Significant Differences In Performance Research Articles

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence and subsequent closure induces reversible impaired decision-making.

Vestibular loss and dysfunction has been associated with cognitive deficits, decreased spatial navigation, spatial memory, visuospatial ability, attention, executive function, and processing speed among others. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is a vestibular-cochlear disorder in humans in which a pathological third mobile window of the otic capsule creates changes to the flow of sound pressure energy through the perilymph/endolymph. The primary symptoms include sound-induced dizziness/vertigo, inner ear conductive hearing loss, autophony, headaches, and visual problems; however, individuals also experience measurable deficits in basic decision-making, short-term memory, concentration, spatial cognition, and depression. These suggest central mechanisms of impairment are associated with vestibular disorders; therefore, we directly tested this hypothesis using both an auditory and visual decision-making task of varying difficulty levels in our model of SSCD. Adult Mongolian gerbils (n = 33) were trained on one of four versions of a Go-NoGo stimulus presentation rate discrimination task that included standard ("easy") or more difficult ("hard") auditory and visual stimuli. After 10 days of training, preoperative ABR and c+VEMP testing was followed by a surgical fenestration of the left superior semicircular canal. Animals with persistent circling or head tilt were excluded to minimize effects from acute vestibular injury. Testing recommenced at postoperative day 5 and continued through postoperative day 15 at which point final ABR and c+VEMP testing was carried out. Behavioral data (d-primes) were compared between preoperative performance (training day 8-10) and postoperative days 6-8 and 13-15. Behavioral performance was measured during the peak of SSCD induced ABR and c + VEMP impairment and the return towards baseline as the dehiscence began to resurface by osteoneogenesis. There were significant differences in behavioral performance (d-prime) and its behavioral components (Hits, Misses, False Alarms, and Correct Rejections). These changes were highly correlated with persistent deficits in c + VEMPs at the end of training (postoperative day 15). The controls demonstrated additional learning post procedure that was absent in the SSCD group. These results suggest that aberrant asymmetric vestibular output results in decision-making impairments in these discrimination tasks and could be associated with the other cognitive impairments resulting from vestibular dysfunction.

Effect of seawater on the performance of flat-tube solid oxide cell for CO2/H2O co-electrolysis

Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) for CO2/H2O co-electrolysis is an advanced technology that converts excessive power into synthesis gas. The products from CO2/H2O electrolysis can be used to synthesize liquid fuels, which are easy to store and transport. This work compared the electrolytic performances of syngas preparation in CO2/seawater and CO2/deionized water atmospheres using a flat-tube SOEC. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the instantaneous performance and the stability of the cells when electrolyzed in a CO2/seawater atmosphere and a CO2/deionized water atmosphere. The voltage degradation rate of the cell in the CO2/seawater atmosphere was about 5.38%/kh with an operating time of nearly 400 h and a current density of 300 mA/cm2; the degradation rate of the cell in CO2/deionized water atmosphere was about 7.37%/kh with an operating time of nearly 400 h and current density of 300 mA/cm2. The microstructure characterization results showed that the degradation of the electrolytic cells under the two atmospheres might be caused by the agglomeration and loss of Ni particles, and the volatile components from seawater would not diffuse to the fuel electrode near the electrolyte and affect the electrode reaction.

Chopped Straw as an Insulation Material: The Influence of Different Blow-In Technologies and Flame Retardants on Hygrothermal Properties

The demand for renewable resources in building construction is increasing, and wheat straw is an excellent option due to its superior environmental performance compared to traditional insulation materials. However, the hygrothermal properties of chopped wheat straw insulation have remained largely unexplored. At the moment, blown-in straw is only blown in vertically, although horizontal blowing would be more efficient depending on the situation. This study investigates the effect of different blowing techniques on the thermal properties of chopped wheat straw insulation, focusing on the difference between vertical and horizontal blowing techniques. In-situ-measured thermal conductivities were compared with design values used in energy balances. In addition, the long-term hygrothermal behavior of chopped wheat straw insulation treated with flame retardants was investigated. The methodology included heat flow plate measurements, needle probe measurements and laboratory measurements using the hot plate method. The results show that there is no significant difference in thermal performance between the blowing techniques. The measured thermal conductivities were lower than expected, challenging the current general normative moisture surcharge on the thermal conductivity of natural fiber insulation. The addition of the flame retardant had no noticeable effect on the hygrothermal properties of the chopped straw. Chopped wheat straw can be regarded as a highly ecological insulation material with great potential for the future.

