MyMedR

Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 488 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext The effect of using games in teaching conservation

Tan CKW, Lee JW, Hii A, Loo YY, Campos-Arceiz A, Macdonald DW

PeerJ, 2018;6:e4509.
PMID: 29736327 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4509

Games are an increasingly popular approach for conservation teaching. However, we know little about the effectiveness of the games on students' experiences and knowledge acquisition. Many current games are supplemental games (SG) that have no meaningful interaction with the subject matter. We adapted the experiential gaming (EG) model where students were immersed in goal-orientated tasks found in real-life situations, and they tackled questions to complete actions for their main task. Classroom-based games were created for eight different conservation topics for an annual Wildlife Conservation Course and an annual Diploma in International Wildlife Conservation Practice. Data were collected over two cycles, a total sample size of 55 multinational students. We used a combination of repeated-measures design and counterbalanced measures design; each student was subjected at least twice to each of the EG and didactic instruction (DI) treatments, and at least once to the SG approach. We compared students' perception, learning and behavioural responses to the treatments, including measures of student personality types and learning styles as explanatory variables. Findings revealed multiple benefits of the classroom EG compared to the DI approach, such as increased attention retention, increased engagement and added intrinsic motivation. The improved level of intrinsic motivation was mainly facilitated by increased social bonding between participants. Further, we show that this EG approach appeals to a wide range of learning styles and personalities. The performance of SG was generally intermediate between that of EG and DI. We propose EG as a beneficial complement to traditional classroom teaching and current gamified classes for conservation education.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
The effect of high lactose-isomaltulose on cognitive performance of young children. A double blind cross-over design study

Taib MN, Shariff ZM, Wesnes KA, Saad HA, Sariman S

Appetite, 2012 Feb;58(1):81-7.
PMID: 21986189 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2011.09.004

Changes in blood glucose are hypothesized to influence cognitive performance and these changes can be affected by certain nutrients. This double-blind 4-period cross-over study evaluated the effects of a slow-release modified sucrose (isomaltulose) in combination with a high concentration of lactose on cognitive performance of 5-6 year old children. Thirty children received a standard growing upmilk (Std GUM), reformulated growing up milk (Reform GUM), standard growing up milk with lactose-isomaltulose (Iso GUM), and a standard glucose drink (Glucose). The CDR System, a computerised cognitive assessment system, was used to assess various measures of attention and memory of the children at baseline (T=0), 60 (T=1), 120 (T=2), and 180 (T=3) minutes following the intake of test products. Overall, there was a decline in performance over the morning on almost every cognitive task. Children showed better attention following consumption of Iso GUM compared to Std GUM but attention was not significantly different than Reform GUM and glucose. Also, Iso GUM conferred a beneficial effect over both Reform GUM and glucose on sensitivity index of numeric working memory with no difference observed between Iso GUM and Std GUM. Surprisingly, glucose group showed lowest decline in the sensitivity index of spatial working memory and highest speed in picture recognition, although the latter was significantly better than Reform GUM only. For speed of spatial working memory, Reform GUM had the lowest decline but was significantly different only with Std GUM. There was, however, no significant difference among conditions for continuity of attention, speed of numeric working memory and picture recognition sensitivity. Despite the small sample size, the findings are intriguing as carbohydrate composition seems to influence some aspects of cognitive performance such as attention and memory. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition/drug effects*; Recognition (Psychology)/drug effects
Fulltext The effect of Polygonum minus extract on cognitive and psychosocial parameters according to mood status among middle-aged women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Shahar S, Aziz AF, Ismail SN, Yahya HM, Din NC, Manaf ZA, et al.

Clin Interv Aging, 2015;10:1505-20.
PMID: 26445532 DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S86411

BACKGROUND: Polygonum minus (PM) or locally known in Malaysia, as "kesum" is rich in micronutrients and natural antioxidants. However, its beneficial effect on outcome associates with oxidative stress including cognitive function is yet to be discovered. We assessed the efficacy of PM extract (LineMinus™) on cognitive function and psychosocial status among middle-aged women in Klang Valley of Malaysia.
METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among 35 healthy middle-aged women was performed, and subjects were randomized to receive either 250 mg PM or placebo of 100 mg maltodextrin each were taken twice daily for 6 weeks. Subjects were assessed for neuropsychological test, psychosocial status, and anthropometric at baseline, week 3, and week 6. Biomarkers were also determined at baseline and week 6.
RESULTS: The supplementation of PM showed significant intervention effect on Digit Span test (P<0.05) social functioning domain of 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (P<0.05) among subjects with mood disturbance. While, among subjects with good mood, PM supplementation improved Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) for IQ verbal (P=0.016) and Full Scale IQ of WASI (P=0.004). There were no adverse effects reported for the supplementation as indicated using biomarkers, including liver function and clinical symptoms.
CONCLUSION: Supplementation of PM is safe to be consumed for 6 weeks, with potential benefits to attention, short-term memory, improved quality of life, and mood, as well as IQ.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition/drug effects*
Fulltext The consequences of tinnitus and tinnitus severity on cognition: A review of the behavioural evidence

