Self-evaluation Questionnaire Research Articles

Correlations among positive psychological capital, research motivation, and research ability by master's degree nursing students: A structural equation modeling

BackgroundNursing research ability is an important force in improving the quality of nursing care and driving the development of the discipline. As the main force and reserve force of nursing research, master's degree nursing students should have certain research ability. The contributing factors and their relationships that challenge research ability among master's degree nursing students must be fully understood, as this level of knowledge can support the development of strategies and interventions that improve the research ability of master's degree nursing students. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the relationships among positive psychological capital, research motivation, and research ability by master's degree nursing students. In addition, we investigated whether research motivation mediates the relationship between positive psychological capital and research ability. DesignA descriptive cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. SettingThe study sampled master's degree nursing students from colleges in Sichuan, Fujian, Hubei, and Tianjin Province, China. ParticipantsFrom February 2022 to April 2022, 377 master's degree nursing students were chosen by a convenience sample method. MethodsData were gathered using a general information questionnaire, the Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PPCQ), the Research Motivation Scale (RMS), and the Nursing Research Ability of Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (NRASQ). Both SPSS 26.0 and Amos 28.0. were used to handle and analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were all used in the data analysis process. The reporting followed the STROBE checklist. ResultsPositive psychological capital was found to be positively correlated with research ability (P < 0.01). Research motivation was also positively correlated with research ability (P < 0.01), and had a mediating effect on the relationship between positive psychological capital and research ability (P < 0.01). ConclusionsThe positive psychological capital and research motivation of master's degree nursing students are positively correlated with research ability. Research motivation significantly mediates the relationship between positive psychological capital and research ability. The findings of this study can inform educational strategies and interventions for the development of research ability of master's degree nursing students.

Comparison of the teaching clinical biochemistry in face-to-face and the flex-flipped classroom to medical and dental students: a quasi-experimental study from IRAN

IntroductionBiochemistry is one of the main courses of basic sciences in the medical curriculum, along with other difficult subjects that are difficult to learn. The emergence of new technologies has made it possible to test new methods such as e-Learning. In this study, we compared two methods of Flex-Flipped Classroom (FFC) and face-to-face.MethodA quasi-experimental research was done which involved both medical and dental students studying the clinical biochemistry course in the joint semester in 2019. A total of 100 medical students were trained in biochemistry through face-to-face teaching, and 60 dental students were trained in the same course through the FFC model. Three researcher-made tools were used to compare the two groups to assess the student’s satisfaction, scores, and self-evaluation. The content validity of the tools was checked using the opinions of 10 experts through the CVI index. The results were analyzed using one-sample t-tests, independent t-tests, and ANOVA.ResultsBoth groups scored significantly more than the cut-off-point (Mean > 3.5) in their average scores of the total and sub-components of the self-evaluation questionnaire (P < 0.05). Face-to-face teaching was viewed more favorably than the FFC teaching except for considering the flexibility (4.14 ± 1.55), but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The students’ knowledge score in the FFC was slightly higher than that in the face-to-face method, but this difference was not significant(P = 0.758).ConclusionBoth face-to-face and FFC methods were effective according to the students, but the level of satisfaction with the face-to-face method was higher. It seems that teacher-student interaction is an important factor in students' preferences. However, the students preferred the flexibility of multimedia. It seems necessary to use the advantages of each method in a model appropriate to the students' conditions and available facilities.

Effectiveness of a Phonics Instructional Guide on the PCK of Teaching Phonics among Pre-service EFL Teachers

Previous studies have revealed that a newly compiled phonics instructional guide was able to improve the content knowledge level of pre-service EFL teachers by 23 per cent. Based on this and to further investigate how this guide indirectly impacted the pedagogical content knowledge of these teachers, a longitude and continuous quantitative study was conducted on the same sample in the same teaching college in China. In total, 140 pre-service EFL teachers were assigned to two equivalent groups as before, namely the experimental (N=70) and control groups (N=70), who conducted a trial phonics instruction and completed self-evaluation questionnaires, respectively. The trial instruction aimed to assess their pedagogical content knowledge of teaching phonics, while the self-evaluation form aimed to investigate their self-perceived competencies and efficacy in phonics instruction. The results indicated that based on the content knowledge they already possessed, the pre-service EFL teachers in the experimental group had higher levels of pedagogical content knowledge and self-perception; in comparison, those in the control group had lower pedagogical content knowledge and self-perception levels. In other words, the linear regression results demonstrated that the content knowledge of pre-service EFL teachers is a reliable predictor of their pedagogical content knowledge and self-perception levels. These findings suggest the necessity of enhancing pre-service EFL teachers’ content knowledge of phonics instruction via the guide to further improve their phonics instruction competency, which forms part of their pedagogical content knowledge.

