Average Mean Score Research Articles

Resource Management Practices and Completion of Road Construction Projects in Rwanda: Base-Butaro-Kidaho Road Project

The study assessed the effect of resource management practices on completion of road construction projects in Rwanda, with a specific focus on the Base-Butaro-Kidaho road construction project. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of material resource management, financial resource management, and human resource management on the project's successful and timely completion. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. The study population consisted of 393 stakeholders involved in the planning, execution, and oversight of the Base-Butaro-Kidaho road project. A sample of 198 respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques, complemented by purposive sampling to identify key respondents Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression were employed to analyze the data. Key findings indicate that material resource management had an overall average mean score of 4.53, showing that it was highly effective in ensuring the project's completion. Financial resource management showed a strong positive correlation with project completion (r = .504, p < .01), while human resource management had the strongest positive impact (r = .570, p < .01). The overall resource management practices demonstrated a significant correlation with project success (r = .643, p < .01). The regression analysis further revealed that human resource management had the most substantial positive impact on project completion, followed by financial and material resource management. The ANOVA results confirmed the statistical significance of all three management practices in predicting project success. The study concludes that comprehensive and strategic resource management practices are essential for the successful completion of road construction projects, with human resource management being the most influential factor. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing human resource management, strengthening financial resource management, and improving material resource management to ensure the continued success of future projects. Suggestions for further research include expanding the scope to other infrastructure projects, investigating additional factors influencing project success, and conducting cross-regional comparisons to understand contextual influences on resource management practices.

Peer editing and writing proficiency: an experimental study in South Korean higher education

ABSTRACT Peer editing enhances critical thinking, improves student writing, ultimately leading to a more productive learning environment (Kostopoulou and O’Dwyer 2021; Lundstrom and Baker 2009, “To give is better than to receive: The benefits of peer review to the reviewer’s own writing.” Journal of Second Language Writing 18:30–43; Storch 2018, “Written corrective feedback from sociocultural theoretical perspectives: A research agenda.” Language Teaching 51 (02): 262–277; Yao et al. 2021, “How university EFL writers’ beliefs in writing ability impact their perceptions of peer assessment: Perspectives from implicit theories of intelligence.” Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education 46 (1): 151–167). However, reservations toward peer feedback in a university EFL setting persist due to the accuracy of L2 feedback (Braine, 2003; Erdel 2023, “Student feedback literacy (SFL) profiles in an L2 writing classroom and the influence of peer feedback on the SFL features.” International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies 11 (3): 112–125.). This study utilized a pretest-posttest writing assessment to analyze differences in writing outcomes in an academic research writing course at two universities in Seoul, South Korea. The researchers also examined the accuracy of the L2 peer-editing feedback. The sampling consisted of five randomized classes of university undergraduates. Two control groups received feedback via the instructor and two experimental groups received peer-editing feedback. A fifth mixed group was divided between the control and experimental groups but within the same context. The instructors used both in-class and online feedback tools for the control and experimental groups. The analysis used Sengupta’s (1998, “Peer evaluation: ‘I am not the teacher’.” ELT Journal 52 (1): 19–28) revision taxonomy to assess peer feedback accuracy. Participants completed separate pretest and posttest writing assessments. One at the start of the semester (pretest) and one at the end (posttest). The researchers used a MANOVA to compare the pretest and posttest mean average assessment scores between the control and experimental groups. The results show that peer feedback matches the effectiveness of professor feedback for pretest/posttest scores. Researchers also assessed 156 peer-editing assignments for feedback accuracy. Peer editors demonstrated statistically significant accuracy. This study recommends using peer feedback for its benefits to L2 learners and instructors.

