Descriptive Statistical Methods Research Articles

The relationship between self-compassion and caring behaviour in nurses: A cross-sectional study.

To examine the relationship between self-compassion and caring behaviour in nurses. Self-compassion can influence nurses' ability to cope with stress and their job performance. High levels of self-compassion may play a role in nurses' coping with compassion fatigue and burnout. This may make the concept of self-compassion in nurses an important variable for effective care. This is a cross-sectional study. Study data were collected between March and May 2022 from 331 nurses at a hospital in the city of Antalya, Turkey. A personal information form, the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Caring Behaviour Inventory-24 (CBI-24) were used to collect data, and the program SPSS 23.0 was used in data evaluation. Descriptive statistical methods, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of data. The STROBE checklist was followed for this cross-sectional study. The nurses' mean scores were 3.50±0.61 on SCS and 5.21±0.56 on CBI-24. A positive correlation was found between the nurses' self-compassion levels and caring behaviour. Also, the SCS sub-dimension of mindfulness, working in intensive care and working willingly in the nursing profession significantly predicted caring behaviour. These variables explain 19.4% of the variance of caring behaviour. The nurses' self-compassion levels were medium and their caring behaviour was at a high level, and caring behaviour was higher in those who worked in intensive care, those who were working willingly in the nursing profession, and in those with high scores on the self-compassion sub-dimension of mindfulness. It is important to strengthen nurses' self-compassion skills to develop their caring behaviour. In particular, giving nurses in clinics mindfulness-based education will help them to increase their awareness concerning their own lives and to develop their caring behaviour.

Prevalence and characteristics of paediatric burns at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

IntroductionBurn injuries among children have emerged as a significant global public health concern, accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low and Middle-Income Countries bear a significant burden of paediatric burn injuries. In Ghana, limited data exists on the prevalence, characteristics and outcomes of paediatric burns. This study provides vital data on the local burden and epidemiology of paediatric burns at Ghana’s main burns treatment center. The findings have significant value in informing prevention strategies, allocating resources, and improving quality of paediatric burn care. Study objectiveTo establish the prevalence and characteristics of paediatric burns injuries in Ghana’s leading burn center. MethodologyA retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 662 adult and paediatric patients who presented with burns from all over Ghana between 2020 and 2022. The study encompassed medical records of paediatric burn cases (aged 0–14 years) admitted to the center from January 2020 to December 2022. A purposive sampling technique was used to select cases based on the inclusion criteria and elimination of cases with 20 % missing data. A total of 335 paediatric records were reviewed. Data analytical methodsDescriptive statistics, such as frequencies, mean, percentages were used to establish period prevalence and demographic characteristics of paediatric burns. Chi-square analysis and univariate logistic regression was utilized to explore associations between categorical variables, and predictors of burn outcome. ResultsThe period prevalence of paediatric burns was found to be 50.6 %. Paediatric burn cases predominantly affected males (57.6 %). Majority of cases fell within the age range of 1 to 5 years (70.1 %). Hot water emerged as the leading cause (58.4 %), whiles superficial partial thickness burns (51.9 %) was the predominant type of burn. Most cases involved burns affecting less than 20 % Total Body Surface Area (59.0 %). Multi-part body injuries were common (87.2 %), with the lower limb being the most affected (25.36 %). The mortality rate was calculated to be 21.0 %. Higher TBSA was a significant predictor of mortality (p < 0.001). ConclusionThis study found a high prevalence of paediatric burns with hot water and foods being the predominant causes. Higher TBSA predicted lower chances of survival. The findings have scientific value in informing prevention strategies, allocating resources, and improving the quality of care.

