Desarrollo y validación de una escala PLEs desde la perspectiva del alumno y el aprendizaje en la educación terciaria

The study's goal is to create and validate a Personal Learning Environment Scale (PLEs) from the learner and learning perspective (named PLEsS-LL) to ensure effective learning in Chinese tertiary education. 657 undergraduates participated in the study after completing scale development steps. Six factors were extracted from the PLEsS-LL using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported the six-factor scale with 22 items. Furthermore, the PLEsS-LL was redesigned as a questionnaire to assess learners' readiness for PLE learning. The findings indicated that participants were comfortable learning in PLEs in general. They were mostly positive in terms of learning motivation and problem-solving abilities. They did, however, report less confidence in self-directed learning. Meanwhile, male participants outperformed female participants in all categories except learning motivation. The reasons were explained, and suggestions for future PLE design were made. The PLEsS-LL could be used as a resource or guide for learner preparation in the PLE context in higher education around the world.El objetivo del estudio es crear y validar una Escala de Entornos Personales de Aprendizaje (PLEsS) desde la perspectiva del alumno y el aprendizaje (llamada PLEsS-LL) para garantizar un aprendizaje efectivo en la educación terciaria china. 657 estudiantes universitarios participaron en el estudio después de completar los pasos de desarrollo de escala. Se extrajeron seis factores del PLEsS-LL mediante Análisis Factorial Exploratorio (EFA). El Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) apoyó la escala de seis factores con 22 ítems.  Además, el PLEsS-LL fue rediseñado como un cuestionario para evaluar la preparación de los alumnos para el aprendizaje PLE. Los hallazgos indicaron que los participantes se sentían cómodos al aprender en PLE en general. En su mayoría fueron positivos en términos de motivación de aprendizaje y habilidades para resolver problemas. Sin embargo, informaron menos confianza en el aprendizaje autodirigido. Mientras tanto, los participantes masculinos superaron a las participantes femeninas en todas las categorías, excepto en la motivación de aprendizaje. Se explicaron las razones y se hicieron sugerencias para el diseño futuro de PLE. El PLEsS-LL podría utilizarse como un recurso o guía para la preparación del alumno en el contexto de los PLEs en la educación superior de todo el mundo

A decade of complex fractionated electrograms catheter-based ablation for atrial fibrillation: Literature analysis, meta-analysis and systematic review

AbstractBackgroundIt has been a decade since the complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) were first established following the publication of Nademanee's standards. However, the status and focus of CFAE research are unclear, as is the efficacy of additional CFAE ablation in atrial fibrillation (AF). This literature review and meta-analysis were designed to determine the status of CFAE research and the efficacy and complications of CFAE ablation alone, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone and PVI plus CFAE ablation in AF.MethodsWith the assistance from reference librarians and investigators trained in systematic review, we conducted a literature search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Wiley Blackwell and Web of Knowledge, using “complex fractionated atrial electrograms” for MeSH and keyword search.ResultsThe literature on CFAEs increased from 2007, mainly focusing on mapping studies, with mechanism studies increasing significantly from 2012. Fifteen trials with 1525 patients were qualified for our meta-analysis. Success rates were as follows. Overall (P < 0.001): CFAE ablation alone, 23.5–26.2%; PVI, 64.7%; PVI plus CFAE ablation, 67.0%. Single ablation: PVI, 60.4%; PVI plus CFAEs, 68.8% (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07–2.20, P = 0.02). Re-ablation: PVI, 69.0%; PVI plus CFAEs, 77.2% (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.24, P = 0.02). Paroxysmal AF: PVI, 76.7%; PVI plus CFAEs, 79.1% (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.79–1.81, P = 0.39). Persistent or permanent AF: PVI, 47.9%; PVI plus CFAEs, 58.7% (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.13–2.24, P = 0.008). Complication rates: PVI, 2.6%; PVI plus CFAEs, 3.4% (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.58–2.57, P = 0.61).ConclusionsIn the literature, CFAE mapping studies preceded mechanism studies. CFAE ablation alone is insufficient for the treatment of AF. Additional CFAE ablation after adequate PVI or PVI plus linear ablation improves the outcome of single ablation and re-ablation without increasing complications, especially in persistent or permanent AF. There are insufficient data to support a similar improvement in paroxysmal AF or inducible AF after PVI for paroxysmal AF