A Framework for Industry 4.0 Related Green Concept Integration of Services Component in Commercial Buildings

The effects of global warming are far-reaching and can affect and threaten every aspect of human existence. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have mainly contributed to the emission of these greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Construction activities and practices are one such human activity. Building services are the aspects of a building that ensure the occupants are comfortable and secure within the building. However, building services use resources such as energy and water to create such comfort. The 4.0 era of industry has introduced dimensions to Green Building Concepts and practices of creating structures and processes that are environmentally friendly, responsible and resource efficient. This research, therefore, seeks to develop a framework for the integration of Industry 4.0-related green concepts into services in commercial buildings. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in this research to provide information concerning integrating green concepts into building services in commercial buildings in Nigeria. Data were collected with questionnaires from 106 built environment professionals who also use commercial buildings in the study area of Abuja. Statistical tools for frequency, percentage, mean score, relative important index (RII), independent samples t test, Mann–Whitney U test and the factor reduction method based on eigen values were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that quality indoor air conditioning is the most critical satisfaction parameter for users within commercial buildings, with an average mean score of 3.81. The aesthetic effect of installed services on the building façade and high-quality building services components was ranked high, with an average mean score of 3.33 for each. The results also indicated that the lack of relevant technology and inadequate training of service personnel hindered the growth of green building concepts in Nigeria. These factors had a mean score of 4.35 each. Professionals ranked energy efficient/saving bulbs, e.g., CFLs, remote controlled, sensored lights, natural daylight, solar photovoltaic panels and building management systems, as the most effective green components that can be incorporated into commercial buildings. These factors and others were combined to create a framework for integrating green concepts for services into commercial buildings. When the construction industry and government in Nigeria adopt this framework, it can promote more integration of green concepts into commercial building services.

Mobile Assisted Language Learning: Ecuadorian Undergraduate Polytechnic Students' Perceptions

Despite the increased use of mobile devices for language learning, little research has examined Ecuadorian university students' perceptions of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL). This study aims to explore undergraduate polytechnic students' perceptions of using MALL for English skills development. Also, it looks at the different factors associated with the acceptance of technology and identifies those that are more common. This quantitative research design uses a survey adapted from the Technology Adoption Model (TAM). It counts with the participation of 126 Ecuadorian undergraduate polytechnic students taking English as a foreign language classes. Participants were very positive about using MALL applications to learn English during their off-classroom time. The average total mean score was 4.373. It was also determined, through multiple regression analysis, that Perceived Usefulness (t = 6.025, p < 0.000), Social Influence (t = 2.876, p < 0.000), and Perceived Outcomes (t = 3.903, p <0.000) were the highest predictors of MALL acceptance. The two main contributions of this study to the literature are that students feel a connection between their language learning aims and attaining them by using MALL. Perceived Outcome is a high predictor of MALL usage. The findings suggest that Ecuadorian educational practices should increasingly integrate Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) technologies, as students perceive them as highly useful, especially in improving language skills, fostering social collaboration, and offering personalized, flexible learning experiences that align with their technological readiness and cultural context.

Study on Factors Affecting Performance in the Construction Business of Contractors in the Pakse Municipality, Champasack Province, Lao PDR Case study: Building construction business

The purpose of this research is to examine the key factors that affect the construction business of the construction companies in the Pakse Municipality, Champasack Province of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which include the business model and operations of the construction company, as well as the analyze of various factors that affect the success of the business. Additionally, the research investigates the causes and methods for preventing or resolving such issues, considering the project's two critical aspects. The data were obtained from 53 construction company utilizing questionnaires. The data was further statistically examined to determine the factors' relative relevance and test the hypothesis. Research results showed 12 major problems: 1) project owner does not pay the agreed-upon construction costs; 2) lack of pre-employment financial assessment; 3) lack of personnel planning; 4) lack of motivation to work; 5) inflation and country's economic insolvency; 6) registered capital and performance of the company; 7) overproduction and overpricing; 8) lack of mechanical planning; 9) lack of planning and control of material use; 10) competitors who are companies from other provinces or abroad; 11) shortage of subcontractors and skilled labor; 12) encouragement-promotion and knowledge of modern construction techniques from the government. Altogether, the two fundamental factors indicated that the most significant issue is within the project, specifically the finances and building budget, with an average mean score of 4.18, which is 100%. As for personnel and staff, the average mean score of 4.14 covers 100%. In terms of sourcing, the average mean score of 3.85, accounting for 83.33%; for tools and construction machinery, the average mean score of 3.78, representing 83.33%. Considering building materials, the average mean score of 3.74, forming 71.42%, and in terms of environment and regulations, the average mean score of 3.74, equivalent to 60 percent of the problems with an average mean score greater than 3.5. The hypothesis testing showed that the value is less than the value. In summary, factors that affect the operation of construction contractor businesses do not depend on whether the contractor is profitable or at a loss/equity, or the importance of the factors does not depend on performance.

Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) when learning anatomy in midwifery education: A pre-post pilot study.

The integration of technology within teaching offers efficient and diverse learning opportunities. Studies have shown that the use of virtual reality (VR), improves anatomical knowledge and spatial understanding. The aim of this pilot study was to examine whether the utilization of immersive virtual reality goggles as a learning tool for anatomy increase midwifery students' knowledge, and to explore the potential of replacing traditional classroom teaching with VR. We conducted a pre-post pilot study using a questionnaire before and after the use of VR as a learning tool in two cohorts of midwifery students in higher education. Cohort one had completed eight hours of classroom teaching of anatomy before participating in the VR session. The study included 44 midwifery students from two different classes at the same Master's program in midwifery at a university college in Norway. Student in both cohorts were in their first semester of midwifery studies and possessed a Bachelor's degree in nursing. Both cohorts had an increased average mean score in anatomical knowledge immediate after and 14 days after attending the learning session in VR. Students from the cohort that did not participate in anatomy lectures scored high on knowledge, both before and after the session in VR compared to the cohort that had additional classroom teaching in anatomy. Implementing VR as a learning tool, can contribute to increase spatial understanding and anatomical knowledge. By focusing on student learning in combination with learning activities and collaboration, the technology helps students gain understanding and knowledge.

Health Promoting Behaviour among School Going Adolescents of Government School in Gaidakot, Nawalparasi

Background: A health-promoting behavior is an endpoint or action-outcome directed toward attaining positive healthoutcomes such as optimal wellbeing, personal fulfillment, and productive living. Adolescents make up as much as a quarterof the population and the number of adolescents is expected to rise through 2050. Adolescents are vulnerable to the riskfactors contributing to Noncommunicable diseases, whether from unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, exposure to tobaccosmoke or the harmful use of alcohol.Method: A cross sectional analytical study design was used among 89 adolescents of grade 9 and 10 was selected throughenumerative sampling technique. Data was collected using a self–administered questionnaire from Adolescent HealthPromoting – Short Form scale and entered in excel and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version20.0 using Descriptive statistics (Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and interferential statistics (chi-square).Result: Findings revealed that 48.3% respondents obtained below average mean score on health promoting behaviour.The overall mean ± S.D of status of health promoting behaviour was 68.12±8.847. Among 6 subscales, life appreciationobtained the highest mean score (with standard deviation) i.e. 15.35±3.72, whereas exercise obtained least mean score (withstandard deviation) i.e. 7.80±2.66 and there is statistically significant association with health promoting behaviours amongadolescents and educational status of mother (p=0.033).Conclusion: Overall health promoting behaviours among adolescents is below average so it is necessary to improve in areaslike nutrition and exercise. There is significant association between parental education and health promoting behavioursof the adolescents, so parental education should be improved by school committee, should introduce educational session,awareness program, physical activity program and nutrition exhibition program regarding health promoting behaviourssince early grade.

Data Privacy in Social Media: Awareness and Comfortability of Mathematical Computing Course Session I 2023/2024 Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Polytechnic’s Students

The increasing integration of social media into daily lives of individuals has raised significant concerns about data privacy. As users actively engage with various platforms, the extent to which they are aware of the privacy implications and their comfort levels with the use of personal data become vital issues. This study aimed to identify social media platforms that are often used by students, their level of awareness towards social media data privacy policy and their comfortability towards data privacy by social media companies. The respondents in this study comprises of 106 male and female students. The data are analyzed descriptively by mean, frequency and percentage. The level of awareness towards social media data privacy policy is high with average mean score 3.94, WhatsApp is the often-surfed social media platform by score of 89.62% and most students were highly comfortable with how educational social media platform used their data with mean 3.85. This study proposes the necessity of a diverse approach involving education, user empowerment, and technological advancements to enhance data privacy awareness and comfort levels among students in the realm of social media and prepare to a more secure and responsible online environment for the next generation users

