Post-test Analysis Research Articles

Effectiveness of Peer Assisted Learning on Academic Performance of First Phase Medical Students in Comprehending Difficult Topics of Neuroanatomy

Background: Peer assisted learning (PAL), a dynamic teaching tool, fosters collaborative learning, knowledge acquisition, and skills development in medical education. Neuroanatomy is a critical and complex part of medical curriculum which students need to understand during initial period of anatomy learning. With the help of PAL, the struggle faced by first phase medical learners to complex learning patterns is addressed. The study aims to quantitatively define PAL’s outcomes by comparison of academic scores and evaluate learner’s perception towards PAL. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in UNS Autonomous State Medical College, Jaunpur in a batch of 99 first phase medical learners (year 2022-23). Teaching material, teaching learning methods and assessment material were created from select topics of neuroanatomy. PAL session was conducted for each (5) topic with 10 tutees in each session. After every session post-test analysis was done for both tutees and tutors, followed by a survey questionnaire assessing the benefits of PAL. Results: The results show a significant increase in performance metrics for learners after the PAL session, though the results were non-significant for tutors. The survey report suggests benefits from PAL in form of active engagement, improved problem-solving skills and enhanced critical thinking. Conclusion: The study underscores PAL as a valuable and effective teaching tool in medical education that can be used at the very outset of medical learning. It works as a supportive aid to low performers who face challenge in handling the complex parts of a curriculum. KEYWORDS: Peer Assisted Learning, Peer Tutoring, Medical Education, Neuroanatomy, First Phase Learners, Slow Learners.

Design and characterization of natural fiber reinforced cotton-epoxy composites

This research paper focuses on the design and fabrication of natural cotton epoxy composites. By combining natural cotton fibers with epoxy resin, the study aims to develop composite materials with desirable mechanical properties. To evaluate their performance, the composites were subjected to three-point bending tests, which revealed an average flexural strength of 50 MPa and a flexural modulus of 3.8 GPa, highlighting the material’s capacity to bear bending loads. The bending tests provided insights into the composite’s response to flexural loads, including its strength, stiffness, and failure mechanisms. Post-test analysis using an optical microscope revealed that the primary failure modes included delamination and fiber breakage. Delamination, characterized by the separation of layers within the composite, and fiber breakage, caused by the fibers’ inability to withstand stress exceeding their tensile strength of approximately 300 MPa, led to crack propagation through the material. These findings indicate that the composite's failure was primarily driven by these mechanisms. This study provides valuable insights into improving the composite's design and enhancing its mechanical properties, contributing to the broader understanding of natural fiber-reinforced composites and their behavior under mechanical stress.

Big Book Media for Optimizing Reading Literacy in Grade III Students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah

In today's digital era, although technology brings various benefits, reading literacy among students, especially at the elementary level, has experienced an alarming decline. This condition also has an impact on elementary school students who are more interested in digital entertainment than reading books, which ultimately affects their motivation and literacy skills. This study aims to develop Big Book media and test its effectiveness in improving reading literacy of grade III students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. This study uses the Research and Development (R&D) method with the ADDIE development model which includes the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The subjects of the study were grade III students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 6 Bandar Lampung consisting of two classes, with a total of 60 students. Data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. The research instrument used a validation questionnaire by experts, teacher responses and student responses. To determine the score in the expert validation questionnaire and teacher and student responses, the data was analyzed using a Likert scale while to test the effectiveness of the product/product feasibility using a pretest and posttest with the N-gain test. The validation results showed that this media was very feasible to use, with a validation percentage of material experts of 91.5%, media experts of 84.75%, and language experts of 89%. Small and large-scale trials gave average results of 91% and 92% respectively, which were categorized as "Very Feasible". The results of the pretest and posttest analysis showed an increase in the N-Gain score in the "Medium" category for both classes. These findings indicate that the Big Book media is effective in increasing interest and reading literacy skills.

The effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on perceived stress, rumination, and distress tolerance in women with Bulimia Nervosa

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in mitigating perceived stress, rumination, and distress tolerance among women diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) in Ahvaz, Iran. A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with a control group was employed. The target population consisted of all female BN patients referred to the Ahvaz Binge Eaters Association between February and May 2022. Patients were definitively diagnosed with BN by a clinical specialist using a structured clinical interview adhering to DSM-5 criteria. From an initial pool of 91 patients, 50 were randomly selected for participation and subsequently assigned to either the experimental or control group, with each group comprising 25 individuals. Pre-test analysis revealed no significant group differences in perceived stress, rumination, or distress tolerance among women with BN. However, post-test scores indicated a significant decrease in both perceived stress and rumination within the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .01). Furthermore, the post-test analysis demonstrated that ACT intervention significantly improved distress tolerance in women with BN (p < .01). These findings suggest that ACT may be a promising therapeutic approach for alleviating psychological distress and enhancing emotional regulation in individuals grappling with BN.

Intervention to Prevent Recurrent Intestinal Parasitic Infections in People Living with HIV in Selected Parts of Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Interactions between parasites and hosts are not fully understood, though the dynamic pattern of infection and reinfection in humans varies with different demographic variables and behavioral changes. A community-based non-equivalent control group post-test-only design, an aspect of quasi-experimental design (QED), was carried out between March 2019 and February 2020. For the extraction of data from respondents, structural questionnaires were filled. Their CD4 count and viral load from the database of the National Health Laboratory Services, Mthatha were recorded. The method applied for the identification of intestinal parasites was a direct examination of the stool and the use of concentration methods. The post-test analysis showed that the intervention sites that received THEdS (Treatment, Health education, and Sanitation) bundle had a cure proportion of 60% and a re-infection proportion of 40%. The post-test results on control sites (treatment-only group) showed that the cure proportion was 51.4% and the re-infection proportion was 48.6%. The viral load significantly reduced from 377 to 44 copies/mL with a significant increment in CD4 count from 244 to 573 (cells µL) and (p-value) = 0.002. The combination of THEdS is an effective measure to reduce infection and reinfection of intestinal parasites. The THEdS bundle is a sustainable control and prevention method for the control of helminthes and protozoan associated with unsanitary environment and poor personal hygiene among immune-compromised individuals like HIV/AIDS patients.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Marital Commitment and Quality of Life in Women Following Satellite Series

Introduction: Given the negative effects of satellite series on marital commitment, and the quality of life of women, and the destabilization of family systems, the present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy on marital commitment and quality of life in women who follow satellite series in Tehran Methods: This study was designed as a quasi-experimental intervention with a pre-test and post-test approach. The statistical population consisted of women who were viewers of satellite series and members of an active institute in marriage and psychological services for couples in East Tehran. Using convenience sampling method, the first individual was selected randomly, and then through snowball sampling, 120 individuals were introduced. After screening and selecting eligible individuals, the sample size was reduced to 30, and the participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 in each group). The women in the experimental group participated in virtual cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions. Data collection tools included two standardized questionnaires: the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Adams and Jones Marital Commitment Questionnaire which were distributed and completed in both groups before and after the intervention. For data analysis, descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, Shapiro-Wilk test, skewness, and kurtosis were used, and for inferential statistics to examine the significance of the intervention's effectiveness, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in both pre-test and post-test (p&lt;0/05). The scores of the experimental group after the intervention showed a significant increase in the post-test analysis of covariance for the variables of physical health, psychological health, social relationships, social environment, overall quality of life, personal commitment, moral commitment, structural commitment, and overall marital commitment, compared to the pre-test (p&lt;0/05). At the same time, the control group did not show a significant difference (p&gt;0/05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy has a positive impact on quality of life and marital commitment. This type of therapy can be utilized as an effective strategy to improve marital commitment and quality of life for women who watch satellite series.

Durability of Electrolyte Supported Solid Oxide Cells for Steam Electrolysis: Operation at High Current Density and at Reduced Temperature

