Atitudes em relação à aprendizagem estatística: o caso dos estudantes de pós-graduação em linguística aplicada

Researchers, students, and practitioners in the area of English language studies often avoid statistics which may be due to their fear of its numeric nature and high technicality. This paper presents the findings of a study that investigated a small group of postgraduate students’ attitudes toward learning statistics. The respondents were 20 postgraduate students from the language faculty of a public university in Malaysia. Schau et al.’s (1995) Survey of Attitudes toward Statistics was used to elicit the data. The quantitative findings indicated the majority of students had moderately positive attitudes toward learning statistics. These findings also indicated how a two-day workshop could significantly improve these postgraduate students' attitude toward learning statistics. The qualitative results revealed that the students regarded statistics workshops as highly necessary and could make their results more presentable and credited. The results highlight the necessity of more and better statistics courses and workshops for students in similar areas.Investigadores, estudiantes y profesionales en el área de estudios del idioma inglés a menudo evitan las estadísticas que pueden deberse a su temor a su naturaleza numérica y su alto nivel técnico. Este artículo presenta los hallazgos de un estudio que investigó las actitudes de un pequeño grupo de estudiantes de postgrado hacia las estadísticas de aprendizaje. Los encuestados fueron 20 estudiantes de postgrado de la facultad de idiomas de una universidad pública en Malasia. Se utilizó la Encuesta de actitudes hacia la estadística de Schau et al. (1995) para obtener los datos. Los hallazgos cuantitativos indicaron que la mayoría de los estudiantes tenían actitudes moderadamente positivas hacia las estadísticas de aprendizaje. Estos hallazgos también indicaron cómo un taller de dos días podría mejorar significativamente la actitud de estos estudiantes de posgrado hacia las estadísticas de aprendizaje. Los resultados cualitativos revelaron que los estudiantes consideraron los talleres de estadísticas como altamente necesarios y que podrían hacer que sus resultados sean más presentables y acreditados. Los resultados resaltan la necesidad de más y mejores cursos de estadística y talleres para estudiantes en áreas similares.Pesquisadores, estudantes e profissionais da área de estudos da língua inglesa freqüentemente evitam estatísticas que podem ser devidas ao medo de sua natureza numérica e alta tecnicalidade. Este artigo apresenta as conclusões de um estudo que investigou um pequeno grupo de atitudes de estudantes de pós- graduação em relação às estatísticas de aprendizagem. Os respondentes foram 20 estudantes de pós- graduação da faculdade de língua de uma universidade pública na Malásia. A Pesquisa de Atitudes em Relação à Estatística de Schau et al. (1995) foi usada para elucidar os dados. Os resultados quantitativos indicaram que a maioria dos estudantes tinha atitudes moderadamente positivas em relação às estatísticas de aprendizagem. Essas descobertas também indicaram como um workshop de dois dias poderia melhorar significativamente a atitude desses estudantes de pós-graduação em relação às estatísticas de aprendizagem. Os resultados qualitativos revelaram que os estudantes consideravam as oficinas de estatística como altamente necessárias e poderiam tornar seus resultados mais apresentáveis e creditados. Os resultados destacam a necessidade de mais e melhores cursos de estatística e oficinas para alunos de áreas afins

Bidirectional Association Between COVID-19 and Mental Health Disorders: A Narrative Review

Background: Fear, anxiety, and stress are natural reactions of the human body to unpredictable and potentially threatening conditions. Currently, individuals are encountering Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; it is caused by a virulent, partially unknown pathogen with high transmissibility, recognized as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is conceivable to experience anxiety, stress, and subsequent mental health disorders during the pandemic. This narrative review provided a brief overview of mechanisms involved in COVID-19 and mental health disorders as well as the bidirectional association between them.Methods: Scientific electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were thoroughly searched, based on different keywords in this study.Results: Lifestyle changes and isolation for breaking the chain of infection facilitate mental health disorders development more than before. Since the onset of the pandemic, the prevalence of mental health disorders has significantly increased. Moreover, studies suggested that the incidence of COVID-19 and the progression of the disease to a severe and life-threatening stage is higher in individuals with a history of mental health disorders. Inflammation is caused by, also may cause mental health disorders. Besides, COVID-19 is associated with cytokine storm and subsequent inflammation.Conclusion: There seems to be a bidirectional association between COVID-19 and mental health disorders, in which inflammation acts as an adaptor

Design and Construction of Zana Robot for Modeling Human Player in Rock-paper-scissors Game using Multilayer Perceptron, Radial basis Functions and Markov Algorithms