Effect of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Extract on Survival, Growth Performances, Immune Responses and against Aeromonas hydrophila of Snakehead Fish (Channa striata)

Background: The high density of farmed snakehead fish and the expansion of the farming area might cause a negative impact on water environment and an increased frequency of fish diseases. The use of plant-based extracts has been promised as an alternative method to antibiotic application in the controlling of fish diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Pleurotus ostreatus extract on survival, growth, immune responses and against Aeromonas hydrophila of snakehead fish (Channa striata). Methods: During 2021-11 to 2022-10, the P. ostreatus extract was prepared using hot water method and the fish fed diets supplemented the extract at 0.0 g kg-1, 1.5 g kg-1, 2.5 g kg-1, 3.5 g kg-1 and 4.5 g kg-1 was examined for survival rates, growth responses, white blood cell count, respiratory burst activity and mortality rates of fish in A. hydrophila infection. Result: The results indicated snakehead fish fed five different diets showed no significant differences in survival and growth performances. However, the innate immune parameters were likely increased in fish fed diets supplemented P. ostreatus extract and the diet supplemented extract at 4.5 g kg-1 could reduce the accumulate mortality of snakehead fish challenged with A. hydrophila. P. ostreatus extract could be a promising material for enhancing the innate immunity of snakehead fish and can protect fish from A. hydrophila infection.

A - 93 The Impact of Motivation on Neuropsychological Performance in Chronic Cannabis Users.

Cannabis is one of the most widely used substances, and although the literature shows that it affects users' cognition, it is unclear how much that impact is affected by factors such as motivation. Previous studies utilizing validity measures showed that user motivation to perform well positively impacts California Verbal Learning Test - II performance, which was higher in cannabis users who completed it immediately after a motivational statement (Macher & Earleywine, 2012). In the present study, the authors altered the order of test administration to further delineate the role motivation plays in cannabis user performance on neuropsychological measures. Participants (48 cannabis users, 23 nonusers) completed a neuropsychological battery, including performance validity measures, with random assignment to a motivational or neutral condition. The test order was altered to evaluate whether a motivational statement had an effect on any subsequent test administered or a lasting effect throughout the battery. Analyses revealed significant differences in performance, with users in the motivational condition performing better than users in the neutral condition on the Block Design (p = 0.006, partial eta squared = 0.157) and Digit Symbol Coding (p = 0.011, partial eta squared = 0.137) subtests of the WAIS-III (both indicating large effect sizes). Nonusers in the neutral condition performed better than nonusers in the motivational condition on multiple subtests. Results indicate that cannabis users exposed to the motivational statement performed better than those given a neutral statement on several neuropsychological tests. Findings suggest that cannabis users can demonstrate better cognitive performance when sufficiently motivated.

A - 181 Test Fairness and True Peer Norms for English Learners: a Validation Study of the Ortiz Picture Vocabulary Acquisition Test.

The Ortiz Picture Vocabulary Acquisition Test (Ortiz PVAT; Ortiz, 2018) incorporates English learners (ELs)' lifetime exposure to English (LEE) in the assessment of ELs' English receptive vocabulary. The current study aimed to examine the validity of the test and to provide support for the use of true peer norms that control for differences in LEE among ELs. An archival community-based dataset (N = 226; ages 2:7 and 18:11) drawn from the New York City metropolitan area was used to assess generalizability of Ortiz PVAT test scores, differences in standard scores obtained via traditional age norms vs. EL norms which account for LEE alongside age, and the predictive value of LEE. No significant differences in Ortiz PVAT performance was found based on gender or home language group membership, suggesting that the test measures receptive vocabulary in English in a fair manner across those demographic groups. Higher LEE was associated with better performance on the Ortiz PVAT. Significant differences in age-based standard scores with a medium effect size was found between monolingual English speakers and ELs with low or moderate LEE but not when LEE is accounted for using the EL norms. Lastly, an additional 18% of variance in Ortiz PVAT raw scores was accounted for by LEE above and beyond age, and LEE was found to exert more influence on test performance compared to age. Results added to the existing fairness evidence for the Ortiz PVAT and supported the use of true peer norms to account for differences in LEE.

