Small group effectiveness during pharmacology learning sessions in a Nepalese medical school.

PubMed

Shankar, Pr; Gurung, Sb; Jha, N; Bajracharya, O; Karki, Bms; Thapa, Tp

2011-01-01

Small group learning sessions are used in pharmacology at the KIST Medical College, Lalitpur, Nepal. Feedback about student behaviours that enhance and hinder small group effectiveness was obtained. This will help us improve the small group sessions and will also be useful to educators using small groups in other medical schools. The small groups were self-managing with a group leader, time-keeper, recorder and presenter. Small group effectiveness was measured using the Tutorial Group Effectiveness Instrument (TGEI) developed by Singaram and co-authors. The instrument was administered in June 2010 and key findings obtained were shared with students and facilitators. The instrument was administered again in August. The mean cognitive, motivational, demotivational and overall scores were compared among different categories of respondents in June and August. Scores were also compared between June and August 2010. A total of 89 students participated in the study in June and 88 in August 2010. In June, females rated overall group productivity higher compared to males. The cognitive and motivational scores were higher in August 2010 while the demotivational score was lower. The small group effectiveness was higher in August after the educational intervention which utilised feedback about problems observed, theoretical considerations of effective small groups and how this information can be applied in practice.

A Model of Small Group Facilitator Competencies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kolb, Judith A.; Jin, Sungmi; Song, Ji Hoon

2008-01-01

This study used small group theory, quantitative and qualitative data collected from experienced practicing facilitators at three points of time, and a building block process of collection, analysis, further collection, and consolidation to develop a model of small group facilitator competencies. The proposed model has five components:…

A STUDY OF SMALL GROUP DYNAMICS AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE BSCS LABORATORY BLOCK PROGRAM.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

HURD, PAUL DEHART; ROWE, MARY BUDD

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMALL GROUP COMPATIBILITY AND ACHIEVEMENT IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM STUDY LABORATORY BLOCK PROGRAM WAS TESTED. STUDENTS IN 14 CLASSES FROM FOUR HIGH SCHOOLS WERE ASSIGNED TO FOUR-MEMBER LABORATORY GROUPS CLASSIFIED AS COMPATIBLE OR INCOMPATIBLE. GROUP CLASSIFICATION WAS VALIDATED BY OBSERVERS WHO WERE NOT AWARE…

Making Meaning with Friends: Exploring the Function, Direction and Tone of Small Group Discussions of Literature in Elementary School Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Katie

2016-01-01

The merits of decentralized small groups has been questioned in literature and by practicing teachers; thus this study shows the academic and identity work children do as they attempt to make meaning in these spaces. This study explores the affordances and drawbacks of decentralized small group discussion contexts in a multiage (3rd/4th) grade…

Small-Group Learning in Undergraduate STEM Disciplines: Effect of Group Type on Student Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Micari, Marina; Pazos, Pilar; Streitwieser, Bernhard; Light, Gregory

2010-01-01

Small-group learning in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines has been widely studied, and it is clear that this method offers many benefits to students. Less attention has been paid to the ways in which small learning groups differ from one another, and how these differences may affect student learning and…

Evaluating effectiveness of small group information literacy instruction for Undergraduate Medical Education students using a pre- and post-survey study design.

PubMed

McClurg, Caitlin; Powelson, Susan; Lang, Eddy; Aghajafari, Fariba; Edworthy, Steven

2015-06-01

The Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) programme at the University of Calgary is a three-year programme with a strong emphasis on small group learning. The purpose of our study was to determine whether librarian led small group information literacy instruction, closely integrated with course content and faculty participation, but without a hands on component, was an effective means to convey EBM literacy skills. Five 15-minute EBM information literacy sessions were delivered by three librarians to 12 practicing physician led small groups of 15 students. Students were asked to complete an online survey before and after the sessions. Data analysis was performed through simple descriptive statistics. A total of 144 of 160 students responded to the pre-survey, and 112 students answered the post-survey. Instruction in a small group environment without a mandatory hands on component had a positive impact on student's evidence-based information literacy skills. Students were more likely to consult a librarian and had increased confidence in their abilities to search and find relevant information. Our study demonstrates that student engagement and faculty involvement are effective tools for delivering information literacy skills when working with students in a small group setting outside of a computer classroom. © 2015 Health Libraries Group.

Voluntary attendance of small-group brainstorming tutoring courses intensify new clerk's "excellence in clinical care": a pilot study.

PubMed

Yang, Ling-Yu; Huang, Chia-Chang; Hsu, Hui-Chi; Yang, Ying-Ying; Chang, Ching-Chi; Chuang, Chiao-Lin; Lee, Wei-Shin; Liang, Jen-Feng; Cheng, Hao Min; Huang, Chin-Chou; Lee, Fa-Yauh; Ho, Shung-Tai; Kirby, Ralph

2017-01-06

Clerkship provides a unique way of transferring the knowledge and skills gathered during medical school's curriculum into real-ward clinical care environment. The annual program evaluation has indicated that the training of clerks in diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills needed to be enhanced. Recently, "clinical excellence" program have been promoted in our institution to augment the excellence in clinical care of new clerks. Current study aims to evaluate whether this pilot program improve the "clinical excellence" of new clerks. In a pilot study, groups of new clerks in years 2013 and 2014 voluntarily attended either a small-group brainstorming course or a didactic classroom tutoring courses as part of their 3-month internal medicine clinical rotation block. A third group of new clerks did not join either of the above courses and this group served as the control group. Pre-block/post-block self-assessment and post-block 5-station mini-Objective Subjective Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of these two additional courses that trained diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills. Overtime, the percentages of new clerks that attended voluntarily either the small-group brainstorming or classroom tutoring courses were increased. Higher post-block self-assessed diagnostic and clinical reasoning skill scores were found among individuals who attended the small-group brainstorming courses compared to either the didactic group or the control group. In a corresponding manner, the small-group brainstorming group obtained higher summary OSCE diag and OSCE reason scores than either the didactic group or control group. For all basic images/laboratory OSCE stations, the individual diagnostic skill (OSCE diag ) scores of the small-group brainstorming group were higher than those of the didactic group. By way of contrast, only the clinical reasoning skill (OSCE reason ) scores of the basic electrocardiogram and complete blood count + biochemistry OSCE station of thesmall-group brainstorming group were higher than those of the didactic group. Among the small-group brainstorming group, clerks with higher cumulative learning hours (>30-h) had significant higher OSCE diag and OSCE reason scores (>400) than those with less cumulative learning hours. Our pilot study provides a successful example of the use of a small-group tutoring courses for augmenting the diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills of new clerks. The positive results obtained during the initial 2-year long pilot "clinical excellence" program have encouraged the formal implementation of this course as part of the clerkship curriculum.

Small group discussion: Students perspectives.

PubMed

Annamalai, Nachal; Manivel, Rajajeyakumar; Palanisamy, Rajendran

2015-08-01

Various alternative methods are being used in many medical colleges to reinforce didactic lectures in physiology. Small group teaching can take on a variety of different tasks such as problem-solving, role play, discussions, brainstorming, and debate. Research has demonstrated that group discussion promotes greater synthesis and retention of materials. The aims of this study were to adopt a problem-solving approach by relating basic sciences with the clinical scenario through self-learning. To develop soft skills, to understand principles of group dynamics, and adopt a new teaching learning methodology. Experimental study design was conducted in Phase I 1(st) year medical students of 2014-2015 batch (n = 120). On the day of the session, the students were grouped into small groups (15 each). The session started with the facilitator starting off the discussion. Feedback forms from five students in each group was taken (n = 40). A five point Likert scale was used ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Our results show that 70% of the students opined that small group discussion were interactive, friendly, innovative, built interaction between teacher and student. Small group discussion increased their thought process and helped them in better communication. The small group discussion was interactive, friendly, and bridged the gap between the teacher and student. The student's communication skills are also improved. In conclusion, small group discussion is more effective than the traditional teaching methods.

Medical students perceive better group learning processes when large classes are made to seem small.

PubMed

Hommes, Juliette; Arah, Onyebuchi A; de Grave, Willem; Schuwirth, Lambert W T; Scherpbier, Albert J J A; Bos, Gerard M J

2014-01-01

Medical schools struggle with large classes, which might interfere with the effectiveness of learning within small groups due to students being unfamiliar to fellow students. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of making a large class seem small on the students' collaborative learning processes. A randomised controlled intervention study was undertaken to make a large class seem small, without the need to reduce the number of students enrolling in the medical programme. The class was divided into subsets: two small subsets (n=50) as the intervention groups; a control group (n=102) was mixed with the remaining students (the non-randomised group n∼100) to create one large subset. The undergraduate curriculum of the Maastricht Medical School, applying the Problem-Based Learning principles. In this learning context, students learn mainly in tutorial groups, composed randomly from a large class every 6-10 weeks. The formal group learning activities were organised within the subsets. Students from the intervention groups met frequently within the formal groups, in contrast to the students from the large subset who hardly enrolled with the same students in formal activities. Three outcome measures assessed students' group learning processes over time: learning within formally organised small groups, learning with other students in the informal context and perceptions of the intervention. Formal group learning processes were perceived more positive in the intervention groups from the second study year on, with a mean increase of β=0.48. Informal group learning activities occurred almost exclusively within the subsets as defined by the intervention from the first week involved in the medical curriculum (E-I indexes>-0.69). Interviews tapped mainly positive effects and negligible negative side effects of the intervention. Better group learning processes can be achieved in large medical schools by making large classes seem small.

Medical Students Perceive Better Group Learning Processes when Large Classes Are Made to Seem Small

PubMed Central

Hommes, Juliette; Arah, Onyebuchi A.; de Grave, Willem; Schuwirth, Lambert W. T.; Scherpbier, Albert J. J. A.; Bos, Gerard M. J.

2014-01-01

Objective Medical schools struggle with large classes, which might interfere with the effectiveness of learning within small groups due to students being unfamiliar to fellow students. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of making a large class seem small on the students' collaborative learning processes. Design A randomised controlled intervention study was undertaken to make a large class seem small, without the need to reduce the number of students enrolling in the medical programme. The class was divided into subsets: two small subsets (n = 50) as the intervention groups; a control group (n = 102) was mixed with the remaining students (the non-randomised group n∼100) to create one large subset. Setting The undergraduate curriculum of the Maastricht Medical School, applying the Problem-Based Learning principles. In this learning context, students learn mainly in tutorial groups, composed randomly from a large class every 6–10 weeks. Intervention The formal group learning activities were organised within the subsets. Students from the intervention groups met frequently within the formal groups, in contrast to the students from the large subset who hardly enrolled with the same students in formal activities. Main Outcome Measures Three outcome measures assessed students' group learning processes over time: learning within formally organised small groups, learning with other students in the informal context and perceptions of the intervention. Results Formal group learning processes were perceived more positive in the intervention groups from the second study year on, with a mean increase of β = 0.48. Informal group learning activities occurred almost exclusively within the subsets as defined by the intervention from the first week involved in the medical curriculum (E-I indexes>−0.69). Interviews tapped mainly positive effects and negligible negative side effects of the intervention. Conclusion Better group learning processes can be achieved in large medical schools by making large classes seem small. PMID:24736272

Effects of Small-Group Learning on Transfer: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pai, Hui-Hua; Sears, David A.; Maeda, Yukiko

2015-01-01

This study investigated the potential benefit of small-group learning on transfer performance using the method of meta-analysis. Results showed positive support for the hypothesis that small-group learning can increase students' transfer performance (average effect size of 0.30). Unlike reviews of effects of cooperation on learning, this…

Peer-led small groups: Are we on the right track?

PubMed

Moore, Fraser

2017-10-01

Peer tutor-led small group sessions are a valuable learning strategy but students may lack confidence in the absence of a content expert. This study examined whether faculty reinforcement of peer tutor-led small group content was beneficial. Two peer tutor-led small group sessions were compared with one faculty-led small group session using questionnaires sent to student participants and interviews with the peer tutors. One peer tutor-led session was followed by a lecture with revision of the small group content; after the second, students submitted a group report which was corrected and returned to them with comments. Student participants and peer tutors identified increased discussion and opportunity for personal reflection as major benefits of the peer tutor-led small group sessions, but students did express uncertainty about gaps in their learning following these sessions. Both methods of subsequent faculty reinforcement were perceived as valuable by student participants and peer tutors. Knowing in advance that the group report would be corrected reduced discussion in some groups, potentially negating one of the major benefits of the peer tutor-led sessions. Faculty reinforcement of peer-tutor led small group content benefits students but close attention should be paid to the method of reinforcement.

Evaluation of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor-induced small bowel injury: randomized cross-over study compared with loxoprofen in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Mizukami, Kazuhiro; Murakami, Kazunari; Yamauchi, Mika; Matsunari, Osamu; Ogawa, Ryo; Nakagawa, Yoshifumi; Okimoto, Tadayoshi; Kodama, Masaaki; Fujioka, Toshio

2013-05-01

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have the potential to injure the mucosa of the upper digestive tract and small bowel, whereas celecoxib (a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) has less influence on the entire digestive tract mucosa. The present study was conducted to compare the extents of small bowel mucosal injury induced by celecoxib and loxoprofen (the most frequently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Japan). Ten healthy adult males were given celecoxib (200 mg/day, Group C) and loxoprofen (180 mg/day, Group L) in a cross-over design for 14 days, and the influence of each drug on small bowel mucosa was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-treatment capsule endoscopy findings. We measured the percentage of patients with small bowel mucosal injury following administration of these drugs as primary endpoint. Additionally, mean number of small bowel mucosal injuries per subject was analyzed as secondary endpoint. The percentage of subjects experiencing small bowel mucosal injury as primary endpoint was 10% in Group C and 70% in Group L after treatment. This magnitude of the difference of between Group C and Group L was statistically significant (P = 0.031). The number of small bowel mucosal injuries as secondary endpoint differed significantly between the two groups, and the influence of celecoxib on small bowel injury was less than that of loxoprofen. These results indicate that celecoxib has less influence on small bowel mucosa than loxoprofen and can be used safely. © 2012 The Authors. Digestive Endoscopy © 2012 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.

Effectiveness of various innovative learning methods in health science classrooms: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kalaian, Sema A; Kasim, Rafa M

2017-12-01

This study reports the results of a meta-analysis of the available literature on the effectiveness of various forms of innovative small-group learning methods on student achievement in undergraduate college health science classrooms. The results of the analysis revealed that most of the primary studies supported the effectiveness of the small-group learning methods in improving students' academic achievement with an overall weighted average effect-size of 0.59 in standard deviation units favoring small-group learning methods. The subgroup analysis showed that the various forms of innovative and reform-based small-group learning interventions appeared to be significantly more effective for students in higher levels of college classes (sophomore, junior, and senior levels), students in other countries (non-U.S.) worldwide, students in groups of four or less, and students who choose their own group. The random-effects meta-regression results revealed that the effect sizes were influenced significantly by the instructional duration of the primary studies. This means that studies with longer hours of instruction yielded higher effect sizes and on average every 1 h increase in instruction, the predicted increase in effect size was 0.009 standard deviation units, which is considered as a small effect. These results may help health science and nursing educators by providing guidance in identifying the conditions under which various forms of innovative small-group learning pedagogies are collectively more effective than the traditional lecture-based teaching instruction.

Assessing the Internal Dynamics of Mathematical Problem Solving in Small Groups.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Artzt, Alice F.; Armour-Thomas, Eleanor

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the problem-solving behaviors and perceptions of (n=27) seventh-grade students as they worked on solving a mathematical problem within a small-group setting. An assessment system was developed that allowed for this analysis. To assess problem-solving behaviors within a small group a Group…

Comparison of Elementary School Children's Interaction in Teacher-Led and Student-Led Small Groups. Abstract.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilcox, Mary Anastole

This study examined interaction among members in small groups under different leadership conditions: leadership by teacher, by untrained student, and by trained student. Small groups of low-income fifth- and sixth-grade students were videotaped as they discussed solutions to problem-solving stories. Analysis of the tapes shows that trained…

[A Feasibility Study of closing the small bowel with high-frequency welding device].

PubMed

Zhou, Huabin; Han, Shuai; Chen, Jun; Huang, Dequn; Peng, Liang; Ning, Jingxuan; Li, Zhou

2014-12-01

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of closing the small bowel in an ex vivo porcine model with high-frequency welding device. A total of 100 porcine small bowels were divided into two groups, and then were closed with two different methods. The fifty small bowels in experimental group were closed by the high-frequency welding device, and the other fifty small bowels in comparison group were hand-sutured. All the small bowels were subjected to leak pressure testing later on. The speed of closure and bursting pressure were compared. The 50 porcine small bowels closed by the high-frequency welding device showed a success rate of 100%. Compared with the hand-sutured group, the bursting pressures of the former were significantly lower (P<0.01) and the closing process was significantly shorter (P<0.01). The pathological changes of the closed ends mainly presented as acute thermal and pressure induced injury. Experimental results show that the high-frequency welding device has higher feasibility in closing the small bowel.

Development and Application of Decision Aid for Tactical Control of Battlefield Operations: Bibliographic Sort of the Decision Aiding Literature

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-12-01

THEORY GAML THE’RY GROUP PROb SQL= U tIC PMLTRIC3b 63 C.LARKSON G a DEC MAK IN SMALL GROUPS A SIM STUDY bLHt SCI 6t0 13 2081 bRUNER J b STUDIES IN...MAK IN SMALL GROUPS A SIN STUDY : BLH 5(1 6d 13 2861 DODSON j 0 AS SIN RES FACILITYz SIN SYS DGN FOR TE AkCRL 111 PRI9I4• FLEEING R ASKS PROC.CONFLICTING...POU315IC HF. 66 MAR 7-1 SHURL ( H NNUAtCENTER FOR COMP BASED BEH STUDIES UCLA SEMIA NTIS-AD 731059 713 CLARKSON b DEC MAK IN SMALL GROUPS A SIM STUDY

Small Group Cooperative Curriculum and Experimental Evaluation; A Study of Cooperation Training. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bloom, Joan R.; And Others

This report describes a project to test the effectiveness of a small-group curriculum designed to teach cooperative group work. The sample of 53 groups of boys and 47 groups of girls was assigned to one of three conditions: (a) established groups, (b) ad hoc groups, and (c) control condition groups. Groups who had training were predicted to choose…

Learning Science in Small Multi-Age Groups: The Role of Age Composition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kallery, Maria; Loupidou, Thomais

2016-01-01

The present study examines how the overall cognitive achievements in science of the younger children in a class where the students work in small multi-age groups are influenced by the number of older children in the groups. The context of the study was early-years education. The study has two parts: The first part involved classes attended by…

What Do We Know about Cognitive and Motivational Effects of Small Group Tutorials in Problem-Based Learning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dolmans, Diana H. J. M.; Schmidt, Henk G.

2006-01-01

Students collaborating in small groups is a characteristic of problem-based learning (PBL) that is receiving increased consideration in the literature. In this paper findings from studies in this area are synthesized and discussed. A distinction is made between studies focusing on cognitive effects of group learning and studies focusing on…

Who Is the Competent Physics Student? A Study of Students' Positions and Social Interaction in Small-Group Discussions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Due, Karin

2014-01-01

This article describes a study which explored the social interaction and the reproduction and challenge of gendered discourses in small group discussions in physics. Data for the study consisted of video recordings of eight upper secondary school groups solving physics problems and 15 audiotaped individual interviews with participating students.…

A Case Study of Small Group Decision-Making as Influenced by the Abilene Paradox: The ’Challenger’ Mishap

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

RESEARCH REPORT O A CASE STUDY OF SMALL GROUP DECISION-MAKING AS INFLUENCED BY THE ABILENE PARADOX: N THE " CHALLENGER " MISHAP COMMANDER JAMES Y...1.09_240 AIR WAR COLLEGE AIR UNIVERSITY A CASE STIJI)Y OF SMALL GROUP DECISION-MAKING AS INFLUENCED BY THE ABILENE PARADOX: THE " CHALLENGER " MISHAP by...representing the public and private sectors of leadership in our national space exploration program evaluated the risk associated with known discrepancies

Conflict Management in "Ad Hoc" Problem-Solving Groups: A Preliminary Investigation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallace, Les; Baxter, Leslie

Full study of small group communication must include consideration of task and socio-emotional dimensions, especially in relation to group problem solving. Thirty small groups were tested for their reactions in various "ad hoc" conflict resolution situations. Instructions to the groups were (1) no problem-solving instructions (control),…

SAIL: A Framework for Promoting Next-Generation Word Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ganske, Kathy

2016-01-01

This article introduces SAIL, an instructional framework designed to help teachers optimize students' learning during small-group word study instruction. Small-group word study interactions afford opportunities for teachers to engage students in thinking, talking, advancing vocabulary knowledge (including general academic vocabulary), and making…

Black women, work, stress, and perceived discrimination: the focused support group model as an intervention for stress reduction.

PubMed

Mays, V M

1995-01-01

This exploratory study examined the use of two components (small and large groups) of a community-based intervention, the Focused Support Group (FSG) model, to alleviate employment-related stressors in Black women. Participants were assigned to small groups based on occupational status. Groups met for five weekly 3-hr sessions in didactic or small- and large-group formats. Two evaluations following the didactic session and the small and large group sessions elicited information on satisfaction with each of the formats, self-reported change in stress, awareness of interpersonal and sociopolitical issues affecting Black women in the labor force, assessing support networks, and usefulness of specific discussion topics to stress reduction. Results indicated the usefulness of the small- and large-group formats in reduction of self-reported stress and increases in personal and professional sources of support. Discussions on race and sex discrimination in the workplace were effective in overall stress reduction. The study highlights labor force participation as a potential source of stress for Black women, and supports the development of culture- and gender-appropriate community interventions as viable and cost-effective methods for stress reduction.

Black Women, Work, Stress, and Perceived Discrimination: The Focused Support Group Model as an Intervention for Stress Reduction

PubMed Central

MAYS, VICKIE M.

2013-01-01

This exploratory study examined the use of two components (small and large groups) of a community-based intervention, the Focused Support Group (FSG) model, to alleviate employment-related stressors in Black women. Participants were assigned to small groups based on occupational status. Groups met for five weekly 3-hr sessions in didactic or small- and large-group formats. Two evaluations following the didactic session and the small and large group sessions elicited information on satisfaction with each of the formats, self-reported change in stress, awareness of interpersonal and sociopolitical issues affecting Black women in the labor force, assessing support networks, and usefulness of specific discussion topics to stress reduction. Results indicated the usefulness of the small- and large-group formats in reduction of self-reported stress and increases in personal and professional sources of support. Discussions on race and sex discrimination in the workplace were effective in overall stress reduction. The study highlights labor force participation as a potential source of stress for Black women, and supports the development of culture- and gender-appropriate community interventions as viable and cost-effective methods for stress reduction. PMID:9225548

Relevant Prior Knowledge Moderates the Effect of Elaboration during Small Group Discussion on Academic Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Blankenstein, Floris M.; Dolmans, Diana H. J. M.; Van der Vleuten, Cees P. M.; Schmidt, Henk G.

2013-01-01

This study set out to test whether relevant prior knowledge would moderate a positive effect on academic achievement of elaboration during small-group discussion. In a 2 × 2 experimental design, 66 undergraduate students observed a video showing a small-group problem-based discussion about thunder and lightning. In the video, a teacher asked…

Comparison of the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Text Previewing and Preteaching Keywords as Small-Group Reading Comprehension Strategies with Middle-School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burns, Matthew K.; Hodgson, Jennifer; Parker, David C.; Fremont, Kathryn

2011-01-01

Reading instruction for middle- and high-school students is focused on vocabulary and comprehension, yet research suggests that comprehension skills among these students are alarmingly low. Small-group reading interventions are becoming more prevalent in schools, but there are few studies regarding small-group reading comprehension interventions.…

Experimental study on small group behavior and crowd dynamics in a tall office building evacuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yaping; Li, Lihua; Zhang, Hui; Chen, Tao

2017-05-01

It is well known that a large percentage of occupants in a building are evacuated together with their friends, families, and officemates, especially in China. Small group behaviors are therefore critical for crowd movement. This paper aims to study the crowd dynamic considering different social relations and the impacts of small groups on crowd dynamics in emergency evacuation. Three experiments are conducted in an 11-storey office building. In the first two experiments, all participants are classmates and know each other well. They are evacuated as individuals or pairs. In the third experiment, social relations among the participants are complex. Participants consist of 8 families, 6 lovers and several individuals. Space-time features, speed characteristics and density-speed relations for each experiment are analyzed and compared. Results conclude that small group behaviors can make positive impacts on crowd dynamics when evacuees know each other and are cooperative. This conclusion is also testified by four verified experiments. In the third experiment, speeds of evacuees are lowest. Small groups form automatically with the presence of intimate social relations. Small groups in this experiment slow down the average speed of the crowd and make disturbance on the crowd flow. Small groups in this case make negative impacts on the movement of the crowd. It is because that evacuees do not know each other and they are competitive to each other. Characteristics of different types of small groups are also investigated. Experimental data can provide foundational parameters for evacuation model development and are helpful for building designers.

Further Evidence for the Efficacy of an Evidence-Based, Small Group, Literacy Intervention Program for Young Struggling Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wheldall, Kevin; Wheldall, Robyn; Madelaine, Alison; Reynolds, Meree; Arakelian, Sarah

2017-01-01

An earlier series of pilot studies and small-scale experimental studies had previously provided some evidence for the efficacy of a small group early literacy intervention program for young struggling readers. The present paper provides further evidence for efficacy based on a much larger sample of young, socially disadvantaged, at-risk readers.…

Impact of small groups with heterogeneous preference on behavioral evolution in population evacuation.

PubMed

Wang, Tao; Huang, Keke; Wang, Zhen; Zheng, Xiaoping

2015-01-01

Up to now, there have been a great number of mechanisms to explain the individual behavior and population traits, which seem of particular significance in evolutionary biology and social behavior analysis. Among them, small groups and heterogeneity are two useful frameworks to the above issue. However, vast majority of existing works separately consider both scenarios, which is inconsistent with realistic cases in our life. Here we propose the evolutionary games of heterogeneous small groups (namely, different small groups possess different preferences to dilemma) to study the collective behavior in population evacuation. Importantly, players usually face completely different dilemmas inside and outside the small groups. By means of numerous computation simulations, it is unveiled that the ratio of players in one certain small group directly decides the final behavior of the whole population. Moreover, it can also be concluded that heterogeneous degree of preference for different small groups plays a key role in the behavior traits of the system, which may validate some realistic social observations. The proposed framework is thus universally applicable and may shed new light into the solution of social dilemmas.

Effect of intensity and program delivery on the translation of DPP to worksites: A randomized controlled trial of Fuel Your Life

PubMed Central

DeJoy, David M.; Vandenberg, Robert J.; Corso, Phaedra; Padilla, Heather; Zuercher, Heather

2016-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the Fuel Your Life program, an adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program, utilizing implementation strategies commonly used in worksite programs – telephone coaching, small group coaching and self-study. Methods The primary outcomes of BMI and weight were examined in a randomized control trial conducted with city/county employees. Results Although the majority of participants in all three groups lost some weight, the phone group lost significantly more weight (4.9 lbs.), followed by the small groups (3.4 lbs.) and the self-study (2.7 lbs.). Of the total participants, 28.3% of the phone group, 20.6% of the small group and 15.7 of the self-study group lost 5% or more of their body weight. Conclusions Fuel Your Life (DPP) can be effectively disseminated using different implementation strategies that are tailored to the workplace. PMID:27820761

The teacher's role in promoting collaborative dialogue in the classroom.

PubMed

Webb, Noreen M

2009-03-01

Research on student-led small-group learning in schools going back nearly four decades has documented many types of student participation that promote learning. Less is known about how the teacher can foster effective groupwork behaviours. This paper reviews research that explores the role of the teacher in promoting learning in small groups. The focus is on how students can learn from their peers during small-group work, how teachers can prepare students for collaborative group work, and the role of teacher discourse and classroom norms in small-group dialogue. Studies selected for review focused on student-led small-group contexts for learning in which students were expected to collaborate, reported data from systematic observations of group work, and linked observational data to teacher practices and student learning outcomes. This review uncovered multiple dimensions of the teacher's role in fostering beneficial group dialogue, including preparing students for collaborative work, forming groups, structuring the group-work task, and influencing student interaction through teachers' discourse with small groups and with the class. Common threads through the research are the importance of students explaining their thinking, and teacher strategies and practices that may promote student elaboration of ideas.

Implementing an Audience-Specific Small-Group Gatekeeper Training Program to Respond to Suicide Risk among College Students: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cimini, M. Dolores; Rivero, Estela M.; Bernier, Joseph E.; Stanley, Judith A.; Murray, Andrea D.; Anderson, Drew A.; Wright, Heidi R.; Bapat, Mona

2014-01-01

Objective: This case study evaluated the effectiveness of an audience-specific, single-session, small-group interactive gatekeeper training program conducted at a large northeastern public university. Participants: Participants were 335 faculty, staff, and students completing gatekeeper training programs tailored to their group needs. Methods:…

Lexical Language-Related Episodes in Pair and Small Group Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayo, Maria Del Pilar Garcia; Zeitler, Nora

2017-01-01

The present study investigates whether learner set up in interaction, namely in pairs or small groups, influences the frequency and outcome of lexical language-related episodes (LREs) and L2 vocabulary learning. Thirty Spanish English as a foreign language (EFL) university learners took part in the study. They worked in four groups and seven pairs…

Student leadership in small group science inquiry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliveira, Alandeom W.; Boz, Umit; Broadwell, George A.; Sadler, Troy D.

2014-09-01

Background: Science educators have sought to structure collaborative inquiry learning through the assignment of static group roles. This structural approach to student grouping oversimplifies the complexities of peer collaboration and overlooks the highly dynamic nature of group activity. Purpose: This study addresses this issue of oversimplification of group dynamics by examining the social leadership structures that emerge in small student groups during science inquiry. Sample: Two small student groups investigating the burning of a candle under a jar participated in this study. Design and method: We used a mixed-method research approach that combined computational discourse analysis (computational quantification of social aspects of small group discussions) with microethnography (qualitative, in-depth examination of group discussions). Results: While in one group social leadership was decentralized (i.e., students shared control over topics and tasks), the second group was dominated by a male student (centralized social leadership). Further, decentralized social leadership was found to be paralleled by higher levels of student cognitive engagement. Conclusions: It is argued that computational discourse analysis can provide science educators with a powerful means of developing pedagogical models of collaborative science learning that take into account the emergent nature of group structures and highly fluid nature of student collaboration.

A phenomenological research study: Perspectives of student learning through small group work between undergraduate nursing students and educators.

PubMed

Wong, Florence Mei Fung

2018-06-18

Small group work is an effective teaching-learning approach in nursing education to enhance students' learning in theoretical knowledge and skill development. Despite its potential advantageous effects on learning, little is known about its actual effects on students' learning from students' and educators' perspectives. To understand students' learning through small group work from the perspectives of students and educators. A qualitative study with focus group interviews was carried out. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were performed with 13 undergraduate nursing students and 10 educators. Four main themes, "initiative learning", "empowerment of interactive group dynamics", "factors for creating effective learning environment", and "barriers influencing students' learning", were derived regarding students' learning in small group work based on the perspectives of the participants. The results showed the importance of learning attitudes of students in individual and group learning. Factors for creating an effective learning environment, including preference for forming groups, effective group size, and adequacy of discussion, facilitate students' learning with the enhancement of learning engagement in small group work. The identified barriers, such as "excessive group work", "conflicts", and "passive team members" can reduce students' motivation and enjoyment of learning. Small group work is recognized as an effective teaching method for knowledge enhancement and skill development in nursing education. All identified themes are important to understand the initiatives of students and group learning, factors influencing an effective learning environment, and barriers hindering students' learning. Nurse educators should pay more attention to the factors that influence an effective learning environment and reduce students' commitment and group dynamics. Moreover, students may need further support to reduce barriers that impede students' learning motivation and enjoyment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Jiangzhi tablet on gastrointestinal propulsive function in mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiangrong; Geng, Xiuli; Zhao, Jingsheng; Fan, Lili; Zhang, Zhengchen

2018-04-01

This paper aims to study the effect of lipid-lowering tablets on gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion in mice. Mice were randomly divided into control group, Digestant Pill group, Jiangzhi tablet group, middle dose and small dose, the mice gastric emptying phenolsulfonphthalein, gastric residual rate of phenol red indicator to evaluate the gastric emptying rate, residual rate of detection in mouse stomach; small intestine propulsion and selection of carbon ink as the experimental index. Effects were observed to promote the function of normal mice gastric emptying and intestine. The gastric emptying and small intestinal motor function of normal mice were all promoted by each administration group, and the effect was most obvious in small dose group. The effect of reducing blood lipid on gastrointestinal motility of mice ware obviously enhanced.

Constructing Maps Collaboratively.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leinhardt, Gaea; Stainton, Catherine; Bausmith, Jennifer Merriman

1998-01-01

Summarizes a study that maintains that students who work together in small groups had a better understanding of map concepts. Discusses why making maps in groups can enhance students' conceptual geographic understanding and offers suggestions for improving geography instructions using small group configurations. Includes statistical and graphic…

Extrapolating a Dyadic Model to Small Group Methodology: Validation of the Spitzberg and Cupach Model of Communication Competence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keyton, Joann

A study assessed the validity of applying the Spitzberg and Cupach dyadic model of communication competence to small group interaction. Twenty-four students, in five task-oriented work groups, completed questionnaires concerning self-competence, alter competence, interaction effectiveness, and other group members' interaction appropriateness. They…

Polyethylene glycol plus simethicone in small-bowel preparation for capsule endoscopy.

PubMed

Spada, Cristiano; Riccioni, Maria E; Familiari, Pietro; Spera, Gianluca; Pirozzi, Giuseppe A; Marchese, Michele; Bizzotto, Alessandra; Ingrosso, Marcello; Costamagna, Guido

2010-05-01

Small-bowel contents can hamper the quality of video-capsule endoscopy (VCE). No standardized protocol has been proposed and overnight fasting remains the proposed preparation for VCE. The aim was to evaluate the effects of 2 regimens of bowel preparation on small intestine cleansing, diagnostic yield and capsule transit times. This is a prospective, randomized, blinded, and controlled study. Sixty patients referred for VCE were randomized into 2 groups. Group A ingested 2l of a polyethylene glycol and simethicone solution 16h before VCE. Group B were instructed to consume a fibre-free diet and allowed to consume clear liquids the day before VCE. The small-bowel cleansing was graded as "complete" if the entire wall was assessable, "incomplete" if more than 50% of the wall was visible, and "insufficient" if less than 50% of the wall was visible. In group A, a "complete", "incomplete" and "insufficient" small-bowel cleansing was achieved in 42%, 39% and 19% of cases respectively. In group B, a "complete", "incomplete" and "insufficient" small-bowel cleansing was achieved in 43%, 33% and 24% of cases respectively. No significant differences were observed between the two groups, regarding small-bowel cleansing level (p=0.65). No differences were also observed in the diagnostic yield (48.2%, 13.8% and 38% vs 65.5%, 6.9% and 27.6% of positive, suspicious and no findings respectively, in groups A and B [p=0.39]) and small-bowel transit times (mean 288min and 299 min in groups A and B respectively [p=0.70]). The results of the present study do not support the use of 2l of a polyethylene glycol and simethicone solution before VCE. Copyright 2009 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Small bowel preparations for capsule endoscopy with mannitol and simethicone: a prospective, randomized, clinical trial.

PubMed

Chen, Hong-bin; Huang, Yue; Chen, Su-yu; Song, Hui-wen; Li, Xiao-lin; Dai, Dong-lin; Xie, Jia-tia; He, Song; Zhao, Yuan-yuan; Huang, Chun; Zhang, Sheng-jun; Yang, Lin-na

2011-04-01

There is no consensus concerning small bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy (CE). This study evaluated the effects of 4 regimens on small bowel cleansing and diagnostic yield. Patients were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group A consumed a clear liquid diet after lunch on the day before CE, followed by overnight fasting. Group B took 250 mL 20% mannitol and 1 L 0.9% saline orally at 05:00 hours on the day of the procedure. In group C, the same regimen was taken at 20:00 hours on the day before and at 05:00 hours on the day of CE. In group D, in addition to the group C regimen, 20 mL oral simethicone was taken 30 minutes before CE. Two hundred patients were prospectively enrolled, and 7 were excluded from the final analysis because of incomplete small bowel transit. No significant difference was noted among the 4 groups for small bowel transit time. Bowel preparation in group D was significantly better than for the other regimens for overall cleansing of the proximal small bowel, and showed improved overall cleansing of the distal small bowel when compared with 10-hours overnight fasting. Pathological lesions of the proximal and distal small bowel were, respectively, achieved in 82 and 74 patients, mostly distributed in group D. Small bowel preparation that involves split-dose oral mannitol plus single-dose simethicone for CE can improve mucosal visualization and subsequent diagnostic yield when compared with 10-hours overnight fasting.

Leadership, consensus decision making and collective behaviour in humans

PubMed Central

Dyer, John R.G.; Johansson, Anders; Helbing, Dirk; Couzin, Iain D.; Krause, Jens

2008-01-01

This paper reviews the literature on leadership in vertebrate groups, including recent work on human groups, before presenting the results of three new experiments looking at leadership and decision making in small and large human groups. In experiment 1, we find that both group size and the presence of uninformed individuals can affect the speed with which small human groups (eight people) decide between two opposing directional preferences and the likelihood of the group splitting. In experiment 2, we show that the spatial positioning of informed individuals within small human groups (10 people) can affect the speed and accuracy of group motion. We find that having a mixture of leaders positioned in the centre and on the edge of a group increases the speed and accuracy with which the group reaches their target. In experiment 3, we use large human crowds (100 and 200 people) to demonstrate that the trends observed from earlier work using small human groups can be applied to larger crowds. We find that only a small minority of informed individuals is needed to guide a large uninformed group. These studies build upon important theoretical and empirical work on leadership and decision making in animal groups. PMID:19073481

Improved satisfaction of preoperative patients after group video-teaching during interview at preanesthetic evaluation clinic: the experience of a medical center in Taiwan.

PubMed

Yang, Ya-Ling; Wang, Kuan-Jen; Chen, Wei-Hao; Chuang, Kuan-Chih; Tseng, Chia-Chih; Liu, Chien-Cheng

2007-09-01

Anesthesiologist-directed anesthetic preoperative evaluation clinic (APEC) is used to prepare patients to receive anesthesia for surgery. Studies have shown that APEC can reduce preoperative tests, consultations, surgery delays and cancellations. APEC with video-teaching has been purposed as a medium to provide comprehensive information about the process of anesthesia but it has not been practiced in small groups of patients. It is rational to assume that video-teaching in a small group patients can provide better information to patients to understand the process of anesthesia and in turn improve their satisfaction in anesthesia practice. This study was designed to evaluate the difference of satisfaction between patients who joined in small group video-teaching at APEC and patients who paid a traditional preoperative visit in the waiting area, using questionnaire for evaluation. Totally, 237 eligible patients were included in the study in a space of two months. Patients were divided in two groups; 145 patients joined the small group video-teaching designated as study group and 92 patients who were paid traditional preoperative visit at the waiting area served as control. All patients were requested to fill a special questionnaire after postoperative visit entrusted to two non-medical persons. There were significantly higher scores of satisfaction in anesthesia inclusive of waiting time for surgery in the operation room, attitude towards anesthetic staffs during postoperative visit and management of complications in patients who were offered small group video-teaching in comparison with patients of traditional preoperative visit. The results indicated that APEC with group video-teaching could not only make patients more satisfied with process of anesthesia in elective surgery but also reduce the expenditure of hospitalization and anesthetic manpower.

Building Children's Sense of Community in a Day Care Centre through Small Groups in Play

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koivula, Merja; Hännikäinen, Maritta

2017-01-01

This study examines the process through which children build a sense of community in small groups in a day care centre. The study asks the following: how does children's sense of community develop, and what are its key features? Data were collected by applying ethnographic methods in a group of three- to five-year-old children over eleven months.…

Lubiprostone neither decreases gastric and small-bowel transit time nor improves visualization of small bowel for capsule endoscopy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Hooks, S Bennett; Rutland, Travis J; Di Palma, Jack A

2009-11-01

Lubiprostone, a selective activator of type 2 chloride channels, is approved for treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and recently constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. It has been suggested that lubiprostone has a prokinetic effect. This investigation was designed to evaluate lubiprostone as a preparation and propulsive agent for small-bowel capsule endoscopy. The PillCam Small Bowel capsule endoscopy system with the PillCam SB1 capsule and Rapid 5 software platform were used. The study was designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty healthy adults. Gastric transit time (GTT), small-bowel transit time (SBTT), and adequacy of small-bowel cleansing preparation. The study subjects received 24 mug lubiprostone or placebo 30 minutes before PillCam capsule ingestion. Capsule endoscopy studies were read by 2 independent investigators unaware of the study medication received, and differences in interpretation were resolved by consensus. Anatomical landmarks were identified, and GTT and SBTT were calculated. Overall preparation quality assessment of the proximal, mid, and distal small bowel was determined by using a 4-step scale. The percentage of visualized bowel was determined by review of 10-minute video segments at 1-hour intervals after the capsule passed through the pylorus. In the lubiprostone group (n = 20), 2 subjects did not pass the capsule through the pylorus in the 8-hour battery life of the capsule. An additional 3 capsules did not pass into the colon. In the placebo group (n = 20), all capsules passed into the small bowel, but 1 did not pass into the colon. The subjects in whom the capsule did not pass into the small bowel were excluded from the small-bowel analysis. In the subjects in whom the capsule did reach the colon, the SBTT could not be calculated and they were excluded from SBTT analysis. The mean GTT in the lubiprostone group was 126 minutes and 43 minutes in the placebo group (P = .0095). The mean SBTT in the lubiprostone group was 188 minutes and 219 minutes in the placebo group (P = .130). The overall preparation assessment of the small bowel was not statistically significant between the 2 groups in the proximal, mid, or distal small bowel (proximal, P = .119; mid, P = .118; distal, P = .121). There was no significant difference in lubiprostone compared with placebo in the percentage of visualized small bowel. Some capsules did not leave the stomach or reach the cecum. Lubiprostone produced a significant increase in GTT but did not result in a significant decrease in SBTT compared with placebo. The administration of lubiprostone before capsule ingestion did not result in improved overall preparation of the small bowel for capsule endoscopy or increase the percentage of visualized small bowel. (The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT00746395.).

Endoclips vs large or small-volume epinephrine in peptic ulcer recurrent bleeding

PubMed Central

Ljubicic, Neven; Budimir, Ivan; Biscanin, Alen; Nikolic, Marko; Supanc, Vladimir; Hrabar, Davor; Pavic, Tajana

2012-01-01

AIM: To compare the recurrent bleeding after endoscopic injection of different epinephrine volumes with hemoclips in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2009, 150 patients with gastric or duodenal bleeding ulcer with major stigmata of hemorrhage and nonbleeding visible vessel in an ulcer bed (Forrest IIa) were included in the study. Patients were randomized to receive a small-volume epinephrine group (15 to 25 mL injection group; Group 1, n = 50), a large-volume epinephrine group (30 to 40 mL injection group; Group 2, n = 50) and a hemoclip group (Group 3, n = 50). The rate of recurrent bleeding, as the primary outcome, was compared between the groups of patients included in the study. Secondary outcomes compared between the groups were primary hemostasis rate, permanent hemostasis, need for emergency surgery, 30 d mortality, bleeding-related deaths, length of hospital stay and transfusion requirements. RESULTS: Initial hemostasis was obtained in all patients. The rate of early recurrent bleeding was 30% (15/50) in the small-volume epinephrine group (Group 1) and 16% (8/50) in the large-volume epinephrine group (Group 2) (P = 0.09). The rate of recurrent bleeding was 4% (2/50) in the hemoclip group (Group 3); the difference was statistically significant with regard to patients treated with either small-volume or large-volume epinephrine solution (P = 0.0005 and P = 0.045, respectively). Duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter among patients treated with hemoclips than among patients treated with epinephrine whereas there were no differences in transfusion requirement or even 30 d mortality between the groups. CONCLUSION: Endoclip is superior to both small and large volume injection of epinephrine in the prevention of recurrent bleeding in patients with peptic ulcer. PMID:22611315

Using Word Clouds to Develop Proactive Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miley, Frances; Read, Andrew

2011-01-01

This article examines student responses to a technique for summarizing electronically available information based on word frequency. Students used this technique to create word clouds, using those word clouds to enhance personal and small group study. This is a qualitative study. Small focus groups were used to obtain student feedback. Feedback…

Developing Reflective Dispositions through Collaborative Knowledge-Building during Small Group Bible Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toh, Tze Keong; Koh, Joyce Hwee Ling; Chai, Ching Sing

2017-01-01

This article explores the use of a constructivist pedagogical approach to cultivate reflective dispositions during small group Bible study. Conducted in a local church Bible class setting (n = 12), the instructional design emulated the reflective thinking process, while adopting collaborative knowledge-building as its pedagogical framework.…

Interactional Feedback in Naturalistic Interaction between L2 English Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ranaweera, Mahishi

2015-01-01

Theoretical and empirical data support that the feedback given in small group activities promote second language acquisition. There are many studies that have examined the impact of interaction on second language acquisition in controlled language situations. This study examines the small group activity "conversation partner" in order to…

Value of in vivo electrophysiological measurements to evaluate canine small bowel autotransplants.

PubMed Central

Meijssen, M A; Heineman, E; de Bruin, R W; Veeze, H J; Bijman, J; de Jonge, H R; ten Kate, F J; Marquet, R L; Molenaar, J C

1991-01-01

This study aimed to develop a non-invasive method for in vivo measurement of the transepithelial potential difference in the canine small bowel and to evaluate this parameter in small bowel autotransplants. In group 0 (control group, n = 4), two intestinal loops were created without disturbing their vascular, neural, and lymphatic supplies. In group I (successful autotransplants, n = 11), two heterotopic small bowel loops were constructed. Long term functional sequelae of vascular, neural, and lymphatic division were studied. Group II (n = 6) consisted of dogs with unsuccessful autotransplants suffering thrombosis of the vascular anastomosis, which resulted in ischaemic small bowel autografts. In group I, values of spontaneous transepithelial potential difference, an index of base line active electrolyte transport, were significantly lower compared with group 0 (p less than 0.05), probably as a result of denervation of the autotransplants. Both theophylline and glucose stimulated potential difference responses, measuring cyclic adenosine monophosphate mediated chloride secretion and sodium coupled glucose absorption respectively, showed negative luminal values in group I at all time points after transplantation. These transepithelial potential difference responses diminished progressively with time. From day 21 onwards both theophylline and glucose stimulated potential difference responses were significantly less than the corresponding responses at day seven (p less than 0.05). Morphometric analysis showed that the reduction of transepithelial potential difference responses preceded degenerative mucosal changes in the heterotopic small bowel autografts. In group II, potential difference responses to theophylline and glucose showed positive luminal values (p<0.01 v group I), probably as a result of passive potassium effusion from necrotic enterocytes. Images Figure 3 PMID:1752464

Examination of Students' Small Groups Discussion in Argumentation Process: Scientific and Socio-Scientific Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Memis, Esra Kabatas; Cevik, Ebru Ezberci

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine processes experienced by students of different achievement levels in small group discussions in argumentation applications conducted in scientific and socio-scientific issues. Case study which is a qualitative research design was used for the study. In this line, a success test including mechanical subjects…

A Meta-Analytic Review of Studies of the Effectiveness of Small-Group Learning Methods on Statistics Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kalaian, Sema A.; Kasim, Rafa M.

2014-01-01

This meta-analytic study focused on the quantitative integration and synthesis of the accumulated pedagogical research in undergraduate statistics education literature. These accumulated research studies compared the academic achievement of students who had been instructed using one of the various forms of small-group learning methods to those who…

Modified duval procedure for small-duct chronic pancreatitis without head dominance.

PubMed

Oida, Takatsugu; Aramaki, Osamu; Kano, Hisao; Mimatsu, Kenji; Kawasaki, Atsushi; Kuboi, Youichi; Fukino, Nobutada; Kida, Kazutoshi; Amano, Sadao

2011-01-01

In the case of small-duct chronic pancreatitis, surgery for pain relief is broadly divided into resection and drainage procedures. These procedures should be selected according to the location of dominant lesion, diameter of the pancreatic duct and extent of the disease. The appropriate procedure for the treatment of small-duct chronic pancreatitis, especially small-duct chronic pancreatitis without head dominance, remains controversial. We developed the modified Duval procedure for the treatment of small-duct chronic pancreatitis without head dominance and determined the efficacy of this procedure. We retrospectively studied 14 patients who underwent surgical drainage with or without pancreatic resection for chronic pancreatitis with small pancreatic duct (<7mm) without head dominance. These patients were divided into 2 groups; the modified Puestow procedure group and the modified Duval procedure group. No complications occurred in the modified Duval group. In the modified Puestow procedure group, complete and partial pain relief were observed in 62.5%, and 37.5% of patients respectively. In contrast, complete pain relief was observed in all the patients in the modified Duval procedure group. Our modified Duval procedure is useful and should be considered the appropriate surgical technique for the treatment of small-duct chronic pancreatitis without head dominance.

Micro-Experimental Analysis of the Small-Group Reading Lesson: Social and Cognitive Consequences of Silent Reading.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkinson, Ian A. G.; Anderson, Richard C.

This study examined a social-organizational hypothesis that explains how silent reading in small-group lessons might influence students' learning. One hundred children in four third-grade classes, each divided into three ability groups, received two silent and two oral reading lessons. Group dynamics were measured from videotapes of the lessons.…

Inviting Argument by Analogy: Analogical-Mapping-Based Comparison Activities as a Scaffold for Small-Group Argumentation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emig, Brandon R.; McDonald, Scott; Zembal-Saul, Carla; Strauss, Susan G.

2014-01-01

This study invited small groups to make several arguments by analogy about simple machines. Groups were first provided training on analogical (structure) mapping and were then invited to use analogical mapping as a scaffold to make arguments. In making these arguments, groups were asked to consider three simple machines: two machines that they had…

Evaluation of a Two-Phase Experimental Study of a Small Group ("MultiLit") Reading Intervention for Older Low-Progress Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buckingham, Jennifer; Beaman-Wheldall, Robyn; Wheldall, Kevin

2014-01-01

The study reported here examined the efficacy of a small group (Tier 2 in a three-tier Response to Intervention model) literacy intervention for older low-progress readers (in Years 3-6). This article focuses on the second phase of a two-phase, crossover randomized control trial involving 26 students. In Phase 1, the experimental group (E1)…

Comparison of femtosecond laser small-incision lenticule extraction and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy to correct myopic astigmatism.

PubMed

Qian, Yishan; Huang, Jia; Zhou, Xingtao; Wang, Yutung

2015-11-01

To compare the efficacy of correcting myopic astigmatism with femtosecond laser small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) versus laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK). The study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Department, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai, China. A retrospective, cross-sectional study. This study included patients who underwent small-incision lenticule extraction or LASEK for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative astigmatism values were analyzed. The efficacies of the 2 surgeries to correct astigmatism were compared. A total of 180 right eyes of 180 patients (small-incision lenticule extraction: n = 113, LASEK: n = 67) were included. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the preoperative astigmatism (small-incision lenticule extraction: 1.16 ± 0.85D, LASEK: 1.16 ± 0.83D, P > .05) or the postoperative astigmatism (small-incision lenticule extraction: 0.35 ± 0.37D; LASEK: 0.31 ± 0.42D, P > .05), determined by manifest refraction. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in surgically induced astigmatism vector (small-incision lenticule extraction: 1.13 ± 0.83D, LASEK: 1.01 ± 0.65D, P > .05). The correction index was higher for the small-incision lenticule extraction group (1.05 ± 0.53) than for the LASEK group (0.95 ± 0.21, P = .045). The postoperative astigmatism was significantly higher for the small-incision lenticule extraction group when the preoperative astigmatism was 1.0 D or less (small-incision lenticule extraction: 0.26 ± 0.30D, LASEK: 0.12 ± 0.20D, P = .007) and lower for the small-incision lenticule extraction group when the preoperative astigmatism was more than 2.0 D (small-incision lenticule extraction: 0.48 ± 0.37D, LASEK: 0.89 ± 0.46D, P = .002). An adjustment of nomograms for correcting low astigmatism (≤1.0 D) by small-incision lenticule extraction is suggested due to the tendency toward overcorrection, whereas a nomogram adjustment for tissue-saving ablation profile is needed for the correction of high astigmatism (>2.0 D) by LASEK due to the tendency toward undercorrection. The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests. Copyright © 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Scanning electron microscopy study of new bone formation following small and large defects preserved with xenografts supplemented with pamidronate-A pilot study in Fox-Hound dogs at 4 and 8 weeks.

PubMed

Lozano-Carrascal, Naroa; Satorres-Nieto, Marta; Delgado-Ruiz, Rafael; Maté-Sánchez de Val, José Eduardo; Gehrke, Sergio Alexandre; Gargallo-Albiol, Jorge; Calvo-Guirado, José Luis

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of SEM and EDX microanalysis on evaluating the effect of porcine xenografts (MP3 ® ) supplemented with pamidronate during socket healing. Mandibular second premolars (P2) and first molars (M1) were extracted from six Beagle dogs. P2 were categorized as small defects (SD) and M1 as large defects (LD). Four random groups were created: SC (small control defects with MP3 ® ), ST (small test defects MP3 ® +pamidronate), LC (large control defects with MP3 ® ), and LT (large test defects MP3 ® +pamidronate). At four and eight weeks of healing the samples were evaluated fisically through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemical element mapping was carried out by Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). After four weeks of healing, SEM and EDX analysis revealed more mineralized bone in ST and LT groups compared with control groups (p<0.05). After eight weeks, Ca/P ratios were slightly higher for small defects (groups SC and ST); in SEM description, in both control and test groups, trabecular bone density was similar to the adjacent mineralized cortical bone. Within the limitations of this experimental study, SEM description and EDX elemental microanalysis have demonstrated to be useful techniques to assess bone remodelling of small and large defects. Both techniques show increased bone formation in test groups (MP3 ® modified with pamidronate) after four and eight weeks of healing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Coffee Enema for Preparation for Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Kim, Eun Sun; Keum, Bora; Seo, Yeon Seok; Jeen, Yoon Tae; Lee, Hong Sik; Um, Soon Ho; Kim, Chang Duck; Ryu, Ho Sang

2014-01-01

Coffee enemas are believed to cause dilatation of bile ducts and excretion of bile through the colon wall. Proponents of coffee enemas claim that the cafestol palmitate in coffee enhances the activity of glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme that stimulates bile excretion. During video capsule endoscopy (VCE), excreted bile is one of the causes of poor preparation of the small bowel. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effect of coffee enema for preparation of the small bowel during VCE. In this pilot study, 17 of 34 patients were assigned to the coffee enema plus polyethylene glycol (PEG) 2 L ingestion group, whereas the 17 remaining control patients received 2 L of PEG only. The quality of bowel preparation was evaluated in the two patient groups. Bowel preparations in the proximal segments of small bowel were not differ between two groups. In the mid and distal segments of the small intestine, bowel preparations tend to be better in patients who received coffee enemas plus PEG than in patients who received PEG only. The coffee enema group did not experience any complications or side effects. Coffee enemas may be a feasible option, and there were no clinically significant adverse events related to coffee enemas. More prospective randomized studies are warranted to improve small bowel preparation for VCE. PMID:25136541

Small scale homelike special care units and traditional special care units: effects on cognition in dementia; a longitudinal controlled intervention study.

PubMed

Kok, Jeroen S; van Heuvelen, Marieke J G; Berg, Ina J; Scherder, Erik J A

2016-02-16

Evidence shows that living in small scale homelike Special Care Units (SCU) has positive effects on behavioural and psychological symptoms of patients with dementia. Effects on cognitive functioning in relation to care facilities, however, are scarcely investigated. The purpose of this study is to gain more insight into the effects of living in small scale homelike Special Care Units, compared to regular SCU's, on the course of cognitive functioning in dementia. A group of 67 patients with dementia who moved from a regular SCU to a small scale homelike SCU and a group of 48 patients with dementia who stayed in a regular SCU participated in the study. Cognitive and behavioural functioning was assessed by means of a neuropsychological test battery and observation scales one month before (baseline), as well as 3 (post) and 6 months (follow-up) after relocation. Comparing the post and follow-up measurement with the baseline measurement, no significant differences on separate measures of cognitive functioning between both groups were found. Additional analyses, however, on 'domain clusters' revealed that global cognitive functioning of the small scale homelike SCU group showed significantly less cognitive decline three months after the transfer (p < 0.05). Effect sizes (95% CI) show a tendency for better aspects of cognition in favour of the homelike small scaled SCU group, i.e., visual memory, picture recognition, cognitive decline as observed by representatives and the clustered domains episodic memory and global cognitive functioning. While there is no significant longitudinal effect on the progression of cognitive decline comparing small scaled homelike SCU's with regular SCU's for patients with dementia, analyses on the domain clusters and effect sizes cautiously suggest differences in favour of the small scaled homelike SCU for different aspects of cognition.

Expression of pleiotrophin in small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Wang, H Q; Wang, J

2015-01-01

Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a kind of heparin binding growth factor closely related to tumor progression. This study aimed to discuss the significance of the expression of PTN in benign and malignant lung cancer tissues, especially small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer samples were collected for study and lung tissue samples with benign lesions were taken as controls. The expression of PTN was detected using tissue chip combined with the immunohistochemical method, and the differences of small cell lung cancer with non-small cell lung cancer and benign lesion tissue were compared. It was found that PTN expression was mainly located in the cytoplasm and membrane of cells; PTN expression in the lung cancer group was higher than that in the control group (p < 0.01), and PTN expression in the small cell cancer group was higher than that in the squamous carcinoma group and glandular cancer group (p < 0.05). In addition, PTN expression quantity in patients with lung cancer were in close correlation with TNM staging, pathological type and tumor differentiation degree (p < 0.05). PTN was found to express abnormally high in lung cancer, especially small cell lung cancer tissue. PTN is most likely to be a new tumor marker for diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer.