In this paper, the implementation of artificial neural networks (multilayer perceptron [MLP] and radial base functions [RBF]) and the upgraded Markov chain model have been studied and performed to identify the human behavior patterns during rock, paper, and scissors game. The main motivation of this research is the design and construction of an intelligent robot with the ability to defeat a human opponent. MATLAB software has been used to implement intelligent algorithms. After implementing the algorithms, their effectiveness in detecting human behavior pattern has been investigated. To ensure the ideal performance of the implemented model, each player played with the desired algorithms in three different stages. The results showed that the percentage of winning computer with MLP and RBF neural networks and upgraded Markov model, on average in men and women is 59%, 76.66%, and 75%, respectively. Obtained results clearly indicate a very good performance of the RBF neural network and the upgraded Markov model in the mental modeling of the human opponent in the game of rock, paper, and scissors. In the end, the designed game has been employed in both hardware and software which include the Zana intelligent robot and a digital version with a graphical user interface design on the stand. To the best knowledge of the authors, the precision of novel presented method for determining human behavior patterns was the highest precision among all of the previous studies

Prophylactic Efficacy of Cinnarizine versus Propranolol in the Treatment of Childhood Migraine: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Although the development of effective and safe treatments for prophylaxis of migraine headaches represents an important public health concern, only a few medications have been approved by the specific treatment of patients with migraine. We aimed to compare the efficacy of cinnarizine with propranolol in the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine headache. Materials and Methods  In a Randomized Clinical Trial, children aged 6-14 years were selected from the patients with migraine admitted to the neurology clinic of Bandar Abbas pediatric Hospital, affiliated to Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Eligible patients (n, 56) were randomly divided into two groups, each comprising 28 patients: the first group administered cinnarizine (37.5 mg/day in children aged 6–12 years and 50 mg/day in children aged 12–17 years), and the second group received propranolol (1-mg/kg/day). The frequency, severity of headaches over the trial period were assessed.   Results: After two months of treatment, both groups had significant reduction in headache frequency in comparison with baseline period (p= 0.047), although this difference between groups was not statistically significant. In addition, the mean severe migraine attacks at the end of the second month was significantly lower in the cinnarizine group compared with the propranolol group (p=0.048).  At the end of the study 64% (n=18) of patients who had received the cinnarizine and 57% (n=16) of patients who had administered the propranolol, the drugs appeared to have a preventative effect on their headaches. Conclusion: According to the results, Cinnarizine appeared as effective as propranolol for the prophylactic treatment of childhood migraine

Étude observationnelle de la prescription des antivitamines K chez le sujet âgé de plus de 65 ans hospitalisé en médecine interne

Introduction: Les anti-vitamine K (AVK) ont de nombreuses indications chez le sujet âgé, principalement la prévention des embolies cruoriques d origine cardiaque et la maladie thrombo-embolique veineuse. Méthode : Nous avons mené une enquête prospective observationnelle d un an sur la population des patients âgés de plus de 65 ans et hospitalisés dans le service de médecine interne de l'Hôtel Dieu à Paris. L'objectif principal était d'évaluer le nombre de traitements par AVK adaptés aux recommandations des sociétés savantes françaises ; Nous avons également recherché les facteurs limitant leur prescription dans cette population. Résultats : 1040 patients ont été hospitalisés durant cette période, dont 602 âgés de plus de 65 ans. Parmi eux, 131 patients (21%) avaient une indication pour les AVK, leur moyenne d'âge était de 84 ans. La moitié (62/131, 47%) n'étaient pas traités par AVK alors qu'il y avait une indication. Les facteurs de non prescription sont : le grand âge, un antécédent de chute, le MMS anormal dès 25, la consommation d alcool. Les antécédents hémorragiques ne constituent pas la non prescription complète des AVK. La seule pathologie pour laquelle les recommandations ne sont pas suivies est la fibrillation auriculaire. Conclusion : Près de la moitié des patients de plus de 65 ans de notre étude, qui justifient d une indication réelle aux AVK, n en bénéficient pas. La prescription est limitée par des facteurs liés au malade, peu par son mode de vie. Il est souhaitable de réaliser des études prospectives randomisées dans cette population afin d évaluer précisément le rapport bénéfice/risque des AVK. Ces études devront évaluer la qualité de vie autant que la durée de la survie sans accident thrombo-embolique et /ou hémorragique.PARIS13-BU Serge Lebovici (930082101) / SudocSudocFranceF