Predesigned chimeric deep inferior epigastric perforator and inguinal lymph node flap for combined breast and lymphedema reconstruction: A comprehensive algorithmic approach

The combined use of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap coupled with vascularized inguinal lymph nodes (VILNs) for simultaneous breast and lymphedema reconstruction has already been well established, and promising results have been reported. However, a standardized approach for the planning and shaping of this combined flap is still lacking. We aimed to propose a comprehensive algorithmic approach for delayed unilateral breast and lymphedema reconstruction using a predesigned abdominal flap associated with inguinal lymph node transfer. We present in detail the preoperative measurements and surgical technique of the chimeric flap, which combines a predesigned DIEP template and a preselected inguinal lymph node flap, based on the preoperative computed tomography angiography and SPEC-CT findings, respectively; four different flap types are described according to the location of the pedicles of the two flap components. Our results of a series of 34 consecutive female patients with unilateral mastectomy and arm lymphedema, who underwent this combined predesigned reconstructive procedure, are retrospectively analyzed and reported. We recorded a high survival rate of the chimeric flaps in our series, with only one case of partial ischemic loss of a DIEP skin island. In the majority of our patients, the pedicles of the combined flaps were located in opposite positions. After a mean 35-month follow-up, we recorded a 47% mean volume difference reduction of the lymphedematous compared to the unaffected arm; no donor-site lymphedema was documented. Self-evaluation questionnaires showed high patient satisfaction rates regarding breast reconstruction. This algorithmic approach provides standardized guidance for accurate design and transfer of the DIEP-VILN chimeric flap while achieving highly satisfactory outcomes for both breast and lymphedema reconstruction.

Nurses' perceptions of patient safety competency: A cross-sectional study of relationships with occurrence and reporting of adverse events.

Although, strengthening patient safety competencies in nursing has been emphasized for enhancing quality care and patient safety. However, little is known about the association of nurses' perceptions of patient safety competency with adverse nurse outcomes in Iranian hospitals. This study aimed to measure nurses' levels of patient safety competency in the hospitals of Iran and examines the relationship between patient safety competency with the occurrence and reporting of adverse events (AEs). This cross-sectional research was applied in eight teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran, between August and December 2021. A sample of 511 nurses was randomly selected using the table of random numbers. The validated Patient Safety Competency Self-Evaluation questionnaire was used. Furthermore, two questions were used to measure the incidence and reporting of AEs. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and two binary logistic regression models through SPSS version 24.0. The mean patient safety competency score was 3.34 (SD = 0.74) out of 5.0; 41.5% of nurses rated their patient safety competency as less than 3. Among subscales, "skills of patient safety" scores were the highest, and "knowledge of patient safety" scores were the lowest. Nurses with higher Knowledge and Attitude scores were less likely to experience the occurrence of AEs (OR = 1.50 and OR = 0.58, respectively). Regarding AEs reporting, nurses with higher Skill and Attitude scores were 2.84 and 1.67 times, respectively, more likely to report AEs (OR = 2.84 and OR = 3.44, respectively). Our results provide evidence that enhancing PSC leads to reduced incidence of AEs and increased nurses' performance in reporting. Therefore, it is recommended that managers of hospitals should enhance the patient safety competency of nurses in incidents and reporting of patient safety adverse outcomes through quality expansion and training. Additionally, researchers should carry out further research to confirm the findings of the current study and identify interventions that would strengthen patient safety competencies and reduce the occurrence of AEs, and rise their reporting among nurses.

The Smokers Health Multiple ACtions (SMAC-1) Trial: Study Design and Results of the Baseline Round.