Factors Influencing Electronic Clinical Information Exchange in Small Medical Group Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kralewski, John E.; Zink, Therese; Boyle, Raymond

2012-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the organizational factors that influence electronic health information exchange (HIE) by medical group practices in rural areas. Methods: A purposive sample of 8 small medical group practices in 3 experimental HIE regions were interviewed to determine the extent of clinical information exchange…

Increasing Students' Empathy and Counseling Self-Efficacy through a Mindfulness Experiential Small Group

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bohecker, Lynn; Doughty Horn, Elizabeth A.

2016-01-01

This study used the Solomon 4-group design to examine the relationship between a mindfulness experiential small group (MESG) and mindfulness skills, empathy, counseling self-efficacy, and perceived stress for counselors in training (CITs). Understanding how the MESG affects these characteristics provides essential information to inform the…

Enhancing Preschool Educators' Ability to Facilitate Conversations during Shared Book Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Milburn, Trelani F.; Girolametto, Luigi; Weitzman, Elaine; Greenberg, Janice

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether professional development enhanced educators' use of conversational strategies during shared book reading with small groups of preschoolers. Twenty preschool educators and small groups of children from each of their classrooms were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The 10…

Talking through the Problems: A Study of Discourse in Peer-Led Small Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Repice, Michelle D.; Sawyer, R. Keith; Hogrebe, Mark C.; Brown, Patrick L.; Luesse, Sarah B.; Gealy, Daniel J.; Frey, Regina F.

2016-01-01

Increasingly, studies are investigating the factors that influence student discourse in science courses, and specifically the mechanisms and discourse processes within small groups, to better understand the learning that takes place as students work together. This paper contributes to a growing body of research by analyzing how students engage in…

Exploring Small Group Analysis of Instructional Design Cases in Online Learning Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trespalacios, Jesus

2017-01-01

The case-based approach is a constructivist instructional strategy that helps students apply their emerging knowledge by studying design problems in authentic real-world situations. One important instructional strategy in case-based instruction is to analyze cases in small groups before discussing them with the whole class. This study investigates…

Seeking a Balance: Discussion Strategies That Foster Reading with Authorial Empathy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brett, Aidan T.

2016-01-01

This study investigates the extent to which students' use of different discussion strategies fosters a balance between attending to the technical elements of authored texts and responding empathetically. Because small-group discussion is a common approach to literary study, the analysis focuses on two small-group discussions of "Charlie…

Student satisfaction and self-assessment after small group discussion in a medical ethics education program.

PubMed

Joh, Hee-Kyung; Shin, Jwa-Seop

2009-09-01

Small group discussions are useful tools in medical ethics education. We aimed to assess student satisfaction with specific components of a small group discussion and to evaluate student self-assessment of the objectives of education. A structured questionnaire was developed after a literature review and a focus group interview. Components of the small group discussion were categorized by discussion case (self, other), individual activities (self-study, making materials, presentation experience), and group activities (preclass/in-class/postclass/plenary discussion, instructor's comments). The items for student self-assessment were: "To specify ethical issue in actual practice", "To get new knowledge", "To consider doctor's entity", "Empathy to others", "To get multidimensional viewpoint", "Viewpoint change", "To deliver my thought clearly", and "Ability to confront the medical ethics dilemma in the future". After the survey, an in-depth interview was performed to determine the reason behind the students' answers. A total of 121 students responded, for whom overall satisfaction and self-assessment were high. Students reported greater satisfaction with self-case, presentation experience, in-class discussion, and instructor's comments but less satisfaction with self-study before class and postclass discussion. Student self-assessment was highest in the ability to specify an ethical issue and lowest for viewpoint change and self-confidence. After multivariate analysis, higher student self-assessment was associated with greater satisfaction with the small group discussion. To improve the quality of medical ethics education, close investigation and monitoring of each component of the small group discussion and student achievement are essential, as is continuous feedback.

Edaravone ameliorates the adverse effects of valproic acid toxicity in small intestine.

PubMed

Oktay, S; Alev, B; Tunali, S; Emekli-Alturfan, E; Tunali-Akbay, T; Koc-Ozturk, L; Yanardag, R; Yarat, A

2015-06-01

Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar psychiatric disorders, and migraine. Previous studies have reported an increased generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in the toxic mechanism of VPA. Edaravone, a free radical scavenger for clinical use, can quench free radical reaction by trapping a variety of free radical species. In this study, effect of edaravone on some small intestine biochemical parameters in VPA-induced toxicity was investigated. Thirty seven Sprague Dawley female rats were randomly divided into four groups. The groups include control group, edaravone (30 mg(-1) kg(-1) day(-1)) given group, VPA (0.5 g(-1) kg(-1) day(-1)) given group, VPA + edaravone (in same dose) given group. Edaravone and VPA were given intraperitoneally for 7 days. Biochemical parameters such as malondialdehyde, as an index of lipid peroxidation(LPO), sialic acid (SA), glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, myeloperoxidase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and tissue factor (TF) activities were determined in small intestine samples by colorimetric methods. Decreased small intestine antioxidant enzyme activities, increased LPO and SA levels, and increased activities of ALP and TF were detected in the VPA group. Based on our results edaravone may be suggested to reverse the oxidative stress and inflammation due to VPA-induced small intestine toxicity. © The Author(s) 2014.

Pupil Behavior in Junior Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boydell, D.

1975-01-01

The purpose of the exploratory study reported here was to investigate the nature of children's behavior in unstreamed, informal, junior classrooms where the children sit in small groups and the incidence of private teacher talk to small groups and individual children is high. (Author)

Individual and small group interactions in learning to teach with a hypermedia case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Mi-Lee Ahn

The purpose of this study was to investigate the similarities and differences of individual and small group preservice teachers' interactions with a hypermedia case. Preservice teachers' interactions with a hypermedia case were defined in terms of their (1) goals and perception of accomplishments of the goals, (2) use of features of the hypermedia case, and (3) types of questions and conflicts raised. Two individuals and two small groups of three preservice teachers participated by interacting with the hypermedia case which was developed to illustrate conceptual change science teaching in an elementary classroom. Most of the previous studies in this area have addressed large group use of hypermedia cases, and this study attempted to address the gap in the literature related to different social contexts, individuals and small groups, from the constructivist perspective. The assumptions of symbolic interactionism guided data collection from think-alouds and interviews. These multiple sources of data were used to understand the participants' construction of knowledge; data were analyzed and interpreted by a process of analytic induction. The major assertion was that the preservice teachers perceived the hypermedia case to be like a tool to link theory and practice of teaching. Three sub-assertions, and several supporting categories, also emerged from the data. These findings indicated that group learning experiences with the hypermedia case were more valuable than those of individuals. In general, preservice teachers benefited from learning how to teach with the hypermedia case in both settings. However, the individuals were not as satisfied as those in small groups, and the members of small groups interacted more actively with the hypermedia case as well as with the peers. The results of this study suggest that effective use of hypermedia cases takes place in a community of learners where the learners share the context and can draw upon the resources afforded by the technology as well as each other. Implications for teacher educators' use of hypermedia cases in different social contexts, and the development and effective use of hypermedia cases are presented as well as the suggestions for the future studies.

Evaluation of a Small-Group Technique as a Teacher Training Instrument. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whipple, Babette S.

An exploratory study was designed to determine whether the use of a new, small group technique adds significantly to the level of training in early childhood education. Two groups of five student teachers learned the technique and were then evaluated. The evaluation procedure was designed to measure changes in their educational objectives, their…

Teacher Interventions in Small Group Work in Secondary Mathematics and Science Lessons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hofmann, R.; Mercer, N.

2016-01-01

Collaborative problem solving, when students work in pairs or small groups on a curriculum-related task, has become an increasingly common feature of classroom education. This paper reports a study of a topic which has received relatively little attention: how teachers can most usefully intervene when students are working in a group, but have…

Vocabulary Learning in Collaborative Tasks: A Comparison of Pair and Small Group Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dobao, Ana Fernández

2014-01-01

This study examined the opportunities that pair and small group interaction offer for collaborative dialogue and second language (L2) vocabulary learning. It compared the performance of the same collaborative writing task by learners working in groups of four (n = 60) and in pairs (n = 50), focusing on the occurrence of lexical language-related…

What Makes a Team? The Composition of Small Groups for C.A.I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bellows, B. P.

This study examined the task performance and social interaction of young children who used a computer to learn map skills. Specifically, ability and sex were examined in relation to students' achievement on a social studies task and in relation to student interaction in small groups. Subjects were 66 second grade students in 3 different…

Living in the Community: A Comparative Study of Foster Homes and Small Group Homes for People with Mental Retardation. Project Report 28.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, Bradley K.; And Others

The study surveyed 181 specialized foster care homes or small (with 6 or fewer residents) group homes providing residential care for persons (N=336) with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. The study found that the community residential facility sample was generally much less well integrated into the life of the community…

Use of small gap anastomosis for the repair of peripheral nerve injury by cutting and sleeve jointing the epineurium.

PubMed

Wang, Peiji; Zhao, Jiaju; Jiang, Bo; Zhang, Yong

2015-05-01

Although epineurium neurorrhaphy is the most reliable and conventional method for the repair of peripheral nerve injury and is accepted as the gold standard, it is still far from ideal. Many attempts have been made to develop nerve anastomosis techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of small gap anastomosis performed by cutting and sleeve jointing the epineurium for nerve repair. A 12-week study was performed using small gap anastomosis via cutting and sleeve jointing the epineurium, compared with epineurium neurorrhaphy in situ, to repair a rat sciatic nerve rupture. Three experimental groups were included: sham control (n = 8), small gap anastomosis (n = 16), and epineurium neurorrhaphy (n = 16). About 12 weeks after surgery, recovery was assessed with walking track analysis, electrophysiology, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. The sciatic nerve functional index observed in the small gap anastomosis group was significantly higher than that in the epineurium neurorrhaphy group (p < 0.05). In vivo electrophysiological analysis confirmed that the small gap anastomosis group showed a significantly higher conduction velocity than the epineurium neurorrhaphy group (p < 0.05). Postoperative morphometric analysis revealed better results after small gap anastomosis compared with epineurium neurorrhaphy. Small gap anastomosis via cutting and sleeve jointing the epineurium could be an alternative to epineurium neurorrhaphy for the repair of peripheral nerve injury, particularly, considering that the epineurium originates from native tissue that provides a suitable microenvironment for the selective regeneration of axons. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Oregon department of transportation small business group twice-monthly payments pilot project : summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-07-01

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently completed a pilot study on small business payment practices. In the study, three pilot projects were tested where payments to small business contractors were changed from a monthly payment to twice-...

Interactive large-group teaching in a dermatology course.

PubMed

Ochsendorf, F R; Boehncke, W-H; Sommerlad, M; Kaufmann, R

2006-12-01

This is a prospective study to find out whether an interactive large-group case-based teaching approach combined with small-group bedside teaching improves student satisfaction and learning outcome in a practical dermatology course. During two consecutive terms a rotating system of large-group interactive case-study-method teaching with two tutors (one content expert, one process facilitator) and bedside teaching with randomly appointed tutors was evaluated with a nine-item questionnaire and multiple-choice test performed at the beginning and the end of the course (n = 204/231 students evaluable). The results of three different didactic approaches utilized over the prior year served as a control. The interactive course was rated significantly better (p < 0.0001) than the standard course with regard to all items. The aggregate mark given by the students for the whole course was 1.58-0.61 (mean +/- SD, range 1 (good)-5 (poor)). This was significantly better than the standard course (p < 0.0001) and not different from small-group teaching approaches. The mean test results in the final examination improved significantly (p < 0.01). The combination of large-group interactive teaching and small-group bedside teaching was well accepted, improved the learning outcome, was rated as good as a small-group didactic approach and needed fewer resources in terms of personnel.

Evaluation of gastric and small bowel transit times in coeliac disease with the small bowel PillCam®: a single centre study in a non gluten-free diet adult Italian population with coeliac disease.

PubMed

Urgesi, R; Cianci, R; Bizzotto, A; Costamagna, G; Riccioni, M E

2013-05-01

The mechanisms underlying bowel disturbances in coeliac disease are still relatively unclear. Past reports suggested that small bowel motor abnormalities may be involved in this pathological condition; there are no studies addressing small bowel transit in coeliac disease before and after a gluten-free diet. The objective of this study was to determine whether capsule endoscopy (CE) could serve as a test for measurement of gastric and small bowel transit times in a group of symptomatic or asymptomatic coeliac patients at the time of diagnosis with respect to a control group. Thirty coeliac untreated patients and 30 age-, sex- and BMI-matched healthy controls underwent CE assessment of whole gut transit times. All subjects completed the study per protocol and experienced natural passage of the pill. No statistical significant differences between gastric emptying and small bowel transit times both in coeliac and control group were found (p = 0.1842 and p = 0.7134; C.I. 95%, respectively). No correlation was found in coeliac patients and control group between transit times and age, sex and BMI. By using the Pearson's correlation test, significant correlation emerged between gastric emptying time and small bowel transit times in coeliac disease (r = 0.1706). CE reveals unrecognized gender differences and may be a novel outpatient technique for gut transit times' assessment without exposure to radiation and for the evaluation of upper gut dysfunction in healthy patients suffering from constipation without evidence of intestinal malabsorption. Nevertheless, CE does not seem to be the most suitable method for studying gut transit times in untreated coeliac patients; this might be ascribed to the fact that CE consists of inert (non-digestible, non-absorbable) substances.

Celecoxib Monotherapy Maintained Small Intestinal Mucosa Better Compared With Loxoprofen Plus Lansoprazole Treatment: A Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Fujimori, Shunji; Hanada, Ryuzo; Hayashida, Mari; Sakurai, Toshiyuki; Ikushima, Ippei; Sakamoto, Choitsu

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to compare celecoxib with loxoprofen for protection of small intestine. RCT studies report that COX-2 selective inhibitor celecoxib induces fewer small intestinal injuries than nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Loxoprofen is a prodrug nonselective NSAID developed to protect upper gastrointestinal tract. A total of 150 healthy volunteers (40 to 70 y) were enrolled. After medical checkup including laboratory data, subjects were randomly assigned to celecoxib (200 mg daily) or loxoprofen (180 mg daily) plus lansoprazole (15 mg daily). All drugs were prepared using inactive capsules. After randomization, all subjects were first examined by baseline capsule endoscopy (CE). After 14 days, subjects underwent posttreatment CE. We compared baseline and posttreatment CE findings of the 2 groups. All CE data were evaluated blindly by 3 reviewers. Pretreatment and posttreatment laboratory variables were also compared. A total of 74 subjects (49±6 y, F/M: 36/38) were enrolled in celecoxib group and 76 subjects (49±7 y, F/M: 39/37)in loxoprofen group. Five in celecoxib group and 4 in loxoprofen group were excluded from CE analysis mainly due to incomplete CE. The percentage of subjects with at least 1 posttreatment mucosal break was lower in celecoxib group (10%) than in loxoprofen group (49%) (P<0.0001). A total of 0.3±1.0 posttreatment small intestinal mucosal breaks were detected in the celecoxib group, and 6.8±21.5 in the loxoprofen group (P<0.0001). Posttreatment hemoglobin concentration in loxoprofen group (5.1% reduction) was lower compared with celecoxib group (2.1% reduction) (P=0.006). In terms of protection of small intestine from NSAIDs toxicity, celecoxib monotherapy was superior to loxoprofen+lansoprazole combination therapy (UMIN: 000007936).

A qualitative assessment of faculty perspectives of small group teaching experience in Iraq.

PubMed

Saleh, Abubakir M; Shabila, Nazar P; Dabbagh, Ali A; Al-Tawil, Namir G; Al-Hadithi, Tariq S

2015-02-15

Although medical colleges in Iraq started recently to increasingly use small group teaching approach, there is limited research on the challenges, opportunities and needs of small group teaching in Iraq particularly in Kurdistan Region. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the small group teaching experience in the 4(th) and 5(th) year of study in Hawler College of Medicine with a focus on characterizing the impressions of faculty members about how small group teaching is proceeding in the college. A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected faculty members was conducted. An interview guide was used for data collection that was around different issues related to small group teaching in medical education including planning, preparation, positive aspects, problems facing its implementation, factors related to it and recommendations for improvement. Qualitative data analysis comprised identifying themes that emerged from the review of transcribed interviews. Participants reported some positive experience and a number of positive outcomes related to this experience including better controlling the class, enhancing students' understanding of the subject, increasing interaction in the class, increasing the students' confidence, enhancing more contact between teachers and students, improving the presentation skills of the students and improving the teacher performance. The participants emphasized poor preparation and planning for application of this system and highlighted a number of problems and challenges facing this experience particularly in terms of poor infrastructure and teaching facilities, poor orientation of students and teachers, inadequate course time for some subjects and shortage of faculty members in a number of departments. The main suggestions to improve this experience included improving the infrastructure and teaching facilities, using more interactive teaching methods and better organization and management of the system. Despite what the faculty perceived as the college's failure to provide physical settings or training for small group learning to the faculty and the students, the faculty members were able to articulate positive experiences and outcomes associated with their college's efforts to introduce teaching in smaller group sessions.

The Application of Video Clips with Small Group and Individual Activities to Improve Young Learners' Speaking Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muslem, Asnawi; Mustafa, Faisal; Usman, Bustami; Rahman, Aulia

2017-01-01

This study investigated whether the application of video clips with small groups or with individual teaching-learning activities improved the speaking skills of young EFL learners the most; accordingly a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test design was done. The instrument used in this study was a test in the form of an oral test or…

Going "Meta": Using a Metadiscoursal Approach to Develop Secondary Students' Dialogic Talk in Small Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sutherland, Julia

2015-01-01

This paper reports on a year-long research study: four teachers of English, their Year 8 (13-14 year old) classes (110 students) in urban, secondary schools and a university teacher educator investigated the contexts for students to develop dialogic, exploratory talk in small groups. Assuming a Vygotskyan perspective, the study adapted a pedagogic…

Information Problem-Solving Skills in Small Virtual Groups and Learning Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garcia, Consuelo; Badia, Antoni

2017-01-01

This study investigated the frequency of use of information problem-solving (IPS) skills and its relationship with learning outcomes. During the course of the study, 40 teachers carried out a collaborative IPS task in small virtual groups in a 4-week online training course. The status of IPS skills was collected through self-reports handed in over…

Teaching Play Skills to Children with Autism through Video Modeling: Small Group Arrangement and Observational Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ozen, Arzu; Batu, Sema; Birkan, Binyamin

2012-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to examine if video modeling was an effective way of teaching sociodramatic play skills to individuals with autism in a small group arrangement. Besides maintenance, observational learning and social validation data were collected. Three 9 year old boys with autism participated in the study. Multiple probe…

Comparison of Two Small-Group Learning Methods in 12th-Grade Physics Classes Focusing on Intrinsic Motivation and Academic Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berger, Roland; Hanze, Martin

2009-01-01

Twelfth-grade physics classes with 344 students participated in a quasi-experimental study comparing two small-group learning settings. In the jigsaw classroom, in contrast to the cyclical rotation method, teaching expectancy as well as resource interdependence is established. The study is based on the self-determination theory of motivation,…

A Study of the Effectiveness of a Small-Group Intervention on the Vocabulary and Narrative Development of At-Risk Kindergarten Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nielsen, Diane Corcoran; Friesen, Lisa Dinner

2012-01-01

This study investigated the effect of a small-group storybook-based intervention on kindergarten students' vocabulary and narrative development, which is important to later reading achievement. Twenty-eight kindergarten children from a high-poverty urban school, all significantly behind their peers on standardized measures of language development…

Small laser spot versus standard laser spot photodynamic therapy for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Li, Xiao-xin; Tao, Yong

2012-12-01

Idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV) affects young patients and thus may have a significant impact on vision and life quality over a patient's lifespan. This study was designed to compare the visual outcome and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage after photodynamic therapy (PDT) with small laser spot and PDT with standard laser spot for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV). This was a randomized controlled study. Fifty-two patients with ICNV were enrolled and randomly divided into a study group (small laser spot PDT, n = 27) and a control group (standard laser spot PDT, n = 25). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optic coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA) findings were the main measurements. The patients were followed up 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9 months and 1 year after PDT. BCVA improvement was statistically significantly higher in the study group than the control group at 6-month ((25.53 ± 15.01) letters vs. (14.71 ± 11.66) letters, P = 0.025) and 9-month follow-ups ((27.53 ± 17.78) letters vs. (15.59 ± 12.21) letters, P = 0.039). At 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the quadrants of RPE damage between the two groups varied significantly (P < 0.001 and P = 0.023, respectively). In each follow-up, the number of cases with decreased or unchanged leakage of choroidal neovascularization by FA and reduced subretinal fluid by OCT did not vary significantly between the two groups. Ten cases (37.0%) in the study group and eight cases (32.0%) in the control group suffered from recurrent CNV (P = 0.703). Better visual improvements, less RPE damage, a similar recurrent rate of CNV and change of subretinal fluid were observed in the small laser spot PDT group than in the standard laser spot PDT group for ICNV.

High-Intensity Small-Sided Games versus Repeated Sprint Training in Junior Soccer Players.

PubMed

Eniseler, Niyazi; Şahan, Çağatay; Özcan, Ilker; Dinler, Kıvanç

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity small-sided games training (SSGT) versus repeated-sprint training (RST) on repeated-sprint ability (RSA), soccer specific endurance performance and short passing ability among junior soccer players. The junior soccer players were recruited from of a professional team (age 16.9 ± 1.1 years). The tests included the repeated-shuttle-sprint ability test (RSSAT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to either the small-sided games training (SSGTG) (n = 10) or repeated-sprint training group (RSTG) (n = 9). Small-sided games or repeated-sprint training were added to the regular training sessions for two days of the regular practice week. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine differences in groups and training effects. A time x training group effect was found in the improvement of short-passing ability for the smallsided games training group which showed significantly better scores than the repeated-sprint training group (p ≤ 0.05). Both groups showed similar improvements in RSAdecrement (p < 0.05). Only the repeated-sprint training group improved in the Yo-Yo IR1 (p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that high-intensity small-sided games training can be used as an effective training mode to enhance both repeated sprint ability and short-passing ability.

High-Intensity Small-Sided Games versus Repeated Sprint Training in Junior Soccer Players

PubMed Central

Şahan, Çağatay; Özcan, Ilker; Dinler, Kıvanç

2017-01-01

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity small-sided games training (SSGT) versus repeated-sprint training (RST) on repeated-sprint ability (RSA), soccer specific endurance performance and short passing ability among junior soccer players. The junior soccer players were recruited from of a professional team (age 16.9 ± 1.1 years). The tests included the repeated-shuttle-sprint ability test (RSSAT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to either the small-sided games training (SSGTG) (n = 10) or repeated-sprint training group (RSTG) (n = 9). Small-sided games or repeated-sprint training were added to the regular training sessions for two days of the regular practice week. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine differences in groups and training effects. A time x training group effect was found in the improvement of short-passing ability for the smallsided games training group which showed significantly better scores than the repeated-sprint training group (p ≤ 0.05). Both groups showed similar improvements in RSAdecrement (p < 0.05). Only the repeated-sprint training group improved in the Yo-Yo IR1 (p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that high-intensity small-sided games training can be used as an effective training mode to enhance both repeated sprint ability and short-passing ability. PMID:29339990

The Study of Small Groups and Microevolution: A Project for Physical Anthropology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rice, Patricia C.

1985-01-01

Describes a hands-on project in which anthropology students play the role of professional physical anthropologist in collecting and analyzing data on a small group of contemporary humans. Use of simulated data to represent ancestral populations results in an analysis of microevolution. (KH)

How Introverts versus Extroverts Approach Small-Group Argumentative Discussions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nussbaum, E. Michael

2002-01-01

Explored in two studies disparities between how students with different degrees of extroversion and introversion engaged in small-group discussions requiring construction and critique of arguments. Found that extroverted students exhibited a greater tendency to use conflictual discourse, whereas introverted students worked with one another…

Effect of small bowel preparation with simethicone on capsule endoscopy.

PubMed

Fang, You-hong; Chen, Chun-xiao; Zhang, Bing-ling

2009-01-01

Capsule endoscopy is a novel non-invasive method for visualization of the entire small bowel. The diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy depends on the quality of visualization of the small bowel mucosa and its complete passage through the small bowel. To date, there is no standardized protocol for bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy. The addition of simethicone in the bowel preparation for the purpose of reducing air bubbles in the intestinal lumen had only been studied by a few investigators. Sixty-four participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive a bowel preparation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution (Group 1) and both PEG solution and simethicone (Group 2). The PEG solution and simethicone were taken the night before and 20 min prior to capsule endoscopy, respectively. Frames taken in the small intestine were examined and scored for luminal bubbles by two professional capsule endoscopists. Gastric emptying time and small bowel transit time were also recorded. Simethicone significantly reduced luminal bubbles both in the proximal and distal small intestines. The mean time proportions with slight bubbles in the proximal and distal intestines in Group 2 were 97.1% and 99.0%, respectively, compared with 67.2% (P<0.001) and 68.8% (P<0.001) in Group 1. Simethicone had no effect on mean gastric emptying time, 32.08 min in Group 2 compared with 30.88 min in Group 1 (P=0.868), but it did increase mean small intestinal transit time from 227.28 to 281.84 min (P=0.003). Bowel preparation with both PEG and simethicone significantly reduced bubbles in the intestinal lumen and improved the visualization of the small bowel by capsule endoscopy without any side effects observed.

Effect of small bowel preparation with simethicone on capsule endoscopy*

PubMed Central

Fang, You-hong; Chen, Chun-xiao; Zhang, Bing-ling

2009-01-01

Background: Capsule endoscopy is a novel non-invasive method for visualization of the entire small bowel. The diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy depends on the quality of visualization of the small bowel mucosa and its complete passage through the small bowel. To date, there is no standardized protocol for bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy. The addition of simethicone in the bowel preparation for the purpose of reducing air bubbles in the intestinal lumen had only been studied by a few investigators. Methods: Sixty-four participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive a bowel preparation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution (Group 1) and both PEG solution and simethicone (Group 2). The PEG solution and simethicone were taken the night before and 20 min prior to capsule endoscopy, respectively. Frames taken in the small intestine were examined and scored for luminal bubbles by two professional capsule endoscopists. Gastric emptying time and small bowel transit time were also recorded. Results: Simethicone significantly reduced luminal bubbles both in the proximal and distal small intestines. The mean time proportions with slight bubbles in the proximal and distal intestines in Group 2 were 97.1% and 99.0%, respectively, compared with 67.2% (P<0.001) and 68.8% (P<0.001) in Group 1. Simethicone had no effect on mean gastric emptying time, 32.08 min in Group 2 compared with 30.88 min in Group 1 (P=0.868), but it did increase mean small intestinal transit time from 227.28 to 281.84 min (P=0.003). Conclusion: Bowel preparation with both PEG and simethicone significantly reduced bubbles in the intestinal lumen and improved the visualization of the small bowel by capsule endoscopy without any side effects observed. PMID:19198022

A Program Aimed at Reducing Anxiety in Pregnant Women Diagnosed With a Small-for-Gestational-Age Fetus: Evaluative Findings From a Spanish Study.

PubMed

Arranz Betegón, Ángela; García, Marta; Parés, Sandra; Montenegro, Gala; Feixas, Georgina; Padilla, Nelly; Camacho, Alba; Goberna, Josefina; Botet, Francesc; Gratacós, Eduard

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of anxiety-reducing techniques including music therapy, sophrology, and creative visualization in pregnant women with a fetus diagnosed as small for gestational age and improved fetal and neonatal weight. This was a quasi-experimental study with a nonrandomized clinical trial design. We compared 2 groups of pregnant women with a fetus diagnosed as small for gestational age with no abnormalities on Doppler studies. The control group (n = 93) received standard care, and the intervention group (n = 65), in addition to standard care, underwent a program of 6 sessions led by a midwife or nurse who taught anxiety-reduction techniques. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) including trait and state subscales were completed by both groups at the start of the study, and only the STAI-State subscale was completed again at the end of the study. Comparisons between the 2 groups regarding fetal weight and centile and maternal STAI scores were performed using the t test and the χ test. There were no significant differences in the STAI-Trait scores between the 2 groups. There were statistically significant differences in the intervention group's STAI-State score percentiles between the start and the end of the study, being lower at the end of the study (P < .001). There were significant differences between the 2 groups in fetal weight trajectory on the basis of fetal weight: the intervention group had a larger weight gain (P < .005). The program designed to reduce anxiety in pregnant women was effective at reducing anxiety in the women in the intervention group, leading to a favorable fetal weight trajectory in this group.

A comparison of quality and utilization problems in large and small group practices.

PubMed

Gleason, S C; Richards, M J; Quinnell, J E

1995-12-01

Physicians practicing in large, multispecialty medical groups share an organizational culture that differs from that of physicians in small or independent practices. Since 1980, there has been a sharp increase in the size of multispecialty group practice organizations, in part because of increased efficiencies of large group practices. The greater number of physicians and support personnel in a large group practice also requires a relatively more sophisticated management structure. The efficiencies, conveniences, and management structure of a large group practice provide an optimal environment to practice medicine. However, a search of the literature found no data linking a large group practice environment to practice outcomes. The purpose of the study reported in this article was to determine if physicians in large practices have fewer quality and utilization problems than physicians in small or independent practices.

The Quality of Teachers' Interactive Conversations with Preschool Children from Low-Income Families during Small-Group and Large-Group Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Jennifer J.; de Groot Kim, Sonja

2014-01-01

This study examined the quality of preschool teachers' interactive conversations with three- and four-year-olds in two Head Start classrooms serving children from low-income families in the United States. Over a period of 20?weeks, 10 bi-weekly observations of conversations (totaling 15?h per classroom) were conducted in one small-group (Play…

Efficacy of Thematic Units on Language and Literacy: A Collaborative Study of a Shelter Unit Intervention with Struggling First Graders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hale, Suzan L.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of using thematic units in small group instructional settings for struggling readers to increase oral language in the areas of receptive, expressive, and written vocabulary. This research examined the efficacy of using thematic units in small group instructional settings for struggling readers…

The Effect of the Student Success Skills Small Group Counseling Intervention on Factors Associated with Dropout Potential in High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weinstein, Jodie

2013-01-01

The focus of this study is to add to the outcome research on effective school counseling interventions and to specifically evaluate the effectiveness of the Student Success Skills (SSS) small group intervention with students identified as having drop out potential in the 9th grade. This study analyzed two years of pre-existing, non-identifiable…

Improving Early Reading Skills in Young Children through an iPad App: Small-Group Instruction and Observational Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chai, Zhen

2017-01-01

This study evaluated the effectiveness of using a researcher-developed iPad app with a 0- to 5-s constant time delay procedure to improve phonological awareness skills of young children with mild developmental delays in a small-group arrangement in a rural public elementary school in Southwest United States. The study was conducted using a…

Talking Science: The Research Evidence on the Use of Small Group Discussions in Science Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Judith; Hogarth, Sylvia; Lubben, Fred; Campbell, Bob; Robinson, Alison

2010-01-01

This paper reports the findings of two systematic reviews of the use and effects of small group discussions in high school science teaching. Ninety-four studies were included in an overview (systematic map) of work in the area, and 24 studies formed the basis of the in-depth reviews. The reviews indicate that there is considerable diversity in the…

Talking Science: The research evidence on the use of small group discussions in science teaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, Judith; Hogarth, Sylvia; Lubben, Fred; Campbell, Bob; Robinson, Alison

2010-01-01

This paper reports the findings of two systematic reviews of the use and effects of small group discussions in high school science teaching. Ninety-four studies were included in an overview (systematic map) of work in the area, and 24 studies formed the basis of the in-depth reviews. The reviews indicate that there is considerable diversity in the topics used to promote small group discussions. They also demonstrate that students often struggle to formulate and express coherent arguments, and demonstrate a low level of engagement with tasks. The reviews suggest that groups function more purposefully, and understanding improves most, when specifically constituted such that differing views are represented, when some form of training is provided for students on effective group work, and when help in structuring discussions is provided in the form of "cues". Single-sex groups function more purposefully than mixed-sex groups, though improvements in understanding are independent of gender composition of groups. Finally, the reviews demonstrate very clearly that, for small group discussions to be effective, teachers and students need to be given explicit teaching in the skills associated with the development of arguments and the characteristics associated with effective group discussions. In addition to the substantive findings, the paper also reports on key features of the methods employed to gather and analyse data. Of particular note are the two contrasting approaches to data analysis, one adopting a grounded theory approach and the other drawing on established methods of discourse analysis.

Small group learning in medical education: a second look at the Springer, Stanne, and Donovan meta-analysis.

PubMed

Colliver, Jerry A; Feltovich, Paul J; Verhulst, Steven J

2003-01-01

All in all, the evidence is not convincing. Only four of the nine randomized studies used the conventional small-group learning paradigm and qualify as studies of small-group learning, which are relevant to medical education. The results of one of the four are impossible to interpret because of the involvement of the investigator in teaching and test construction. The three remaining studies showed no effect, a negative effect, and a positive effect, respectively. The nonrandomized studies failed to establish the comparability of the groups. The evidence does not support the authors' call for "more widespread implementation of small-group learning in undergraduate SMET". Small-group learning has not been shown to support the acquisition of content any better [or worse] than large-group learning. In medical education, small-groups are employed in large part to develop team work skills, communication skills, and peer- and self-assessment skills. But these outcomes are not addressed in this meta-analysis. More seriously, our rereading of these studies raises general concerns about meta-analysis in education, which have important implications for evidence-based medical education. The meta-analysis under discussion at first appeared to be just the kind needed to guide an evidence-based educational enterprise. However, a closer look revealed both what is lacking in the meta-analysis and some of the ways educational research and reporting need to be changed if anything like evidence-based education is ever to become a reality. At the least, study design must be clearly described. In addition, if the design is nonrandomized, the groups should be described in sufficient detail to allow a meaningful interpretation of the role of preexisting differences on the outcome measures. (This is why we limited our discussion here to the randomized studies.) Also, effect-size measures should be reported for all comparisons that bear on the impact of the intervention, including preexisting differences. Reporting significance is not enough. This shows only whether sampling error can be ruled out (with a low probability of error, p < .05) as a possible explanation of the connection between the intervention and the outcome. The effect can still be trivial and the comparisons confounded. In addition, descriptions of the actual educational interventions employed need to be more comprehensive and precise. For the most part, the papers would have been strengthened by providing more information for replicating the studies and for deciding which should be included in a given meta-analysis. Perhaps most seriously, our rereading of these studies makes us wonder about the possibility of meaningfully synthesizing the results of educational studies, given their idiosyncrasies and their many extraneous, uncontrolled factors. The conclusions from most educational studies, then--whether randomized or not--must be highly qualified, with explicit warnings about preexisting differences and other confounding factors that plausibly account for the study results. However, these narrative qualifications do nothing to adjust the effect-size measures, which are typically pooled or synthesized across studies--confounds and all. The idiosyncrasies of the studies seem to preclude a blanket qualification that can be applied conceptually across the collection of studies to arrive at a sound conclusion from the synthesis. In brief, the meta-analysis considered here does not support the application of small-group learning in medical education and it raises questions about meta-analysis in education with implications for evidence-based education.

A Mindfulness Experiential Small Group to Help Students Tolerate Ambiguity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bohecker, Lynn; Vereen, Linwood G.; Wells, Pamela C.; Wathen, Cristen C.

2016-01-01

This study explored the lived experiences of 20 counselors-in-training (CITs) in a mindfulness experiential small group. Using grounded theory, the authors described a 5-dimensional model for navigating ambiguity. Findings suggest mindfulness training provides CITs self-reflection skills and a greater ability to manage cognitive complexity.

Exploring Quadrilaterals in a Small Group Computing Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lai, Kevin; White, Tobin

2012-01-01

Though cooperative learning has been a topic of considerable interest in educational research, there has been little study specific to learning in the mathematics content area of geometry. This paper seeks to address that gap through a design experiment featuring a novel small-group computing environment for supporting student learning about…

Vector analysis of high (≥3 diopters) astigmatism correction using small-incision lenticule extraction and laser in situ keratomileusis.

PubMed

Chan, Tommy C Y; Wang, Yan; Ng, Alex L K; Zhang, Jiamei; Yu, Marco C Y; Jhanji, Vishal; Cheng, George P M

2018-06-13

To compare the astigmatic correction in high myopic astigmatism between small-incision lenticule extraction and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using vector analysis. Hong Kong Laser Eye Center, Hong Kong. Retrospective case series. Patients who had correction of myopic astigmatism of 3.0 diopters (D) or more and had either small-incision lenticule extraction or femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK were included. Only the left eye was included for analysis. Visual and refractive results were presented and compared between groups. The study comprised 105 patients (40 eyes in the small-incision lenticule extraction group and 65 eyes in the femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK group.) The mean preoperative manifest cylinder was -3.42 D ± 0.55 (SD) in the small-incision lenticule extraction group and -3.47 ± 0.49 D in the LASIK group (P = .655). At 3 months, there was no significant between-group difference in uncorrected distance visual acuity (P = .915) and manifest spherical equivalent (P = .145). Ninety percent and 95.4% of eyes were within ± 0.5 D of the attempted cylindrical correction for the small-incision lenticule extraction and LASIK group, respectively (P = .423). Vector analysis showed comparable target-induced astigmatism (P = .709), surgically induced astigmatism vector (P = .449), difference vector (P = .335), and magnitude of error (P = .413) between groups. The absolute angle of error was 1.88 ± 2.25 degrees in the small-incision lenticule extraction group and 1.37 ± 1.58 degrees in the LASIK group (P = .217). Small-incision lenticule extraction offered astigmatic correction comparable to LASIK in eyes with high myopic astigmatism. Copyright © 2018 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dynamical networks of influence in small group discussions.

PubMed

Moussaïd, Mehdi; Noriega Campero, Alejandro; Almaatouq, Abdullah

2018-01-01

In many domains of life, business and management, numerous problems are addressed by small groups of individuals engaged in face-to-face discussions. While research in social psychology has a long history of studying the determinants of small group performances, the internal dynamics that govern a group discussion are not yet well understood. Here, we rely on computational methods based on network analyses and opinion dynamics to describe how individuals influence each other during a group discussion. We consider the situation in which a small group of three individuals engages in a discussion to solve an estimation task. We propose a model describing how group members gradually influence each other and revise their judgments over the course of the discussion. The main component of the model is an influence network-a weighted, directed graph that determines the extent to which individuals influence each other during the discussion. In simulations, we first study the optimal structure of the influence network that yields the best group performances. Then, we implement a social learning process by which individuals adapt to the past performance of their peers, thereby affecting the structure of the influence network in the long run. We explore the mechanisms underlying the emergence of efficient or maladaptive networks and show that the influence network can converge towards the optimal one, but only when individuals exhibit a social discounting bias by downgrading the relative performances of their peers. Finally, we find a late-speaker effect, whereby individuals who speak later in the discussion are perceived more positively in the long run and are thus more influential. The numerous predictions of the model can serve as a basis for future experiments, and this work opens research on small group discussion to computational social sciences.

Dynamical networks of influence in small group discussions

PubMed Central

Noriega Campero, Alejandro; Almaatouq, Abdullah

2018-01-01

In many domains of life, business and management, numerous problems are addressed by small groups of individuals engaged in face-to-face discussions. While research in social psychology has a long history of studying the determinants of small group performances, the internal dynamics that govern a group discussion are not yet well understood. Here, we rely on computational methods based on network analyses and opinion dynamics to describe how individuals influence each other during a group discussion. We consider the situation in which a small group of three individuals engages in a discussion to solve an estimation task. We propose a model describing how group members gradually influence each other and revise their judgments over the course of the discussion. The main component of the model is an influence network—a weighted, directed graph that determines the extent to which individuals influence each other during the discussion. In simulations, we first study the optimal structure of the influence network that yields the best group performances. Then, we implement a social learning process by which individuals adapt to the past performance of their peers, thereby affecting the structure of the influence network in the long run. We explore the mechanisms underlying the emergence of efficient or maladaptive networks and show that the influence network can converge towards the optimal one, but only when individuals exhibit a social discounting bias by downgrading the relative performances of their peers. Finally, we find a late-speaker effect, whereby individuals who speak later in the discussion are perceived more positively in the long run and are thus more influential. The numerous predictions of the model can serve as a basis for future experiments, and this work opens research on small group discussion to computational social sciences. PMID:29338013

[Usefulness of continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in monitoring glycaemic profile in small children with diabetes type 1].

PubMed

Głowińska-Olszewska, Barbara; Urban, Mirosława; Peczyńska, Jadwiga; Florys, Bozena; Kowalewski, Marek

2005-01-01

Improved methods of diabetes therapy result in a near normoglycaemic state in many patients. This leads however unfortunately to more frequent hypoglycaemic incidents. Particularly small children, whose nervous system is not fully mature, are at high risk of central nervous system damage in case of hypoglycaemia. A new method of detail monitoring of glycaemia provides CGMS system. The aim of the study was to compare the glycaemic profile, with high attention to hypoglycaemia in groups of young and older children with diabetes type 1, using CGMS and routine glucose meter. We studied 32 children with diabetes type 1. Children were divided into groups: group I--small children, n=17 (<7 yrs of age), mean age 5,8 years, with disease duration--2,46 years, with mean HbA1c level--7,22%, and group II--older children, n=15 (>10 years of age), mean age--12 years, with disease duration--3 years, with HbA1c level--7,21%. Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS), by MiniMed, was applied in outpatient or hospital conditions, after short training of patient and parents; together with routine glucose meter measurements, 4-8 times/24 hours. In 9 patients from small children group CGMS was repeated after 2 months. Hypoglycaemic incidents detected with CGMS were similar in both groups: 4,6 in I group vs. 4,2 in II group (ns). Hypoglycaemic incidents found with meter were lower in I group--1,6 vs. 2,3 in II group (ns). Mean hypoglycaemic time/24 hour was longer in small children group: 101 min vs. 74 min in group II (p<00,05). In I group we found higher number of hypoglycaemic incidents during the night compared to group II--1,7 vs. 0,8 (p<00,05) and longer duration of night hypoglycaemia: in I group--56 min vs. 32 min in group II (p<00,05). Repeated CGMS study in 9 children from I group revealed decreased mean time of hypoglycaemia/24 hours from 134 min/24 h to 90 min/24 h (p<00,05) and decreased time of night hypoglycaemia from 65 min to 40 min (p<00,05), with a comparable number of hypoglycaemic incidents. Hypoglycaemic incidents found with routine meter measurements in small children were 1,6 vs. 4,6 hypoglycaemia found with CGMS (p<00,05), in the older children group routine measurement found 2,3 hypoglycaemia vs. 4,2 detected with CGMS (ns). 1. CGMS can be particularly usefull in monitoring glucose profile and detecting hypoglycaemia incidents, mainly nocturnal in small children. 2. CGMS allows to verify meal dose of insulin and to decrease postprandial hyperglycaemia. 3. Modification of insulin therapy on the base of CGMS helps to decrease the time of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycemia, particularly during the night.

Addition of simethicone improves small bowel capsule endoscopy visualisation quality.

PubMed

Krijbolder, M S; Grooteman, K V; Bogers, S K; de Jong, D J

2018-01-01

Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is an important diagnostic tool for small-bowel diseases but its quality may be hampered by intraluminal gas. This study evaluated the added value of the anti-foaming agent, simethicone, to a bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the quality of small bowel visualisation and its use in the Netherlands. This was a retrospective, single-blind, cohort study. Patients in the PEG group only received PEG prior to SBCE. Patients in the PEG-S group ingested additional simethicone. Two investigators assessed the quality of small-bowel visualisation using a four-point scale for 'intraluminal gas' and 'faecal contamination'. By means of a survey, the use of anti-foaming agents was assessed in a random sample of 16 Dutch hospitals performing SBCE. The quality of small bowel visualisation in the PEG group (n = 33) was significantly more limited by intraluminal gas when compared with the PEG-S group (n = 31): proximal segment 83.3% in PEG group vs. 18.5% in PEG-S group (p < 0.01), distal segment 66.7% vs. 18.5% respectively (p < 0.01). No difference was observed in the amount of faecal contamination (proximal segment 80.0% PEG vs. 59.3% PEG-S, p = 0.2; distal segment 90.0% PEG vs. 85.2% PEG-S, p = 0.7), mean small bowel transit times (4.0 PEG vs. 3.9 hours PEG-S, p = 0.7) and diagnostic yield (43.3% PEG vs. 22.2% PEG-S, p = 0.16). Frequency of anti-foaming agent use in the Netherlands was low (3/16, 18.8%). Simethicone is of added value to a PEG bowel preparation in improving the quality of visualisation of the small bowel by reducing intraluminal gas. At present, the use of anti-foaming agents in SBCE preparation is not standard practice in the Netherlands.

Differential Learning as a Key Training Approach to Improve Creative and Tactical Behavior in Soccer.

PubMed

Santos, Sara; Coutinho, Diogo; Gonçalves, Bruno; Schöllhorn, Wolfgang; Sampaio, Jaime; Leite, Nuno

2018-03-01

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a differential-learning program, embedded in small-sided games, on the creative and tactical behavior of youth soccer players. Forty players from under-13 (U13) and under-15 (U15) were allocated into control and experimental groups and were tested using a randomized pretest to posttest design using small-sided games situations. The experimental group participated in a 5-month differential-learning program embodied in small-sided games situations, while the control group participated in a typical small-sided games training program. In-game creativity was assessed through notational analyses of the creative components, and the players' positional data were used to compute tactical-derived variables. The findings suggested that differential learning facilitated the development of creative components, mainly concerning attempts (U13, small; U15, small), versatility (U13, moderate; U15, small), and originality (U13, unclear; U15, small) of players' actions. Likewise, the differential-learning approach provided a decrease in fails during the game in both experimental groups (moderate). Moreover, differential learning seemed to favor regularity in pitch-positioning behavior for the distance between players' dyads (U13, small; U15, small), the distance to the team target (U13, moderate; U15, small), and the distance to the opponent target (U13, moderate; U15, small). The differential-learning program stressed creative and positional behavior in both age groups with a distinct magnitude of effects, with the U13 players demonstrating higher improvements over the U15 players. Overall, these findings confirmed that the technical variability promoted by differential learning nurtures regularity of positioning behavior.

Evaluation of electronic discussion groups as a teaching/learning strategy in an evidence-based medicine course: a pilot study.

PubMed

Kamin, C; Glicken, A; Hall, M; Quarantillo, B; Merenstein, G

2001-01-01

As course directors, we wished to incorporate small group learning into our Evidence-based Medicine course for students to get feedback on the development of a well constructed, researchable clinical question. Scheduling of these groups was problematic. We sought to evaluate computer-mediated communication as an alternative to face-to-face small groups. Students were randomly assigned to either face-to-face small groups or asynchronous, electronic, small groups. Final examination scores were analyzed with an analysis of variance to determine if there were differences in student performance based on group type. Student survey items were analyzed using Fisher's Exact test to determine if there were differences in student attitudes based on group type. There were no significant differences found in overall student performance. Significant differences in student attitudes were found to exist with respect to: (1) participation in discussions, with face-to-face groups reporting greater participation; (2) putting more thought into comments, with electronic groups reporting more thought put into comments; and (3) difficulty relating to other students in the class, with electronic groups reporting more difficulty. We found electronic discussion groups (computer-mediated communication) to be a viable teaching/learning strategy with no adverse effects on student performance or attitudes.

Health insurance reform and HMO penetration in the small group market.

PubMed

Buchmueller, Thomas C; Liu, Su

This study uses data from several national employer surveys conducted between the late 1980s and the mid-1990s to investigate the effect of state-level underwriting reforms on HMO penetration in the small group health insurance market. We identify reform effects by exploiting cross-state variation in the timing and content of reform legislation and by using mid-sized and large employers, which were not affected by the legislation, as within-state control groups. While it is difficult to disentangle the effect of state reforms from other factors affecting HMO penetration in the small group markets, the results suggest a positive relationship between insurance market regulations and HMO penetration.

Basic steps in establishing effective small group teaching sessions in medical schools.

PubMed

Meo, Sultan Ayoub

2013-07-01

Small-group teaching and learning has achieved an admirable position in medical education and has become more popular as a means of encouraging the students in their studies and enhance the process of deep learning. The main characteristics of small group teaching are active involvement of the learners in entire learning cycle and well defined task orientation with achievable specific aims and objectives in a given time period. The essential components in the development of an ideal small group teaching and learning sessions are preliminary considerations at departmental and institutional level including educational strategies, group composition, physical environment, existing resources, diagnosis of the needs, formulation of the objectives and suitable teaching outline. Small group teaching increases the student interest, teamwork ability, retention of knowledge and skills, enhance transfer of concepts to innovative issues, and improve the self-directed learning. It develops self-motivation, investigating the issues, allows the student to test their thinking and higher-order activities. It also facilitates an adult style of learning, acceptance of personal responsibility for own progress. Moreover, it enhances student-faculty and peer-peer interaction, improves communication skills and provides opportunity to share the responsibility and clarify the points of bafflement.

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis via Small Saphenous Veins for Treating Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis.

PubMed

Yang, Bin; Xu, Xiao-Dong; Gao, Peng; Yu, Ji-Xiang; Li, Yu; Zhu, Ai-Dong; Meng, Ran-Ran

2016-08-23

BACKGROUND There is little data comparing catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) via small saphenous veins vs. systematic thrombolysis on complications and efficacy in acute deep venous thrombosis patients. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of CDT via the small saphenous veins with systematic thrombolysis for patients with acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-six patients with acute DVT admitted from June 2012 to December 2013 were divided into 2 groups: 27 patients received systemic thrombolysis (ST group) and 39 patients received CDT via the small saphenous veins (CDT group). The thrombolysis efficiency, limb circumference differences, and complications such as post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in the 2 groups were recorded. RESULTS The angiograms demonstrated that all or part of the fresh thrombus was dissolved. There was a significant difference regarding thrombolysis efficiency between the CDT group and ST group (71.26% vs. 48.26%, P=0.001). In both groups the postoperative limb circumference changes were higher compared to the preoperative values. The differences between postoperative limb circumferences on postoperative days 7 and 14 were significantly higher in the CDT group than in the ST group (all P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative PTS in the CDT group (17.9%) was significantly lower in comparison to the ST group (51.85%) during the follow-up (P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS Catheter-directed thrombolysis via the small saphenous veins is an effective, safe, and feasible approach for treating acute deep venous thrombosis.

Among friends: the role of academic-preparedness diversity in individual performance within a small-group STEM learning environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Micari, Marina; Van Winkle, Zachary; Pazos, Pilar

2016-08-01

In this study, we investigate the relationship between academic-preparedness diversity within small learning groups and individual academic performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) university courses. We further examine whether academic-preparedness diversity impacts academically more- and less-prepared students differently. We use data from 5367 university students nested within 1141 science, engineering, and mathematics learning groups and use a regression analysis to estimate the effect of group diversity, measured in two ways, on course performance. Our results indicate that academic-preparedness diversity is generally associated with positive learning outcomes, that academically less-prepared students derive greater benefit, and that less-prepared students fare best when they are not alone in a group of highly prepared students. Implications for teaching and small-group facilitation are addressed.

Introduction to Small Group Discussion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Millar, Dan Pyle

To bring educational research into focus with tested classroom practice, this booklet provides an introduction to small group discussion. The theory and research section discusses the importance of small group discussion, characteristics of small group discussions, group attraction based on Maslow's hierarchy of basic human needs, group decision…

Small renal size in newborns with spina bifida: possible causes.

PubMed

Montaldo, Paolo; Montaldo, Luisa; Iossa, Azzurra Concetta; Cennamo, Marina; Caredda, Elisabetta; Del Gado, Roberto

2014-02-01

Previous studies reported that children with neural tube defects, but without any history of intrinsic renal diseases, have small kidneys when compared with age-matched standard renal growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible causes of small renal size in children with spina bifida by comparing growth hormone deficiency, physical limitations and hyperhomocysteinemia. The sample included 187 newborns with spina bifida. Renal sizes in the patients were assessed by using maximum measurement of renal length and the measurements were compared by using the Sutherland monogram. According to the results, the sample was divided into two groups--a group of 120 patients with small kidneys (under the third percentile) and a control group of 67 newborns with normal kidney size. Plasma total homocysteine was investigated in mothers and in their children. Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were measured. Serum IGF-1 levels were normal in both groups. Children and mothers with homocysteine levels >10 μmol/l were more than twice as likely to have small kidneys and to give to birth children with small kidneys, respectively, compared with newborns and mothers with homocysteine levels <10 μmol/l. An inverse correlation was also found between the homocysteine levels of mothers and kidney sizes of children (r = - 0.6109 P ≤ 0.01). It is highly important for mothers with hyperhomocysteinemia to be educated about benefits of folate supplementation in order to reduce the risk of small renal size and lower renal function in children.

A Life-Cycle Model of Human Social Groups Produces a U-Shaped Distribution in Group Size.

PubMed

Salali, Gul Deniz; Whitehouse, Harvey; Hochberg, Michael E

2015-01-01

One of the central puzzles in the study of sociocultural evolution is how and why transitions from small-scale human groups to large-scale, hierarchically more complex ones occurred. Here we develop a spatially explicit agent-based model as a first step towards understanding the ecological dynamics of small and large-scale human groups. By analogy with the interactions between single-celled and multicellular organisms, we build a theory of group lifecycles as an emergent property of single cell demographic and expansion behaviours. We find that once the transition from small-scale to large-scale groups occurs, a few large-scale groups continue expanding while small-scale groups gradually become scarcer, and large-scale groups become larger in size and fewer in number over time. Demographic and expansion behaviours of groups are largely influenced by the distribution and availability of resources. Our results conform to a pattern of human political change in which religions and nation states come to be represented by a few large units and many smaller ones. Future enhancements of the model should include decision-making rules and probabilities of fragmentation for large-scale societies. We suggest that the synthesis of population ecology and social evolution will generate increasingly plausible models of human group dynamics.

A Life-Cycle Model of Human Social Groups Produces a U-Shaped Distribution in Group Size

PubMed Central

Salali, Gul Deniz; Whitehouse, Harvey; Hochberg, Michael E.

2015-01-01

One of the central puzzles in the study of sociocultural evolution is how and why transitions from small-scale human groups to large-scale, hierarchically more complex ones occurred. Here we develop a spatially explicit agent-based model as a first step towards understanding the ecological dynamics of small and large-scale human groups. By analogy with the interactions between single-celled and multicellular organisms, we build a theory of group lifecycles as an emergent property of single cell demographic and expansion behaviours. We find that once the transition from small-scale to large-scale groups occurs, a few large-scale groups continue expanding while small-scale groups gradually become scarcer, and large-scale groups become larger in size and fewer in number over time. Demographic and expansion behaviours of groups are largely influenced by the distribution and availability of resources. Our results conform to a pattern of human political change in which religions and nation states come to be represented by a few large units and many smaller ones. Future enhancements of the model should include decision-making rules and probabilities of fragmentation for large-scale societies. We suggest that the synthesis of population ecology and social evolution will generate increasingly plausible models of human group dynamics. PMID:26381745

Using Small-Group Discussions in Science Lectures: A Study of Two Professors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Windschitl, Mark

1999-01-01

Describes and evaluates a technique used in two science lecture courses (biochemistry and introductory meteorology), in which lectures were interspersed with frequent, brief discussions within spontaneously formed small groups. Some differences were found in the ways the two professors managed the technique, but both felt in-class participation…

Among Friends: The Role of Academic-Preparedness Diversity in Individual Performance within a Small-Group STEM Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Micari, Marina; Van Winkle, Zachary; Pazos, Pilar

2016-01-01

In this study, we investigate the relationship between academic-preparedness diversity within small learning groups and individual academic performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) university courses. We further examine whether academic-preparedness diversity impacts academically more- and less-prepared students…

A Comparison of Computer-Assisted Instruction and Tutorials in Hematology and Oncology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garrett, T. J.; And Others

1987-01-01

A study comparing the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and small group instruction found no significant difference in medical student achievement in oncology but higher achievement through small-group instruction in hematology. Students did not view CAI as more effective, but saw it as a supplement to traditional methods. (MSE)

Children's Behaviors and Emotions in Small-Group Argumentative Discussion: Explore the Influence of Big Five Personality Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dong, Ting

2009-01-01

The assessment and structure of personality traits and small group learning during classroom discussions are both research fields that have undergone fast development in the past few decades. However, very few studies have investigated the relationship between individual personality characteristics and performance in discussions, especially with…

Assessing and Predicting Small-Group Literacy Instruction in Early Childhood Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farley, Kristin Sue; Piasta, Shayne; Dogucu, Mine; O'Connell, Ann

2017-01-01

Research Findings: The present study assessed the extent to which early childhood educators utilized small-group literacy instruction and explored factors potentially associated with the use of this evidence-based practice. The classroom activities of 83 early childhood educators were observed in the fall and spring, and videos were coded to…

Evaluating Impact of Small-Group Discussion on Learning Utilizing a Classroom Response System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flosason, Thorhallur O.; McGee, Heather M.; Diener-Ludwig, Lori

2015-01-01

Classroom response systems (also referred to as clickers) can enhance learning outcomes and are generally viewed favorably by students and instructors alike. The current study used an alternating treatments design to examine whether discussing questions in small groups before responding to clicker questions during lecture improved accurate…

Coaching Paraprofessionals to Promote Engagement and Social Interactions during Small Group Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ledford, Jennifer R.; Zimmerman, Kathleen N.; Chazin, Kate T.; Patel, Natasha M.; Morales, Vivian A.; Bennett, Brittany P.