Professional loyalty and social mobility of young professionals

Introduction. Professional education in the modern information society acquires new meanings and value orientations. This is explained by the fact that increasing investment in human potential and ensuring due quality of education create a serious foundation for the formation of social mobility. At the same time, its connection with professional loyalty requires a separate conceptualisation and creation of a necessary empirical basis for assessing the economic resource and corporate responsibility and ensuring proper investments in human resource development. The purpose of the study is to reveal the main characteristics of young specialists’ professional loyalty with regard to ensuring their effective inclusion in the system of social and labour relations. Materials and methods. The online survey involved young (under the age of 35) teachers of pedagogical universities of some CIS countries (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan). The all-Russian sample covered in total 1,295 respondents. The analysis of empirical data was based on the methods of descriptive statistics and systematisation of data on young teachers’ ambitions in terms of professional prospects. Results. The findings of the survey point to the acceptable conditions for professional growth, as viewed by many young teachers (64%). The young people’s satisfaction with their labour activity was 73%. The probability of young teachers’ voluntary dismissal decreases with their increased length of service at universities. The share of young teachers intending to link their professional activity with the university in the next 3-5 years was 73%. Conclusion. Young specialists’ professional loyalty directly conditions their success in their profile labour activities. Young specialists who develop the necessary positive attitudes and competencies in the process of their education will in most cases be more flexible at the workplace and have a higher social mobility level. In this regard, investments in professional education can be justified if young professionals have a necessary mobility potential allowing them to successfully adapt to the labour market.

The project-based learning model of training engineers: exploring opportunities for building an individual learning trajectory from the students’ and instructors’ perspectives

Introduction. The project-based approach into engineering training is an innovative education practice that exemplifies the UNESCO strategy for implementing such practices in education worldwide. The motivation of the study is justified by the fact that the implementation of project-based learning involves building a student learning trajectory, which meets demands for competitive specialists in the automotive industry. The research aimed to investigate opportunities for building students’ learning paths in correlation with the formal performance of the project-based learning model and to elicit issues for its improving. Materials and methods. The study used analysis of previous research and formal performance indicators of the project activity at the Mechanical Engineering Center, where pilot engineering training was launched at Togliatti State University (TSU, Russian Federation). To collect empirical data, an online survey was administered among 118 engineering students (its reliability reached Cronbach’s alpha 0.84), and unstructured and focused interviews among student advisors and project supervisors were conducted. Methods of descriptive statistics and IBM SPSS Statistics 23 package were employed to process the obtained quantitative data. Research results. Quantitative performance indicators of the model demonstrate overall positive dynamics in engineers’ training from 2017 to the present. The study discovered project satisfaction at the Mechanical Engineering Centre (74.1%) and the majority of students (71.9%) evaluate positively project opportunities. The correlation between the project role and the awareness of project opportunities was found (r = 0.23; p &lt; 0.05): all student advisors considered project activity as an opportunity to develop their learning trajectory. However, 14.9% of participants did not consider such project prospects. The focused interview clarified reasons for this choice. Conclusion. The study shows that the correlation between the positive dynamics of formal indicators and assessments of the opportunities of building an individual learning trajectory reveals the need to improve the introduced model in terms of finding the optimal balance between the number of projects and their quality. The study prospects include the formation of students’ readiness and internal motivation for participating in engineering projects. The TSU experience in evaluating the opportunities of forming students’ learning paths through project participation can be helpful for other Russian universities where project-based learning is implemented.

Access to justice in the light of everyday problems and prejudice: A pilot study on the experiences of people with epilepsy in Finland

PurposeThe aim of this socio-legal pilot study is to gain insight into the access to justice for people with epilepsy in Finland by identifying the everyday problems experienced by them. Stigma, prejudice and their impact on the lives of people with epilepsy has been widely documented in the literature. Thus, we also wanted to explore whether there is a link between reported everyday problems and perceived prejudice. MethodsIn the first phase of the study, court cases were used to describe the everyday problems of people with epilepsy in Finland. In the second phase, descriptive statistical methods were used to analyse the survey data collected from adults with epilepsy in Finland (n = 237). ResultsBased on only a few existing court cases, the problems faced by people with epilepsy seem to be similar to those faced by other groups of people with disabilities. The most common problems reported by our survey respondents were related to healthcare services (73 %) and work (54 %), followed by family (25 %), mistreatment (25 %), housing (24 %) and goods and services (19 %). Both having refractory epilepsy and perceived prejudice seem to be linked with experiencing everyday problems. ConclusionThe results of this pilot study on the everyday problems experienced by people with epilepsy suggest that there are various gaps in their access to justice, even in a developed EU country like Finland.

