Three-week Program Research Articles

Abstract 6131: Increasing self efficacy, self confidence, and genetic knowledge via the Community Genetic Navigation Engagement Specialist Train-the-Trainer program

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second and third leading cause of cancer deaths in US Hispanic/Latino (H/L) men and women, respectively. The Community Genetic Navigation Specialists (CoGENES) train-the-trainer program created a workforce of community health workers (CHWs) to educate H/L individuals about genetic testing, counseling, and research. Methods: The CoGENES three-week program, consisted of six in-person sessions, with a curriculum in both Spanish/English developed and delivered by experts, in Spanish, using presentations and hands-on activities. Acculturation, Latino values, self-efficacy, genetics and tumor testing knowledge, and self-confidence were assessed via pre- and post-training. Differences in scores were analyzed via Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests with exact p-values. Results: Median age of the 12 participants was 50 (IQR = 12), 9 were female, 92% were Mexican-born, half completed 1-2 years of college, and 67% were very hispanic oriented. Self-efficacy increased after training, with pre- training median-score = 38.5 (IQR = 3) and post-training score = 39.5 (IQR =2.5) (p = 0.0547). Certainty about understanding tumor testing increased after training (p = 0.0039). The median number of correct answers on the 16-item genetic knowledge scale increased from 6.5 to 9.5 and the median number of “don’t know” responses decreased from 5 to 0 after training. Finally, self-confidence to train future CoGENES was significantly higher (p = 0.0098) at post-test. Conclusion: The CoGENES culturally tailored program led to improved self-efficacy, increased genetic knowledge, and self-confidence in a cohort of Hispanic community health educators. Findings will be shared within COPECC, and other NCI funded programs. Citation Format: Janet Rodriguez, Joel Sanchez Mendez, Yaneth L. Rodriguez, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, Charité Ricker, Rosa Barahona, Bianca Rosales, Daisy Hernandez, Natalia Gutierrez, Julie Culver, Mariana Stern. Increasing self efficacy, self confidence, and genetic knowledge via the Community Genetic Navigation Engagement Specialist Train-the-Trainer program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6131.

Efficacy of PowerBall Versus Mulligan Mobilization With Movement on Pain and Function in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background Lateral epicondylitis (LE), sometimes referred to as tennis elbow or lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET), is one of the most common repetitive stress disorders in the elbow joint. Often, this involves the attachment of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. This study's primary focus is on treating people with LE, a condition that causes repetitive movements of the upper extremities. There is currently no research on how PowerBall gadget workouts affect the function and pain of individuals with lateral epicondylitis. Exercises using the "PowerBall device," which appliesboth intrinsic and extrinsic pressure to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder muscles, are thought to be beneficial forms of resistance training. It has been shown that there are improvements in strength, function, range of motion (ROM), discomfort, and quality of life (QOL). On the other side, it has been demonstrated that LE patients have reduced discomfort while using Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MMWM). Methods The 50 patients with LE were split into two groups for the single-blinded, randomized clinical study after baseline assessment and randomization: Group A was the intervention group, and Group B was the conventional group. The "PowerBall device" exercise was provided to participants in Group A, and MMWM was given to those in Group B. Both groups can benefit from basic workouts and ultrasonography by following the prescribed routine. Quantification of pain, function, grip strength, and range of motion was done at the start and finish of therapy using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), portable dynamometer, and goniometer. Results After therapy, both groups showed considerable improvement (p<0.05). Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the data analysis. Numerous statistical tests were employed, such as the student's paired and unpaired t-test and the chi-square test. From a statistical and clinical perspective, Group A's outcomes were more significant. On the visual analog scale, there was a decrease in pain intensity for wrist and elbow mobility at rest (p<0.0003), activity (p<0.003), PRTEE (p<0.001), grip strength (p<0.03), and range of motion (p<0.01). Both groups' assessments after rehabilitation indicated increases in pain and function; however, Group A (0.03) benefited more and saw early success with the PowerBall device. Conclusion Findings show that a three-week program incorporating resistance training exercises mediated by a "PowerBall device" enhances upper limb performance beyond traditional exercise treatment and increases grip strength, wrist extension strength, internal and external rotator concentric and eccentric strength. The findings and observations indicate that both groups have significantly improved.