Influence of ICT Resources Utilization on Social Information Sharing among Undergraduates in Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria

The study examined the influence of ICT resource utilization on social information sharing among undergraduates at Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. It employed the descriptive survey design. The population comprises all undergraduates in the faculty of education at Federal University Oye Ekiti. A total of 200 students volunteered to participate in this study using a simple random sampling technique. The main instrument for data collection was a semi-structured question which was validated with a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.7 and above. Data collected from respondents was analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency, table, mean, and standard deviation. The formulated hypothesis was analyzed with Spearman rank regression analysis. Results indicated a generally high extent of social information-sharing practices among undergraduates in the selected university with an average mean score of 3.4 on a scale of 4 points. Findings further indicated that computers (mean=3.0, RII=0.9) and Google Meet (mean=3.0, RII=0.9) were the most commonly used among the ICT resources used by undergraduates. Others include smartphones (mean = 2.9, RII = 0.9), Google (mean = 2.6, RII = 0.8), software programs (mean = 2.6, RII= 0.8), emails (mean = 2.6, RII= 0.8), projectors (mean = 2.2, RII= 0.7), interactive online teaching platforms (mean = 2.2, RII= 0.7) and Slack (mean = 2.1, RII= 0.7). the study revealed a statistically significant influence of ICT resource utilization and social information-sharing practices among undergraduates in the selected university (F=48.817, p<0.05). The study concluded that the use of ICT resources should be encouraged by the university authority to move the institution to the next level through massive investment in digital educational transformation which has the potential to boost the ranking of the university among its contemporaries across the globe.

Safe food handling knowledge and practices of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin cafeteria food handlers

Food safety has become a huge concern among health authorities in Malaysia due to the serious impact of foods being mishandled during preparation, processing, or storage, especially in food service environments. Therefore, this study was conducted to study knowledge and practices of safe food handling among Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) cafeteria food handlers. In this study, the questionnaires were modified from the previous study and distributed to fifty-five respondents who were selected using a convenience sampling method. The result was analysed and computed by using IBM SPSS version 21.0. This study found the average mean scores for all twenty items of knowledge towards safe food handling among food handlers involved in this study was 17.89±2.96. This indicates the majority of 87.3% (n = 48) respondents had ‘good’ knowledge while 7.3% (n = 4) respondents had ‘fair’ knowledge and another 5.5% (n = 3) had ‘poor’ knowledge score towards safe food handling. Besides, the majority of respondents had ‘good’ practices while none of the respondents had ‘poor’ and ‘fair’ score levels towards practices of safe food handling. The average mean score of practices toward safe food handling among food handlers involved in this study was 25.16±1.32. The results showed a positive correlation between the safe food handling knowledge and practices of UniSZA cafeteria’s food handler (p-value = 0.013). In conclusion, according to the score levels of safe food handling knowledge among food handlers of UniSZA cafeteria, the result revealed that the majority of the food handlers had a good level of knowledge and practices towards safe food handling. Good knowledge and the right practice among food handlers in their working premises would help to ensure that more harm to food can be avoided.

Online Learning Anxiety and their Academic Self-Efficacy During the COVID-19 Crisis

This study sought to examine the relationship between students’ online learning anxiety (OLA) and their academic self-efficacy (ASE) during COVID-19 crisis. To assess such a relationship, students’ perspectives were investigated by using a standardized questionnaire that comprised four sections. The questionnaire was sent out to 718 students enrolled in tertiary education institutions in 28 countries. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS (Pearson Correlation, ANOVA, multivariate analysis, t-test), and were further determined by median and average mean scores. The instruments’ reliability was verified by Delphi technique and Cronbach’s Alpha test. The results revealed that while all students experienced varied degrees of OLA during COVID-19 crisis, a positive correlation was found between ASE and OLA. This unexpected positive relationship contradicts with Bandura’s social-cognitive theory that specifies anxiety as a direct result of low self-efficacy beliefs. However, the results are partially in line with findings of many studies confirming positive correlations between self-efficacy and online learning during the crisis, between online learning and anxiety, and between online-learning quality and academic self-efficacy. The authors believe that online learning has contributed significantly to students’ self-efficacy despite the crisis’ global negative effects.