Sex Differences in Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in China

Background: Despite improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to combat cardiovascular disease (CVD) in recent decades, there are significant ongoing access gaps and sex disparities in prevention that have not been adequately quantified in China. Methods: A representative, cross-sectional, community-based survey of adults (aged ≥45 years) was conducted in 7 geographic regions of China between 2014 and 2016. Logistic regression models were used to determine sex differences in primary and secondary CVD prevention, and any interaction by age, education level, and area of residence. Data are presented as adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Results: Of 47 841 participants (61.3% women), 5454 (57.2% women) had established CVD and 9532 (70.5% women) had a high estimated 10-year CVD risk (≥10%). Only 48.5% and 48.6% of women and 39.3% and 59.8% of men were on any kind of blood pressure (BP)-lowering medication, lipid-lowering medication, or antiplatelet therapy for primary and secondary prevention, respectively. Women with established CVD were significantly less likely than men to receive BP-lowering medications (OR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.65-0.95]), lipid-lowering medications (OR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.56-0.84]), antiplatelets (OR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.45-0.62]), or any CVD prevention medication (OR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.52-0.73]). Women with established CVD, however, had better BP control (OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.14-1.50]) but less well-controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.57-0.76]), and were less likely to smoke (OR, 13.89 [95% CI, 11.24-17.15]) and achieve physical activity targets (OR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.61-2.29]). Conversely, women with high CVD risk were less likely than men to have their BP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and bodyweight controlled (OR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.38-0.55]; OR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.52-0.69]; OR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.48-0.63], respectively), despite a higher use of BP-lowering medications (OR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.01-1.45]). Younger patients (<65 years) with established CVD were less likely to be taking CVD preventive medications, but there were no sex differences by area of residence or education level. Conclusions: Large and variable gaps in primary and secondary CVD prevention exist in China, particularly for women. Effective CVD prevention requires an improved overall nationwide strategy and a special emphasis on women with established CVD, who have the greatest disparity and the most to benefit

Life-Cycle Consumption: Can Single Agent Models Get it Right?

In the quantitative macro literature, single agent models are heavily used to explain "per-adult equivalent" household data. In this paper, we study differences between consumption predictions from a single agent model and "adult equivalent" consumption predictions from a model where household size evolves deterministically over the life-cycle and affects individual preferences for consumption. Using a theoretical model we prove that, under mild conditions, these predictions are different. In particular, the single household model cannot explain patterns in life-cycle consumption profiles (the so called 'humps'), nor cross sectional inequality in consumption originating from the second model, even after controlling for household size using equivalence scales. Through a quantitative exercise, we then document that differences in predictions can be substantial: total (per-adult equivalent) consumption over the life-cycle can be up to 5% different, depending on the specific parameterization. We find a similar number for total cross sectional inequality

Efficacy and safety of Jianpishengsui for chemotherapy-related fatigue in patients with non-small cell lung cancer : study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A Chinese herbal formula cream for oral application, called Jianpishengsui (JPSS), is extensively used in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine as an internal preparation for CRF and is associated with a promising response. Due to the lack of high-quality clinical evidence, a randomized placebo-controlled trial is required to assess the efficacy and safety of JPSS. METHODS/DESIGN: The efficacy and safety of JPSS herbal formula cream will be evaluated through a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. NSCLC patients with CRF will be randomized into two groups at a ratio of 1:1. Each group will receive either 15 g of the oral JPSS herbal formula cream or placebo twice a day from day 6 to day 20 during two courses of paclitaxel + platinum/docetaxel + platinum/pemetrexed + platinum (TP/DP/AP) chemotherapy. The primary endpoint is the difference in the degree of fatigue between baseline (the day before the start of the intervention) and day 42, which will be assessed by the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale score. The secondary endpoints are quality of life (measured by the 43-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Lung Cancer C43), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status, and Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome score. The toxicity of the treatments will also be evaluated at the same time. All outcomes will be measured at baseline, day 6, day 21, and day 42 of the treatment. DISCUSSION: This randomized trial will investigate the efficacy and safety of JPSS applied for CRF in patients with NSCLC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900023451. Registered on 28 May 2019

Control Strategy of Parallel Systems with Efficiency Optimisation in Switched Reluctance Generators

To solve motor heating and life shortening of parallel switched reluctance generator (SRG) induced by uneven output currents due to different external characteristics, we generally adopt current sharing control (CSC) to make each parallel generator undertake large load currents on average to improve the reliability of parallel power generation system. However, the method usually causes additional loss of power because it does not consider the efficiency characteristics of each parallel generator. Therefore, with the efficiency expression for the parallel system of SRG established and analysed, the control strategy based on differential evolution (DE) algorithm is proposed as a mechanism by which to enhance generating capacity and reliability of multi-machine power generation from the perspective of efficiency optimisation. We re-adjust the reference current of each parallel generator to transform the working point of each generator and implement the efficiency optimisation of parallel system. The performance of the proposed control method is evaluated in detail by the simulation and experiment, and comparison with traditional CSC is carried out as well