The relationship between creativity and yoga nidra as a mindfulness practice: Considering the possibilities for wellbeing and education

Creative thinking skills are critical for learning and society's technical and cultural progress. As society becomes increasingly complex, there is a need to identify habits and practices that support creative thinking skills alongside wellbeing. Much research has suggested that mindfulness and its associated practices can support creativity. One such mindfulness practice is Yoga Nidra (a yogic practice closely aligned to meditation). The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between Yoga Nidra and creativity (via several indicators). We review of the literature on the effects of mindfulness practices and creativity, including Yoga Nidra. We then share an exploratory empirical study which utilized the Torrance non-verbal creativity test, the Mednick verbal creativity test, the WAM questionnaire (well-being, activity, mood), the "Word-color interference" method by G. Stroop, Raven's Progressive Matrices, and the Big 5 Five-Factor Personality Questionnaire. This study involved 22 people aged 27–53 from Almaty, Moscow, and Nur-Sultan. Creativity was measured via a pre-test; then the participants were introduced to a three-week Yoga Nidra practice program, followed by a post-test. The program was presented to participants for 60 min three times a week for three weeks, by a certified yoga expert. Participants were divided into two groups: online and offline practitioners. Both groups passed pre- and post- tests. Results demonstrated a positive impact of Yoga Nidra on the creativity of the participants following this three-week program. As education researchers, we consider this research within the context of an existing body of research and theory linking mindfulness/meditation practices to creativity, thinking and learning. Finally, we reflect on implications for further research, practice, and learning settings.

포디프레임을 활용한 중심지 이론 모델링 활동의 교육적 효과 및 인식에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a model and modeling-based educational program among pre-service teachers and their perceptions of the effectiveness of themodeling-based teaching program.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 46 pre-service teachers majoring in Geography Education at a teacher education university participated in the study. Twenty students in the experimental group were given a three-week program regarding the central place theory based on models and modeling, and their understanding of the central place theory was analyzed through a t-test. The questionnaire on the perception of the effectiveness of the program was analyzed through descriptive statistics and iterative reading.&#x0D; Results: The results indicated that the experimental group had a statistically significantly higher level of understanding than the control group. These pre-service teachers also expressed an overall positive perception of the program in terms of flow, evaluation of the program, satisfaction, and aestheticand embodied cognition. Regarding the pedagogical effectiveness of the educational program, they recognized an enhanced level of understanding, focus and engagement.&#x0D; Conclusion: This research found that there should be more educational programs based on models and modeling with 4Dframe that would help pre-service teachers understand complex concepts through physical manipulation.

Abstract P165: Key Tenets for Lifestyle Programs Aiming to Improve Hypertension Control and Cardiovascular Health

