test and a paired t-test, respectively. Results of this study showed that intra-examiner variability was significantly reduced with Checklist and Criteria assessment method. The inter-examiner variability was present in a Glance and Grade assessment method while with the Checklist and Criteria assessment method, there was an extremely high level of agreement among the examiners. The study's findings indicated considerable variability among examiners using the Glance and Grade assessment method. However, the Checklist and Criteria assessment method demonstrated remarkable consistency among examiners, indicating that it may offer a more standardized and reliable approach to evaluation.

Artificial intelligence-based [A.I.] assessment of Facial symmetry aesthetics of Saudi Arabian population.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the facial symmetry aesthetics (FSA) in the Saudi Arabian population using AI. 210 people from a range of demographic backgrounds participated in an observational cross-sectional study that was done at a hospital. Standardized posed photos of the face and smile were taken using a Canon camera utilizing a stratified random sample approach. A Webceph software (Korea) with artificial intelligence was used to evaluate macro, micro, and tiny aesthetic factors. The data were analyzed using paired t-tests, posthoc Bonferroni testing, ANOVA, and descriptive statistics. The computation of intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) was utilized to assess the dependability of AI evaluations. All variables had ICCs more than 0.97, indicating exceptional dependability for the AI-based evaluations. Between the Class I and Class III malocclusion groups, there were significant variations in right mandibular body length (p < 0.001), with Class III patients exhibiting greater values. While no significant changes were identified for other characteristics, paired t-tests showed a significant divergence in mandibular body length between the right and left sides (p = 0.001). In Class III malocclusion, there was a significant preference for right deviation in the direction of mandibular deviation (p = 0.005). These results imply that AI is capable of accurately identifying some anatomical characteristics associated with face aesthetics, especially when it comes to differentiating between Class III malocclusions. In conclusion, the Saudi Arabian population's facial symmetry assessments via AI have demonstrated a high degree of reliability and consistency. Notably, the length of the mandible on the right side has emerged as a crucial feature in discriminating between malocclusion classes. The study emphasises how AI might improve the accuracy of assessments of face aesthetics and our knowledge of facial features connected to malocclusion.

Enhancing Reading Ability Through the Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC) Model: A Study with Fifth-Grade Elementary School Students

Reading comprehension is a vital aspect of language proficiency that elementary school students must master. Proficient reading skills enable students to actively acquire diverse information efficiently. The cooperative integrated reading and composition (CIRC), is a teaching model designed to enhance students’ reading comprehension skills through collaborative learning activities. This research aims to investigate the impact of the CIRC model on the reading comprehension abilities of fifth-grade students at SD Negeri 1 Kairatu. Employing an experimental design with a one-group pretest and post-test setup, the study involved 41 students. The CIRC model served as an independent variable, while reading comprehension ability constituted the dependent variable. The research instrument utilized was a reading comprehension test. Data analysis was conducted via a paired sample t-test, revealing a significant difference in students’ reading comprehension abilities before and after learning with the CIRC model (p = 0.00, &lt; 0.05). These findings underscore the effectiveness of the CIRC model in improving students’ reading proficiency. The study’s results underscore the importance of prioritizing reading skills development to enhance elementary students’ literacy levels. It recommends the widespread adoption and continuous practice of the CIRC model in elementary schools to cultivate students’ interest and competence in reading. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to enhance reading education methodologies and promote literacy among elementary school students. Keywords: CIRC model, reading comprehension, reading literacy, elementary school students

The Influence of the Relay Learning Method to Improve the Social and Emotional Abilities of Early Childhood in the Rehobot Ambon Christian Kindergarten

The research aims to determine the effect of the relay learning method to improve the social-emotional abilities of young children at the Rehobot Ambon Christian Kindergarten. With a population of 30 people and a sample of 14 people. This research uses a quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental approach. With pre-experimental designs in the form of a one-group pretest and post-test design. Data collection techniques use observation techniques. Data analysis techniques use normality tests and t-tests. The results of the paired samples t-test had a significance value (2-tailed) of 0.000 &lt; 0.05, indicating a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test. This shows that there is a significant influence on the differences in treatment given. In accordance with the criteria, if the significant value is &lt;0.05 it means that Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted. Educators need to apply the ball relay method to improve children's social and emotional skills. School principals motivate teachers to be more motivated in implementing various meaningful learning methods, as well as providing opportunities for teachers to develop themselves through various self-development activities. Keywords: method, relay learning, social-emotional, Christian Kindergarten

Diabetes Device Satisfaction Among Adolescents Living With Type 1 Diabetes and Their Parents.