The ongoing growth of the demand of electrolytic hydrogen produced from renewable electrical energy sources is, at present, mainly met by low temperature electrolysers (alkaline and PEM). Yet, high temperature (steam) electrolysis using the solid oxide cell (SOC) technology is rapidly developing, with demonstration systems approaching the MW power range. System upscaling and industrialisation is, e.g., subject of the R&D project H2Giga in Germany /1/. Steam electrolysis with SOC yields highest electrical-to-chemical energy-conversion efficiency. That efficiency is further increased if steam generation is feasible without electrical heating but via heat sources of moderate temperature in industrial installations. Moreover, as an often not considered advantage of weight, initial efficiency can be maintained over a large part of the foreseen lifetime (or even the entire lifetime) by temperature adjustments which keep the cell voltage close to the thermal neutral value for a simplified thermal management of the electrolyser system (U th ~ 1.29 V @ 830° C) /2/. Finally, a matching to a fluctuating load or for grid-services is also possible with the SOC technology /3/.SOC system development heavily relies on cell research, in particular on the experimental verification of long-term stability. In that context, as already discussed in earlier meetings, electrolysis with electrolyte supported solid oxide cells (ESC) with Ni/GDC cathodes shows excellent durability /2-5/. Operation with an elevated current density of 0.9 Acm-2 was demonstrated in up to 30,000 h long tests leading to a low voltage-degradation rate of around 5 mV/1000 h, sufficient for practical application /5/. Comparison of intrinsic cell degradation and the, usually larger, stack/system degradation facilitates the identification of degradation sources (from e.g., cells, seals, tubing, and feed media). Cells with Ni/GDC cathodes and the known mechanically robust 3YSZ electrolyte are currently used in pilot installations by the company Sunfire (Germany).This contribution will focus on two follow-up activities in cell testing, (i), a further increase in current density (>1 Acm-2), and (ii), a lowering of the operation temperature, both at maintained cell voltage. The therefore required decrease of the (area specific) cell resistance, ASR, implies a reduction of the ionic conduction losses in the electrolyte. This is achievable with electrolytes of higher specific conductivity (e.g., 10Sc1CeSZ or 6Sc1CeSZ) or with thinner electrolyte layers. Tests are, so far, done with cells based on 3YSZ electrolytes down to 30 µm thickness (standard thickness being 90 µm), with testing times in the range from 4,000 to above 10,000 h. Degradation is determined under constant current operation, and different degradation contributions are separated with impedance spectroscopy at maintained steady-state conditions.Electrolysis operation around the U th value means relatively high cell-voltage losses (~0.4 V), which is in marked difference to the SOFC mode where losses are usually much smaller. A reasonably large electrolysis current density of 0.7 Acm-2 (at U ~ U th) could be demonstrated in a 10,000 h long test with a cell with a 32 µm thick electrolyte at a temperature of 755°C. This test will be discussed in more detail. Temperature is within the typical temperature range of operation of classical electrode (cathode) supported cells, CSC, which facilitates direct cell comparisons (for a comparison of ESC/CSC performance at different temperature together with a post-test analysis of long-term operated cells see ref. /6/). Provided that degradation remains sufficiently low, it also means a large usable temperature window for electrolysis, favourable for power variation and for degradation compensation with temperature adjustments.The increase in current density relies, above all, on sufficient electrode stability (notably of the hydrogen/steam electrode). Rather low electrode overvoltages found in previous work /2-5/ are encouraging results in that context. More open is the evolution of the generally observed predominantly ohmic degradation coming from the electrolyte, the contacting, and the formation of secondary insulating layers.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Cair Berbasis Bakteri Fotosintetik (PSB) bagi Kelompok Tani di Kabupaten Enrekang

This community service aims to transfer the technology of making Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) based on Photosynthetic Bacteria (PSB) for the Eran Batu Farmer Group in Pekalobean Village, Enrekang Regency. The method of implementing this community service uses Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). This program consists of several stages: (1) Socialization and training, (2) Practice of making POC, (3) Implementation of a demonstration plot for planting yard vegetables, (4) Counseling on product effectiveness, (5) Assistance in product marketing, and (6) Monitoring and evaluation of the program. The results of the community service showed a significant increase in participant knowledge and skills. Pre-test and post-test analysis showed an increase in understanding of 42.59%, with an average score increasing from 68.73 to 98.00. The practice of making POC achieved a success rate of 90%, with 95% of participants reporting a significant increase in independent production capabilities. The implementation of the demonstration plot showed an increase in crop productivity of 22% compared to conventional methods, accompanied by improvements in soil health and plant resistance to pests and diseases. This community service program has succeeded in transferring PSB-based POC technology and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices among farmers of the Eran Batu Farmers Group.