Introduction: Promoting lifestyle changes, such as consuming a healthier diet, engaging in exercise, and quitting smoking can help control hypertension (HTN) and reduce the risk of adverse cardiac outcomes. To support public health practitioners and health care providers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) sought to develop a set of key tenets of lifestyle programs that support successful implementation and impact on HTN-related outcomes. Hypothesis: No a priori hypotheses. Methods: We conducted rapid evaluations of three lifestyle programs identified first through a broad call for nominations and then a panel of experts for final selections. We also performed a literature review to assess the landscape of lifestyle programs focused on managing HTN. To build upon these findings, a rigorous mixed-methods evaluation of a local YMCA’s (St. Louis Gateway Region) implementation of a Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (BPSM) program was conducted to describe program characteristics and innovations and assess HTN outcomes. Results: The evaluation of a local YMCA included 333 participants with HTN (2018-2020) and reported a statistically significant average reduction of 2.6 mmHg in SBP from baseline to 16-week follow-up. Based on comprehensive findings from the project, DHDSP identified the following four key tenets for an effective program: 1) Implementing programs in community settings provides an opportunity to offer programming where people are already gathering and can build trust and commitment. Findings from rapid evaluation of a program held at churches and other community locations demonstrated increased BP control rates from 66.2% to 71.5% at 12-week follow-up. 2) A team-based approach with clinical and non-clinical staff allows for more impactful and effective implementation. Evaluation results demonstrated completion of a program with trained lifestyle coaches was associated with a decrease of 7.3 mmHg in SBP and 5.7 mmHg in DBP over a 16-week period. 3) Programs with shorter durations (between 3-24 weeks) allow for those not able to commit to a longer program to still benefit from learning to control BP and reduce other risk factors. Findings from rapid evaluation of a three-week program resulted in increased BP control from 28.4% to 61.3% by end of program period. 4) Targeting multiple lifestyle behaviors provide the opportunity to closely match participant needs with the type of activities that work best for them. Rapid evaluation of a 12-week program focused on exercise, diet, and reducing stress demonstrated an increase in BP control from 76.9% to 82.2%. Conclusion: Findings can be used as a resource to link patients to effective BP control and management programs that have implemented these key tenets. Strategies highlighted may also provide considerations for replication in other communities.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOGA NIDRA AND CREATIVITY PARAMETERS

The ability of people to think creatively is the main means of technical and cultural progress, in connection with which the urgency of finding ways to increase non-trivial thinking arises. Mindfulness practices, and in particular yoga nidra, can be seen as one of the ways to increase the level of creativity. The purpose of this article is to identify the relationship between yoga nidra and the indicator of creativity. The theoretical basis of the study is a review of the literature on the effects of mindfulness practices and yoga nidra. For the empirical study, the following methods were used: the Torrens non-verbal creativity test, the Mednick verbal creativity test, the SAN questionnaire (well-being, activity, mood), the "Word-color interference" method by G. Stroop, Raven's Progressive Matrices, the Big 5 Five-Factor Personality Questionnaire. This study involved 22 people aged 27-53 from Almaty, Moscow and Nur-Sultan. Creativity was measured, and then the participants were introduced to the yoga nidra practice program. The program was presented to participants for 60 minutes three times a week for three weeks. The yoga nidra process was taught by a yoga expert. Participants were divided into two groups: online and offline. Both groups passed pre- and post-tests. The results showed the positive impact of yoga nidra on the creativity of the participants as a result of this three-week program. No differences were found between online and offline practitioners. Key words: yoga nidra, meditation, awareness, creativity, creative thinking.

Recreational activity leading to academic interest: A qualitative-narrative study

The effect of pandemic goes beyond inadequacy of acquisition of competency especially in modular distance learning, to non-attendance to school and non-enrolment in school. With the release of DepEd Order No. 34 series of 2022, the start of 5-day classes in all public schools nationwide has become a way of inviting learners who failed to enroll last school year because of non-readiness for distance learning become heightened. With this return of face-to-face interaction, recreation activity for kids last vacation before the start of school year 2022-2023 has become one way of increasing learners interest in social interaction. Lumban Central Elementary School took the opportunity to encourage the participation of intermediate learners, especially those who were out-of-school last year, in a badminton training organized by Lumban Badminton Club. This study focused on narrating the journey of the learners who joined a specific type of recreational activity (badminton training) and their interest in coming back to school. The reason for the establishment of the sports club was detailed in this paper, the three-week program provided to them from orientation to graduation, and the impact of the recreation activity to the learners as evidenced by their enrolment this school year and their continuing study at present. This qualitative, narrative research highlights the importance of recreational activities like sports in heightening the desire of children to socialize, and that includes participation in academic activities which will boost their confidence to achieve something in life. A program of instituting recreational activity for learners with their family was laid down in this study, as the school can implement family day in school compound or in the community this school year or in the coming years as the pandemic totally subsides. Day-to-day teaching episodes is also suggested as continuous improvement project. Recommendation to teachers, school heads, parents and community, high officials and future researchers were laid down at the end of the study.