Diabetes technologies are valuable tools to reduce burden and enhance glycemic control, especially during adolescence. The current study sought to understand the factors associated with parent and adolescent diabetes device satisfaction. This study used cross-sectional data from 175 adolescents living with type 1 diabetes and 176 parents. Adolescent ages ranged from 12 to 19 (Mage=14.7, SD=1.89) and were balanced by gender (48% male). Kendall's W examined concordance between parent and adolescent satisfaction and bivariate correlations and paired t-tests identified correlates of satisfaction. There was low concordance (Kendall's W = 0.13) between parent and adolescent device satisfaction. Automated insulin delivery (AID) use (vs non-use) was related to higher satisfaction for adolescents (4.52 [0.71] vs 4.20 [0.87], P = .008) and parents (4.25 [0.82] vs 3.71 [0.90], P < .001). Pump use was not significantly related. Parent satisfaction was correlated with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c; R = -0.301, P < .001), percent time-in-range (R = 0.214, P = .007), and percent time-above-range (R = -0.193, P = .015). Adolescent satisfaction was unrelated to glycemic measures. Adolescent and parent satisfaction were both related to better psychosocial functioning. Significant associations between AID use, psychosocial functioning, and glycemic control and device satisfaction remained after accounting for one another. Demographic correlates were non-significant. Adolescents and their parents have discrepant levels of satisfaction with devices. Although both adolescent and parent satisfaction are linked to use of automated technology and better psychosocial functioning, only parent satisfaction is associated with glycemia. This pattern suggests adolescents and parents hold varying priorities when it comes to device use. Acknowledging and addressing these differences may enhance the uptake and continued use of devices.

CNSC-24. REAL-TIME HIGH-DENSITY ECOG MAPPING OF SENSORIMOTOR REGIONS AND CONSCIOUSNESS DIFFERENTIATION IN PERI-ROLANDIC GLIOMA SURGERY

Abstract INTRODUCTION Accurately mapping sensorimotor regions is crucial for preserving motor and sensory functions in the treatment of gliomas located in the peri-Rolandic areas of the brain. OBJECTIVE We examined the use of high-density electrocorticography (ECoG) for passive mapping of sensorimotor regions in treating peri-Rolandic gliomas by analyzing the spatial-temporal and spectral features of real-time somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), and their spectral patterns in differentiating states of consciousness. METHODS During surgery, SSEPs were recorded using high-density ECoG on fourteen patients (n=14), both in anesthetized and awake states. Neural data from 0.6Hz median nerve stimulation were captured at 2.4kHz and processed in real-time using MATLAB Simulink. The system displayed SSEPs’ peak activations as a 2D heat map on a screen, particularly around the 20ms time point (N20), and generated the spectral power in the gamma range using the Stockwell transform. Accuracy in delineating the central sulcus (CS) was assessed using the ROC curve, and paired t-tests compared gamma oscillations between states of consciousness. RESULTS Patients consistently showed clear discrimination between anterior and posterior channels at the 20ms time point, with 93.6±14.9% accuracy. Color contrast delineated the CS, correlating with the sulcus in the 3D reconstructed magnetic resonance imaging of each patient. Late gamma (60–250 Hz) modulation occurred 50 ms after stimulation onset, extending up to 250 ms in the primary somatosensory area. It was suppressed in the anesthetized state and significantly increased in the awake state (delineation accuracy: 81±10.3% and 91±13.4%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that SSEPs and gamma modulations can delineate sensorimotor areas and assess consciousness, significantly impacting neurosurgical planning.