Mohamad N, Hoare DJ, Hall DA

Hear Res, 2016 Feb;332:199-209.
PMID: 26523370 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.10.001

People with tinnitus report anecdotal difficulties in mental concentration and psychological treatments for tinnitus advise on concentration difficulties and how to manage them. Yet the literature lacks any coherent discussion about what precise theoretical cognitive constructs might be mediating reported concentration problems. This review addresses this gap by describing and critically appraising the behavioural evidence for the effects of tinnitus on cognitive performance (namely working memory and attention). Empirical evidence is somewhat limited, but there is some support that tinnitus interferes with executive attention, and mixed support that it impairs working memory and selective attention. We highlight a number of methodological considerations to help drive the field forward and we propose a putative model of the complex inter-relationships between tinnitus, cognition and confounding factors. This model provides a basis for hypothesis testing.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition*; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis; Cognition Disorders/etiology*
Fulltext The brain in pain

Ahmad AH, Abdul Aziz CB

Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Dec;21(Spec Issue):46-54.
PMID: 25941463 MyJurnal

Pain, while salient, is highly subjective. A sensation perceived as painful by one person may be perceived as uncomfortable, not painful or even pleasant to others. Within the same person, pain may also be modulated according to its threat value and the context in which it is presented. Imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, have identified a distributed network in the brain, the pain-relevant brain regions, that encode the sensory-discriminative aspect of pain, as well as its cognitive and affective/emotional factors. Current knowledge also implicates the prefrontal cortex as the modulatory area for pain, with its subdivisions forming the cortico-cortical pathway, an alternative pain modulatory pathway distinct from the descending modulatory pathway of pain. These findings from neuroimaging in human subjects have paved the way for the molecular mechanisms of pain modulation to be explored in animal studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on diabetes distress and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

Seyed-Reza, A., Norzarina, M.Z., Kimura, L.W.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2015;24(2):18-28.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of combined group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in improving diabetes distress and glycemic control among 60 adults with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Half the participants were the experimental group (n = 30), and the other half was the control group (n = 30). Group therapy consisted of eight sessions for three months. Measures obtained at pre-test and post-test included the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17) and blood examination to examine the level of HbA1c.
Result: The results indicated that group CBT had significant effects on the amelioration of diabetes distress and level of HbA1c among the participants of the experimental group.
Conclusion: The effectiveness of group CBT in the maintenance of good diabetic control in people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes was successfully demonstrated.
Study site: Pusat Sejahtera (Universiti Sains Malaysia Clinic), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The beck anxiety inventory for Malays (BAI-Malay): a preliminary study on psychometric properties

Firdaus, M., Nor Sheereen, Z.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2011;7(1):75-81.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to investigate exploratory factor analysis of the
Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and reports its reliability and validity in Malaysia. Method: One thousand
and ninety participants from four different samples (namely students, general population, medical and
psychiatric patients) completed the Malay version of Beck Anxiety Inventory, as well as additional
questionnaires such as Fear Questionnaire, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and Catastrophic Cognition Questionnaire. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three factor solution and accounted for 48.01% of the total variance. The three-factor structure appeared to be; subjective anxiety, autonomic, and neurophysiology. The Cronbach alpha coefficients (α) ranged from 0.66 to 0.89 with satisfactory overall alpha value (.91). Evidence was also found acceptable concurrent validity of the BAI-Malay (range between r=.22 to r=.67). Conclusion: This study shows that the BAIMalay is a reliable and valid instrument to measure symptoms of anxiety in the Malay population
and can be used in research and clinical service in Malaysia. However, replication of study by using
confirmatory factor analysis and application of the instrument among anxiety patients worth of further
investigation.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The association of nutritional risk with physical and mental health problems among elderly in a semi-urban area of Mukim Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