Local Community Participation Under Proboscis Monkey Conservation-Based Ecotourism Development in Curiak Island Area

Abstract This study was conducted to identify local participation under proboscis monkey conservation-based ecotourism development in Curiak Island Area and the relationship between their socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 20 respondents participated in the study. The data taken included respondents’ profiles and local community participation in proboscis monkey ecotourism development. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics analysis and rank Spearman correlation analysis. The results showed that local community participation in proboscis monkey conservation-based ecotourism is at a medium level with an average mean score of 3.34. The correlation coefficient between age and local community participation is −0.223 with a significance value of 0.345 so that it can be said that there is no significant relationship (p>0.05) between age and local community participation and are at a very low category, the correlation coefficient value between gender and local community participation is 0.286 with a significance value of 0.221 so that it can be said that there is no significant relationship (p>0.05) between gender and community participation local and are at a low category, the correlation coefficient value between education and local community participation is 0.296 with a significance value of 0.205 so that it can be said that there is no significant relationship (p>0.05) between education and local community participation and are at a low category, and the correlation coefficient value between income and local community participation is 0.496 with a significance value of 0.026 so that it can be said that there is a real relationship (p<0.05) between income and local community participation and are at a medium category. It can be concluded that local community participation in proboscis monkey conservation-based ecotourism is at a medium level. The socio-demographic characteristic that has a real relationship with local community participation is monthly income. Socio-demographic characteristics that have no significant relationship with local community participation are age, education, and educational background.

Educational climate of a pathology residency program at a tertiary care hospital.

Evaluating educational climate (EC) is imperative for ensuring postgraduate trainees' competencies and quality in residency training programs. This study assessed the EC experiences of pathology postgraduate residents (PGRs) during their postgraduate training in pathology residency programs-a cross-sectional study design assigned EC scores in the pathology residency program at a prestigious institution in Islamabad, which were measured using the Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test (D-RECT) questionnaire. Scores from the D-RECT were employed to conduct descriptive statistics and comparison of means across groups to evaluate EC scores by years of training and compared to assess where the differences were located. Among FCPS-II pathology residents, most of whom were females (94.4%), the mean age was 28.11±2.91 years. A mean positive score was observed among all pathology residents (M≥3.6) for all D-RECT subscales except for the feedback subscale: the average score for feedback was below the average mean score of 3.6 (M = 3.19). A significant difference p = 0.016 was observed in EC scores across different groups through the Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) test. The most significant difference was between less than two and greater than two groups p = 0.027, followed by the difference between equal to two groups and greater than two groups p = 0.052. Overall, positive scores for EC in the pathology residency program were observed. Thus, targeted interventions are needed to increase feedback scores and address observed differences in EC scores by years of training.

Effect of Mnemonics in the Teaching of Araling Panlipunan 9 on Students’ Written Assessment Scores: A One-Group Study Design

This study investigated the effectiveness of mnemonics in teaching Araling Panlipunan 9 on students’ written assessment scores. It used a one-group pretest-posttest design, a quasi-experimental design of the quantitative research methodology. The study was conducted at a National High School in Apayao, Philippines. Purposive sampling was used to select 40 Grade 9 students as participants. The researchers used a validated assessment instrument adopted from the Department of Education modules. The results showed that the students improved their scores significantly after using mnemonics in teaching, as indicated by the increase in the mean average score, the rejection of the null hypothesis, and the positive correlation between mnemonic usage and performance. The study recommended continuing to use mnemonic techniques in teaching Araling Panlipunan 9, providing remedial support to low-performing students, and promoting active student engagement in the learning process.