Lung cancer screening with low-dose helical computed tomography (LDCT) reduces mortality in high-risk subjects. Cigarette smoking is linked to up to 90% of lung cancer deaths. Even more so, it is a key risk factor for many other cancers and cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. The Smokers health Multiple ACtions (SMAC-1) trial aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of an integrated program based on the early detection of smoking-related thoraco-cardiovascular diseases in high-risk subjects, combined with primary prevention. A new multi-component screening design was utilized to strengthen the framework on conventional lung cancer screening programs. We report here the study design and the results from our baseline round, focusing on oncological findings. High-risk subjects were defined as being >55 years of age and active smokers or formers who had quit within 15 years (>30 pack/y). A PLCOm2012 threshold >2% was chosen. Subject outreach was streamlined through media campaign and general practitioners' engagement. Eligible subjects, upon written informed consent, underwent a psychology consultation, blood sample collection, self-evaluation questionnaire, spirometry, and LDCT scan. Blood samples were analyzed for pentraxin-3 protein levels, interleukins, microRNA, and circulating tumor cells. Cardiovascular risk assessment and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring were performed. Direct and indirect costs were analyzed focusing on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life years gained in different scenarios. Personalized screening time-intervals were determined using the "Maisonneuve risk re-calculation model", and a threshold <0.6% was chosen for the biennial round. In total, 3228 subjects were willing to be enrolled. Out of 1654 eligible subjects, 1112 participated. The mean age was 64 years (M/F 62/38%), with a mean PLCOm2012 of 5.6%. Former and active smokers represented 23% and 77% of the subjects, respectively. At least one nodule was identified in 348 subjects. LDCTs showed no clinically significant findings in 762 subjects (69%); thus, they were referred for annual/biennial LDCTs based on the Maisonneuve risk (mean value = 0.44%). Lung nodule active surveillance was indicated for 122 subjects (11%). Forty-four subjects with baseline suspicious nodules underwent a PET-FDG and twenty-seven a CT-guided lung biopsy. Finally, a total of 32 cancers were diagnosed, of which 30 were lung cancers (2.7%) and 2 were extrapulmonary cancers (malignant pleural mesothelioma and thymoma). Finally, 25 subjects underwent lung surgery (2.25%). Importantly, there were zero false positives and two false negatives with CT-guided biopsy, of which the patients were operated on with no stage shift. The final pathology included lung adenocarcinomas (69%), squamous cell carcinomas (10%), and others (21%). Pathological staging showed 14 stage I (47%) and 16 stage II-IV (53%) cancers. LDCTs continue to confirm their efficacy in safely detecting early-stage lung cancer in high-risk subjects, with a negligible risk of false-positive results. Re-calculating the risk of developing lung cancer after baseline LDCTs with the Maisonneuve model allows us to optimize time intervals to subsequent screening. The Smokers health Multiple ACtions (SMAC-1) trial offers solid support for policy assessments by policymakers. We trust that this will help in developing guidelines for the large-scale implementation of lung cancer screening, paving the way for better outcomes for lung cancer patients.

A machine learning-based classification model to support university students with dyslexia with personalized tools and strategies

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that causes issues related to reading, which affects around 10% of the worldwide population. This can compromise comprehension and memorization skills, and result in anxiety and lack of self-esteem, if no support is provided. Moreover, this support should be highly personalized, to be actually helpful. In this paper, a model to classify the most useful methodologies to support students with dyslexia has been created, with a focus on university alumni. The prediction algorithm is based on supervised machine learning techniques; starting from the issues that dyslexic students experience during their career, it is capable of suggesting customized support digital tools and learning strategies for each of them. The algorithm was trained and tested on data acquired through a self-evaluation questionnaire, which was designed and then spread to more than 1200 university students. It allowed 17 useful tools and 22 useful strategies to be detected. The results of the testing showed an average prediction accuracy higher than 90%, which rises to 94% by renouncing to guess the less-predictable 8 tools/strategies. In the light of this, it is possible to state that the implemented algorithm can achieve the set goal and, thus, reduce the gap between dyslexic and non-dyslexic students. This achievement paves the way for a new modality of facing the problem of dyslexia by university institutions, which aims at modifying teaching activities toward students’ needs, instead of simply reducing their study load or duties. This complies with the definition and the aims of inclusivity.