Mohd Sidik S, Rozali A, Shiran MS, Sam AA

Malays J Nutr, 2004 Sep;10(2):149-58.
PMID: 22691736 MyJurnal

Imbalances and deficiencies of nutrients are particularly prevalent among the elderly, resulting in increased risk of illness and impaired outcome, as well as reduced quality of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional risk and to determine its association with physical and mental health problems among the elderly in a semiurban community in the District of Hulu Langat, Selangor. Elderly people aged 60 years and above were included in the study, conducted from 11th March to 10th May 2004. Data were collected using a questionnaire-guided interview method. The Nutrition Screening Initiative Checklist (NSI-13) was used to assess the level (low, moderate, high) of nutritional risk of the subjects. The questionnaire also included the Barthel Index, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) and Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ) to identify functional status, depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment respectively, among the respondents. Out of 316 elderly residents, 300 agreed to participate in the study (response rate 94.9%). Respondents aged from 60 to 93 years old and the mean age was 67.08±6.6. Prevalence of moderate and high nutritional risks were 25.3% and 36.3% respectively. Nutritional risks were found to be significantly associated with age (p=0.015), marital status (p=0.00), chronic illness (p=0.000), functional disability (p=0.000) and depressive symptoms (p=0.010). In conclusion, the health status of the elderly strongly depends on their nutritional risk. Age, marital status, chronic illness, functional disability and depressive symptoms are factors to be emphasised when assessing the nutritional risk of the elderly.
Study site: Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia
Device, Questionnaire & Scale: Nutrition Screening Initiative Checklist (NSI-13); Barthel Index; Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30); Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ)
Prevalence data: Depression 6.3%, cognitive impairment 8.3%

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition Disorders
The association between the behavior rating inventory of executive functioning and cognitive testing in children diagnosed with a brain tumor

de Vries M, de Ruiter MA, Oostrom KJ, Schouten-Van Meeteren AYN, Maurice-Stam H, Oosterlaan J, et al.

Child Neuropsychol, 2018 08;24(6):844-858.
PMID: 28693404 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2017.1350262

Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) suffer from cognitive late effects, such as deteriorating executive functioning (EF). We explored the suitability of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) to screen for these late effects. We assessed the relationship between the BRIEF and EF tasks, and between the BRIEF-Parent and BRIEF-Teacher, and we explored the clinical utility. Eighty-two PBTS (8-18 years) were assessed with EF tasks measuring attention, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, visual-, and working memory (WM), and with the BRIEF-Parent and BRIEF-Teacher. Pearson's correlations between the BRIEF and EF tasks, and between the BRIEF-Parent and BRIEF-Teacher were calculated. The BRIEF-Parent related poorly to EF tasks (rs < .26, ps > .01), but of the BRIEF-Teacher the WM-scale, Monitor-scale, Behavioral-Regulation-Index, and Meta-cognition-Index, and Total-score (rs > .31, ps < .01) related significantly to some EF tasks. When controlling for age, only the WM scale and Total score related significantly to the attention task (ps < .01). The inhibit scales of the BRIEF-Parent and BRIEF-Teacher correlated significantly (r = .33, p < .01). Children with clinically elevated scores on BRIEF scales that correlated with EF tasks performed worse on all EF tasks (ds 0.56-1.23, ps < .05). The BRIEF-Teacher Total and Index scores might better screen general EF in PBTS than the BRIEF-Parent. However, the BRIEF-Teacher is also not specific enough to capture separate EFs. Solely relying on the BRIEF as a screening measure of EFs in BPTS is insufficient. Questionnaires and tasks give distinctive, valuable information.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition/physiology*
Fulltext The association between physical fitness with successful ageing and risk of cognitive impairment among Malaysian older adults

Huijin, Lau, Nor Fadilah Rajab, Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin, Suzana Shahar

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2015;15(22):97-102.
MyJurnal