Factors Impacting Students’ Learning Performance in Higher Education in Chengdu, China

Background and Aim: The effectiveness of education has always been a focus of social attention. Previous research has mostly focused on the level of education in primary and secondary schools, and some studies have shown that college students may have different motivations and learning concepts. Therefore, this study aims to take Xihua University in Chengdu, China as an example to systematically examine various factors that affect the academic performance of university students. Through quantitative analysis, this study investigated the impact of five independent variables (learning attitude, learning anxiety, learning motivation, teacher ability, and student participation) on the dependent variable (academic performance), especially in higher education. Moreover, it aims to identify significant differences between variables. Methodology: Research Design, Data, and Methods: This study used the Project Objective Consistency Index (IOC) to test the validity of the questionnaire, and Cronbach's Alpha was used as reliability in the pilot study (n=30). They used the multiple linear regression method to analyze the effective responses of 80 students at Xihua University and verify the significant relationship between variables. Afterward, a group of 30 students underwent a 14-week planned study. Then, the quantitative results after and before the scheduled study were compared in paired sample t-tests. Results: In multiple linear regression, studies have shown that learning attitude, learning anxiety, learning motivation, teacher ability, and student participation have a significant impact on student academic performance. Finally, the comparison results of paired sample t-tests indicate substantial differences in student academic performance between the post-strategic and pre-strategic plan stages. Conclusion: This research endeavors to foster students' learning performance in the context of Chengdu, China.

The Effect of Game-Based Learning on Improving the Basic English Speaking and Listening Ability of Children Aged 5-6 at Golden Cradle Kindergarten in High-Tech Zone of Nanchang, Jiangxi

Background and Aims: English language proficiency is increasingly becoming a vital skill in today's globalized world. As countries strive to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage, the ability to communicate effectively in English has become a critical aspect of education, particularly during early childhood development. Early exposure to English language learning has been shown to yield significant benefits, leading to increased linguistic abilities and intercultural understanding. Consequently, the implementation of effective language learning strategies during early childhood education becomes paramount. The purposes of this study were: 1) to compare the basic English listening ability of children aged 5–6 after using game-based learning activities to that before learning, 2) to compare the basic English-speaking ability of children aged 5–6 after using the game-based learning activities with that before learning. And 3) to study the children’s interest in the game-based learning activities. Methodology: The study, conducted at Golden Cradle Kindergarten in Nanchang City, evaluated the impact of a game-based teaching method on the English listening and speaking skills of 35 children aged 5-6 over one month. Initial and final assessments recorded in Excel showed significant improvements in both skills and increased learning interest. The data analysis includes percentages, means, standard deviation, and paired t-tests. Results: Results showed that the English listening ability of students was significantly higher than before they learned, indicating that the game teaching method can improve the English listening ability of children aged 5–6 years old, students had English-speaking ability was significantly higher than before they learned, indicating that the game teaching method can improve the English-speaking ability of 5–6-year-old children and the learning interest of students was significantly higher than before they learned. Conclude: Children between the ages of five and six have demonstrated a significant improvement in their English listening skills after using the game teaching method; their ability was significantly better than before. Additionally, it improves their ability to speak English, with a discernible increase observed following the application of the game-based learning approach. Additionally, this approach makes the kids more engaged and motivated than they were before by piquing their curiosity in learning.

The Effect of Long-term Biofeedback Therapy on Depression of Elderly Stroke Patients

Background and Objectives: Depression is a common problem after stroke, with a high prevalence. Multiple studies have suggested that biofeedback therapy can effectively treat depression without causing side effects. This research aims to investigate the long-term impact of biofeedback therapy on depression in stroke survivors. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 40 stroke patients who were divided into a rehabilitation control group and a rehabilitation group that underwent long biofeedback electromyography exercises. All patients were assessed for their level of depression at the start of the study and again after two years of treatment, after completing occupational therapy sessions with and without biofeedback intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and correlated t-tests with a significance level (P≤0.05). Results: In both control and intervention groups, no significant differences were observed in the level of depression between the pre-test and post-test stages. However, a crucial difference was observed between the intervention and control groups after using biofeedback. The average depression in patients who used long-term biofeedback decreased after two years compared to the control group (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Long-term utilization of biofeedback therapy impacts the depression levels of stroke patients. This method is highly recommended as a complementary approach to conventional rehabilitation.

