Regular Classes Research Articles

Effects of teachers' aides on students with special needs

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of increasing educational support in regular classes on students with special education needs (SEN). We exploit previous randomized controlled trials that added teachers' aides to Danish grade 6 classes combined with rich register data informative about SEN and school assignment. There were three types of teachers' aides: a co‐teacher with a teaching degree, a teaching assistant without a teaching degree, and a coach. We find that the treatments increased inclusion of SEN students in regular classes, by 7–8 percentage points, and that SEN students gained academically. Long‐term follow‐up data indicate that while the academic gains evaporated over time, the treated students were able to stay in regular classes throughout compulsory education and largely followed the same progression as their counterparts in the control group when they moved to upper secondary education. Finally, we show that the costs of the teachers' aides are outweighed by the saved costs of special education.

Neural effects of multisensory dance training in Parkinson's disease: evidence from a longitudinal neuroimaging single case study.

Dance is associated with beneficial outcomes in motor and non-motor domains in Parkinson's disease (PD) and regular participation may help delay symptom progression in mild PD. However, little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms of dance interventions for PD. The present case study explored potential neuroplastic changes in a 69-year-old male with mild PD participating in regular dance classes over 29 weeks. Functional MRI was performed at four timepoints (pre-training, 11 weeks, 18 weeks, 29 weeks), where the individual imagined a dance choreography while listening to the corresponding music. Neural activity was compared between dance-imagery and fixation blocks at each timepoint. Analysis of functionally defined regions revealed significant blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal activation in the supplementary motor area, right and left superior temporal gyri and left and right insula, with modulation of these regions observed over the training period except for the left insula. The results suggest the potential for dance to induce neuroplastic changes in people with PD in regions associated with motor planning and learning, auditory processing, rhythm, emotion, and multisensory integration. The findings are consistent with dance being a multimodal therapeutic activity that could provide long-term benefits for people with PD.

FROBENIUS–SCHUR INDICATORS FOR PROJECTIVE CHARACTERS WITH APPLICATIONS

Abstract Let $\alpha $ be a complex valued $2$ -cocycle of finite order of a finite group $G.$ The nth Frobenius–Schur indicator of an irreducible $\alpha $ -character of G is defined and its properties are investigated. The indicator is interpreted in general for $n =2$ and it is shown that it can be used to determine whether an irreducible $\alpha $ -character is real-valued under the assumption that the order of $\alpha $ and its cohomology class are both $2$ . A formula, involving the real $\alpha $ -regular conjugacy classes of $G,$ is found to count the number of real-valued irreducible $\alpha $ -characters of G under the additional assumption that these characters are class functions.

Deep-Unfolded Tikhonov-Regularized Conjugate Gradient Algorithm for MIMO Detection

In addressing the multifaceted problem of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) detection in wireless communication systems, this work highlights the pressing need for enhanced detection reliability under variable channel conditions and MIMO antenna configurations. We propose a novel method that sets a new standard for deep unfolding in MIMO detection by integrating the iterative conjugate gradient method with Tikhonov regularization, combining the adaptability of modern deep learning techniques with the robustness of classical regularization. Unlike conventional techniques, our strategy treats the Tikhonov regularization parameter, as well as the step size and search direction coefficients of the conjugate gradient (CG) method, as trainable parameters within the deep learning framework. This enables dynamic adjustments based on varying channel conditions and MIMO antenna configurations. Detection performance is significantly improved by the proposed approach across a range of MIMO configurations and channel conditions, consistently achieving lower bit error rate (BER) and normalized minimum mean square error (NMSE) compared to well-known techniques like DetNet and CG. The proposed method has superior performance over CG and other model-based methods, especially with a small number of iterations. Consequently, the simulation results demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed approach, making it a viable choice for MIMO systems with a range of antenna configurations, modulation orders, and different channel conditions.

Simultaneous effects of high-speed circuit training (HSCT) and high-speed interval training (HSIT) on physical fitness and lung volumes of males after coronavirus disease