Development of Digital Books Based on the RANDAI Learning Model Integrated with West Sumatra Local Wisdom on Environmental Change Material

Environmental damage can occur due to a person's lack of understanding about the environment, so the role of local wisdom needs to be revived to increase understanding regarding the environment. In understanding Environmental Change material, students need problem solving abilities. This problem-solving ability can be supported through problem-based learning models such as the RANDAI (Reciting, Analyzing, Narrating, Doing, Assesing &amp; Implementing) learning model which is realized in the form of digital books. This type of research is development research using the Plomp model with preliminary research stages, prototyping phase, and assessment phase which are limited to practicality testing. The research subjects were three biology lecturers at Padang State University, two biology teachers and 26 students in class XI MIPA 3 at SMA Negeri 5 Pariaman. The instruments used were initial investigation questionnaires, self-evaluation questionnaires, expert review questionnaires, one to one evaluation questionnaires, small group evaluation questionnaires, field test questionnaires, and practicality questionnaires. Based on research conducted, the average validity value is 90.23% in the very valid category. The average practicality test by teachers and students is 88.21% in the practical category, so it can be concluded that the Digital Book Based on the Integrated RANDAI Learning Model of West Sumatra Local Wisdom on Environmental Change Material developed is very valid and practical

Daily use of a bakuchiol and squalane-containing face serum impacts skin esthetics

Objectives: The objective is to determine the impact of an oil-based face serum containing bakuchiol and squalane in improving skin esthetics such as texture and tone upon daily use. Material and Methods: A non-comparative, single-arm study on 50 females (aged 18–50 years) with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV was conducted for four weeks. The impact of the formulation on skin-related parameters was determined by instrumental analysis and dermatologist evaluation. Cosmetic acceptability and safety of the preparation were recorded through self-evaluation questionnaires. Results: The formulation was safe and well tolerated throughout the study duration. A significant reduction in the appearance of age/dark spots (ITA°), Δ ITA° = 38.28% compared to baseline, was observed in two weeks. Up to 11.9% improvement in skin elasticity was noted in four weeks of usage. The continuous once-a-day application also helped in reducing the transepidermal water loss throughout the study. Conclusion: Regular use of facial oil serum can help improve skin texture and tone.

Determination of Childbirth Readiness and Fear of Childbirth in Multiple Pregnancy and Related Factors: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The effects of multiple pregnancies on childbirth readiness (CR) and fear of childbirth (FC) have not been investigated in previous studies. Objectives: This study aims to determine the childbirth readiness and fear of childbirth in multiple pregnancies and factors affecting CR and FC. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from April to November 2022. The study data were collected using an online questionnaire created with Google Forms and the CR and FC sub-dimensions of the Prenatal Self-evaluation Questionnaire. Seventy-one women who filled out the data collection form were included in the study. Results: The mean CR score was 23.19 ± 6.35, and the mean FC score was 26.54 ± 5.68. A statistically significant relationship was found between the mean scores of readiness for delivery and the fear of childbirth scores of multiple pregnant women (r = 0.42, P &lt; 0.001). Regarding the pregnant women's readiness for birth, a statistically significant relationship was found between education status, employment status, duration of the marriage, desire for pregnancy, family type, and the way in which they became pregnant (F (122.136) = 4.575, P &lt; 0.001). Accordingly, there was a negative significant relationship between the independent variables, the duration of marriage and income, and the mean birth readiness score, while a positive significant relationship was found between a desire for pregnancy and the mean fear of childbirth (R2 = 0.043, P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: It was determined that the mean scores of readiness for childbirth and fear of birth in multiple pregnant women were moderate, and the most important effect for these variables was related to willingness for pregnancy.

Exploring the relationship between asthma, its severity and anxiety symptoms in pediatric patients: a case-control study

