90 research outputs found
Learning log-based automatic group formation: system design and classroom implementation study
Collaborative learning in the form of group work is becoming increasingly significant in education since interpersonal skills count in modern society. However, teachers often get overwhelmed by the logistics involved in conducting any group work. Valid support for executing and managing such activities in a timely and informed manner becomes imperative. This research introduces an intelligent system focusing on group formation which consists of a parameter setting module and the group member visualization panel where the results of the created group are shown to the user and can be graded. The system supports teachers by applying algorithms to actual learning log data thereby simplifying the group formation process and saving time for them. A pilot study in a primary school mathematics class proved to have a positive effect on students’ engagement and affections while participating in group activities based on the system-generated groups, thus providing empirical evidence to the practice of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) systems
Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for the management of primary dysmenorrhoea: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial in China
INTRODUCTION: Primary dysmenorrhoea (PD) is a common menstrual concern with significant physical and psychosocial impacts. The effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in alleviating PD symptoms remain uncertain due to insufficient evidence. This single-centre, parallel, randomised controlled study intends to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TEAS for PD management. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: 60 participants aged 18-40 years diagnosed with moderate to severe PD will be recruited from Tai\u27an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and randomly assigned to either a TEAS group or a TEAS-sham group (1:1). The TEAS group will undergo 12 sessions of TEAS treatment over two menstrual cycles, with 30 min per session, three sessions weekly. Participants in the TEAS-sham group will receive TEAS stimulation using identical devices and protocols but without current output. The primary outcome is the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assessment. Secondary outcomes are Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, total effective rate, uterine artery haemodynamics, prostaglandin and β-endorphin level, mental well-being and quality of life. Adverse events and their potential reasons and the use of analgesics will also be recorded. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tai\u27an Hospital of TCM. Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2300071686
New insights into bacterial mechanisms and potential intestinal epithelial cell therapeutic targets of inflammatory bowel disease
The global incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased rapidly in recent years, but its exact etiology remains unclear. In the past decade, IBD has been reported to be associated with dysbiosis of gut microbiota. Although not yet proven to be a cause or consequence of IBD, the common hypothesis is that at least some alterations in the microbiome are protective or pathogenic. Furthermore, intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) serve as a protective physical barrier for gut microbiota, essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and actively contributes to the mucosal immune system. Thus, dysregulation within the intestinal epithelium increases intestinal permeability, promotes the entry of bacteria, toxins, and macromolecules, and disrupts intestinal immune homeostasis, all of which are associated with the clinical course of IBD. This article presents a selective overview of recent studies on bacterial mechanisms that may be protective or promotive of IBD in biological models. Moreover, we summarize and discuss the recent discovery of key modulators and signaling pathways in the IECs that could serve as potential IBD therapeutic targets. Understanding the role of the IECs in the pathogenesis of IBD may help improve the understanding of the inflammatory process and the identification of potential therapeutic targets to help ameliorate this increasingly common disease
Control of local ion transport to create unique functional nanodevices based on ionic conductors
The development of nanometer-scale devices operating under a new principle that could overcome the limitations of current semiconductor devices has attracted interest in recent years. We propose that nanoionic devices that operate by controlling the local transport of ions are promising in this regard. It is possible to control the local transport of ions using the solid electrochemical properties of ionic and electronic mixed conductors. As an example of this concept, here, we report a method of controlling the transport of silver ions of the mixed-conductor silver sulfide (Ag2S) crystal and basic research on nanoionic devices based on this mixed conductor. These devices show unique functions such as atom deposition, resistance switching, and quantum point contact switching. The switches operate through the formation and dissolution of an atomic bridge between the electrodes, and the behavior is realized by control of the local solid-state electrochemical reaction. Potential nanoionic devices utilizing the unique functions and characters that do not exist in conventional semiconductor devices are discussed
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