The expansion of ageing population has gained much public attention on the importance of healthy and successful ageing,
which is absence of major chronic diseases, preserved physiological and cognitive functioning and active engagement
with life. Previous studies have found there was a significant correlation between physical fitness with cognition. However,
the relationship between physical fitness with successful and unsuccessful cognitive ageing groups are very limited. This
study was aimed to identify the significant physical fitness components that contribute in reducing risk of cognitive decline
represented as different cognitive ageing groups. A total of 300 community-based elderly aged 60 and above from the
states of Selangor, Perak and Kelantan were recruited using multistage random sampling method in this cross-sectional
study. Cognitive function of subjects was categorized into three groups, namely Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) (n
= 100), Usual Ageing (UA) (n = 100) and Successful Ageing (SA) (n = 100) based on defined criteria. Senior Fitness
Tests included 2-minute step, handgrip strength, chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, 8 foot up-and-go and back scratch
were measured to determine the cardiorespiratory fitness; muscle strength; agility and flexibility of subjects. SA group
had significantly better performance than non-SA groups in all fitness components, except for chair sit-and-reach. After
controlling for age, gender, education years and smoking status, handgrip strength and chair stand tests were associated
with a reduced risk of MCI by 7% [OR: 0.93, 95% C.I: 0.88-0.99, p < 0.05] and 15% [OR: 0.85, 95% C.I: 0.75-0.95, p <
0.01], respectively. These findings suggest that older adults with higher upper and lower body muscular strength could
serve as protective factors for cognitive impairment. Further research is warranted to evaluate the mechanism of physical
and cognitive decline such as Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCR) in more detailed for the purpose for promoting
healthy and successful ageing.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The applicability of social cognitive career theory in predicting life satisfaction of university students: A meta-analytic path analysis

Mohd Rasdi R, Ahrari S

PLoS One, 2020;15(8):e0237838.
PMID: 32822400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237838

Derived from the social cognitive career theory (SCCT), the present study developed a model for the empirical examination of factors affecting the life satisfaction of university students. A random-effects meta-analysis of zero-order correlations observed the results of 16 studies (20 samples, n = 7,967), and associations among the SCCT variables were examined by using a meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) according to a pooled correlation matrix. An alternative model was offered and then assessed. The findings showed a satisfactory fit of the new model as compared to the original SCCT. The results demonstrated support for the alternative model of SCCT in predicting life satisfaction. The present study suggested that researchers should embrace this alternative model when synthesizing SCCT factors. Limitations and avenues for future research were put forward for further consideration.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The antecedents of job performance among nurses working in malaysian government hospitals, age being a moderator

Pavitira Manogaran, Rajendran Muthuveloo

The Malaysian Journal of Nursing, 2019;11(1):1-9.
MyJurnal

Purpose:The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between workplace mindfulness, cognition, emotion, behaviour and psychology on job performance. In addition, age was tested as the moderating factor on the relationship between workplace mindfulness, cognition, emotion, behaviour and psychology on job performance. Method: The research was conducted on nurses working in Malaysian government hospitals among 127 respondents were chosen. Data was collected from the respondents using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed with factor analysis, reliability test and multiple regression analysis. Results: Results indicated that only workplace mindfulness, cognition and behaviour had a positive significant influence on job performance. Age moderated the relationship between the cognition, behaviour and psychology positively and significantly on job performance. Contribution: The Malaysian government hospital management is suggested to focus on these three factors in order to overcome job performance issue among nurses.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The advantages of using concept mapping notes in classroom teaching

Rusnani Ab Latif, Akehsan Hj. Dahlan, Zamzaliza Ab Mulud, Mohd Zarawi Mat Nor

Malaysian Journal of Medical Research, 2018;2(1):37-48.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The teacher centered approach is a teaching and learning strategy has been practiced
traditionally for long in the classroom. Through this strategy the teacher plays an important role, while the
students only act as spectators, the interaction between students and teachers is only one way. In this study, the
concept mapping notes was added in teaching and learning methods during classroom teaching. Concept
mapping is one method of teaching that encourages students to becomes independent learner, critical thinking
and competent in their work.

Methodology: This study was carried out in Kolej Kejururawatan Kubang Kerian (Kelantan), and Kolej
Kejururawatan Pulau Pinang. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling. There were 109
respondents. The respondents were given 40 minutes to develop the concept mapping notes.

Results: The activity of the students in the teaching is certainly a positive sign towards achieving their
learning. The example of variety concept maps construct done by the students are highly creative and
innovative.

Conclusion: Students should take responsibility for their own learning. However, that is a role of a educator
to choose the best teaching method to makes the learning become meaningful and effective toward the student
cognitive structure that will help them to understand the topic those were taught.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
The Two-Brains Hypothesis: Towards a guide for brain-brain and brain-machine interfaces

Goodman G, Poznanski RR, Cacha L, Bercovich D

J Integr Neurosci, 2015 Sep;14(3):281-93.
PMID: 26477360 DOI: 10.1142/S0219635215500235