Assessment of Patients’ Satisfaction with Pharmaceutical Services rendered in Staff Clinic, of Tertiary Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State

The evaluation of patients’ satisfaction on various matters concerning healthcare services provides insight about the drawbacks of different healthcare systems. The study aimed at assessing the level of patients’ satisfaction with pharmacy services in staff clinic of tertiary hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State. In a cross-sectional study, data on the level of satisfaction with the pharmacy services among 130 patients who had their prescriptions filled at the pharmacy clinic during the period of April to October, 2019 was collected using a validated adopted structured instrument. The data collected was entered into and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Analyses were descriptive and inferential, and results were considered significant at P < 0.05. Very many (80.8%) of the respondents had frequent patronage of the pharmacy, with majority (76.9%) which sought services for themselves, and 80.0% were registered on National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The overall mean score, the respondents gave to satisfaction with pharmacy services was 3.31. There was above average structure and process mean score (> 3) with respect to gender, patronage, payment status and services sought for self or others. Services sought for self, was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the process mean score. There was a positive correlation between mean overall satisfaction score and mean structure as well as process satisfaction score (r value is 0. 717 and 0.986 respectively with P < 0.0001). The overall mean patient satisfaction with services rendered is above average. The mean process satisfaction score contributed more to the overall satisfaction score than the mean structure satisfaction score, and both aspects correlated positively with the overall satisfaction score.

E017 An early inflammatory arthritis questionnaire to enable enhanced triage and a scoping exercise to assess clinical utility

Abstract Background/Aims The quality of early inflammatory arthritis (EIA) referrals from primary care can vary even with a standardised referral form leading to large numbers of non-EIA patients being seen. Poor utilisation of EIA slots places pressure on an EIA service’s ability to see suspected EIA patients within 3 weeks of referral. To overcome this challenge, a questionnaire was devised to enable enhanced EIA triage and a scoping exercise was carried out to assess clinical utility. Methods 50 patients attending the EIA clinic completed the questionnaire (Table 1) either self-administered or via telephone prior to their appointment. Early Inflammatory Arthritis Screening Questionnaire (Table 1) Positive answers were scored 1 with a maximum score of 11. Following their appointment, the patient diagnosis was collected from patient records. Results Of the 50 patients, 14 (28%) had a confirmed EIA diagnosis and the other 36 (72%) patients had a range of alternative diagnoses. In the confirmed EIA group, the scores ranged from 5-8/11 with an average mean score of 7.0 and median of 7. Further analysis showed patients with a score over 5/11 including symptom duration of 12 months and under (Q1) identified all the confirmed EIA patients. Applying the above criteria to our 50 study patients resulted in 27/50 patients qualifying for an EIA appointment slot and 14/27 (52%) would have been confirmed with EIA. After applying these cut off criteria the sensitivity of the questionnaire was 100% and the specificity was 64%. The non-EIA group scores ranged from 0 - 8/11 with an average mean score of 4.9 and median score of 5. Conclusion In our service triage of EIA referrals on a standardised form resulted in poor utilisation of EIA slots. Triage using the questionnaire improved the EIA slot allocation and increased EIA conversion rate from 28% to 50%. This questionnaire appears to be a promising tool to improve utilisation of EIA appointments. Telephone assessment could be delivered by any member of the multidisciplinary team. Disclosure J. Burton: None. R. Sathananthan: None. S. Levy: None. N. Horwood: None. T. Ahmed: None. R. Suresh: None.

Metacognitive Reading Strategies Employed by Grade Nine Male and Female Students: A Study in Addis Ababa Secondary Schools

This study examined the level and preference of metacognitive reading strategies used by Grade 9 students at Ula-dula General Secondary School in Ethiopia. 130 students (59 males and 71 females) participated in the study and filled out the questionnaire. Six of them took part in the interviews. The data was collected using the Metacognitive Awareness Reading Strategy Inventory (MARSI) and a semi-structured interview. SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 24) was used to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative data. The results indicated that students used the metacognitive reading strategies moderately, with an average mean score of 2.8. However, individual students' use of the strategies showed that 40% of the students used the strategies at a low level, 26.2% at a high level, and 33.8% at a medium level. The problem-solving strategies were used most frequently, followed by global and support strategies in second and third place, respectively. Problem-solving and global strategies were utilized moderately, while support strategies were employed at a lower level. The results of an independent sample t-test revealed no significant correlation between the gender of the students and their usage of the strategies. In summary, while the average result showed that students, as a whole, used the strategies moderately, the majority of individual students were found to use them at a low level. The qualitative data provided further evidence to support the quantitative findings. The result suggests that the students' low level of reading proficiency might have been due to a lack of awareness and inappropriate utilization of reading strategies.