BackgroundAsthma is a global health concern, especially among children, and is associated with various underlying mechanisms. Childhood exposure to early life stress and anxiety can potentially exacerbate asthma symptoms and complicate its management. While some studies have suggested the benefits of psychological therapies as adjuncts to medication in asthma management, evidence remains inconsistent, emphasizing the need for rigorous evaluation.MethodThis case-control study involved 120 children aged 5–15, with 60 children having asthma and 60 healthy controls. Asthma severity was assessed based on EPR3 guidelines, while anxiety symptoms were measured using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS). Demographic data and asthma-related information were collected via questionnaires. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between asthma and anxiety.ResultsChildren with asthma exhibited significantly higher anxiety symptoms compared to those without asthma (p < 0.001). Subdomain analysis revealed elevated scores in separation anxiety (SA; p = 0.025), social phobia (SP; p < 0.001), agoraphobia (p = 0.004), and fears of physical injury (p < 0.001) in children with asthma. Furthermore, increased need for SABA, frequency of nocturnal symptoms, and asthma severity were associated with higher anxiety levels in pediatric asthma patients.ConclusionsThis study highlights a significant association between asthma and heightened anxiety symptoms in children, particularly in domains, such as SA, SP, agoraphobia, and fears related to physical injury. However, limitations include reliance on self-evaluation questionnaires and the observational nature of the study, emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation.

Correlation between kinetic and kinematic measures, clinical tests and subjective self-evaluation questionnaires of the affected upper limb in people after stroke.

Assessment of stroke recovery should include multiple sources of information in order to obtain a complete understanding of the individual's rehabilitation progress. Self-evaluation questionnaires' scores do not always correspond to the scores of commonly used clinical evaluation tools. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between self-evaluation questionnaires, clinical tests, and kinematic and kinetic analyses of the affected upper limb after stroke, and to determine the correlation between these measures and self-reported general function 2-4 years after the stroke. Twenty-six subjects recovering from stroke were included in the study. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to measure the correlation between Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Motor activity Log (MAL), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Action Reach Arm Test (ARAT) scores, and kinematic and kinetic analyses. A logistic regression was used to assess the extent to which these measures may predict the participants' functional self-reported status 2-4 years post stroke. Sections regarding hand function, hand force and general ADL of the self-evaluation questionnaires correlated with kinematic variables. However, only questionnaires that focus on hand function correlated with clinical tests. Mean and maximal hand velocity had the strongest correlations with self-evaluation questionnaires and with the clinical tests, more than other kinematic variables. Self-evaluation questionnaires and clinical tests were found to be correlated with hand kinetic metrics force-to-time ratio and number of force peaks. SIS hand force domain, mean velocity and maximal velocity predicted self-reported general function 2-4 years after the stroke. Self-evaluation questionnaires should be considered for wider use in the clinical evaluation of a patient's stroke recovery, since they add important information on the individual's functional status, which is not reflected in the clinical tests.

The effectiveness of simulation-based education combined with peer-assisted learning on clinical performance of first-year medical residents: a case-control study

BackgroundSimulation-based education and peer-assisted learning (PAL) are both known as useful educational methods. Previous research has reported that combining these two methods are effective for training medical residents in short-term evaluation. This study was aimed to evaluate the middle- to long-term effects of simulation-based education combined with PAL on the performance of medical residents during emergency department duties.MethodsThis study was designed as a case-control study and conducted over three years at Okayama University Hospital in Japan. Postgraduate-year-one medical residents were assigned to three groups: a simulation group that received simulation-based education, a lecture group that received traditional lecture-based education, and a control group that received no such prior trainings. Prior training in emergency department duties using PAL was performed as an educational intervention for the simulation and lecture groups during the clinical orientation period. The residents’ medical knowledge was assessed by written examinations before and after the orientation. The performance of residents during their emergency department duties was assessed by self-evaluation questionnaires and objective-assessment checklists, following up with the residents for three months after the orientation period and collecting data on their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd emergency department duties. All the datasets collected were statistically analyzed and compared by their mean values among the three groups.ResultsA total of 75 residents were included in the comparative study: 27 in the simulation group, 24 in the lecture group, and 24 in the control group. The simulation and lecture groups obtained significantly higher written examination scores than the control group. From the self-evaluation questionnaires, the simulation group reported significantly higher satisfaction in their prior training than the lecture group. No significant differences were found in the emergency department performance of the residents among the three groups. However, when evaluating the improvement rate of performance over time, all three groups showed improvement in the subjective evaluation, and only the simulation and lecture groups showed improvement in the objective evaluation.ConclusionSimulation-based education combined with PAL is effective in improving the knowledge and satisfaction of medical residents, suggesting the possibility of improving work performance during their emergency department duties.