Comparative Characteristics of Elderly and Middle-Aged Patients with Myocardial Infarction at the Third Stage of Cardiac Rehabilitation

The need for adaptation of existing cardiac rehabilitation programs for elderly myocardial infarction patients is dictated both by the progressive aging of the Russian population and by the higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among them, including coronary heart disease in the form of a previous myocardial infarction. The necessary condition for successful realization of the set task is to take into account the identified features of myocardial infarction patients of older age group, who are admitted for cardiac rehabilitation. Aim. To give a comparative characteristic of patients with myocardial infarction of older and middle age groups admitting to the third stage of cardiac rehabilitation in the Ivanovo State Medical Academy clinic (ISMA). Material and methods. 85 patients with myocardial infarction were examined, they were admitted from primary vascular centers for a three-week course of cardiac rehabilitation at the ISMA clinic. According to the WHO age periodization, 2 groups were identified: 40 middle-aged patients (Group 1); 45 elderly patients (Group 2). An individual cardiac rehabilitation program was developed for each patient, which included daily controlled physical training, dosed walking, staircase walking at individually calculated pace, correction of the revealed cardiovascular risk factors, information support, adequate drug therapy, correction of psychological disorders if needed. Clinical features of the disease course, tolerance to physical activity were analyzed in both groups. Results. The characteristic features of MI patients of the older age group in comparison with the middle-aged patients admitted to the third stage of cardiac rehabilitation in the ISMA clinic are: dominance of non-working pensioners; high polymorbidity; higher frequency of development of repeated MI without ST-segment elevation on ECG; predominance of complicated formation of left ventricular aneurysms and heart rhythm disturbances forms of MI; low frequency coronary revascularization in the acute period of the course of the disease; prevalence of persons with signs of diastolic heart failure with preserved or slightly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction; lower exercise tolerance. After completion of cardiac rehabilitation course in patients of older age group the increase in 6MWT distance covered was 18%, while in middle-aged group it was only 8.3%. The implementation of the three–week rehabilitation program led to an increase in the number of patients with 1 FC of coronary heart disease due to a decrease in the number of patients with 3 and 4 FC of coronary heart disease in the middle-aged group and 4 FC of coronary heart disease in the elderly. Conclusion. The identified features specify the necessity to include methods of concomitant pathology correction, individual approach to the choice of physical activity programs based on a thorough clinical assessment, including risk stratification of post-rehabilitation complications and rehospitalizations in the cardiac rehabilitation program. A three-week program of the third stage of cardiac rehabilitation of MI patients increases exercise tolerance to a greater extent in elderly patients compared with middle-aged patients.

Listening to Country: Immersive Audio Production and Deep Listening with First Nations Women in Prison

Listening to Country was an arts-led research project where, as an interdisciplinary team of practitioner-researchers, we worked with incarcerated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to produce a one-hour immersive audio work based on field recordings of natural environments. The project began with a pilot phase in Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre (BWCC), Australia, to investigate the value of acoustic ecology in promoting wellbeing among women who were experiencing separation from family, culture, and Country (ancestral homelands). The team facilitated a three-week program with the women, using arts-led processes informed by visual art, performance, Indigenous storywork, and dadirri (deep, active listening). The soundscape presented here is a response to the creative process that we led inside the prison and the audio work that the incarcerated women co-created with the research team. The accompanying text describes the background to the original project, the process we undertook in the prison, and our methodology for translating knowledge from the research based on the acoustic and poetic resonances of our experience.

Mid- and Long-Term Results Using 448 kHz Stimulation on the Elasticity of the Supraspinatus Tendon Measured by Quantitative Ultrasound Elastographyin Badminton Professionals: Prospective Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial with Nine Months of Follow-Up.