Students’ Satisfaction on e-Learning at Faculty of Nursing-Medical Technology of Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy

This study is conducted to describe the satisfaction on e-learning and identify factors related to the satisfaction on e-learning of students at faculty of Nursing – Medical Technology in a national University of Medicine and Pharmacy. We designed a cross-sectional study with questionnaire collected from 736 nursing students. The participants have high satisfaction with an average mean score of 3.86/5. The criterion with the highest value is Capacity and the lowest is Reliability. Factors related to student satisfaction with e-learning include gender, course, content of course, activities before class, distance education methodology and academic results. This result reinforces previous findings regarding e-learning satisfaction among nursing students in a developing country and contributes to the current systematic studies in this field at the developing countries.

Trends in psychosomatic symptoms among adolescents and the role of lifestyle factors

BackgroundAdolescent mental health problems are on the rise globally, including in Sweden. One indicator of this trend is increased psychosomatic symptoms (PSS) over time. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity (PA), diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption may influence the time trends in PSS; however, the evidence base is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between time trends in PSS and lifestyle factors.MethodsThe study was based on data collected from a nationally representative sample of 9,196 fifteen-year-old boys and girls in Sweden using the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) symptom checklist. The sample comprised nearly equal proportions of girls (50.5%) and boys. The lifestyle factors examined in this study included PA, regular breakfast intake, consumption of fruits, vegetables, sweets, or soft drinks, smoking, and alcohol drunkenness. We used data from 2002 to 2018 and stratified by family affluence scale (FAS) to demonstrate how the associations varied among the FAS groups. We fitted separate regression models for the high- and low-FAS groups, where interaction terms between the year of survey and each lifestyle factor were used to estimate the level and direction of associations between the factors and trends in PSS.ResultsThere was a generally increasing trend in PSS mean scores from 2.26 in 2002 to 2.49 in 2018 (p <.001). The changes in each survey year compared to the average mean scores during the preceding years were significant in all years except 2010. Regular breakfast intake, daily fruit and vegetable consumption, and higher PA were associated with lower PSS mean scores, while smoking and drunkenness had opposite associations with PSS. The only significant interaction between survey year and the lifestyle factors was observed regarding drunkenness in the high FAS group, suggesting that the association between trends in PSS and the experience of getting drunk at least twice got stronger over time (B = 0.057; CI:0.016, 0.097; p <.01).ConclusionsThe results indicate increasing trends in PSS among young people in Sweden from 2002 to 2018, with a significant increase observed among adolescents in the high FAS group who reported getting drunk on at least two occasions.

A Survey On The Implementation Of Fine Motoric Portfolio Assessment Of Children Aged 4-6 Years By Kindergarten Teachers In Pare Sub-District

This research aimed to describe the implementation of fine motor portfolio assessments for children aged 4-6 years by kindergarten teachers in Pare Sub-district, Kediri Regency, East Java. This research used quantitative methods, where researchers took a cross-sectional type survey. This type refers to research that can be carried out by collecting data only once. The population in this study were kindergarten teachers in Pare Sub-district, totalling 45 schools. The research results showed that 18 kindergarten teachers in Pare District carried out the fine motor portfolio assessment of children aged 4-6 years very well, 23 teachers carried out the fine motor portfolio assessment of children aged 4-6 years well, while 5 teachers assessed the fine motor portfolio of children aged 4-6 years quite well. The average (mean) score of respondents from the research results on the implementation of children's fine motor portfolio assessments by kindergarten teachers in Pare District, Kediri Regency, East Java, was 77.02. The teacher's portfolio assessment has followed the portfolio assessment stages. The stages for assessing portfolios of kindergarten teachers in Pare Sub-district are determining (1) the objectives of the portfolio, (2) the contents of the portfolio, and (3) the criteria and format for the assessment. The teachers did not involve children or parents in assessing the fine motor portfolio of children aged 4-6 years.