H - 47 Bilingual Auditory Naming Test Performance in an Epilepsy Sample.

The growing multilingual population in the United States calls for culturally adapted norms for neuropsychological tools. Language testing, for example, is paramount in pre-surgical assessment in patients with dominant temporal lobe epilepsy. The Boston Naming Test (BNT) and the Auditory Naming Test (ANT) are frequently used in pre-surgical epilepsy evaluations; yet, while bilingual norms exist for the BNT, these are lacking for the ANT. To parse out how much of a bilingual patient's language performance is accounted for by bilingualism versus language deficits, we studied whether there is a significant difference in ANT performance between bilingual and monolingual English-speaking epilepsy patients. Our sample of patients with localized epilepsy from the UCSF Epilepsy Center included 22 bilingual (English-dominant; non-dominant languages included Spanish, Arabic, Dutch, Taiwanese, and Japanese) and 61 monolingual English-speakers (39% female, M age = 36.3). All patients took anti-seizure medication and completed the ANT and BNT as part of a pre-surgical neuropsychological assessment. Compared to monolingual English-speaking patients, bilingual patients had significantly lower scores on the ANT (Bilingual M = -4.03 [SD = 5.6], Monolingual M = -0.7 [SD = 1.9]; t(81) = 3.89, p < 0.001) and BNT (t(77) = 2.76, p = 0.007). This performance difference was significantly greater for the ANT than BNT (F(1,77) = 7.71, p = 0.007). These results highlight the importance of considering multilingualism in neuropsychological assessments. This is especially needed for pre-surgical language mapping in epilepsy surgical candidates. Future research should establish bilingual normative standards for neuropsychological language-based tests such as the ANT.

Effect of total quality management intervention on nurse commitment and nurse performance: A quasi-experimental study.

The purpose of this study is to design, implement, and evaluate the impact of a total quality management intervention on job performance and commitment among Jordanian nurses working in government hospitals. A quasi-experimental multiple time series was conducted starting in September 2017 and ending in June 2018. 140 nurses were sampled using the proportionate stratified random sampling technique; 132 were completed the study 67 the intervention group, while 65 in the control group. There were no significant differences in nurses' job performance or commitment between the 2 groups (control and intervention). A repeated measure MANOVA test for both groups revealed that the interaction between group and time was statistically significant (F (4, 127) = 144.841; P = .001; Wilk's Λ = 0.180; η2 = .820), indicating that groups had a significantly different pattern of job performance and commitment over time. A repeated test The MANCOVA test for both groups across time revealed significant differences in nurses' job performance and nurses' commitment at a less than 0.05 significance level (F (2127) = 320.724; P = .001; Wilk's Λ = 0.165; η2 = 0.835), and the overall effect of time was significant for all dependent variables (F (4125) = 36.879; P = .001; Wilk's Λ = 0.459; η2 = 0.541). The educational intervention was effective in improving nursing job performance among the study sample. The improved commitment of respondents in the intervention group was attributed to the improvement in job performance.

Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2018 for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma in alcoholic liver cirrhosis and virus-related cirrhosis

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018 for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 3.0 cm on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI according to the etiology of cirrhosis. MethodsThirty-eight patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) and 37 with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis (HCV) who underwent preoperative MRI and subsequent surgical resection or transplantation were included. For comparison groups, patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis (HBV) were included by 1:1 matching with HCV and ALC groups according to age, lesion size, and Child–Pugh classification. The imaging characteristics of background liver and focal lesions were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of LI-RADS was compared between HCV and HBV groups, and between ALC and HBV groups. ResultsALC group showed significantly higher frequency of hepatic steatosis (25.8 % vs. 6.1 %, p =.04) and lower frequency of nonperipheral washout on portal venous-phase in HCC (63.2 % vs. 97.1 %, p <.001) compared with HBV group. ALC group showed significantly lower sensitivity than HBV group (52.6 % vs. 88.6 %, p<.001). No significant differences in diagnostic performance were found between HCV and HBV groups. In ALC group, hepatobiliary-phase hypointensity provided significantly higher sensitivity (76.3 % vs. 52.6 %, p =.008). ConclusionThe sensitivity of LI-RADS for diagnosing HCC ≤ 3.0 cm was significantly lower in the ALC group than in the HBV group.