Importance of Return to Usual and School Activities After Social Isolation in Recovering Vitamin D Concentrations, Physical Fitness, and Motor Performance in Adolescents

This study aimed to observe adolescents’ changes and individual responses regarding the anthropometry, cardiometabolic profile, vitamin D concentrations, physical fitness, and motor competence upon immediate return and three months of school activities after lockdown. Methods: The study included 28 adolescents (14.8 ± 0.8 years) of both sexes. Anthropometric measures, body composition, cardiometabolic parameters, physical fitness, and motor competence were assessed. A paired t-test was used to compare the frequencies of respondents and the effect size of the results, considering significant p &lt; 0.05. Results: After three months of school activities, adolescents changed their body composition, reducing % fat mass (p = 0.008) and increasing fat-free mass (p = 0.008). In terms of physical fitness, there was increased abdominal resistance (p &lt; 0.001; ES = −0.42) and motor performance, with reduction in supine-to-stand test time (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 0.53). There were very beneficial effects in reducing resting heart rate (p ≤ 0.001; ES = 0.61) and increasing vitamin D concentrations (p &lt; 0.001; ES = −0.61). After three months of a school routine, the proportions of change in respondents were similar between girls and boys and eutrophic individuals and overweight individuals. Conclusions: Returning to school activities after lockdown was important for the recovery of vitamin D concentrations, physical fitness, and motor competence, whose responses were independent of the level of adiposity and sex of the adolescents.

The Development of Basketball Learning Activities and Basketball Abilities Using Gamification Teaching Model for Advanced Vocational Student

Background and Aims The gamification teaching mode is a teaching method that integrates game elements into the teaching process. It stimulates students' enthusiasm and initiative and improves learning by creating a challenging and interesting play environment. In physical education teaching, the gamification teaching mode has been widely used, especially in improving students' basketball dribbling ability. Vocational students refer to those students who receive vocational education, and their learning goals pay more attention to the cultivation of practical skills and the improvement of application ability. As a common sport, basketball has important practical significance for higher vocational students. However, traditional basketball dribbling teaching is often based on technical training, which lacks enough interest and motivation, which can easily lead to the decline of students' learning interest and learning effect. Thus, the purposes of this study were 1) To develop learning activities for the gamification teaching model for the basketball course. 2)To compare basketball abilities using the gamification teaching model between the test and the post-test. And 3) To study student satisfaction with the gamification teaching model of the basketball course. Materials and Methods: The sample included 50 first-year students from Luzhou Medical Device Vocational College. In the first semester of 2023. Obtained by cluster random sampling technique. Research tools are used in lesson plans, basketball ability tests, and satisfaction questionnaires. In data analysis including percentages, means, standard deviations, and paired t-tests. Results: The results of the study were as follows; 1）The development of a gamification teaching model for the basketball course has an average suitability value for all plans equal to 4.38, which is at a high level. 2Students who studied using gamification teaching model learning activities had higher abilities of basketball post-test than pre-test at a statistical significance of.05 and 3）Students who learned using the gamification teaching model had overall satisfaction at a very high level. Conclusion: The basketball course's gamification teaching approach proved to be a highly appropriate and successful one, greatly enhancing students' post-test performance and generating exceptionally high levels of student satisfaction. According to the study, gamification can improve learning outcomes and increase student engagement in the classroom.