Результаты целевого трудоустройства медицинских работников в городах и сельской местности.

Targeted training of future medical workers and their guaranteed employment is one of the state measures to address the issue of the shortage of specialists. The key mission of targeted training is the balanced regulation by the organization of training and employment. Currently, there are not enough scientific studies on the results and effectiveness of this measure in the health care system, but many researchers emphasize the problems of targeted employment of medical workers. According to the studies of a number of authors, the imperfection of normative legal regulation of issues of targeted training allows graduates not to fulfill the obligations of employment in medical organizations upon graduation [3–9]. The purpose of the study. Conduct an analysis of indicators reflecting the specifics of targeted employment of health workers in organizations located in urban and rural areas in 2022 and 2023. Materials and methods. The study used statistical data for 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation on the basis of an operative documented request to the health protection authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, containing information on the number of employed doctors and nursing staff within the framework of targeted training, as well as the planned values of targeted employment in accordance with the concluded contracts. The study period is 2022 and 2023. The total data on targeted employment of medical workers after completion of the specialty program and completion of residency in the context of the names of positions of doctors and nursing staff were analyzed. Analytical and descriptive statistics methods were used in the research process. Results. The share of doctors and nursing staff employed after completion of targeted training from the total number of medical workers in organizations located in rural areas is higher than the share of those recruited to work in urban medical organizations. On average, 1.3% of doctors and 0.21% of nursing staff are annually recruited to urban medical organizations as part of targeted employment out of the total number of the respective key medical personnel as of the end of the reporting year. In rural areas, these figures are 2.6% and 0.30%, respectively. Specialists are predominantly employed in urban medical organizations, while in rural areas – district doctors. The study revealed that in 2023 there were 128.1 target recruitments per 10,000 doctors in urban areas in a given year, and in 2022–124.8, i. e. the intensity of employment by target recruitment in urban areas increased by 2.6% in two years. In rural areas, there were 260.2 target recruitment admissions per 10,000 physicians in 2023 and 262.8 in 2022, that is, the intensity of target recruitment employment of physicians in rural areas decreased by 1% in two years. When analyzing the indicator comparatively, it is noted that in rural areas it is almost twice as high as in urban areas. Conclusions. Targeted employment of medical workers is an effective and efficient measure to attract medical personnel to organizations experiencing a shortage of them. The analysis has shown that the intensity rate of targeted employment per 10,000 physicians in urban areas of the country is lower than in rural areas, which amounted to 128.1 and 260.2, respectively. According to the results of the last two years, 60% of the doctors planned for targeted employment fulfilled their obligations, including 50% in rural areas. The main reason for the current level of employment is the failure to meet the planned indicators of targeted admission to training due to the violation of obligations by students and graduates, which requires the development of a special methodology for assessing the reasonable formation of the plan for targeted recruitment to educational organizations in the context of each medical organization. When comparing the number of vacant positions of doctors and the number of employed graduates within the framework of targeted recruitment, a significant range of the indicator among the subjects of the Russian Federation was revealed, which is presented in the interval from 1 to 29% (9.0±15.95). In this regard, it can be assumed that the number of persons employed under targeted recruitment does not depend on the additional demand for doctors and does not cover the existing deficit.

Worldview potential of professional language training: future medical specialists’ opinion survey

Introduction. The aggravation of interethnic contradictions in the world, the growth of natural disasters, as well as the strengthening of military confrontation, force the medical education system to ensure the formation of a professional worldview of future medical specialists capable of performing professional tasks at a high level. The professional language training of medical students is one of the areas of this work. The purpose of the study is to identify the opinion of medical university students about the worldview potential of professional language training. Materials and methods. The empirical base of the study includes the group surveys results of students of the Ryazan State Medical University named after academician I.P. Pavlov, in which 140 people took part, 70 of whom were the first-year students and 70 – the third-year students. The analysis of the study results was provided with the application of Statistica 12.0 and Microsoft Excel 2016. Methods of descriptive and comparative statistics were used as well. The data are presented in the form of frequencies (%), medians, lower (Q1) and upper (Q3) quartiles, average values with the calculation of standart deviation. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to identify differences between groups. The results of the study revealed that the first-year students had a relatively average level of assessment of a foreign language as a potential resource for the formation of a professional worldview. While the third-year students demonstrated a higher level of understanding of the worldview potential of language training. There were statistically significant differences between the answers of the groups of the first and third-year students in four provided questions (p &lt; 0.001). An important aspect identified in the study is the need for regular curriculum updates, and the development of methods that contribute to the formation of a professional worldview of future physicians. The scientific novelty of the study is based on determining and analyzing the opinions and assessments of students, characterizing the medical students’ understanding of the worldview potential of professional language training. Practical significance lies in the possibility of using the obtained data to timely identify the worldview characteristics of students. Conclusion. As a direction of further research, the development of technologies for the formation of students' worldview in the process of professional language training can be proposed.