The unfolding of shareholder activism in India: an exploratory study

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a holistic view of the emergence of shareholder activism (SA) in India. However, specifically, this study aims at fulfilling the research gap by discussing the policy and legal advancement in the area of SA and investigating the chronological evolution of SA, manifestations of SA, motives of SA, outcome of SAs and impact of SA on the financial performance of the firm.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a mixed methodology (both qualitative and quantitative) to draw inferences, including content analysis, descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test. The data has been collected from the annual reports of the sample companies and the Prowess database. Return on assets and return on equity have been used as measures of financial performance while investigating the difference in financial performance between firms subjected to SA and firms not subjected to SA.FindingsThe findings of this study suggest that there has been significant growth in the occurrence of SA incidents in India in the past decade, with shareholders prominently manifesting by opposing the proposals at annual general meetings/extraordinary general meetings, mostly involving governance-related demands. The findings from the independent sample t-tests revealed that there has been a significant difference in the financial performance of the sample subjected to SA and firms not subjected to SA. Furthermore, the results of the paired sample t-test provide strong evidence of significant improvement in the financial performance of firms’ post-SA.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have implications for various stakeholders. The findings of this study suggest that SA has been relatively more successful in the Indian context and may encourage minority shareholders to follow active participation through shareholder proposals and votes rather than a passive strategy to trade and exit. For firms, it can provide valuable inferences about the emergence of SA and how it has a positive impact on the financial performance of the firm, which can lead to a change in the perception of investors and promoters who perceive SA as a threat (Gillan and Starks 2000; Hartzell and Starks, 2003). For policymakers, it can act as a tool to investigate whether the regulatory changes have been able to bring the intended transparency, accountability and enhanced shareholder participation. This will encourage policymakers to be more agile, as their efforts are bearing fruit. This will also act as a guide to formulating future policies and regulations.Originality/valueThis study is an effort to provide a holistic view of SA scenarios in a developing economy setting like India, where SA is a very recent phenomenon. Although there are studies in the area of SA, there is a dearth of studies that have investigated the various dimensions of SA in the Indian context in a very systematic and extensive manner, investigating all the different dimensions of SA. Furthermore, this study also intends to investigate the impact of SA, which is normally perceived as a threat to financial performance and provide valuable contrasting evidence.

Impact Study of SMART TV and SMART Classroom on the Academic Performance of Students at Rangjung PS, under Trashigang District in Bhutan

Bhutanese classrooms have undergone an unprecedented change in the recent years. Advancements in information communication technology and the internet of things have changed classrooms from traditional classrooms to smart classrooms. Using the terminal marks of class six and class five students in lower classes, this research investigated if there were significant differences in students’ performance, across the terms and across the grades. The mid-term and annual examination marks of 32 class five students when studying in class four, and the marks of 33 class six students when they were in class four and class five and students’ demographic details were used as the primary data. The research found that the academic performance of class five students in term one and term two examinations in class four decreased significantly in some of the subjects. However, the marks of class six students as they progressed from class four to class five revealed significant improvements in their performance. In addition, there were no significant differences in the academic performance of the students, between terms and across grades, when disaggregated by family’s socio-economic status. Recommendations and directions for future research are provided.