BackgroundPeople who are quarantined after coronavirus disease experience immobility, obesity and changes in the cardiopulmonary system. We hypothesized that the concurrent use of high-speed circuit training (HSCT) and high-speed interval training (HSIT) can be used to improve physical fitness and respiratory functions. MethodologyPhysical education students (n = 65, 18–22 yrs. Old) who recovered from a previous coronavirus infection were randomly divided into either an experimental (n = 38) or control (n = 27) group. Physical fitness tests such as heart rate (HR), Cooper's test, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), speed of 30 m, flexibility, balance of right and left legs, agility 4 × 9 m, barfix, sit-up, Sargent jump, push-up, and spirometry tests were conducted before and after the training protocols (HSCT and HSIT for 12 weeks). The control group only took regular university classes. ResultsThe simultaneous implementation of HSCT and HSIT had a positive significant effect on physical fitness indicators (VO2max, flexibility, sit-ups, push-ups, vertical jump, barfix, balance legs, agility 4 × 9, 30 m sprint, and Cooper test) and respiratory indicators (FVC, FEV1, PEF, MVV and FEV1/FVC). While it did not affect other variables. ConclusionThe simultaneous implementation of HSCT and HSIT can have a positive significant effect on physical fitness indicators and respiratory indicators of male university students. Therefore, students have more aerobic capacity for physical activities.

Multiobjective optimization guided by image quality index for limited-angle CT image reconstruction.

Due to the incomplete projection data collected by limited-angle computed tomography (CT), severe artifacts are present in the reconstructed image. Classical regularization methods such as total variation (TV) minimization, ℓ0 minimization, are unable to suppress artifacts at the edges perfectly. Most existing regularization methods are single-objective optimization approaches, stemming from scalarization methods for multiobjective optimization problems (MOP). To further suppress the artifacts and effectively preserve the edge structures of the reconstructed image. This study presents a multiobjective optimization model incorporates both data fidelity term and ℓ0-norm of the image gradient as objective functions. It employs an iterative approach different from traditional scalarization methods, using the maximization of structural similarity (SSIM) values to guide optimization rather than minimizing the objective function.The iterative method involves two steps, firstly, simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART) optimizes the data fidelity term using SSIM and the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm for guidance. The degradation solution is accepted in the form of probability, and guided image filtering (GIF) is introduced to further preserve the image edge when the degradation solution is rejected. Secondly, the result from the first step is integrated into the second objective function as a constraint, we use ℓ0 minimization to optimize ℓ0-norm of the image gradient, and the SSIM, SA algorithm and GIF are introduced to guide optimization process by improving SSIM value like the first step. With visual inspection, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), root mean square error (RMSE), and SSIM values indicate that our approach outperforms other traditional methods. The experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our method and its superiority over other classical methods in artifact suppression and edge detail restoration.

Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning to Improve Critical Thinking Ability of Chemistry Students on Acid-Base Material

This study aims to determine the improvement of critical thinking skills of chemistry students through a problem-based learning (PBL) learning model on acid-base titration material. The method used is analytical descriptive research based on categorizing critical thinking skills with the research subject of chemistry education students in a regular class in 2022, consisting of 35 students. Data collection of critical thinking skills using essay tests reveals critical thinking skills in interpretation, analysis, inference, deduction, and evaluation. Research data were obtained from pretest and post-test results. The results showed the lowest N-gain value on the interpretation indicator and the highest on the deduction indicator, with an average N-gain value of 0.59 in the moderate category. This shows increased critical thinking skills after being treated using the PBL learning model.

Schooling for integration? Reception of refugees in discourse and practice in Swedish rural municipalities 2015–2022

This study explores the integration of migrants in education and the labour market from the perspectives of professionals working with young migrants in Swedish rural municipalities. It compares interview data referring to the situation during the refugee crisis in 2015 with data referring to the period 2019–2022. It addresses the organisation of teaching, how professionals talked about integration in relation to the local labour market and how integration-related practices and discourses developed from 2015 to 2022. The findings indicate a major change over time in the educational integration strategies and practices. Migrant children were mainly taught in separate preparatory classes in 2015, but by 2019–2022 there was a general aim to integrate them rapidly in regular classes. In terms of labour market integration there was also a discursive change. In 2015 the main hope was that the migrants’ reception would create short- and long-term jobs for the local population and contribute to the survival of local services and life. In contrast, in 2019–2022 the main expressed hope was that migrants would stay permanently and contribute productively to their new societies’ labour forces.

An innovative distance learning platform for mathematics education in secondary schools: Design, development and preliminary studies

AbstractThis study addresses the emerging challenges in mathematics education, emphasizing the integration of innovative teaching strategies and tools amidst the evolving educational landscape. The study begins with an analysis of prevalent e-learning and communication systems in distance education, pinpointing their limitations and identifying the gaps in effective remote mathematics instruction. In response, we introduce a novel educational platform designed to facilitate real-time mathematics teaching over the Internet, aiming to replicate the interactive essence of traditional classroom settings within a digital domain. The system features a suite of tools including a mathematical editor, a virtual whiteboard, audio-video communication capabilities, a virtual library, and an evaluation support module, all accessible via a standard web browser. The platform’s effectiveness was assessed through its application in regular mathematics classes at two secondary schools in Romania, as well as in a private tutoring scenario. The paper presents the findings of these preliminary studies, offering insights into the usefulness and usability of the platform and its potential to seamlessly integrate into existing educational frameworks without compromising the quality of instruction.