2017-01-01

Paraprofessionals need adequate training and supports to assist young children with autism spectrum disorders to engage in appropriate social interactions during small group activities with their peers. In this study, we used in-situ coaching and brief post-session feedback to improve the use of environmental arrangement, prompting, and praise by…

Coaching Paraprofessionals to Promote Engagement and Social Interactions during Small Group Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ledford, Jennifer R.; Zimmerman, Kathleen N.; Chazin, Kate T.; Patel, Natasha M.; Morales, Vivian A.; Bennett, Brittany P.

2017-01-01

Paraprofessionals need adequate training and supports to assist young children with autism spectrum disorders to engage in appropriate social interactions during small group activities with their peers. In this study, we used in situ coaching and brief post-session feedback to improve the use of environmental arrangement, prompting, and praise by…

Exploring Differences in Students' Engagement in Literature Discussions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Godinho, Sally; Shrimpton, Bradley

This paper discusses research in progress which is examining differences in the ways that boys and girls engage in small-group literature discussions, and the enabling strategies teachers use to support student talk. The paper uses case studies which draw on videotaped data from small-group literature discussions, interviews with teachers, and…

Observational and Incidental Learning by Children with Autism during Small Group Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ledford, Jennifer R.; Gast, David L.; Luscre, Deanna; Ayres, Kevin M.

2008-01-01

This study evaluated the acquisition of incidental and observational information presented to 6 children with autism in a small group instructional arrangement using a constant time delay (CTD) procedure. A multiple probe design across behaviors, replicated across 6 participants, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the CTD procedure and to…

[Effects of a cultural competence promotion program for multicultural maternity nursing care: case-based small group learning].

PubMed

Park, Myung-Sook; Kweon, Young-Ran

2013-10-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a cultural competence improvement program for maternity nurses. A quasi-experimental study using a non-equivalent control group pre and posttest design was used. Participants were 67 maternity nurses caring for multicultural pregnant women in G city. The cultural competence improvement program was developed based on the 3-D Puzzle Model and was provided using case-based small group learning methods for the experimental group (n=31). The control group (n=36) did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using self-report structured questionnaires at two time points: prior to the intervention and after the intervention and were analyzed with descriptive statistics, χ²-test, and t-test. Compared to the control group, the experimental group reported significant positive changes for cultural knowledge (t=6.39, p<.001), cultural awareness (t=3.50, p<.001), and cultural acceptance (t=4.08, p<.001). However, change in cultural nursing behaviors (t=0.92, p=.067) was not significantly different between the two groups. Findings from this study indicate that a cultural competence improvement program with case-based small group learning is a useful intervention strategy to promote multicultural maternity care. Further, strategies to improve cultural nursing behavior should be developed to promote culturally congruent nursing care.

Group music performance causes elevated pain thresholds and social bonding in small and large groups of singers

PubMed Central

Weinstein, Daniel; Launay, Jacques; Pearce, Eiluned; Dunbar, Robin I. M.; Stewart, Lauren

2016-01-01

Over our evolutionary history, humans have faced the problem of how to create and maintain social bonds in progressively larger groups compared to those of our primate ancestors. Evidence from historical and anthropological records suggests that group music-making might act as a mechanism by which this large-scale social bonding could occur. While previous research has shown effects of music making on social bonds in small group contexts, the question of whether this effect ‘scales up’ to larger groups is particularly important when considering the potential role of music for large-scale social bonding. The current study recruited individuals from a community choir that met in both small (n = 20 – 80) and large (a ‘megachoir’ combining individuals from the smaller subchoirs n = 232) group contexts. Participants gave self-report measures (via a survey) of social bonding and had pain threshold measurements taken (as a proxy for endorphin release) before and after 90 minutes of singing. Results showed that feelings of inclusion, connectivity, positive affect, and measures of endorphin release all increased across singing rehearsals and that the influence of group singing was comparable for pain thresholds in the large versus small group context. Levels of social closeness were found to be greater at pre- and post-levels for the small choir condition. However, the large choir condition experienced a greater change in social closeness as compared to the small condition. The finding that singing together fosters social closeness – even in large contexts where individuals are not known to each other – is consistent with evolutionary accounts that emphasize the role of music in social bonding, particularly in the context of creating larger cohesive groups than other primates are able to manage. PMID:27158219

Inference With Difference-in-Differences With a Small Number of Groups: A Review, Simulation Study, and Empirical Application Using SHARE Data.

PubMed

Rokicki, Slawa; Cohen, Jessica; Fink, Günther; Salomon, Joshua A; Landrum, Mary Beth

2018-01-01

Difference-in-differences (DID) estimation has become increasingly popular as an approach to evaluate the effect of a group-level policy on individual-level outcomes. Several statistical methodologies have been proposed to correct for the within-group correlation of model errors resulting from the clustering of data. Little is known about how well these corrections perform with the often small number of groups observed in health research using longitudinal data. First, we review the most commonly used modeling solutions in DID estimation for panel data, including generalized estimating equations (GEE), permutation tests, clustered standard errors (CSE), wild cluster bootstrapping, and aggregation. Second, we compare the empirical coverage rates and power of these methods using a Monte Carlo simulation study in scenarios in which we vary the degree of error correlation, the group size balance, and the proportion of treated groups. Third, we provide an empirical example using the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe. When the number of groups is small, CSE are systematically biased downwards in scenarios when data are unbalanced or when there is a low proportion of treated groups. This can result in over-rejection of the null even when data are composed of up to 50 groups. Aggregation, permutation tests, bias-adjusted GEE, and wild cluster bootstrap produce coverage rates close to the nominal rate for almost all scenarios, though GEE may suffer from low power. In DID estimation with a small number of groups, analysis using aggregation, permutation tests, wild cluster bootstrap, or bias-adjusted GEE is recommended.

Xenografts Supplemented with Pamindronate placed in postextraction sockets to avoid crestal bone resorption. Experimental study in Fox hound dogs.

PubMed

Lozano-Carrascal, Naroa; Delgado-Ruiz, Rafael Arcesio; Gargallo-Albiol, Jordi; Maté-Sánchez, José Eduardo; Hernandez Alfaro, Federico; Calvo-Guirado, José Luis

2016-02-01

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of porcine xenografts (MP3(®)) with or without pamindronate for the healing of small and large defects of postextraction sockets. Six beagle dogs were used in the study; second premolars and first molars of the mandible were extracted, small defects (SD) and large defects (LD) were identified. Each defect was measured and randomly filled as follows: SC (small control defects filled with MP3(®) alone), ST (small test defects filled with MP3(®) modified with pamindronate), LC (large control defects filled with MP3(®) alone), LT (large test defects filled with MP3(®) modified with pamindronate). After 4 and 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the percentages of new bone formation (NB), residual graft (RG) and connective tissue (CT) were analysed by histology and histomorphometry of undecalcified samples. After 4 weeks, NB formation was higher for ST compared to all groups and for LT compared to LC (P < 0.05); RG was significantly higher in both control groups compared to tests (P < 0.05); and CT was higher in large defects (LC and LT) compared to small defects. After 8 weeks, NB formation was higher for test groups (ST and LT) compared to controls (P < 0.05); RG was significantly higher in both control groups compared to tests (P < 0.05); and CT was higher in large defects (LC and LT) compared to small defects (P < 0.05). Within the limitations of this experimental study, the findings suggest that porcine xenografts modified with pamindronate favours the new bone formation and increased the porcine xenograft substitution/replacement after 4 and 8 weeks of healing. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

75 FR 29605 - Clean Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Engine Conversions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-26

... Small Volume Manufacturers and Small Volume Test Groups 1. Definition of Small Volume Manufacturers, Small Volume Test Groups, and Small Volume Engine Families a. Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Complete... and Engines 2. Test Groups, Engine Families, and Evaporative Families a. Test Groups for Light-Duty...

Randomized controlled trial of 3 days fasting and oral senna, combined with mannitol and simethicone, before capsule endoscopy

PubMed Central

Chen, Hong-bin; Lian-xiang, Peng; Yue, Huang; Chun, Huang; Shu-ping, Xiao; Rong-pang, Lin; Xiao-zong, Wang; Xiao-lin, Li

2017-01-01

Abstract Background and Study Aims: The approach to small bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy (CE) is still suboptimal. Patients and Methods: One hundred eighty patients were randomly allocated to 3 groups. Patients in Group A took 250 mL 20% mannitol and 1 L 0.9% saline orally at 05:00 hours on the day of the procedure. In Group B the same preparation was taken at 20:00 on the day before, and at 05:00 on the day of CE; in addition, 20 mL oral simethicone was taken 30 minutes before CE. Group C was treated identically to Group B, except that the patients fasted for 3 days and took 3 g senna orally 3 times daily before CE. The length of bowel containing green luminal contents was assessed by ImageJ software and bowel cleanliness was evaluated by computed assessment of the cleansing score. Results: Cleansing of the whole small bowel and the distal small bowel were significantly different between the 3 groups (χ2 = 22.470, P = .000; χ2 = 17.029, P = .000, respectively). There were also significant differences between the 3 groups in the length of small bowel and specifically the length of the distal small bowel containing green luminal contents (χ2 = 12.390, P = .000, χ2 = 15.141, P = .000, respectively), but not with regard to the proximal small bowel (χ2 = 0.678, P = .509). Conclusions: Three days fasting and oral senna, combined with 20% mannitol and simethicone, before CE, can reduce the effects of bile on the small bowel and improve small bowel cleansing, especially in the distal small intestine. PMID:29069003

A Description of Contrasting Discourse Patterns Used in Differentiated Reading Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ankrum, Julie; Genest, Maria; Morewood, Aimee

2017-01-01

The purpose of this article is to provide a description of contrasting discourse patterns during small-group reading instruction. The authors report on case studies conducted in two 1st-grade classrooms in different school districts in Pennsylvania. Small-group reading instruction was observed over the course of one year in each classroom, and…

The Effects of Social Skills Instruction on the Social Behaviors of Students at Risk for Emotional or Behavioral Disorders.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lo, Ya-yu; Loe, Scott A.; Cartledge, Gwendolyn

2002-01-01

A study examined the effects of pullout small-group and teacher-directed classroom-based social skills instruction on antisocial behaviors of five third- and fourth-grade students at risk for emotional or behavioral disorders. Results indicated moderate reduction in antisocial behaviors during small-group social skills instruction. (Contains…

Student Perceptions of Independent versus Facilitated Small Group Learning Approaches to Compressed Medical Anatomy Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whelan, Alexander; Leddy, John J.; Mindra, Sean; Matthew Hughes, J. D.; El-Bialy, Safaa; Ramnanan, Christopher J.

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare student perceptions regarding two, small group learning approaches to compressed (46.5 prosection-based laboratory hours), integrated anatomy education at the University of Ottawa medical program. In the facilitated active learning (FAL) approach, tutors engage students and are expected to enable and…

Promoting Pre-Service Elementary Students' Understanding of Chemical Equilibrium through Discussions in Small Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bilgin, Ibrahim

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of small group discussion on students' conceptual understanding of chemical equilibrium. Students' understanding of chemical equilibrium concepts was measured using the Misconception Identification Test. The test consisted of 30 items and administered as pre-posttests to a total of 81…

Teachers' Responses to Using a Small-Group Delivery Method during Reading Instruction: A Qualitative Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reynolds, Dorothy M. Valentine

2010-01-01

The purpose of this research was to examine teachers' perspectives on transitioning from a predominately whole to small-group delivery method during reading instruction. This study used a qualitative approach and nested itself in an epistemology of constructivism. The research operated under the umbrella of practice ethnography as it closely…

The Role of Teacher Instructional Discourse in Scaffolding Adolescent Students' Argumentation Strategy Use in Small Group Text-Based Discussions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Alyssa T. G.

2017-01-01

The goal of this study is to investigate the role of English Language Arts (ELA) teachers' verbal discourse moves in scaffolding adolescent students' argumentative thinking in small group interpretive discussions about literature. Demands related to argumentation may present particular challenges for adolescent students (Biancarosa & Snow,…

Comparing Two Cooperative Small Group Formats Used with Physical Therapy and Medical Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

D'Eon, Marcel; Proctor, Peggy; Reeder, Bruce

2007-01-01

This study compared "Structured Controversy" (a semi-formal debate like small group activity) with a traditional open discussion format for medical and physical therapy students. We found that those students who had participated in Structured Controversy changed their personal opinion on the topic more than those who were in the Open Discussion…

Diverse Learners' Meaning Making of Informational Texts during Small Group, Peer-Led Discussions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bajor, Lisa

2017-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to examine small group, peer-led discussion as it connects to meaning-making of informational texts for diverse learners. Since students in the United States are currently struggling to meet informational text requirements outlined by the Common Core State Standards (National Governors Association…

Exploring Young Children's Response to Three Genres of Literature in Small-Peer Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffin, Jennifer Adams

2010-01-01

This teacher research studied second graders' small-group, peer-led discussions about three genres of literature--realistic fiction, biography picture books, and science information books--across one school year (during three units in the fall, winter, and spring). It set out to explore how this peer talk, in general, mediated children's responses…

Commons Dilemma Choices in Small vs. Large Groups.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powers, Richard B.; Boyle, William

The purpose of the Commons Game is to teach students how social traps work; that is, that short-term individual gain tends to dominate long-term collective gain. Simulations of Commons Dilemma have grown considerably in the last decade; however, the research has used small face-to-face groups to study behavior in the Commons. To compare the…

Improving Executive Functions in 5- and 6-year-olds: Evaluation of a Small Group Intervention in Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Röthlisberger, Marianne; Neuenschwander, Regula; Cimeli, Patriza; Michel, Eva; Roebers, Claudia M.

2012-01-01

Research suggests a central role of executive functions for children's cognitive and social development during preschool years, especially in promoting school readiness. Interventions aiming to improve executive functions are therefore being called for. The present study examined the effect of a small group intervention implemented in kindergarten…

Small-Group Problem-Based Learning as a Complex Adaptive System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mennin, Stewart

2007-01-01

Small-group problem-based learning (PBL) is widely embraced as a method of study in health professions schools and at many different levels of education. Complexity science provides a different lens with which to view and understand the application of this method. It presents new concepts and vocabulary that may be unfamiliar to practitioners of…

Enactment of Teacher Identity in Resolving Student Disagreements in Small Group Peer Interactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharma, Bal Krishna

2013-01-01

This study presents a sequential analysis of the enactment of teacher identity in closing disagreements among students in small group peer interactions in an advanced academic writing class. In doing so, it discusses: (a) the micro-details of how oppositional stances and opinions are constructed, challenged and/or defended; (b) the sequential…

What Do We Want Small Group Activities For? Voices from EFL Teachers in Japan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kato, Yoshitaka

2016-01-01

This paper discusses the fundamental issue of why small group activities are utilized in the language learning classroom. Although these activities have gained popularity in the field of Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), supported by a sound theoretical base, few studies have so far examined the reasons why language teachers are…

Outcomes of a Structured Education Intervention for Latinas Concerning Breast Cancer and Mammography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laughman, Anna Bawtinhimer; Boselli, Danielle; Love, Magbis; Steuerwald, Nury; Symanowski, James; Blackley, Kris; Wheeler, Mellisa; Arevalo, Gustavo; Carrizosa, Daniel; Raghavan, Derek

2017-01-01

Objective: This study examined the utility of living room and church-based small group educational sessions on breast cancer and mammography, for under-served Latinas in North Carolina, USA. Design: Non-randomised, single arm design. Setting: A total of 329 self-selected Latinas participated in 31 small group educational classes in church and home…

Small Groups in a Social Learning MOOC (sIMOOC): Strategies for Fostering Learning and Knowledge Creation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krasny, Marianne E.; DuBois, Bryce; Adameit, Mechthild; Atiogbe, Ronnie; Alfakihuddin, Muhammad Lukman Baihaqi; Bold-erdene, Tergel; Golshani, Zahra; González-González, Rodrigo; Kimirei, Ishmael; Leung, Yamme; Shian-Yun, Lo; Yao, Yue

2018-01-01

Social support and face-to-face learning may enhance outcomes for students who face barriers in accessing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). This study investigated how self-identified volunteer leaders guide and foster interactions among small groups of students who face technical and conceptual barriers in accessing MOOC content. Several…

Cognitive and brain structural changes in a lung cancer population.

PubMed

Simó, Marta; Root, James C; Vaquero, Lucía; Ripollés, Pablo; Jové, Josep; Ahles, Tim; Navarro, Arturo; Cardenal, Felipe; Bruna, Jordi; Rodríguez-Fornells, Antoni

2015-01-01

No study has examined structural brain changes specifically associated with chemotherapy in a lung cancer population. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess differences in brain structure between small-cell lung cancer patients (C+) following chemotherapy, non-small-cell lung cancer patients (C-) before chemotherapy and healthy controls (HC). Twenty-eight small-cell lung cancer patients underwent a neuropsychological assessment and a structural magnetic resonance imaging, including T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging to examine gray matter density and white matter (WM) integrity, respectively, 1 month following completion of platinum-based chemotherapy. This group was compared with 20 age and education-matched non-small-cell lung cancer patients before receiving chemotherapy and 20 HC. Both C+ and C- groups exhibited cognitive impairment compared with the HC group. The C+ group performed significantly worse than HC in verbal fluency and visuospatial subtests; C- performed significantly worse than both C+ and HC in verbal memory. Voxel-based morphometry analysis revealed lower gray matter density in the insula and parahippocampal gyrus bilaterally, and left anterior cingulate cortex in C+ compared with HC. Diffusion tensor imaging indices showed focal decreased WM integrity in left cingulum and bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculus in the C+ group and more widespread decreased integrity in the C- group compared with the HC group. This study demonstrates that lung cancer patients exhibit cognitive impairment before and after chemotherapy. Before the treatment, C- showed verbal memory deficits as well as a widespread WM damage. Following treatment, the C+ group performed exhibited lower visuospatial and verbal fluency abilities, together with structural gray matter and WM differences in bilateral regions integrating the paralimbic system.

Lung dose and the potential risk of death in postoperative radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: A study using the method of stratified grouping.

PubMed

Heo, Jaesung; Noh, O Kyu; Kim, Hwan-Ik; Chun, Mison; Cho, Oyeon; Park, Rae Woong; Yoon, Dukyong; Oh, Young-Taek

2018-04-19

Postoperative radiation therapy may have a detrimental effect on survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. We investigated the association of the lung radiation dose with the risk of death in patients treated with postoperative radiation therapy. We analyzed 178 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received postoperative radiation therapy. The mean lung dose was calculated from dose-volume data, and we categorized patients into the high and low lung dose groups using 2 different methods; (1) simple grouping using the median lung dose of all patients, and (2) stratified grouping using the median lung dose of each subgroup sharing the same confounders. We compared clinical variables, and survival between the high and low lung dose groups. In the simple grouping, there were no significant differences in survivals between the high and low lung dose groups. After stratification, the overall survival of low lung dose group was significantly longer than that of high lung dose group (5-year survival, 60.1% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.039). On multivariable analyses, the lung dose remained a significant prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio, HR = 2.08, p = 0.019). The lung dose was associated with the risk of death in patients with non-small cell lung cancer having the same confounders. Further studies evaluating the risk of death according to the lung dose will be helpful to administer more precise and individualized postoperative radiation therapy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The recruitment of new members to existing PBSGL small groups: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Park, Julia; Cunningham, David E

2018-04-23

Introduction Practice-Based Small Group Learning (PBSGL) is a learning programme widely adopted by primary healthcare professions (general practitioners, general practice nurses and pharmacists) in Scotland and other countries in the UK. PBSGL groups recruit members and decide on meeting dates and venues. Study aims To determine how groups recruit new members and discern what are the important attributes of the new members. Method A grounded theory approach was used with purposive sampling to recruit PBSGL groups to the study. Focus groups drawn from established PBSGL groups were conducted by two researchers following an iterative process, with interviews audio-recorded and transcribed, and codes and themes constructed. Data saturation was achieved. Results and conclusions Four themes were identified that affected group recruitment: group formation and purpose; group culture and ethos; experience and seniority range of group members; professional socialisation and cross-fertilisation. Groups whose main purpose was learning encouraged diverse membership, while groups that were stricter with recruitment often prioritised friendship, group safety, trust and peer support over learning. The variation in group's openness to recruitment may make it difficult for potential members to find a group and this may affect the development and expansion of the PBSGL programme.

Soybean and Fish Oil Mixture With Different ω-6/ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratios Modulates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Changes in Small Intestinal Intraepithelial γδT-Lymphocyte Expression in Mice.

PubMed

Pai, Man-Hui; Liu, Jun-Jen; Hou, Yu-Chen; Yeh, Chiu-Li

2016-03-01

This study investigated the effect of different ω-6/ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced changes to small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) γδT-cell expression. Mice were assigned to 3 control and 3 DSS-treated groups and were maintained on a low-fat semipurified diet. One of the control (S) groups and a DSS (DS) group were provided with soybean oil; the other 2 control (Hω-3 and Lω-3) groups and 2 other DSS (DHω-3 and DLω-3) groups were fed either a soybean and fish oil mixture with a ω-6/ω-3 ratio of 2:1 or 4:1. After feeding the respective diets for 2 weeks, the DSS groups were given distilled water containing 2% DSS, and the control groups were given distilled water for 5 days. All groups were further provided distilled water 5 days for recovery, and the small intestinal IEL γδT-cell subset was isolated for analysis. DSS treatment resulted in a lower small intestinal IEL γδT-cell percentage and higher messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of Reg IIIγ, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), and complement 5a receptor (C5aR) by IEL γδT cells. Fish oil administration enhanced the proportion of small intestinal IEL γδT cells. Compared with the DLω-3 group, the DHω-3 group had lower Reg IIIγ, KGF, and C5aR mRNA expressions and higher expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ gene by small intestinal IEL γδT cells. Fish oil diets with a ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratio of 2:1 were more effective than those with a ratio of 4:1 in improving DSS-induced small intestinal injury, and activation of PPAR-γ in IEL γδT cells may be associated with resolution of small intestinal inflammation. © 2014 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Prescription Writing in Small Groups as a Clinical Pharmacology Educational Intervention: Perceptions of Preclerkship Medical Students.

PubMed

James, Henry; Tayem, Yasin I Y; Al Khaja, K A J; Veeramuthu, Sindhan; Sequeira, Reginald P

2016-08-01

Medical students do not perform well in writing prescriptions, and the 3 variables-learner, teacher, and instructional method-are held responsible to various degrees. The objective of this clinical pharmacology educational intervention was to improve medical students' perceptions, motivation, and participation in prescription-writing sessions. The study participants were second-year medical students of the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences of the Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain. Two prescription-writing sessions were conducted using clinical case scenarios based on problems the students had studied as part of the problem-based learning curriculum. At the end of the respiratory system subunit, the training was conducted in small groups, each facilitated by a tutor. At the end of the cardiovascular system subunit, the training was conducted in a traditional large-group classroom setting. Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire at the end of each session and a focus group discussion. A majority of the students (95.3% ± 2.4%) perceived the small-group method better for teaching and learning of all aspects of prescription writing: analyzing the clinical case scenario, applying clinical pharmacology knowledge for therapeutic reasoning, using a formulary for searching relevant prescribing information, and in writing a complete prescription. Students also endorsed the small-group method for better interaction among themselves and with the tutor and for the ease of asking questions and clarifying doubts. In view of the principles of adult learning, where motivation and interaction are important, teaching and learning prescription writing in small groups deserve a serious consideration in medical curricula. © 2015, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

A trial of team-based versus small-group learning for second-year medical students: does the size of the small group make a difference?

PubMed

Willett, Laura Rees; Rosevear, G Craig; Kim, Sarang

2011-01-01

Team-based learning is a large-group instructional modality intended to provide active learning with modest faculty resources. The goal is to determine if team-based learning could be substituted for small-group learning in case sessions without compromising test performance or satisfaction. One hundred and sixty-seven students were assigned to team-based or small-group learning for 6 case discussion sessions. Examination scores and student satisfaction were compared. Instruction modality had no meaningful effect on examination score, 81.7% team based versus 79.7% small-group, p=.56 after multivariate adjustment. Student satisfaction was lower with team-based learning, 2.45 versus 3.74 on a 5-point scale, p<.001. Survey responses suggested that the very small size (8-10 students) of our small groups influenced the preference for small-group learning. Team-based learning does not adversely affect examination performance. However, student satisfaction may be inferior, especially if compared to instruction in very small groups of 10 or fewer students.

A Comparison of Web-based and Small-Group Palliative and End-of-Life Care Curricula: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Study at One Institution

PubMed Central

Day, Frank C.; Srinivasan, Malathi; Der-Martirosian, Claudia; Griffin, Erin; Hoffman, Jerome R.; Wilkes, Michael S.

2014-01-01

Purpose Few studies have compared the effect of web-based eLearning versus small-group learning on medical student outcomes. Palliative and end-of-life (PEOL) education is ideal for this comparison, given uneven access to PEOL experts and content nationally. Method In 2010, the authors enrolled all third-year medical students at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine into a quasi-randomized controlled trial of web-based interactive education (eDoctoring) compared to small-group education (Doctoring) on PEOL clinical content over two months. All students participated in three 3-hour PEOL sessions with similar content. Outcomes included a 24-item PEOL-specific self-efficacy scale with three domains (diagnosis/treatment [Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92, CI: 0.91–0.93], communication/prognosis [alpha = 0.95; CI: 0.93–0.96], and social impact/self-care [alpha = 0.91; CI: 0.88–0.92]); eight knowledge items; ten curricular advantage/disadvantages, and curricular satisfaction (both students and faculty). Results Students were randomly assigned to web-based eDoctoring (n = 48) or small-group Doctoring (n = 71) curricula. Self-efficacy and knowledge improved equivalently between groups: e.g., prognosis self-efficacy, 19%; knowledge, 10–42%. Student and faculty ratings of the web-based eDoctoring curriculum and the small group Doctoring curriculum were equivalent for most goals, and overall satisfaction was equivalent for each, with a trend towards decreased eDoctoring student satisfaction. Conclusions Findings showed equivalent gains in self-efficacy and knowledge between students participating in a web-based PEOL curriculum, in comparison to students learning similar content in a small-group format. Web-based curricula can standardize content presentation when local teaching expertise is limited, but may lead to decreased user satisfaction. PMID:25539518

Second teaching: An exploration of cognitive factors in small group physics learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novemsky, Lisa Forman

This inquiry was focused on an exploration of introductory physics teaching. Alan Van Heuvelen's Overview Case Study (OCS) physics was the pedagogical approach involving guided small group problem solving and stressing concepts first, before mathematics. Second teaching is a new pedagogical construct based on Vygotsky's ideas. Structured small group activity follows traditional instruction facilitating learning for non-traditional students. It is a model of structured small group activity designed to follow traditional instruction to facilitate the learning process for students who find a physics optic (way of seeing) and physics language foreign. In informal small group settins students describe, explain, elaborate, test, and defend ideas in their own familiar vernacular as they collaborate in solving problems. Collective wisdom of a collaborative group, somewhat beyond the level for each individual member, is created then recreated through self-correction. Students improved significantly in physics knowledge. In a classroom setting, small groups of non-traditional physics students engaged in second teaching were observed. Written explanations to conceptual physics questions were analyzed. Development of language usage in relationship to introductory physics concept learning was studied. Overall physics learning correlated positively with gains in language clarity thus confirming the hypothesis that language development can be linked with gains in physics knowledge. Males and females were found to be significantly different in this respect. Male gains in language clarity were closely coupled with physics learning whereas female gains in the two measures were not coupled. Physics discourse, particularly in relationship to force and motion, seems to resonate with natural developmentally acquired sex-typical male but not female discourse. Thus, for males but not for females, physics learning proceeds in a seamless fashion wherein knowledge gains are coupled with language development. Average frequency in use of the indeterminate pronoun it per person decreased. Reificiation of qualifying terms appeared in the form of a word-form problem. In the process of reifying adjectival properties students may be recapitulating the language-bound history of natural science.

Redesign of a large lecture course into a small-group learning course.

PubMed

Ferreri, Stefanie P; O'Connor, Shanna K

2013-02-12

Objective. To describe the redesign of a large self-care course previously delivered in a traditional lecture format to a small-group case-based course.Design. Prereadings and study guides were used to facilitate students' independent learning prior to class. Large lecture classes were replaced with smaller group-based learning classes. This change in delivery format allowed students to spend the majority of class time conducting small-group learning activities, such as case studies to promote communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.Assessment. Changes in course delivery were assessed over a 2-year period by comparing students' grades and satisfaction ratings on course evaluations. A comparison of course evaluations between the class formats revealed that students were provided more opportunities to develop verbal communication skills and tackle and resolve unfamiliar problems in the revised course. The activities resulted in better overall course grades.Conclusions. Redesigning to a small-group discussion format for a self-care course can be accomplished by increasing student accountability for acquiring factual content outside the classroom. Compared with student experiences in the previous large lecture-based class, students in the smaller-class format reported a preference for working in teams and achieved significantly better academic grades with the new course format.

Coding System for the First Grade Reading Group Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brophy, Jere; And Others

The First-Grade Reading Group Study is an experimental examination of teaching behaviors and their effects in first-grade reading groups. The specific teaching behaviors of interest are defined by a model for small group instruction which describes organization and management of the class, and ways of responding to children's answers that are…

How to engage small retail businesses in workplace violence prevention: Perspectives from small businesses and influential organizations.

PubMed

Bruening, Rebecca A; Strazza, Karen; Nocera, Maryalice; Peek-Asa, Corinne; Casteel, Carri

2015-06-01

Small retail businesses experience high robbery and violent crime rates leading to injury and death. Workplace violence prevention programs (WVPP) based on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design reduce this risk, but low small business participation limits their effectiveness. Recent dissemination models of occupational safety and health information recommend collaborating with an intermediary organization to engage small businesses. Qualitative interviews with 70 small business operators and 32 representatives of organizations with small business influence were conducted to identify factors and recommendations for improving dissemination of a WVPP. Both study groups recommended promoting WVPPs through personal contacts but differed on other promotion methods and the type of influential groups to target. Small business operators indicated few connections to formal business networks. Dissemination of WVPPs to small businesses may require models inclusive of influential individuals (e.g., respected business owners) as intermediaries to reach small businesses with few formal connections. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Working in small-scale, homelike dementia care: effects on staff burnout symptoms and job characteristics. A quasi-experimental, longitudinal study.

PubMed

Zwakhalen, Sandra Mg; Hamers, Jan Ph; van Rossum, Erik; Ambergen, Ton; Kempen, Gertrudis Ijm; Verbeek, Hilde

2018-05-01

This paper reports on a quasi-experimental, longitudinal study on the effects of working in a new type of dementia care facility (i.e. small-scale living facilities) on staff burnout symptoms and job characteristics (job autonomy, social support, physical demands and workload). It is hypothesised that nursing staff working in small-scale facilities experience fewer burnout symptoms, more autonomy and social support, and fewer symptoms of physical demands and workload compared with staff in regular wards. Two types of long-term institutional nursing care settings were included: 28 houses in small-scale living facilities and 21 regular psychogeriatric wards in nursing homes. At baseline and at follow-ups after 6 and 12 months nursing staff were assessed by means of self-report questionnaires. In total, 305 nursing staff members were included in the study, 114 working in small-scale living facilities (intervention group) and 191 in regular wards (control group). No overall effects on burnout symptoms were detected. Significantly fewer physical demands and lower workload were experienced by staff working in small-scale living facilities compared with staff in regular wards. They also experienced more job autonomy. No significant effect was found for overall social support in the total group. This study suggests positive effects of the work environment on several work characteristics. Organisational climate differs in the two conditions, which might account for our results. This may influence nursing staff well-being and has important implications for nursing home managers and policy makers. Future studies should enhance our understanding of the influence of job characteristics on outcomes.

Lineage II (Serovar 1/2a and 1/2c) Human Listeria monocytogenes Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Types Divided into PFGE Groups Using the Band Patterns Below 145.5 kb.

PubMed

Lopez-Valladares, Gloria; Danielsson-Tham, Marie-Louise; Goering, Richard V; Tham, Wilhelm

2017-01-01

Among 504 clinical lineage II isolates of Listeria monocytogenes isolated during 1958-2010 in Sweden, 119 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) types (AscI) have been identified based on the number and distribution of all banding patterns in each DNA profile. In this study, these types were further divided into PFGE groups based on the configuration of small bands with sizes <145.5 kb. The 504 isolates included 483 serovar 1/2a isolates distributed into 114 PFGE types and 21 serovar 1/2c isolates distributed into 9 PFGE types; these were further divided into 21 PFGE groups. PFGE group, that is, configuration of small bands below 145.5 kb, and serovars were correlated. L. monocytogenes isolates belonging to PFGE groups A, B, C, E, F, H, K, L, M, S, V, W, Y, and Ö-6 to Ö-12 shared serovar 1/2a, with one exception. PFGE group E also included two PFGE types sharing serovar 1/2c and four PFGE types belonging to either serovar 1/2a or 1/2c. Isolates belonging to PFGE group N shared serovar 1/2c. In contrast to lineage I isolates, small fragments <33.3 kb were visible in all L. monocytogenes isolates belonging to lineage II. In the results from both the present and previous studies, the genomic region of small bands was genetically more conservative than in large bands. The distribution of these small bands established the relatedness of strains and defined a genetic marker for both lineages I and II, while also establishing their serogroup. The division of L. monocytogenes PFGE types into PFGE groups is advantageous as the profile of every new isolate can be identified easily and quickly through first studying the PFGE group affiliation of the isolate based on the smaller band patterns <145.5 kb, and then identifying the PFGE type based on the band patterns >145.5 kb.

Modeling and Simulation of Avionics Systems and Command, Control and Communications Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

analytical and operational talent into a cohesive study group . This group becomes our critical mass for innovative analysis. For command and control problems...that focusing small integrated groups on specific aspects of a command and control problem sucoseds best. For example, Air Force Studies and Analyses...phase so called " study groups " should define "tactical requirement-papers", These study groups will be supported by operational analyses and by

A follow-up study of neonatal interatrial shunt with echocardiography until twelve to fifteen months of age.

PubMed

Ho, Chi-Lin; Jan, Sheng-Ling; Lin, Ming-Chih; Fu, Yun-Ching

2008-12-01

To assess the incidence and natural history of full-term neonates with interatrial shunt (IAS). A follow-up study of 1389 neonates who received screening echocardiography between 2003 and 2006. Babies with IAS at 2 to 4 days of life underwent follow-up echocardiography at 2 to 4 months, 6 to 9 months and 12 to 15 months of age until closure of IAS. The ratio of IAS was 68.3% initially. No significant demographic differences were identified between infants with and without initial IAS. Among 949 neonates with initial IAS, 84.5% infants had a left-to-right interatrial shunt, 13.5% had bidirectional shunt and 2% had predominantly right-to-left shunt. The persistence rate of IAS at 12 to 15 months of age was 3.8% (44/1166). The initial size of IAS ranged from 1.2 to 7.7mm (4.3+/-1.1 mm) detected by color Doppler flow mapping and cases were divided into three groups: small (< or =5 mm), medium (5 to 8 mm) and large group (> or =8 mm). There were 74.6% infants in the small group and 25.4% in the medium group initially. The neonates in the initial small group would always see their IAS close or else they would remain in the small group. Those in the final medium and large size groups always came from the initial medium group. The late closure rate of IAS was 93.9% of infants with initial IAS. The closure curves of initial small and medium sized groups were significantly different, and their late closure rates were 95.1% and 90.4%, respectively. IAS was very common during early neonatal stage, but most cases would close after 1 year. The late closure rate of initial IAS was different if using a cutpoint of 5 mm.

Does Graft Particle Type and Size Affect Ridge Dimensional Changes After Alveolar Ridge Split Procedure?

PubMed

Kheur, Mohit G; Kheur, Supriya; Lakha, Tabrez; Jambhekar, Shantanu; Le, Bach; Jain, Vinay

2018-04-01

The absence of an adequate volume of bone at implant sites requires augmentation procedures before the placement of implants. The aim of the present study was to assess the ridge width gain with the use of allografts and biphasic β-tricalcium phosphate with hydroxyapatite (alloplast) in ridge split procedures, when each were used in small (0.25 to 1 mm) and large (1 to 2 mm) particle sizes. A randomized controlled trial of 23 subjects with severe atrophy of the mandible in the horizontal dimension was conducted in a private institute. The patients underwent placement of 49 dental implants after a staged ridge split procedure. The patients were randomly allocated to alloplast and allograft groups (predictor variable). In each group, the patients were randomly assigned to either small graft particle or large graft particle size (predictor variable). The gain in ridge width (outcome variable) was assessed before implant placement. A 2-way analysis of variance test and the Student unpaired t test were used for evaluation of the ridge width gain between the allograft and alloplast groups (predictor variable). Differences were considered significant if P values were < .05. The sample included 23 patients (14 men and 9 women). The patients were randomly allocated to the alloplast (n = 11) or allograft (n = 12) group before the ridge split procedure. In each group, they were assigned to a small graft particle or large graft particle size (alloplast group, small particle in 5 and large particle size in 6 patients; allograft group, small particle in 6 and large particle size in 6). A statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 graft types. The average ridge width gain was significantly greater in the alloplast group (large, 4.40 ± 0.24 mm; small, 3.52 ± 0.59 mm) than in the allograft group (large, 3.82 ± 0.19 mm; small, 2.57 ± 0.16 mm). For both graft types (alloplast and allograft), the large particle size graft resulted in a greater ridge width gain compared with the small particle size graft (P < .05). Within the limitations of the present study, we suggest the use of large particle alloplast as the graft material of choice for staged ridge split procedures in the posterior mandible. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning science in small multi-age groups: the role of age composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kallery, Maria; Loupidou, Thomais

2016-06-01

The present study examines how the overall cognitive achievements in science of the younger children in a class where the students work in small multi-age groups are influenced by the number of older children in the groups. The context of the study was early-years education. The study has two parts: The first part involved classes attended by pre-primary children aged 4-6. The second part included one primary class attended by students aged 6-8 in addition to the pre-primary classes. Students were involved in inquiry-based science activities. Two sources of data were used: Lesson recordings and children's assessments. The data from both sources were separately analyzed and the findings plotted. The resulting graphs indicate a linear relationship between the overall performance of the younger children in a class and the number of older ones participating in the groups in each class. It seems that the age composition of the groups can significantly affect the overall cognitive achievements of the younger children and preferentially determines the time within which this factor reaches its maximum value. The findings can be utilized in deciding the age composition of small groups in a class with the aim of facilitating the younger children's learning in science.

Preliminary report on small group factors in long duration space flights: Review and directions for future research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrison, A. A.

1979-01-01

Group dynamics, sociological and psychological factors are examined. Crew composition and compatability are studied. Group dynamics analysis includes: leadership; cohesiveness; conformity; and conflict.

Creating in the Collective: Dialogue, Collaboration, and the Search for Understanding in the Jazz Small Group

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Branker, Anthony Daniel John

2010-01-01

What would happen if college students involved in jazz small group performance were given the opportunity to be musically independent and self-directed while working in their own collaborative space? What sorts of things would they experience? What kind of learning space would they create for themselves? The purpose of this study was to…

Students as Teachers: Effectiveness of a Peer-Led STEM Learning Programme over 10 Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drane, Denise; Micari, Marina; Light, Gregory

2014-01-01

Peer-led small-group learning has been used quite extensively in the US to enhance performance and retention of undergraduate students in science, math, and engineering classes. This study presents the results from an evaluation of a peer-led small-group programme at a research university in the US over a 10-year period across five disciplines…

Implementing Primary Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) Small Group Interventions: Recommendations for Practitioners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lendrum, Ann; Humphrey, Neil; Kalambouka, Afroditi; Wigelsworth, Michael

2009-01-01

This article presents an extended vignette describing a good practice model for implementing SEAL small group work at "Mellington Primary", a fictional school. The vignette/model was developed from in-depth case studies at five primary schools in the north-west of England during a national evaluation of primary SEAL by the authors. The…

A Randomised Control Trial of a Tier-2 Small-Group Intervention ("MiniLit") for Young Struggling Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buckingham, Jennifer; Wheldall, Kevin; Beaman, Robyn

2012-01-01

The response-to-intervention model is predicated upon increasingly intensive tiers of instruction. The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of a Tier-2 small-group literacy intervention ("MiniLit") designed for young readers who are still struggling after experiencing whole-class initial instruction. A total of 22…

Students' Knowledge Construction in Small Groups in the Seventh Grade Biology Laboratory: Verbal Communication and Physical Engagement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

She, Hsiao-Ching

1999-01-01

Reports on a study of seventh-grade students' interactions in small groups during a biology laboratory activity. Finds that girls have the potential to perform equally as well as do boys in the science laboratory and that both individual and gender differences contribute to students' differential verbal communication and laboratory engagement.…

A Model of Small-Group Problem-Based Learning in Pharmacy Education: Teaching in the Clinical Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khumsikiew, Jeerisuda; Donsamak, Sisira; Saeteaw, Manit

2015-01-01

Problem-based Learning (PBL) is an alternate method of instruction that incorporates basic elements of cognitive learning theory. Colleges of pharmacy use PBL to aid anticipated learning outcomes and practice competencies for pharmacy student. The purpose of this study were to implement and evaluate a model of small group PBL for 5th year pharmacy…

Small Groups, Big Gains: Efficacy of a Tier 2 Phonological Awareness Intervention with Preschoolers with Early Literacy Deficits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kruse, Lydia G.; Spencer, Trina D.; Olszewski, Arnold; Goldstein, Howard

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a phonological awareness (PA) intervention, designed for Tier 2 instruction in a Response to Intervention (RTI) model, delivered to small groups of preschoolers. Method: A multiple-baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention on…

A small unconditional non-financial incentive suggests an increase in survey response rates amongst older general practitioners (GPs): a randomised controlled trial study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Few studies have investigated the effect of small unconditional non-monetary incentives on survey response rates amongst GPs or medical practitioners. This study assessed the effectiveness of offering a small unconditional non-financial incentive to increase survey response rates amongst general practitioners within a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods An RCT was conducted within a general practice survey that investigated how to prolong working lives amongst ageing GPs in Australia. GPs (n = 125) were randomised to receive an attractive pen or no pen during their first invitation for participation in a survey. GPs could elect to complete the survey online or via mail. Two follow up reminders were sent without a pen to both groups. The main outcome measure was response rates. Results The response rate for GPs who received a pen was higher in the intervention group (61.9%) compared to the control group (46.8%). This study did not find a statistically significant effect of a small unconditional non-financial incentive (in the form of a pen) on survey response rates amongst GPs (Odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.85 (0.91 to 3.77). No GPs completed the online version. Conclusion A small unconditional non-financial incentives, in the form of a pen, may improve response rates for GPs. PMID:23899116

A small unconditional non-financial incentive suggests an increase in survey response rates amongst older general practitioners (GPs): a randomised controlled trial study.

PubMed

Pit, Sabrina Winona; Hansen, Vibeke; Ewald, Dan

2013-07-30

Few studies have investigated the effect of small unconditional non-monetary incentives on survey response rates amongst GPs or medical practitioners. This study assessed the effectiveness of offering a small unconditional non-financial incentive to increase survey response rates amongst general practitioners within a randomised controlled trial (RCT). An RCT was conducted within a general practice survey that investigated how to prolong working lives amongst ageing GPs in Australia. GPs (n = 125) were randomised to receive an attractive pen or no pen during their first invitation for participation in a survey. GPs could elect to complete the survey online or via mail. Two follow up reminders were sent without a pen to both groups. The main outcome measure was response rates. The response rate for GPs who received a pen was higher in the intervention group (61.9%) compared to the control group (46.8%). This study did not find a statistically significant effect of a small unconditional non-financial incentive (in the form of a pen) on survey response rates amongst GPs (Odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.85 (0.91 to 3.77). No GPs completed the online version. A small unconditional non-financial incentives, in the form of a pen, may improve response rates for GPs.

Reflective teaching practices: an approach to teaching communication skills in a small-group setting.

PubMed

Fryer-Edwards, Kelly; Arnold, Robert M; Baile, Walter; Tulsky, James A; Petracca, Frances; Back, Anthony

2006-07-01

Small-group teaching is particularly suited for complex skills such as communication. Existing work has identified the basic elements of small-group teaching, but few descriptions of higher-order teaching practices exist in the medical literature. Thus the authors developed an empirically driven and theoretically grounded model for small-group communication-skills teaching. Between 2002 and 2005, teaching observations were collected over 100 hours of direct contact time between four expert facilitators and 120 medical oncology fellows participating in Oncotalk, a semiannual, four-day retreat focused on end-of-life communication skills. The authors conducted small-group teaching observations, semistructured interviews with faculty participants, video or audio recording with transcript review, and evaluation of results by faculty participants. Teaching skills observed during the retreats included a linked set of reflective, process-oriented teaching practices: identifying a learning edge, proposing and testing hypotheses, and calibrating learner self-assessments. Based on observations and debriefings with facilitators, the authors developed a conceptual model of teaching that illustrates an iterative loop of teaching practices aimed at enhancing learners' engagement and self-efficacy. Through longitudinal, empirical observations, this project identified a set of specific teaching skills for small-group settings with applicability to other clinical teaching settings. This study extends current theory and teaching practice prescriptions by describing specific teaching practices required for effective teaching. These reflective teaching practices, while developed for communication skills training, may be useful for teaching other challenging topics such as ethics and professionalism.

Small groups, big gains: efficacy of a tier 2 phonological awareness intervention with preschoolers with early literacy deficits.

PubMed

Kruse, Lydia G; Spencer, Trina D; Olszewski, Arnold; Goldstein, Howard

2015-05-01

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a phonological awareness (PA) intervention, designed for Tier 2 instruction in a Response to Intervention (RTI) model, delivered to small groups of preschoolers. A multiple-baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention on low-income preschool children's PA skills. A trained interventionist delivered small group sessions 3 to 4 days a week and ensured children received frequent opportunities to respond and contingent feedback. Participants received 28 to 36 lessons that lasted about 10 min each and focused on PA and alphabet knowledge. Initiation of intervention was staggered across 3 triads, and 7 children completed the study. The intervention produced consistent gains on weekly progress monitoring assessments of the primary outcome measure for first sound identification (First Sound Fluency). Most children also demonstrated gains on other measures of PA and alphabet knowledge. Results provide support for the application of a small group intervention consistent with an RTI framework and document the potential benefits of the intervention to learners who need early literacy instruction beyond the core curriculum.

[Development and evaluation of a small group-based cardiocerebrovascular disease prevention education program for male bus drivers].

PubMed

Kim, Eun Young; Hwang, Seon Young

2012-06-01

This study was conducted to examine effects of a small group-based cardiocerebrovascular disease (CVD) prevention education program on knowledge, stage of change and health behavior among male bus drivers with CVD risk factors. A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were 68 male bus drivers recruited from two urban bus companies. Participants from the two groups were selected by matching age, education and risk factors. Experimental group (n=34) received a small group-based CVD prevention education program 8 times over 6 weeks and 3 times through telephone interviews at 2-week intervals. Data were collected between December, 2010 and March, 2011, and were analyzed using chi-square test, t-test, and repeated measure analysis of variance with SPSS/Win18.0. Experimental group showed significantly higher scores in CVD prevention knowledge (p<.001) and health behavior (p<.001) at 6 and 12 weeks after intervention. Participants in pre-contemplation and contemplation stages made progress to contemplation and action. This was significantly better at 6 and 12 weeks after intervention (p<.001). Results suggest that small group-based education programs for CVD prevention are effective in increasing knowledge, stage of change, and health behavior to prevent CVD among male bus drivers with CVD risk.

A Bayesian Approach to More Stable Estimates of Group-Level Effects in Contextual Studies.

PubMed

Zitzmann, Steffen; Lüdtke, Oliver; Robitzsch, Alexander

2015-01-01

Multilevel analyses are often used to estimate the effects of group-level constructs. However, when using aggregated individual data (e.g., student ratings) to assess a group-level construct (e.g., classroom climate), the observed group mean might not provide a reliable measure of the unobserved latent group mean. In the present article, we propose a Bayesian approach that can be used to estimate a multilevel latent covariate model, which corrects for the unreliable assessment of the latent group mean when estimating the group-level effect. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the choice of different priors for the group-level variance of the predictor variable and to compare the Bayesian approach with the maximum likelihood approach implemented in the software Mplus. Results showed that, under problematic conditions (i.e., small number of groups, predictor variable with a small ICC), the Bayesian approach produced more accurate estimates of the group-level effect than the maximum likelihood approach did.

Programming a randomized dependent group contingency and common stimuli to promote durable behavior change.

PubMed

Cariveau, Tom; Kodak, Tiffany

2017-01-01

Low levels of academic engagement may impede students' acquisition of skills. Intervening on student behavior using group contingencies may be a feasible way to increase academic engagement during group instruction. The current study examined the effect of a randomized dependent group contingency on levels of academic engagement for second-grade participants receiving small-group reading and writing instruction. The results showed that a randomized dependent group contingency increased the academic engagement of primary participants and several of the other participants during small-group instruction. The findings also showed that high levels of academic engagement were maintained when common stimuli were present and the dependent group contingency was withdrawn. © 2016 Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Qualitative Differences Between Learning Environments Using Videos in Small Groups and Whole Class Discussions: A Preliminary Study in Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayo, Ashleigh; Sharma, Manjula D.; Muller, Derek A.

2009-08-01

Interactivity, group learning and student engagement are accepted as key features of social constructivist learning theories. The challenge is to understand the interplay between such features in different learning environments. This study focused on the qualitative differences between two interventions—small-groups and whole-class discussions. In both interventions, three short video slices on the abstract topic ‘the physics of superconductivity’ were interspersed with the different discussion styles. The video slices are based on the Bruner stages. Twenty-nine first year university physics students completed a pre-test, underwent the intervention and completed a post-test. The remainder of the data were collected from student drawings, video recordings, observer notes and facilitator feedback. Results indicate that the use of the video slices in both interventions were successful in changing students’ understandings of superconductivity. However, the small groups treatment tended to facilitate questioning, meaning-making and subsequent changes of ideas more so than the whole class discussions. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Effect of dietary protein sources on the small intestine microbiome of weaned piglets based on high-throughput sequencing.

PubMed

Cao, K F; Zhang, H H; Han, H H; Song, Y; Bai, X L; Sun, H

2016-05-01

In this study, we comprehensively investigated the effect of dietary protein sources on the gut microbiome of weaned piglets with diets comprising different protein source using High-throughput 16SrRNA gene-based Illumina Miseq. A total of 48 healthy weaned piglets were allocated randomly to four treatments with 12 piglets in each group. The weaned piglets were fed with diets containing soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CSM), SBM and CSM (SC) or fish meal (FM). The intestinal content samples were taken from five segments of the small intestine. DNA was extracted from the samples and the V3-V4 regions of the 16SrRNA gene were amplified. The microbiota of the contents of the small intestine were very complex, including more than 4000 operational taxonomic units belonging to 32 different phyla. Four bacterial populations (i.e. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria) were the most abundant bacterial groups. The genera Lactobacillus and Clostridium were found in slightly higher proportions in the groups with added CSM compared to the other groups. The proportion of reads assigned to the genus Escherichia/Shigella was much higher in the FM group. In conclusion, dietary protein source had significant effects on the small microbiome of weaned piglets. Dietary protein source have the potential to affect the small intestine microbiome of weaned piglets that will have a large impact on its metabolic capabilities and intestinal health. In this study, we successfully identified the microbiomes in the contents of the small intestine in the weaned piglets that were fed different protein source diets using high-throughput sequencing. The finding provided an evidence for the option of the appropriate protein source in the actual production. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Use of early gastrografin small bowel follow-through in small bowel obstruction management.

PubMed

Galardi, Nicholas; Collins, Jay; Friend, Kara

2013-08-01

Small bowel follow-through (SBFT) is a diagnostic tool commonly used in the management of patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO). This study assessed whether early implementation of Gastrografin SBFT would reduce the time to resolution of the SBO and decrease the time to operative intervention. In this retrospective chart review, 103 patients with the clinical diagnosis of adhesive SBO were evaluated. End points of the study were resolution of SBO with nonoperative management or operative intervention. The patient group that had received a SBFT was then compared with those that did not receive a SBFT. There were 103 patients with adhesive SBO who met inclusion criteria for this study. Seventy-two of 103 patients had undergone Gastrografin SBFT and 31 did not. In the SBFT group, mean time to the operating room was 1.0 days after SBFTs, whereas in the group that did not receive SBFT, it was 3.7 days (P < 0.0001). Mean time to nonoperative resolution of SBO in the SBFT group was 1.8 days and 4.7 days in the no SBFT group (P < 0.0001). There were no Gastrografin-related complications. Obtaining Gastrografin SBFT in patients with adhesive SBO leads to both a shorter time in identifying the need for operative intervention and to resolution of SBO with nonoperative management. SBFT seems to be a more definitive assessment of whether an SBO will resolve on its own or if operative intervention is necessary.

Heterogeneous activity causes a nonlinear increase in the group energy use of ant workers isolated from queen and brood.

PubMed

Ferral, Nolan; Holloway, Kyara; Li, Mingzhong; Yin, Zhaozheng; Hou, Chen

2018-06-01

Increasing evidence has shown that the energy use of ant colonies increases sublinearly with colony size so that large colonies consume less per capita energy than small colonies. It has been postulated that social environment (e.g., in the presence of queen and brood) is critical for the sublinear group energetics, and a few studies of ant workers isolated from queens and brood observed linear relationships between group energetics and size. In this paper, we hypothesize that the sublinear energetics arise from the heterogeneity of activity in ant groups, that is, large groups have relatively more inactive members than small groups. We further hypothesize that the energy use of ant worker groups that are allowed to move freely increases more slowly than the group size even if they are isolated from queen and brood. Previous studies only provided indirect evidence for these hypotheses due to technical difficulties. In this study, we applied the automated behavioral monitoring and respirometry simultaneously on isolated worker groups for long time periods, and analyzed the image with the state-of-the-art algorithms. Our results show that when activity was not confined, large groups had lower per capita energy use, a lower percentage of active members, and lower average walking speed than small groups; while locomotion was confined, however, the per capita energy use was a constant regardless of the group size. The quantitative analysis shows a direct link between variation in group energy use and the activity level of ant workers when isolated from queen and brood. © 2016 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Helping Students Understand Their Learning Styles: Effects on Study Self-Efficacy, Preference for Group Work, and Group Climate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hendry, Graham D.; Heinrich, Paul; Lyon, Patricia M.; Barratt, Alexandra L.; Simpson, Judy M.; Hyde, Sarah J.; Gonsalkorale, Shalinie; Hyde, Michelle; Mgaieth, Sara

2005-01-01

Small tutorial groups in higher education are often composed without regard to students' gender or broad knowledge background, for example, yet research indicates that composing groups on the basis of gender and prior qualifications may have significant effects on assessment outcomes. Previous studies have also investigated the effects of…

OTSEGO COUNTY EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM FOR TESTING METHODS OF FORMING FARM MANAGEMENT STUDY GROUPS, A PROGRESS REPORT. EXTENSION STUDY, NUMBER 8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LONGEST, JAMES W.; GENGENBACK, WILLIAM H.

THE MOST FREQUENT METHOD OF GROUP FORMATION FOR INTENSIVE FARM MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK STATE HAS BEEN TO COMBINE ALL INTERESTED FARMERS IN LARGE GROUPS AT THE COUNTY EXTENSION HEADQUARTERS. THIS EXPERIMENT WAS SET UP TO STUDY THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TWO METHODS OF FORMING SMALL GROUPS--BY SOCIOMETRIC CHOICE OR SIMILAR CHARACTERISTICS. ALL…

[Effects of small needle knife on the substance P in the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord of rats].

PubMed

Wang, Jin-Rong; Wang, Yong-Zhi; Dong, Fu-Hui; Zhong, Hong-Gang; Wang, De-Long; Wang, Xuan

2010-09-01

To study the mechanism of synthesis of substance P (SP) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the release of it in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of rats after compression of skeletal muscle, and to observe the influence of small needle knife. Sustained pressure of 70 kPa was applied to rats, muscular tissues for 2 hours. The rats were divided into three groups: normal, control and experiment group respectively. In all rats except the six normal ones, the lower legs were compressed once one day. The left leg was considered as the control group, the right left was experiment group, which were divided into the 1st day, the 2nd day and the 3rd day within the two groups. Experiment group was treated with small needle knife after the muscular tissue was compressed. After completing the stimulation, the DRG related to the muscle and part of spinal cord were removed for the qualification of SP-like immunoreactivity using immunohistochemistry. The dark brown stains on the DRG and on the REXed laminae I and II in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord were counted by Image-Pro Plus software. SP-like immunoreactivity in the side treated by the small needle knife was enhanced comparing with the counterpart in DRG in normal group (P < 0.01). The integrated optical density of SP like immunoreactivity of the DRG in the experiment group were significantly reduced compared with the control group (P < 0.05). However, the release of SP from spinal cord in experiment group was lower than that in the control group at the 1st day and the 3rd day (P < 0.01), with the opposite result of the 2nd day. Based on the fact that SP is a nociceptive neurotransmitter, the present study suggests that tension relaxation by small needle knife reduces expression of SP in the DRG, and shows no effects on the release of SP from the spinal cord in short-term (3 days).

Working with Difference in Online Collaborative Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Regina O.

2005-01-01

This qualitative cross-case study explored the experiences that learners describe within online collaborative groups. The study context was a fully online graduate course on adult learning. The findings suggest that the small online groups demonstrated dynamics and process that are characteristic of individual growth and development and group…

Qualified and Unqualified (N-R C) mental health nursing staff--minor differences in sources of stress and burnout. A European multi-centre study.