Carbon-fiber alternative to the commercial gating surrogate for the Varian Truebeam™

Background In this study we present the Tracking Accessory 3 (TA3) as an alternative to the commercial gating block (GB) surrogate for the Varian Truebeam™ gating system (TGS). The TGS requires three visible reflectors to track the surrogate, presenting an opportunity for a surrogate to be made with less material and thus smaller dosimetric footprint than the commercial four reflector model. Materials and methods Relative dose and depth dose profiles below the TA3 and the GB were measured with radiosensitive film. Accuracy and reproducibility of the detected motion amplitude for three TA3s and one GB were determined using a respiratory phantom with surrogate to determine the camera’s tracking volume. Clinical performance was evaluated prospectively in 10 breast cancer patients treated with deep inspiration breath hold monitored with TA3 and compared to previously published results. Non-parametric statistics were applied to test for significance. Results and conclusions Surface doses were increased up to 94% and 187% for the TA3 and GB, respectively, compared to no surrogate. The surface area influenced by at least 25% increase in dose was 12 cm2 and 105 cm2 for the TA3 and GB, respectively. The water equivalent thickness of the surrogates was found to be 1 mm for the TA3 and 3 mm for GB. The difference in measured amplitude were <0.2 mm for TA3 compared to the GB. The TA3s and GB were detected at all extremes of the clinically relevant tracking volume of the TGS. Clinical performance showed no significant differences. The TA3 caused less surface dose increase compared to the commercial GB. In the tested range all surrogates measured motion amplitude within 0.2 mm of reference value, which is not a clinically relevant difference. The TA3 showed no significant differences in clinical performance to similarly positioned surrogates.

Time of Day Effects on Anaerobic Performance Using a Nonmotorized Treadmill.

Renziehausen, JM, Bergquist, AM, Park, J-H, Hill, EC, Wells, AJ, Stout, JR, and Fukuda, DH. Time of day effects on anaerobic performance using a nonmotorized treadmill. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 2002-2007, 2023-The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of time of day on performance during a maximal effort sprinting assessment (30nmt) and determine potential differences based on chronotype and sex. Twenty-six recreationally active men (n = 12) and women (n = 14) between the ages of 18 and 35 years old (21.5 ± 2.4 years) completed the 30nmt at 9:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 7:00 pm in a randomized order over a 24-hour period. Resting heart rate and temperature assessments were taken at each visit. A dietary recall and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire were used to assess kilocalories (kcals) and chronotype, respectively. Two-way (time x sex) repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted to determine differences in peak/mean power, peak/mean velocity, distance, resting heart rate, temperature, and kcals at each time point. Paired sample t tests were used to assess peak and nadir of each performance variable. A significance level was set at p < 0.05. There was a significant main effect for temperature (p < 0.001), resting heart rate (p = 0.007), and pre-exercise caloric intake (p = 0.021) throughout the day. No significant main effects for time were found for peak power (p = 0.766), mean power (p = 0.094), peak velocity (p = 0.497), mean velocity (p = 0.193), or distance (p = 0.262). There were no significant time × sex interactions for any dependent performance variables (p > 0.05). Significant differences were shown between the peak and nadir of each performance variable (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in performance during maximal effort anaerobic assessments shown throughout the day; however, peak/nadir of performance times may be individualized and differ between morning types and intermediate types.

Impact of GDC Interlayer Microstructure on Strontium Zirconate Interphase Formation and Cell Performance

In solid oxide cells (SOCs) exhibiting mixed ionic-electronic conductor air electrode (MIEC AE) (e.g. La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3–δ LSC(F)), the formation of insulating zirconate interphases at the air electrode/zirconia electrolyte—interface is commonly prevented by an interlayer of doped cerium oxide. This complex interaction has a tremendous influence on cell performance, as the morphology of the interlayer determines the amount and continuity of the zirconate interphases. The performance of fuel electrode supported cells (FESCs) exhibiting gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) interlayers fabricated from different commercially available powders are compared. All of these layers were fabricated according to the same procedure. The cell performance is analyzed by means of current-voltage (CV) characteristics, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and subsequent impedance analysis by the distribution of relaxation times (DRT). Next to the cell testing at application-oriented conditions, impedance spectra are measured over a wide temperature ranging down to 250 °C to resolve polarization phenomena related to bulk, grain boundary and interfacial effects within and in-between the gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) and the 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) electrolyte. Furthermore, symmetrical air electrode (SymAE) cells are analyzed to eliminate impedance contributions from the anode layer (AL) and the substrate. The electrochemical results are correlated to the microstructural features of the GDC/YSZ interface obtained from post-test focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. This comparison revealed significant differences in the cell performance, which could be attributed to the amount and continuity of the residual strontium zirconate (SZO) interphase.