The aim of this study is to analyse the changes that occur in the elasticity of the supraspinatus tendon after the application of a 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMR) at 3, 6 and 9 months in professional badminton players. A randomized double-blinded clinical trial that included 9 months of follow-up was used. A private care practice was used to recruit the participants of this study. They were randomly assigned either the CRMR treatment (n = 19) or the placebo treatment (n = 19). The experimental group received a total of nine treatments of 448 kHz CRMR divided into three treatments per week. The control group received the same regimen but with no radiofrequency. Quantitative ultrasound strain elastography was used to report the main values for three areas of the supraspinatus tendon. These were measured at the start (T1) and directly after (T2), one week after, (T3), three months after (T4), six months after (T5) and nine months after (T6) the completion of the intervention program. There were statistically significant differences in the supraspinatus tendon elasticity immediately after (p ≤ 0.001), one week after (p ≤ 0.001) and three months after (p = 0.01) the intervention program. No significant changes were found six or nine months after the intervention program. A three-week intervention program using 448 kHz produced significant changes in the elasticity of the supraspinatus tendon, with the changes lasting up to approximately three months when compared to the control group.

Transitioning a Public Health Study Abroad Program to Virtual Format During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Public Health Practice

High impact learning practices (HIPs) are practices that promote deep learning through student engagement. They focus on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills college students need to succeed academically and professionally and afford students the opportunity to participate in activities beyond the classroom, resulting in learning and personal development. HIPs take various forms and include study abroad, signature experience, first-year seminars, and learning communities. As part of its HIPs, the Georgia State University (GSU) School of Public Health (SPH) offers students the opportunity to study abroad every summer under the auspices of faculty. However, in the summer of 2021, all GSU SPH study abroad programs, including my program, Field Study of Contemporary and Emerging Public Health Issues in Ghana: A Focus on Water and Sanitation, HIV, and Women’s Health Program, were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Owing to student continued interest, it was imperative to devise a creative method to ensure that students received a comparable experience despite the pandemic. This paper documents the transitioning of a three-week program to a virtual synchronous format to give students the opportunity to work with and learn from in-country partners in Accra, Ghana. The activities, challenges, and lessons learned from transitioning the program are also shared. Overall, students and in-country partners completed three comparative field studies that explored issues related to water and sanitation, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and women’s reproductive health in Ghana. Students and partners identified and reflected on areas of similarities and differences between Ghana and the United States on the public health issues they focused on in the field. Copyright © 2022 Maiyaki et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.

Nurturing diversity and inclusion in AI in Biomedicine through a virtual summer program for high school students.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the power to improve our lives through a wide variety of applications, many of which fall into the healthcare space; however, a lack of diversity is contributing to limitations in how broadly AI can help people. The UCSF AI4ALL program was established in 2019 to address this issue by targeting high school students from underrepresented backgrounds in AI, giving them a chance to learn about AI with a focus on biomedicine, and promoting diversity and inclusion. In 2020, the UCSF AI4ALL three-week program was held entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, students participated virtually to gain experience with AI, interact with diverse role models in AI, and learn about advancing health through AI. Specifically, they attended lectures in coding and AI, received an in-depth research experience through hands-on projects exploring COVID-19, and engaged in mentoring and personal development sessions with faculty, researchers, industry professionals, and undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom were women and from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. At the conclusion of the program, the students presented the results of their research projects at the final symposium. Comparison of pre- and post-program survey responses from students demonstrated that after the program, significantly more students were familiar with how to work with data and to evaluate and apply machine learning algorithms. There were also nominally significant increases in the students’ knowing people in AI from historically underrepresented groups, feeling confident in discussing AI, and being aware of careers in AI. We found that we were able to engage young students in AI via our online training program and nurture greater diversity in AI. This work can guide AI training programs aspiring to engage and educate students entirely online, and motivate people in AI to strive towards increasing diversity and inclusion in this field.