PubMed

Sorgaard, Knut W; Ryan, Peter; Dawson, Ian

2010-06-14

Unqualified/non-registered caregivers (N-R Cs) will continue to play important roles in the mental health services. This study compares levels of burnout and sources of stress among qualified and N-R Cs working in acute mental health care. A total of 196 nursing staff --124 qualified staff (mainly nurses) and 72 N-R Cs with a variety of different educational backgrounds--working in acute wards or community mental teams from 5 European countries filled out the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Mental Health Professional Scale (MHPSS) and the Psychosocial Work Environment and Stress Questionnaire (PWSQ). (a) The univariate differences were generally small and restricted to a few variables. Only Social relations (N-R Cs being less satisfied) at Work demands (nurses reporting higher demands) were different at the .05 level. (b) The absolute scores both groups was highest on variables that measured feelings of not being able to influence a work situation characterised by great demands and insufficient resources. Routines and educational programs for dealing with stress should be available on a routine basis. (c) Multivariate analyses identified three extreme groups: (i) a small group dominated by unqualified staff with high depersonalization, (ii) a large group that was low on depersonalisation and high on work demands with a majority of qualified staff, and (iii) a small N-R C-dominated group (low depersonalization, low work demands) with high scores on professional self-doubt. In contrast to (ii) the small and N-R C-dominated groups in (i) and (iii) reflected mainly centre-dependent problems. The differences in burnout and sources of stress between the two groups were generally small. With the exception of high work demands the main differences between the two groups appeared to be centre-dependent. High work demands characterized primarily qualified staff. The main implication of the study is that no special measures addressed towards N-R Cs in general with regard to stress and burnout seem necessary. The results also suggest that centre-specific problems may cause more stress among N-R Cs compared to the qualified staff (e.g. professional self-doubt).

Do medical students generate sound arguments during small group discussions in problem-based learning?: an analysis of preclinical medical students' argumentation according to a framework of hypothetico-deductive reasoning.

PubMed

Ju, Hyunjung; Choi, Ikseon; Yoon, Bo Young

2017-06-01

Hypothetico-deductive reasoning (HDR) is an essential learning activity and a learning outcome in problem-based learning (PBL). It is important for medical students to engage in the HDR process through argumentation during their small group discussions in PBL. This study aimed to analyze the quality of preclinical medical students' argumentation according to each phase of HDR in PBL. Participants were 15 first-year preclinical students divided into two small groups. A set of three 2-hour discussion sessions from each of the two groups during a 1-week-long PBL unit on the cardiovascular system was audio-recorded. The arguments constructed by the students were analyzed using a coding scheme, which included four types of argumentation (Type 0: incomplete, Type 1: claim only, Type 2: claim with data, and Type 3: claim with data and warrant). The mean frequency of each type of argumentation according to each HDR phase across the two small groups was calculated. During small group discussions, Type 1 arguments were generated most often (frequency=120.5, 43%), whereas the least common were Type 3 arguments (frequency=24.5, 8.7%) among the four types of arguments. The results of this study revealed that the students predominantly made claims without proper justifications; they often omitted data for supporting their claims or did not provide warrants to connect the claims and data. The findings suggest instructional interventions to enhance the quality of medical students' arguments in PBL, including promoting students' comprehension of the structure of argumentation for HDR processes and questioning.

Empirical evidence of the efficiency and efficacy of fat taxes and thin subsidies.

PubMed

Clark, J Stephen; Dittrich, Ludwig O; Xu, Qin

2014-09-01

This study summarizes the empirical literature on fat taxes and thin subsidies to assess their efficiency and efficacy as instruments of public policy to control obesity. Three specific types of taxes are studied in the literature: food group taxes; nutrient taxes; and nutrient index taxes. Anumber of studies use food expenditure data to assess the impact of various taxes on obesity and therefore only indirectly measure the impacts of taxes and subsidies on obesity. These studies generally conclude that food group taxes, nutrient taxes and nutrient index taxes have a small impact on the purchases of food and the nutrients purchased. Other studies use the body mass index as the explanatory variable and thus measure the impacts of taxes on body mass index directly. Nutrient taxes are found to be more effective than food group taxes, although even for nutrient taxes, the effects are small. In general, thin subsidies seem to offer more effective control of obesity than obesity taxes. However, due to the small effects of both fat taxes and thin subsidies, they are not recommended as instruments of food and nutrition policy.

Comparison of Small Bore Catheter Aspiration and Chest Tube Drainage in the Management of Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

PubMed

Korczyński, P; Górska, K; Nasiłowski, J; Chazan, R; Krenke, R

2015-01-01

Beside standard chest tube drainage other less invasive techniques have been used in the management of patients with an acute episode of spontaneous pneumothorax. The aim of the study was to evaluate the short term effect of spontaneous pneumothorax treatment with small-bore pleural catheter and manual aspiration as compared to large-bore chest tube drainage. Patients with an episode of pneumothorax who required pleural intervention were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of the treatment arms: (1) small-bore pleural catheter (8 Fr) with manual aspiration; (2) standard chest tube drainage (20-24 Fr). Success rate of the first line treatment, duration of catheter or chest tube drainage, and the need for surgical intervention were the outcome measures. The study group included 49 patients (mean age 46.9±21.3 years); with 22 and 27 allocated to small bore manual aspiration and chest tube drainage groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of patients in both therapeutic arms. First line treatment success rates were 64% and 82% in the manual aspiration and chest tube drainage groups, respectively; the difference was insignificant. Median time of treatment with small bore catheter was significantly shorter than conventional chest tube drainage (2.0 vs. 6.0 days; p<0.05). Our results show that treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax with small-bore pleural catheter and manual aspiration might be similarly effective as is chest tube drainage in terms of immediate lung re-expansion.

Scottish pharmacists' perceptions and experiences of a practice-based small group learning pilot: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Cunningham, David E; Zlotos, Leon; Power, Ailsa

2014-05-01

CPD is an important feature of healthcare professions and regulatory bodies consider it mandatory. Studies of CPD activity of pharmacists showed that 10% were undertaking no CPD. Practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) is a well-received and popular learning resource for GPs in Scotland. From 2011, a pharmacy pilot was undertaken: pharmacists were trained as peer-facilitators and existing PBSGL modules were adapted. Four NHS boards took part and this study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of pharmacists. A qualitative research approach was adopted using focus groups and in-depth interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcriptions made. Transcripts were coded and themes developed using grounded theory methods. Participants welcomed PBSGL: it was a feasible learning method, acceptable and had educational impact. They appreciated its interactive nature and discussions founded on their experiences in practice. Participants liked the self-reliance of PBSGL in that they were not dependent on specialist practitioners. There were logistical challenges that impacted on the success of group discussion; some pharmacists were less familiar with small group work. Pharmacists felt isolated during work and appreciated peer discussion. There was a tentative welcome to inter-professional learning but group composition and module topics might impact on the success of this. Pharmacists were able to change their learning practice in uni-professional PBSGL groups and were able to learn from each other. There may be further learning opportunities if pharmacists participate in inter-professional groups.

Effectiveness of Simultaneous Prompting in Small Group: The Opportunity of Acquiring Non-Target Skills through Observational Learning and Instructive Feedback

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gursel, Oguz; Tekin-Iftar, Elif; Bozkurt, Funda

2006-01-01

A multiple probe study across behaviors, replicated across students, assessed the effectiveness of simultaneous prompting (SP) in a small group teaching arrangement on teaching (a) to show the provinces, rivers, and border countries of Turkey on a map and (b) to expressively identify the names of the symbols which are usually used in math.…

An Examination of a Small-Group Decoding Intervention for Struggling Readers: Comparing Accuracy and Automaticity Criteria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hudson, Roxanne F.; Isakson, Carole; Richman, Taylor; Lane, Holly B.; Arriaza-Allen, Stephanie

2011-01-01

In this study, we compared methods to improve the decoding and reading fluency of struggling readers. Second-grade poor readers were randomly assigned to one of the two practice conditions within a repeated reading intervention. Both interventions were in small groups, were 20-28 min long, took place 2-4 days per week, and consisted of phonemic…

Developing Productive Dispositions during Small-Group Work in Two Sixth-Grade Mathematics Classrooms: Teachers' Facilitation Efforts and Students' Self-Reported Benefits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jansen, Amanda

2012-01-01

Through this exploratory study, I developed conjectures about classroom conditions that had the potential to support (or not) the development of productive dispositions toward mathematics. To do so, I listened to sixth-grade students' voices about their experiences with small-group work in 2 mathematics classrooms and contrasted their teachers'…

The Use of Magnets for Introducing Primary School Students to Some Properties of Forces through Small-Group Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carruthers, Rebecca; de Berg, Kevin

2010-01-01

Seventeen Grade Six students were divided into small groups to study the concept of forces in the context of magnets and their properties. The researcher, a pre-service primary school teacher, encouraged the students into conversation about magnets and it was found that, without hesitation, they talked about their prior experience of magnets. The…

Effect of pre-warming on perioperative hypothermia and anesthetic recovery in small breed dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

PubMed

Aarnes, Turi K; Bednarski, Richard M; Lerche, Phillip; Hubbell, John A E

2017-02-01

This study compared perianesthetic body temperatures and times to recovery from general anesthesia in small dogs that were either warmed for 20 minutes prior to anesthesia or not warmed. Twenty-eight client-owned dogs that were presented for ovariohysterectomy were included in the study. Small (<10 kg body weight) dogs with normal circulatory status were randomly assigned to receive pre-warming for 20 minutes or no treatment. Body temperature was measured during the procedure using a calibrated rectal probe. Duration of anesthesia and surgery, time to rescue warming, time to extubation, presence and duration of shivering, and time to return to normal temperature were recorded. Temperature at the end of surgery was significantly higher in the control group than the pre-warmed group. There was no difference in time to extubation or duration of postoperative shivering between groups. Pre-warming did not result in improved temperature or recovery from anesthesia.

Male group size, female distribution and changes in sexual segregation by Roosevelt elk

PubMed Central

Peterson, Leah M.

2017-01-01

Sexual segregation, or the differential use of space by males and females, is hypothesized to be a function of body size dimorphism. Sexual segregation can also manifest at small (social segregation) and large (habitat segregation) spatial scales for a variety of reasons. Furthermore, the connection between small- and large-scale sexual segregation has rarely been addressed. We studied a population of Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) across 21 years in north coastal California, USA, to assess small- and large-scale sexual segregation in winter. We hypothesized that male group size would associate with small-scale segregation and that a change in female distribution would associate with large-scale segregation. Variation in forage biomass might also be coupled to small and large-scale sexual segregation. Our findings were consistent with male group size associating with small-scale segregation and a change in female distribution associating with large-scale segregation. Females appeared to avoid large groups comprised of socially dominant males. Males appeared to occupy a habitat vacated by females because of a wider forage niche, greater tolerance to lethal risks, and, perhaps, to reduce encounters with other elk. Sexual segregation at both spatial scales was a poor predictor of forage biomass. Size dimorphism was coupled to change in sexual segregation at small and large spatial scales. Small scale segregation can seemingly manifest when all forage habitat is occupied by females and large scale segregation might happen when some forage habitat is not occupied by females. PMID:29121076

Who is the competent physics student? A study of students' positions and social interaction in small-group discussions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Due, Karin

2014-06-01

This article describes a study which explored the social interaction and the reproduction and challenge of gendered discourses in small group discussions in physics. Data for the study consisted of video recordings of eight upper secondary school groups solving physics problems and 15 audiotaped individual interviews with participating students. The analysis was based on gender theory viewing gender both as a process and a discourse. Specifically discursive psychology analysis was used to examine how students position themselves and their peers within discourses of physics and gender. The results of the study reveal how images of physics and of "skilled physics student" were constructed in the context of the interviews. These discourses were reconstructed in the students' discussions and their social interactions within groups. Traditional gendered positions were reconstructed, for example with boys positioned as more competent in physics than girls. These positions were however also resisted and challenged.

Interactive videodisc instruction is an alternative method for learning and performing a critical nursing skill.

PubMed

DeAmicis, P A

1997-01-01

A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of interactive videodisc instruction (IVDI) with the traditional lecture/demonstration as an alternative method for learning and performing a critical nursing skill. Students were assigned randomly to a treatment group that worked in small groups to complete the IVDI on intravenous therapy skills and a control group receiving the same content in a classroom lecture/demonstration format. After the instruction, each subject performed a re-demonstration of the learned skills using specific guidelines. Results revealed that although the IVDI group scored higher on the overall re-demonstration, there was no significant difference in the ability of the two groups to effectively perform this critical nursing skill. These findings support the use of IVDI as an alternative self-paced, independent study method for learning psychomotor skills and are consistent with previous studies, which indicate that working in small groups on the computer has a positive effect on self-efficacy and achievement.

Student Talk and Opportunities for Mathematical Learning in Small Group Interactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wood, Marcy B.; Kalinec, Crystal A.

2012-01-01

Small group interactions are an important tool for mathematical learning and yet researchers have neither examined small group talk across entire lessons nor have they focused on moments of mathematical learning in small groups. We examined such talk and identified kinds of interactions and connections between interactions and mathematical…

Effects of Physical Exercise on the Intestinal Mucosa of Rats Submitted to a Hypothalamic Obesity Condition.

PubMed

Gomes, J R; Freitas, J R; Grassiolli, S

2016-10-01

The small intestine plays a role in obesity as well as in satiation. However, the effect of physical exercise on the morphology and function of the small intestine during obesity has not been reported to date. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on morphological aspects of the rat small intestine during hypothalamic monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity. The rats were divided into four groups: Sedentary (S), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), Exercised (E), and Exercised Monosodium Glutamate (EMSG). The MSG and EMSG groups received a daily injection of monosodium glutamate (4 g/kg) during the 5 first days after birth. The S and E groups were considered as control groups and received injections of saline. At weaning, at 21 days after birth, the EMSG and E groups were submitted to swimming practice 3 times a week until the 90th day, when all groups were sacrificed and the parameters studied recorded. Exercise significantly reduced fat deposits and the Lee Index in MSG-treated animals, and also reduced the thickness of the intestinal wall, the number of goblet cells and intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity. However, physical activity alone increased the thickness and height of villi, and the depth of the crypts. In conclusion, regular physical exercise may alter the morphology or/and functions of the small intestine, reducing the prejudicial effects of hypothalamic obesity. Anat Rec, 299:1389-1396, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effect of antenatal education in small classes on obstetric and psycho-social outcomes - a systematic review.

PubMed

Brixval, Carina Sjöberg; Axelsen, Solveig Forberg; Lauemøller, Stine Glenstrup; Andersen, Stig Krøger; Due, Pernille; Koushede, Vibeke

2015-02-28

The aims of antenatal education are broad and encompass outcomes related to pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. Both form and content of antenatal education have changed over time without evidence of effects on relevant outcomes. The effect of antenatal education in groups, with participation of a small number of participants, may differ from the effect of other forms of antenatal education due to, for example, group dynamic. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effects of antenatal education in small groups on obstetric as well as psycho-social outcomes. Bibliographic databases (Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were searched. We included randomized and quasi-randomized trials irrespective of language, publication year, publication type, and publication status. Only trials carried out in the Western world were considered in this review. Studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results are presented as structured summaries of the included trials and as forest plots. We identified 5,708 records. Of these, 17 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies varied greatly in content of the experimental and control condition. All outcomes were only reported in a single or a few trials, leading to limited or uncertain confidence in effect estimates. Given the heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes and also the high risk of bias of studies, we are unable to draw definitive conclusions as to the impact of small group antenatal education on obstetric and psycho-social outcomes. Insufficient evidence exists as to whether antenatal education in small classes is effective in regard to obstetric and psycho-social outcomes. We recommend updating this review following the emergence of well-conducted randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias. PROSPERO CRD42013004319.

Working in small-scale, homelike dementia care: effects on staff burnout symptoms and job characteristics. A quasi-experimental, longitudinal study

PubMed Central

Zwakhalen, Sandra MG; Hamers, Jan PH; van Rossum, Erik; Ambergen, Ton; Kempen, Gertrudis IJM; Verbeek, Hilde

2018-01-01

Aim This paper reports on a quasi-experimental, longitudinal study on the effects of working in a new type of dementia care facility (i.e. small-scale living facilities) on staff burnout symptoms and job characteristics (job autonomy, social support, physical demands and workload). Methods It is hypothesised that nursing staff working in small-scale facilities experience fewer burnout symptoms, more autonomy and social support, and fewer symptoms of physical demands and workload compared with staff in regular wards. Two types of long-term institutional nursing care settings were included: 28 houses in small-scale living facilities and 21 regular psychogeriatric wards in nursing homes. At baseline and at follow-ups after 6 and 12 months nursing staff were assessed by means of self-report questionnaires. In total, 305 nursing staff members were included in the study, 114 working in small-scale living facilities (intervention group) and 191 in regular wards (control group). Results No overall effects on burnout symptoms were detected. Significantly fewer physical demands and lower workload were experienced by staff working in small-scale living facilities compared with staff in regular wards. They also experienced more job autonomy. No significant effect was found for overall social support in the total group. Conclusions This study suggests positive effects of the work environment on several work characteristics. Organisational climate differs in the two conditions, which might account for our results. This may influence nursing staff well-being and has important implications for nursing home managers and policy makers. Future studies should enhance our understanding of the influence of job characteristics on outcomes. PMID:29805471

Participatory redesign of work organisation in hospital nursing: A study of the implementation process.

PubMed

Stab, Nicole; Hacker, Winfried

2018-05-01

The main goal of the study was to apply and analyse a moderated participatory small-group procedure with registered nurses, which aims at the development and implementation of measures to improve work organisation in hospital wards and nursing units. Participation in job redesign is an essential prerequisite of the successful implementation of improvement measures in nursing. The study was carried out in a public hospital of maximum care in Germany. We selected 25 wards with the most critical reported exhaustion and general health and applied a series of moderated small-group sessions in which the registered nurses jointly identified deficits in their work organisation, developed improvement measures, and then implemented and assessed them. Registered nurses of 22 wards actively took part in the small-group procedure. All nursing units jointly identified organisational deficits, developed possible improvement measures, and implemented them. The nursing teams then evaluated the implemented measures which were already assessable at the end of our research period; nearly all (99.0%) showed improvements, while 69.4% actually attained the desired goals. Participatory small-group activities may be successfully applied in hospital nursing in order to improve work organisation. Participatory assessment and redesign of nurses' work organisation should be integrated into regular team meetings. The nursing management should actively support the implementation process. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The self-care for people initiative: the outcome evaluation.

PubMed

White, Alan; South, Jane; Bagnall, Anne-Marie; Forshaw, Mark; Spoor, Chris; Marchant, Paul; Witty, Karl

2012-10-01

To determine the effects of a community-based training programme in self-care on the lay population. Self Care is recognised as being a cornerstone of the populations health, but to date there have been few large-scale studies of its effectiveness on the general public. This paper reports on an evaluation of a self-care skills training course delivered in small group sessions within workplace and parent and toddler group settings to a lay population. A quasi-experimental longitudinal study of 12-month duration was conducted in three intervention primary care trusts (PCTs) and two similar comparison PCTs in England. The sample comprised 1568 self-selecting participants: 868 received the intervention and 700 did not. No changes were seen in usage of General Practitioner services, the primary outcome, however, statistical analysis suggested that being in the intervention group may be associated with increased use of out-of-hours and secondary care services. At six months' follow-up small but statistically significant positive effects of being in the intervention group were seen on self-esteem, well-being and anxiety scores. At 12 months' follow-up small but statistically significant positive effects of being in the intervention group were also seen on recovery locus of control, health literacy and self-esteem scores, and on knowledge of adult cough. The clinical significance of these very small changes is unclear. The training programme had a small but positive effect, which was still evident at 12 months, on individuals' knowledge and confidence levels with regard to managing their own health, but did not lead to reductions in health service use.

Effect of size of unfed fry at release on survival and growth of juvenile steelhead in streams and a hatchery (Study sites: Dworshak Hatchery, Silver Creek, and Twenty-Mile Creek; Stock: Dworshak hatchery; Year classes: 1996 and 1999): Chapter 7

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rubin, Stephen P.; Reisenbichler, Reginald R.; Wetzel, Lisa A.; Stenberg, Karl D.

2012-01-01

We tested whether differences in size of unfed fry at release affected survival and growth of juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in hatchery ponds and streams. Differences in fry size were produced by selecting and spawning females that differed in the mean size of their eggs. Experiments were initiated in 1996 and 1999 with hatchery steelhead returning to the Clearwater River, Idaho. Fry size groups were small (mean fork length=26.7 mm, mean weight=0.149 g) and large (28.1 mm, 0.197 g) in 1996 and small (27.5 mm, 0.159 g), medium (28.2 mm, 0.190 g), and large (28.9 mm, 0.201 g) in 1999. Survival in the hatchery to near the end of the standard one year rearing period and in streams to late summer, three months after release, was higher for the large than for the small group in 1996 but was similar among groups in 1999. Survival in streams to age - 1 appeared to show the same pattern (large>small in 1996; no difference in 1999), but differences among fry size groups in emigration as well as mortality may have been involved. The inconsistency between years may have resulted because some 1996 female parents of the small group had exceptionally small eggs and were a year younger than the other 1996 females and all 1999 females. Growth in the hatchery was similar among groups in both years whereas growth in streams was faster for the large than for the small group in both years and intermediate for the medium group in 1999. Growth in streams appeared to be limited by food availability. Initially large fry probably out - competed smaller fry for limited food; however, we found no evidence that dispersal from release sites or emigration from streams was caused by competitive displacement of small by larger fish. 

Student Leadership in Small Group Science Inquiry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliveira, Alandeom W.; Boz, Umit; Broadwell, George A.; Sadler, Troy D.

2014-01-01

Background: Science educators have sought to structure collaborative inquiry learning through the assignment of static group roles. This structural approach to student grouping oversimplifies the complexities of peer collaboration and overlooks the highly dynamic nature of group activity. Purpose: This study addresses this issue of…

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, healing effect of rebamipide in patients with low-dose aspirin and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced small bowel injury.

PubMed

Kurokawa, Sei; Katsuki, Shinichi; Fujita, Tomoki; Saitoh, Yusuke; Ohta, Hidetoshi; Nishikawa, Kouji; Sato, Yasushi; Sato, Yasuhiro; Ohira, Koji; Yamada, Masataka; Kato, Mototsugu

2014-02-01

It is not clear what kind of drug is appropriate to heal NSAID-induced enteropathy. Several reports showed the preventive effect of prostaglandin analogue or inducer using healthy subjects who took NSAIDs. However there was no report for healing effect and for patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing effect of rebamipide in patients with NSAIDs-induced enteropathy. In addition, we evaluated for nutritional parameter. This study was conducted as a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Study protocol was approved by each hospital's ethical committees. Patients with LDA and/or NSAID more than 3 months were enrolled. Patients with enteropathy were divided into the placebo and the rebamipide groups. Rebamipide 100 mg three times daily was administered during 4 weeks. Capsule endoscopies were performed at 0 and 4 week. The number of small intestinal ulcer and erosion were evaluated. Total protein was analyzed as nutritional parameter. Sixty one participants were completed this study. Change in number of small intestinal erosion in the rebamipide group was -2.5 ± 3.4, and 2.1 ± 3.9 in the placebo group (P < 0.0001). Change in number of small intestinal ulcer in the rebamipide group was -0.5 ± 1.6, and 0.1 ± 0.7 in the placebo group (P = 0.024). Change in serum total protein levels in the rebamipide group was 0.06 ± 0.36, and -0.27 ± 0.34 in the placebo group (P = 0.0005). Rebamipide has not only the healing effect for NSAIDs-induced enteropathy compared with placebo, but the improvement of nutritional condition. These results showed a tentative therapeutical strategy for chronic NSAIDs users.

Measuring Group Work Dynamics and Its Relation with L2 Learners' Task Motivation and Language Production

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poupore, Glen

2016-01-01

While learners of a second language (L2) are increasingly interacting in small groups as part of a communicative methodological paradigm, very few studies have investigated the social dynamics that occur in such groups. The aim of this study is to introduce a group work dynamic measuring instrument and to investigate the relationship between group…

Randomized feasibility study of S-1 for adjuvant chemotherapy in completely resected Stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer: results of the Setouchi Lung Cancer Group Study 0701.

PubMed

Soh, Junichi; Okumura, Norihito; Nakata, Masao; Nakamura, Hiroshige; Fukuda, Minoru; Kataoka, Masafumi; Kajiwara, Shinsuke; Sano, Yoshifumi; Aoe, Motoi; Kataoka, Kazuhiko; Hotta, Katsuyuki; Matsuo, Keitaro; Toyooka, Shinichi; Date, Hiroshi

2016-08-01

The aim of this multicenter study was to determine the appropriate administration schedule for S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine, for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with completely resected pathological-Stage IA (tumor diameter, 2-3 cm) non-small-cell lung cancer. Patients were randomly assigned to receive adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of either the 4-week oral administration of S-1 (80-120 mg/body/day) followed by a 2-week rest (Group A), or the 2-week oral administration of S-1 (80-120 mg/body/day) followed by a 1-week rest (Group B). The duration of adjuvant chemotherapy was 1 year in both arms. The primary endpoint was compliance, namely drug discontinuation-free survival, which was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test. Eighty patients were enrolled in this study, and 76 patients actually received S-1 treatment. The drug discontinuation-free survival rates at 1 year were 49.1% in Group A and 52.7% in Group B (P = 0.373). The means of the relative dose intensities were 55.3% in Group A and 64.6% in Group B (P = 0.237). There were no treatment-related deaths. Patients with grade 3/4 toxicities were significantly more frequent in Group A (40.5%) than in Group B (15.4%, P = 0.021). The 2-year relapse-free survival rates were 97.5% in Group A and 92.5% in Group B, and the 2-year overall survival rates were 100% in both groups. The feasibility showed no significant difference between the two groups among patients with completely resected Stage IA (tumor diameter, 2-3 cm) non-small-cell lung cancer. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

Management of non-traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head-a comparative analysis of the outcome of multiple small diameter drilling and core decompression with fibular grafting.

PubMed

Mohanty, S P; Singh, K A; Kundangar, R; Shankar, V

2017-04-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of multiple small diameter drilling and core decompression with fibular strut grafting in the management of non-traumatic avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. Outcomes of patients with AVN treated by multiple small diameter drilling (group 1) were compared retrospectively with patients treated by core decompression and fibular grafting (group 2). Harris hip score (HHS) was used to assess the clinical status pre- and postoperatively. Modified Ficat and Arlet classification was used to assess the radiological stage pre- and postoperatively. Forty-six patients (68 hips) were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of 33 hips, and group 2 consisted of 35 hips. In stages I and IIB, there was no statistically significant difference in the final HHS between the two groups. However, in stages IIA and III, hips in group 2 had a better final HHS (P < 0.05). In terms of radiographic progression, there was no statistical difference between hips in stages I, IIA and stage IIB. However, in stage III, hips belonging to group 2 had better results (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis showed better outcome in group 2 in stage III (P < 0.05). Hips with AVN in the precollapse stage can be salvaged by core decompression with or without fibular grafting. Multiple small diameter drilling is relatively simple and carries less morbidity and hence preferred in stages I and II. However, in stage III disease, core decompression with fibular strut grafting gives better results.

Clinical significance of preoperative serum albumin level for prognosis in surgically resected patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Comparative study of normal lung, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis.

PubMed

Miura, Kentaro; Hamanaka, Kazutoshi; Koizumi, Tomonobu; Kitaguchi, Yoshiaki; Terada, Yukihiro; Nakamura, Daisuke; Kumeda, Hirotaka; Agatsuma, Hiroyuki; Hyogotani, Akira; Kawakami, Satoshi; Yoshizawa, Akihiko; Asaka, Shiho; Ito, Ken-Ichi

2017-09-01

This study was performed to clarify whether preoperative serum albumin level is related to the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing surgical resection, and the relationships between serum albumin level and clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer patients with emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis. We retrospectively evaluated 556 patients that underwent surgical resection for non-small cell lung cancer. The correlation between preoperative serum albumin level and survival was evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups according to the findings on chest high-resolution computed tomography (normal lung, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis), and the relationships between serum albumin level and clinicopathological characteristics, including prognosis, were evaluated. The cut-off value of serum albumin level was set at 4.2g/dL. Patients with low albumin levels (albumin <4.2) had significantly poorer prognosis than those with high albumin levels (albumin ≥4.2) with regard to both overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Serum albumin levels in the emphysema group (n=48) and pulmonary fibrosis group (n=45) were significantly lower than that in the normal lung group (n=463) (p=0.009 and <0.001, respectively). Low serum albumin level was a risk factor in normal lung and pulmonary fibrosis groups, but not in the emphysema group. Preoperative serum albumin level was an important prognostic factor for overall survival and recurrence-free survival in patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer. Divided into normal lung, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis groups, serum albumin level showed no influence only in patients in the emphysema group. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Initial small mammal responses to alternative pine regeneration methods in Arkansas and Oklahoma: preliminary findings

Treesearch

Ronald E. Thill; Roger W. Perry; Nancy E. Koerth; Philip A. Tappe; David G. Peitz

2004-01-01

Abstract - We studied winter small mammal communities in the Ouachita Mountains of west-central Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma using Sherman live traps in four replications of four regeneration treatments (clearcut/plant, shelterwood, single-tree selection, and group selection), plus four mature, untreated "controls." Data on relative small...

Maternal hemodynamics: a method to classify hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

PubMed

Ferrazzi, Enrico; Stampalija, Tamara; Monasta, Lorenzo; Di Martino, Daniela; Vonck, Sharona; Gyselaers, Wilfried

2018-01-01

The classification of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is based on the time at the onset of hypertension, proteinuria, and other associated complications. Maternal hemodynamic interrogation in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy considers not only the peripheral blood pressure but also the entire cardiovascular system, and it might help to classify the different clinical phenotypes of this syndrome. This study aimed to examine cardiovascular parameters in a cohort of patients affected by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy according to the clinical phenotypes that prioritize fetoplacental characteristics and not the time at onset of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. At the fetal-maternal medicine unit of Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (Genk, Belgium), maternal cardiovascular parameters were obtained through impedance cardiography using a noninvasive continuous cardiac output monitor with the patients placed in a standing position. The patients were classified as pregnant women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who delivered appropriate- and small-for-gestational-age fetuses. Normotensive pregnant women with an appropriate-for-gestational-age fetus at delivery were enrolled as the control group. The possible impact of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 ) on maternal hemodynamics was reassessed in the same groups. Maternal age, parity, body mass index, and blood pressure were not significantly different between the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/appropriate-for-gestational-age and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/small-for-gestational-age groups. The mean uterine artery pulsatility index was significantly higher in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/small-for-gestational-age group. The cardiac output and cardiac index were significantly lower in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/small-for-gestational-age group (cardiac output 6.5 L/min, cardiac index 3.6) than in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/appropriate-for-gestational-age group (cardiac output 7.6 L/min, cardiac index 3.9) but not between the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/appropriate-for-gestational-age and control groups (cardiac output 7.6 L/min, cardiac index 4.0). Total vascular resistance was significantly higher in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/small-for-gestational-age group than in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/appropriate-for-gestational-age group and the control group. All women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy showed signs of central arterial dysfunction. The cardiovascular parameters were not influenced by gestational age at the onset of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and no difference was observed between the women with appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses affected by preeclampsia or by gestational hypertension with appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses. Women in the obese/hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/appropriate-for-gestational-age and obese/hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/small-for-gestational-age groups showed a significant increase in cardiac output, as well as significant changes in other parameters, compared with the nonobese/hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/appropriate-for-gestational-age and nonobese/hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/small-for-gestational-age groups. Significantly low cardiac output and high total vascular resistance characterized the women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy associated with small for gestational age due to placental insufficiency, independent of the gestational age at the onset of hypertension. The cardiovascular parameters were not significantly different in the women with appropriate-for-gestational-age or small-for-gestational-age fetuses affected by preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. These findings support the view that maternal hemodynamics may be a candidate diagnostic tool to identify hypertensive disorders in pregnancies associated with small-for-gestational-age fetuses. This additional tool matches other reported evidence provided by uterine Doppler velocimetry, low vascular growth factors in the first trimester, and placental pathology. Obesity is associated with a significantly higher cardiac output and outweighs other determinants of hemodynamics in pregnancy; therefore, in future studies on hypertensive disorders, obesity should be studied as an additional disease and not simply as a demographic characteristic. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of DA-6034 on Intestinal Permeability in an Indomethacin-Induced Small Intestinal Injury Model.

PubMed

Kwak, Dong Shin; Lee, Oh Young; Lee, Kang Nyeong; Jun, Dae Won; Lee, Hang Lak; Yoon, Byung Chul; Choi, Ho Soon

2016-05-23

DA-6034 has anti-inflammatory activities and exhibits cytoprotective effects in acute gastric injury models. However, explanations for the protective effects of DA-6034 on intestinal permeability are limited. This study sought to investigate the effect of DA-6034 on intestinal permeability in an indomethacin-induced small intestinal injury model and its protective effect against small intestinal injury. Rats in the treatment group received DA-6034 from days 0 to 2 and indomethacin from days 1 to 2. Rats in the control group received indomethacin from days 1 to 2. On the fourth day, the small intestines were examined to compare the severity of inflammation. Intestinal permeability was evaluated by using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran. Western blotting was performed to confirm the association between DA-6034 and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. The inflammation scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group, but the difference was statistically insignificant. Hemorrhagic lesions in the treatment group were broader than those in the control group, but the difference was statistically insignificant. Intestinal permeability was lower in the treatment group than in the control group. DA-6034 enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase expression, and intestinal permeability was negatively correlated with ERK expression. DA-6034 may decrease intestinal permeability in an indomethacin-induced intestinal injury model via the ERK pathway.

[Effect of Small Knife Needle on β-enorpin and Enkehalin Contents of Tansverse Process Syndrome of the Third Vertebra].

PubMed

Liu, Nai-gang; Guo, Chang-qing; Sun, Hong-mei; Li, Xiao-hong; Wu, Hai-xia; Xu, Hong

2016-04-01

To explore the analgesic mechanism of small knife needle for treating transverse process syndrome of the third vertebra (TPSTV) by observing peripheral and central changesof β-endorphin (β-EP) and enkephalin (ENK) contents. Totally 30 Japanese white big-ear rabbits of clean grade were divided into 5 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the small knife needle group, the electroacupunture (EA) group, and the small knife needle plus EA group, 6 in each group. The TPSTV model was established by inserting a piece of gelatin sponge into the left transverse process of 3rd lumbar vertebrae. Rabbits in the small knife needlegroup were intervened by small knife needle. Those in the EA group were intervened by EA at bilateralWeizhong (BL40). Those in the small knife needle plus EA group were intervened by small knife needleand EA at bilateral Weizhong (BL40). Contents of β-EP and ENK in plasma, muscle, spinal cord, and hypothalamus were determined after sample collection at day 28 after modeling. Compared with the normal control group, contents of β-EP and ENK in plasma and muscle increased significantly, and contents of β-EP and ENK in spinal cord and hypothalamus decreased significantly in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Contents of β-EP and ENK approximated normal levels in the three treatment groups after respective treatment. Compared with the model group, the content of β-EP in muscle decreased, and contents of β-EP and ENK in hypothalamus increased in the three treatment groups after respective treatment (P < 0.05). There were no significant difference among the three treatment groups (P > 0.05). Small knife needle treatment and EA had benign regulation on peripheral and central β-EP and ENK in TPSTV rabbits. Small knife needle treatment showed better effect than that of EA.

Social networks as predictors of colorectal cancer screening in African Americans.

PubMed

Alema-Mensah, Ernest; Smith, Selina A; Claridy, Mechelle; Ede, Victor; Ansa, Benjamin; Blumenthal, Daniel S

2017-01-01

Early detection can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality by 15%-33%, and screening is widely recommended for average-risk adults beginning at age 50 years. Colorectal cancer mortality rates are higher in African Americans than in whites, while screening rates are somewhat lower. Individual social networks can reduce emotional and/or logistical barriers to health-promoting but distasteful procedures such as CRC screening. The aim of this study was to examine social network interactions, and their impact on CRC screening among African Americans. We hypothesized a positive association between social network index (SNI) scores and CRC screening. In a community intervention trial with four arms, we previously demonstrated the efficacy of a small group educational intervention to promote CRC screening among African Americans. This intervention outperformed a one-on-one educational intervention, a reduced out-of-pocket expense intervention, and a control condition. In the present analysis, we compared the SNI scores for participants in the small group intervention cohort with a comparison group comprised of the other three cohorts. Social networks were assessed using the Social Network Index developed by Cohen. Small group participants had a significantly higher network diversity score (Mean difference 0.71; 95% CI, 0.12-1.31; p=0.0017) than the comparison group. In the second component of the SNI score - the number of people talked to over a two week period - the small group intervention cohort also scored significantly higher than the comparison group. (Mean difference, 9.29; 95% CI, 3.963-14.6266; p=0.0004). The findings suggest that social interaction and support was at least partially responsible for the relatively high post-intervention screening rate in the small group intervention participants. Education in small groups could foster strong social networks. Strong and positive network diversity and a large number of people in social networks may enhance CRC screening rates among African Americans.

Does L-arginine induce intestinal adaptation by epithelial growth factor?

PubMed

Camli, Alparslan; Barlas, Meral; Yagmurlu, Aydin

2005-01-01

To evaluate whether L-Arginine has an effect on endogenous epidermal growth factor secretion and intestinal adaptation in massive small bowel resection an experimental study was performed. Fourteen albino Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were used for the study. After performing 50% small bowel resection and anastomosis the rats were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received 500 mg/kg/day of L-Arginine intraperitoneally for 14 days just after the surgical procedure. The control group received isotonic saline instead. Body weight measurement was preformed daily. At the end of the second postoperative week all rats underwent relaparotomy. Small bowel was resected for histopathological examination. Levels of epidermal growth factor were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum, saliva, and urine at the end of second postoperative week in both groups. The weight gain was higher in the L-Arginine treated group (P < 0.05). Serum, saliva and urinary epidermal growth factor levels were significantly higher at the end of the second week compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The villus height was higher on histopathological examination in L-Arginine treated group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). L-Arginine resulted in a better intestinal adaptation after massive bowel resection. The high levels of epidermal growth factor in body fluids of L-Arginine treated rats could be the explanation for this effect.

Influence of Group Size on Students' Participation in Online Discussion Forums

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Jungjoo

2013-01-01

This study attempts to examine how students participate and interact in different discussion modules organized with different group size in an online environment. It adopts a case study methodology where full semester online course with two small-group and three class-wide discussion forums was examined. The researcher counted the number of…

[Postconditioning -- effective method against distant organ dysfunction?].

PubMed

Onody, Péter; Rosero, Olivér; Kovács, Tibor; Garbaisz, Dávid; Hegedüs, Viktor; Lotz, Gábor; Harsányi, László; Szijártó, Attila

2012-08-01

The ischemia-reperfusion injury of the small intestine is a condition of high mortality, which occurs following superior mesenteric artery (SMA) embolization or circulatory redistribution. The aim of the study was to evaluate the local and systemic effects of postconditioning in a rat model of small intestine ischemia-reperfusion. Male Wistar rats underwent 60 min ischemia by the clamping of the SMA, followed by 6 hrs of reperfusion. The animals (n = 30) were randomized into three groups: sham-operated, control-, and postconditioned. Postconditioning was performed at the very onset of reperfusion by 6 alternating cycles of 10-10 seconds reperfusion/reocclusion, for a total of 2 min. At the end of the reperfusion blood and tissue (small intestine, lungs, kidney, liver) samples were taken for histological examination. The antioxidant status of small intestine was measured from intestinal homogenates. Histologic results revealed increased damage in control-group lungs, kidney, liver and small intestine in comparison with the postconditioned group. The injury was supported by significantly higher wet/dry weight ratio (p = 0.026), and serum levels of creatinine (p = 0.013), ASAT (p = 0.038), LDH (p = 0.028) and CK (p = 0.038) in the control group. The postconditioned group showed lower serum IL-6 levels (420 pg/ml vs. 188 pg/ml), as well as significantly higher mucosal antioxidant concentration. Postconditioning was able to decrease not only local, but the systemic damage intensity also, after a small intestinal ischemic-reperfusion episode.

Evaluation of a Two-Phase Implementation of a Tier-2 (Small Group) Reading Intervention for Young Low-Progress Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buckingham, Jennifer; Wheldall, Kevin; Beaman-Wheldall, Robyn

2014-01-01

In a response to intervention (RtI) model, reading is taught in increasingly intensive tiers of instruction. The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of a Tier-2 (small group) literacy intervention for young struggling readers. This article focuses on the second phase of a randomised control trial involving 14 students in kindergarten as…

Examining the Effects of Text Genre and Structure on Fourth-and Fifth-Grade Students' High-Level Comprehension as Evidenced in Small-Group Discussions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Mengyi; Murphy, P. Karen; Firetto, Carla M.

2014-01-01

Although there is a rich literature on the role of text genre and structure on students' literal comprehension, more research is needed regarding the role of these text features on students' high-level comprehension as evidenced in their small-group discussions. As such, the present study examined the effects of text genre (i.e., narrative and…

A Normative Model of Work Team Effectiveness

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-11-01

Hawthc-ne studies at Western Electric Corporation, Harold Leavitt (1975) observed: Far and away the most powerful and beloved tool of applied behavioral ...scientists is the small face-to-face group. Since the Western Electric researches, behavioral scientists have been learning to understand, exploit and...integration of literature on small group behavior , see McGrath and Altman (1966). Current reviews are provided by Hare (1976), MicGrath and Kravitz (1982

The Effectiveness of the Smart Board-Based Small-Group Graduated Guidance Instruction on Digital Gaming and Observational Learning Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cattik, Melih; Odluyurt, Serhat

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to teach digital gaming skills to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a SMART board with a graduated guidance teaching method in a small-group instructional format, to determine the participants' levels of learning by observation, and to determine the views of their families on the conducted…

Investigating Affordance of Opportunity for Young Children's Language Interactions in a Nursery Setting: How Can Small Group Talk Act as a Forum for Language Learning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

King, Sarah Elizabeth; Dockrell, Julie E.

2016-01-01

The importance of research on the unique nature of the communication supporting environment in nurseries has been heightened by growing evidence of the significance of early language skills for later academic and social development. This study focussed on children's language use during small group times. Opportunities to hear and practise language…

Examining the Predictive Validity of a Dynamic Assessment of Decoding to Forecast Response to Tier 2 Intervention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cho, Eunsoo; Compton, Donald L.; Fuchs, Douglas; Fuchs, Lynn S.; Bouton, Bobette

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of a dynamic assessment (DA) of decoding in predicting responsiveness to Tier 2 small-group tutoring in a response-to-intervention model. First grade students (n = 134) who did not show adequate progress in Tier 1 based on 6 weeks of progress monitoring received Tier 2 small-group tutoring in…

Simethicone adjunct to polyethylene glycol improves small bowel capsule endoscopy imaging in non-Crohn's disease patients.

PubMed

Papamichael, Konstantinos; Karatzas, Pantelis; Theodoropoulos, Ioannis; Kyriakos, Nikos; Archavlis, Emmanuel; Mantzaris, Gerasimos J

2015-01-01

Currently, there is no standardized protocol for bowel preparation before small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE). This study aimed to investigate the effect of simethicone combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the visualization quality (VQ) of the SBCE in patients with or without known or suspected Crohn's disease (CD). This observational, prospective, single-center study included consecutive patients undergoing a SBCE between 2007 and 2008. Patients received either a standard bowel cleansing preparation of 2 L PEG and 80 mg simethicone orally 12 and 1 h before SBCE respectively (Group A) or only PEG (Group B). VQ, based on scores for luminal bubbles in frames taken from the small intestine, examination completeness, SBCE diagnostic yield, gastric and small bowel transit times were recorded. Of the 115 patients finally included (Group A, n=56 and Group B, n=59) the cecum was visualized in 103 (89.6%). Simethicone overall improved the VQ in the proximal [OR: 2.43 (95%CI: 1.08-5.45), P=0.032] but not in the distal bowel segment (P=0.064). Nevertheless, this effect was not observed in patients undergoing SBCE for either known or suspected CD. Simethicone as an adjunct to PEG for bowel preparation in patients undergoing SBCE significantly improved the VQ in non-CD patients.

The infant development, environment, and lifestyle study: effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure, polydrug exposure, and poverty on intrauterine growth.

PubMed

Smith, Lynne M; LaGasse, Linda L; Derauf, Chris; Grant, Penny; Shah, Rizwan; Arria, Amelia; Huestis, Marilyn; Haning, William; Strauss, Arthur; Della Grotta, Sheri; Liu, Jing; Lester, Barry M

2006-09-01

Methamphetamine use among pregnant women is an increasing problem in the United States. Effects of methamphetamine use during pregnancy on fetal growth have not been reported in large, prospective studies. We examined the neonatal growth effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure in the multicenter, longitudinal Infant Development, Environment and Lifestyle study. The Infant Development, Environment and Lifestyle study screened 13808 subjects at 4 clinical centers: 1618 were eligible and consented, among which 84 were methamphetamine exposed, and 1534 were unexposed. Those who were methamphetamine exposed were identified by self-report and/or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmation of amphetamine and metabolites in infant meconium. Those who were unexposed denied amphetamine use and had a negative meconium screen. Both groups included prenatal alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana use, but excluded use of opiates, LSD, PCP or cocaine only. Neonatal parameters included birth weight and gestational age in weeks. One-way analysis of variance and linear-regression analyses were conducted on birth weight by exposure. The relationship of methamphetamine exposure and the incidence of small for gestational age was analyzed using multivariate logistic-regression analyses. The methamphetamine exposed group was 3.5 times more likely to be small for gestational age than the unexposed group. Mothers who used tobacco during pregnancy were nearly 2 times more likely to have small-for-gestational-age infants. In addition, less maternal weight gain during pregnancy was more likely to result in a small-for-gestational-age infant. Birthweight in the methamphetamine exposed group was lower than the unexposed group. These findings suggest that prenatal methamphetamine use is associated with fetal growth restriction after adjusting for covariates. Continued follow-up will determine if these infants are at increased risk for growth abnormalities in the future.

The effect of Daikenchuto on postoperative intestinal motility in patients with right-side colon cancer.

PubMed

Yamada, Takeshi; Matsumoto, Satoshi; Matsuda, Michihiro Koizumi Akihisa; Shinji, Seiichi; Yokoyama, Yasuyuki; Takahashi, Goro; Iwai, Takuma; Takeda, Kouki; Ohta, Keiichiro; Uchida, Eiji

2017-07-01

Daikenchuto (DKT) has a stimulant effect on intestinal motility and reportedly has a positive effect on postoperative intestinal motility in patients with sigmoid colon cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of DKT in patients with right-side colon cancer. This retrospective study included 88 patients with right-side colon cancer. We orally administered 7.5 g of DKT in the DKT group and did not administer any DKT to patients in the no-DKT group. All patients ingested radiopaque markers 2 h before surgery, which were used to assess intestinal motility. The postoperative intestinal motility was radiologically assessed by counting the numbers of residual markers in the large and small intestines. The DKT and no-DKT groups showed no marked differences in the total number of residual markers or number of residual markers in the small intestine. However, in the elderly subgroup, the total number of residual markers in the DKT group was significantly less than in the no-DKT group. Although DKT had some small effect on the postoperative intestinal motility for most patients, it may have positive effects in elderly patients.

[Celiac disease in a group of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Brandt, Katia G; Silva, Giselia A P; Antunes, Margarida M C

2004-12-01

To know the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in a group of children and adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus. A cross sectional study was conducted at the Instituto Materno Infantil de Pernambuco (IMIP) in March 2000. The sample consisted of 19 children and adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus that had the human anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies assessed using kits from the Eurospital Laboratory. In case of positive results it was realized small intestine biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. For the calculation of the prevalence of CD it was considered the number of patients with serum positive histological alterations of the mucous membrane of the small intestine compatible with CD. Four patients presented serum positivity for human anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies with a serum prevalence of 21% (4/19). Out of these four subjects, three who accomplished small intestine biopsy presented histological alterations compatible with CD. The prevalence of CD in this group was 15.8% (3/19). The prevalence of CD in this study group was high, suggesting that those with type I diabetes mellitus should be led as a group of high risk to develop this disease.

Teaching with the Case Study Method to Promote Active Learning in a Small Molecule Crystallography Course for Chemistry Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Michael G.; Powers, Tamara M.; Zheng, Shao-Liang

2016-01-01

Implementing the case study method in a practical X-ray crystallography course designed for graduate or upper-level undergraduate chemistry students is described. Compared with a traditional lecture format, assigning small groups of students to examine literature case studies encourages more active engagement with the course material and…

Prospective evaluation of oral gastrografin(®) in the management of postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction.

PubMed

Rahmani, Nasrin; Mohammadpour, Reza Ali; Khoshnood, Peyman; Ahmadi, Amirhossein; Assadpour, Sara

2013-06-01

Oral Gastrografin®, a hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast medium, may have a therapeutic effect in adhesive small bowel obstruction. However, findings are still conflicting, as some authors did not find a therapeutic advantage. So, this prospective, randomized, and clinical trial study was designed to determine the value of Gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction. The primary end points were the evaluation of the operative rate reduction and shortening the hospital stay after the use of Gastrografin. A total of 84 patients were randomized into two groups: the control group received conventional treatment, whereas the study group received in addition of 100 mL Gastrografin meal. Patients were followed up within 4 days after admission, and clinical and radiological (if needed) improvements were evaluated. Although the results showed that Gastrografin can decrease the need for surgical management by 14.5 %, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups (P = 0.07). Nevertheless, the length of hospital stay revealed a significant reduction from 4.67 ± 1.18 days to 2.69 ± 1.02 days (P = 0.00). The use of Gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction is safe and reduces the length of hospital stay. As a result, the cost of hospital bed occupancy is reduced. Hence, if there was no indication of emergency surgery, administration of oral Gastrografin as a nonoperative treatment in adhesive small bowel obstruction is also recommended.

Group treatment for depression in mothers of young children compared to standard individual therapy.

PubMed

Frisch, Ulrike; Hofecker-Fallahpour, Maria; Stieglitz, Rolf-Dieter; Riecher-Rössler, Anita

2013-01-01

Studies on specific psychotherapy for depressed mothers of small children are rare. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a newly developed cognitive-behavioral group intervention for depressed mothers compared to standard individual therapy. In a naturalistic design, 31 mothers suffering from depressive disorders with children aged ≤4 years who had consecutively been admitted to our specialized clinic for mentally ill mothers were assigned to the group treatment, and the following 21 were admitted to the control group receiving standard individual therapy. The group treatment consisted of 12 group sessions and 1 couple session and was administered to five consecutive groups. Participants completed interviews and questionnaires - the Beck Depression Inventory and the Symptom Checklist- 90-R - before and 3 months after therapy. The treatment group and the control group showed a significant improvement in their depression, with no significant differences between the two treatment strategies. The women in group therapy, however, required fewer antidepressants, and group treatment was observed to be more effective in reducing anger and hostility. This form of group treatment for depressed women in early motherhood may have some important advantages over individual therapy; effects were small, however, and should be replicated in a further study. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Students' development of models of magnetic materials, patterns of group activity, and social norms in a physics classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Andrew P.

1999-11-01

This dissertation is a study of students' model development processes in a physical science course for preservice elementary teachers. It details the models of magnetic materials developed and used by students during a unit on static electricity and magnetism. In this inquiry-based course, the class developed and formally accepted a model, in the form of diagrams and descriptions, that is very similar to the accepted magnetic domains model. They did this without textbooks or lectures on magnetism. Before adopting this model, however, most groups in the class temporarily used models involving opposite charges at the two ends of magnetized nails. How did the students do it? The explanation involves detailed study of the groups' interactions and use of structure in the classroom environment. This dissertation uses two theoretical frameworks to analyze interactions. It applies Yackel and Cobb's (1996) concepts of classroom social norms to characterize aspects of the classroom participation structure which affected groups' construction and declaration of models. It also applies distributed cognition ideas to analyze the sense-making conversations that small groups had when constructing group responses. This research found that conversations in one small group could be characterized into sixteen categories. Important categories included "extending ideas" which involved gradual deepening and elaboration of the group's understanding of their model(s), and "joint typing", an interactive process by which group members collaborated on typed statements or group diagrams and simultaneously developed common language for communicating their ideas to each other. Some of these categories of activity were closely connected to computer use. Also, four classroom norms are described. One small group social classroom norm involved group members developing a "common ground" consisting of agreed-upon group statements. Three sociophysics norms which characterize the whole class interactions as well as those of the small group involved a distinction between generalizations of phenomena and theoretical statements, class criteria for accepting evidence, and the obligation for each group to have a model of magnetic materials that they could support with acceptable evidence.

Domain-specific rationality in human choices: violations of utility axioms and social contexts.

PubMed

Wang, X T

1996-07-01

This study presents a domain-specific view of human decision rationality. It explores social and ecological domain-specific psychological mechanisms underlying choice biases and violations of utility axioms. Results from both the USA and China revealed a social group domain-specific choice pattern. The irrational preference reversal in a hypothetical life-death decision problem (a classical example of framing effects) was eliminated by providing a small group or family context in which most subjects favored a risky choice option regardless of the positive/negative framing of choice outcomes. The risk preference data also indicate that the subjective scope of small group domain is larger for Chinese subjects, suggesting that human choice mechanisms are sensitive to culturally specific features of group living. A further experiment provided evidence that perceived fairness might be one major factor regulating the choice preferences found in small group (kith-and-kin) contexts. Finally, the violation of the stochastic dominance axiom of the rational theory of choice was predicted and tested. The violations were found only when the "life-death" problem was presented in small group contexts; the strongest violation was found in a family context. These results suggest that human decisions and choices are regulated by domain-specific choice mechanisms designed to solve evolutionary recurrent and adaptively important problems.

Fracture Resistance of Ceramic Laminate Veneers Bonded to Teeth with Class V Composite Fillings after Cyclic Loading.

PubMed

Sadighpour, Leyla; Geramipanah, Farideh; Rasaei, Vanya; Kharazi Fard, Mohammad J

2018-01-01

Porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) are sometimes required to be used for teeth with composite fillings. This study examined the fracture strength of PLVs bonded to the teeth restored with different sizes of class V composite fillings. Thirty-six maxillary central incisors were divided into three groups ( n =12): intact teeth (control) and teeth with class V composite fillings of one-third or two-thirds of the crown height (small or large group, resp.). PLVs were made by using IPS e.max and bonded with a resin cement (RelyX Unicem). Fracture resistance ( N ) was measured after cyclic loading (1 × 10 6 cycles, 1.2 Hz). For statistical analyses, one-way ANOVA and Tukey test were used ( α =0.05). There was a significant difference between the mean failure loads of the test groups ( P =0.004), with the Tukey-HSD test showing lower failure loads in the large-composite group compared to the control ( P =0.02) or small group ( P =0.05). The control and small-composite groups achieved comparable results ( P > 0.05). Failure loads of PLVs bonded to intact teeth and to teeth with small class V composite fillings were not significantly different. However, extensive composite fillings could compromise the bonding of PLVs.

The Efficacy of Residents as Teachers in an Ophthalmology Module.

PubMed

Ryg, Peter A; Hafler, Janet P; Forster, Susan H

2016-01-01

Resident physicians have reported spending upward of 25% of their time teaching fellow residents and medical students. Until relatively recently, there have not been formal requirements in residency programs to learn teaching skills. The first goal of this study was to develop a novel residents-as-teachers training program to educate Ophthalmology residents on facilitating group learning and emphasizing critical-thinking skills. The second goal was to educate residents on how to teach clinical reasoning skills. We designed a longitudinal residents-as-teachers program that consisted of a 2-hour workshop, voluntary observation of their teaching in the small group, and student feedback on their teaching. The focus of the workshop was to educate the residents on how to facilitate critical thinking and clinical reasoning in a small group format. Voluntary video recording of residents' teaching was offered, and feedback on their teaching was provided. Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science. In total, ten second-year medical student groups consisting of approximately 7 to 11 students in each group were organized in this course and each group had one teacher: 4 senior Ophthalmology residents and 6 community faculty. This study found that the resident teachers who completed the residents-as-teachers program were equally as effective as community faculty teachers in building medical students' comprehension of ophthalmic principles during small group seminars according to the students' evaluation of teaching performance. We also found that all of the medical students' responses were overwhelmingly positive toward having residents as teachers. The medical students particularly noted residents' preparedness and effectiveness in facilitating a discussion during the small group seminars. Our novel program was effective at teaching residents how to teach critical-thinking skills and the resident teachers were well received by medical students in the classroom. Given the requirement that residents learn teaching skills during residency and our preliminary success, we plan to continue inviting residents to teach small group seminars in Ophthalmology, and we will continue to provide them with the residents-as-teachers program. Copyright © 2015 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Meditation

MedlinePlus

... of anxiety in the meditation groups compared to control groups. In a small, NCCIH-funded study, 54 adults ... Practice . 2003;17(6):309–319. Cardoso R, de Souza E, Camano L, et al. Meditation in ...

"We've Got to Keep Meeting Like This": A Pilot Study Comparing Academic Performance in Shifting-Membership Cooperative Groups versus Stable-Membership Cooperative Groups in an Introductory-Level Lab

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Alicia; Bush, Amy; Sanchagrin, Ken; Holland, Jonathon

2017-01-01

This study examined possible ways to increase student engagement in small sections of a large, introductory-level, required university course. Research shows that cooperative group learning boosts achievement through fostering better interpersonal relationships between students. Cooperative group learning is an evidence-based instructional…

Impact of librarians in first-year medical and dental student problem-based learning (PBL) groups: a controlled study.