Optimizing the Pairs of Radiologists That Double Read Screening Mammograms.

Background Despite variation in performance characteristics among radiologists, the pairing of radiologists for the double reading of screening mammograms is performed randomly. It is unknown how to optimize pairing to improve screening performance. Purpose To investigate whether radiologist performance characteristics can be used to determine the optimal set of pairs of radiologists to double read screening mammograms for improved accuracy. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was performed with reading outcomes from breast cancer screening programs in Sweden (2008-2015), England (2012-2014), and Norway (2004-2018). Cancer detection rates (CDRs) and abnormal interpretation rates (AIRs) were calculated, with AIR defined as either reader flagging an examination as abnormal. Individual readers were divided into performance categories based on their high and low CDR and AIR. The performance of individuals determined the classification of pairs. Random pair performance, for which any type of pair was equally represented, was compared with the performance of specific pairing strategies, which consisted of pairs of readers who were either opposite or similar in AIR and/or CDR. Results Based on a minimum number of examinations per reader and per pair, the final study sample consisted of 3 592 414 examinations (Sweden, n = 965 263; England, n = 837 048; Norway, n = 1 790 103). The overall AIRs and CDRs for all specific pairing strategies (Sweden AIR range, 45.5-56.9 per 1000 examinations and CDR range, 3.1-3.6 per 1000; England AIR range, 68.2-70.5 per 1000 and CDR range, 8.9-9.4 per 1000; Norway AIR range, 81.6-88.1 per 1000 and CDR range, 6.1-6.8 per 1000) were not significantly different from the random pairing strategy (Sweden AIR, 54.1 per 1000 examinations and CDR, 3.3 per 1000; England AIR, 69.3 per 1000 and CDR, 9.1 per 1000; Norway AIR, 84.1 per 1000 and CDR, 6.3 per 1000). Conclusion Pairing a set of readers based on different pairing strategies did not show a significant difference in screening performance when compared with random pairing. © RSNA, 2023.

School children brief training to save foreign body airway obstruction

Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) is a relatively common emergency and a potential cause of sudden death both in children and older people; bystander immediate action will determine the victim’s outcome. Although many school children’s basic life support (BLS) training programs have been implemented in recent years, references to specific training on FBAO are lacking. Therefore, the aim was to assess FBAO-solving knowledge acquisition in 10–13-year-old school children. A quasi-experimental non-controlled simulation study was carried out on 564 ten-to-thirteen-year-old children from 5 schools in Galicia (Spain). Participants received a 60-min training led by their physical education teachers (5 min theory, 15 min demonstration by the teacher, and 30 min hands-on training) on how to help to solve an FBAO event. After the training session, the school children’s skills were assessed in a standardized adult’s progressive FBAO simulation scenario. The assessment was carried out by proficient researchers utilizing a comprehensive checklist specifically designed to address the variables involved in resolving a FBAO event according with current international guidelines. The assessment of school children’s acquired knowledge during the simulated mild FBAO revealed that 62.2% of participants successfully identified the event and promptly encouraged the simulated patient to cough actively. When the obstruction progressed, its severity was recognized by 86.2% and back blows were administered, followed by abdominal thrusts by 90.4%. When the simulated victim became unconscious, 77.1% of children identified the situation and immediately called the emergency medical service and 81.1% initiated chest compressions. No significant differences in performance were detected according to participants’ age. Conclusion: A brief focused training contributes to prepare 10–13-year-old school children to perform the recommended FBAO steps in a standardized simulated patient. We consider that FBAO should be included in BLS training programs for school children.What is Known:• Kids Save Lives strategy states that school children should learn basic life support (BLS) skills because of their potential role as first responders.• This BLS training does not include content for resolving a foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO).What is New:• Following a 60-min theoretical-practical training led by physical education teachers, 10–13-year-old school children are able to solve a simulated FBAO situation.• The inclusion of FBAO content in BLS training in schools should be considered.