Efficiency of back muscles training and balance therapy in rehabilitation of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Medical rehabilitation of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VF) remains an insufficiently developed topic and requires additional research. Aim of the study was to assess the efficiency of back muscles training and balance therapy in rehabilitation of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Prospective, interventional, open-label, controlled study in two parallel groups, performed in inpatient department settings at “National Medical Research Center of Rehabilitation and Balneology” during 2018. The study involved 120 patients (11 men and 109 women) aged 40-80 (mean age 65.4±9.1 years) who were admitted for medical rehabilitation for systemic OP and VF. The rehabilitation program in the main group included: 1) Mechanotherapy on the Back-Therapy-Center Dr. Wolf complex with biofeedback (Germany); 2) Balance therapy on a double unstable COBS platform, with biofeedback (Germany); 3) Hydrokinesiotherapy in a pool; 4) Gymnastic exercises (Gorinevskaya-Dreving method). Results. The use of the three-week program of physical rehabilitation using mechanotherapy, balance therapy and special complexes of physiotherapy exercises in the gym and in the pool in patients with osteoporotic VF significantly increases the strength of the muscle corset, helps to eliminate the existing muscle deficit in TE and TF and results in a more physiological distribution of the strength ratio between TE and TF. The rehabilitation program improves the function of static and dynamic balance, both with closed and open eyes, which can be observed in the return of the center of gravity to a physiological position and in improved reaction speed to changes in body position. Usage of mechanotherapeutic methods in rehabilitation of patients with osteoporotic VF is effective for basic motor function improvement and disability reduction.

Participation in a rehabilitation program based on adapted physical activities in Norway: a qualitative study of experiences of immigrant parents and their children with disabilities

Purpose By exploring immigrant families’ experiences of participating in a three-week rehabilitation program focused on adapted physical activity in Norway, this study investigated how beneficial, culturally adapted, and accessible the services were from the families’ perspectives. Methods A hermeneutic design with semi-structured interviews supplemented by participant observation was applied. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Results Three themes were identified: “learning through participating,” “sharing the same experience,” and “gaps in service delivery.” By participating in physical activities together with their children, parents became aware of their children’s capabilities and interests, as well as the available resources. Parents also socialized and exchanged experiences and information with each other. Children learned new skills, became aware of their preferences and capabilities, built friendships, and improved their social skills. However, a lack of cultural adaptation, such as insufficient information, as well as the location of the rehabilitation center, language barriers, and exclusion of siblings affected accessibility of the services to immigrant families. Conclusions Although the beneficial aspects of the services were demonstrated, the cultural adaptation and accessibility of the services were limited. Providing flexible and culturally adapted services that meet immigrant families’ needs may improve the accessibility of rehabilitation services to immigrant families. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Making information available to immigrant families, mapping their resources and needs well before the intervention may improve the accessibility of the services for these families. Rehabilitation professionals need to consider families’ perceptions of their own role through the goal-setting process when engaging with families from cultural backgrounds different from their own. When planning the intervention, grounding physical activities in the diverse cultural background of participants may increase immigrant families’ sense of belonging and inclusion, and thereby facilitate interaction between families regardless of cultural differences.

The Efficiency of Kinetic and Hydrokinetic Recovery Programs among Patients with Traumatic Shoulder Pathologies

The research objectives were to highlight the importance and the role of hydrotherapy and physical therapy exercises on patients with traumatic shoulder pathologies. The research was conducted on twenty subjects, aged between 34 and 71. The initial and final evaluation included active and passive spectrum of movement assessment, muscle strength assessment, visual analogy scale, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). The research showed that both groups managed to regain their active range of motion during a three-week rehabilitation program. The conclusions of our research demonstrate the effectiveness of both physiotherapy and hydrotherapy exercise

The effect of cardiovascular rehabilitation on physical strain tolerance - does gender really matter?

Background/Aim. Gender as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases has been the subject of research in numerous studies. All of them warn of shortcomings in the diagnosis and treatment of women with a coronary artery disease. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in the effects of cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR) on the tolerance of physical strain related to gender in examinees with the coronary artery disease. Methods. The study involved 684 patients, 506 (74.0%) men and 178 (26.0%) women. All respondents were referred to the CVR program after surviving a heart attack, percutaneous coronary intervention or surgical myocardial revascularization. During a three-week program of CVR, patients were subjected to the dosed and personalized physical training. At the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation, all patients were tested for physical strain. Results. The average strain level in men was significantly higher in the second test (t = 4.368; p &lt; 0.001). Also, the duration of the test was significantly longer in the second test (Z = 11.836; p &lt; 0.001). In women, the average strain level was significantly higher (t = 5.352; p &lt; 0.001), and the duration of the test was significantly longer in the second test (Z = 7.471; p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion. A three-week program of CVR led to an improvement in the tolerance of physical strain in both men and women. Our re-search once again proved that women have an equal benefit as men from the implementation of CVR. Nevertheless, women rarely participate in the CVR programs. It is necessary to make additional efforts in order to further educate physicians and other medical staff about the importance of sending women to the CVR program.