Uniqueness and Non-Uniqueness Results for Spacetime Extensions

Abstract Given a function $f: A \to{\mathbb{R}}^{n}$ of a certain regularity defined on some open subset $A \subseteq{\mathbb{R}}^{m}$, it is a classical problem of analysis to investigate whether the function can be extended to all of ${\mathbb{R}}^{m}$ in a certain regularity class. If an extension exists and is continuous, then certainly it is uniquely determined on the closure of $A$. A similar problem arises in general relativity for Lorentzian manifolds instead of functions on ${\mathbb{R}}^{m}$. It is well-known, however, that even if the extension of a Lorentzian manifold $(M,g)$ is analytic, various choices are in general possible at the boundary. This paper establishes a uniqueness condition for extensions of globally hyperbolic Lorentzian manifolds $(M,g)$ with a focus on low regularities: any two extensions that are anchored by an inextendible causal curve $\gamma : [-1,0) \to M$ in the sense that $\gamma $ has limit points in both extensions must agree locally around those limit points on the boundary as long as the extensions are at least locally Lipschitz continuous. We also show that this is sharp: anchored extensions that are only Hölder continuous do in general not enjoy this local uniqueness result.

Class attendance and academic performance in geography programs

ABSTRACT Regular class attendance has traditionally been seen as a positive contributor to academic success in higher education. However, progress in educational technologies, evolving learning styles, and self-directed learning have given rise to a debate on the role of physical presence of students in class. This study aimed to analyse the impact of class attendance on academic performance. For this, class attendance was daily registered across multiple geography courses in various universities over five academic years. Results showed that the average class attendance was 67.6%, although a decline in class attendance as courses progressed was observed. Despite this, only a relatively low proportion of students failed their subject (16.8%). Nevertheless, statistical analysis showed significant differences in final grades between students with high and low attendance. Generally, students with above-average attendance were prone to earn an above-average final grade, and vice versa. Therefore, it could be established that class attendance was an indicator of academic success, while significant levels of absenteeism could work as indicators of worse academic performance. Recognizing the importance of in-person attendance is crucial, but addressing forthcoming challenges is equally important. Future research should explore the use of emerging technologies and learning styles to foster more suitable learning environments.

Enhancing Support for Slow Learners Evaluating Inclusive Education Models in Contemporary Classrooms

Present study assesses the effectiveness of inclusive education frameworks in supporting slow learners, a student needs extra time and resources to achieve academic success. The objective is to include these students in regular classes to promote fairness and social unity. Qualitative research study supported by six teachers working in primary, elementary, and secondary institutions in Karachi. The data collected provided thematic analysis identifying key challenges, strategies, and impacts in the implementation of inclusive education toward children with learning difficulties. Findings also show that though the models of inclusive education may uplift the slow learners both in academic performance and self-esteem, their effectiveness depends on adequate resources, flexible curriculum, and comprehensive training for teachers. Individual education plans and differentiated instruction are also identified as important. Future research has to be based on longitudinal studies and comparative studies across different cultural contexts of inclusive education models with specific attention to teacher preparation and the perspectives of slow learners.

Sternalis muscle, a rare anatomical variation with clinical implications

Abstract The sternalis muscle is a rare variant of the anterior chest wall musculature. Although its frequency in general population worldwide has been reported from 2% to 8%, its prevalence depends on regions and populations. The aim of this paper is to describe one of the first cases of sternalis muscle found in Central Europe. An anterior chest wall of 64-year-old white male was dissected during a regular anatomy class at Department of Human Anatomy. A right unilateral sternalis muscle was revealed and described. The unilateral sternalis muscle laid between the pectoral and the superficial thoracic fascia. The muscle was long and wide. In addition, it had a massive tendon. According to the Snosek et al. Classification, it was a “simple unilateral” type. This report presents another case of the sternalis muscle among humans. Although the sternalis muscle serves a minor role in body movement, its occurrence gives several clinical implications. The awareness of variability in the thoracic region is important during diagnostic and treatment processes or in surgical operation planning.

Research on metacognitive strategies of children's self-regulated learning.