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of Helicobacter pylori in patients evaluated for dyspeptic symptoms in North-Eastern India with focus on detection of clarithromycin resistance conferring point mutations A2143G and A2142G within bacterial 23S rRNA gene

PurposeIn India there is evidence of antimicrobial resistance in Helicobacter pylori, a definitive pathobiont whose only known niche is human gastric mucosa. This in turn can lead to failure of treatment, persistence or chronicity of infection. This hospital based, prospective, observational study investigates the presence of antimicrobial resistance in the organism with focus on detection of A2143G and A2142G major point mutations in domain V of H. pylori 23S rRNA gene as a molecular mechanism of conferring resistance. MethodsEndoscopic gastric biopsy samples from 52 patients presenting with dyspeptic symptoms from January 2016 to December 2016 were subjected to culture in a microaerophilic environment using Campylobacter agar with for 2–5 days. Isolates were identified using gram-staining, motility test and biochemical reactions. Modified Kirby-Bauer Disc diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility against Clarithromycin, Metronidazole, Amoxycillin, Levofloxacin, Tetracycline, Cotrimoxazole and Erythromycin. Additionally, detection of A2143G and A2142G point mutations conferring Clarithromycin resistance was carried out using real time PCR following extraction and quantification of bacterial DNA. Histopathological examination was carried out on all biopsy samples. Descriptive and inferential statistical analytical methods were used. Differences were considered significant for p < 0.05. ResultsCulture positivity for H. pylori by phenotypic method was found to be 36.54%. Histopathologic Examination detected H. pylori in 55.7% and PCR detected 48.08% for either the wild type or one of two mutant strains A2143G and A2142G. No sample was found positive for both mutations. Metronidazole showed the highest resistance among antibiotics (78.9%) followed by Clarithromycin (47.3%). ConclusionPrevalence of antimicrobial resistance in H. pylori in North-Eastern India is substantially high with A2143G mutation being clinically most important in conferring Clarithromycin resistance. This resistance might be associated with low eradication rates despite initiation of therapy. ROC analysis of PCR proved it to be a good diagnostic tool.

The Relationship Between Attitude, Belief, Experience, and Knowledge of Iranian Nurses Toward the Use of Personal Protective Equipment: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is pivotal in averting infection transmission to both patients and nurses. The attitude of nurses is a critical determinant in their compliance with PPE usage. This study seeks to explore the correlation between the attitudes of Iranian nurses and their beliefs, experiences, and knowledge concerning the application of PPE. In this cross-sectional study, 303 nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (Iran) were chosen using a quota sampling technique. Between April and June 2022, they completed self-administered questionnaires, which consisted of a Demographic Information form and a four-part questionnaire on "Attitude, Belief, Experience, Knowledge" concerning the utilization of PPE. Data were analyzed utilizing descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The multiple linear regression model was applied to investigate the relationship between attitude scores and various examined variables. The findings indicated that most participants held bachelor's degrees (93.07%), and their attitude scores toward using PPE exceeded 3.25 out of 6 for all 12 questions. Female gender, increased work experience, and higher organizational positions exhibited positive and significant associations with a favorable attitude toward PPE utilization. Conversely, the absence of training related to PPE, a lack of belief in infection control, and limited knowledge displayed negative correlations. Nurses have an ethical obligation to adhere to infection control guidelines, including consistently utilizing PPE, regardless of the level of infection risk or the visibility of the infection. Continuous training and regular monitoring of nurses in this context are indispensable.