A New Country, New University, New School – How Do I Cope?

Many students embark on an international experience (study tour and/or practicum/placement) during their teacher education program. There are benefits and challenges for those participating in such programs. Reflection is a useful tool in enabling the students to reflect on their experiences; capitalise on the benefits and assist in meeting the challenges that may arise. This paper reports on how reflection was used in a three-week program for international students conducted in a school in The Netherlands. Reflection is an important part of the program as the students are required to socialise into a new country and culture; a new university setting; and then a new school site – multi socialisation (Barton & Hartwig, 2017). The aim of this specific program was the development of participants both as global citizens and as global teachers (Stokhof & Fransen, 2017).

Can Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity be Taught to Indonesian High School Students?

The detections of gravitational waves, which culminated in the 2017 physics Noble Prize award have again confirmed the triumph of the theory of general relativity. This theory, together with quantum mechanics, forms the backbones of our modern understanding of the world and significantly contributes to modern technologies we are using today. Despite the importance of these theories, they are still rarely part of high school physics curricula worldwide, including the Indonesian physics curriculum, due to assumptions that these theories are too difficult for students to grasp. However, there has been a growing interest to bring these theories to younger students and general public and there is growing evidence that appropriate teaching can result in measurable learning. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of activity-based learning using models and analogies on high school students’ conceptual understanding of general relativity related concepts. It was conducted in one class of 31 students who participated in a three-week period program. Testing of their conceptual understanding used identical pre/post-tests. The results indicated a strong and statistically significant improvement in students’ conceptual understanding with a large effect size. Interestingly, the results showed that the change in conceptual understanding to physics of girls was higher than boys.

Platonic Solids and Their Programming: A Geometrical Approach

This work covers a three-week program designed to provide undergraduate students with a background in structural chemistry and materials science. Sessions are based on the programming of regular po...

Long term nutritional and growth outcomes of children completing an intensive multidisciplinary tube-feeding weaning program.

Children on long-term tube-feeding often need special treatment for oral feeding transitioning. Rapid tube-weaning programs usually result in short-term reductions in food intake and weight loss. This study examined the long-term effects of a "Graz-model" based weaning program on nutritional status and growth. Children aged 0.5-13.0 years on long-term enteral nutritional support (ENS) participated in a three-week multidisciplinary weaning treatment. Data were collected at baseline, after completing the program, and at six and 12 months. Height/length, weight and BMI z-scores were determined according to the WHO growth standards. Energy and protein intake were assessed and presented as % of recommended daily allowance (RDA) values. Study participants (n=58) were 64% male. Four children did not complete the three-week program due to acute illnesses. Complete weaning (from 100% ENS to 100% oral) was achieved in 22 children and partial weaning (at least 80% reduction of ENS) in 23 children. No demographic or clinical success predictors were identified. Thirty of the 45 weaned children completed the 12-month follow-up. A significant reduction in energy intake was observed at the three-week time-point [mean (SE): 56 (5.8)% versus 80 (4.7)%, p=0.001]. This was followed by improvements in eating skills leading to energy intake at 12 months which did not significantly differ from baseline (p=0.392). Mean (SE) baseline protein intake was 187 (13.0) %RDA. No significant difference from baseline were noted at 12 months (p=0.301). Estimated mean (SD) height-, weight- and BMI z-scores at baseline were-2.11(0.28),-1.48(0.25),-0.13(0.31), respectively. No significant differences in growth data were observed over time. Short-term reductions in nutritional intake and body weight observed after an intensive weaning program were reversible, and growth patterns were stable over 12 months. Further follow-up is recommended to ensure continued positive development in these children.