Detection and characterization of chloride induced stress corrosion cracking on SS304 under thermal insulation using acoustic emission technique

This study investigates the detection of chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CI-SCC) in SS304 stainless steel using the acoustic emission technique (AET). Test samples in as-received (AR) and sensitized (SE) conditions were bent into a U-shape according to ASTM G30. These samples were placed on a hot pipe-spool at 90 °C and insulated with mineral wool. Over 28 days, the insulated samples were intermittently wetted with a 3.5 wt% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution using a drip test apparatus in line with ASTM C692. CI-SCC detection was performed by connecting AET to the U-bend samples. Post-test analysis revealed that acoustic emission (AE) signals, such as energy, RA (rise time/amplitude), counts, and average frequency, varied significantly during different SCC stages. Microscopic examination confirmed SCC in both sample types. In SE sample, cracks initiated from corrosion pits and propagated toward neighbouring pits due to compromised integrity from heat sensitization, producing low-energy AE signals. In contrast, AR sample exhibited high-energy emissions, indicating structural differences. Additionally, mineral wool insulation showed a higher water absorption rate as per EN13472, contributing to a corrosive environment. This study can help to estimate AET’s potential in assessing damage severity and preventing failures in thermally insulated systems.

The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training with Different Duration on Fibrinogen and Plasma Viscosity in Sedentary Male College Students

Background: There have been few investigations into the impact of high-intensity interval training on blood rheology. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate how high-intensity interval training conducted with different duration affects fibrinogen and plasma viscosity in sedentary young college men. Methods: For this study, 36 healthy male participants were selected and grouped based on their individual characteristics. The groups included a control group (n = 9), a 45-second training group (tr-45; n = 9), a 30-second training group (tr-30; n = 9), and a 15-second training group (tr-15; n = 9). The training regimen comprised six sessions over two weeks, with varying sets (4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 4 respectively) and durations of 15, 30, and 45 seconds for different groups. There was a fixed 4-minute rest interval between each set, with a consistent load of 0.6 on the Wingate cycle ergometer. Blood samples were collected 48 hours before and after the final session to analyze fibrinogen and plasma viscosity levels. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in plasma fibrinogen levels (F3, 32 = 2.303, P = 0.96). However, post-test analysis revealed a significant decrease in plasma fibrinogen in the tr-45 group (P = 0.027) compared to pre-test levels. Plasma viscosity did not significantly change between groups (F3, 32 = 0.651, P = 0.058), but there was a significant interaction between time and group (F3, 40 = 4.43, P = 0.009). Post-test analysis showed a significant decrease in plasma viscosity in the tr-45 (P = 0.010), tr-30 (P = 0.002), and tr-15 (P = 0.003) groups, while it significantly increased in the control group (P = 0.004) compared to pre-test levels. Conclusions: The findings suggest that high-intensity interval training can effectively decrease blood rheology and factors such as fibrinogen and plasma viscosity, with the 45-second HIIT being more efficient. Therefore, incorporating this training into Physical Activity Programs could be beneficial for inactive men.

Effects of precuring heating modalities on the shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index of orthodontic adhesive

Aim: This study aimed to investigate precuring adhesive and bracket heating\cooling protocol on shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI). Methods: 70 newly extracted lower premolars categorized randomly into 7 groups (n = 10 (ten teeth each)) according to adhesive and/or brackets temperatures. Pre-curing, the 3M Transbond PlusTM XT adhesive temperature was adjusted to 5, 22, 40, 70°C, while the brackets were stored at 5, 55°C before bonding. Also, adhesive and brackets were heated by tooth dryer before curing representing the seventh group. The samples were stored in deionized water for 24h at 37°C in dark incubator before debonding by universal testing machine. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post Hoc Tukey statistical tests were performed for SBS analysis, while Kruskal Wallis test analyzed ARI data (α=0.05). Results: Significant differences were found among the groups regarding SBS and ARI where p = 0.00, 0.024 respectively. SBS significantly increased when the adhesive temperature modified to 5°C and 70°C and brackets temperature adjusted to 5°C and 55°C. Also, heating the adhesive and brackets by tooth dryer generated peak SBS. While, heating the adhesive to 40°C declined SBS significantly. Conclusions: Lowering the temperature of the adhesive and/or brackets to 5°C and elevation their temperature above 55°C pre-curing has favorable effects on SBS. Storing the adhesive at 40°C before bonding showed reductions in SBS. Also, heating both the adhesive and brackets pre-curing formed all-out SBS with reduced ARI.