Analysis of Financial Performance Comparison Between Islamic Banking and Conventional Banking During Covid-19 and Post-Covid-19 Periods

The purpose of this study is to compare the financial performance between Islamic banks and conventional banks. This research falls under the category of comparative research with a quantitative approach. The research population includes banks registered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) during the period 2020-2022. The sample selection method used purposive sampling technique. The data collected in this study will be analyzed using ratios CAR, NPL/NPF, ROA, and BOPO. This research involves two stages of testing, namely descriptive statistical testing and hypothesis testing. The results of the research show that there is no significant difference in the financial performance between Islamic banks and conventional banks.

Vocabulary Acquisition in New and Learned Contexts Using Immersive Virtual Reality

Vocabulary acquisition is important for learning a language. Language learners need multiple encounters with a word to add unknown word aspects to their word knowledge or to strengthen their knowledge of previously learned word aspects. Combining vocabulary acquisition with immersive virtual reality (IVR) makes it possible to have such multiple encounters. In IVR, objects representing target words can be shown in the same virtual environment as they were first encountered (learned context), but also in a new virtual environment (new context). To investigate learning words in either a new or learned context in IVR we built Wics (words in context system). We used Wics to carry out an experiment in which participants could learn 32 Japanese words, represented by 3D objects, in three sessions. In the second and third learning session all words were shown in either a new context, with a changed environment and a changed visual representation of the word objects, or a learned context, where only the placement of the objects was changed. Performance scores for an immediate and a delayed post-test (one week later) revealed no significant differences in performance between conditions. However, there was a tendency towards participants spending more time on learning the words in the learned context condition. We believe Wics to be the first IVR system to provide learners with multiple learning sessions to provide multiple encounters with the same words in different contexts, where learners have control over their own explorative learning, and where the post-tests are inside IVR.

Cleat-surface Interface and Lower Extremity Injuries

Non-contact injuries with playing surfaces occurring from applied player impact and frictional forces are a major source of lower extremity injuries in competitive sports. Artificial playing surfaces are a common alternative to natural grass surfaces; however, these surfaces are associated with player injury as well. The purpose of this manuscript is to explore the existing literature on the relationship between cleat surface interface and lower extremity injuries in athletes and the importance of proper playing surface conditions alongside proper cleat selection to optimize injury prevention and athletic performance. As artificial turf has become more advanced, studies have shown the rates of lower extremity injuries of the knee, ankle, and foot have decreased to be more similar to the rate of injury on natural grass. However, foot and ankle injury rates remain significantly higher on artificial turf. Furthermore, certain studies continue to demonstrate an increased rate of knee injuries in football players, suggesting that significant performance differences still exist between artificial turf and natural grass. Future studies warrant focusing on ways to improve the cleat-surface interface of new-generation turf, emphasizing proper cleat selection, and playing surface conditions for injury prevention thus optimizing athletic performance.

An Exploratory Study of the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Disruptions on Veterinary Medical Education

The COVID-19 outbreak forced educators worldwide to transition to remote teaching, which caught most of the instructors and students off-guard. Instructors had to quickly adapt and find effective substitute teaching methods during this unprecedented period, while students had to maintain motivation and engagement in the learning process. As with all educational levels and disciplines, teaching and assessment in veterinary medicine were forced to change during this adjustment period. The biggest concern regarding educational experiences was potential learning loss caused by the disruption. This study examined whether COVID-19 pandemic disruptions negatively impacted veterinary students’ knowledge and skill acquisition in both basic science education, and clinical science education employing a quasi-experimental approach. Data sources included the results from standardized exams including Veterinary Educational Assessment (VEA®), the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE®), Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), and surveys (i.e., Senior Exit Survey, Alumni Survey, and the Employer Survey). Analysis of variance was computed to compare pre-COVID results with those attained during and after pandemic restrictions. The results indicated no statistically significant difference in student performance on standardized exams, but a significant drop in the mean scores for OSCEs. Students whose education was disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were as much satisfied with the education they received as their peers whose education was not disrupted. Conclusions are discussed and recommendations for further research are provided.