Great advances have been made in signaling information on brain activity in individuals, or passing between an individual and a computer or robot. These include recording of natural activity using implants under the scalp or by external means or the reverse feeding of such data into the brain. In one recent example, noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allowed feeding of digitalized information into the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, noninvasive electroencephalography (EEG) recordings of motor signals at the scalp, representing specific motor intention of hand moving in individual humans, were fed as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at a maximum intensity of 2.0[Formula: see text]T through a circular magnetic coil placed flush on each of the heads of subjects present at a different location. The TMS was said to induce an electric current influencing axons of the motor cortex causing the intended hand movement: the first example of the transfer of motor intention and its expression, between the brains of two remote humans. However, to date the mechanisms involved, not least that relating to the participation of magnetic induction, remain unclear. In general, in animal biology, magnetic fields are usually the poor relation of neuronal current: generally "unseen" and if apparent, disregarded or just given a nod. Niels Bohr searched for a biological parallel to complementary phenomena of physics. Pertinently, the two-brains hypothesis (TBH) proposed recently that advanced animals, especially man, have two brains i.e., the animal CNS evolved as two fundamentally different though interdependent, complementary organs: one electro-ionic (tangible, known and accessible), and the other, electromagnetic (intangible and difficult to access) - a stable, structured and functional 3D compendium of variously induced interacting electro-magnetic (EM) fields. Research on the CNS in health and disease progresses including that on brain-brain, brain-computer and brain-robot engineering. As they grow even closer, these disciplines involve their own unique complexities, including direction by the laws of inductive physics. So the novel TBH hypothesis has wide fundamental implications, including those related to TMS. These require rethinking and renewed research engaging the fully complementary equivalence of mutual magnetic and electric field induction in the CNS and, within this context, a new mathematics of the brain to decipher higher cognitive operations not possible with current brain-brain and brain-machine interfaces. Bohr may now rest.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The Time Course of Dorsal and Rostral-Ventral Anterior Cingulate Cortex Activity in the Emotional Stroop Experiment Reveals Valence and Arousal Aberrant Modulation in Patients with Schizophrenia

Feroz FS, Leicht G, Rauh J, Mulert C

Brain Topogr, 2019 01;32(1):161-177.
PMID: 30288663 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-018-0677-0

This paper aims to investigate the temporal dynamics within the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and the rostral-ventral (rv) ACC during the interaction of emotional valence and arousal with cognitive control in patients with Schizophrenia (SZ). Although cognitive deficits in SZ are highly relevant and emotional disturbances are common, the temporal relationship of brain regions involved in the interaction of emotional and cognitive processing in SZ is yet to be determined. To address this issue, the reaction time (RT), event-related potential (ERP) and temporal dynamics of the dACC and rvACC activity were compared between SZ subjects and healthy controls (HC), using a modified emotional Stroop experiment (with factors namely congruence, arousal and valence). EEG was recorded with 64 channels and source localisation was performed using the sLORETA software package. We observed slower initial increase and lower peaks of time course activity within the dACC and rvACC in the SZ group. In this particular group, the dACC activity during late negativity was negatively correlated with a significantly higher RT in the high arousal conflict condition. In contrast to HC subjects, at the N450 window, there was no significant valence (ERP and rvACC ROI) modulation effect in the SZ subjects. Using high density EEG and source localisation, it was possible to distinguish various disturbances within the dACC and rvACC in patients with SZ, during emotion-cognition processing.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
The Time Course of Activity within the Dorsal and Rostral-Ventral Anterior Cingulate Cortex in the Emotional Stroop Task

Feroz FS, Leicht G, Steinmann S, Andreou C, Mulert C

Brain Topogr, 2017 Jan;30(1):30-45.
PMID: 27659288 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-016-0521-3

Growing evidence from neuroimaging studies suggest that emotional and cognitive processes are interrelated. Anatomical key structures in this context are the dorsal and rostral-ventral anterior cingulate cortex (dACC and rvACC). However, up to now, the time course of activations within these regions during emotion-cognition interactions has not been disentangled. In the present study, we used event-related potentials (ERP) and standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) region of interest (ROI) source localization analyses to explore the time course of neural activations within the dACC and rvACC using a modified emotional Stroop paradigm. ERP components related to Stroop conflict (N200, N450 and late negativity) were analyzed. The time course of brain activations in the dACC and rvACC was strikingly different with more pronounced initial responses in the rvACC followed by increased dACC activity mainly at the late negativity window. Moreover, emotional valence modulated the earlier N450 stage within the rvACC region with higher neural activations in the positive compared to the negative and neutral conditions. Emotional arousal modulated the late negativity stage; firstly in the significant arousal × congruence ERP effect and then the significant higher current density in the low arousal condition within the dACC. Using sLORETA source localization, substantial differences in the activation time courses in the dACC and rvACC could be found during the emotional Stroop task. We suggest that during late negativity, within the dACC, emotional arousal modulated the processing of response conflict, reflected in the correlation between the ex-Gaussian µ and the current density in the dACC.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition/physiology
Fulltext The Processes of Change Scale: A Confirmatory Study of the Malay Language Version