Peningkatan Pengetahuan Membuat Digital Asset dan Komersialisasinya Pada Siswa SMK Kesehatan Aras Depok

There are two primary challenges faced by students of SMK Kesehatan Aras Sawangan Depok. Firstly, there is a proficiency issue in videography and photography, considering SMK Kesehatan Aras specializes in health education and lacks focus on videography, photography, or visual communication design. Secondly, students encounter difficulties in utilizing digital platforms as avenues for selling digital assets such as videos and photos. Addressing these issues is crucial for enabling students to commence monetizing digital assets online. The objective of this training program is to enhance students' knowledge and skills in producing digital assets and commercializing them through the Gettyimages application. The method employed is Asset Based Community Development (ABCD). This community service activity was attended by 27 Aras Vocational School students. Based on pretest and posttest analysis, it shows that the increase in participants' knowledge varied between 82%-100%, with an average increase in understanding for the 27 participants of 91.92%. So it can be concluded that the objectives of this training have been achieved, this training has had a positive impact as shown by the increase in participants' understanding of 11 aspects of the science of selling digital assets in the form of videos and photos on the Gettyimages platform.

Reducing work-related stress among health professionals by using a training-based intervention programme for leaders in a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Healthcare organisations worldwide are affected by the shortage of health professionals due to work-related stress and health professional leaders play an important role by implementing effective strategies. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether the STRAIN intervention program (using evidence-based training for health professional leaders) can reduce work-related stress among health professionals. This study is based on a cluster randomised controlled trial, consists of three measurements and includes 165 participating hospitals, nursing homes and home care organisations. A total of 206 health professional leaders took part in the intervention programme and 19,340 health professionals participated in the study. Results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the intervention and control group regarding the effort-reward imbalance ratio, quantitative demands, opportunities for development, bond with the organisation, quality of leadership, social community, role clarity, rewards, difficulties with demarcation and work-private life conflict. Pre-/post-test analysis revealed a tendency for significant positive results (p < 0.05) for stressors, stress symptoms and long-term consequences for organisations with a leaders' participation rate of ≥ 75%. Leaders' awareness, commitment and readiness is essential to implement effective strategies reducing work-related stress.

The Effect of Augmented Reality-Based First Aid Health Education On Youth Red Cross at Titian Teras State Senior High School in Jambi City

Health education is a crucial aspect of guiding learners about health in a broad range, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. Schools, being environments where students are exposed to various hazards, are particularly vulnerable to accidents. First aid education is essential in preventing injuries and ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills to respond effectively in emergency situations. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Augmented Reality (AR) based First Aid health education on the knowledge of Youth Red Cross (PMR) members at Titian Teras State Senior High School, Jambi City. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with one pretest-posttest group without a control group. A total of 50 PMR members were involved, divided into an intervention group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). The intervention group received AR-based First Aid health education, while the control group received conventional methods. Data collection was conducted using a knowledge assessment tool, and pre- and post-test analyses were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. The results showed a significant increase in the intervention group's knowledge. After the intervention, 80% of respondents in the intervention group achieved the "good" category, compared to only 36% in the control group. The Mann-Whitney test confirmed the significant difference between the two groups (p&lt;0.05), indicating that the AR-based First Aid health education was more effective in improving PMR members' knowledge compared to conventional methods. This study concludes that AR-based First Aid health education is more effective in improving PMR members' knowledge compared to conventional methods. The integration of AR technology in health education highlights its potential in enhancing learning outcomes and improving the preparedness of students in responding to emergencies. The findings suggest that AR can be a valuable tool in health education, particularly in first aid training, by providing an immersive and interactive learning experience that enhances both knowledge and skills acquisition.

Digital Escape Rooms: A Resource for Environmental Education

Today’s adolescents represent an elective target in addressing environmental challenges. Education is a key factor in achieving a sustainable future for them. However, formal education can represent a challenge when youths are its target, as they are considered the “interactive generation”. Game-based learning, and, in particular, Digital Educational Escape Rooms (DERs), have emerged as innovative methods in education, with promising applications in environmental sustainability studies. In this study, we developed 14 Digital Escape Rooms using the Social Cognitive Theory of Bandura as a theoretical framework. These were focused on environmental education and we tested them on a sample of 411 students (aged 12–18 years; 158 female, 38.4%). A one-group quasi-experimental research design was adopted, carrying out a pre-test post-test analysis. Each participant completed assessments at two time points: before engaging in the escape rooms (T0) and after (T1). The assessment tools included the Goal Assessment Scale (GAS) and the Perceived Climate Self-Efficacy Scale. Our findings revealed no significant gender differences in goal achievement. However, at T0, females exhibited higher levels of perceived climate self-efficacy in both individual and collective dimensions. Instead, the Digital Escape Rooms appeared particularly effective in increasing self-efficacy among male participants. These results suggest that Digital Escape Rooms hold potential for enhancing environmental self-efficacy, although gender differences in baseline efficacy levels warrant further exploration.