Online Independent Intervention Program Training for Parents of Children with Autism: An Evaluation

Independent Intervention Program (IIP) Training or Pelatihan Program Intervensi Mandiri (PIM©©) is an Indonesian training model designed to develop parents’ ability in intervening the social skill of their children with autism. The offline training, however, came with some limitations; it had limited number of participants—all coming locally and were only accessible on certain time slots. As a response to these limitations, the IIP training is held online. The research began with spreading of the information regarding the training, analyzing the registered individuals, and appointing them participants when the main criterion is fulfilled: the participant must be a parent of a child with autism. Out of 84 registered individuals, 11 participants were selected, all agreeing to follow through all the training steps. The effectivity of the training was measured using a self-evaluation questionnaire for the participants, as well as evaluation given by instructors. Based on the findings, the online IIP training comes with several advantages: 1) improving parents’ knowledge and ability regarding the intervention on the social skill of their children with autism; 2) having a wider target of participants compared to its offline counterpart; 3) in terms of time and place, offering greater flexibility for participants to access materials for the training. As an implication of the evaluation result, a new strategy is needed to ease online interaction process between instructors and parents in planning the intervention program and implementing it on their children.

Combination of Sodium Hyaluronate, Withania Somnifera Extract and Niacinamide Improves Hydration and Skin Tone – A Clinical Study

Background: Multiple moisturizing solutions with sodium hyaluronate, Withania sominifera, and niacinamide are commercially popular. Detailed clinical studies portraying their activity are not available. Objective: This study aims to study the clinical efficacy of a phyto-bioactive cream in improving skin hydration and tone with 4 weeks of continuous usage. Methodology: We conducted a non-comparative, single-blind study on 50 Asian female volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV for 28 days. Cosmetic acceptability and safety of the product were established via self-evaluation questionnaires. The ability of the topical formulation in maintaining skin tone, hydration, and firmness was determined by instrumental analysis and smoothness by dermatologist evaluation. Results: A total of 46 subjects completed the study. High levels of skin hydration were noted instantaneously (+61.11%) and post continuous use of the product. Significant reduction in the appearance of age/dark spots (ITA°), Δ ITA°= 37.49% and increase in skin lightness (L) by 2.66% compared to baseline was observed in 4 weeks. More than 80% of the subjects reported an increase in skin firmness and smoothness in 4 weeks of twice-a-day product usage. Conclusion: Our study establishes the safety and acceptability of the phyto-bioactive cream. The efficiency of the combination of Withania somnifera extract, sodium hyaluronate, and niacinamide in improving skin hydration and tone has been proven.

A Lenz into the predictive power of language teacher emotion regulation and self-evaluation on L2 grit, teaching style preferences, and work engagement: a case of Chinese EFL instructors

An individual’s capacity to successfully control their emotional experiences and react to them requires them to engage in a number of processes, including those that are physiological, behavioral, and cognitive. When educators engage in self-evaluation, they investigate and assess the quality of their professional work. These two teacher-related conceptions have the potential to open up valuable perspectives in the course of the professional pursuits of teachers. Even though earlier research has shown their significance, the potential implications of these factors on the resiliency and teaching style preferences of language instructors have not been emphasized. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which a language teacher’s ability to regulate their emotions while carrying out self-evaluation procedures may accurately predict their level of resilience as well as their preferred method of instruction. To accomplish this, 399 English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers were asked to reflect on their experiences by responding to the following related questionnaires: The Language Teacher Emotion Regulation Inventory (LTERI), The Core of Self-evaluation Questionnaire (CSEQ), the L2-teacher Grit Scale (L2TGS), Grasha Teaching Style Inventory (TSI) and the Engaged Teacher Scale (ETS). The results demonstrated that those EFL teachers who maintained healthy emotional control were grittier and more engaged. They also tended to teach in a manner focused on the students. The pedagogical implications of this research are discussed further in depth.

Love Yourz: Developing Black Students’ Positive Racial Identities in ELA Classrooms

ABSTRACT The purpose of this mixed-methods case study was to explore the ways that Black English Language Arts (ELA) teachers utilize their positive racial identities to engage Black students in developing their own racial identities. A significant body of educational scholarship has consistently proclaimed the importance of Black teachers in the lives of Black students. This assertion may have particular significance in the English Language Arts classroom. Through a self-evaluation questionnaire and artifacts, I found that Black teachers Love Yourz—that is, they love their Blackness and teach their students to Love Theirs, too. However, due to the smog of anti-Blackness, they are still in need of racial literacy development to continue to disrupt their own and their students’ internalized anti-Blackness.