Hidrus A, Kueh YC, Bachok N, Kuan G

Malays J Med Sci, 2020 May;27(3):125-136.
PMID: 32684813 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.3.13

Background: Processes of change (POC) comprise one of the psychological constructs in the Transtheoretical Model. The objective of this study is to test the validity and reliability of the Malay version of the POC scale among university students by using a confirmatory approach.
Method: A cross-sectional study design with a convenience sampling method using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out. University undergraduate students were approached to fill in the questionnaire, which consisted of demographic information and a POC scale. The POC scale consisted of 30 items and two main factors (i.e., cognitive and behavioural). The POC scale was translated into the Malay language using a standard procedure of forward and backward translation. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed, and composite reliability was computed using Mplus version 8.
Results: A total of 620 respondents with a mean age of 20 years (standard deviation = 1.15) completed the questionnaire. Most of the participants were female (74.7%) and Malay (78.2%). The initial CFA model of the POC scale did not exhibit fit based on several fit indices (comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.880, Tucker Lewis index (TLI) = 0.867, standardised root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.075 and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.058). Several re-specifications of the model were conducted and the modification included adding correlation between the items' residuals. The final model for the Malay version of the POC scale showed acceptable values of model fit indices (CFI = 0.922, TLI = 0.911, SRMR = 0.064 and RMSEA = 0.048). The composite reliability of both the cognitive and behavioural processes was acceptable at 0.856 and 0.752, respectively.
Conclusion: The final model presented acceptable values of the goodness of fit indices, indicating that the scale is fit and acceptable to be adopted for future study.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The Molecular Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Alzheimer's Disease

Liew AKY, Teo CH, Soga T

Mol Neurobiol, 2022 Dec;59(12):7095-7118.
PMID: 36083518 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03016-w

Environmental enrichment (EE) is an environmental paradigm encompassing sensory, cognitive, and physical stimulation at a heightened level. Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of EE in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. EE improves cognitive function as well as ameliorates depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, making it a potentially effective neuroprotective strategy against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we summarize the current evidence for EE as a neuroprotective strategy as well as the potential molecular pathways that can explain the effects of EE from a biochemical perspective using animal models. The effectiveness of EE in enhancing brain activity against neurodegeneration is explored with a view to differences present in early and late life EE exposure, with its potential application in human being discussed. We discuss EE as one of the non pharmacological approaches in preventing or delaying the onset of AD for future research.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The Influence of Teachers' Management Efficiency and Motivation on College Students' Academic Achievement under Sustainable Innovation and the Cognition of Social Responsibility after Employment

Tan C, Yi L, Haider A, Kwen L, Mamnoon R, Li K, et al.

J Environ Public Health, 2022;2022:1663120.
PMID: 36060872 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1663120

Teachers' management effectiveness can reflect the comprehensive ability and effective evaluation of the teaching management objectives of the school and can also reflect the effectiveness management of the school to a certain extent. In the environment of sustainable and innovative development, the rapid development of education has made improving the management efficiency and motivation of university teachers became the key direction of university management. In order to study the impact of teachers' management efficacy and motivation on college students' academic achievement and postemployment social responsibility cognition under sustainable innovation, this study compares the impact of teachers in different periods on students and analyzes the changes of teachers in different periods on students. Finally, it is concluded that teachers' management efficiency and motivation under sustainable innovation can promote students' employment achievement and social responsibility cognition, improve the teaching quality of colleges and universities, and provide high-quality talents for the country. The educational concept of sustainable innovation is conducive to improving teachers' independent innovation and realizing the educational function of cultivating students' personalized development in colleges and universities.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition
Fulltext The Influence of Demographic, Clinical, Psychological and Functional Determinants on Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment at Day Care Stroke Center, Malaysia

Mohd Zulkifly MF, Ghazali SE, Che Din N, Subramaniam P

Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Mar;23(2):53-64.
PMID: 27547115 MyJurnal

This study aims to estimate the prevalence and explore the predictors for post-stroke cognitive impairment at the community level in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Cognition Disorders

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links