A scoping investigation on debris bed formation with high-temperature melt simulant Fe-Sn

In hypothetical severe accidents of Nordic boiling water reactors (BWRs), the core melt (corium) has the potential to relocate to the lower head, leading to the failure of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV). Consequently, the corium, a molten mixture of either UO2-ZrO2 or Fe-Zr, is anticipated to undergo fuel coolant interactions (FCI) in a deep-water pool within the reactor cavity which is supposed to be flooded during severe accidents. The characteristics of the resulting debris bed play an important role in corium coolability that is paramount to accident stabilization and termination. This study is dedicated to characterizing the debris bed resulting from the FCI using Fe-Sn as the simulant of Fe-Zr. Compared with other simulants in our previous studies, the Fe-Sn alloy has a a higher melting point of 1130 °C and the same element of Fe as in prototypical Fe-Zr. The Fe-Sn is melted in a clay graphite crucible with glass coating layer to minimize contamination of molten materials by graphite. Argon containing 1.26 % hydrogen is employed as cover gas to avoid the oxidation of Fe-Sn at high temperature. The process of debris bed formation, including melt jet breakup, debris fragmentation, and fragments’ sedimentation on the pool bottom, is meticulously recorded using high-speed cameras. The porosity of the debris bed is determined in the post-test analyses using a three-dimensional laser scanner and a graduated water tank. The laser scanner data are also used to reconstruct the geometric appearance of the final debris bed. The debris particulates are sieved to obtain their size distribution. The chemical interaction between water and melt is examined by the SEM analysis. The experimental results show that the debris bed of Fe-Sn has significant differences from those of low melting point simulants (Sn-Bi, Sn, Zn) in our previous studies.

Revisiting writing feedback: Using teacher-student writing conferences to enhance learners’ L2 writing skills

Previous studies have largely overlooked teacher feedback, which plays a significant role in the social construction of knowledge within educational ecosystems worldwide. While written corrective feedback has been the focus of writing feedback research, oral feedback in teacher-student L2 writing conferences has not received as much attention, especially from an ecological lens. To address this research gap, this study investigated how writing training, including teacher-student conferences, can improve learners' L2 writing skills, with a specific focus on Ethiopia. The study explores how these conferences can help students enhance their L2 writing skills through constructive criticism and encouragement. To achieve this, 63 students (aged 15 to 23; 38 male and 25 female) were divided into experimental and control groups using a quasi-experimental design. The students underwent pre- and post-tests during an eight-week intervention. MANOVA was used to evaluate the pre-test data, while ANCOVA was used for the post-test analysis. The post-test results show that teacher-student conferences can effectively improve three writing skills: organization, vocabulary, and mechanics. The greatest impact on students' understanding of the writing process was seen in mechanics (43.4%), vocabulary (36.9%), and organization (11.5%). However, the intervention did not have a statistically significant impact on two other writing skills: content and language usage or grammar. Recommendations for future research and strategies for integrating teacher-student conferences into writing instruction are provided.

Training for the Elderly to Improve Skills in Preventing and Managing Chronic Diseases