PubMed

Koufogiannakis, Denise; Buckingham, Jeanette; Alibhai, Arif; Rayner, David

2005-09-01

Librarians at the University of Alberta have been involved with teaching undergraduate medical and dental education for several years. After 1 year of increased librarian involvement at the problem-based learning (PBL), small-group level, informal feedback from faculty and students suggested that librarians' participation in PBL groups was beneficial. There was, however, no real evidence to support this claim or justify the high demand on librarians' time. The study aimed to determine whether having a librarian present in the small-group, problem-based learning modules for first-year medical and dental students results in an improved understanding of evidence-based medicine concepts, the nature of medical literature, and information access skills. One hundred and sixty-four first-year medical and dental students participated in the study. There were a total of 18 PBL groups, each with approximately nine students and one faculty tutor. Six librarians participated and were assigned randomly to the six intervention groups. Students were given pre- and post-tests at the outset and upon completion of the 6-week course. Post-test scores showed that there was a small positive librarian impact, but final exam scores showed no impact. There was also no difference in attitudes or comfort levels between students who had a librarian in their group and those who did not. Impact was not sufficient to warrant continued participation of librarians in PBL. In future instruction, librarians at the John W. Scott Health Sciences Library will continue to teach at the larger group level.

Preventive effect of irsogladine or omeprazole on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced esophagitis, peptic ulcers, and small intestinal lesions in humans, a prospective randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Kuramoto, Takanori; Umegaki, Eiji; Nouda, Sadaharu; Narabayashi, Ken; Kojima, Yuichi; Yoda, Yukiko; Ishida, Kumi; Kawakami, Ken; Abe, Yosuke; Takeuchi, Toshihisa; Inoue, Takuya; Murano, Mitsuyuki; Tokioka, Satoshi; Higuchi, Kazuhide

2013-05-14

Proton-pump inhibitors such as omeprazole are a standard treatment to prevent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced upper gastrointestinal mucosal injuries. However, it is unclear which drugs may protect against all NSAID-induced digestive-tract injuries. Here, we compare the efficacy of the gastromucoprotective drug irsogladine with omeprazole in preventing NSAID-induced esophagitis, peptic ulcers, and small-intestinal mucosal injury in healthy subjects. Thirty-two healthy volunteers were assigned to an irsogladine group (Group I; n = 16) receiving diclofenac sodium 75 mg and irsogladine 4 mg daily for 14 days, or an omeprazole group (Group O; n = 16) receiving diclofenac sodium 75 mg and omeprazole 10 mg daily for 14 days. Esophagitis and peptic ulcers were evaluated by esophagogastroduodenoscopy and small-intestinal injuries by capsule endoscopy, fecal calprotectin, and fecal occult blood before and after treatment. There was no significant difference between Group I and Group O with respect to the change in lesion score in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum before and after treatment.NSAID treatment significantly increased the number of small intestinal mucosal breaks per subject by capsule endoscopic evaluation, from a basal level of 0.1 ± 0.3 up to 1.9 ± 2.0 lesions in Group O (p = 0.0002). In contrast, there were no significant changes in the mean number of mucosal breaks before and after co-treatment in Group I (0.3 ± 0.8 to 0.5 ± 0.7, p = 0.62), and the between-group difference was significant (p = 0.0040). Fecal calprotectin concentration, when the concentration before treatment was defined as 1, was significantly increased both in Group O (from 1.0 ± 0.0 to 18.1 ± 37.1, p = 0.0002) and Group I (from 1.0 ± 0.0 to 6.0 ± 11.1, p = 0.0280); the degree of increase in Group O was significantly higher compared with that in Group I (p<0.05). In addition, fecal occult blood levels increased significantly in Group O (p = 0.0018), but there was no change in Group I (p = 1.0), and the between-group difference was significant (p = 0.0031). Irsogladine protected against NSAID-induced mucosal injuries throughout the gastrointestinal tract, from esophagus to small intestine, significantly better than omeprazole. This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (Registry ID number; UMIN000008114).

A Life of Its Own. Adult Literacy Work in a Small Group.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ennis, Rex; Davison, Deborah

This publication provides materials on the Small Group Learning Methodology Project in Victoria, Australia. The first chapter concerns the purpose of small groups in adult literacy learning. Chapter 2 deals with types of adult literacy programs, interviews, student needs, student placement, and forming groups. Chapter 3 discusses group processes,…

Integrating a Social Behavior Intervention during Small Group Academic Instruction Using a Total Group Criterion Intervention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez, Billie Jo; Anderson, Cynthia M.

2014-01-01

Total group contingencies, a variation of interdependent group contingencies, provide educators with an efficient and effective mechanism to improve social behavior and increase academic skills. Their utility has not been examined in small educational groups. This is unfortunate as supplemental instruction frequently is delivered in small group…

Pilot test of a peer-led small-group video intervention to promote mammography screening among Chinese American immigrants

PubMed Central

Maxwell, Annette E.; Wang, Judy H.; Young, Lucy; Crespi, Catherine M.; Mistry, Ritesh; Sudan, Madhuri; Bastani, Roshan

2010-01-01

This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and potential effect of a small-group video intervention led by trained Chinese American lay educators who recruited Chinese American women not up to date on mammography screening. Nine lay educators conducted 14 “breast health tea time workshops” in community settings and private homes that started with watching a culturally tailored video promoting screening followed by a question and answer session and distribution of print materials. Many group attendees did not have health insurance or a regular doctor, had low levels of income and were not proficient in English. Forty-four percent of the attendees reported receipt of a mammogram within 6 months after the small-group session with higher odds of screening among women who had lived in the U.S. less than 10% of their lifetime. Four of the educators were very interested in conducting another group session in the next 6 months. PMID:20720095

Top 10 Reasons Students Dislike Working in Small Groups... and Why I Do It Anyway

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Ann

2011-01-01

Last semester, the author had a particularly vocal class that made it clear that they disliked small group exercises. In an attempt to understand their discomfort, she had this class generate a list of the top 10 reasons they disliked small group exercises. Some of the reasons listed by the students are exactly why the author uses small group work…

Effects of 4-nitrophenol on expression of the ER-α and AhR signaling pathway-associated genes in the small intestine of rats.

PubMed

Tang, Juan; Song, Meiyan; Watanabe, Gen; Nagaoka, Kentaro; Rui, Xiaoli; Li, ChunMei

2016-09-01

4-Nitrophenol (PNP) is a persistent organic pollutant that was proven to be an environmental endocrine disruptor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway in regulating the damage response to PNP in the small intestine of rats. Wistar-Imamichi male rats (21 d) were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and PNP group. Each group had three processes that were gavaged with PNP or vehicle daily: single dose (1 d), repeated dose (3 consecutive days) (3 d), and repeated dose with recovery (3 consecutive days and 3 recovery days) (6 d). The weight of the body, the related viscera, and small intestine were examined. Histological parameters of the small intestine and the quantity of mucus proteins secreted by small goblet cells were determined using HE staining and PAS staining. The mRNA expression of AhR, ER-α, CYP1A1, and GST was measured by real-time qPCR. In addition, we also analyzed the AhR, ER-α, and CYP1A1 expression in the small intestine by immunohistochemical staining. The small intestines histologically changed in the PNP-treated rat and the expression of AhR, CYP1A1, and GST was increased. While ER-α was significantly decreased in the small intestine, simultaneously, when rats were exposed to a longer PNP treatment, the damages disappeared. Our results demonstrate that PNP has an effect on the expression of AhR signaling pathway genes, AhR, CYP1A1, and GST, and ER-α in the rat small intestine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of an off-season conditioning program on the physical characteristics of adolescent rugby union players.

PubMed

Smart, Daniel J; Gill, Nicholas D

2013-03-01

The aims of the study were to determine if a supervised off-season conditioning program enhanced gains in physical characteristics compared with the same program performed in an unsupervised manner and to establish the persistence of the physical changes after a 6-month unsupervised competition period. Forty-four provincial representative adolescent rugby union players (age, mean ± SD, 15.3 ± 1.3 years) participated in a 15-week off-season conditioning program either under supervision from an experienced strength and conditioning coach or unsupervised. Measures of body composition, strength, vertical jump, speed, and anaerobic and aerobic running performance were taken, before, immediately after, and 6 months after the conditioning. Post conditioning program the supervised group had greater improvements in all strength measures than the unsupervised group, with small, moderate and large differences between the groups\\x{2019} changes for chin-ups (9.1%; ± 11.6%), bench-press (16.9%; ± 11.7%) and box-squat (50.4%; ± 20.9%) estimated 1RM respectively. Both groups showed trivial increases in mass; however increases in fat free mass were small and trivial for supervised and unsupervised players respectively. Strength declined in the supervised group while the unsupervised group had small increases during the competition phase, resulting in only a small difference between the long-term changes in box-squat 1RM (15.9%; ± 13.2%). The supervised group had further small increases in fat free mass resulting in a small difference (2.4%; ± 2.7%) in the long-term changes. The postconditioning differences between the 2 groups may have been a result of increased adherence and the attainment of higher training loads during supervised training. The lack of differences in strength after the competition period indicates that supervision should be maintained to reduce substantial decrements in performance.

76 FR 30688 - Applications for New Awards; Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-26

...-experimental study incorporating a comparison group with pretest and posttest data, a small experimental study... conditions are only meaningful to the extent that one can tell what the comparison group receives or... achievement of the ``all students'' group in a school in terms of proficiency on the State's assessments under...

Group Time in Early Childhood Centers: An Exploratory Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McAfee, Oralie

To investigate the current status of group time in early childhood centers, a small-scale exploratory study was designed and executed. Results of interviews with 35 teachers and observations in five classrooms serving children ages 2 1/2 through kindergarten revealed that all classrooms had at least one group time or circle time, usually in the…

Learning about Foodborne Pathogens: Evaluation of Student Perceptions of Group Project Work in a Food Microbiology Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Mark S.

2009-01-01

This study examined the experiences of students in an active learning group work exercise in an introductory food microbiology course involving the study of foodborne pathogens. Small groups were required to access, analyze, and present information regarding a single food poisoning bacterium. The presentations contained features and…

Evaluation of small bowel blood flow in healthy subjects receiving low-dose aspirin

PubMed Central

Nishida, Urara; Kato, Mototsugu; Nishida, Mutsumi; Kamada, Go; Yoshida, Takeshi; Ono, Shouko; Shimizu, Yuichi; Asaka, Masahiro

2011-01-01

AIM: To investigate the relationship between low-dose aspirin-induced small bowel mucosal damage and blood flow, and the effect of rebamipide. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups: a placebo group given low-dose aspirin plus placebo and a rebamipide group given low-dose aspirin plus rebamipide for a period of 14 d. Capsule endoscopy and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography were performed before and after administration of drugs. Areas under the curves and peak value of time-intensity curve were calculated. RESULTS: Absolute differences in areas under the curves were -1102.5 (95% CI: -1980.3 to -224.7, P = 0.0194) in the placebo group and -152.7 (95% CI: -1604.2 to 641.6, P = 0.8172) in the rebamipide group. Peak values of time intensity curves were -148.0 (95% CI: -269.4 to -26.2, P = 0.0225) in the placebo group and 28.3 (95% CI: -269.0 to 325.6, P = 0.8343) in the rebamipide group. Capsule endoscopy showed mucosal breaks only in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Short-term administration of low-dose aspirin is associated with small bowel injuries and blood flow. PMID:21245996

Effect of 8 Weeks Soccer Training on Health and Physical Performance in Untrained Women

PubMed Central

Ortiz, Jaelson G.; da Silva, Juliano F.; Carminatti, Lorival J.; Guglielmo, Luiz G.A.; Diefenthaeler, Fernando

2018-01-01

This study aims to analyze the physiological, neuromuscular, and biochemical responses in untrained women after eight weeks of regular participation in small-sided soccer games compared to aerobic training. Twenty-seven healthy untrained women were divided into two groups [soccer group (SG = 17) and running group (RG = 10)]. Both groups trained three times per week for eight weeks. The variables measured in this study were maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), relative velocity at VO2max (vVO2max), peak velocity, relative intensity at lactate threshold (vLT), relative intensity at onset of blood lactate accumulation (vOBLA), peak force, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol ratio (LDL/HDL). VO2max, vLT, and vOBLA increased significantly in both groups (12.8 and 16.7%, 11.1 and 15.3%, 11.6 and 19.8%, in SG and RG respectively). However, knee extensors peak isometric strength and triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL did not differ after eight weeks of training in both groups. On the other hand, the LDL/HDL ratio significantly reduced in both groups. In conclusion, eight weeks of regular participation in small-sided soccer games was sufficient to increase aerobic performance and promote health benefits related to similar aerobic training in untrained adult women. Key points Regular participation in soccer small sided-games increase aerobic performance and promote health benefits related to similar aerobic training in untrained women. 8 weeks soccer training is enough to promote positive physiological and biochemical adaptations in untrained women. Soccer small sided-games have the potential to be more pleasurable and effective among women as other modalities as running and cycling. PMID:29535574

Effect of Osteonecrosis Intervention Rod Versus Core Decompression Using Multiple Small Drill Holes on Early Stages of Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Prospective Study on a Series of 60 Patients with a Minimum 1-Year-Follow-Up.

PubMed

Miao, Haixiong; Ye, Dongping; Liang, Weiguo; Yao, Yicun

2015-01-01

The conventional CD used 10 mm drill holes associated with a lack of structural support. Thus, alternative methods such as a tantalum implant, small drill holes, and biological treatment were developed to prevent deterioration of the joint. The treatment of CD by multiple 3.2 mm drill holes could reduce the femoral neck fracture and partial weight bearing was allowed. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of osteonecrosis intervention rod versus core decompression using multiple small drill holes on early stages of necrosis of the femoral head. From January 2011 to January 2012, 60 patients undergoing surgery for osteonecrosis with core decompression were randomly assigned into 2 groups based on the type of core decompression used: (1) a total of 30 osteonecrosis patients (with 16 hips on Steinburg stageⅠ,20 hips on Steinburg stageⅡ) were treated with a porous tantalum rod insertion. The diameter of the drill hole for the intervention rod was 10mm.(2) a total of 30 osteonecrosis patients (with 14 hips on Steinburg stageⅠ,20 hips on Steinburg stageⅡ) were treated with core decompression using five drill holes on the lateral femur, the diameter of the hole was 3.2 mm. The average age of the patient was 32.6 years (20-45 years) and the average time of follow-up was 25.6 months (12- 28 months) in the rod implanted group. The average age of the patient was 35.2 years (22- 43 years) and the average time of follow-up was 26.3 months (12-28 months) in the small drill holes group. The average of surgical time was 40 min, and the mean volume of blood loss was 30 ml in both surgical groups. The average of Harris score was improved from 56.2 ± 7.1 preoperative to 80.2 ± 11.4 at the last follow-up in the rod implanted group (p < 0.05). The mean Harris score was improved from 53.8 ± 6.6 preoperative to 79.7 ± 13.2 at the last follow-up in the small drill holes group (p<0. 05). No significant difference was observed in Harris score between the two groups. At the last follow-up, 28 of 36 hips were at the same radiographic stages as pre-operation, and 8 deteriorated in the rod implanted group. 26 of 34 hips were at the same radiographic stage as pre-operation, and 8 deteriorated in the small drill holes group. No significant difference was observed in radiographic stage between the two groups. There was no favourable result on the outcome of a tantalum intervention implant compared to multiple small drill holes. CD via multiple small drill holes would allow similar postoperative load-bearing and seems to result in similar or even better clinical outcome without the prolonged implantation of an expensive tantalum implant. A tantalum rod intervention and core decompression using multiple small drill holes were effective on the stage I hips rather than stage II hips.

Investigating Test Equating Methods in Small Samples through Various Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asiret, Semih; Sünbül, Seçil Ömür

2016-01-01

In this study, equating methods for random group design using small samples through factors such as sample size, difference in difficulty between forms, and guessing parameter was aimed for comparison. Moreover, which method gives better results under which conditions was also investigated. In this study, 5,000 dichotomous simulated data…

Byers Auto Group: A Case Study Into The Economics, Zoning, and Overall Process of Installing Small Wind Turbines at Two Automotive Dealerships in Ohio

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oteri, F.; Sinclair, K.

This paper provides the talking points about a case study on the installation of a $600,000 small wind project, the installation process, estimated annual energy production and percentage of energy needs met by the turbines.

Byers Auto Group: A Case Study Into The Economics, Zoning, and Overall Process of Installing Small Wind Turbines at Two Automotive Dealerships in Ohio (Presentation)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sinclair, K.; Oteri, F.

This presentation provides the talking points about a case study on the installation of a $600,000 small wind project, the installation process, estimated annual energy production and percentage of energy needs met by the turbines.

Merit Pay for Teachers. ERS Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Educational Research Service, Arlington, VA.

This report is one of three companion reports of the results of a study on merit pay and incentive plans for teachers, and for administrators and support personnel as well. The data in these studies are reported separately by four school system enrollment groups (large, medium, small, and very small) and, in many tables, by eight geographic…

Developing Statistical Physics Course Handout on Distribution Function Materials Based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riandry, M. A.; Ismet, I.; Akhsan, H.

2017-09-01

This study aims to produce a valid and practical statistical physics course handout on distribution function materials based on STEM. Rowntree development model is used to produce this handout. The model consists of three stages: planning, development and evaluation stages. In this study, the evaluation stage used Tessmer formative evaluation. It consists of 5 stages: self-evaluation, expert review, one-to-one evaluation, small group evaluation and field test stages. However, the handout is limited to be tested on validity and practicality aspects, so the field test stage is not implemented. The data collection technique used walkthroughs and questionnaires. Subjects of this study are students of 6th and 8th semester of academic year 2016/2017 Physics Education Study Program of Sriwijaya University. The average result of expert review is 87.31% (very valid category). One-to-one evaluation obtained the average result is 89.42%. The result of small group evaluation is 85.92%. From one-to-one and small group evaluation stages, averagestudent response to this handout is 87,67% (very practical category). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the handout is valid and practical.

Safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation through a small pupil using minimal iris manipulation.

PubMed

Papaconstantinou, Dimitris; Kalantzis, George; Brouzas, Dimitris; Kontaxakis, Anastasios; Koutsandrea, Chryssanthi; Diagourtas, Andreas; Georgalas, Ilias

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the results of phacoemulsification through a small pupil using minimal iris manipulation versus phacoemulsification through a well-dilated pupil. This prospective randomized control (comparative) study comprised 78 patients (group I) with a maximally dilated pupil size of ≤4.00 mm and 45 patients (group II) with dilated pupil size of ≥7.00 mm. In group I patients, only viscodilation and minimal push-and-pull iris stretching with two collar-button iris-retractor hooks were utilized without iris manipulation. Phacoemulsification was performed by two senior surgeons and the technique used consisted of either stop and chop or quick chop, infusion/aspiration of lens cortex, capsular bag refill with ocular viscoelastic devices, and implantation of an acrylic foldable intraocular lens. Patients were examined on the first day and 1 month postoperatively. Forty-six eyes of group I patients had pseudoexfoliation syndrome, eleven eyes had previous glaucoma surgery, 14 eyes had angle-closure or open-angle glaucoma, and seven eyes had posterior synechiae with iritis. In group I patients, the mean pupil size measured under an operating microscope was 3.2 mm preoperatively, 4.3 mm after viscoelastic and mechanical pupil dilation, and 4.1 mm at the end of a surgical procedure. Rupture of the zonular fibers occurred in six patients of group I and the intraocular lens was implanted in the sulcus. Small iris-sphincter rupture and small hemorrhages occurred in four eyes during pupillary manipulation, but they were not evident at the end of the surgery. In group II patients, no intraoperative complications occurred. Signs of significant corneal edema and iritis were observed more frequently in group I eyes (26 eyes and 20 eyes, respectively) on the first postoperative day in comparison with group II eyes (ten eyes and six eyes, respectively). Intraocular pressure was <20 mmHg in all eyes of both groups. One month postoperatively, the pupil was round and reactive to light, the anterior chamber was quiet, and the cornea was clear in all eyes. The best-corrected visual acuity on Snellen chart was 20/40 (Monoyer's scale) or better in both groups. Phacoemulsification through a small pupil using minimal iris manipulation can be safe and exhibits the same results as those obtained with phacoemulsification through normal pupils.

The role of immunohistochemistry in the analysis of the spectrum of small round cell tumours at a tertiary care centre.

PubMed

D'cruze, Lawrence; Dutta, Ruma; Rao, Shalinee; R, Anuradha; Varadarajan, Suresh; Kuruvilla, Sarah

2013-07-01

The term, "Small Round - Cell Tumours" (SRCT) describes a group of highly aggressive malignant neoplasms which are composed predominantly of small and monotonous undifferentiated cells with high nucleocytoplasmic ratios. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays a crucial role in catagorizing the small round - cell tumours. This study was done to analyse the spectrum of small round cell tumours over a period of five years at a tertiary care centre and to study the relevance of immunohistochemistry in making precise diagnoses of the small round cell tumours. Formalin - fixed, paraffin - embedded sections of tumours which were diagnosed as small round cell tumours on small biopsies and resected specimens were retrieved from the files of the Department of Pathology of Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research institute, in the period from January 2005 to December 2009. This study was confined to the bone and the soft tissues. Decalcification was performed on the bony tissues before the routine processing was done. The patients belonging to all age groups were included in this study. The small round cell tumours of the bone marrow, the spleen and the lymph node was excluded from our study. Immunohistochemical stains were performed to differentiate and categorise the small round blue cell tumours. The immunomarkers which were utilised in this study included CD45/LCA (the lymphocyte common antigen), CD20, CD3, CD99 (cluster of differentiation 99 also known as MIC2), desmin, EMA (epithelial membrane antigen), CK(cytokeratin), synaptophysin, chromogranin and GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein). Forty three cases of small round cell tumours were analysed, which included 19 cases of NHL (non Hodgkin's lymphoma), 6 cases of Ewing/PNETs (primitive neuroectodermal tumours), 3 cases of atypical carcinoid, 3 cases of olfactory neuroblastoma, 2 cases each of rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma and synovial sarcoma and 1 case each of small cell osteosarcoma, small (oat) cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma and hepatoblastoma. By using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, we could arrive at a final diagnosis for all the 40 cases in which immunohistochemistry was performed. Our study showed that the use of immunohistochemistry was extremely beneficial. A majority of the small round cell tumours occurred between the ages of 15-45 years and the most common small round cell tumour was Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (extra lymphoreticular).

Lack of any association between blood groups and lung cancer, independent of histology.

PubMed

Oguz, Arzu; Unal, Dilek; Tasdemir, Arzu; Karahan, Samet; Aykas, Fatma; Mutlu, Hasan; Cihan, Yasemin Benderli; Kanbay, Mehmet

2013-01-01

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths, is divided into 2 main classes based on its biology, therapy and prognosis: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Many cases are at an advanced stage at diagnosis, which is a major obstacle to improving outcomes. It is important to define the high risk group patients for early diagnosis and chance of cure. Blood group antigens are chemical components on erythrocyte membranes but they are also expressed on a variety of epithelial cells. Links between ABO blood groups with benign or malignant diseases, such as gastric and pancreas cancers, have been observed for a long time. In this study, we aimed to investigate any possible relationship between lung cancer histological subtypes and ABO-Rh blood groups. The files of 307 pathologically confirmed lung cancer patients were were reviewed retrospectively. Cases with a serologically determined blood group and Rh factor were included and those with a history of another primary cancer were excluded, leaving a total of 221. The distribution of blood groups of the lung cancer patients were compared with the distribution of blood groups of healthy donors admitted to the Turkish Red Crescent Blood Service in our city in the year 2012. There was no significant difference between patients with lung cancer of either type and the control group in terms of distribution of ABO blood groups and Rh factor (p: 0.073). There was also no relationship with non small cell cancer histological subtypes. In this study, we found no relationship between the ABO-Rhesus blood groups and NSCLC and SCLC groups. To our knowledge this is the first analysis of ABO blood groups in SCLC patients.

Purgative bowel cleansing combined with simethicone improves capsule endoscopy imaging.

PubMed

Wei, Wei; Ge, Zhi-Zheng; Lu, Hong; Gao, Yun-Jie; Hu, Yun-Biao; Xiao, Shu-Dong

2008-01-01

To evaluate the effects of the various methods of small bowel preparation on the quality of visualization of the small bowel and the gastrointestinal transit time of capsule endoscopy (CE). Ninety patients referred for CE were prospectively randomized to three equal groups according to the preparation used: (a) a control group, in which patients were requested to drink 1 L of clear liquids only, 12 h before the examination; (b) a purgative group, in which patients were requested to ingest 1 L of a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/electrolyte solution only, 12 h before the examination; or (c) a purgative combined with simethicone group (P-S group), in which patients were requested to ingest 1 L of PEG, 12 h before the examination, and 300 mg of simethicone, 20 min before the examination. Effects of the different bowel preparations on the gastric transit time (GTT), small bowel transit time (SBTT), examination completion rate, quality of images of the entire small intestine, and cleansing of the proximal small bowel and distal ileum were evaluated. The number of patients with "adequate" cleansing of the entire small intestine was 17 in the P-S group, 12 in the purgative group, and seven in the control group (P= 0.002). The P-S group had significantly better image quality than the control group (P= 0.001). The P-S group had significantly better image quality for the proximal small bowel (segment A [Seg A]) than the control group (P= 0.0001). Both the P-S group (P= 0.0001) and the purgative group (P= 0.0002) had significantly better image quality for the distal ileum (segment B [Seg B]) than the control group; the P-S group had significantly better image quality than the purgative group as well (P= 0.0121). Gastrointestinal transit time was not different among the three groups, nor was the examination completion rate. Purgative bowel cleansing combined with simethicone before CE improved the quality of imaging of the entire small bowel as well as the visualization of the mucosa in the proximal and distal small intestine.

Factors Affecting the Management of Women Groups' Micro and Small Enterprises in Kakamega District, Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wawire, Nelson H. W.; Nafukho, Fredrick M.

2010-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to highlight the main factors that affect the management of the WGs' Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Kakamega District and Africa in general. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a descriptive research design. This is because the study was concerned about a univariate question in which the…

Interaction location outweighs the competitive advantage of numerical superiority in Cebus capucinus intergroup contests.

PubMed

Crofoot, Margaret C; Gilby, Ian C; Wikelski, Martin C; Kays, Roland W

2008-01-15

Numerical superiority confers a competitive advantage during contests among animal groups, shaping patterns of resource access, and, by extension, fitness. However, relative group size does not always determine the winner of intergroup contests. Smaller, presumably weaker social groups often defeat their larger neighbors, but how and when they are able to do so remains poorly understood. Models of competition between individuals suggest that location may influence contest outcome. However, because of the logistical difficulties of studying intergroup interactions, previous studies have been unable to determine how contest location and group size interact to shape relationships among groups. We address this question by using an automated radio telemetry system to study intergroup interactions among six capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) social groups of varying sizes. We find that the odds of winning increase with relative group size; one additional group member increases the odds of winning an interaction by 10%. However, this effect is not uniform across space; with each 100 m that a group moves away from the center of its home range, its odds of winning an interaction decrease by 31%. We demonstrate that contest outcome depends on an interaction between group size and location, such that small groups can defeat much larger groups near the center of their home range. The tendency of resident groups to win contests may help explain how small groups persist in areas with intense intergroup competition.

Right lateral position improves complete examination rate of capsule endoscope: a prospective randomized, controlled trial.

PubMed

Liao, Z; Li, F; Li, Z-S

2008-06-01

In 20% of patients, capsule endoscopes fail to reach the cecum within the 8-hour battery life. This is the most common cause of incomplete small-bowel examination. The aim of this study was to determine whether keeping patients in the right lateral position (RLP) improves the complete examination rate (CER) of the small bowel by reducing the gastric transit time (GTT) of the capsule. Patients were randomized into the RLP group (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Patients in the RLP group were instructed to lie on their right side postingestion until the capsule had passed through the pylorus. The patients in the control group were free to walk or sit (upright position). The main outcomes were the CER and GTT between the groups. There was no significant difference in the sex, mean age, and indications between the two groups. The CER was significantly higher in the RLP group than in the controls (96.7% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.030). GTT was significantly shorter in the RLP group than in the control group (medians [range]: 32 [8-108] vs. 58 [9-208] minutes, P = 0.007). Small-bowel imaging time was significantly longer in the RLP group than in the control group (372 [135-425] vs. 292 [146-422] minutes, P = 0.039). There were no significant differences in the diagnostic yields between the two groups. Placing patients in the RLP after ingestion of the capsule endoscope and before the capsule enters the pylorus is a simple method to increase the CER of the small bowel by reducing the GTT of the capsule.

A Meta-Analysis of Health Status, Health Behaviors, and Health Care Utilization Outcomes of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

PubMed Central

Murphy, Louise; O’Colmain, Benita J.; Beauchesne, Danielle; Daniels, Brandy; Greenberg, Michael; House, Marnie; Chervin, Doryn

2013-01-01

Introduction The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a community-based self-management education program designed to help participants gain confidence (self-efficacy) and skills to better manage their chronic conditions; it has been implemented worldwide. The objective of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively synthesize the results of CDSMP studies conducted in English-speaking countries to determine the program’s effects on health behaviors, physical and psychological health status, and health care utilization at 4 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months after baseline. Methods We searched 8 electronic databases to identify CDSMP-relevant literature published from January 1, 1999, through September 30, 2009; experts identified additional unpublished studies. We combined the results of all eligible studies to calculate pooled effect sizes. We included 23 studies. Eighteen studies presented data on small English-speaking groups; we conducted 1 meta-analysis on these studies and a separate analysis on results by other delivery modes. Results Among health behaviors for small English-speaking groups, aerobic exercise, cognitive symptom management, and communication with physician improved significantly at 4- to 6-month follow-up; aerobic exercise and cognitive symptom management remained significantly improved at 9 to 12 months. Stretching/strengthening exercise improved significantly at 9 to 12 months. All measures of psychological health improved significantly at 4 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months. Energy, fatigue, and self-rated health showed small but significant improvements at 4 to 6 months but not at 9 to 12 months. The only significant change in health care utilization was a small improvement in the number of hospitalization days or nights at 4 to 6 months Conclusion Small to moderate improvements in psychological health and selected health behaviors that remain after 12 months suggest that CDSMP delivered in small English-speaking groups produces health benefits for participants and would be a valuable part of comprehensive chronic disease management strategy. PMID:23327828

Qualified and Unqualified (N-R C) mental health nursing staff - minor differences in sources of stress and burnout. A European multi-centre study

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Unqualified/non-registered caregivers (N-R Cs) will continue to play important roles in the mental health services. This study compares levels of burnout and sources of stress among qualified and N-R Cs working in acute mental health care. Methods A total of 196 nursing staff - 124 qualified staff (mainly nurses) and 72 N-R Cs with a variety of different educational backgrounds - working in acute wards or community mental teams from 5 European countries filled out the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Mental Health Professional Scale (MHPSS) and the Psychosocial Work Environment and Stress Questionnaire (PWSQ). Results (a) The univariate differences were generally small and restricted to a few variables. Only Social relations (N-R Cs being less satisfied) at Work demands (nurses reporting higher demands) were different at the .05 level. (b) The absolute scores both groups was highest on variables that measured feelings of not being able to influence a work situation characterised by great demands and insufficient resources. Routines and educational programs for dealing with stress should be available on a routine basis. (c) Multivariate analyses identified three extreme groups: (i) a small group dominated by unqualified staff with high depersonalization, (ii) a large group that was low on depersonalisation and high on work demands with a majority of qualified staff, and (iii) a small N-R C-dominated group (low depersonalization, low work demands) with high scores on professional self-doubt. In contrast to (ii) the small and N-R C-dominated groups in (i) and (iii) reflected mainly centre-dependent problems. Conclusion The differences in burnout and sources of stress between the two groups were generally small. With the exception of high work demands the main differences between the two groups appeared to be centre-dependent. High work demands characterized primarily qualified staff. The main implication of the study is that no special measures addressed towards N-R Cs in general with regard to stress and burnout seem necessary. The results also suggest that centre-specific problems may cause more stress among N-R Cs compared to the qualified staff (e.g. professional self-doubt). PMID:20546587

Effects of a vitamin pool (vitamins A, E, and C) on the tissue necrosis process: experimental study on rats.

PubMed

Porto da Rocha, Rogério; Lucio, Daniela Pettinato; Souza, Thiago de Lima; Pereira, Sérgio Tavolaro; Fernandes, Geraldo José Medeiros

2002-01-01

During surgical procedures on the epidermis, either aesthetic or reconstructive, the medical literature shows that certain technical standards and skin flap proportions should be followed, unless the risk of necrosis increases, in different degrees, directly related to the trauma. This study evaluates the evolution of skin flaps on the dorsum of rats treated with a vitamin pool (VP) (vitamins A, E, and C). Twenty-six rats, divided into two groups, were used: (A) the treated group (13 specimens), in which we performed a dorsal skin flap and applied the VP, and (B) the control group (13 specimens), in which we performed a flap on the dorsum without application of the VP. Our results demonstrate that, at the macroscopic level, the group treated with the VP had more tissue sufferance, whereas at the microscopic level, small statistical differences were observed between the groups and also between the vertex and the middle of the flap. Despite these small differences, better results were obtained in group A, showing that in this study the clinical aspect did not correspond to the histological features.

40 CFR 86.1826-01 - Assigned deterioration factors for small volume manufacturers and small volume test groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... durability groups) that is equipped with unproven emission control systems. (v) The manufacturer must... small volume manufacturers and small volume test groups. 86.1826-01 Section 86.1826-01 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW...

40 CFR 86.1826-01 - Assigned deterioration factors for small volume manufacturers and small volume test groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... durability groups) that is equipped with unproven emission control systems. (v) The manufacturer must... small volume manufacturers and small volume test groups. 86.1826-01 Section 86.1826-01 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW...

40 CFR 86.1826-01 - Assigned deterioration factors for small volume manufacturers and small volume test groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... durability groups) that is equipped with unproven emission control systems. (v) The manufacturer must... small volume manufacturers and small volume test groups. 86.1826-01 Section 86.1826-01 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW...

40 CFR 86.1826-01 - Assigned deterioration factors for small volume manufacturers and small volume test groups.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... durability groups) that is equipped with unproven emission control systems. (v) The manufacturer must... small volume manufacturers and small volume test groups. 86.1826-01 Section 86.1826-01 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW...

Trapping effect on a small molecular drug with vascular-disrupting agent CA4P in rodent H22 hepatic tumor model: in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and postmortem inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.

PubMed

Gao, Meng; Yao, Nan; Huang, Dejian; Jiang, Cuihua; Feng, Yuanbo; Li, Yue; Lou, Bin; Peng, Fei; Sun, Ziping; Ni, Yicheng; Zhang, Jian

2015-06-01

The aim of the present study is to verify the trapping effect of combretastatin A-4-phosphate (CA4P) on small molecular drugs in rodent tumors. Mice with H22 hepatocarcinoma were randomized into groups A and B. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of T1WI, T2WI, and DWI was performed as baseline. Mice in group A were injected with Gd-DTPA and PBS. Mice in group B were injected with Gd-DTPA and CA4P. All mice undergo CE-T1WI at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Enhancing efficacy of the two groups on CE-T1WI was compared with the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculated. Concentrations of gadolinium measured by ICP-AES in the tumor were compared between groups. On the early CE-T1WI, tumors were equally enhanced in both groups. On the delayed CE-T1WI, the enhancing effect of group A was weaker than that of group B. The SNR and the concentration of gadolinium within the tumor of group A were lower than that of group B at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after administration. This study indicates that CA4P could improve the retention of Gd-DTPA in the tumor and MRI allowed dynamically monitoring trapping effects of CA4P on local retention of Gd-DTPA as a small molecular drug.

Activity budget and ranging patterns of Colobus vellerosus in forest fragments in central Ghana.

PubMed

Wong, Sarah N P; Sicotte, Pascale

2007-01-01

The forest fragments surrounding the 192-ha Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) in central Ghana contain small populations of Colobus vellerosus. Data were collected on activity budget, ranging patterns and habitat use of 3 groups living in these small fragments in August-November 2003, and compared to 3 BFMS groups. Fragment groups spent less time moving and more time resting than BFMS groups. Home ranges of fragment groups tended to be smaller than those of BFMS groups. Fragment and BFMS groups used similarly sized trees. Comparisons of activity budget and ranging between fragments and the BFMS suggest that fragment habitat quality was sufficient to sustain current numbers. These behavioral trends are consistent with a concurrent study that we conducted investigating ecological quality in the same fragments. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effect of pre-warming on perioperative hypothermia and anesthetic recovery in small breed dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

PubMed Central

Aarnes, Turi K.; Bednarski, Richard M.; Lerche, Phillip; Hubbell, John A.E.

2017-01-01

This study compared perianesthetic body temperatures and times to recovery from general anesthesia in small dogs that were either warmed for 20 minutes prior to anesthesia or not warmed. Twenty-eight client-owned dogs that were presented for ovariohysterectomy were included in the study. Small (<10 kg body weight) dogs with normal circulatory status were randomly assigned to receive pre-warming for 20 minutes or no treatment. Body temperature was measured during the procedure using a calibrated rectal probe. Duration of anesthesia and surgery, time to rescue warming, time to extubation, presence and duration of shivering, and time to return to normal temperature were recorded. Temperature at the end of surgery was significantly higher in the control group than the pre-warmed group. There was no difference in time to extubation or duration of postoperative shivering between groups. Pre-warming did not result in improved temperature or recovery from anesthesia. PMID:28216687

Educational Outcomes of Small-Group Discussion Versus Traditional Lecture Format in Dental Students' Learning and Skills Acquisition.

PubMed

Arias, Ana; Scott, Raymond; Peters, Ove A; McClain, Elizabeth; Gluskin, Alan H

2016-04-01

The aim of this prospective quantitative study was to compare the effect of different instructional formats on dental students' skills and knowledge acquisition for access cavity preparation. All first-year dental students were invited to participate in this study conducted during the four consecutive two-week endodontic rotation courses at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in spring semester 2015. Four alphabetically distributed intact groups of students were randomly allocated to two groups (n=70 each) that participated in either small-group discussion or a traditional lecture on access preparation. The first outcome measure was skill acquisition, measured by the quality of access cavities prepared in extracted teeth at the conclusion of the session. Two blinded raters scored direct observations on a continuous scale. Knowledge, the second outcome measure, was scored with a multiple-choice and open-ended question test at the end of each two-week session. Data were obtained for 134 of the 140 students, for a 96% response rate. The results showed that students in the small-group discussion groups scored significantly higher than those in the lecture groups when skill performance was tested (p=8.9 × 10(-7)). However, no significant differences were found in the acquisition of knowledge between the two groups on the written test. Active student participation was significantly related to improved manual skill acquisition, but the format of the session does not seem to have had a direct influence on acquired knowledge.

Are Interpersonal Relationships Necessary for Developing Trust in Online Group Projects?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wade, Christine E.; Cameron, Bruce A.; Morgan, Kari; Williams, Karen C.

2011-01-01

Trust between group members has been suggested as an important part of small group work in online classrooms. Developing interpersonal relationships with group members may promote a sense of trust among them; however, research shows mixed results. The current study explored how students' perceptions of the importance of interpersonal relationships…

Small Group Conflict: A Look at Equity, Satisfaction, and Styles of Conflict Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wall, Victor D., Jr.; Nolan, Linda L.

1987-01-01

Study of 71 task-oriented groups revealed that perceived inequity was negatively related to amount of expressed satisfaction with the group and positively related to amount of perceived conflict within the group. Inequity was associated more strongly with conflict centered around people than with conflict centered around task; least associated…

Focus Group Meets Nominal Group Technique: An Effective Combination for Student Evaluation?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Varga-Atkins, Tünde; McIsaac, Jaye; Willis, Ian

2017-01-01

In Higher Education Focus Groups and Nominal Group Technique are two well-established methods for obtaining student feedback about their learning experience. These methods are regularly used for the enhancement and quality assurance. Based on small-scale research of educational developers' practice in curriculum development, this study presents…

Student Collaboration in Group Work: Inclusion as Participation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forslund Frykedal, Karin; Hammar Chiriac, Eva

2018-01-01

Group work is an educational mode that promotes learning and socialisation among students. In this study, we focused on the inclusive processes when students work in small groups. The aim was to investigate and describe students' inclusive and collaborative processes in group work and how the teacher supported or impeded these transactions. Social…

Using a Group Approach to Preventing Heroin Overdose in North London

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Peter; Glover, Chris; Allan, Teresa; Khoo, Mary Ellen

2009-01-01

Aims: This study used group psycho-education methods to assist injecting heroin users in preventing, and responding to overdose. Methods: An "OD Prevention" group was advertised in a London prescribing service and associated primary care unit. The intervention took place in a small group over one afternoon (3.5 hours), and trained…

The use of recursive partitioning analysis grouping in patients with brain metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Gülbaş, Hülya; Erkal, Haldun Sükrü; Serin, Meltem

2006-04-01

This study evaluates the use of recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) grouping in an attempt to predict the survival probabilities in patients with brain metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Seventy-two patients with brain metastases from NSCLC treated with radiation therapy were included in the study. Sixty-three patients were male and nine patients were female. Their median age was 57 years and their median Karnofsky performance status was 70. At the time of brain metastases, there was no evidence of the intrathoracic disease in 27 patients and the extrathoracic disease was limited to the intracranial disease in 42 patients. In accordance with RPA grouping, 12 patients were in Group 1, 24 patients were in Group 2, and 36 patients were in Group 3. Radiation therapy was delivered to the whole brain at a dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions in most of the patients. The median survival time was 7 months for Group 1, 5 months for Group 2 and 3 months for Group 3. The survival probability at 1 year was 50% for Group 1, 26% for Group 2 and 14% for Group 3. This study presents evidence supporting the use of RPA grouping in an attempt to predict the survival probabilities in patients with brain metastases from NSCLC.

Effect of hypokinesia on invertase activity of the mucosa of the small intestine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdusattarov, A.

1980-01-01

The effect of prolonged hypokinesia on the enzyme activity of the middle portion of the small intestine was investigated. Eighty-four mongrel white male rats weighing 170-180 g were divided into two equal groups. The experimental group were maintained in single cages under 30 days of hypokinetic conditions and the control animals were maintained under ordinary laboratory conditions. It is concluded that rates of invertase formation and its inclusion in the composition if the cellular membrane, if judged by the enzyme activity studied in sections of the small intestine, are subject to phase changes in the course of prolonged hypokinesia.

Influence of thermocleavable functionality on organic field-effect transistor performance of small molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahale, Rajashree Y.; Dharmapurikar, Satej S.; Chini, Mrinmoy Kumar; Venugopalan, Vijay

2017-06-01

Diketopyrrolopyrrole based donor-acceptor-donor conjugated small molecules using ethylene dioxythiophene as a donor was synthesized. Electron deficient diketopyrrolopyrrole unit was substituted with thermocleavable (tert-butyl acetate) side chains. The thermal treatment of the molecules at 160 °C eliminated the tert-butyl ester group results in the formation of corresponding acid. Optical and theoretical studies revealed that the molecules adopted a change in molecular arrangement after thermolysis. The conjugated small molecules possessed p-channel charge transport characteristics in organic field effect transistors. The charge carrier mobility was increased after thermolysis of tert-butyl ester group to 5.07 × 10-5 cm2/V s.

Striving for group agency: threat to personal control increases the attractiveness of agentic groups.

PubMed

Stollberg, Janine; Fritsche, Immo; Bäcker, Anna

2015-01-01

When their sense of personal control is threatened people try to restore perceived control through the social self. We propose that it is the perceived agency of ingroups that provides the self with a sense of control. In three experiments, we for the first time tested the hypothesis that threat to personal control increases the attractiveness of being part or joining those groups that are perceived as coherent entities engaging in coordinated group goal pursuit (agentic groups) but not of those groups whose agency is perceived to be low. Consistent with this hypothesis we found in Study 1 (N = 93) that threat to personal control increased ingroup identification only with task groups, but not with less agentic types of ingroups that were made salient simultaneously. Furthermore, personal control threat increased a sense of collective control and support within the task group, mediated through task-group identification (indirect effects). Turning to groups people are not (yet) part of, Study 2 (N = 47) showed that personal control threat increased relative attractiveness ratings of small groups as possible future ingroups only when the relative agency of small groups was perceived to be high. Perceived group homogeneity or social power did not moderate the effect. Study 3 (N = 78) replicated the moderating role of perceived group agency for attractiveness ratings of entitative groups, whereas perceived group status did not moderate the effect. These findings extend previous research on group-based control, showing that perceived agency accounts for group-based responses to threatened control.

Risks and benefits of text message-delivered and small group-delivered sexual health interventions among African American women in the Midwestern U.S.

PubMed Central

Broaddus, Michelle R.; Marsch, Lisa A.

2014-01-01

Interventions to decrease acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases among African American women using text messages versus small group delivery modalities pose distinct research risks and benefits. Determining the relative risk-benefit ratio of studies using these different modalities has relied on the expertise of investigators and their institutional review boards. In this study, African American women participated in focus groups and surveys to elicit and compare risks and benefits inherent in these two intervention delivery modalities, focusing on issues such as convenience, privacy, and stigma of participation. Some risk/benefit variables were implicated in willingness to participate the two intervention modalities. PMID:25750497

Right dorsal colon ultrasonography in normal adult ponies and miniature horses.

PubMed

Siwinska, Natalia; Zak, Agnieszka; Baron, Monika; Cylna, Marta; Borowicz, Hieronim

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the normal location, wall thickness and motility of the right dorsal colon in adult ponies and miniature horses. The abdominal ultrasonography examination was performed in a study group consisting of 23 ponies and miniature horses and in a control group comprising ten Thoroughbred horses. The procedure was performed in unsedated standing animals. The location and the thickness of the right dorsal colonic wall was examined on the right side of the abdomen between the 10th and the 14th intercostal space. The contractility was recorded in the 12th intercostal space. A comparative analysis between the study group and control group was carried out using the Student's t-test. Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was used to calculate the correlation between the thickness of the colonic wall as well as the number of peristaltic movements and age, wither height and body mass of the animals. The right dorsal colon was identified in all the horses in the 12th intercostal space. In all the intercostal spaces the mean ± standard deviation (SD) wall thickness of the right dorsal colon was 0.27 ± 0.03 cm in the horses from the study group and 0.37 ± 0.03 cm in the control horses. The mean number of peristaltic contractions was 4.05 ± 1.07 per minute in the animals from the study group and 1.7 ± 0.46 contractions per minute in the control group. The values of the ultrasonographic wall thickness and peristaltic motility in small breed horses in the present study were different from the values obtained for large breed horses. The study also found that the right dorsal colon in small breed horses is physiologically located in the 12th intercostal space. This suggests that different reference values should be used in small horse breeds when performing an ultrasound examination.

Right dorsal colon ultrasonography in normal adult ponies and miniature horses

PubMed Central

Zak, Agnieszka; Baron, Monika; Cylna, Marta; Borowicz, Hieronim

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the normal location, wall thickness and motility of the right dorsal colon in adult ponies and miniature horses. The abdominal ultrasonography examination was performed in a study group consisting of 23 ponies and miniature horses and in a control group comprising ten Thoroughbred horses. The procedure was performed in unsedated standing animals. The location and the thickness of the right dorsal colonic wall was examined on the right side of the abdomen between the 10th and the 14th intercostal space. The contractility was recorded in the 12th intercostal space. A comparative analysis between the study group and control group was carried out using the Student’s t-test. Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient was used to calculate the correlation between the thickness of the colonic wall as well as the number of peristaltic movements and age, wither height and body mass of the animals. The right dorsal colon was identified in all the horses in the 12th intercostal space. In all the intercostal spaces the mean ± standard deviation (SD) wall thickness of the right dorsal colon was 0.27 ± 0.03 cm in the horses from the study group and 0.37 ± 0.03 cm in the control horses. The mean number of peristaltic contractions was 4.05 ± 1.07 per minute in the animals from the study group and 1.7 ± 0.46 contractions per minute in the control group. The values of the ultrasonographic wall thickness and peristaltic motility in small breed horses in the present study were different from the values obtained for large breed horses. The study also found that the right dorsal colon in small breed horses is physiologically located in the 12th intercostal space. This suggests that different reference values should be used in small horse breeds when performing an ultrasound examination. PMID:29065146

Memory Transmission in Small Groups and Large Networks: An Agent-Based Model.

PubMed

Luhmann, Christian C; Rajaram, Suparna

2015-12-01

The spread of social influence in large social networks has long been an interest of social scientists. In the domain of memory, collaborative memory experiments have illuminated cognitive mechanisms that allow information to be transmitted between interacting individuals, but these experiments have focused on small-scale social contexts. In the current study, we took a computational approach, circumventing the practical constraints of laboratory paradigms and providing novel results at scales unreachable by laboratory methodologies. Our model embodied theoretical knowledge derived from small-group experiments and replicated foundational results regarding collaborative inhibition and memory convergence in small groups. Ultimately, we investigated large-scale, realistic social networks and found that agents are influenced by the agents with which they interact, but we also found that agents are influenced by nonneighbors (i.e., the neighbors of their neighbors). The similarity between these results and the reports of behavioral transmission in large networks offers a major theoretical insight by linking behavioral transmission to the spread of information. © The Author(s) 2015.

Practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) for CPD: a pilot with general practice trainees to support the transition to independent practice.

PubMed

Rial, Jonathan; Scallan, Samantha

2013-05-01

The paper describes a small-scale enquiry with UK-based general practice specialty trainees (GPSTs) at the time of transition from training to independent practice. It aimed to identify whether they were supported in making this transition through attending practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) sessions. Participants in the study reported that the sessions helped them to consolidate their learning from their third year of training (GPST3), improved their ability to identify and use evidence in practice, and shifted the focus of their learning needs away from the two UK general practice postgraduate exams (applied Knowledge Test or aKT; and Clinical Skills assessment or CSa) and towards 'real world' practice. The two pilot groups have become established as means of peer support and continue to meet, with small changes in composition. The work has led to the wider roll out of PBSGL for newly qualified GPs across Wessex.

Simethicone adjunct to polyethylene glycol improves small bowel capsule endoscopy imaging in non-Crohn’s disease patients

PubMed Central

Papamichael, Konstantinos; Karatzas, Pantelis; Theodoropoulos, Ioannis; Kyriakos, Nikos; Archavlis, Emmanuel; Mantzaris, Gerasimos J.

2015-01-01

Background Currently, there is no standardized protocol for bowel preparation before small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE). This study aimed to investigate the effect of simethicone combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the visualization quality (VQ) of the SBCE in patients with or without known or suspected Crohn’s disease (CD). Methods This observational, prospective, single-center study included consecutive patients undergoing a SBCE between 2007 and 2008. Patients received either a standard bowel cleansing preparation of 2 L PEG and 80 mg simethicone orally 12 and 1 h before SBCE respectively (Group A) or only PEG (Group B). VQ, based on scores for luminal bubbles in frames taken from the small intestine, examination completeness, SBCE diagnostic yield, gastric and small bowel transit times were recorded. Results Of the 115 patients finally included (Group A, n=56 and Group B, n=59) the cecum was visualized in 103 (89.6%). Simethicone overall improved the VQ in the proximal [OR: 2.43 (95%CI: 1.08-5.45), P=0.032] but not in the distal bowel segment (P=0.064). Nevertheless, this effect was not observed in patients undergoing SBCE for either known or suspected CD. Conclusion Simethicone as an adjunct to PEG for bowel preparation in patients undergoing SBCE significantly improved the VQ in non-CD patients. PMID:26423317

Principal Succession: A View through the Lens of Mary Douglas' Grid and Group

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Angela

2012-01-01

Scope and Method of Study: This Naturalistic Inquiry Case Study examines principal succession at two small, rural high schools through naturalistic inquiry presented through the lens of Mary Douglas' grid and group cultural typology. A grid and group cultural analysis survey was sent to all school employees then in-depth, follow-up interviews…

Effects of coaching on educators' vocabulary-teaching strategies during shared reading.

PubMed

Namasivayam, Ashwini M; Hipfner-Boucher, Kathy; Milburn, Trelani; Weitzman, Elaine; Greenberg, Janice; Pelletier, Janette; Girolametto, Luigi

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an emergent literacy professional development program enhanced educators' use of vocabulary-teaching strategies during shared reading with small groups of pre-schoolers. Thirty-two pre-school educators and small groups of pre-schoolers from their classrooms were randomly assigned to experimental or comparison groups. The 15 educators in the experimental group received four in-service workshops as well as five individualized classroom coaching sessions. The comparison group received only the workshops. Each educator was video-recorded reading a storybook to a small group of pre-schoolers at pre-test and post-test. The videos were transcribed and coded to yield measures of the vocabulary-teaching strategies and children's vocabulary-related talk. The findings revealed that the children in the experimental group engaged in significantly more vocabulary-related talk relative to the comparison group. A non-significant trend in the data indicated that educators in the experimental group used more vocabulary-teaching strategies at post-test. The educators' familiarity with children's authors and book titles at pre-test was a significant predictor of their outcomes. These findings suggest that an emergent literacy professional development program that includes coaching can enhance children's participation in vocabulary-related conversations with their educators.

[A study on isoflavones intake from soy foods and perimenstrual symptoms].

PubMed

Kim, Hae Won; Khil, Jin Mo

2007-04-01

This study was conducted to explore the relationship between isoflavones intake from soy foods and perimenstrual symptoms among women. The research design was a cross sectional study. Subjects consisted of 245 women living in Korea, aged 19-49 years. The measurement tools were MDQ and FFQ. Frequently consumed soy isoflavones foods were rice with soybeans, soybean paste stew, and soy paste with tofu. The amounts of soy isoflavones foods consumed in order from highest to lowest were rice with soybeans, soybean paste stew, seasoned soybean sprouts, and soy paste with tofu. Subjects were divided into three groups by isoflavones intake levels; the small intake group, moderate intake group, and large intake group. There were significant differences in some menstrual symptoms, and postmenstrual symptoms by isoflavones intake levels. In general, the moderate isoflavones intake group showed lower scores in some menstrual symptoms and postmenstrual periods compared to the small and large intake groups. These results suggest some positive health effects of isoflavones from soy foods on perimenstrual symptoms. More accurate, objective measurement needs to be applied and more investigation of soy isoflavones effects on many aspects of women's health need to be done in a future study.

Student Athletes at Small Private Colleges: Why Do They Persist to the Second Year?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

D'Anna, Debora L.

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that contributed to the persistence of first-time full-time student athletes at a small private college affiliated with National Association Intercollegiate Athletics. The study used focus groups to determine the factors related to the persistence of student athletes. The participants in the…

Educating for Leadership in a Divided Country: Educational Practices for a New Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aydin, Hasan

2013-01-01

This study reports on a 2011 qualitative field study conducted at the Nigerian Turkish International Colleges (NTICs) in Abuja, Nigeria. The study uses both in-depth interviews and small focus groups to elicit the lived experience of six identified groups of stakeholders (administrators, teachers, students, parents, Nigerian leaders, and…

Independent Study Workbooks for Proofs in Group Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alcock, Lara; Brown, Gavin; Dunning, Clare

2015-01-01

This paper describes a small-scale research project based on workbooks designed to support independent study of proofs in a first course on abstract algebra. We discuss the lecturers' aims in designing the workbooks, and set these against a background of research on students' learning of group theory and on epistemological beliefs and study habits…

Tutorial dynamics and participation in small groups: a student perspective in a multicultural setting.

PubMed

Gill, Emily; Tuck, Ailsa; Lee, Don Wai Gin; Beckert, Lutz

2004-11-05

This study investigated the language and cultural backgrounds of medical students, and explored their perspectives of the influences on student participation in small-group tutorial settings. A task group of students and staff from a variety of cultural backgrounds designed a cross-sectional survey using an anonymous questionnaire. The survey was conducted at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences (a campus of the University of Otago). Students attending a 4th-year and a 5th-year lecture were invited to participate. Seventy-five percent of students enrolled in the medical course responded to the survey. Half of the sample self-identified as New Zealand European or Maori. Sixty-four percent of students identified English as their first language. Ninety-one percent of students stated a preference for small-group tutorials rather than lectures. Most students reported that there was a 'lack of prior preparation' by students in these tutorials (no statistically significant difference between students with English as first or second language). Two thirds of students (66%) students felt there was a lack of full participation in small-group teaching. Personality, cultural, and language differences were perceived as contributing factors to the lack of participation. Lack of participation should not be assumed to be due to language difficulties. Barriers to participation are perceived differently by students from a variety of language and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, interactions between students who dominate and under-participate may influence student participation. Further research is needed to determine whether language and cultural backgrounds affect students' participation in small group teaching.

Understanding Children's Self-Regulation within Different Classroom Contexts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Timmons, Kristy; Pelletier, Janette; Corter, Carl

2016-01-01

In this study, children's self-regulation was observed, along with other social and academic activities in kindergarten classrooms during whole group, small group, transition and play contexts. We examined how children's self-regulation and engagement differed among classroom grouping, play and transition contexts. Results showed that students…

Sentence Building with a Macintosh Microcomputer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Ruth

A study using microcomputers for instruction in sentence-building skills with two groups of American Indians in bilingual education programs found computer-assisted instruction to be effective in developing differential skills in the different age groups. The method used small group activity at the computer, emphasizing the cooperative learning…

Using Professional Development to Increase the Confidence of Teachers to Meet the Needs of Inclusion Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nolte, Peggy

2010-01-01

This study was designed to improve teachers' confidence levels for inclusive education. Two groups of teachers in one elementary school participated. One group of teachers participated in special trainings and met in small focus planning groups with special education teachers. One group did not participate in the trainings and focus groups. Both…

The Different Volume Effects of Small-Bowel Toxicity During Pelvic Irradiation Between Gynecologic Patients With and Without Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective Study With Computed Tomography-Based Dosimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, E.-Y.; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of abdominal surgery on the volume effects of small-bowel toxicity during whole-pelvic irradiation in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Methods and Materials: From May 2003 through November 2006, 80 gynecologic patients without (Group I) or with (Group II) prior abdominal surgery were analyzed. We used a computed tomography (CT) planning system to measure the small-bowel volume and dosimetry. We acquired the range of small-bowel volume in 10% (V10) to 100% (V100) of dose, at 10% intervals. The onset and grade of diarrhea during whole-pelvic irradiation were recorded as small-bowel toxicity up to 39.6 Gy in 22more » fractions. Results: The volume effect of Grade 2-3 diarrhea existed from V10 to V100 in Group I patients and from V60 to V100 in Group II patients on univariate analyses. The V40 of Group I and the V100 of Group II achieved most statistical significance. The mean V40 was 281 {+-} 27 cm{sup 3} and 489 {+-} 34 cm{sup 3} (p < 0.001) in Group I patients with Grade 0-1 and Grade 2-3 diarrhea, respectively. The corresponding mean V100 of Group II patients was 56 {+-} 14 cm{sup 3} and 132 {+-} 19 cm{sup 3} (p = 0.003). Multivariate analyses revealed that V40 (p = 0.001) and V100 (p = 0.027) were independent factors for the development of Grade 2-3 diarrhea in Groups I and II, respectively. Conclusions: Gynecologic patients without and with abdominal surgery have different volume effects on small-bowel toxicity during whole-pelvic irradiation. Low-dose volume can be used as a predictive index of Grade 2 or greater diarrhea in patients without abdominal surgery. Full-dose volume is more important than low-dose volume for Grade 2 or greater diarrhea in patients with abdominal surgery.« less

Fracture Resistance of Ceramic Laminate Veneers Bonded to Teeth with Class V Composite Fillings after Cyclic Loading

PubMed Central

Rasaei, Vanya; Kharazi Fard, Mohammad J.