THE PRICE DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTED ENERGETIC COMMODITIES

The aim of the paper was to evaluate the price development of electrical energy and inflation as a commodity in the course of the past 10 years. The production of electrical energy decreased from 83.7 TWh in 2010 to 70.6 TWh in 2020 in the Czech Republic in accordance with the results achieved by using the methods of descriptive statistics, time series, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The consumption of energy slightly increased. The proportion of production to consumption declined and consumption was higher than production in 2020. The prices of electricity reveal oscillations influenced by the conflict in the Ukraine. The use of the sources of energy changed, however, without specific trends. The dependence of prices on inflation is considerable and direct. Energy policy ought to deal with the dependence on import and support the domestic production of energy.

The Effect of Problem-Based Learning Model with Learning Videos on Learning Motivation, Critical Thinking Ability, and Social Studies Learning Outcomes

The purpose of this research is to ascertain how Problem-Based Learning (PBL), with the use of instructional videos, affects students' learning achievement in Social Studies (IPS) classes at Gugus I Panakkukang District Elementary School in Makassar City, as well as their learning motivation and critical thinking abilities. This research employed a non-equivalent control group design in a quasi-experimental setup. There were 27 students in the experimental group and 29 in the control group out of the total 56 students in the sample. Tests of academic accomplishment and critical thinking skills, learning motivation surveys, observation, and recordkeeping were some techniques used to gather data. Descriptive statistical methods, inferential analysis, and MANOVA hypothesis testing were used to investigate the data. The results demonstrated that: 1) PBL with learning videos substantially impacted students' learning motivation (p = 0.000 &lt; 0.05);. It is anticipated that the consequences of this research will assist educators in selecting appropriate learning model applications to enhance student learning outcomes.

Determinants of Postpartum Hemorrhage Incidence in the Maospati Magetan Health Center Working Area in 2023, Indonesia

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a loss of blood of more than 500 ml that occurs after the birth of a child either before, during, or after the delivery of the placenta. In developing countries including Indonesia, PPH is the leading cause of maternal death, because of its rapid and unexpected occurrence. This study aims to determine the determinants of hemorrhagic postpartum incidence in Maospati Health Center in 2023. Methods: This type of research is using observational analytic with case control design. The sample in this study was a case sample with a total population of 9 birth mothers who experienced postpartum hemorrhage while the control sample with simple random sampling was randomly selected as many as 36 birth mothers who did not experience postpartum hemorrhage. Data collection techniques and instruments used secondary data from labor medical records in 2023. Data analysis used descriptive statistical methods with relative frequency distribution and proportion or percentage, analytical statistical methods with Chi-Square test, Logistic Regression Analysis and ODD Ratio. Results: Of the 10 determinants studied including that passed the candidate selection and Logistic Regression Analysis test were occupation p-value 0.253, parity p-value 0.137, anemia p-value 0.446, uterine subinvolution p-value 0.000. Conclusion: It can be concluded that occupation, parity, anemia have no influence on the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage while uterine subinvolution has a significant influence on the incidence of, which is 5 times more at risk of experiencing postpartum hemorrhage than mothers with no uterine subinvolution. Subinvolution uteri needs to be prioritized and should not be ignored in providing early treatment of postpartum hemorrhage with prevention efforts including fulfilling nutritional adequacy, conducting Early Breastfeeding Initiation, encouraging early and gradual mobilization, teaching uterine massage, teaching good attachment during breastfeeding, and postpartum exercises.

Effects of Fuel Subsidy Removal on Small-Scale Industries in Nigeria

This research explores the effects of fuel subsidy removal on small-scale businesses in Nigeria, a critical sector in the nation’s economic landscape. The study contributes to existing knowledge by focusing on the relationship between subsidy removal and its impact on small-scale industries. A comprehensive literature review considers climate change impacts, socio-economic and environmental externalities, and the historical context of fuel subsidies. While previous studies have investigated macro and micro consequences, this research examines the repercussions on small-scale businesses. Utilising a descriptive research design and a Likert-structured questionnaire, the study investigates the ramifications of recent fuel subsidy removal in a typical community in the country. Key factors, including changes in sales, operational costs, and profit margins, are analysed using descriptive statistical methods and the Chi-square test. The findings highlight the interconnectedness between government policies and the health of small-scale businesses, emphasising the need for evidence-based decision-making to support resilience in adapting to policy changes.