Investigating the Effect of Dry Needling on Myofascial Trigger Point in Soleus Muscle of Soccer Players with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of dry needling on myofascial trigger points in the soleus muscles among soccer players with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Materials and Methods: Soccer players diagnosed with MTSS were enlisted and randomly divided into two groups (11 participants in the experimental group [Group 1] and 11 participants in the control group [Group 2]). Pre-intervention measurements included repeated shuttle sprint ability, MTSS score, and pain pressure threshold (PPT) for both groups. In the experimental group, dry needling was performed on the soleus muscle, followed by active stretching and cryotherapy. The control group underwent active stretching of the soleus muscle and cryotherapy exclusively. Post-intervention measurements of repeated shuttle sprint ability, MTSS score, and PPT were taken for both groups after 2 days. Results: The experimental group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in PPT, MTSS score, and repeated shuttle sprint ability. Conversely, within the control group, statistically significant changes were observed only in PPT values through paired t-test assessment. Between-group analysis using an independent t-test revealed significant enhancement in PPT (P=0.000) and MTSS score (P=0.01) within the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Addressing myofascial trigger points in the soleus muscle through dry needling offers a more effective approach to treating MTSS than relying solely on muscle stretching.

Evaluating a Kid’s Dementia Awareness Game with Pre-Licensure Children and Young People’s Nursing (CYP) Students in Northern Ireland – A Pre/Posttest Study

ABSTRACT Dementia not only affects the person living with the condition but also their family and wider social circle. For that reason, it is important to educate family members, the wider public and health professionals. How a child and young people’s (CYP) nurse supports and responds to a CYP whose family member has dementia or acts as a carer is of interest to pre-licensure (pre-registration) CYP nursing programs. With serious games becoming more common as a method to educate a diverse population regardless of age and gender, this study aims to learn if playing a kid’s dementia awareness game improves CYP nursing student’s attitude to dementia using a validated pre-/posttest questionnaire. This study adopted a pretest, posttest design to assess the attitudes of pre-licensure CYP nursing students toward dementia. The Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was administered before and after playing a serious CYP kid’s dementia game developed by children and people living with dementia for 10- to 11-year-old children. The ADQ measured the total score, Hope subscale, and person-centered approaches. Matched paired t-test was used for analysis conducted with SPSS statistics 29. Seventy-two participants, from one university in Northern Ireland, completed pretest measures, of these, 55 also completed the posttest questionnaire. The participating CYP pre-licensure undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students demonstrated a significant increase in overall dementia attitudes post-gameplay, with an increase from 78.31 to 83.27. Subscales for Hope (27.75 to 30.44) and person-centered approaches also exhibited significant improvement (50.56 to 52.84). Demographic data revealed all participants as female, with 50% knowing a person living with dementia, and limited training experiences. In conclusion, this study has shown a positive response to playing a dementia game relevant to the child population. This adds to the literature building on the use of serious games for health education. Attitudes and hope scales increased with the use of the game.

Comparative efficacy of conservative, hyperbaric oxygen, and endovascular retinal surgery approaches in central retinal artery occlusion.

To assess and compare the efficacy of three treatment modalities for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO): conservative therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and endovascular retinal surgery (ERS). We retrospectively analyzed the cases of CRAO patients treated at the Toyama University Hospital. Their age range was 44-87years; a balanced gender distribution was observed. The conservative therapy group included 13 eyes (6 males, 7 females, average age 74years). HBOT group: 11 eyes from 10 patients (5 males, 5 females, average age 70years). ERS group: 10 eyes (7 males, 3 females, average age 74years). The treatments were as follows. Conservative group: ocular massage and sublingual nitroglycerin. HBOT: 60-min sessions at 2 atmospheres. ERS: vitrectomy followed by tissue plasminogen activator injection using a 47-ga. microneedle. Visual acuity was assessed using logMAR units, with statistical analyses by paired t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction. The conservative group showed a slight visual acuity change from 1.96 ± 0.53 to 1.88 ± 0.56 (p = 0.56). The HBOT group exhibited a significant improvement from 1.79 ± 0.80 to 1.28 ± 0.81 (p = 0.007). The ERS group displayed the most substantial improvement, with scores moving from 1.98 ± 0.36 to 0.68 ± 0.49 (p = 0.0000413). The ERS group's outcomes were significantly superior to those of the other groups. These results suggest that while conservative treatment may not be sufficient, both HBOT and endovascular retinal surgery show promise, with the latter demonstrating the most significant improvement.