2018-01-01

Purpose Porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) are sometimes required to be used for teeth with composite fillings. This study examined the fracture strength of PLVs bonded to the teeth restored with different sizes of class V composite fillings. Materials and Methods Thirty-six maxillary central incisors were divided into three groups (n=12): intact teeth (control) and teeth with class V composite fillings of one-third or two-thirds of the crown height (small or large group, resp.). PLVs were made by using IPS e.max and bonded with a resin cement (RelyX Unicem). Fracture resistance (N) was measured after cyclic loading (1 × 106 cycles, 1.2 Hz). For statistical analyses, one-way ANOVA and Tukey test were used (α=0.05). Results There was a significant difference between the mean failure loads of the test groups (P=0.004), with the Tukey-HSD test showing lower failure loads in the large-composite group compared to the control (P=0.02) or small group (P=0.05). The control and small-composite groups achieved comparable results (P > 0.05). Conclusions Failure loads of PLVs bonded to intact teeth and to teeth with small class V composite fillings were not significantly different. However, extensive composite fillings could compromise the bonding of PLVs. PMID:29849632

Comparative Genomics Analysis of Streptococcus Isolates from the Human Small Intestine Reveals their Adaptation to a Highly Dynamic Ecosystem

PubMed Central

Van den Bogert, Bartholomeus; Boekhorst, Jos; Herrmann, Ruth; Smid, Eddy J.; Zoetendal, Erwin G.; Kleerebezem, Michiel

2013-01-01

The human small-intestinal microbiota is characterised by relatively large and dynamic Streptococcus populations. In this study, genome sequences of small-intestinal streptococci from S. mitis, S. bovis, and S. salivarius species-groups were determined and compared with those from 58 Streptococcus strains in public databases. The Streptococcus pangenome consists of 12,403 orthologous groups of which 574 are shared among all sequenced streptococci and are defined as the Streptococcus core genome. Genome mining of the small-intestinal streptococci focused on functions playing an important role in the interaction of these streptococci in the small-intestinal ecosystem, including natural competence and nutrient-transport and metabolism. Analysis of the small-intestinal Streptococcus genomes predicts a high capacity to synthesize amino acids and various vitamins as well as substantial divergence in their carbohydrate transport and metabolic capacities, which is in agreement with observed physiological differences between these Streptococcus strains. Gene-specific PCR-strategies enabled evaluation of conservation of Streptococcus populations in intestinal samples from different human individuals, revealing that the S. salivarius strains were frequently detected in the small-intestine microbiota, supporting the representative value of the genomes provided in this study. Finally, the Streptococcus genomes allow prediction of the effect of dietary substances on Streptococcus population dynamics in the human small-intestine. PMID:24386196

Teaching astronomy with case studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slater, Timothy F.

2015-11-01

Breaking the students into small, collaborative learning groups to solve a meaningful task together is one of the most successful and fully evaluated teaching techniques implemented over the last century. Although there are many ways to accomplish small group learning, a long-standing and consistently successful collaborative class activity is to use the case study teaching strategy. The use of case studies is common in medical schools and law schools, but not so common in the teaching of astronomy. Case studies create meaningful conversations among students and with the professor by focusing on life-like dilemmas to be solved. Case study tasks ask audience members to synthesize several ideas or evaluate scenarios that have not been explicitly presented to them in the lecture or in available readings.

The effect of recombinant growth hormone on intestinal anastomotic wound healing in rats with obstructive jaundice.

PubMed

Cağlikülekçi, Mehmet; Ozçay, Necdet; Oruğ, Taner; Aydoğ, Gülden; Renda, Nurten; Atalay, Fuat

2002-03-01

Several clinical and experimental studies have shown that obstructive jaundice delays wound healing. Growth hormone may prevent delayed wound healing, since it has effects on the release of mediators in jaundice, as well as increasing the protein synthesis. Forty male Wistar rats were allocated to four groups: Group I (n=10): intestinal anastomosis to normal small bowel, Group II (n=10): intestinal anastomosis to normal small bowel followed by growth hormone therapy (2mg/kg/day, subcutaneously), Group III (n=10): intestinal anastomosis to obstructive jaundice rat's small bowel, Group IV (n=10): intestinal anastomosis to obstructive jaundice rat's small bowel followed by growth hormone therapy at the same dosage The animals were observed for seven days then killed. Intraabdominal adhesions, anastomotic complications and anastomotic bursting pressures were recorded and tissue samples from the anastomotic site were obtained to measure hydroxyproline levels and for histopathologic examination. Growth hormone had a beneficial effect on the healing of intestinal anastomosis in both jaundiced and non-jaundiced rats. This was demonstrated by clinical and mechanical parameters such as a significant increase in anastomotic bursting pressure, hydroxyproline content and histopathological scores. Growth hormone reverses the adverse effects of obstructive jaundice on small bowel anastomotic healing. It can be hypothesized that this effect is due to augmentation of insulin-like growth factors, protection of hepatocytes, enhancement of intestinal epithelization, and reversal of the resultant malnutritional state caused by growth hormone in obstructive jaundice.

Autonomy and interdependence: beliefs of Brazilian mothers from state capitals and small towns.

PubMed

Vieira, Mauro Luis; Seidl-de-Moura, Maria Lucia; Macarini, Samira Mafioletti; Martins, Gabriela Dal Forno; Lordelo, Eulina da Rocha; Tokumaru, Rosana Suemi; Oliva, Angela Donate

2010-11-01

This study aimed to investigate characteristics of Brazilian mothers' beliefs system, in the dimensions of autonomy and interdependence. A group of 600 women, half from state capitals and half from small towns, participated in the study. They were individually interviewed with Scales of Allocentrism, Beliefs about Parental Practices and Socialization Goals. Paired and Independent samples t tests and Multivariate GLM were performed. The results indicate that although mothers from both contexts value autonomy, mothers inhabiting small towns considered the relational dimension as the most important; whereas mothers inhabiting capitals valued equally both dimensions, either in their beliefs about practices or in the socialization goals for their children. Mothers from small towns have a higher mean score for allocentrism than mothers living in capitals. Thus, place of residence proved to be a relevant variable in the modulation of maternal beliefs. Educational level was not a significant factor in the variables considered and with this group of mothers. The study results are discussed in terms of their contribution to the understanding of the complex relationship between dimensions of autonomy and interdependence in mothers' beliefs system.

The interprofessional team as a small group.

PubMed

Kane, R A

1975-01-01

Conflicts in interprofessional teamwork may be as much explained by group process considerations as by the interaction of professional roles and statuses. This paper examines the interprofessional team as a small group, using a synthesis of sources from social psychology, social group work, T-group literature, management theory, and health team research. Eight issues are considered in relation to the team as a small group, namely, (a) the individual in the group, (b) team size, (c) group norms, (d) democracy, (e) decision making and conflict resolution, (f) communication and structure, (g) leadership, and (h) group harmony and its relationship to group productivity.

The Optimal Size for Discussion Groups. Exchange Bibliography No. 378.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petty, Robert M.

Many variables relate to the successful functioning of groups, but one that is fundamental is the size of the group. Part 1 of this bibliography includes a selection of studies from small-group research in experimental social psychology. Part 2 of this report represents an attempt at a rigorous review of the feelings of clinicians and counselors…

Group Supervision in Psychotherapy. Main Findings from a Swedish Research Project on Psychotherapy Supervision in a Group Format

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ogren, Marie-Louise; Sundin, Eva C.

2009-01-01

Psychotherapy supervision is considered crucial for psychotherapists in training. During the last decades, group supervision has been a frequently used format in many countries. Until recently, very few studies had evaluated the small-group format for training of beginner psychotherapists and psychotherapy supervisors. This article aims to…

Effects of Sharing Clickers in an Active Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daniel, Todd; Tivener, Kristin

2016-01-01

Scientific research into learning enhancement gained by the use of clickers in active classrooms has largely focused on the use of individual clickers. In this study, we compared the learning experiences of participants in active learning groups in which an entire small group shared a single clicker to groups in which each member of the group had…

An Analysis of Small Group Interactions of Vietnamese Students under the Bourdieusian Theoretical Lens

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pham, Thanh; Pham, Lam

2018-01-01

Group work has been increasingly encouraged and applied in Vietnamese universities. However, very little has been known about how Vietnamese university students work in a group and what the conditions are that help establish an effective group. This study attempted to redress this gap. The research applied Bourdieu's social field theory to examine…

Explaining Dynamic Interactions in Wiki-Based Collaborative Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Mimi; Zhu, Wei

2017-01-01

This article reports a case study that examined dynamic patterns of interaction that two small groups (Group A and Group B) of ESL students exemplified when they performed two writing tasks: a research proposal (Task 1) and an annotated bibliography (Task 2) in a wiki site. Group A demonstrated a collective pattern in Task 1, but switched to an…

Testing the Efficacy of a Kindergarten Mathematics Intervention by Small Group Size

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, Ben; Doabler, Christian T.; Kosty, Derek; Kurtz Nelson, Evangeline; Smolkowski, Keith; Fien, Hank; Turtura, Jessica

2017-01-01

This study used a randomized controlled trial design to investigate the ROOTS curriculum, a 50-lesson kindergarten mathematics intervention. Ten ROOTS-eligible students per classroom (n = 60) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a ROOTS five-student group, a ROOTS two-student group, and a no-treatment control group. Two primary…

"You Don't Have to Like Me, but You Have to Respect Me": The Impacts of Assertiveness, Cooperativeness, and Group Satisfaction in Collaborative Assignments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lambertz-Berndt, Megan M.; Blight, Michael G.

2016-01-01

This study investigates cooperativeness, assertiveness, group satisfaction, leader grade, and leadership negotiation in a collaborative assignment conducted in a small group. Researchers manipulated the assignment of team members who reported on measures of group satisfaction and original scales of assertiveness and cooperativeness. Respondents…

A framework for multi-scale simulation of crystal growth in the presence of polymers.

PubMed

Mandal, Taraknath; Huang, Wenjun; Mecca, Jodi M; Getchell, Ashley; Porter, William W; Larson, Ronald G

2017-03-01

We present a multi-scale simulation method for modeling crystal growth in the presence of polymer excipients. The method includes a coarse-grained (CG) model for small molecules of known crystal structure whose force field is obtained using structural properties from atomistic simulations. This CG model is capable of stabilizing the molecular crystal structure and capturing the crystal growth from the melt for a wide range of small organic molecules, as demonstrated by application of our method to the molecules isoniazid, urea, sulfamethoxazole, prilocaine, oxcarbazepine, and phenytoin. This CG model can also be used to study the effect of additives, such as polymers, on the inhibition of crystal growth by polymers, as exemplified by our simulation of suppression of the rate of crystal growth of phenytoin, an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), by a cellulose excipient, functionalized with acetate (Ac), hydroxy-propyl (Hp) and succinate (Su) groups. We show that the efficacy of the cellulosic polymers in slowing crystal growth of small molecules strongly depends on the functional group substitution on the cellulose backbone, with the acetate substituent group slowing crystal growth more than does the deprotonated succinate group, which we confirm by experimental drug supersaturation studies.

Efficacy of the jet injector in local anaesthesia for small wound sutures: a randomised clinical trial compared with the needle infiltration technique.

PubMed

Saghi, Bijan; Momeni, Mehdi; Saeedi, Morteza; Ghane, Mohammadreza

2015-06-01

Despite advances in the application of needle free devices in medical procedure, there is a paucity of knowledge on the efficacy of the jet injector for suturing skin wounds. Our study aimed to compare the severity of pain and time to initiation of anaesthesia between two methods of local anaesthesia for skin suturing of small facial wounds. We conducted a double blind randomised clinical trial between December 2012 and February 2013 at a university hospital in Tehran, Iran. 53 patients with small facial wounds needing skin closure with sutures were assigned to either the jet injection group or the needle infiltration group. Pain severity after administration of local anaesthesia and during the stitching procedure, and time to initiation of skin numbness were evaluated. Mean pain score during the anaesthetic procedure was 1.1±1 in the jet injector group compared with 4.4±1.4 in the needle infiltration group (p<0.0001). Moreover, time to initiation of local numbness was significantly longer in the jet injection group than in the needle infiltration group (p<0.0001). Nevertheless, suture procedure related pain scores did not differ significantly between the two groups (p>0.05). The jet injector is an effective device in reducing the pain of the anaesthetic procedure for small facial wounds. However, the remarkably lower pain should be evaluated in light of other parameters, including acceptance and preference of the newly introduced technique. IRCT201201308872N3. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Assessment Intelligence in Small Group Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xing, Wanli; Wu, Yonghe

2014-01-01

Assessment of groups in CSCL context is a challenging task fraught with many confounding factors collected and measured. Previous documented studies are by and large summative in nature and some process-oriented methods require time-intensive coding of qualitative data. This study attempts to resolve these problems for teachers to assess groups…

An Ecological Study of Glee in Small Groups of Preschool Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherman, Lawrence W.

1975-01-01

Presents a description and analysis of group glee (joyful screaming, laughing and intense physical acts occurring in simultaneous bursts or in a contagious fashion), studied by means of videotapes of 596 formal lessons in a preschool. Information collected concerned occurrence, location, frequency and duration, teachers' responses, incidence of…

Cognitive Individualism: An Impediment to Teachers' Collaborative Intellectual Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Torres, Myriam N.

The study described here studied perspectives of mid-career teachers from minority and Anglo backgrounds on collaborative intellectual work and examined the ideologies underlying these perspectives. Analysis focused on the teachers' dialogical interaction in a small group (4 teachers) and a large group (28 teachers) in relation to immediate and…

The Nexus between the Above-Average Effect and Cooperative Learning in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Breneiser, Jennifer E.; Monetti, David M.; Adams, Katharine S.

2012-01-01

The present study examines the above-average effect (Chambers & Windschitl, 2004; Moore & Small, 2007) in assessments of task performance. Participants completed self-estimates of performance and group estimates of performance, before and after completing a task. Participants completed a task individually and in groups. Groups were…

Reshaping the Social Order: The Case of Gender Segregation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lockheed, Marlaine E.

1986-01-01

Describes an experimental study of gender segregation in 38 fourth and fifth grade classrooms. Students working in small, experimental, mixed-sex, instructional groups engaged in more cross-sex interactions than students in control groups. Boys in experimental classrooms showed greater preference for working in cross-sex groups. (SA)

Democracy and Leadership in Basic Writing Small Groups.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurth, Lita

Commonly accepted ideas, on the one hand, about how small groups in a writing class should work and, on the other hand, psychological research about what makes a small group work well are not consistent. Social psychologist Clovis Shepherd claims that the "popular notion that the democratic ideal is a group in which all members exert an equal…

PVA gel as a potential adhesion barrier: a safety study in a large animal model of intestinal surgery.

PubMed

Renz, Bernhard W; Leitner, Kurt; Odermatt, Erich; Worthley, Daniel L; Angele, Martin K; Jauch, Karl-Walter; Lang, Reinhold A

2014-03-01

Intra-abdominal adhesions following surgery are a major source of morbidity and mortality including abdominal pain and small bowel obstruction. This study evaluated the safety of PVA gel (polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethylated cellulose gel) on intestinal anastomoses and its potential effectiveness in preventing adhesions in a clinically relevant large animal model. Experiments were performed in a pig model with median laparotomy and intestinal anastomosis following small bowel resection. The primary endpoint was the safety of PVA on small intestinal anastomoses. We also measured the incidence of postoperative adhesions in PVA vs. control groups: group A (eight pigs): stapled anastomosis with PVA gel compared to group B (eight pigs), which had no PVA gel; group C (eight pigs): hand-sewn anastomosis with PVA gel compared to group B (eight pigs), which had no anti-adhesive barrier. Animals were sacrificed 14 days after surgery and analyzed. All anastomoses had a patent lumen without any stenosis. No anastomoses leaked at an intraluminal pressure of 40 cmH2O. Thus, anastomoses healed very well in both groups, regardless of whether PVA was administered. PVA-treated animals, however, had significantly fewer adhesions in the area of stapled anastomoses. The hand-sewn PVA group also had weaker adhesions and trended towards fewer adhesions to adjacent organs. These results suggest that PVA gel does not jeopardize the integrity of intestinal anastomoses. However, larger trials are needed to investigate the potential of PVA gel to prevent adhesions in gastrointestinal surgery.

Long-term Outcome of Multiple Small-diameter Drilling Decompression Combined with Hip Arthroscopy versus Drilling Alone for Early Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head.

PubMed

Li, Ji; Li, Zhong-Li; Zhang, Hao; Su, Xiang-Zheng; Wang, Ke-Tao; Yang, Yi-Meng

2017-06-20

Avascular necrosis of femoral head (AVNFH) typically presents in the young adults and progresses quickly without proper treatments. However, the optimum treatments for early stage of AVNFH are still controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of multiple small-diameter drilling decompression combined with hip arthroscopy for early AVNFH compared to drilling alone. This is a nonrandomized retrospective case series study. Between April 2006 and November 2010, 60 patients (98 hips) with early stage AVNFH participated in this study. The patients underwent multiple small-diameter drilling decompression combined with hip arthroscopy in 26 cases/43 hips (Group A) or drilling decompression alone in 34 cases/55 hips (Group B). Patients were followed up at 6, 12, and 24 weeks, and every 6 months thereafter. Radiographs were taken at every follow-up, Harris scores were recorded at the last follow-up, the paired t-test was used to compare the postoperative Harris scores. Surgery effective rate of the two groups was compared using the Chi-square test. All patients were followed up for an average of 57.6 months (range: 17-108 months). Pain relief and improvement of hip function were assessed in all patients at 6 months after the surgery. At the last follow-up, Group A had better outcome with mean Harris' scores improved from 68.23 ± 11.37 to 82.07 ± 2.92 (t = -7.21, P = 0.001) than Group B with mean Harris' scores improved from 69.46 ± 9.71 to 75.79 ± 4.13 (t = -9.47, P = 0.037) (significantly different: t = -2.54, P = 0.017). The total surgery effective rate was also significantly different between Groups A and B (86.0% vs. 74.5%; χ2 = 3.69, P = 0.02). For early stage of AVNFH, multiple small-diameter drilling decompression combined with hip arthroscopy is more effective than drilling decompression alone.

The Impact of Transcription Writing Interventions for First-Grade Students

PubMed Central

Wanzek, Jeanne; Gatlin, Brandy; Al Otaiba, Stephanie; Kim, Young-Suk Grace

2016-01-01

We examined the effects of transcription instruction for students in first grade. Students in the lowest 70% of the participating schools were selected for the study. These 81 students were randomly assigned to: (a) spelling instruction, (b) handwriting instruction, (c) combination spelling and handwriting instruction, or (d) no intervention. Intervention was provided in small groups of 4 students, 25 min a day, 4 days a week for 8 weeks. Students in the spelling condition outperformed the control group on spelling measures with moderate effect sizes noted on curriculum-based writing measures (e.g., correct word sequence; g range = 0.34 to 0.68). Students in the handwriting condition outperformed the control group on correct word sequences with small to moderate effects on other handwriting and writing measures (g range = 0.31 to 0.71). Students in the combined condition outperformed the control group on correct word sequences with a small effect on total words written (g range = 0.39 to 0.84). PMID:28989267

Coordination of Advanced Solar Observatory (ASO) Science Working Group (SWG) for the study of instrument accommodation and operational requirements on space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, S. T.

1989-01-01

The objectives are to coordinate the activities of the Science Working Group (SWG) of the Advanced Solar Observatory (ASO) for the study of instruments accommodation and operation requirements on board space station. In order to facilitate the progress of the objective, two conferences were organized, together with two small group discussions.

Exploring the Self/Group Initiated and On-the-Job Learning Activities of Low Income Women.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butterwick, Shauna

The self- and group-initiated and on-the-job learning activities of low-income women were explored in a study of a small group of low-income mothers living in the greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada. During the study, the low-income women attended meetings during which a participating researcher documented the women's experiences.…

Task Performance in Small Group Settings: The Role of Group Members' Self-Efficacy And Collective Efficacy and Group's Characteristics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khong, Jerrine Z. N.; Liem, Gregory Arief D.; Klassen, Robert M.

2017-01-01

The present study extends the literature by investigating the relative salience of self- and collective efficacy in predicting group performance among early adolescents in Indonesia. A total of 435 early adolescents (mean age 11.70 years, 53% female) were randomly assigned to groups of three to four and completed three group tasks (task 1:…

Interaction location outweighs the competitive advantage of numerical superiority in Cebus capucinus intergroup contests

PubMed Central

Crofoot, Margaret C.; Gilby, Ian C.; Wikelski, Martin C.; Kays, Roland W.

2008-01-01

Numerical superiority confers a competitive advantage during contests among animal groups, shaping patterns of resource access, and, by extension, fitness. However, relative group size does not always determine the winner of intergroup contests. Smaller, presumably weaker social groups often defeat their larger neighbors, but how and when they are able to do so remains poorly understood. Models of competition between individuals suggest that location may influence contest outcome. However, because of the logistical difficulties of studying intergroup interactions, previous studies have been unable to determine how contest location and group size interact to shape relationships among groups. We address this question by using an automated radio telemetry system to study intergroup interactions among six capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) social groups of varying sizes. We find that the odds of winning increase with relative group size; one additional group member increases the odds of winning an interaction by 10%. However, this effect is not uniform across space; with each 100 m that a group moves away from the center of its home range, its odds of winning an interaction decrease by 31%. We demonstrate that contest outcome depends on an interaction between group size and location, such that small groups can defeat much larger groups near the center of their home range. The tendency of resident groups to win contests may help explain how small groups persist in areas with intense intergroup competition. PMID:18184811

Small Group Multitasking in Literature Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baurain, Bradley

2007-01-01

Faced with the challenge of teaching American literature to large, multilevel classes in Vietnam, the writer developed a flexible small group framework called "multitasking". "Multitasking" sets up stable task categories which rotate among small groups from lesson to lesson. This framework enabled students to work cooperatively…

Nutritional status, fecal elastase-1, and 13C-labeled mixed triglyceride breath test in the long-term after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PubMed

Muniz, Cinara Knychala; dos Santos, José Sebastião; Pfrimer, Karina; Ferrioli, Eduardo; Kemp, Rafael; Marchini, Júlio Sérgio; Cunha, Selma Freire

2014-04-01

This study aimed to compare the body composition, dietary intake and serum levels of vitamins and minerals, and exocrine pancreatic function in patients late after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and healthy subjects. Fifteen patients (PD group) who had undergone PD over 1 year before the study and 15 health volunteers (control group) were included in the study. All volunteers underwent dietary intake evaluation, body composition, laboratory data, exocrine pancreatic function by elastase-1, and carbon (C )-labeled triglycerides in breath tests. The PD group subjects also underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth analysis. Nutrient intake was adequate, and there were no differences in body mass index and mineral serum levels between the groups. The PD group showed lower serum levels of retinol, α-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth occurred in 39% of the patients. Fecal elastase-1 was lower in the PD group. The PD group had a higher C peak time; the cumulative label C recovery in 7 hours was similar in both groups. Fecal elastase-1 decreased, and the excretion of C in breath was similar to healthy controls. Although the data point toward an adaptation in the absorptive capacity of fats, A, C, and E hypovitaminosis indicate that some absorptive insufficiency persists late after PD.

A Study of Sociolinguistic Variation in a Small Community: Puerto Rican Spanish in Amsterdam, New York

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mumin, Zahir

2017-01-01

The objective of the current study is to contribute to the larger body of sociophonetic variation research by describing and analyzing Spanish as spoken in a small Puerto Rican community in the US. First, I describe phonological and morphosyntactic features of Spanish as used by four different groups of Puerto Rican informants in Amsterdam, New…

The Two-Way Street: Interaction and Development in Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watt, Jan

Because small for gestational age (SGA) infants are a heterogeneous group known to be at increased risk of learning and behavioral disorders, a study was conducted to replicate and extend findings on developmental patterns of SGA infants in the first year. The study presented, as well, an opportunity to explore the effects, found in a previous…

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in oncologic pharyngolaryngeal surgery: ceftriaxone versus clindamycin and gentamycin].

PubMed

Subirana, F X; Lorente, J; Pérez, M; Quesada, J L; Grasa, J; Fortuny, P; Roselló, J; Quesada, P

2001-03-01

There are many papers comparing two antibiotic protocols for the profilaxis of head and neck infections after laryngeal surgery. We present one prospective and randomised study in 60 patients comparing the efficacy of two protocols. The comparison was between ceftriaxone versus the association of clindamicyn and gentamicyn. In our database we included the risk factors for infection, the surgical approach, the duration of surgery and the patient characteristics. We observed an incidence of 28% of infection, with a 23.3% in the clindamicyn + gentamicyn group and a 33.3% in the ceftriaxone group. The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. In this study we observed a small difference between the amount of alcohol comsuption, the effectiveness of the surgical drainage, the surgical approach and the presence of wound infection. The difference was not statistical significant due to the small group of patients. The profilaxis was adequate for the total laryngectomy and cordectomy group, with a higher incidence of wound infection in patients treated with a supraglottic laryngectomy.

A study of grouphate in a course on small group communication.

PubMed

Myers, Scott A; Goodboy, Alan K

2005-10-01

This study explored the relationship between grouphate and cohesion, consensus, relational satisfaction, affective learning, and cognitive learning. Participants were 83 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory course on small group communication. Participants completed the Grouphate scale, the Classroom Cohesion scale, the Consensus scale, the Relational Satisfaction scale, three subscales of the Instructional Affect Assessment Instrument, and the Cognitive Learning Loss measure. Mean grouphate significantly increased during the semester, and negative correlations were found between scores for grouphate and cohesion (-.50), consensus (-.45), relational satisfaction (-.58), attitude toward the behaviors recommended in the course (-.23), the likelihood of developing an appreciation for the course content (-.33), and cognitive learning (-.32). Results may imply that students' grouphate is not associated with prosocial outcomes of the group work in this course.

Traditional herbal medicine prevents postoperative recurrence of small hepatocellular carcinoma: A randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Zhai, Xiao-Feng; Liu, Xiao-Lin; Shen, Feng; Fan, Jia; Ling, Chang-Quan

2018-05-15

To explore the clinical efficacy of traditional herbal medicine (THM) in the prevention of disease recurrence of small hepatocellular carcinoma after surgery, a prospective randomized controlled study was conducted between October 2006 and May 2010. The results indicated that THM prevented the recurrence of SHCC with an efficacy that was superior to that of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) during a median follow-up of 26.61 months. The patients were followed up every 6 months, and the clinical data before October 20, 2015 were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival (RFS), and the secondary outcome measure was overall survival (OS). The 364 patients included 180 in the THM group and 184 in the TACE group. At the time of the data cutoff of October 20, 2015, a total of 205 patients demonstrated disease recurrence, including 85 patients in the THM group and 120 patients in the TACE group. The median RFS of the THM and TACE groups demonstrated a statistically significant difference (P<.001). Until October 20, 2105, there were 91 deaths, including 34 in the THM group and 57 in the TACE group. The median OS demonstrated a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .008). Multivariate analysis indicated that THM was an independent factor influencing RFS and OS. The efficacy of THM was found to be superior to that of TACE in preventing disease recurrence in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma and prolonging OS. Cancer 2018;124:2161-8. © 2018 American Cancer Society. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Using the Competent Small Group Communicator Instrument to Assess Group Performance in the Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albert, Lawrence S.

If being a competent small group problem solver is difficult, it is even more difficult to impart those competencies to others. Unlike athletic coaches who are near their players during the real game, teachers of small group communication are not typically present for on-the-spot coaching when their students are doing their problem solving. That…

The effect of consuming small volumes of beer on gastric motility and the involvement of gene polymorphisms.

PubMed

Shibata, Tomoyuki; Yamashita, Hiromi; Kawamura, Tomohiko; Jodai, Yasutaka; Omori, Takafumi; Sumi, Kazuya; Ichikawa, Yuichiro; Okubo, Masaaki; Ishizuka, Takamitsu; Tahara, Tomomitsu; Nagasaka, Mitsuo; Nakagawa, Yoshihito; Hirata, Ichiro; Ohmiya, Naoki; Nakao, Makoto

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of consuming small amounts of beer or a nonalcoholic beer taste beverage (non-beer) on gastric emptying and the polymorphisms in alcohol metabolism-related enzyme-encoding genes. Twenty male healthy volunteers were questioned regarding their alcohol consumption status, and body measurement was performed. The genetic polymorphisms in ADH1B (rs1229984, Arg47His) and ALDH2 (rs671 Glu487Lys) were analyzed. The subjects consumed 150 mL of beer or non-beer once per week, followed by the ingestion of 200 kcal of the test nutrient containing 13 C-acetate 15 min later, after which the subjects' exhalations were collected up to 120 min. The concentration peak of 13 C was measured as Tmax. Diamine oxidase (DAO) activity for the marker of small intestinal function activity was also measured the day after the test. Gastric emptying was significantly slower in the group that consumed a small amount of beer, and in daily beer consumption group, and also in the ADH1B *2/*2, ALDH2 *1/*2 genotypes compared to non-beer drinking group. DAO values were not significantly changed between beer and non-beer group. The consumption of even a small amount of beer and the polymorphisms in ADH1B / ALDH2 affects gastric motility.

Striving for group agency: threat to personal control increases the attractiveness of agentic groups

PubMed Central

Stollberg, Janine; Fritsche, Immo; Bäcker, Anna

2015-01-01

When their sense of personal control is threatened people try to restore perceived control through the social self. We propose that it is the perceived agency of ingroups that provides the self with a sense of control. In three experiments, we for the first time tested the hypothesis that threat to personal control increases the attractiveness of being part or joining those groups that are perceived as coherent entities engaging in coordinated group goal pursuit (agentic groups) but not of those groups whose agency is perceived to be low. Consistent with this hypothesis we found in Study 1 (N = 93) that threat to personal control increased ingroup identification only with task groups, but not with less agentic types of ingroups that were made salient simultaneously. Furthermore, personal control threat increased a sense of collective control and support within the task group, mediated through task-group identification (indirect effects). Turning to groups people are not (yet) part of, Study 2 (N = 47) showed that personal control threat increased relative attractiveness ratings of small groups as possible future ingroups only when the relative agency of small groups was perceived to be high. Perceived group homogeneity or social power did not moderate the effect. Study 3 (N = 78) replicated the moderating role of perceived group agency for attractiveness ratings of entitative groups, whereas perceived group status did not moderate the effect. These findings extend previous research on group-based control, showing that perceived agency accounts for group-based responses to threatened control. PMID:26074832

Teaching Small Group Communication: The Do Good Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minei, Elizabeth M.

2016-01-01

This paper focuses on the parameters of a semester-long project called the "Do Good" project, geared towards developing small group communication skills in undergraduate students. This project highlights participation in a social engagement project that allows students to bridge concepts learned in small group communication lectures…

Preliminary study of brain glucose metabolism changes in patients with lung cancer of different histological types.

PubMed

Li, Wei-Ling; Fu, Chang; Xuan, Ang; Shi, Da-Peng; Gao, Yong-Ju; Zhang, Jie; Xu, Jun-Ling

2015-02-05

Cerebral glucose metabolism changes are always observed in patients suffering from malignant tumors. This preliminary study aimed to investigate the brain glucose metabolism changes in patients with lung cancer of different histological types. One hundred and twenty patients with primary untreated lung cancer, who visited People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2012 to July 2013, were divided into three groups based on histological types confirmed by biopsy or surgical pathology, which included adenocarcinoma (52 cases), squamous cell carcinoma (43 cases), and small-cell carcinoma (25 cases). The whole body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) of these cases was retrospectively studied. The brain PET data of three groups were analyzed individually using statistical parametric maps (SPM) software, with 50 age-matched and gender-matched healthy controls for comparison. The brain resting glucose metabolism in all three lung cancer groups showed regional cerebral metabolic reduction. The hypo-metabolic cerebral regions were mainly distributed at the left superior and middle frontal, bilateral superior and middle temporal and inferior and middle temporal gyrus. Besides, the hypo-metabolic regions were also found in the right inferior parietal lobule and hippocampus in the small-cell carcinoma group. The area of the total hypo-metabolic cerebral regions in the small-cell carcinoma group (total voxel value 3255) was larger than those in the adenocarcinoma group (total voxel value 1217) and squamous cell carcinoma group (total voxel value 1292). The brain resting glucose metabolism in patients with lung cancer shows regional cerebral metabolic reduction and the brain hypo-metabolic changes are related to the histological types of lung cancer.

Which Is the Optimal Biologically Effective Dose of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Stage I Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer? A Meta-Analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang Jian; Yang Fujun; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan

2011-11-15

Purpose: To assess the relationship between biologically effective dose (BED) and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and to explore the optimal BED range for Stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods and Materials: Eligible studies were identified on Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the proceedings of annual meetings through June 2010. According to the quartile of included studies, BED was divided into four dose groups: low (<83.2 Gy), medium (83.2-106 Gy), medium to high (106-146 Gy), high (>146 Gy). To obtain pooled estimates of overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and local control rate (LCR), data weremore » combined in a random effect model. Pooled estimates were corrected for the percentage of small tumors (<3 cm). Results: Thirty-four observational studies with a total of 2,587 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Corrected pooled estimates of 2- or 3-year OS in the medium BED (76.1%, 63.5%) or the medium to high BED (68.3%, 63.2%) groups were higher than in the low (62.3%, 51.9%) or high groups (55.9%, 49.5%), respectively (p {<=} 0.004). Corrected 3-year CSS in the medium (79.5%), medium to high (80.6%), and high groups (90.0%) were higher than in the low group (70.1%, p = 0.016, 0.018, 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The OS for the medium or medium to high BED groups were higher than those for the low or high BED group for SBRT in Stage I NSCLC. The medium or medium to high BED (range, 83.2-146 Gy) for SBRT may currently be more beneficial and reasonable in Stage I NSCLC.« less

How to Measure Qualitative Understanding of DC-Circuit Phenomena - Taking a Closer Look at the External Representations of 9-Year-Olds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kallunki, Veera

2013-04-01

Pupils' qualitative understanding of DC-circuit phenomena is reported to be weak. In numerous research reports lists of problems in understanding the functioning of simple DC-circuits have been presented. So-called mental model surveys have uncovered difficulties in different age groups, and in different phases of instruction. In this study, the concept of qualitative understanding, and the content or position of reported mental models of DC-circuit phenomena are discussed. On the grounds of this review, new tools for investigating qualitative understanding and analysing external representations of DC-circuit phenomena are presented. According to this approach, the external representations of DC-circuit phenomena that describe pupils' expressed conceptions of the topic should include both empirical-based models and theoretical explanations. In the empirical part of this study , third-graders (9-year-olds) learning DC-circuit phenomena in a comprehensive school in a small group were scrutinised. The focus of the study is the external representations manifested in the talk of the small group. The study challenges earlier studies, which claim that children exhibit a wide range of qualitative difficulties when learning DC-circuit phenomena. In this study it will be shown that even in the case of abstract subject matter like DC-circuit phenomena, small groups that highlight empirical-based modelling and activate talk can be a fruitful learning environment, where pupils' qualitative understanding really develops. Thus, the study proposes taking a closer look at pupils' external representations concerning DC-circuit phenomena.

Nephrostomy tube-free versus nephrostomy tube for renal drainage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Shen, Pengfei; Liu, Yong; Wang, Jia

2012-01-01

Historically, percutaneous nephrostomy drainage following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) has been considered the standard of care. More recently, however, an increasing number of centers are performing tubeless (with insertion of JJ ureteric stent) or totally tubeless (with no internal or external drainage) PNL with impressive outcome data. This systematic review is to compare the clinical therapeutic efficacy and safety of nephrostomy tube-free (NT-free) and standard PNL. We searched PubMed (1966 to April 2011), Embase (1966 to April 2011), and the Cochrane Library without language restriction. All randomized controlled trials that compared NT-free PNL (using a double-J stent) with standard PNL were enrolled in this review. The Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan5.0.2 software was used for statistical analysis. Nine studies involving 547 patients were included. Patients were divided into 4 groups: NT-free group, small tube group (8-9 Fr), middle tube group (16-18 Fr), and large tube group (20-24 Fr). Meta-analysis showed that: (1) with regard to hospital stay (h) and visual analog scale scores for postoperative pain on day 1, there was no significant difference between the NT-free group and the small tube group, but there were differences between the NT-free group versus the middle and large tube groups; (2) for puncture site urinary leakage, no significant difference was found between the NT-free group and the small and middle tube groups; (3) no significant difference was found with regard to transfusion, fever or infection, operative time between the NT-free group and the 3 tube groups. The clinical efficacy and safety of NT-free and small tube are similar in all measurements. Compared with the middle and large tubes, NT-free PNL could reduce hospital stay and postoperative analgesia requirement without increasing other complications. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Relationship between Icodextrin use and decreased level of small low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fractioned by high-performance gel permeation chromatography

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Because of the absorption of glucose in peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution, PD patients show an atherogenic lipid profile, which is predictive of poor survival in PD patients. Lipoprotein subclasses consist of a continuous spectrum of particles of different sizes and densities (fraction). In this study, we investigated the lipoprotein fractions in PD patients with controlled serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, and evaluated the effects of icodextrin on lipid metabolism. Methods Forty-nine PD patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study in Japan. The proportions of cholesterol levels to total cholesterol level (cholesterol proportion) in 20 lipoprotein fractions were measured using an improved method of high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Results Twenty-six patients used icodextrin. Although no significant differences in cholesterol levels in LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were observed between the patients using icodextrin (icodextrin group) and control groups, HPGPC showed that the icodextrin group had significantly lower cholesterol proportions in the small LDL (t-test, p=0.053) and very small LDL (p=0.019), and significantly higher cholesterol proportions in the very large HDL and large HDL than the control group (p=0.037; p=0.066, respectively). Multivariate analysis adjusted for patient characteristics and statin use showed that icodextrin use was negatively associated with the cholesterol proportions in the small LDL (p=0.037) and very small LDL (p=0.026), and positively with those in the very large HDL (p=0.040), large HDL (p=0.047), and medium HDL (p=0.009). Conclusions HPGPC showed the relationship between icodextrin use and the cholesterol proportions in lipoprotein fractions in PD patients. These results suggest that icodextrin may improve atherogenic lipid profiles in a manner different from statin. PMID:24161017

Macroscopic small bowel mucosal injury caused by chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) use as assessed by capsule endoscopy.

PubMed

Caunedo-Alvarez, A; Gómez-Rodríguez, B J; Romero-Vázquez, J; Argüelles-Arias, F; Romero-Castro, R; García-Montes, J M; Pellicer-Bautista, F J; Herrerías-Gutiérrez, J M

2010-02-01

To evaluate the type, frequency, and severity of macroscopic small bowel mucosal injury after chronic NSAID intake as assessed by capsule endoscopy (CE), as well as to correlate the severity of gastroduodenal and intestinal damage in these patients. A prospective, endoscopist-blind, controlled trial. Sixteen patients (14F/2M; age: 57.06 +/- 10.16 yrs) with osteoarthritis (OA) on chronic therapy with NSAIDs underwent CE and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE). Seventeen patients with OA (9F/2M; age: 57.47 +/- 9.82 yrs) who did not take NSAIDs were included as a control group. A scale ranging from 0 to 2 (0 = no lesions, 1-minor = red spots or petechiae, denuded areas and/or 1-5 mucosal breaks; 2-major = > 5 mucosal breaks and/or strictures, or hemorrhage) was designed to assess the severity of small bowel mucosal injuries. CE found intestinal lesions in 75% (12/16) of patients in the study group and in 11.76% (2/17) of controls (p < 0.01). Seven out of 16 NSAID consumers (43.75%) and none in the control group (0%) had a major small bowel mucosal injury (p < 0.01). The percentages of patients with grade 1 and 2 gastroduodenopathy in the study group, as assessed by UGE, were 37.14 and 23.81%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the rate of major enteropathy between patients with none or minor gastroduodenal injury, and those with major gastroduodenopathy (43.75 vs. 40%; p = N.S.). Chronic NSAID intake is associated with a high rate of small bowel mucosal injuries. Our data have failed to demonstrate a relationship between the severity of gastroduodenal and intestinal injury.

An everolimus-eluting stent versus a paclitaxel-eluting stent in small vessel coronary artery disease: a pooled analysis from the SPIRIT II and SPIRIT III trials.

PubMed

Bartorelli, Antonio L; Serruys, Patrick W; Miquel-Hébert, Karine; Yu, Shui; Pierson, Wes; Stone, Gregg W

2010-07-01

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the XIENCE V everolimus-eluting stent compared to the TAXUS paclitaxel-eluting stent in small vessels. The XIENCE V everolimus-eluting stent (EES) has been shown to improve angiographic and clinical outcomes after percutaneous myocardial revascularization, but its performance in small coronary arteries has not been investigated. In this pooled analysis, we studied a cohort of 541 patients with small coronary vessels (reference diameter <2.765 mm) by using patient and lesion level data from the SPIRIT II and SPIRIT III studies. TAXUS Express (73% of lesions) and TAXUS Liberté (27% of lesions) paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) were used as controls in SPIRIT II. In SPIRIT III, Taxus Express(2) PES was the control. Mean angiographic in-stent and in-segment late loss was significantly less in the EES group compared with the PES group, (0.15 +/- 0.37 mm vs. 0.30 +/- 0.44 mm; P = 0.011 for in-stent; 0.10 +/- 0.38 mm vs. 0.21 +/- 0.34 mm; P = 0.034 for in-segment). EES also resulted in a significant reduction in composite major adverse cardiac events at 1 year (19/366 [5.2%] vs. 17/159 [10.7%]; P = 0.037), due to fewer non-Q-wave myocardial infarctions and target lesion revascularizations. At 1 year, the rate of non-Q-wave myocardial infarction was significantly lower in the EES group compared with that of the PES group (6/366 [1.6%] vs. 8/159 [5.0%]; P = 0.037). In patients with small vessel coronary arteries, the XIENCE V EES was superior to the TAXUS PES. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Urinary metabolomic study of non-small cell lung carcinoma based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Wu, Qian; Wang, Yan; Gu, Xue; Zhou, Junyi; Zhang, Huiping; Lv, Wang; Chen, Zhe; Yan, Chao

2014-07-01

Metabolic profiles from human urine reveal the significant difference of carnitine and acylcarnitines levels between non-small cell lung carcinoma patients and healthy controls. Urine samples from cancer patients and healthy individuals were assayed in this metabolomic study using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The data were normalized by the sum of all intensities and creatinine calibration, respectively, before orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Twenty differential metabolites were identified based on standard compounds or tandem mass spectrometry fragments. Among them, some medium-/long-chain acylcarnitines, for example, cis-3,4-methylene heptanoylcarnitine, were found to be downregulated while carnitine was upregulated in urine samples from the cancer group compared to the control group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the two groups showed that the area under curve for the combination of carnitine and 11 selected acylcarnitines was 0.958. This study suggests that the developed carnitine and acylcarnitines profiling method has the potential to be used for screening non-small cell lung carcinoma. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

New Insight into Inter-kingdom Communication: Horizontal Transfer of Mobile Small RNAs.

PubMed

Zhou, Geyu; Zhou, Yu; Chen, Xi

2017-01-01

Small RNAs (sRNAs), including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are conventionally regarded as critical molecular regulators of various intracellular processes. However, recent accumulating evidence indicates that sRNAs can be transferred within cells and tissues and even across species. In plants, nematodes and microbes, these mobile sRNAs can mediate inter-kingdom communication, environmental sensing, gene expression regulation, host-parasite defense and many other biological functions. Strikingly, a recent study by our group suggested that ingested plant miRNAs are transferred to blood, accumulate in tissues and regulate transcripts in consuming animals. While our and other independent groups' subsequent studies further explored the emerging field of sRNA-mediated crosstalk between species, some groups reported negative results and questioned its general applicability. Thus, further studies carefully evaluating the horizontal transfer of exogenous sRNAs and its potential biological functions are urgently required. Here, we review the current state of knowledge in the field of the horizontal transfer of mobile sRNAs, suggest its future directions and key points for examination and discuss its potential mechanisms and application prospects in nutrition, agriculture and medicine.

Socially Shared Regulation in Collaborative Groups: An Analysis of the Interplay between Quality of Social Regulation and Group Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rogat, Toni Kempler; Linnenbrink-Garcia, Lisa

2011-01-01

This study extends prior research on both individual self-regulation and socially shared regulation during group learning to examine the range and quality of the cognitive and behavioral social regulatory sub-processes employed by six small collaborative groups of upper-elementary students (n = 24). Qualitative analyses were conducted based on…

The Emergence of Embedded Relations and Group Formation in Networks of Competition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thye, Shane R.; Lawler, Edward J.; Yoon, Jeongkoo

2011-01-01

This study examines how and when small networks of self-interested agents generate a group tie or affiliation at the network level. A group affiliation is formed when actors (a) perceive themselves as members of a group and (b) share resources with each other despite an underlying competitive structure. We apply a concept of structural cohesion to…

Does Repeated Reading Improve Reading Fluency and Comprehension for Struggling Adolescent Readers?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Still, Kristine Lynn; Flynt, Christine A.

2012-01-01

This was a 12-week study that explored the effects of repeated peer readings on struggling adolescent readers. It was a quasi-experimental design with one treatment group and one control group. There were two small group English classes that were consistently using the repeated reading strategy (the treatment group) and students in the co-teach…

The Effectiveness of the Constant Time Delay Procedure in Teaching Pre-School Academic Skills to Children with Developmental Disabilities in a Small Group Teaching Arrangement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aldemir, Ozgul; Gursel, Oguz

2014-01-01

Children with developmental disabilities are trained using different teaching arrangements. One of these arrangements is called small-group teaching. It has been ascertained that a small-group teaching arrangement is more effective than a one-to-one teaching arrangement. In that sense, teaching academic skills to pre-school children in small-group…

Oral purgative and simethicone before small bowel capsule endoscopy

PubMed Central

Rosa, Bruno Joel Ferreira; Barbosa, Mara; Magalhães, Joana; Rebelo, Ana; Moreira, Maria João; Cotter, José

2013-01-01

AIM: To evaluate small bowel cleansing quality, diagnostic yield and transit time, comparing three cleansing protocols prior to capsule endoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients were prospectively enrolled and randomized to one of the following cleansing protocols: patients in Group A underwent a 24 h liquid diet and overnight fasting; patients in Group B followed protocol A and subsequently were administered 2 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG) the evening before the procedure; patients in Group C followed protocol B and were additionally administered 100 mg of simethicone 30 min prior to capsule ingestion. Small bowel cleansing was independently assessed by two experienced endoscopists and classified as poor, fair, good or excellent according to the proportion of small bowel mucosa under perfect conditions for visualization. When there was no agreement between the two endoscopists, the images were reviewed and discussed until a consensus was reached. The preparation was considered acceptable if > 50% or adequate if > 75% of the mucosa was in perfect cleansing condition. The amount of bubbles was assessed independently and it was considered significant if it prevented a correct interpretation of the images. Positive endoscopic findings, gastric emptying time (GET) and small bowel transit time (SBTT) were recorded for each examination. RESULTS: There was a trend favoring Group B in achieving an acceptable (including fair, good or excellent) level of cleansing (Group A: 65%; Group B: 83.3%; Group C: 68.4%) [P = not significant (NS)] and favoring Group C in attaining an excellent level of cleansing (Group A: 10%; Group B: 16.7%; Group C: 21.1%) (P = NS). The number of patients with an adequate cleansing of the small bowel, corresponding to an excellent or good classification, was 5 (25%) in Group A, 5 (27.8%) in Group B and 4 (21.1%) in Group C (P = 0.892). Conversely, 7 patients (35%) in Group A, 3 patients (16.7%) in Group B and 6 patients (31.6%) in Group C were considered to have poor small bowel cleansing (P = 0.417), with significant fluid or debris such that the examination was unreliable. The proportion of patients with a significant amount of bubbles was 50% in Group A, 27.8% in Group B and 15.8% in Group C (P = 0.065). This was significantly lower in Group C when compared to Group A (P = 0.026). The mean GET was 27.8 min for Group A, 27.2 min for Group B and 40.7 min for Group C (P = 0.381). The mean SBTT was 256.4 min for Group A, 256.1 min for Group B and 258.1 min for Group C (P = 0.998). Regarding to the rate of complete examinations, the capsule reached the cecum in 20 patients (100%) in Group A, 16 patients (88.9%) in Group B and 17 patients (89.5%) in Group C (P = 0.312). A definite diagnosis based on relevant small bowel endoscopic lesions was established in 60% of the patients in Group A (12 patients), 44.4% in Group B (8 patients) and 57.8% in Group C (11 patients) (P = 0.587). CONCLUSION: Preparation with 2 L of PEG before small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) may improve small bowel cleansing and the quality of visualization. Simethicone may further reduce intraluminal bubbles. No significant differences were found regarding GET, SBTT and the proportion of complete exploration or diagnostic yield among the three different cleansing protocols. PMID:23424190

Oral purgative and simethicone before small bowel capsule endoscopy.

PubMed

Rosa, Bruno Joel Ferreira; Barbosa, Mara; Magalhães, Joana; Rebelo, Ana; Moreira, Maria João; Cotter, José

2013-02-16

To evaluate small bowel cleansing quality, diagnostic yield and transit time, comparing three cleansing protocols prior to capsule endoscopy. Sixty patients were prospectively enrolled and randomized to one of the following cleansing protocols: patients in Group A underwent a 24 h liquid diet and overnight fasting; patients in Group B followed protocol A and subsequently were administered 2 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG) the evening before the procedure; patients in Group C followed protocol B and were additionally administered 100 mg of simethicone 30 min prior to capsule ingestion. Small bowel cleansing was independently assessed by two experienced endoscopists and classified as poor, fair, good or excellent according to the proportion of small bowel mucosa under perfect conditions for visualization. When there was no agreement between the two endoscopists, the images were reviewed and discussed until a consensus was reached. The preparation was considered acceptable if > 50% or adequate if > 75% of the mucosa was in perfect cleansing condition. The amount of bubbles was assessed independently and it was considered significant if it prevented a correct interpretation of the images. Positive endoscopic findings, gastric emptying time (GET) and small bowel transit time (SBTT) were recorded for each examination. There was a trend favoring Group B in achieving an acceptable (including fair, good or excellent) level of cleansing (Group A: 65%; Group B: 83.3%; Group C: 68.4%) [P = not significant (NS)] and favoring Group C in attaining an excellent level of cleansing (Group A: 10%; Group B: 16.7%; Group C: 21.1%) (P = NS). The number of patients with an adequate cleansing of the small bowel, corresponding to an excellent or good classification, was 5 (25%) in Group A, 5 (27.8%) in Group B and 4 (21.1%) in Group C (P = 0.892). Conversely, 7 patients (35%) in Group A, 3 patients (16.7%) in Group B and 6 patients (31.6%) in Group C were considered to have poor small bowel cleansing (P = 0.417), with significant fluid or debris such that the examination was unreliable. The proportion of patients with a significant amount of bubbles was 50% in Group A, 27.8% in Group B and 15.8% in Group C (P = 0.065). This was significantly lower in Group C when compared to Group A (P = 0.026). The mean GET was 27.8 min for Group A, 27.2 min for Group B and 40.7 min for Group C (P = 0.381). The mean SBTT was 256.4 min for Group A, 256.1 min for Group B and 258.1 min for Group C (P = 0.998). Regarding to the rate of complete examinations, the capsule reached the cecum in 20 patients (100%) in Group A, 16 patients (88.9%) in Group B and 17 patients (89.5%) in Group C (P = 0.312). A definite diagnosis based on relevant small bowel endoscopic lesions was established in 60% of the patients in Group A (12 patients), 44.4% in Group B (8 patients) and 57.8% in Group C (11 patients) (P = 0.587). Preparation with 2 L of PEG before small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) may improve small bowel cleansing and the quality of visualization. Simethicone may further reduce intraluminal bubbles. No significant differences were found regarding GET, SBTT and the proportion of complete exploration or diagnostic yield among the three different cleansing protocols.

Gestures: Silent Scaffolding within Small Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, Glenda; Wiebe, Eric N.; Reid-Griffin, Angela

2006-01-01

This paper describes how gestures are used to enhance scaffolding that occurs in small group settings. Sixth and eighth grade students participated in an elective science course focused on earth science concepts with a substantial spatial visualization component. Gestures that students used in small group discussions were analyzed and four…

Math Exchanges: Guiding Young Mathematicians in Small-Group Meetings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wedekind, Kassia Omohundro

2011-01-01

Traditionally, small-group math instruction has been used as a format for reaching children who struggle to understand. Math coach Kassia Omohundro Wedekind uses small-group instruction as the centerpiece of her math workshop approach, engaging all students in rigorous "math exchanges." The key characteristics of these mathematical conversations…

Five new, microendemic Asian Leaf-litter Frogs (Leptolalax) from the southern Annamite mountains, Vietnam.

PubMed

Rowley, Jodi J L; Tran, Dao T A; Le, Duong T T; Dau, Vinh Q; Peloso, Pedro L V; Nguyen, Truong Q; Hoang, Huy D; Nguyen, Tao T; Ziegler, Thomas

2016-03-01

The Leptolalax applebyi group of Asian leaf-litter frogs currently comprises four species of particularly small-bodied (<40 mm SVL) species distributed in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and northeastern Cambodia. In addition to their small size, the group is characterized by their morphological and genetic similarities, as well as their breeding habitat at headwaters of small mountain streams and seeps. A recent study suggested that at least two-thirds of the diversity of the group remained hidden within morphologically cryptic lineages. We expand upon the molecular, morphometric, and acoustic data and formally delineate and describe five of these lineages as distinct species: Leptolalax ardens sp. nov., Leptolalax kalonensis sp. nov., Leptolalax pallidus sp. nov., Leptolalax maculosus sp. nov., and Leptolalax tadungensis sp. nov. Due to habitat loss, the current ranges of these species are likely to be a fraction of their historical extent and under continued threat from deforestation.

[A Paired Case Controlled Study Comparing the Short-term Outcomes of Da Vinci RATS and VATS Approach for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer].

PubMed

Dai, Feng; Xu, Shiguang; Xu, Wei; Ding, Renquan; Liu, Bo; Meng, Hao; Kang, Yunteng; Meng, Xiangrui; Lin, Jie; Wang, Shumin

2018-03-20

Da Vinci Surgical System is one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century, which represents the development direction of the precise minimally invasive surgical techniques, the aim of this study was to comparing the short-term outcomes between da Vinci robot-assisted lobectomy and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer. 45 pairs of non-small cell lung cancer patients underwent pulmonary lobectomy with da Vinci Robotic assisted thoracoscopic (RATS) and VATS approach during the same period from January 2014 to January 2017. The operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), total number and total groups of dissected lymph nodes, postoperative duration of drainage, the first day volume of drainage, total volume of drainage were compared. No perioperative death and convertion to thoracotomy occured in both groups. There were significant difference between RATS group and VATS group in EBL [(50.30±32.33) mL vs (208.60±132.63) mL], the first day volume of drainage [(275.00±145.42) mL vs (347.60±125.80) mL], the dissected total number [(22.67±9.67) vs (15.51±5.41)] and total team [(6.31±1.43) vs (4.91±1.04)] of lymph node. There were no significant difference in other outcomes. RATS is safe and effective and took better short-outcomes than VATS in non-small cell lung cancer.

Starting Small for Big School Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scharff, Helen A.; DeAngelis, Deirdre A.; Talbert, Joan E.

2010-01-01

In the Scaffolded Apprenticeship Model (SAM), a school improvement strategy in place in New York City; Boston, Massachusetts; and Oakland, California, teacher teams improve their schools by studying and closing high-leverage learning gaps for small groups of struggling students as a strategy for systemic change. SAM's goal is for each school to…

The Academic Knowledge Management Model of Small Schools in Thailand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tumtuma, Chamnan; Chantarasombat, Chalard; Yeamsang, Theerawat

2015-01-01

The Academic Knowledge Management Model of Small Schools in Thailand was created by research and development. The quantitative and qualitative data were collected via the following steps: a participatory workshop meeting, the formation of a team according to knowledge base, field study, brainstorming, group discussion, activities carried out…

DESIGNS FOR SMALL HIGH SCHOOLS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

NIMNICHT, GLENDON P.; PARTRIDGE, ARTHUR R.

BY MULTIPLE-CLASS TEACHING AND FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING, SMALL HIGH SCHOOLS CAN OFFER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS COMPARABLE TO THOSE OFFERED BY LARGE HIGH SCHOOLS. WITH ATTENTION TO FACILITY DESIGN, NOT ONLY CAN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, FOREIGN LANGUAGE, ART, BUSINESS, INDUSTRIAL ARTS, HOMEMAKING, ENGLISH, AND SOCIAL STUDIES BE OFFERED TO TWO OR MORE GROUPS OF…

Gender differences in leadership amongst first-year medical students in the small-group setting.