Learning involves numerous self-regulatory processes, and self-regulated learning includes a few metacognitive strategies. Metacognitive skills start to develop at a very young age, though preschool children face some challenges while using metacognitive strategies. The study primarily aims to explore how young students are using metacognitive strategies in their daily activities and how effective they are. The sample of the study is 15 students from a public kindergarten in China, with ages ranging from 3 years to 6 years. The investigation is qualitative in nature and has employed a case study research design. It involves an observational study along with an interview with the teachers. From observational data and content analysis of the interviews, it is revealed that young children do use metacognitive strategies in their regular class activities, which vary according to their age. Teachers' support is found to be essential, especially for this age group of children, for effective use of these strategies. Moreover, it is also seen that metacognitive strategies are also important in developing social skills among young children. Consequently, the findings of this research have significant implications, especially for the teachers and parents who support the children and use metacognitive interventions for their holistic development.

ALUNOS COM BAIXA VISÃO E PROFESSORES DURANTE O ENSINO REMOTO EMERGENCIAL

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, measures were created to combat the virus, such as social distancing, which caused schools and other educational institutions to suspend their face- to-face activities, adhering to Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT). Adaptations and the use of different teaching strategies in this context were necessary and it was considered relevant to understand how regular class and Special Education teachers and students with Visual Impairment (VI) dealt with the particularities of the ERT. The objective of the present study was to analyze the characteristics of the ERE for students with VI enrolled in elementary school II and high school, during the pandemic. This is a descriptive exploratory research, in which data collection was carried out online, through interviews with a semi-structured script, via Google Meet. The collected data were submitted to textual content analysis, interpreted and organized into categories. Information was obtained on how students with low vision accessed content in remote classes, which platforms were more and less accessible, how teachers acted and remote work, using Google Meet as the main platform for accessing classes. The data allow us to broaden the understanding of the experiences of regular class teachers, Special Education teachers and students with low vision about ERT during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Effect of singular value decomposition on removing injection variability in 2D quantitative angiography: An in silico and in vitro phantoms study.

Intraoperative 2D quantitative angiography (QA) for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) has accuracy challenges due to the variability of hand injections. Despite the success of singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithms in reducing biases in computed tomography perfusion (CTP), their application in 2D QA has not been extensively explored. This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the potential of SVD-based deconvolution methods in 2D QA, particularly in addressing the variability of injection durations. Building on the identified limitations in QA, the study aims to adapt SVD-based deconvolution techniques from CTP to QA for IAs. This adaptation seeks to capitalize on the high temporal resolution of QA, despite its two-dimensional nature, to enhance the consistency and accuracy of hemodynamic parameter assessment. The goal is to develop a method that can reliably assess hemodynamic conditions in IAs, independent of injection variables, for improved neurovascular diagnostics. The study included three internal carotid aneurysm (ICA) cases. Virtual angiograms were generated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for three physiologically relevant inlet velocities to simulate contrast media injection durations. Time-density curves (TDCs) were produced for both the inlet and aneurysm dome. Various SVD variants, including standard SVD (sSVD) with and without classical Tikhonov regularization, block-circulant SVD (bSVD), and oscillation index SVD (oSVD), were applied to virtual angiograms. The method was applied on virtual angiograms to recover the aneurysmal dome impulse response function (IRF) and extract flow related parameters such as Peak Height PHIRF, Area Under the Curve AUCIRF, and Mean transit time MTT. Next, correlations between QA parameters, injection duration, and inlet velocity were assessed for unconvolved and deconvolved data for all SVD methods. Additionally, we performed an in vitro study, to complement our in silico investigation. We generated a 2D DSA using a flow circuit design for a patient-specific internal carotid artery phantom. The DSA showcases factors like x-ray artifacts, noise, and patient motion. We evaluated QA parameters for the in vitro phantoms using different SVD variants and established correlations between QA parameters, injection duration, and velocity for unconvolved and deconvolved data. The different SVD algorithm variants showed strong correlations between flow and deconvolution-adjusted QA parameters. Furthermore, we found that SVD can effectively reduce QA parameter variability across various injection durations, enhancing the potential of QA analysis parameters in neurovascular disease diagnosis and treatment. Implementing SVD-based deconvolution techniques in QA analysis can enhance the precision and reliability of neurovascular diagnostics by effectively reducing the impact of injection duration on hemodynamic parameters.

Non-adherence to antihypertensive drugs and its risk factors among hypertensive patients, Marrakech, Morocco.