Late Toxicity and Patient Satisfaction in Hypofractionated Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy after Immediate-Autologous Reconstruction

Immediate autologous reconstruction (IAR) is increasingly being used in the context of breast cancer patients (BCP) treated with mastectomy with the need for subsequent radiotherapy treatment. Currently in clinical practice, despite the fact that conventional fractionated RT (CFRT) has been the standard schedule, hypofractionation schemes are becoming increasingly common. Although no results have been reported on tolerance, late toxicity and satisfaction with treatment in this setting. Our aim was to evaluate late side-effects and patient´s satisfaction receiving PMRT after IAR, comparing CFRT vs HFRT. Between June 2015 and February 2020, 47 patients received either CF or HF PMRT after IAR in a tertiary hospital. IAR was performed with latissimus dorsi (LD) or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps at the time of mastectomy. The prescribed dose was 50 Gy over 25 fractions in the CF schedule and 40.05 Gy over 15 fractions in the HF schedule. The target volume to be treated was the reconstructed chest-wall and the axillary-supraclavicular nodes if indicated, using intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatment technique. Late toxicity was evaluated using CTCAE v.5.0 criteria, and patient´s global satisfaction was assessed using a self-evaluation questionnaire, in which patients answered a series of selected questions related to radiation therapy from the BREAST-Q questionnaire, from 1-5 points. Median age was 48 years (28-77) and median follow-up was 51 months (27-99). 25 patients received HFRT and 22 CFRT. Late side effects after PMRT and tolerance until 3 years with both schedules are shown in Table 1. No relationship was found between incidence of late side effects and RT fractionation. Mean patient´s satisfaction was 3.8 in the CFRT schedule and 4 in the HFRT schedule. According to our findings, HFRT after IAR in post-mastectomy setting seems to be safe and well tolerated, with no high rates of severe late toxicity and with a good level of satisfaction of the treated patients. Table 1. Three years side effects of CRFT and HFRT radiotherapy after mastectomy and immediate autologous reconstruction in 47 patients.

Investigation of university students’ critical thinking in debate: Justification for the “AREL” argumentation process

This qualitative research investigated students’ critical thinking in a debate group at a university level. It involved six students who performed a debate that used the Asian Parliamentary System. Data on students’ critical thinking were collected by using field notes and video recording. Content analysis was employed to analyze the data focusing on the use of argument traits of the AREL model. The traits consist of Assertian, Reasoning, Evidence, and Link Back (AREL). Moreover, a self-evaluation questionnaire was distributed to triangulate the students’ critical thinking levels. It was found that students’ critical thinking level was mostly below average. Four out of six students did not meet the score which is the threshold level of a high-level debater. Most of their argument traits consist of Assertion (A), Reasoning (R), and Evidence (E), leaving Link back (L) traits untouched. Interestingly, this research revealed a new finding. Many of the students used a multi-layer structure of argumentation. In practice, they occasionally used Assertions with more than one Reasoning and more than one Evidence.&#x0D; Keywords: AREL, argumentation process, argument trait, critical thinking, speaking, debate

Model for Developing the Creativity of Future Engineers

The article presents factors and their interrelations that influence the development of engineers’ creativity. The subject of the article is in the field of human resources management and was in-spired by the results of research related to the analysis of the competency potential of future employees. The main goals of this paper are to consider how can competencies of future engineers in the area of creativity be developed and what does creativity depend on – internal and external factors; can a model of enhancing creativity of future engineers be worked out? The research was carried out between 2014-2020, on a group of 861 students. The survey method was used, and the research tool was a self-evaluation questionnaire. The research used regression analyses, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, the power of interrelation between chosen variables (social competencies and forms of education) was evaluated. Hierarchical multiple regression was carried out to verify the objective of the research.  The analysis of correlations was verified and visualised with principal components analysis PCA, as well with cluster analysis using Ward’s method. The main value of the article is the developed graphic model that reflects the stages of creative development as a competence that is a very important competence resource of the company. A mathematical model that includes the analysis, based on hierarchical multiple regression, revealed that social competencies and forms of learning examined are strongly correlated with 'creative thinking' competence, and this correlation is statistically significant.