PubMed

Wayne, Nancy L; Vermillion, Michelle; Uijtdehaage, Sebastian

2010-08-01

To investigate the extent of gender bias in the volunteerism of small-group leaders amongst first-year medical students, and whether bias could be eliminated with special instructions to the students. The gender of leaders in small-group sessions in a real academic setting was monitored under two conditions: control conditions, in which basic instructions were provided to participants, and intervention conditions, in which the same basic instructions were provided plus a brief "pep talk" on the importance of experiencing a leadership role in a safe environment. During the small-group sessions, an observer noted the gender and names of group leaders for later analysis. After a class debriefing, a subset of leaders and nonleaders from both the control and intervention groups were invited to be interviewed about their perceptions of the small-group experience. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed for analysis. In 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, disproportionately fewer women than men volunteered to become small-group leaders under control conditions. This gender bias was eliminated under intervention conditions. The interviews illustrated how a subtle change in instructions helped some female students take on a leadership role. Gender bias in leadership in the small-group setting amongst medical students-even when women make up half of the class-may persist without targeted intervention. The authors suggest that frequent and consistent intervention during medical school could be an important factor in encouraging women to identify themselves as leaders, promoting confidence to consider leadership roles in medicine.

Sex-Role Orientation and Leadership Styles: Further Exploration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Korabik, Karen

Studies have shown that, in small groups, two types of leaders generally emerge, i.e., a task specialist concerned with achieving the group's goals and a social-emotional specialist concerned with the morale and cohesiveness of the group. To determine if leadship style is related to sex role orientation, rather than to biological sex, to…

Comparison of Two Educational Strategies in Teaching Preventive Cardiology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stroup-Benham, Christine A.; And Others

This study assessed the impact of two educational strategies: text only versus text plus small group discussion, among two groups of third-year internal medicine clerkship students in a preventive cardiology course. The course was a required, 12-week Internal Medical clerkship at the University of Texas Medical Branch. The first group reviewed…

Utilizing the Peer Group Method with Case Studies to Teach Pharmacokinetics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sims, Pamela J.

1994-01-01

A pharmacy school large-group (110 students) course in pharmacokinetics was designed to incorporate small-group team-based problem solving. The method allows students to learn material through traditional lecture, research the topic further, discuss the information gained, and apply the learning to specific cases in a manner that promotes…

Mentors' Perspectives on Group Mentorship: A Descriptive Study of Two Programs in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alleyne, Shirley Diana; Horner, Michelle Schnabel; Walter, Garry; Fleisher, Stacia Hall; Arzubi, Eric; Martin, Andres

2009-01-01

Objective: The authors assess mentors' perceptions of mentoring and experiences participating in an intensive, small-group mentorship program, with particular attention to potential challenges in their retention and the recruitment of new mentors to similar, future programs. Methods: Similar group mentorship programs were implemented at two child…

Teachers' and students' verbal behaviours during cooperative and small-group learning.

PubMed

Gillies, Robyn M

2006-06-01

Teachers play a critical role in promoting interactions between students and engaging them in the learning process. This study builds on a study by Hertz-Lazarowitz and Shachar (1990) who found that during cooperative learning teachers' verbal behaviours were more helpful to and encouraging of their students' efforts while during whole-class instruction, their verbal behaviours tended to be more authoritarian, rigid, and impersonal. This study seeks to determine if teachers who implement cooperative learning engage in more facilitative learning interactions with their students than teachers who implement group work only. The study also seeks to determine if students in the cooperative groups model their teachers' behaviours and engage in more positive helping interactions with each other than their peers in the group work groups. The study involved 26 teachers and 303 students in Grades 8 to 10 from 4 large high schools in Brisbane, Australia. All teachers agreed to establish cooperative, small-group activities in their classrooms for a unit of work (4 to 6 weeks) once a term for 3 school terms. The teachers were audiotaped twice during these lessons and samples of the students' language, as they worked in their groups, were also collected at the same time. The results show that teachers who implement cooperative learning in their classrooms engage in more mediated-learning interactions and make fewer disciplinary comments than teachers who implement group work only. Furthermore, the students model many of these interactions in their groups. The study shows that when teachers implement cooperative learning, their verbal behaviour is affected by the organizational structure of the classroom.

The Sociological Study of Minority Groups as Reflected by Leading Sociological Journals Who Gets Studies and Who Gets Neglected?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lavender, Abraham D.; Forsyth, John M.

1976-01-01

In view of the small amount of attention given to non-black ethnic groups in the sociological literature, this paper suggests that it is no wonder that so little is known about ethnic-ethnic, ethnic-black, and ethnic-dominant society relations. (Author)

AN EXPERIMENT IN FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING IN TEAM TEACHING.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BJELKE, JOAN; GEORGIADES, WILLIAM

A FOUR-PERIOD BLOCK PROGRAM CONSISTED OF ENGLISH, ALGEBRA, AND WORLD GEOGRAPHY. THE PROGRAM INCLUDED LARGE GROUP LECTURES, SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS, INDEPENDENT STUDY, AND A SUPERVISED STUDY HALL. PUPIL PERFORMANCE IN ENGLISH IN THIS SCHEMA AND PUPIL PERFORMANCE IN ENGLISH IN A REGULAR-SIZED CLASS WAS COMPARED. TEACHER REACTION AND STUDENT REACTION…

The role of plumage polymorphism in dominance relationshipt of the white-throated sparrow

Treesearch

Doris J. Watt; C. John Ralph; Carter T. Atkinson

1984-01-01

We studied dominance behaviors of captive winter flocks of White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) in central Pennsylvania. Preliminary tests with a small group of birds indicated that there might be differences in behaviors between color morphs if age and sexual differences were controlled. Studies of two larger groups produced...

The Brink of Change: Gender in Technology-Rich Collaborative Learning Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldstein, Jessica; Puntambeka, Sadhana

2004-01-01

This study was designed to contribute to a small but growing body of knowledge on the influence of gender in technology-rich collaborative learning environments. The study examined middle school students attitudes towards using computers and working in groups during scientific inquiry. Students attitudes towards technology and group work were…

Computer-assisted instruction versus traditional lecture for medical student teaching of dermatology morphology: a randomized control trial.

PubMed

Jenkins, Sasha; Goel, Ruchika; Morrell, Dean S

2008-08-01

The effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction is unproven. To evaluate the effectiveness of an online computerized dermatology module compared to traditional lecture-based teaching to medical students. Medical students were randomized to two groups. Group 1 of 37 students had access to a computer-based dermatology tutorial. Group 2 of 36 students attended a lecture on skin morphology, identical to the tutorial, given by a dermatology faculty member. The main outcome was the total number of correct answers on a multiple-choice morphologic terminology final examination. The mean number of questions answered correctly was 16.14 and 14.89 for group 1 and group 2, respectively. Unpaired statistical t tests showed the difference in mean scores between the two groups to be 1.25 (95% confidence interval: -0.70 to 3.20, p value = .20). The study was small, with a small amount of material, and was brief in duration. Within the limits of our study, computer-assisted instruction is at least as effective as traditional lecture teaching of dermatology morphology to medical students.

Screening and staging for non-small cell lung cancer by serum laser Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wang, Hong; Zhang, Shaohong; Wan, Limei; Sun, Hong; Tan, Jie; Su, Qiucheng

2018-08-05

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Current clinical screening methods to detect lung cancer are expensive and associated with many complications. Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique that offers a convenient method to gain molecular information about biological samples. In this study, we measured the serum Raman spectral intensity of healthy volunteers and patients with different stages of non-small cell lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of serum laser Raman spectroscopy as a low cost alternative method in the screening and staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Raman spectra of the sera of peripheral venous blood were measured with a LabRAM HR 800 confocal Micro Raman spectrometer for individuals from five groups including 14 healthy volunteers (control group), 23 patients with stage I NSCLC (stage I group), 24 patients with stage II NSCLC (stage II group), 19 patients with stage III NSCLC (stage III group), 11 patients with stage IV NSCLC (stage IV group). Each serum sample was measured 3 times at different spots and the average spectra represented the signal of Raman spectra in each case. The Raman spectrum signal data of the five groups were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and cross-validation. Raman spectral intensity was sequentially reduced in serum samples from control group, stage I group, stage II group and stage III/IV group. The strongest peak intensity was observed in the control group, and the weakest one was found in the stage III/IV group at bands of 848 cm -1 , 999 cm -1 , 1152 cm -1 , 1446 cm -1 and 1658 cm -1 (P < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis showed that the sensitivity to identify healthy people, stage I, stage II, and stage III/IV NSCLC was 86%, 65%, 75%, and 87%, respectively; the specificity was 95%, 94%, 88%, and 93%, respectively; and the overall accuracy rate was 92% (71/77). The laser Raman spectroscopy can effectively identify patients with stage I, stage II or stage III/IV Non-Small Cell Lung cancer using patient serum samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft in the regeneration of small osseous defect: A comparative study

PubMed Central

Jaiswal, Yashmi; Kumar, Sanjeev; Mishra, Vijay; Bansal, Puneet; Anand, Kumar Rakshak; Singh, Sukumar

2017-01-01

Aim: To access the efficacy of decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in the regeneration of bone following small osseous defect in minor oral surgery. Objectives: To evaluate the ability of DFDBA to enhance the rate of wound healing and assess radiographic bone density, pain, and infection preoperatively and postoperatively. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with cysts were assessed. Ten patients were filled with DFDBA (Group 1) and ten without bone graft (Group 2), respectively. Radiographic bone density was assessed on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative radiographs on 1st day, 3rd month, and at 6th month using Adobe Photoshop CS6 - Grayscale histogram. Results: Bone density in Group 1 was found to be significantly higher than in Group 2 on 3rd and 6th month postoperatively with a P = 0.024 and P = 0.016 which was statistically significant. The percentage increase in bone density between both the group was determined and yielded no difference over a period of time, but the difference in percentage increase was markedly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 at all the time intervals. Conclusion: Bone formed as depicted by bone density is significantly higher when DFDBA is used in small bony defects. PMID:29386818

The role of a small posterior malleolar fragment in trimalleolar fractures: a biomechanical study.

PubMed

Evers, J; Fischer, M; Zderic, I; Wähnert, D; Richards, R G; Gueorguiev, B; Raschke, M J; Ochman, S

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a posterior malleolar fragment (PMF), with < 25% ankle joint surface, on pressure distribution and joint-stability. There is still little scientific evidence available to advise on the size of PMF, which is essential to provide treatment. To date, studies show inconsistent results and recommendations for surgical treatment date from 1940. A total of 12 cadaveric ankles were assigned to two study groups. A trimalleolar fracture was created, followed by open reduction and internal fixation. PMF was fixed in Group I, but not in Group II. Intra-articular pressure was measured and cyclic loading was performed. Contact area decreased following each fracture, while anatomical fixation restored it nearly to its intact level. Contact pressure decreased significantly with fixation of the PMF. In plantarflexion, the centre of force shifted significantly posteriorly in Group II and anteriorly in Group I. Load to failure testing showed no difference between the groups. Surgical reduction of a small PMF with less than 25% ankle joint surface improves pressure distribution but does not affect ankle joint stability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:95-100. ©2018 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

The effect of isolated core training on selected measures of golf swing performance.

PubMed

Weston, Matthew; Coleman, Neil J; Spears, Iain R

2013-12-01

This study aimed to quantify the effect of an 8-wk isolated core training program on selected ball and club parameters during the golf swing and also the variability of these measures. Thirty-six club-level golfers were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 18) or control (n =18) group. The exercise group participated in an 8-wk core training program, which included eight basic exercises. Both groups continued with their normal activity levels including golf. Baseline and postintervention measurements included club-head speed, backspin, sidespin, and timed core endurance. Baseline measures for club-head speed, backspin, sidespin, and core endurance test were 79.9 ± 8.4 mph, 3930 ± 780 rpm, 1410 ± 610 rpm, and 91 ± 56 s for the intervention group and 77.6 ± 8.8 mph, 3740 ± 910 rpm, 1290 ± 730 rpm, and 69 ± 55 s for the control group (mean ± SD). The effect of our core training, when compared with control, was a likely small improvement in club-head speed (3.6%; 90% confidence limits = ±2.7%) and a very likely small improvement in muscular endurance (61%; ±33%). The effect on backspin (5%; ±10%) and sidespin (-6%; ±20%) was unclear. Baseline variability for club-head speed, backspin, and sidespin (based on 10 swings per golfer) was 5.7% ± 5.3%, 43% ± 19%, and 140% ± 180% for the intervention group and 6.5% ± 5.3%, 53% ± 53%, and 170% ± 130% for control group. The effect of the intervention on within-subject variability was a moderate decrease for club-head speed, a small decrease for backspin, and a small increase for sidespin when compared with control. The benefits achieved from our isolated core training program are comparable with those from other studies.

Vision-related quality of life and visual outcomes after small-incision lenticule extraction and laser in situ keratomileusis.

PubMed

Ang, Marcus; Ho, Henrietta; Fenwick, Eva; Lamoureux, Ecosse; Htoon, Hla M; Koh, Jane; Tan, Donald; Mehta, Jodhbir S

2015-10-01

To compare vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) scores and clinical outcomes between small-incision lenticule extraction and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore. Prospective study. Patients had small-incision lenticule extraction using the Visumax 500 kHz femtosecond laser; or LASIK excimer ablation with the Wavelight Allegretto 400 Hz laser. Primary outcomes were 3-month predictability, efficacy, and safety. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative experience, visual symptoms, and VRQoL (validated Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction [QIRC] questionnaire) in 25 a subgroup of patients in each group. Following Rasch analysis, "Functional" and "Emotional," QIRC dimensions were analysed separately. At 3 months, predictability (82.5% versus 85.3%, ±0.5 diopters attempted correction, P =.453), safety index (1.13 ± 0.19 [SD] versus 1.07 ± 0.16, P = .158), and efficacy index (0.91 ± 0.21 versus 0.97 ± 0.19; P = .002) were found when comparing small-incision lenticule extraction (172 eyes) and LASIK (matched 688 eyes). Intraoperative experience between groups was not statistically different; visual fluctuations (P = .020) and episodes of visual blurring (P = .008) were greater after small-incision lenticule extraction than after LASIK at 1 month but not at 3 months. There was no difference in "functional" (66.7 ± 15.7 versus 55.3 ± 22.2, P = .064) and "emotional" (42.7 ± 23.2 versus 37.9 ± 23.8, P = .394) QIRC dimensions between the 2 groups (25 patients in each group) at 3 months. The study, 3-month predictability, safety, and VRQL scores were not statistically different between small-incision lenticule extraction and LASIK. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Copyright © 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lifestyle educational program strongly increases compliance to nonpharmacologic intervention in hypertensive patients: a 2-year follow-up study.

PubMed

Ferrara, Aldo L; Pacioni, Delia; Di Fronzo, Valentina; Russo, Barbara F; Staiano, Laura; Speranza, Enza; Gente, Rosaria; Gargiulo, Francesco; Ferrara, Fabio

2012-11-01

The authors investigated the efficacy of a lifestyle educational program, organized in small group meetings, in improving the outcome of a nonpharmacologic intervention. One hundred and eighty-eight hypertensive patients with stable blood pressure (BP) levels and drug therapy in the previous 6 months were randomly divided into educational care (EC) and usual care (UC) groups. They were followed at 3-month intervals up to 2 years. In addition to the visits in an outpatient clinic, patients in the EC program participated in small group meetings in order to improve their knowledge of the disease and reinforce their motivation for treatment. At baseline, EC and UC groups were similar for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) levels, and pharmacologic treatment. Patients in the EC group had significantly reduced total energy, total and saturated fats, and sodium intake. Physical activity was significantly increased in the EC group as well. At the end of the 1-year follow-up, BMI (P<.001), visceral fat (P<.001), and BP (P<.001) were significantly lower in the EC group compared with the UC group. Pharmacologic treatment during the study was similar for all classes of drugs apart from diuretics whose dose was higher in the UC group at the end of the study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessment of Spasticity by a Pendulum Test in SCI Patients Who Exercise FES Cycling or Receive Only Conventional Therapy.

PubMed

Popovic-Maneski, Lana; Aleksic, Antonina; Metani, Amine; Bergeron, Vance; Cobeljic, Radoje; Popovic, Dejan B

2018-01-01

Increased muscle tone and exaggerated tendon reflexes characterize most of the individuals after a spinal cord injury (SCI). We estimated seven parameters from the pendulum test and used them to compare with the Ashworth modified scale of spasticity grades in three populations (retrospective study) to assess their spasticity. Three ASIA B SCI patients who exercised on a stationary FES bicycle formed group F, six ASIA B SCI patients who received only conventional therapy were in the group C, and six healthy individuals constituted the group H. The parameters from the pendulum test were used to form a single measure, termed the PT score, for each subject. The pendulum test parameters show differences between the F and C groups, but not between the F and H groups, however, statistical significance was limited due to the small study size. Results show a small deviation from the mean for all parameters in the F group and substantial deviations from the mean for the parameters in the C group. PT scores show significant differences between the F and C groups and the C and H groups and no differences between the F and C groups. The correlation between the PT score and Ashworth score was 0.88.

Learning styles and strategies preferences of Iranian medical students in gross anatomy courses and their correlations with gender.

PubMed

Atlasi, Mohammad Ali; Moravveji, Alireza; Nikzad, Hossein; Mehrabadi, Vahid; Naderian, Homayoun

2017-12-01

The learning approaches can help anatomy teachers design a suitable curriculum in harmony with their students' learning styles. The research objective is to evaluate gross anatomy learning styles and strategies preferences of Iranian medical students at Kashan University of Medical Sciences (KAUMS). This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out on 237 Iranian medical students. The students answered questions on approaches to learning anatomy and expressed opinions about learning anatomy in medical curriculum. The data were analyzed to disclose statistically significant differences between male and female students. Iranian male and female students were interested in learning anatomy using notes, plastic models, pictures and diagrams, clinical context, dissection and prosection of cadavers; however, they rarely used cross-sectional images and web-based resources. Both groups of medical students used region and system in learning anatomy. However, there existed some striking differences, particularly in having difficulty in studying anatomy using cadaveric specimens, using books alone, and learning it in small groups. Male students were less interested in learning with cadavers than female counterparts. However, female students were more interested in learning anatomy in small groups. This study suggests that instructors should design gross anatomy curriculum based on limitations of using dissection of cadaver in Iranian universities, emphasis on the applied anatomy, and learning of gross anatomy in small groups.

Small financial incentives increase smoking cessation in homeless smokers: a pilot study.

PubMed

Businelle, Michael S; Kendzor, Darla E; Kesh, Anshula; Cuate, Erica L; Poonawalla, Insiya B; Reitzel, Lorraine R; Okuyemi, Kolawole S; Wetter, David W

2014-03-01

Although over 70% of homeless individuals smoke, few studies have examined the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in this vulnerable population. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the effectiveness of shelter-based smoking cessation clinic usual care (UC) to an adjunctive contingency management (CM) treatment that offered UC plus small financial incentives for smoking abstinence. Sixty-eight homeless individuals in Dallas, Texas (recruited in 2012) were assigned to UC (n=58) or UC plus financial incentives (CM; n=10) groups and were followed for 5 consecutive weeks (1 week pre-quit through 4 weeks post-quit). A generalized linear mixed model regression analysis was conducted to compare biochemically-verified abstinence rates between groups. An additional model examined the interaction between time and treatment group. The participants were primarily male (61.8%) and African American (58.8%), and were 49 years of age on average. There was a significant effect of treatment group on abstinence overall, and effects varied over time. Follow-up logistic regression analyses indicated that CM participants were significantly more likely than UC participants to be abstinent on the quit date (50% vs. 19% abstinent) and at 4 weeks post-quit (30% vs. 1.7% abstinent). Offering small financial incentives for smoking abstinence may be an effective way to facilitate smoking cessation in homeless individuals. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anisakiasis presenting to the ED: clinical manifestations, time course, hematologic tests, computed tomographic findings, and treatment.

PubMed

Takabayashi, Takeshi; Mochizuki, Toshiaki; Otani, Norio; Nishiyama, Kei; Ishimatsu, Shinichi

2014-12-01

The prevalence of anisakiasis is rare in the United States and Europe compared with that in Japan, with few reports of its presentation in the emergency department (ED). This study describes the clinical, hematologic, computed tomographic (CT) characteristics, and treatment in gastric and small intestinal anisakiasis patients in the ED. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 83 consecutive anisakiasis presentations in our ED between 2003 and 2012. Gastric anisakiasis was endoscopically diagnosed with the Anisakis polypide. Small intestinal anisakiasis was diagnosed based on both hematologic (Anisakis antibody) and CT findings. Of the 83 cases, 39 had gastric anisakiasis and 44 had small intestinal anisakiasis based on our diagnostic criteria. Although all patients had abdominal pain, the gastric anisakiasis group developed symptoms significantly earlier (peaking within 6 hours) than the small intestinal anisakiasis group (peaking within 48 hours), and fewer patients with gastric anisakiasis needed admission therapy (5% vs 57%, P<.01). All patients in the gastric and 40 (91%) in the small intestinal anisakiasis group had a history of raw seafood ingestion. Computed tomographic findings revealed edematous wall thickening in all patients, and ascites and phlegmon of the mesenteric fat were more frequently observed in the small intestinal anisakiasis group. In the ED, early and accurate diagnosis of anisakiasis is important to treat and explain to the patient, and diagnosis can be facilitated by a history of raw seafood ingestion, evaluation of the time-to-symptom development, and classic CT findings. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of aged garlic extract against methotrexate-induced damage to the small intestine in rats.

PubMed

Yüncü, Mehmet; Eralp, Ayhan; Celik, Ahmet

2006-06-01

Methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy is often accompanied by side effects such as gastrointestinal ulceration and diarrhea. The aim of this study was to examine histologically whether an aged garlic extract (AGE) had a protective effect on the small intestine of rats with MTX-induced damage. Forty male Wistar albino rats were randomized into experimental and control groups and divided into four groups of ten animals. To the first group, MTX was applied as a single dose (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. To the second group, in addition to MTX application, AGE (250 mg/kg) was administered orally every day at the same time by intragastric intubation until the rats were killed. To the third group, AGE only was given. The fourth group was the control. All animals were killed 4 days after the intraperitoneal injection of MTX for histopathologic analysis and tissue MDA levels. Before killing, intracardiac blood was obtained from each animal to perform biochemical analysis (plasma lactate level). MTX was found to lead to damage in the jejunal tissues and to increase the MDA and lactate levels in the plasma. Administration of the AGE decreased the severity of jejunal damage, but increased MDA and lactate levels caused by MTX treatment on the other hand. These results suggest that AGE may protect the small intestine of rats from MTX-induced damage. Thus this study substantiated the thought that the protective effect of AGE is derived from the manner in which it interacts with crypt cells.

Small vs. Large Convective Cloud Objects from CERES Aqua Observations: Where are the Intraseasonal Variation Signals?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Kuan-Man

2016-01-01

During inactive phases of Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO), there are plenty of deep but small convective systems and far fewer deep and large ones. During active phases of MJO, a manifestation of an increase in the occurrence of large and deep cloud clusters results from an amplification of large-scale motions by stronger convective heating. This study is designed to quantitatively examine the roles of small and large cloud clusters during the MJO life cycle. We analyze the cloud object data from Aqua CERES observations for tropical deep convective (DC) and cirrostratus (CS) cloud object types according to the real-time multivariate MJO index. The cloud object is a contiguous region of the earth with a single dominant cloud-system type. The size distributions, defined as the footprint numbers as a function of cloud object diameters, for particular MJO phases depart greatly from the combined (8-phase) distribution at large cloud-object diameters due to the reduced/increased numbers of cloud objects related to changes in the large-scale environments. The medium diameter corresponding to the combined distribution is determined and used to partition all cloud objects into "small" and "large" groups of a particular phase. The two groups corresponding to the combined distribution have nearly equal numbers of footprints. The medium diameters are 502 km for DC and 310 km for cirrostratus. The range of the variation between two extreme phases (typically, the most active and depressed phases) for the small group is 6-11% in terms of the numbers of cloud objects and the total footprint numbers. The corresponding range for the large group is 19-44%. In terms of the probability density functions of radiative and cloud physical properties, there are virtually no differences between the MJO phases for the small group, but there are significant differences for the large groups for both DC and CS types. These results suggest that the intreseasonal variation signals reside at the large cloud clusters while the small cloud clusters represent the background noises resulting from various types of the tropical waves with different wavenumbers and propagation directions/speeds.

Methane production and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in children living in a slum

PubMed Central

Mello, Carolina Santos; Tahan, Soraia; Melli, Lígia Cristina FL; Rodrigues, Mirian Silva do Carmo; de Mello, Ricardo Martin Pereira; Scaletsky, Isabel Cristina Affonso; de Morais, Mauro Batista

2012-01-01

AIM: To analyze small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in school-aged children and the relationship between hydrogen and methane production in breath tests. METHODS: This transversal study included 85 children residing in a slum and 43 children from a private school, all aged between 6 and 10 years, in Osasco, Brazil. For characterization of the groups, data regarding the socioeconomic status and basic housing sanitary conditions were collected. Anthropometric data was obtained in children from both groups. All children completed the hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) breath test in order to assess small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO was diagnosed when there was an increase in H2 ≥ 20 ppm or CH4 ≥ 10 ppm with regard to the fasting value until 60 min after lactulose ingestion. RESULTS: Children from the slum group had worse living conditions and lower nutritional indices than children from the private school. SIBO was found in 30.9% (26/84) of the children from the slum group and in 2.4% (1/41) from the private school group (P = 0.0007). Greater hydrogen production in the small intestine was observed in children from the slum group when compared to children from the private school (P = 0.007). A higher concentration of hydrogen in the small intestine (P < 0.001) and in the colon (P < 0.001) was observed among the children from the slum group with SIBO when compared to children from the slum group without SIBO. Methane production was observed in 63.1% (53/84) of the children from the slum group and in 19.5% (8/41) of the children from the private school group (P < 0.0001). Methane production was observed in 38/58 (65.5%) of the children without SIBO and in 15/26 (57.7%) of the children with SIBO from the slum. Colonic production of hydrogen was lower in methane-producing children (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Children who live in inadequate environmental conditions are at risk of bacterial overgrowth and methane production. Hydrogen is a substrate for methane production in the colon. PMID:23139610

Methane production and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in children living in a slum.

PubMed

Mello, Carolina Santos; Tahan, Soraia; Melli, Lígia Cristina F L; Rodrigues, Mirian Silva do Carmo; de Mello, Ricardo Martin Pereira; Scaletsky, Isabel Cristina Affonso; de Morais, Mauro Batista

2012-11-07

To analyze small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in school-aged children and the relationship between hydrogen and methane production in breath tests. This transversal study included 85 children residing in a slum and 43 children from a private school, all aged between 6 and 10 years, in Osasco, Brazil. For characterization of the groups, data regarding the socioeconomic status and basic housing sanitary conditions were collected. Anthropometric data was obtained in children from both groups. All children completed the hydrogen (H(2)) and methane (CH(4)) breath test in order to assess small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO was diagnosed when there was an increase in H(2) ≥ 20 ppm or CH(4) ≥ 10 ppm with regard to the fasting value until 60 min after lactulose ingestion. Children from the slum group had worse living conditions and lower nutritional indices than children from the private school. SIBO was found in 30.9% (26/84) of the children from the slum group and in 2.4% (1/41) from the private school group (P = 0.0007). Greater hydrogen production in the small intestine was observed in children from the slum group when compared to children from the private school (P = 0.007). A higher concentration of hydrogen in the small intestine (P < 0.001) and in the colon (P < 0.001) was observed among the children from the slum group with SIBO when compared to children from the slum group without SIBO. Methane production was observed in 63.1% (53/84) of the children from the slum group and in 19.5% (8/41) of the children from the private school group (P < 0.0001). Methane production was observed in 38/58 (65.5%) of the children without SIBO and in 15/26 (57.7%) of the children with SIBO from the slum. Colonic production of hydrogen was lower in methane-producing children (P = 0.017). Children who live in inadequate environmental conditions are at risk of bacterial overgrowth and methane production. Hydrogen is a substrate for methane production in the colon.

Rogue Males? Approaches to Study and Academic Performance of Male Psychology Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanders, Lalage; Sander, Paul; Mercer, Jenny

2009-01-01

This three-year longitudinal study explored the approach to study and academic performance of a group of male psychology undergraduates. In induction week, 112 new psychology students completed the survey. Later in the year, some of the males were interviewed in small groups. Performance was measured from marks at the end of Years 1 and 3. In Year…

High School Economics, Cooperative Learning, and the End-of-Course-Test--A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beavers, Sharon

2011-01-01

The primary purpose of this twelve-week case study was to explore the use of a cooperative learning strategy with small groups of students in a 12th-grade economics class as diverse learners prepared for tests. The complete case study was based on observations of students, student surveys, focus group interviews, and interviews with educators at…

Inference for binomial probability based on dependent Bernoulli random variables with applications to meta-analysis and group level studies.

PubMed

Bakbergenuly, Ilyas; Kulinskaya, Elena; Morgenthaler, Stephan

2016-07-01

We study bias arising as a result of nonlinear transformations of random variables in random or mixed effects models and its effect on inference in group-level studies or in meta-analysis. The findings are illustrated on the example of overdispersed binomial distributions, where we demonstrate considerable biases arising from standard log-odds and arcsine transformations of the estimated probability p̂, both for single-group studies and in combining results from several groups or studies in meta-analysis. Our simulations confirm that these biases are linear in ρ, for small values of ρ, the intracluster correlation coefficient. These biases do not depend on the sample sizes or the number of studies K in a meta-analysis and result in abysmal coverage of the combined effect for large K. We also propose bias-correction for the arcsine transformation. Our simulations demonstrate that this bias-correction works well for small values of the intraclass correlation. The methods are applied to two examples of meta-analyses of prevalence. © 2016 The Authors. Biometrical Journal Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Effect of Yifukang oral liquid on gastric emptying and intestinal peristalsis in mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jianhua; Li, Jun; Li, Xianyu; Hao, Shaojun; Guo, Junyi; Ma, Zhenzhen; Zhang, Zhengchen

2018-04-01

To observe the effect of Yifukang oral liquid on gastric emptying and intestinal peristalsis in mice. Methods: 60 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups. The suspension of Baohe Pill and the same volume of normal saline group were given once a day for 7 days. After the last administration for 30 minutes, 0.25 ml of 0.04% phenolic red solution was administered by stomach. After 20 minutes, the animals were killed, the stomach was removed, the gastric contents were cleaned, and the lotion 5ml was centrifuged. The absorbance of the supernatant was measured by TU-1901 ultraviolet spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 560nm. The residual rate of gastric phenolic red was calculated. Rate was used to evaluate gastric emptying velocity.60 mice were randomly divided into five groups: group 5, large, medium, small Yifukang oral liquid dosage group, pill suspension and the same volume normal saline. After 20 min after the last dose of carbon powder suspension, the mice were sacrificed, the abdominal cavity was cut open, the intestine of the ileocecum was cut off, the intestinal mesentery was separated, the total length of the small intestine (cm) was measured, and the distance (cm) in the small intestine was measured, and the end-of-carbon propulsion rate was calculated. Compared with the blank group, small dose of Yi Fu Kang group and Baohe Pill group could significantly promote the ability of gastric emptying in mice. Compared with the blank group, small dose group and rehabilitation benefits Baohewan group can significantly promote the gastric emptying ability of mice (P<0.01), high dose group had no obvious benefit rehabilitation ability to promote gastric emptying in mice. Yi Fu Kang oral liquid group could significantly increase the percentage of small intestine carbon powder(P<0.01), Large, medium-dose Yifukang oral liquid and Baofuwan group could significantly increase the percentage of small intestinal carbon in mice (P<0.05). Yi Fukang oral liquid has the effect of promoting gastric emptying and small intestinal peristalsis.

Gunn and Heid: Teaching Small Group Development with Reality TV

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kopaczewski, Shana

2017-01-01

Courses: Small group communication or any courses with units on group/team work. Objective: In this single-class activity, students will use reality TV to identify Tuckman's five phases of group development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Students analyze how phases of group development manifest through group interaction…

77 FR 70643 - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Standards Related to Essential Health Benefits...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-26

... coverage \\1\\ in the individual and small group markets, Medicaid benchmark and benchmark-equivalent plans...) Act extends the coverage of the EHB package to issuers of non-grandfathered individual and small group... small group markets, and not to Medicaid benchmark or benchmark-equivalent plans. EHB applicability to...

Small-Group Instruction: Theory and Practice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olmstead, Joseph A.

The volume is an analysis of the state of the art of small-group methods of instruction. It describes some of the more commonly used small-group techniques and the rationale behind them, and provides an analysis of their potential use for various types and conditions of instructional environments. Explicit guidelines are provided to assist…

Serum LDL cholesterol concentration and lipoprotein electrophoresis pattern in patients with small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Siemianowicz, K; Gminski, J; Stajszczyk, M; Wojakowski, W; Goss, M; Machalski, M; Telega, A; Brulinski, K; Magiera-Molendowska, H

2000-01-01

Epidemiological studies show that people with low level of total cholesterol have a greater risk of death due to cancer, predominantly lung cancer. The aim of our study was to evaluate serum level of LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein electrophoresis pattern in patients with small cell lung cancer and their dependence on clinical stage of the neoplasm. The studied group consisted of 34 patients with newly diagnosed small cell lung cancer and 39 healthy controls. Fasting level of LDL cholesterol was analyzed and lipoprotein electrophoresis was performed. There were no statistically significant differences of evaluated serum lipid parameters between lung cancer patients and controls, and between the clinical stages of small cell lung cancer.

Regulation of gene expression and biochemical changes in small intestine of newborn diabetic rats by exogenous ghrelin.

PubMed

Karatug, Ayse; Sacan, Ozlem; Coskun, Zeynep Mine; Bolkent, Sehnaz; Yanardag, Refiye; Turk, Neslihan; Bolkent, Sema

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate (i) the cholecystokinin, somatostatin and apelin mRNA levels, (ii) the changes in levels and localization of these peptides, (iii) relation between these peptides, (iv) antiapoptotic effects and (v) antioxidant effects of ghrelin. The rats were divided into four groups second day after birth. These groups were respectively treated with physiological saline, ghrelin (100μg/kg/day), streptozotocin (100mg/kg), ghrelin and streptozotocin. After four weeks, small intestine and blood samples were taken from rats. Cholecystokinin mRNA and peptide, somatostatin mRNA, release to duodenal lumen of apelin peptide and apelin mRNA signals decreased in ghrelin-treated diabetic rats compared to the diabetic group. There was no statistically significant difference among the four groups for somatostatin and apelin peptides. Caspase-3 signals were not observed only in diabetic group treated with ghrelin. Caspase-8 signals were increased while PCNA signals were decreased in diabetic group given ghrelin compared to diabetic group. Small intestine CAT, SOD, GP(x) and GST activities and GSH levels were decreased and LPO, PC levels were increased in diabetic rats. Administration of ghrelin to diabetic rats caused an increase in intestinal CAT, SOD, GP(x) and GST activities and GSH levels, while PC levels decreased. As a result, we observed positive changes in diabetic rats treated with ghrelin in both microscopic and biochemical studies. We can suggest that ghrelin may be an important hormone for the treatment of diabetes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Correlation of spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings in sub-silicone oil foveal depression space and visual outcome in eyes undergoing silicone oil removal

PubMed Central

Nagpal, Manish; Bhatt, Kalyani J.; Jain, Pravin; Taleb, Eman Abo; Goswami, Sangeeta; Verma, Amrita

2016-01-01

Background/Purpose: To describe small hyper-reflective spherical bodies in sub-silicone oil-foveal depression (SSO-FD) space using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and its effect on visual outcomes in eyes undergoing silicone oil removal (SOR). Methods: This was a prospective interventional comparative study comprising 42 eyes undergoing SOR with clear media. All patients underwent detailed clinical examination and SD-OCT scan of fovea pre-operatively and at 30 days and 90 days postoperatively. Patients were divided into Group A (n = 21) and Group B (n = 21) depending on presence or absence, respectively, of small hyper-reflective spherical bodies in the SSO-FD space in preoperative scans. The findings between SD-OCT and best-corrected visual acuity were correlated and analyzed. Results: The mean age of patients was 41.9 years (range, 23–60 years) in Group A and 45.6 years (range, 23–60 years) in Group B. Twenty-one eyes showed small hyper-reflective spherical bodies on SD-OCT imaging. These were thought to represent emulsified silicone oil globules trapped in the potential space created by silicone oil meniscus and foveal pit, which is the SSO-FD space. These bodies were absent in all post SOR scans of Group A and Group B. Group A had significant visual improvement (p = 0.0001) after SOR with clearance of these hyper-reflective bodies as compared to Group B(p = 0.356). Conclusion: We conclude that these small hyper-reflective spherical bodies in the SSO-FD space were most likely emulsified silicone oil globules and correlated with significant visual improvement with their clearance after silicone oil removal. PMID:29018705

The implementation of problem-based learning in collaborative groups in a chiropractic program in Malaysia.

PubMed

Win, Ni Ni; Nadarajah, Vishna Devi V; Win, Daw Khin

2015-01-01

Problem-based learning (PBL) is usually conducted in small-group learning sessions with approximately eight students per facilitator. In this study, we implemented a modified version of PBL involving collaborative groups in an undergraduate chiropractic program and assessed its pedagogical effectiveness. This study was conducted at the International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and involved the 2012 chiropractic student cohort. Six PBL cases were provided to chiropractic students, consisting of three PBL cases for which learning resources were provided and another three PBL cases for which learning resources were not provided. Group discussions were not continuously supervised, since only one facilitator was present. The students' perceptions of PBL in collaborative groups were assessed with a questionnaire that was divided into three domains: motivation, cognitive skills, and perceived pressure to work. Thirty of the 31 students (97%) participated in the study. PBL in collaborative groups was significantly associated with positive responses regarding students' motivation, cognitive skills, and perceived pressure to work (P<0.05). The students felt that PBL with learning resources increased motivation and cognitive skills (P<0.001). The new PBL implementation described in this study does not require additional instructors or any additional funding. When implemented in a classroom setting, it has pedagogical benefits equivalent to those of small-group sessions. Our findings also suggest that students rely significantly on available learning resources.

A multilevel meta-analysis of single-case and small-n research on interventions for reducing challenging behavior in persons with intellectual disabilities.

PubMed

Heyvaert, M; Maes, B; Van den Noortgate, W; Kuppens, S; Onghena, P

2012-01-01

The effectiveness of different interventions for challenging behavior (CB) in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) was reviewed by means of a two-phase study. First, a systematic review of 137 meta-analyses and reviews on group-study interventions for CB in persons with ID was conducted. Based on this review, hypotheses concerning the effectiveness of divergent interventions for CB and concerning the impact of variables moderating treatment effectiveness were systematically generated. Second, these hypotheses were tested by means of a multilevel meta-analysis of single-case and small-n research. Two hundred and eighty-five studies reporting on 598 individuals were examined. The average treatment effect was large and statistically significant. However, this effect varied significantly over the included studies and participants. Compared to the meta-analyses and reviews focusing on group-studies in this research domain, the results of the present multilevel meta-analysis of single-case and small-n intervention research provided more detailed knowledge on which specific CB and intervention components moderate the interventions' effectiveness. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of lactadherin on plasma D-lactic acid and small intestinal MUC2 and claudin-1 expression levels in rats with rotavirus-induced diarrhea

PubMed Central

XU, RUI; LEI, YI-HUI; SHI, JUN; ZHOU, YI-JUN; CHEN, YING-WEI; HE, ZHEN-JUAN

2016-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of lactadherin on plasma D-lactic acid and small intestinal mucin (MUC) 2 and claudin-1 expression levels in rats with diarrhea induced by rotavirus (RV) infection. A total of 75 seven-day-old healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following five groups: Control (C), RV infection (RVI), lactadherin before rotavirus infection (LBRI), lactadherin after rotavirus infection (LARI), and blank (B). On day 4 of artificial feeding, the rats in groups RVI, LBRI and LARI were intragastric administered 1×106 PFU RV; whereas the rats in groups C and B were intragastrically administered an equal volume of maintenance solution from the RV supernatant and normal saline, respectively. In the LBRI and LARI groups, rats received daily intragastric administration of 0.25 mg lactadherin for three days prior to and following infection with RV, respectively. The course of diarrheal symptoms was observed in each group and samples were collected on days 1, 4, and 7 post-infection in order to determine the mucosal morphology, plasma D-lactic acid levels and the expression levels of MUC2 and the intracellular junction protein, claudin-1, in the small intestine. On day 4 post-infection, the rats in group RVI demonstrated severely damaged small intestines and typical diarrheal characteristics, as detected by light microscopy; whereas rats in groups LBRI and LARI demonstrated intact small intestinal villi with partial vacuolation of epithelial cells and changes in the position of their nuclei. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the rats in the RVI group had sparse, shortened, disordered intestinal microvilli and widened intercellular junctions; whereas those in groups LBRI and LARI had long intestinal microvilli sparser compared with groups B and C and slightly widened intercellular junctions. Plasma D-lactic acid levels were increased in groups RVI, LBRI and LARI, as compared with groups B and C, and the greatest levels were detected in the RVI group on days 1, 4 and 7 post-infection. In addition to maintaining intestinal permeability, lactadherin enhanced the expression levels of MUC2 and reduced the expression of claudin-1; therefore, further protecting the intestinal epithelial barrier, which may contribute to the prevention and treatment of diarrhea induced by infection with RV. PMID:26998017

Effects of lactadherin on plasma D-lactic acid and small intestinal MUC2 and claudin-1 expression levels in rats with rotavirus-induced diarrhea.

PubMed

Xu, Rui; Lei, Yi-Hui; Shi, Jun; Zhou, Yi-Jun; Chen, Ying-Wei; He, Zhen-Juan

2016-03-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of lactadherin on plasma D-lactic acid and small intestinal mucin (MUC) 2 and claudin-1 expression levels in rats with diarrhea induced by rotavirus (RV) infection. A total of 75 seven-day-old healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following five groups: Control (C), RV infection (RVI), lactadherin before rotavirus infection (LBRI), lactadherin after rotavirus infection (LARI), and blank (B). On day 4 of artificial feeding, the rats in groups RVI, LBRI and LARI were intragastric administered 1×106 PFU RV; whereas the rats in groups C and B were intragastrically administered an equal volume of maintenance solution from the RV supernatant and normal saline, respectively. In the LBRI and LARI groups, rats received daily intragastric administration of 0.25 mg lactadherin for three days prior to and following infection with RV, respectively. The course of diarrheal symptoms was observed in each group and samples were collected on days 1, 4, and 7 post-infection in order to determine the mucosal morphology, plasma D-lactic acid levels and the expression levels of MUC2 and the intracellular junction protein, claudin-1, in the small intestine. On day 4 post-infection, the rats in group RVI demonstrated severely damaged small intestines and typical diarrheal characteristics, as detected by light microscopy; whereas rats in groups LBRI and LARI demonstrated intact small intestinal villi with partial vacuolation of epithelial cells and changes in the position of their nuclei. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the rats in the RVI group had sparse, shortened, disordered intestinal microvilli and widened intercellular junctions; whereas those in groups LBRI and LARI had long intestinal microvilli sparser compared with groups B and C and slightly widened intercellular junctions. Plasma D-lactic acid levels were increased in groups RVI, LBRI and LARI, as compared with groups B and C, and the greatest levels were detected in the RVI group on days 1, 4 and 7 post-infection. In addition to maintaining intestinal permeability, lactadherin enhanced the expression levels of MUC2 and reduced the expression of claudin-1; therefore, further protecting the intestinal epithelial barrier, which may contribute to the prevention and treatment of diarrhea induced by infection with RV.

Assessment of safety and immunogenicity of two different lots of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine manufactured using small and large scale manufacturing process.

PubMed

Sharma, Hitt J; Patil, Vishwanath D; Lalwani, Sanjay K; Manglani, Mamta V; Ravichandran, Latha; Kapre, Subhash V; Jadhav, Suresh S; Parekh, Sameer S; Ashtagi, Girija; Malshe, Nandini; Palkar, Sonali; Wade, Minal; Arunprasath, T K; Kumar, Dinesh; Shewale, Sunil D

2012-01-11

Hib vaccine can be easily incorporated in EPI vaccination schedule as the immunization schedule of Hib is similar to that of DTP vaccine. To meet the global demand of Hib vaccine, SIIL scaled up the Hib conjugate manufacturing process. This study was conducted in Indian infants to assess and compare the immunogenicity and safety of DTwP-HB+Hib (Pentavac(®)) vaccine of SIIL manufactured at large scale with the 'same vaccine' manufactured at a smaller scale. 720 infants aged 6-8 weeks were randomized (2:1 ratio) to receive 0.5 ml of Pentavac(®) vaccine from two different lots one produced at scaled up process and the other at a small scale process. Serum samples obtained before and at one month after the 3rd dose of vaccine from both the groups were tested for IgG antibody response by ELISA and compared to assess non-inferiority. Neither immunological interference nor increased reactogenicity was observed in either of the vaccine groups. All infants developed protective antibody titres to diphtheria, tetanus and Hib disease. For hepatitis B antigen, one child from each group remained sero-negative. The response to pertussis was 88% in large scale group vis-à-vis 87% in small scale group. Non-inferiority was concluded for all five components of the vaccine. No serious adverse event was reported in the study. The scale up vaccine achieved comparable response in terms of the safety and immunogenicity to small scale vaccine and therefore can be easily incorporated in the routine childhood vaccination programme. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Emergent patterns in interacting neuronal sub-populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamal, Neeraj Kumar; Sinha, Sudeshna

2015-05-01

We investigate an ensemble of coupled model neurons, consisting of groups of varying sizes and intrinsic dynamics, ranging from periodic to chaotic, where the inter-group coupling interaction is effectively like a dynamic signal from a different sub-population. We observe that the minority group can significantly influence the majority group. For instance, when a small chaotic group is coupled to a large periodic group, the chaotic group de-synchronizes. However, counter-intuitively, when a small periodic group couples strongly to a large chaotic group, it leads to complete synchronization in the majority chaotic population, which also spikes at the frequency of the small periodic group. It then appears that the small group of periodic neurons can act like a pacemaker for the whole network. Further, we report the existence of varied clustering patterns, ranging from sets of synchronized clusters to anti-phase clusters, governed by the interplay of the relative sizes and dynamics of the sub-populations. So these results have relevance in understanding how a group can influence the synchrony of another group of dynamically different elements, reminiscent of event-related synchronization/de-synchronization in complex networks.

Attachment theory and group processes: the association between attachment style and group-related representations, goals, memories, and functioning.

PubMed

Rom, Eldad; Mikulincer, Mario

2003-06-01

Four studies examined attachment-style differences in group-related cognitions and behaviors. In Studies 1-2, participants completed scales on group-related cognitions and emotions. In Studies 3-4, participants were divided into small groups, and their performance in group tasks as well as the cohesion of their group were assessed. Both attachment anxiety and avoidance in close relationships were associated with negative group-related cognitions and emotions. Anxiety was also related to the pursuit of closeness goals and impaired instrumental performance in group tasks. Avoidance was related to the pursuit of distance goals and deficits in socioemotional and instrumental performance. Group cohesion significantly moderated the effects of attachment anxiety. The discussion emphasizes the relevance of attachment theory within group contexts.

Collaborative Data Publication Utilizing the Open Data Repository's Data Publisher

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, N.; Lafuente, B.; Bristow, T.; Keller, R. M.; Downs, R. T.; Blake, D.; Fonda, M.; Dateo, C.; Pires, A.

2017-01-01

For small communities in multidisciplinary fields such as astrobiology, publishing and sharing data can be challenging. While large, homogenous fields often have repositories and existing data standards, small groups of independent researchers have few options for publishing data that can be utilized within their community. In conjunction with teams at NASA Ames and the University of Arizona, a number of pilot studies are being conducted to assess the needs of these research groups and to guide the software development so that it allows them to publish and share their data collaboratively.

Experimental Analysis of Small-Group Performance Effectiveness: Behavioral and Biological Interactions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

processes requiring systematic experimental analysis. Accordingly, group performance effectiveness studies were initiated to 61 assess the effects on...the experiment. 67 active processes associated with Joining the respective established groups, but the absence of baseline levels precludes such an...novitiate in comparison to such values observed during baseline days suggested an active process associated with the joining of the group and emphasized the

Group-Level Analysis on Multiplayer Game Collaboration: How Do the Individuals Shape the Group Interaction?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bluemink, Johanna; Hamalainen, Raija; Manninen, Tony; Jarvela, Sanna

2010-01-01

In this study, the aim was to examine how small-group collaboration is shaped by individuals interacting in a virtual multiplayer game. The data were collected from a design experiment in which six randomly divided groups of four university students played a voice-enhanced game lasting about 1 h. The "eScape" game was a social action adventure…

Effects of monochromatic light on mucosal mechanical and immunological barriers in the small intestine of broilers.

PubMed

Xie, D; Li, J; Wang, Z X; Cao, J; Li, T T; Chen, J L; Chen, Y X

2011-12-01

Our previous studies demonstrated that green and blue monochromatic lights were effective to stimulate immune response of the spleen in broilers. This study was designed to investigate the effects of monochromatic light on both gut mucosal mechanical and immunological barriers. A total of 120 Arbor Acre male broilers on post-hatching day (P) 0 were exposed to red light, green light (GL), blue light (BL), and white light (WL) for 49 d, respectively. As compared with broilers exposed to WL, the broilers exposed to GL showed that the villus height of small intestine was increased by 19.5% (P = 0.0205) and 38.8% (P = 0.0149), the crypt depth of small intestine was decreased by 15.1% (P = 0.0049) and 10.1% (P = 0.0005), and the ratios of villus height to crypt depth were increased by 39.3% (P < 0.0001) and 52.5% (P < 0.0001) at P7 and P21, respectively. Until P49, an increased villus height (33.6%, P = 0.0076), a decreased crypt depth (15.4%, P = 0.0201), and an increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (58.5%, P < 0.0001) were observed in the BL group as compared with the WL group. On the other hand, the numbers of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (27.9%, P < 0.0001 and 37.0%, P < 0.0001), goblet cells (GC, 22.1%, P < 0.0001 and 18.1%, P < 0.0001), and IgA(+) cells (14.8%, P = 0.0543 and 47.9%, P = 0.0377) in the small intestine were significantly increased in the GL group as compared with the WL group at P7 and P21, respectively. The numbers of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (36.2%, P < 0.0001), GC (26.5%, P < 0.0001), and IgA(+) cells (68.0%, P = 0.0177) in the BL group were also higher than those in the WL group at P49. These results suggest that both mucosal mechanical and immunological barriers of the small intestine may be improved by rearing broilers under GL at an early age and under BL at an older age.

Comparison between traditional and small-diameter tube-assisted bronchoscopic balloon dilatation in the treatment of benign tracheal stenosis.

PubMed

Li, Li-Hua; Liang, Yi-Lin; Li, Yu; Xu, Ming-Peng; Li, Wen-Tao; Liu, Guang-Nan

2018-03-01

To compare the safety and efficacy between using a small-diameter tube-assisted bronchoscopic balloon dilatation (BBD) and the traditional BBD in the treatment of benign tracheal stenosis. A retrospective study included 58 patients with benign tracheal stenosis from August 2009 to December 2014 was made. The patients who underwent traditional BBD were divided into group A, and who underwent a small-diameter tube-assisted BBD were divided into group B. The tracheal diameter, dyspnea index and blood gas analysis results were detected before and after BBD. Efficacy and complications were evaluated after BBD. There were significant differences in oxygen saturation (PaO 2 ) during the operations comparing with before and after operations in group A (P = .005), while there was no significant difference in group B (P = .079). The tracheal diameter obviously increased (in group A, from 4.16 ± 1.43 mm to 12.47 ± 1.41 mm, P = .000; in group B: from 4.94 ± 1.59 mm to 12.61 ± 1.41 mm, P = .000). Dyspnea index obviously decreased (group A: from 3.21 ± 0.93 to 0.50 ± 0.59, P = .000; group B: from 3.24 ± 0.89 to 0.65 ± 0.69, P = .000). The immediately cure rate in both groups was 100%. Long-term effect was significantly better in group B than that in group A (85.3% vs 59.1%, P = .021), at the end of the follow-up period. Small-diameter tube-assisted BBD obtains better safety and long-term efficacy than the traditional BBD in the treatment of benign tracheal stenosis. However, close attention should be given to the risk of the adverse effects caused by carbon dioxide retention. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A small group aerobic exercise programme that reduces body weight is feasible in adults with severe chronic schizophrenia: a pilot study.

PubMed

Dodd, Karen J; Duffy, Sean; Stewart, Jan A; Impey, Jennifer; Taylor, Nicholas

2011-01-01

To evaluate the feasibility and effects of an exercise programme on people with severe, chronic schizophrenia. A single-group, pre-post pilot study incorporating a baseline familiarisation phase was followed by a 24-week, small-group aerobic exercise programme for up to 30-min each session, twice a week and a 30-min weekly walking session. Adherence was assessed by attendance, and by analysing the exercise supervisor's comments in a programme diary and in each participant's exercise logbook. Body weight, cardio-respiratory fitness (VO₂ max), walking endurance (6-min walk test) and psychiatric symptoms (the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) were measured at each time point. Eight participants (6 men, 2 women; mean age 45 years, 9 months (SD 10 years, 1 month); mean body mass index 27.0 (SD 4.2)) attended a mean of 73% of the scheduled exercise sessions, and 83% of the walking sessions, with no adverse events and no dropouts. All participants displayed positive and negative behaviours during training sessions. There were significant reductions in weight (2.4%) and body mass index (2.2%), but no changes in other measures. It was feasible and safe to conduct a small-group aerobic exercise programme for adults with severe chronic schizophrenia that reduced body weight.

Small Group Health Insurance Reform in Rhode Island: Promises and Pitfalls of the HEALTHpact Plan

PubMed Central

Alan Miller, Edward; Trivedi, Amal; Kuo, Sylvia; Mor, Vincent

2011-01-01

Objective This study analyzes what design elements inhibited enrollment in HEALTHpact. Study Setting HEALTHpact is a high deductible plan with a premium capped at 10 percent of the average Rhode Island wage. Deductibles are reduced if enrollees meet wellness criteria. Study Design Qualitative case study. Data Collection Archival documents and 23 interviews. Principal Findings Inclusion of a subsidy would have led to lower premiums and more generous coverage. Although priced lower than other plans, HEALTHpact still did not offer good value for most firms. Wellness incentives also were too complex. Conclusions Subsidies for purchase of insurance coverage are critical to national reform of the small group market. Designers also will need to carefully balance program complexity with innovation in encouraging wellness and product appeal. PMID:21054375

Establishing CAD/CAM in Preclinical Dental Education: Evaluation of a Hands-On Module.

PubMed

Schwindling, Franz Sebastian; Deisenhofer, Ulrich Karl; Porsche, Monika; Rammelsberg, Peter; Kappel, Stefanie; Stober, Thomas

2015-10-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate a hands-on computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) module in a preclinical dental course in restorative dentistry. A controlled trial was conducted by dividing a class of 56 third-year dental students in Germany into study and control groups; allocation to the two groups depended on student schedules. Prior information about CAD/CAM-based restorations was provided for all students by means of lectures, preparation exercises, and production of gypsum casts of prepared resin teeth. The study group (32 students) then participated in a hands-on CAD/CAM module in small groups, digitizing their casts and designing zirconia frameworks for single crowns. The digitization process was introduced to the control group (24 students) solely by means of a video-supported lecture. To assess the knowledge gained, a 20-question written examination was administered; 48 students took the exam. The results were analyzed with Student's t-tests at a significance level of 0.05. The results on the examination showed a significant difference between the two groups: the mean scores were 16.8 (SD 1.7, range 13-19) for the study group and 12.5 (SD 3, range 4-18) for the control group. After the control group had also experienced the hands-on module, a total of 48 students from both groups completed a questionnaire with 13 rating-scale and three open-ended questions evaluating the module. Those results showed that the module was highly regarded by the students. This study supports the idea that small-group hands-on courses are helpful for instruction in digital restoration design. These students' knowledge gained and satisfaction seemed to justify the time, effort, and equipment needed.

Effects of a 5-HT(3) antagonist, ondansetron, on fasting and postprandial small bowel water content assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Marciani, L; Wright, J; Foley, S; Hoad, C L; Totman, J J; Bush, D; Hartley, C; Armstrong, A; Manby, P; Blackshaw, E; Perkins, A C; Gowland, P A; Spiller, R C

2010-09-01

5-HT(3) antagonists have been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D). Using a recently validated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method, we have demonstrated reduced fasting small bowel water content (SBWC) in IBS-D associated with accelerated small bowel transit. We hypothesized that slowing of transit with ondansetron would lead to an increase in SBWC by inhibiting fasting motility. To assess the effects of ondansetron compared with placebo in healthy volunteers on SBWC and motility in two different groups of subjects, one studied using MRI and another using manometry. Healthy volunteers were given either a placebo or ondansetron on the day prior to and on the study day. Sixteen volunteers underwent baseline fasting and postprandial MRI scans for 270 min. In a second study, a separate group of n = 18 volunteers were intubated and overnight migrating motor complex (MMC) recorded. Baseline MRI scans were carried out after the tube was removed. Fasting SBWC was markedly increased by ondansetron (P < 0.0007). Ondansetron reduced the overall antroduodenal Motility Index (P < 0.04). The subjects who were intubated had significantly lower fasting SBWC (P < 0.0002) compared with the group of subjects who were not intubated. The 5-HT(3) receptor antagonism increased fasting small bowel water. This was associated with reduced fasting antroduodenal Motility Index which may explain the clinical benefit of such drugs. 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Small-group, computer-mediated argumentation in middle-school classrooms: the effects of gender and different types of online teacher guidance.