Non-adherence to hypertensive drugs is a barrier to controlling blood pressure and decreases hypertensive patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of non-adherence to hypertensive drugs among hypertensive patients treated at Marrakech's primary health care facilities. A cross-sectional survey of 922 hypertensive patients treated at Marrakech's primary health care facilities for arterial hypertension was conducted between 2021 and 2022. For collecting data, two questionnaires were employed. One was administered during an interview to patients and focused on socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables, as well as hypertensive treatment characteristics and the care-patient-physician triad. The physician self-administered the second questionnaire to assess therapeutic inertia. Non-adherence risk factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression. A total of 760 participants did not adhere to the hypertensive drugs, with a prevalence of 82.4%. The average age was 62.8±9.8 years, and 600 (78.9%) of the participants were female. Moderate stress, unsatisfactory family support, uncontrolled hypertension, the presence of depressive symptoms, an insufficient patient-physician interaction, and inadequate medical management of cardiovascular risk factors were associated with drug non-adherence. Non-adherence to hypertensive treatment is common in Marrakech. Regular therapeutic education classes and support group meetings must be scheduled. A performance-based remuneration system to incentivize health-care workers should be investigated.

The Impact of Adopting Facebook on Developing Descriptive and Narrative Paragraph Writing Skills of ESL Young Adult Learners

Facebook, as one of the popular social media sites worldwide and in Sri Lanka, has been highlighted as a powerful influencer on language learning. While Sri Lanka is working to modernize its paper-based traditional education system and follow global trends of incorporating technology and social media into teaching methods, Facebook use by students for learning reasons is a rarely explored area. The current study's problem stems from students' poor performance in English writing assessments and decreased interest in paper-based education. The objective of this study was to see how using Facebook assisted tertiary-level ESL students build descriptive and narrative paragraph writing skills. The study used an intervention research approach, with data obtained through pre and post-tests. The study included 60 intermediate-level ESL students from the University of Kelaniya who studied in the first-year "English for Social Sciences" course. Participants were chosen after the pre-test, and the experimental group's 30 students were taught for six weeks through a closed Facebook group, whereas the control group's 30 students were taught using paper-based method in regular classes. The similar lessons on descriptive and narrative paragraph writing were delivered to the students on the Facebook group and for the controlled group employing the conventional paper-based approach. The findings demonstrated statistically significant differences between scores of the controlled group and the experimental group, in favour of the experimental group subjected to Facebook learning, proving that Facebook is a modern arena that should be promoted as an appealing online platform to refine students' language skills.

Gambaran Kompetensi Mahasiswa Rekam Medis dan Informasi Kesehatan Universitas Esa Unggul

Knowledge is the result of curiosity through the process of perception, especially the sense of sight and hearing of certain objects. The D-III Medical Records and Health Information Study Program is a program that prepares students skilled in managing health information management. The aim of the research is to determine the competency description of Esa Unggul University Medical Records and Health Information students. Descriptive research method with a quantitative analysis approach. The population in this study were Esa Unggul University Medical Records and Health Information students from the 2020 and 2019 regular and parallel classes with a total of 94 students. Research results: the characteristics of the majority of students were female (73.6%), student age ≤ 22 years (63.7%), the largest campus base was regular Kebon Jeruk (51.6%), the largest class of 2020 (73.6%). The results for competency in Clinical Classification Skills, Codification of Diseases and other Health Problems, and Clinical Procedures showed that the percentage of competent was 51.3%, while the percentage of incompetent was 48.7%. Competency in the Application of Health Statistics, Basic Epidemiology and Biomedicine obtained a competent percentage of 49.9% while the percentage of incompetent was 50.1%. RMIK Service Management Competency obtained a competent percentage of 50.3% while the percentage of incompetent was 49.7%. Conclusion: The number of competent Medical Records and Health Information students was 55 students and 36 students who were not competent. Suggestion: Registration officers improve and understand more in serving and conveying more precise and clear information. It is recommended to maintain and improve the quality of learning and increase student learning motivation in order to increase the percentage of competency.

Asymptotic Criticality of the Navier–Stokes Regularity Problem

The problem of global-in-time regularity for the 3D Navier-Stokes equations, i.e., the question of whether a smooth flow can exhibit spontaneous formation of singularities, is a fundamental open problem in mathematical physics. Due to the super-criticality of the equations, the problem has been super-critical in the sense that there has been a ‘scaling gap’ between any regularity criterion and the corresponding a priori bound (regardless of the functional setup utilized). The purpose of this work is to present a mathematical framework-based on a suitably defined ‘scale of sparseness’ of the super-level sets of the positive and negative parts of the components of the higher-order spatial derivatives of the velocity field—in which the scaling gap between the regularity class and the corresponding a priori bound vanishes as the order of the derivative goes to infinity.