Geospatial assessment of the efficiency of waste disposal facilities in Lugbe, FCT

Solid waste consists of substances or objects that are disposed of and are mostly found where there are human activities, these substances are accumulations of waste materials generated from domestic, commercial, and industrial operations that are deemed unworthy or rejected and required to be disposed of. The study aims to assess the efficiency of waste disposal facilities in Lugbe FCT, with specific objectives to; evaluate the spatial distribution of waste collection sites (dumpsites) in the area, evaluate the proximity of dumpsites (waste collection sites) to the residential areas, and evaluate the level of appropriate use of waste bins in the study area. Both primary and secondary data were used for this study. The primary data used are the X and Y coordinates of dumpsite locations and questionnaire administration while the secondary data includes; the Google Earth image. Nearest neighbour analysis was performed on the dumpsite's coordinate locations to affirm its spatial distribution pattern in the study area. Buffering analysis was performed on the dumpsite locations with 300m standard to identify the proximity of dumpsites to buildings while the descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the retrieved administered questionnaires to assess the level of the appropriate use of waste bins in the study area. The result of the dispersed spatial distribution of the dumpsites and the result of the proximity analysis performed on dumpsites to the residential area revealed that buildings were found around almost all the dumpsites except the Park Estate dumpsite where no building is found around the dumpsite. At the level of waste bin appropriateness, all the waste bin types were adopted but 72% of waste bin types are appropriate.

Penerapan Metode Bermain Peran Dalam Meningkatkan Ketrampilan Bahasa Inggris Pada Anak Usia Dini

The purpose of this study is to find out how the role play method can be applied to improve the English language skills of young children in Kindergarten Group B of Bakalani Village, Purwantoro District, Wonogiri Regency. This study was conducted in Purwantoro District Bakalan Village Kindergarten, the number of subjects was 19 children, 10 of which were 5-6 years old boys and 9 were girls. This research method uses classroom action research. This study was conducted in 3 cycles and each cycle was conducted in two meetings. The research data collection techniques are observation and speaking skills tests. Meanwhile, the data analysis technique used in this study is a descriptive statistical analysis method that uses percentages. Based on research findings and data analysis, the role-playing method can improve students' #039; English language skills. This can be seen in the survey on the classroom performance of the students in the first session and#039; The knowledge of the English language is only 16% or still classified as very poor. After that, continuing in cycle II, students and#039; English proficiency increased to 44 percent or was still classified as poor. Then in cycle III, the increase was 78% or classified as good.

Tamsulosin off-label use in kidney stones: Review and survey

This study investigates the effectiveness and healthcare perceptions of Tamsulosin, an off-label medication for kidney stone management. Despite the documented benefits, the quest for alternative treatments like Tamsulosin persists, driven by its advantages and patient satisfaction levels. This research includes a literature review and a survey of pharmacy students’ opinions on Tamsulosin, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap. This study, which involved 38 first-year professional pharmacy students, achieved a 92% response rate. The research used questionnaire that collected demographic information and assessed participants' knowledge and opinions using a Likert scale, which was integrated into a drug informatics course. We analyzed the responses using SPSS software, utilizing descriptive and chi-square statistical methods. The survey, completed by 38 participants, revealed discrepancies between current treatment practices and the students' understandings. Despite Tamsulosin's documented efficacy in facilitating stone passage, significant skepticism exists about its use without FDA approval. The research showed varied levels of understanding and skepticism towards off-label use among the students. Moreover, 70.3% of respondents recognized Tamsulosin's potential for managing kidney stones, despite its lack of FDA approval, indicating a cautious yet acknowledging attitude towards non-approved drug use for organ rejection. There's a noted need for improved education and the dissemination of evidence-based guidelines in clinical practice. The study uncovers varied knowledge and perceptions among healthcare professionals and pharmacy students regarding Tamsulosin's use in kidney stone management. The gap between clinical evidence and survey participants' awareness underscores the importance of further research and education to align clinical practices with evidence-based guidelines