PubMed

Asterhan, Christa S C; Schwarz, Baruch B; Gil, Julia

2012-09-01

Research has shown the importance of careful teacher support during collaborative group work to promote productive discourse between students (Webb, 2009). However, this research has traditionally focused on face-to-face communication. The role of online teacher guidance of small-group computer-mediated discussions has received little attention, especially in secondary school classroom settings. Researchers of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL), on the other hand, have traditionally focused on software-embedded features, such as scripts, to support a-synchronous peer dialogue, and less so on human guidance of synchronous group discussions. The main aim of the present in vivo, experimental study is to examine whether online teacher guidance can improve the quality of small-group synchronous discussions, and whether different types of guidance (epistemic or interaction guidance) affect these discussions differently, when compared to an unguided condition. The second goal of this study is to explore potential differences between all-female and all-male discussion groups. Eighty-two 9th graders (three classrooms) and six teachers from a rural high school in Israel. Whereas epistemic guidance only improved aspects of the argumentative quality of the discussion, interaction guidance only improved aspects of collaboration. Discussions of all-girls groups scored higher on aspects of collaboration and argumentative quality, compared to all-boys groups. The findings show that teacher guidance of synchronous, online discussions in classrooms is realizable and reasonably reaches its intended goals. Training should be focused on acquiring various guidance strategies to augment their beneficial effects. Furthermore, future research should pay more attention to potential gender differences in peer-to-peer argumentation. ©2011 The British Psychological Society.

Youth and Young Adult Perceptions of Drinking and Driving Prevention Programs: A Focus Group Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rivers, Kim; And Others

1996-01-01

A sample of 18 focus groups (subject ages 15-24) revealed young people's clear opinions on what constitutes an effective drinking and driving education program. Such programs should be student-centered, conducted in small group settings, emphasize real-life situations, and be delivered by people affected by drinking and driving. (RJM)

"Explain to Your Partner": Teachers' Instructional Practices and Students' Dialogue in Small Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Noreen M.; Franke, Megan L.; De, Tondra; Chan, Angela G.; Freund, Deanna; Shein, Pat; Melkonian, Doris K.

2009-01-01

Collaborative group work has great potential to promote student learning, and increasing evidence exists about the kinds of interaction among students that are necessary to achieve this potential. Less often studied is the role of the teacher in promoting effective group collaboration. This article investigates the extent to which teachers'…

Promoting University Students' Engagement in Learning through Instructor-Initiated EFL Writing Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mutwarasibo, Faustin

2014-01-01

This article examines how to promote university students' engagement in learning by means of instructor-initiated English as a foreign language (EFL) writing groups. The research took place in Rwanda and was undertaken as a case study involving 34 second-year undergraduate students, divided into 12 small working groups, and one instructor. The…

Promoting University Students' Collaborative Learning through Instructor-Guided Writing Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mutwarasibo, Faustin

2013-01-01

This paper aims to examine how to promote university students' engagement in learning by means of instructor-initiated EFL writing groups. The research took place in Rwanda and was undertaken as a case study involving 34 second year undergraduate students, divided into 12 small working groups and one instructor. The data were collected by means of…

Understanding Groups in Outdoor Adventure Education through Social Network Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jostad, Jeremy; Sibthorp, Jim; Paisley, Karen

2013-01-01

Relationships are a critical component to the experience of an outdoor adventure education (OAE) program, therefore, more fruitful ways of investigating groups is needed. Social network analysis (SNA) is an effective tool to study the relationship structure of small groups. This paper provides an explanation of SNA and shows how it was used by the…

Saudi Students' Reactions to Peer Response Groups in EFL Composition Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alqurashi, Fahad

2009-01-01

The aim of the present research was to investigate how Saudi college students would respond to peer response techniques introduced in composition classrooms. The study was conducted over two consecutive semesters, namely the Fall 2005 and Spring 2006. Throughout the two semesters students were grouped in small groups of three, required to look at…

People with Learning Disabilities' Experiences of Being Interviewed by the Police

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leggett, Janice; Goodman, Wendy; Dinani, Shamim

2007-01-01

This article describes a small qualitative study investigating the experiences of people with learning disabilities who have been interviewed by the police, including their views on Appropriate Adults (AAs). Of concern, but consistent with other research in this area, a significant proportion of this, albeit small, group were not afforded the…

Working against Ourselves: Decision Making in a Small Rural School District

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patterson, Jean A.; Koenigs, Andrew; Mohn, Gordon; Rasmussen, Cheryl

2006-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine decision making and resource allocation in a small, rural district in a Midwestern state of the USA during a time of economic retrenchment. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative case study methods were used, including focus groups and personal interviews with current and former district…

Hidden Expert Knowledge: The Knowledge That Counts for the Small School-District Superintendent

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hyle, Adrienne E.; Ivory, Gary; McClellan, Rhonda L.

2010-01-01

Using Bereiter and Scardamalia's (1993) hidden expert knowledge, we explored what knowledge counts from the perspectives of working small school-district superintendents and the ways in which they gain that knowledge. This qualitative study used focus groups as its primary data collection method. Participants were 37 superintendents of districts…

Ethnography as a Tool for Research in Student Activities at Small Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sullivan, James V.

During the 1979-80 academic year, a study was conducted to determine the beliefs and attitudes held by individuals in four groups (students, parents, teachers, and administrators) directly associated with the student activity program in a small Mississippi high school using ethnographic techniques. Ethnographic techniques involve the direct…

Small Town Renewal: Overview and Case Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kenyon, Peter, Ed.; Black, Alan, Ed.

Many small, inland, and remote Australian rural communities continue to lose population and businesses, a trend that has intensified over the last 2 decades. Mean age continues to rise, while the 15-24 age group contracts dramatically. Such declining demographics are caused by the stress and uncertainty of volatile world commodity markets, as well…

An Experimental Study of Group Size and Participants' Role in Developmental Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burt, Charles W.

The research in progress that is presented in this paper focuses on the preliminary results of a study examining the differences and similarities in data obtained using the one-to-one versus small group procedures for designing and conducting formative evaluations of instructional materials. The materials chosen were the microbiology print module…

Training Teachers for Virtual Collaboration: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vinagre, Margarita

2016-01-01

This study aims to explore the development of teachers' competences when trained in virtual collaboration. In order to do so, we analyse the data gathered from a group of nine in-service teachers who were trained in a forum and a wiki to become future telecollaborative teachers (TTs). During the course, participants worked in small groups and they…

Science Instruction for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Therrien, William J.; Taylor, Jonte C.; Watt, Sarah; Kaldenberg, Erica R.

2014-01-01

This review examined classroom science instruction for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). A total of 11 group and single-subject studies were analyzed. Across all group studies, a conservatively calculated mean effect size of 0.471 was obtained indicating the interventions as a whole had at least a small to moderate impact on…

A Provocative Look at Young People's Perceptions of Animals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westervelt, Miriam O.

1983-01-01

A small but representative group of 267 children ranging from 6 to 18 years of age participated in a study to determine their perceptions of animals. The group included 63 second, 68 fifth, 67 eighth, and 69 eleventh graders randomly selected from public schools across Connecticut. This study was conducted in conjunction with a national survey of…

Vestibular Stimulation and Development of the Small Premature Infant.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neal, Mary V.

This study was designed to explore the effects of vestibular stimulation on the developmental behavior, respiratory functioning, weight and length gains, and morbidity and mortality rates of premature infants. A total of 20 infants participated in this study in 4 groups of 5 infants each. Group A infants were placed in a motorized hammock within…

The Effect of Computer-Assisted Cooperative Learning Methods and Group Size on the EFL Learners' Achievement in Communication Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

AbuSeileek, Ali Farhan

2012-01-01

This study explored the effect of cooperative learning small group size and two different instructional modes (positive interdependence vs. individual accountability) on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) undergraduate learners' communication skills (speaking and writing) achievement in computer-based environments. The study also examined the…

Building Kindergartners' Number Sense: A Randomized Controlled Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jordan, Nancy C.; Glutting, Joseph; Dyson, Nancy; Hassinger-Das, Brenna; Irwin, Casey

2012-01-01

Math achievement in elementary school is mediated by performance and growth in number sense during kindergarten. The aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of a targeted small-group number sense intervention for high-risk kindergartners from low-income communities. Children were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (n = 44 in each…

Distraction induced enterogenesis: a unique mouse model using polyethylene glycol.

PubMed

Okawada, Manabu; Maria, Haytham Mustafa; Teitelbaum, Daniel H

2011-09-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that the small intestine can be lengthened by applying mechanical forces to the bowel lumen-distraction-induced enterogenesis. However, the mechanisms which account for this growth are unknown, and might be best examined using a mouse model. The purpose of this study is to establish the feasibility of developing distractive-induced small bowel growth in mouse. Twelve-week old C57BL/6J mice had a jejunal segment taken out of continuity, and distended with polyethylene glycol (PEG: 3350 KDa); this group was compared with a control group without stretching. Segment length and diameter were measured intra-operatively and after 5 d. Villus height, crypt depth, and muscle thickness in the isolated segment were assessed. Rate of epithelial cell proliferation (5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine: BrdU incorporation) in crypts were also examined. The mucosal mRNA expression of targeted factors was performed to investigate potential mechanisms which might lead to distraction-induced enterogenesis. At harvest, the PEG-stretched group showed a significant increase in length and diameter versus controls. Villus height, crypt depth, and muscular layer thickness increased in the PEG group. The PEG group also showed significantly increased rates of epithelial cell proliferation versus controls. Real-time PCR showed a trend toward higher β-catenin and c-myc mRNA expression in the PEG-stretched group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Radial distraction-induced enterogenesis with PEG is a viable method for increasing small intestinal length and diameter. This model may provide a new method for studying the mechanisms leading to distraction-induced enterogenesis. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Student- and Teacher-Centered Small-Group Learning in Medical School on Knowledge Acquisition, Retention and Application.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kolars, Joseph C.; And Others

1997-01-01

Compares the effects of two types of small-group instruction on retention and application of gastroenterology knowledge during a gastroenterology pathophysiology course taught to 198 second-year medical students. Concludes that the specific format of small-group instruction appears to have little impact on retention or application of…

The Use of Small Group Tutorials as an Educational Strategy in Medical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferris, Helena

2015-01-01

Small group tutorials are an educational strategy that is growing in popularity in medical education. This is indicative of the movement from a traditional teacher centred approach to more student-centred learning, which is characterised by active participation and autonomous learning (Hedge et al, 2011). However, small group teaching is one of…

Loupe magnification for small incision cataract surgery--an alternative to microscope magnification?

PubMed

Singh, S K; Winter, I; Hennig, A

2008-01-01

A Prospective randomized controlled study was conducted to compare outcome of Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) using microscope or loupe magnification. Two hundred fifty one patient with mature cataract were randomly allocated to SICS-Fishhook Technique with either microscope (127 eyes) or loupe (124 eyes) magnification. Intra- and postoperative complications and immediate visual outcome were analyzed. Nearly two third (microscope 65% and magnifying loupe 62.9%) of all patients had good visual outcome on first postoperative day. Poor outcome (<6/60) was recorded in 8% (microscope group) and 7% (magnifying loupe group). Mean visual acuity with Snellen was 0.39 (SD 0.2) in microscope group and 0.38 (SD 0.2) in magnifying loupe group. Intra operative complications were comparable in both groups. Mean surgery time with loupe magnification was significantly shorter. Comparatively equivalent good surgical outcome was achieved with loupe as well as with microscope magnification. However performing SICS with loupe magnification is significantly faster. Small incision cataract surgery with loupe magnification is safe and effective procedure for cataract surgery so it can play a role in reducing cataract blindness in developing countries of the world.

Are belongingness and hope essential features of academic enhancement groups? A psychosociocultural perspective.

PubMed

Kivlighan, D Martin; Abbas, Maleeha; Gloria, Alberta M; Aguinaga, Arellys; Frank, Christina; Frost, Nick D

2018-03-01

Despite evidence of the effectiveness of postsecondary academic enhancement interventions, presently there is a paucity of research examining the effective processes of such programs. Informed by the psychosociocultural model, this study tested the relationship between the growth in hope and belongingness, as well as academic achievement for undergraduates on academic probation participating in academic enhancement groups. Longitudinal ratings of hope and belongingness from 167 undergraduates enrolled in 22 academic enhancement groups were modeled as predictors of changes in their grade-point average (GPA). Results indicated that the growth in students' hope and belongingness were significantly associated with changes in their GPA. Additionally, gender significantly moderated the relationship between hope and academic achievement, such that women who had small or large increases in their hope during the intervention and men who had large increases in hope during the intervention had significant and large improvements in their GPAs; men who had small increases in hope during the intervention had significant but small improvements in their GPAs. Our findings suggest the importance of group processes of belongingness and hope for academic enhancement groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Empyema and effusion: outcome of image-guided small-bore catheter drainage.

PubMed

Keeling, A N; Leong, S; Logan, P M; Lee, M J

2008-01-01

Empyema and complicated pleural effusion represent common medical problems. Current treatment options are multiple. The purpose of this study was to access the outcome of image-guided, small-bore catheter drainage of empyema and effusion. We evaluated 93 small-bore catheters in 82 patients with pleural effusion (n = 30) or empyema (n = 52), over a 2-year period. Image guidance was with ultrasound (US; n = 56) and CT (n = 37). All patients were followed clinically, with catheter dwell times, catheter outcome, pleural fluid outcome, reinsertion rates, and need for urokinase or surgery recorded. Ninety-three small-bore chest drains (mean=10.2 Fr; range, 8.2-12.2 Fr) were inserted, with an average dwell time of 7.81 days for empyemas and 7.14 days for effusions (p > 0.05). Elective removal rates (73% empyema vs 86% effusions) and dislodgement rates (12% empyema vs 13% effusions) were similar for both groups. Eight percent of catheters became blocked and 17% necessitated reinsertion in empyemas, with no catheters blocked or requiring reinsertion in effusions (p < 0.05). Thirty-two patients (51%) required urokinase in the empyema group, versus 2 patients (6%) in the effusion group (p < 0.05). All treatment failures, requiring surgery, occurred in the empyema group (19%; n = 12; p < 0.05). In conclusion, noninfected pleural collections are adequately treated with small-bore catheters, however, empyemas have a failure rate of 19%. The threshold for using urokinase and larger-bore catheters should be low in empyema.

Association of third-trimester abdominal circumference with provider-initiated preterm delivery

PubMed Central

Hawkins, Leah K.; Schnettler, William T.; Modest, Anna M.; Hacker, Michele R.; Rodriguez, Diana

2016-01-01

Objective Evaluate the association of a small third-trimester abdominal circumference (AC < 10th percentile) in the setting of a normal estimated fetal weight (EFW ≥ 10th percentile) with gestational age at delivery, indication for delivery and neonatal outcomes. Methods Retrospective cohort study at an academic hospital of women with singleton pregnancy seen for ultrasound from 28+0-33+6 weeks of gestation during 2009-2011. Outcomes were compared between two groups: normal AC (AC and EFW ≥ 10th percentile) and small AC (AC < 10th percentile and EFW ≥ 10th percentile). Results Among 592 pregnancies, fetuses in the small AC group (n = 55) experienced a higher incidence of overall preterm delivery (RR: 2.2, 95% Cl: 1.3–3.7) and provider-initiated preterm delivery (RR: 3.7, Cl: 1.8–7.5) compared to those in the normal AC group (n = 537). Neonates in the small AC group had a lower median birth weight whether delivered at term (p < 0.001) or preterm (p = 0.04), but were not more likely to experience intensive care unit admission or respiratory distress syndrome (all p ≥ 0.35). Conclusions Small AC, even in the setting of an EFW ≥ 10th percentile, was associated with a higher incidence of overall and provider-initiated preterm delivery despite similar neonatal outcomes. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether these preterm deliveries could be prevented. PMID:24102316

Randomized controlled trial of 3 days fasting and oral senna, combined with mannitol and simethicone, before capsule endoscopy.

PubMed

Chen, Hong-Bin; Lian-Xiang, Peng; Yue, Huang; Chun, Huang; Shu-Ping, Xiao; Rong-Pang, Lin; Xiao-Zong, Wang; Xiao-Lin, Li

2017-10-01

The approach to small bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy (CE) is still suboptimal. One hundred eighty patients were randomly allocated to 3 groups. Patients in Group A took 250 mL 20% mannitol and 1 L 0.9% saline orally at 05:00 hours on the day of the procedure. In Group B the same preparation was taken at 20:00 on the day before, and at 05:00 on the day of CE; in addition, 20 mL oral simethicone was taken 30 minutes before CE. Group C was treated identically to Group B, except that the patients fasted for 3 days and took 3 g senna orally 3 times daily before CE. The length of bowel containing green luminal contents was assessed by ImageJ software and bowel cleanliness was evaluated by computed assessment of the cleansing score. Cleansing of the whole small bowel and the distal small bowel were significantly different between the 3 groups (χ = 22.470, P = .000; χ = 17.029, P = .000, respectively). There were also significant differences between the 3 groups in the length of small bowel and specifically the length of the distal small bowel containing green luminal contents (χ = 12.390, P = .000, χ = 15.141, P = .000, respectively), but not with regard to the proximal small bowel (χ = 0.678, P = .509). Three days fasting and oral senna, combined with 20% mannitol and simethicone, before CE, can reduce the effects of bile on the small bowel and improve small bowel cleansing, especially in the distal small intestine.

A novel stress and coping workplace program reduces illness and healthcare utilization.

PubMed

Rahe, Richard H; Taylor, C Barr; Tolles, Robbyn L; Newhall, Lynn M; Veach, Tracy L; Bryson, Susan

2002-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if a novel workplace stress management program, delivered either face-to-face or by self-help, would reduce illness and health services utilization among participants. Five hundred one volunteers were randomly allocated to one of three groups: full intervention, which received assessment and personalized self-study feedback and was offered six face-to-face, small-group sessions; partial intervention, a self-help group that received assessment and personalized feedback by mail; and a wait-list control group. All participants completed questionnaires for stress, anxiety, and coping at the start of the study and 6 and 12 months later. Health reports were completed at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. A subsample of subjects who subscribed to a single health maintenance organization provided objectively recorded doctor visit data across the study year. All three groups reported significant improvement in their stress, anxiety, and coping across the year. Full intervention participants showed a more rapid reduction in negative responses to stress than did participants from the other groups. Full-intervention subjects also reported fewer days of illness than subjects in the other groups. Objectively measured physician visits showed a large (34%) reduction in healthcare utilization for full intervention subjects in the HMO subsample. These results indicated that a work-site program that focuses on stress, anxiety, and coping measurement along with small-group educational intervention can significantly reduce illness and healthcare utilization.

Group processing in an undergraduate biology course for preservice teachers: Experiences and attitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schellenberger, Lauren Brownback

Group processing is a key principle of cooperative learning in which small groups discuss their strengths and weaknesses and set group goals or norms. However, group processing has not been well-studied at the post-secondary level or from a qualitative or mixed methods perspective. This mixed methods study uses a phenomenological framework to examine the experience of group processing for students in an undergraduate biology course for preservice teachers. The effect of group processing on students' attitudes toward future group work and group processing is also examined. Additionally, this research investigated preservice teachers' plans for incorporating group processing into future lessons. Students primarily experienced group processing as a time to reflect on past performance. Also, students experienced group processing as a time to increase communication among group members and become motivated for future group assignments. Three factors directly influenced students' experiences with group processing: (1) previous experience with group work, (2) instructor interaction, and (3) gender. Survey data indicated that group processing had a slight positive effect on students' attitudes toward future group work and group processing. Participants who were interviewed felt that group processing was an important part of group work and that it had increased their group's effectiveness as well as their ability to work effectively with other people. Participants held positive views on group work prior to engaging in group processing, and group processing did not alter their atittude toward group work. Preservice teachers who were interviewed planned to use group work and a modified group processing protocol in their future classrooms. They also felt that group processing had prepared them for their future professions by modeling effective collaboration and group skills. Based on this research, a new model for group processing has been created which includes extensive instructor interaction and additional group processing sessions. This study offers a new perspective on the phenomenon of group processing and informs science educators and teacher educators on the effective implementation of this important component of small-group learning.

Association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and abdominal aortic aneurysm: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

PubMed

Wang, Yunpeng; Shen, Guanghui; Wang, Haiyang; Yao, Ye; Sun, Qingfeng; Jing, Bao; Liu, Gaoyan; Wu, Jia; Yuan, Chao; Liu, Siqi; Liu, Xinyu; Li, Shiyong; Li, Haocheng

2017-12-01

To evaluate the association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) with the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched until 22 June 2016 using the keywords predictive factors, biomarkers, abdominal aortic aneurysm, prediction, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and hsCRP. Prospective studies, retrospective studies, and cohort studies were included. Twelve case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 8345 patients (1977 in the AAA group and 6368 in the control group). The pooled results showed that AAA patients had higher hsCRP value than the control group (difference in means = 1.827, 95% CI = 0.010 to 3.645, p = .049). Subgroup analysis found AAA patients with medium or small aortic diameter (<50 mm) had higher hsCRP plasma levels than the control group (difference in means = 1.301, 95% CI = 0.821 to 1.781, p < .001). In patients with large aortic diameter (≥50 mm), no difference was observed in hsCRP levels between the AAA and control groups (difference in means = 1.769, 95% CI = -1.387 to 4.925, p = .272). Multi-regression analysis found the difference in means of hsCRP plasma levels between AAA and control groups decreased as aortic diameter increased (slope = -0.04, p < .001), suggesting that hsCRP levels may be inversely associated with increasing aneurysm size. Our findings suggest that hsCRP levels may possibly be used as a diagnostic biomarker for AAA patients with medium or small aortic diameter but not for AAA patients with large aortic diameter. The correlation between serum hsCRP level and AAA aneurysm is not conclusive due to the small number of included articles and between-study heterogeneity.

Involving postgraduate's students in undergraduate small group teaching promotes active learning in both

PubMed Central

Kalra, Ruchi; Modi, Jyoti Nath; Vyas, Rashmi

2015-01-01

Background: Lecture is a common traditional method for teaching, but it may not stimulate higher order thinking and students may also be hesitant to express and interact. The postgraduate (PG) students are less involved with undergraduate (UG) teaching. Team based small group active learning method can contribute to better learning experience. Aim: To-promote active learning skills among the UG students using small group teaching methods involving PG students as facilitators to impart hands-on supervised training in teaching and managerial skills. Methodology: After Institutional approval under faculty supervision 92 UGs and 8 PGs participated in 6 small group sessions utilizing the jigsaw technique. Feedback was collected from both. Observations: Undergraduate Feedback (Percentage of Students Agreed): Learning in small groups was a good experience as it helped in better understanding of the subject (72%), students explored multiple reading resources (79%), they were actively involved in self-learning (88%), students reported initial apprehension of performance (71%), identified their learning gaps (86%), team enhanced their learning process (71%), informal learning in place of lecture was a welcome change (86%), it improved their communication skills (82%), small group learning can be useful for future self-learning (75%). Postgraduate Feedback: Majority performed facilitation for first time, perceived their performance as good (75%), it was helpful in self-learning (100%), felt confident of managing students in small groups (100%), as facilitator they improved their teaching skills, found it more useful and better identified own learning gaps (87.5%). Conclusions: Learning in small groups adopting team based approach involving both UGs and PGs promoted active learning in both and enhanced the teaching skills of the PGs. PMID:26380201

Outcomes of transurethral resection of the prostate in benign prostatic hyperplasia comparing prostate size of more than 80 grams to prostate size less than 80 grams.

PubMed

Joshi, H N; De Jong, I J; Karmacharya, R M; Shrestha, B; Shrestha, R

2014-01-01

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition occurring in elderly men in which the prostate gland is enlarged, hence the condition also known as benign enlargement of prostate. Benign hyperplasia can lead to both obstructive and irritative symptoms. Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) still remains the gold standard modality of surgical treatment of obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms due to Benign hyperplasia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of TURP in large prostate (>80 grams) in comparison to small prostate (<80 grams) in terms of efficacy, safety and complications. A total of 65 cases included in this prospective study, which were operated by a single surgeon with conventional monopolar TURP using standard technique. Intra -operative and post-operative complications, pre and post- operative quality of life (QoL) and international prostate symptom score (IPSS), operative time, time to removal of catheter and hospital stay were evaluated between small and large prostate gland volumes. Out of 65 cases, 30 were with large prostate size i.e. 80 grams or more (group 1), and 35 cases were with small prostate size than 80 grams size (group 2). Mean age was 71.8 SD ± 6.9 years in group 1 and 68.2 SD ± 12.7 years in group 2. The mean preoperative volume of prostate was 88.8 grams (range 80-115 grams) in group 1 and 40.3 (range 20-65 grams) in group 2. The mean preoperative post void residual volume of urine (PVRU) was 244 ml SD ± 190.8 ml in group 1 and 117 ml ± 70.3 ml in group 2. Mean resection time in group 1 was 110 (range 90-130) minutes and in group 2 it was 90 minutes (range 55-115) minutes. There were quite satisfactory improvements in IPSS and QoL. No significant complications were observed except TUR syndrome in 2 cases from group 2, which were managed well in postoperative period. With meticulous resection and intra-operative haemostasis using continuous out flow resectoscope, conventional monopolar TURP is equally safe and effective in large size prostate as compare in small size.

Small High Schools at Work: A Case Study of Six Gates-Funded Schools in New York City. A Report to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fancsali, Cheri; Jaffe-Walter, Reva; Mitchell-McKnight, Vernay; Nevarez, Nancy; Orellana, Eliana, Williams Rose, Lea

2010-01-01

The Academy for Educational Development (AED) conducted a case study of six public high schools in New York City as part of a multifaceted evaluation of a small schools initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, the authors gathered information and opinions from the schools'…

Cooperation in N-person evolutionary snowdrift game in scale-free Barabási Albert networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, K. H.; Chan, Chun-Him; Hui, P. M.; Zheng, Da-Fang

2008-09-01

Cooperation in the N-person evolutionary snowdrift game (NESG) is studied in scale-free Barabási-Albert (BA) networks. Due to the inhomogeneity of the network, two versions of NESG are proposed and studied. In a model where the size of the competing group varies from agent to agent, the fraction of cooperators drops as a function of the payoff parameter. The networking effect is studied via the fraction of cooperative agents for nodes with a particular degree. For small payoff parameters, it is found that the small- k agents are dominantly cooperators, while large- k agents are of non-cooperators. Studying the spatial correlation reveals that cooperative agents will avoid to be nearest neighbors and the correlation disappears beyond the next-nearest neighbors. The behavior can be explained in terms of the networking effect and payoffs. In another model with a fixed size of competing groups, the fraction of cooperators could show a non-monotonic behavior in the regime of small payoff parameters. This non-trivial behavior is found to be a combined effect of the many agents with the smallest degree in the BA network and the increasing fraction of cooperators among these agents with the payoff for small payoffs.

Shaping stereotypical behaviour through the discussion of social stereotypes.

PubMed

Smith, Laura G E; Postmes, Tom

2011-03-01

In two studies, we demonstrate that small group discussions change the extent to which an activated stereotype affects performance in a relevant domain. In Study 1, female participants were asked why men are (or are not) better than them at maths. They generated their answers individually or through group discussion, and their subsequent maths performance was highest when they collectively challenged the stereotype and lowest when they collectively affirmed the stereotype. When participants affirmed the stereotype through discussion, they used more theories which supported the validity of the stereotype, compared to the individual thought condition; and consensus mediated the effect of group discussion on performance (relative to individual rumination). In Study 2, male and female participants affirmed or challenged the stereotype in same-gender discussion groups. After affirming the stereotype, women's performance decreased relative to their baseline scores and men's performance was 'lifted'. In contrast, when they challenged the stereotype, there was no difference between the performance of men and women on the maths test. This pattern of effects was mediated by confidence in mathematical ability. The findings support the idea that topical small group discussions can, in the short term, differentially alter the impact that stereotypes have on performance. ©2010 The British Psychological Society.

Comparison of surgically induced astigmatism in various incisions in manual small incision cataract surgery.

PubMed

Jauhari, Nidhi; Chopra, Deepak; Chaurasia, Rajan Kumar; Agarwal, Ashutosh

2014-01-01

To determine the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in Straight, Frown and Inverted V shape (Chevron) incisions in manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS). A prospective cross sectional study was done on a total of 75 patients aged 40y and above with senile cataract. The patients were randomly divided into three groups (25 each). Each group received a particular type of incision (Straight, Frown or Inverted V shape incisions). Manual SICS with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed. The patients were compared 4wk post operatively for uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and SIA. All calculations were performed using the SIA calculator version 2.1, a free software program. The study was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 statistical analysis software. The study found that 89.5% of patients in Straight incision group, 94.2% in Frown incision group and 95.7% in Inverted V group attained BCVA post-operatively in the range of 6/6 to 6/18. Mean SIA was minimum (-0.88±0.61D×90 degrees) with Inverted V incision which was statistically significant. Inverted V (Chevron) incision gives minimal SIA.

A retrospective comparison of blood transfusion requirements during cardiopulmonary bypass with two different small adult oxygenators.

PubMed

Lahanas, A; Argerakis, P W; Johnson, K A; Burdan, M L; Ozdirik, J E

2013-11-01

A low haematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with adverse outcomes and often results in homologous blood transfusions. Oxygenators with improved venous reservoir designs aid in reducing the priming volume. Recently, we changed our small adult oxygenator model from the D905 EOS oxygenator (Dideco, Mirandola, Italy) to the Capiox FX1540 (Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). We conducted a retrospective study of 42 patents to evaluate the impact of the Capiox FX 1540 on blood transfusion requirements in small patients (body surface area (BSA) up to 1.8 m(2)). The D905 EOS group had a lower minimum intraoperative haematocrit than the FX1540 group (20 ± 3 v 22 ± 4, p = 0.029) with 73% of the patients receiving intraoperative blood transfusions compared with 30% in the FX 1540 group (p = 0.012). Patients in the D905 EOS group received one blood transfusion more during CPB than the FX 1540 patients (p = 0.002). The haematocrits at the end of CPB and in the early postoperative period were identical in both groups. The postoperative ventilation time, length of stay in the intensive care unit and postoperative chest drain bleeding were similar in both groups. In conclusion, the Capiox FX1540 was effective in reducing intraoperative packed red cell transfusions.

Investigating interactional competence using video recordings in ESL classrooms to enhance communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnasamy, Hariharan N.

2016-08-01

Interactional competence, or knowing and using the appropriate skills for interaction in various communication situations within a given speech community and culture is important in the field of business and professional communication [1], [2]. Similar to many developing countries in the world, Malaysia is a growing economy and undergraduates will have to acquire appropriate communication skills. In this study, two aspects of the interactional communicative competence were investigated, that is the linguistic and paralinguistic behaviors in small group communication as well as conflict management in small group communication. Two groups of student participants were given a problem-solving task based on a letter of complaint. The two groups of students were video recorded during class hours for 40 minutes. The videos and transcription of the group discussions were analyzed to examine the use of language and interaction in small groups. The analysis, findings and interpretations were verified with three lecturers in the field of communication. The results showed that students were able to accomplish the given task using verbal and nonverbal communication. However, participation was unevenly distributed with two students talking for less than a minute. Negotiation was based more on alternative views and consensus was easily achieved. In concluding, suggestions are given on ways to improve English language communication.

Self-controlled video feedback on tactical skills for soccer teams results in more active involvement of players.

PubMed

van Maarseveen, Mariëtte J J; Oudejans, Raôul R D; Savelsbergh, Geert J P

2018-02-01

Many studies have shown that self-controlled feedback is beneficial for learning motor tasks, and that learners prefer to receive feedback after supposedly good trials. However, to date all studies conducted on self-controlled learning have used individual tasks and mainly relatively simple skills. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine self-controlled feedback on tactical skills in small-sided soccer games. Highly talented youth soccer players were assigned to a self-control or yoked group and received video feedback on their offensive performance in 3 vs. 2 small-sided games. The results showed that the self-control group requested feedback mostly after good trials, that is, after they scored a goal. In addition, the perceived performance of the self-control group was higher on feedback than on no-feedback trials. Analyses of the conversations around the video feedback revealed that the players and coach discussed good and poor elements of performance and how to improve it. Although the coach had a major role in these conversations, the players of the self-control group spoke more and showed more initiative compared to the yoked group. The results revealed no significant beneficial effect of self-controlled feedback on performance as judged by the coach. Overall, the findings suggest that in such a complex situation as small-sided soccer games, self-controlled feedback is used both to confirm correct performance elements and to determine and correct errors, and that self-controlled learning stimulates the involvement of the learner in the learning process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cognitive Performance as Predictor and Outcome of Adolescent Bariatric Surgery: A Nonrandomized Pilot Study.

PubMed

Mackey, Eleanor R; Jacobs, Marni; Nadler, Evan P; Olson, Alexandra; Pearce, Alaina; Cherry, J Bradley C; Magge, Sheela N; Mietus-Snyer, Michele; Vaidya, Chandan

2018-05-16

Evidence in adults suggests that improvements in cognitive performance may follow weight loss resulting from bariatric surgery, and baseline cognitive performance may be associated with weight loss following surgery. This has not been evaluated in adolescents. Participants were 38 adolescents of age 14-21 years composed of three groups: (1) 12 adolescents with severe obesity who received vertical sleeve gastrectomy during the study (VSG); (2) 14 adolescents with severe obesity who were wait-listed for VSG (WL); and (3) 12 healthy weight controls (HC). Participants completed testing of visual memory, verbal memory, and executive functioning at baseline (T1), which occurred presurgery for the VSG group, and approximately 4 months after baseline (T2). Body mass index (BMI) was assessed at T1, T2, and additionally at 6 months following VSG for the adolescents who received surgery. Although there was evidence of greater improvement for the VSG as compared with WL and HC groups in visual and verbal memory, group differences did not reach significance and effect sizes were small (η2 < 0.01). There was a significant positive association between indices of baseline executive functioning and excess BMI loss at 6 months postsurgery. This small pilot study showed no significant differences by group in cognitive performance post-VSG. There was a significant association of baseline cognitive performance with weight loss outcomes. Given the very preliminary nature of these results in a small sample, future research should examine these relationships in a larger sample and evaluate mechanisms of these associations (e.g., insulin resistance, sleep, physical activity).

Behavioral and physiological responses to fruit availability of spider monkeys ranging in a small forest fragment

PubMed Central

Rimbach, Rebecca; Link, Andrés; Montes-Rojas, Andrés; Di Fiore, Anthony; Heistermann, Michael; Heymann, Eckhard W

2014-01-01

Numerous animal species currently experience habitat loss and fragmentation. This might result in behavioral and dietary adjustments, especially because fruit availability is frequently reduced in fragments. Food scarcity can result in elevated physiological stress levels, and chronic stress often has detrimental effects on individuals. Some animal species exhibit a high degree of fission–fusion dynamics, and theory predicts that these species reduce intragroup feeding competition by modifying their subgroup size according to resource availability. Until now, however, there have been few studies on how species with such fission–fission dynamics adjust their grouping patterns and social behavior in small fragments or on how food availability influences their stress levels. We collected data on fruit availability, feeding behavior, stress hormone levels (measured through fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGCM)), subgroup size, and aggression for two groups of brown spider monkeys (Ateles hybridus) in a small forest fragment in Colombia and examined whether fruit availability influences these variables. Contrary to our predictions, spider monkeys ranged in smaller subgroups, had higher FGCM levels and higher aggression rates when fruit availability was high compared to when it was low. The atypical grouping pattern of the study groups seems to be less effective at mitigating contest competition over food resources than more typical fission–fusion patterns. Overall, our findings illustrate that the relationship between resource availability, grouping patterns, aggression rates, and stress levels can be more complex than assumed thus far. Additional studies are needed to investigate the long-term consequences on the health and persistence of spider monkeys in fragmented habitats. PMID:24820229

Renal function and size at young adult age after intrauterine growth restriction and very premature birth.

PubMed

Keijzer-Veen, Mandy G; Kleinveld, Hilda A; Lequin, Maarten H; Dekker, Friedo W; Nauta, Jeroen; de Rijke, Yolanda B; van der Heijden, Bert J

2007-10-01

Premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction may increase the risk of developing renal disease at adult age. Renal function may already be impaired at young adult age. Cross-sectional study. Very premature individuals (gestational age < 32 weeks) recruited from Project on Premature and Small for Gestational Age Infants and full-term-born controls (37 to 42 weeks) recruited from a children's hospital in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. All individuals were 20 years of age at the time of study. Gestational age and birth weight: premature and small for gestational age (SGA; n = 23), premature and appropriate for gestational age (n = 29), and controls (n = 30). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), and filtration fraction before and after renal stimulation with low-dose dopamine infusion and oral amino-acid intake. Urine albumin and renal ultrasound. Height, weight, kidney length and volume, GFR, and ERPF were significantly lower in the SGA group than in controls. After adjustment for body surface area, GFR did not differ significantly among groups. Mean ERPF was 71 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (95% confidence interval [CI], 3 to 139) less, but filtration fraction was only 1.3% (95% CI, -0.3 to 3.0) greater, in the SGA group than controls. Renal stimulation significantly increased GFR and ERPF and decreased filtration fraction in all groups. After renal stimulation, ERPF was 130 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (95% CI, 21 to 238) greater in the SGA group than controls, but GFR and filtration fraction did not differ significantly among groups. Microalbuminuria was present in 2 patients (8.7%) in the SGA group, but none in the appropriate-for-gestational-age group or controls. Renal function correlated with renal size. Small sample size. Our findings do not fully support the hypothesis that preterm birth in combination with intrauterine growth restriction contributes to renal function alterations at young adult age. Larger studies are needed to evaluate this hypothesis.

Small firm self-insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

PubMed

Buettgens, Matthew; Blumberg, Linda J

2012-11-01

The Affordable Care Act changes the small-group insurance market substan­tially beginning in 2014, but most changes do not apply to self-insured plans. This exemp­tion provides an opening for small employers with healthier workers to avoid broader sharing of health care risk, isolating higher-cost groups in the fully insured market. Private stop-loss or reinsurance plans can mediate the risk of self-insurance for small employ­ers, facilitating the decision to self-insure. We simulate small-employer coverage decisions under the law and find that low-risk stop-loss policies lead to higher premiums in the fully insured small-group market. Average single premiums would be up to 25 percent higher, if stop-loss insurance with no additional risk to employers than fully insuring is allowed--an option available in most states absent further government action. Regulation of stop-loss at the federal or state level can, however, prevent such adverse selection and increase stabil­ity in small-group insurance coverage.

Make your small practice thrive. Physicians moving from big practices to small must know the business side of medicine.

PubMed

Cowan, D

2001-01-01

Trying to gain a measure of control over their working lives, some physicians are abandoning large group practices for smaller groups. Large groups enjoy whole teams of people performing vital business tasks. Small practices rely on one or two key physicians and managers to tackle everything from customer service to marketing, medical records to human resources. Learn valuable tips for thriving in a small environment and using that extra control to achieve job satisfaction.

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and video capsule enteroscopy in diagnosing small-bowel pathology: localization-dependent diagnostic yield.

PubMed

Böcker, Ulrich; Dinter, Dietmar; Litterer, Caroline; Hummel, Frank; Knebel, Phillip; Franke, Andreas; Weiss, Christel; Singer, Manfred V; Löhr, J-Matthias

2010-04-01

New technology has considerably advanced the diagnosis of small-bowel pathology. However, its significance in clinical algorithms has not yet been fully assessed. The aim of the present analysis was to compare the diagnostic utility and yield of video-capsule enteroscopy (VCE) to that of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with suspected or established Crohn's disease (Group I), obscure gastrointestinal blood loss (Group II), or suspected tumors (Group III). Forty-six out of 182 patients who underwent both modalities were included: 21 in Group I, 20 in Group II, and five in Group III. Pathology was assessed in three predetermined sections of the small bowel (upper, middle, and lower). The McNemar and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis. In Group I, lesions were found by VCE in nine of the 21 patients and by MRI in six. In five patients, both modalities showed pathology. In Group II, pathological changes were detected in 11 of the 20 patients by VCE and in eight patients by MRI. In five cases, pathology was found with both modalities. In Group III, neither modality showed small-bowel pathology. For the patient groups combined, diagnostic yield was 43% with VCE and 30% with MRI. The diagnostic yield of VCE was superior to that of MRI in the upper small bowel in both Groups I and II. VCE is superior to MRI for the detection of lesions related to Crohn's disease or obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in the upper small bowel.

Online video game addiction: identification of addicted adolescent gamers.

PubMed

Van Rooij, Antonius J; Schoenmakers, Tim M; Vermulst, Ad A; Van den Eijnden, Regina J J M; Van de Mheen, Dike

2011-01-01

To provide empirical data-driven identification of a group of addicted online gamers. Repeated cross-sectional survey study, comprising a longitudinal cohort, conducted in 2008 and 2009. Secondary schools in the Netherlands.   Two large samples of Dutch schoolchildren (aged 13-16 years). Compulsive internet use scale, weekly hours of online gaming and psychosocial variables. This study confirms the existence of a small group of addicted online gamers (3%), representing about 1.5% of all children aged 13-16 years in the Netherlands. Although these gamers report addiction-like problems, relationships with decreased psychosocial health were less evident. The identification of a small group of addicted online gamers supports efforts to develop and validate questionnaire scales aimed at measuring the phenomenon of online video game addiction. The findings contribute to the discussion on the inclusion of non-substance addictions in the proposed unified concept of 'Addiction and Related Disorders' for the DSM-V by providing indirect identification and validation of a group of suspected online video game addicts. © 2010 The Authors, Addiction © 2010 Society for the Study of Addiction.

[Physical activity for young adults born with low body weight on the background of peers].

PubMed

Tkaczyk, Joanna; Kęska, Anna; Czajkowska, Anna; Wiśniewski, Andrzej

2010-01-01

Low birth parameters are associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, glucose intolerance and hypertension at later life. Regular physical activity can counteract these metabolic disorders. We determined the relation of the declared physical activity and body composition in young adults with respect to their birth weight. A total of 156 subjects (52% women and 48% men) took part in the study (the average age 20.6±1.2 years). Participants who declared regular physical activity (minimum 3 times per week) were included in group I (n=66), others in group II (n=99). In each group, the percentage of people with small (SBW) and normal (NBW) birth weight was assessed. Information about birth parameters and duration of pregnancy was obtained from medical records. Infant's mass ≤2999 g was recognized as small birth weight. Body height, body weight, waist and hips circumferences and body composition by BIA were measured. Frequency of physical activity was determined during an interview. Percentage of participants with small birth weight was respectively 17% in group I and 21% in group II. In group I standardized body height was significantly lower in subjects with SBW in comparison with those with NBW. Participants from group II with SBW had markedly lower standardized body weight and standardized BMI than adults with NBW. Independently of birth weight physically active persons characterized higher WHR values than their non active counterparts. Body fat content was significantly lower in group I (both in participants with SBW and NBW). Women and men from group I with SBW had also higher fat free mass in comparison with those from group II. Body fat content in young adults with small birth weight is related to their physical activity. People who regularly exercise had lower fat mass in comparison with non exercising ones. This is the confirmation of a protective influence of physical activity.

A randomised controlled trial evaluating IGF1 titration in contrast to current GH dosing strategies in children born small for gestational age: the North European Small-for-Gestational-Age Study.

PubMed

Jensen, Rikke Beck; Thankamony, Ajay; O'Connell, Susan M; Kirk, Jeremy; Donaldson, Malcolm; Ivarsson, Sten-A; Söder, Olle; Roche, Edna; Hoey, Hilary; Dunger, David B; Juul, Anders

2014-10-01

Short children born small for gestational age (SGA) are treated with a GH dose based on body size, but treatment may lead to high levels of IGF1. The objective was to evaluate IGF1 titration of GH dose in contrast to current dosing strategies. In the North European Small-for-Gestational-Age Study (NESGAS), 92 short pre-pubertal children born SGA were randomised after 1 year of high-dose GH treatment (67 μg/kg per day) to three different regimens: high dose (67 μg/kg per day), low dose (35 μg/kg per day) or IGF1 titration. The average dose during the second year of the randomised trial did not differ between the IGF1 titration group (38 μg/kg per day, s.d. 0.019) and the low-dose group (35 μg/kg per day, s.d. 0.002; P=0.46), but there was a wide variation in the IGF1 titration group (range 10-80 μg/kg per day). The IGF1 titration group had significantly lower height gain (0.17 SDS, s.d. 0.18) during the second year of the randomised trial compared with the high-dose group (0.46 SDS, s.d. 0.25), but not significantly lower than the low-dose group (0.23 SDS, s.d. 0.15; P=0.17). The IGF1 titration group had lower IGF1 levels after 2 years of the trial (mean 1.16, s.d. 1.24) compared with both the low-dose (mean 1.76, s.d. 1.48) and the high-dose (mean 2.97, s.d. 1.63) groups. IGF1 titration of GH dose in SGA children proved less effective than current dosing strategies. IGF1 titration resulted in physiological IGF1 levels with a wide range of GH dose and a poorer growth response, which indicates the role of IGF1 resistance and highlights the heterogeneity of short SGA children. © 2014 European Society of Endocrinology.

Inference for binomial probability based on dependent Bernoulli random variables with applications to meta‐analysis and group level studies

PubMed Central

Bakbergenuly, Ilyas; Morgenthaler, Stephan

2016-01-01

We study bias arising as a result of nonlinear transformations of random variables in random or mixed effects models and its effect on inference in group‐level studies or in meta‐analysis. The findings are illustrated on the example of overdispersed binomial distributions, where we demonstrate considerable biases arising from standard log‐odds and arcsine transformations of the estimated probability p^, both for single‐group studies and in combining results from several groups or studies in meta‐analysis. Our simulations confirm that these biases are linear in ρ, for small values of ρ, the intracluster correlation coefficient. These biases do not depend on the sample sizes or the number of studies K in a meta‐analysis and result in abysmal coverage of the combined effect for large K. We also propose bias‐correction for the arcsine transformation. Our simulations demonstrate that this bias‐correction works well for small values of the intraclass correlation. The methods are applied to two examples of meta‐analyses of prevalence. PMID:27192062

Imitation Combined with a Characteristic Stimulus Duration Results in Robust Collective Decision-Making.

PubMed

Toulet, Sylvain; Gautrais, Jacques; Bon, Richard; Peruani, Fernando

2015-01-01

For group-living animals, reaching consensus to stay cohesive is crucial for their fitness, particularly when collective motion starts and stops. Understanding the decision-making at individual and collective levels upon sudden disturbances is central in the study of collective animal behavior, and concerns the broader question of how information is distributed and evaluated in groups. Despite the relevance of the problem, well-controlled experimental studies that quantify the collective response of groups facing disruptive events are lacking. Here we study the behavior of small-sized groups of uninformed individuals subject to the departure and stop of a trained conspecific. We find that the groups reach an effective consensus: either all uninformed individuals follow the trained one (and collective motion occurs) or none does. Combining experiments and a simple mathematical model we show that the observed phenomena results from the interplay between simple mimetic rules and the characteristic duration of the stimulus, here, the time during which the trained individual is moving away. The proposed mechanism strongly depends on group size, as observed in the experiments, and even if group splitting can occur, the most likely outcome is always a coherent collective group response (consensus). The prevalence of a consensus is expected even if the groups of naives face conflicting information, e.g. if groups contain two subgroups of trained individuals, one trained to stay and one trained to leave. Our results indicate that collective decision-making and consensus in (small) animal groups are likely to be self-organized phenomena that do not involve concertation or even communication among the group members.

Development and validation of a scoring index to predict the presence of lesions in capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected Crohn's disease of the small bowel: a Spanish multicenter study.

PubMed

Egea-Valenzuela, Juan; González Suárez, Begoña; Sierra Bernal, Cristian; Juanmartiñena Fernández, José Francisco; Luján-Sanchís, Marisol; San Juan Acosta, Mileidis; Martínez Andrés, Blanca; Pons Beltrán, Vicente; Sastre Lozano, Violeta; Carretero Ribón, Cristina; de Vera Almenar, Félix; Sánchez Cuenca, Joaquín; Alberca de Las Parras, Fernando; Rodríguez de Miguel, Cristina; Valle Muñoz, Julio; Férnandez-Urién Sainz, Ignacio; Torres González, Carolina; Borque Barrera, Pilar; Pérez-Cuadrado Robles, Enrique; Alonso Lázaro, Noelia; Martínez García, Pilar; Prieto de Frías, César; Carballo Álvarez, Fernando

2018-05-01

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is the first-line investigation in cases of suspected Crohn's disease (CD) of the small bowel, but the factors associated with a higher diagnostic yield remain unclear. Our aim is to develop and validate a scoring index to assess the risk of the patients in this setting on the basis of biomarkers. Data on fecal calprotectin, C-reactive protein, and other biomarkers from a population of 124 patients with suspected CD of the small bowel studied by CE and included in a PhD study were used to build a scoring index. This was first used on this population (internal validation process) and after that on a different set of patients from a multicenter study (external validation process). An index was designed in which every biomarker is assigned a score. Three risk groups have been established (low, intermediate, and high). In the internal validation analysis (124 individuals), patients had a 10, 46.5, and 81% probability of showing inflammatory lesions in CE in the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. In the external validation analysis, including 410 patients from 12 Spanish hospitals, this probability was 15.8, 49.7, and 80.6% for the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. Results from the internal validation process show that the scoring index is coherent, and results from the external validation process confirm its reliability. This index can be a useful tool for selecting patients before CE studies in cases of suspected CD of the small bowel.

[Evaluation of the quality of three-dimensional data acquired by using two kinds of structure light intra-oral scanner to scan the crown preparation model].

PubMed

Zhang, X Y; Li, H; Zhao, Y J; Wang, Y; Sun, Y C

2016-07-01

To quantitatively evaluate the quality and accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) data acquired by using two kinds of structure intra-oral scanner to scan the typical teeth crown preparations. Eight typical teeth crown preparations model were scanned 3 times with two kinds of structured light intra-oral scanner(A, B), as test group. A high precision model scanner were used to scan the model as true value group. The data above the cervical margin was extracted. The indexes of quality including non-manifold edges, the self-intersections, highly-creased edges, spikes, small components, small tunnels, small holes and the anount of triangles were measured with the tool of mesh doctor in Geomagic studio 2012. The scanned data of test group were aligned to the data of true value group. 3D deviations of the test group compared with true value group were measured for each scanned point, each preparation and each group. Independent-samples Mann-Whitney U test was applied to analyze 3D deviations for each scanned point of A and B group. Correlation analysis was applied to index values and 3D deviation values. The total number of spikes in A group was 96, and that in B group and true value group were 5 and 0 respectively. Trueness: A group 8.0 (8.3) μm, B group 9.5 (11.5) μm(P>0.05). Correlation analysis of the number of spikes with data precision of A group was r=0.46. In the study, the qulity of the scanner B is better than scanner A, the difference of accuracy is not statistically significant. There is correlation between quality and data precision of the data scanned with scanner A.

Effect of ketamine versus thiopental sodium anesthetic induction and a small dose of fentanyl on emergence agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia in children undergoing brief ophthalmic surgery.

PubMed

Jung, Hyun Ju; Kim, Jong Bun; Im, Kyong Shil; Oh, Seung Hwa; Lee, Jae Myeong

2010-02-01

Emergence agitation (EA) in children after sevoflurane anesthesia is common. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidences of EA between ketamine and thiopental sodium induction in children underwent sevoflurane anesthesia. We also evaluated if a small dose of fentanyl could reduce the incidence of EA. The patients who were scheduled for strabismus or entropion surgery were divided into 4 groups. The patients in Groups 1 and 2 were induced anesthesia with ketamine 1.5 mg/kg; those in Groups 3 and 4 were induced with thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg. The patients in Groups 1 and 3 received an injection of fentanyl 1.5 microg/kg, whereas the patients in Groups 2 and 4 received IV saline of the same volume. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. The recovery characteristics and EA in recovery room were assessed. The incidence of EA was significantly higher in Groups 2 and 4 and there was no difference between Groups 2 and 4. Group 2 had almost an eleven-fold higher risk of developing EA than did Group 1, and the incidence of EA in Group 4 was sixty-nine-fold higher than that of Group 1. The risk factor for EA was only the kind of medication. Preoperative anxiety had no significant correlation with EA. The incidence of EA after sevoflurane anesthesia is similar between ketamine and thiopental sodium anesthetic induction in children undergoing pediatric ophthalmic surgery. Also, the addition of a small dose of fentanyl after anesthetic induction decreases the incidence of EA.

Delayed reward discounting and addictive behavior: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

MacKillop, James; Amlung, Michael T; Few, Lauren R; Ray, Lara A; Sweet, Lawrence H; Munafò, Marcus R

2011-08-01

Delayed reward discounting (DRD) is a behavioral economic index of impulsivity and numerous studies have examined DRD in relation to addictive behavior. To synthesize the findings across the literature, the current review is a meta-analysis of studies comparing DRD between criterion groups exhibiting addictive behavior and control groups. The meta-analysis sought to characterize the overall patterns of findings, systematic variability by sample and study type, and possible small study (publication) bias. Literature reviews identified 310 candidate articles from which 46 studies reporting 64 comparisons were identified (total N=56,013). From the total comparisons identified, a small magnitude effect was evident (d= .15; p< .00001) with very high heterogeneity of effect size. Based on systematic observed differences, large studies assessing DRD with a small number of self-report items were removed and an analysis of 57 comparisons (n=3,329) using equivalent methods and exhibiting acceptable heterogeneity revealed a medium magnitude effect (d= .58; p< .00001). Further analyses revealed significantly larger effect sizes for studies using clinical samples (d= .61) compared with studies using nonclinical samples (d=.45). Indices of small study bias among the various comparisons suggested varying levels of influence by unpublished findings, ranging from minimal to moderate. These results provide strong evidence of greater DRD in individuals exhibiting addictive behavior in general and particularly in individuals who meet criteria for an addictive disorder. Implications for the assessment of DRD and research priorities are discussed.

Delayed reward discounting and addictive behavior: a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Amlung, Michael T.; Few, Lauren R.; Ray, Lara A.; Sweet, Lawrence H.; Munafò, Marcus R.

2011-01-01

Rationale Delayed reward discounting (DRD) is a behavioral economic index of impulsivity and numerous studies have examined DRD in relation to addictive behavior. To synthesize the findings across the literature, the current review is a meta-analysis of studies comparing DRD between criterion groups exhibiting addictive behavior and control groups. Objectives The meta-analysis sought to characterize the overall patterns of findings, systematic variability by sample and study type, and possible small study (publication) bias. Methods Literature reviews identified 310 candidate articles from which 46 studies reporting 64 comparisons were identified (total N=56,013). Results From the total comparisons identified, a small magnitude effect was evident (d=.15; p<.00001) with very high heterogeneity of effect size. Based on systematic observed differences, large studies assessing DRD with a small number of self-report items were removed and an analysis of 57 comparisons (n=3,329) using equivalent methods and exhibiting acceptable heterogeneity revealed a medium magnitude effect (d=.58; p<.00001). Further analyses revealed significantly larger effect sizes for studies using clinical samples (d=.61) compared with studies using nonclinical samples (d=.45). Indices of small study bias among the various comparisons suggested varying levels of influence by unpublished findings, ranging from minimal to moderate. Conclusions These results provide strong evidence of greater DRD in individuals exhibiting addictive behavior in general and particularly in individuals who meet criteria for an addictive disorder. Implications for the assessment of DRD and research priorities are discussed. PMID:21373791

College 411: Get the Scoop. A Small Group Plan to Promote College Success for First-Generation College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Land, Christy W.; Ziomek-Daigle, Jolie

2013-01-01

First generation college students have more difficulty preparing for and succeeding in post-secondary institutions. Informed by the literature review and relevant research the school counselor presents a small group design for high school students in their junior year. This small group plan for first generation college students addresses issues of…

The Associations of Indices of Obesity with Lipoprotein Subfractions in Japanese American, African American and Korean Men

PubMed Central

Hirooka, Nobutaka; Shin, Chol; Masaki, Kamal H.; Edmundowicz, Daniel; Choo, Jina; Barinas-Mitchell, Emma J.M.; Willcox, Bradley J.; Sutton-Tyrrell, Kim; El-Saed, Aiman; Miljkovic-Gacic, Iva; Ohkubo, Takayoshi; Miura, Katsuyuki; Ueshima, Hirotsugu; Kuller, Lewis H.; Sekikawa, Akira

2013-01-01

Background Both indices of obesity and lipoprotein subfractions contribute to coronary heart disease risk. However, associations between indices of obesity and lipoprotein subfractions remain undetermined across different ethnic groups. This study aims to examine the associations of indices of obesity in Japanese Americans (JA), African Americans (AA) and Koreans with lipoprotein subfractions. Methods A population-based sample of 230 JA, 91 AA, and 291 Korean men aged 40–49 was examined for indices of obesity, i.e., visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT, respectively), waist circumference (WC), and body-mass index (BMI), and for lipoprotein subfractions by nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy. Multiple regression analyses were performed in each of the three ethnic groups to examine the associations of each index of obesity with lipoprotein. Results VAT had significant positive associations with total and small low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and a significant negative association with large high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in all three ethnicities (p < 0.01). SAT, WC, and BMI had significant positive associations with total and small LDL in only JA and Koreans, while these indices had significant inverse associations with large HDL in all ethnic groups (p < 0.01). Compared to SAT, VAT had larger R2 values in the associations with total and small LDL and large HDL in all three ethnic groups. Conclusions VAT is significantly associated with total and small LDL and large HDL in all three ethnic groups. The associations of SAT, WC, and BMI with lipoprotein subfractions are weaker compared to VAT in all three ethnic groups. PMID:25068101