An increasing elderly population in the world has a broad impact on society. Elderly people have different characteristics and are vulnerable to physical and psychological health problems, one of which is chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. The elderly require special attention from their families, surrounding communities, and the local government. In response to this, the Unisba Faculty of Medicine organized a Community Service (PKM) activity called "Training for the Elderly to Improve Skills in Preventing and Managing of Chronic Diseases." This activity aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the elderly in preventing and managing their diseases, which will help prevent complications and increase the quality of life of the elderly. This, in turn, will empower them to remain productive members of society. PKM activities occurred in Cihanjuang Village on July 22-23, 2022. The event was a collaboration of Unisba Medical Faculty, the Cihanjuang village government, and the Parongpong District. A PKM activity was conducted offline for two days with around 60 participants. The activity included comprehensive health education material, assistance and mentoring for elderly people in sports activities, examination and modification of risk factors for chronic diseases. Detection of disease through checking blood pressure, independent blood sugar monitoring at home, and anthropometric examination including body weight, height, upper arm circumference, and waist circumference. The result of these activity showed that the knowledge of elderly on chronic disease management increased by 19.79% based on analysis of pre-test and post-test. It also enhanced the skills of elderly people in early detection and modification of risk factors for chronic diseases. The measurement results indicate that 11.32% of participants are at risk based on BMI, 54,72% are classified as obese 1, and 33.96% are classified as obese 2. All of the participants had a risk of comorbidities based on BMI and waist circumference calculations, with some falling into the category of increased 9.43%, moderate 3.77%, severe 52.83%, and very severe 33.96%. This program will support the accelerated development of Active Alert Villages and Subdistricts as one of the performance targets in the community empowerment process to improve the community's welfare. Keywords: Elderly, chronic disease, co-morbidities, knowledge, skills, Cihanjuang

Active Visual Art Therapy and Health Outcomes

Art therapy has a long-standing tradition in patient treatment. As scientific interest in its use has recently grown, a comprehensive assessment of active visual art therapy is crucial to understanding its potential benefits. To assess the association of active visual art therapy with health outcomes across patient groups and comparators. The systematic literature search included the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, American Psychological Association PsycArticles, American Psychological Association PsycInfo, PSYNDEX, the German Clinical Trials Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov. No filters regarding language were applied. The search covered all dates before March 2021. Data analysis was conducted from April 24 to September 8, 2023. Randomized clinical trials with any type of patient population comparing the intervention with any control not using active visual art therapy were included. Two researchers independently screened the abstracts and full texts. Data extraction followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data were synthesized using narrative summaries, forest plots, and random effects meta-analyses. In line with the protocol, all outcome measures of the included studies were extracted. The search identified 3104 records, of which 356 outcomes of 69 studies were included, with a total of approximately 4200 participants, aged 4 to 96 years, in the review. The meta-analyses included 50 studies and 217 outcomes of 2766 participants. Treatment indications included mental, neurological, and other somatic disorders, and prevention. Most outcome measures focused on depression, anxiety, self-esteem, social adjustment, and quality of life. Art therapy was associated with an improvement in 18% of the 217 outcomes compared with the controls (1%), while 81% showed no improvement. The standardized mean difference in the change from baseline of the meta-analyses of 0.38 (95% CI, 0.26-0.51) and posttest analysis of 0.19 (95% CI, 0.12-0.26) also indicated an improvement of outcomes associated with art therapy. Overall study quality was low. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, visual art therapy was associated with therapeutic benefits for some outcomes, although most studies were of low quality. Further good-quality studies are needed to provide additional insights for its best possible integration into routine care.

Effects of Photobiomodulation Associated with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis Induced in Female Wistar Rats' Knee.

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, pain, and joint degradation, necessitating treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, posing various challenges. We aimed to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) at two different doses associated to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in an invivo model of induced acute arthritis in Wistar rats' knee. Methods: Eighty-four Wistar rats were assigned into seven groups, including animals treated with PBM and/or PRP. On day 0, arthritis was induced in sham and treated groups through the intra-articular injection of zymosan (200 μg). Twenty-four hours after induction, the PBM groups were treated with an AsGaAl laser, whereas the PRP-treated groups received intra-articular injections with a concentration of 8 × 105 platelets obtained from another four animals. After 3 days, the animals were euthanized, and the interleukin (IL)-6 and complement C3 gene and protein expression levels were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the mean ± SD with analysis of variance and Tukey's posttest, with a significance level set at 5% (p < 0.05). Results: Synovial inflammation decreased in PBM-treated groups; however, PRP alone showed no significant difference. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant difference in IL-6 and C3 levels in the PBM and PBM+PRP-treated groups. Meanwhile, the PRP alone group exhibited significance for IL-6. Moreover, the PBM and PBM+PRP-treated groups showed a significant difference in C3 protein expression levels, whereas the PRP alone group showed no difference. Conclusion: The increase in cellular activity in the synovial membrane and the decrease protein expression levels are owing to the reduction in proinflammatory mediators following PBM therapy.