Modified Liujunzi Decoction (六君子汤, MLJZT) alleviates chemotherapy-induced anorexia in advanced non-small cell lung cancer : a propensity score matched case-control study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Chinese herbal medicine formula, modified Liujunzi Decoction (六君子汤, MLJZT), for anorexia, utilized as adjunct therapy during chemotherapy treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The study adopted a propensity score-matched design based on a prospective database. From February 2016 to September 2017, patients with advanced NSCLC that received both cisplatin-based chemotherapy and MLJZT (IM group) were 1:1 propensity score-matched to patients that received the cisplatin-based chemotherapy alone (control group). Changes in anorexia and weight, as well as side effects were evaluated per week within 4-cycle chemotherapy. Results: Overall, 156 patients with advanced NSCLC that had received chemotherapy from our database were identified and 53 pairs were matched successfully. In total, 48.6% (50/53) of patients in the IM group had anorexia-improvement compared to 28.3% (15/53) of patients in the control group, and a total of 39.6% (21/53) of patients in the control group had a worsening of anorexia compared to only 7.8% (8/53) of patients in the IM group (P<0.01). The weight reduced significantly over time in the control group (−2.36 ± 2.53 kg) as compared to the IM group (−0.62 ± 3.89 kg, P<0.01). CHM didn’t reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy in shrinking tumor size, and didn’t increase the incidence of side effects such as hematological and hepatorenal toxicity. Conclusion: MLJZT is effective and safe for alleviating anorexia in patients with NSCLC. These findings warrant the conduct of a randomized controlled trial

Experimental investigation on flue gas condensation heat recovery system integrated with heat pump and spray heat exchanger

To deeply recover the flue gas condensation heat, a flue gas condensation heat recovery system that combines a compression heat pump (FGCHR-HP) is proposed. An experimental bench of the FGCHR-HP system was established to explore the thermal properties of the system under variable operating conditions. The experimental results show that when the inlet water temperature of the heat pump condensing heat exchanger is 50 °C and the flow rate is 40 L/min, the optimal experimental conditions are achieved. Under this working condition, the heat efficiency is 13.8 %, and the exhaust gas temperature is 26.9 °C. At the same time, the flue gas moisture recovery is up to 6.5–7.0 kg/hour, which is better than other boilers.The payback period of the FGCHR-HP system is 3.4 years. The system has achieved significant energy-saving and water-saving effects, and has certain promotion and application prospects.©2024 Elsevier. This manuscript version is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY–NC–ND 4.0) license, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Desarrollo y validación de una escala PLEs desde la perspectiva del alumno y el aprendizaje en la educación terciaria

The study's goal is to create and validate a Personal Learning Environments Scale (PLEsS) from the learner and learning perspective (named PLEsS-LL) to ensure effective learning in Chinese tertiary education. 657 undergraduates participated in the study after completing scale development steps. Six factors were extracted from the PLEsS-LL using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported the six-factor scale with 22 items. Furthermore, the PLEsS-LL was redesigned as a questionnaire to assess learners' readiness for PLE learning. The findings indicated that participants were comfortable when learning in PLEs in general. They were mostly positive in terms of learning motivation and problem-solving abilities. They did, however, report less confidence in Self-directed Learning. Meanwhile, male participants outperformed female participants in all categories except learning motivation. The reasons were explained, and suggestions for future PLEs design were made. The PLEsS-LL could be used as a resource or guide for learner preparation in the PLEs context in higher education around the world.El objetivo del estudio es crear y validar una Escala de Entornos Personales de Aprendizaje (PLEsS) desde la perspectiva del alumno y el aprendizaje (llamada PLEsS-LL) para garantizar un aprendizaje efectivo en la educación terciaria china. 657 estudiantes universitarios participaron en el estudio después de completar los pasos de desarrollo de escala. Se extrajeron seis factores del PLEsS-LL mediante Análisis Factorial Exploratorio (EFA). El Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) apoyó la escala de seis factores con 22 ítems. Además, el PLEsS-LL fue rediseñado como un cuestionario para evaluar la preparación de los alumnos para el aprendizaje PLE. Los hallazgos indicaron que los participantes se sentían cómodos al aprender en PLE en general. En su mayoría fueron positivos en términos de motivación de aprendizaje y habilidades para resolver problemas. Sin embargo, informaron menos confianza en el aprendizaje autodirigido. Mientras tanto, los participantes masculinos superaron a las participantes femeninas en todas las categorías, excepto en la motivación de aprendizaje. Se explicaron las razones y se hicieron sugerencias para el diseño futuro de PLE. El PLEsS-LL podría utilizarse como un recurso o guía para la preparación del alumno en el contexto de los PLEs en la educación superior de todo el mundo