VAL34LEU POLYMORPHISM DETECTION BY REAL TIME PCR ASSAY USING FLUORESCENCE RESONANCE ENERGY TRANSFER ON ROTOR-GENE 6000

Factor XIII (FXIII) Val34Leu is the most important polymorphism of the A subunit in factor XIII gene. The aim of the present study was to develop an efficient method based on real time PCR with Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) detection and melting curve analysis for the detection of Val34Leu polymorphism.Specific primers were used to amplify the relevant fragment of the factor XIII-A gene and fluorescence resonance energy transfer hybridization probes were used for detection in a Rotor-Gene Q 5Plex HRM platform. Melting temperature (Tm) for the wild type was at 68.8, while Tm for homozygote mutant was at 63.8; heterozygote demonstrated both peaks.Our results showed that primers and probes propoesd in this study demonstrated a high specificity to identify wild type , heterozygous and homozygous mutantgenotypes. Due to the increasing molecular diagnosis in developing countries and the importance of identifying polymorphisms, this real time PCR assay is of great importance. An important advantage of this approach is the high sensitivity and specificity

Evaluation of Efficacy of Transvaginal Sonography with Hysteroscopy for Assessment of Tubal Patency in Infertile Women Regarding Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Background: Infertility, as one of the most common gynecological disorders, affects many people worldwide. To choose the clinical treatment, correct assessment of tubal patency can provide an important clue; therefore, it is considered as one of the major steps in workup examinations of infertile women. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) after hysteroscopy (HSC) with laparoscopy, as a gold standard, for assessing the fallopian tubal patency in infertile women. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which included 49 infertile women referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during the years 2015 and 2016. At first, patients who met the inclusion criteria were examined through HSC in by a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics in operating room because laparoscopy was performed after TVS with HSC, but HSC was performed without anesthesia. TVS was performed before and after of HSC to observe fluid in the pouch of Douglas. The findings of TVS with HSC and laparoscopy were compared. Results: There was a strong agreement between TVS after HSC and laparoscopy (kappa coefficient = 0.935, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81, 1.00). The sensitivity of TVS after HSC was 100% (95% CI: 66.37, 100) and specificity was 97.50% (95% CI: 86.84, 99.94) with a positive predictive value of 90% (95% CI: 55.50, 99.75) and negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI: 90.97, 100). Conclusion: TVS after HSC is an accurate diagnostic tool for examination of fallopian tubal patency in infertile women

Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumors: Is Fertility Preservation Possible?

Yolk sac tumors make up 14% to 20% of all malignant ovarian germ cell tumors. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are elevated in a significant number of patients and are useful for monitoring the response to treatment and for post-treatment surveillance. Surgery is required for diagnosis, staging, and treatment. The first case is a 12-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain. The ultrasonography (US) showed a huge pelvic tumor. AFP level was high (1000 mg/ml). Right salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were done. Histopathology reported yolk sac tumor of ovary. She received 3 courses of bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEP). The second case is a 25-year-old G1AB1 presented with pelvic pain and distension. The US showed a huge pelvic tumor in the right abdominopelvic region. AFP level was high (1000 mg/ml). Right salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and appendectomy were done. Histopathology reported yolk sac tumor of ovary. The patient received four cycles of BEP protocol; AFP level decreased to 10 mg/ml after the four cycles of chemotherapy. The third case is a 21-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain. The US showed a huge pelvic tumor in the right adnexa. AFP level was high (8700 mg/ml). Right salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were done. Yolk sac tumor is rare in children and it could be cured usually. In this study, we described three patients with ovarian yolk sac tumors and their fertility preservation treatments.These cases has reminded that in young age with high AFP levels and rapidly growing ovarian mass, diagnosis of the yolk sac tumor has to be kept in mind

Tele‐mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review of the literature focused on technical aspects and challenges

Abstract Introduction Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide, which leads to the death of more than 9 million people annually. The global impact of the Coronavirus epidemic on mental health includes insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, given the current situation, innovations such as telemedicine to provide prevention and treatment services for people with mental disorders seem necessary. Methods A literature review was performed according to the preferred items to report in systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA). Covering a period from January 2020 to July 2023, we conducted a systematic literature search on five electronic databases (PubMed‐Mesh, Scopus, Web of Science, Science direct, and PsycInfo). The search strategy included three categories of keywords: Mental health, Tele, COVID‐19. Results A total of 112 articles were identified by searching the databases of published articles, 13 articles met our inclusion criteria. A total of 76.2% of them were related to patients with stress, anxiety, and depression issues. We found that the real‐time method has been the most common method used to communicate between the physician and the patient (92.3%). The communication technologies used also included telephone, video call, video conference, and E‐mail. During these communications, data was exchanged in text, voice, and video formats. In three studies (27%), interoperability with other systems was mentioned. In addition, 69.2% of the studies reported challenges, the most important of which were access to electronic and communication devices, network connection problems, audio and video problems, and privacy issues. Conclusions Considering the many advantages of telemedicine technology in the field of mental health, the need to use this technology in developing countries, including our country, is obvious. But the application of these technologies requires the investigation of technical aspects and challenges related to them as much as possible, which have been seen in few studies