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING PASSENGERS TRAFFIC IN THE ABUJA-KADUNA TRAIN SERVICE (AKTS)

This paper analysed passengers’ traffic of the Abuja-Kaduna train service (AKTS). The AKTS is gaining recognition and increasing patronage of high-profile individuals, private car owners, and other passengers plying the Abuja-Kaduna road for various reasons (Suleiman, 2023; Suleiman, 2021). Data used for this study was obtained through both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data involved the administration of 45 questionnaires to the railway staff in charge of the AKTS operation. While secondary data was obtained from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). The secondary data cover operational data for passengers transported by the AKTS between 2016-2021. The study employed the use of both descriptive and inferential statistical methods of data analysis. The findings of the descriptive analysis revealed that 2019 recorded the highest passengers traffic, while 2016 recorded the lowest. As for monthly traffic, December recorded the highest while May recorded the lowest. The result of one-way between-groups analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant difference at the p &lt; .05 level in the yearly traffic.

Sustainability of Sharia Effects: Evidence from the Markets of Indonesia and Malaysia

This study is designed to assess the empirical impact of increased profitability, leverage, and carbon emission disclosure on the scale of sustainability reporting. A quantitative method was chosen as the primary approach, relying on secondary data as a source of information. Observations were conducted on manufacturing entities listed in the Sharia Securities List in Indonesia and Malaysia during the period from 2021 to 2023, using purposive sampling techniques resulting in a sample of 105 companies. Descriptive and verificative statistical methods were employed for data analysis, including panel data regression using fixed effects models. Eviews 12 software was adopted as the analytical tool. The empirical findings of this research indicate that increased profitability and carbon emission disclosure significantly contribute to the expansion of sustainability reporting disclosure. On the other hand, increased leverage does not have a significant negative impact on the scale of sustainability reporting disclosure.

ENERGY INDEPENDENT CITIES? INVESTMENT ACTIVITY OF CITIES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EU CO-FINANCED PROJECTS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND ITS CONDITIONS IN POLAND

Aim: The main objective of the paper is to evaluate the scale, scope, and significance of investments in renew­able energy sources by cities in Poland, which were co-financed from EU funds. This assessment will focus on the last two multiannual financial frameworks, namely for the years 2007–2013 and 2014–2020. Methods: Empirical studies were conducted based on data from the database of the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy in Poland, the Local Data Bank, and the Ministry of Finance. When investigating the invest­ment activity of towns and cities related to renewable energy sources, basic descriptive statistics methods were applied. Logistic regression was used to identify the primary socio-economic, financial, and environmental conditions. Results: In the analyzed period, the role of towns and cities in the realization of renewable energy projects increased, although it is still relatively limited compared to other types of administrative communes. In the multiannual financial framework for 2007–2013, less than one in ten cities executed at least one project, while in the years 2014–2020, more than one in four cities realized at least one project related to the develop­ment of renewable energy sources supported by EU funds. The disparity in activity between towns and cities on a regional scale was huge. These investments were more often realized by towns and cities with a lower level of development, serving tourist functions, and experienced in carrying out such investments. Their lower investment activity was influenced by their level of indebtedness. Conclusions: So far, one of the main drivers behind the development of renewable energy in urban areas has been the ecological aspect, particularly the improvement of air quality. However, there is now a growing recognition of the importance of energy security.

An Evaluation of the English Textbooks: Perspectives from High School Teachers in Thai Nguyen City

This paper presents a study on investigating high school teachers’ perspectives on the English textbooks implemented in Thai Nguyen city. In investigating, a questionnaire was used to collect data and then the data was analyzed through the descriptive statistical procedures of SPSS Version 20. The findings reveal high school teachers’ evaluation of the English textbooks in terms of price and availability, extra materials, layout and design, instruction, methodology, language areas, language skills and topics. Although the English textbooks are appropriate for their students, it is desirable that publishers and teachers should make some changes in the English textbooks to enhance teaching and learning.