Research Design Research Articles

Evaluating performance of a near-infrared-spectroscopy-based and machine-learning-powered bio-optical sensitivity parameters in identifying intracranial hemorrhages in TBI across different age-groups

ABSTRACT Primary objective To evaluate the accuracy of an innovative machine-learning-powered near-infrared spectroscopy (mNIRS)-based bio-optical sensitivity parameters, namely specific tissue optical index (STOI) and intracranial tissue optical index (ITOI) for effective triaging of patients with suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI) across different age-groups to facilitate timely intervention and curtail the silent epidemic. Research design Prospective, observational, double-blinded, cross-sectional single-center. Methods A total of 240 subjects suspected with TBI and recommended for head CT scan were enrolled. Findings of CT were compared with the bio-optical sensitivity parameters (STOI+ITOI) generated by the mNIRS system to detect intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs). Statistical Software used: SPSS (IBM version 21.0) Results Bio-optical sensitivity parameters (STOI+ITOI) analysis of 1288 scanned lobes showed high specificity of 97% (CI 95–98%), sensitivity of 96% (CI 92–99%), and accuracy of 97% (CI 96–98%) across all ages, maintaining robust performance for detecting subdural, epidural, subarachnoid hemorrhages, and contusions. Also, the reliability in the diagnosis of ICH was evidenced by Youden’s index of 0.93 and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 29.13 and 0.04, respectively. Conclusion The mNIRS-based STOI+ITOI proves to be an effective triage tool for TBI, exhibiting superior diagnostic performance across all age-groups.

The Effect of Students’ Vocabulary Mastery through Dictation Games

Game was an activity or form of entertainment that involved players in specific rules with the aim of creating a fun or challenging experience. Many students experienced difficulty in mastering English vocabulary, and for this reason, The purpose of this study was to use the dictation games method for assisting students in learning vocabulary in English. The research design employed was a quasi-experimental method, conducted at SMPN 1 Asembagus. The sample method employed was basic random sampling, and there were a total of 74 respondents divided into 37 respondents for the control group and 37 respondents for the experimental group. Subsequently, data processing and data analysis were conducted using a quantitative method. This research employed a questionnaire as the instrument for the pre- and post-tests. According to the study's findings, student's understanding of English vocabulary can be significantly impacted by the dictation games approach. The average score from the pre- and post-tests shows this. Pre-test mean score is 68.11; post-test mean score is 92.70. The result of the hypothesis test with the paired sample t-test is a t-score (+) 21.170 since the t-score > 1.729. The fact that the alternative hypothesis, or H1, is accepted and the null hypothesis, or H0, is rejected, it can be said that dictation game gives a positive effect on students’ vocabulary mastery.

Central serous chorioretinopathy secondary to drugs: a real-world pharmacovigilance study of the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS)

ABSTRACT Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the reporting associations between Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and many available drugs using FAERS. Research design and methods FAERS reports from 2004 to 2023 were included in the study. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) was used to identify CSCR cases. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the reporting associations between available drugs and CSCR were calculated. A reporting association was considered statistically significant when the lower limit of the 95% CI was > 1.0. Results There were1002 reports of 110 drugs with suspected drug-associated CSCR based on the ‘primary suspects’ role code in the FAERS database found to have statistically significant signals. Among the top 20 ROR drugs, the most frequently reported drugs were dermatological drugs (ATC:D, 210 cases, 64.41%), followed by antitumor agents and immunological agents (ATC:L,77 cases, 23.62%), Systemic Hormonal Preparations, Excl. Sex hormones and Insulins (ATC:H, 19 cases, 5.80%) and sensory organ drugs (ATC:S, 9 cases, 2.76%). The top 3 drugs associated with CSCR were Prednisolone (144 cases, 44.17%), Fluticasone (29 cases, 8.90%), and Methylprednisolone (27 cases, 8.28%). Conclusions This is the first real-world study using FAERS database to investigate drug induced CSCR. Clinicians and pharmacist must keep in mind CSCR is a serious ocular complication associated with glucocorticoids, tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor, and other drugs that can cause CSCR.

Conceptual Design and Experimental Research of Fast Wireless Power Charging Units Including Supercapacitors for Superconducting Hyper Loop Train

Conceptual Design and Experimental Research of Fast Wireless Power Charging Units Including Supercapacitors for Superconducting Hyper Loop Train

Roles of gender in addressing structural inequality: assessment of Borana women’s endogenous institutional agents of gender amelioration in peace, conflict, and post-conflict settings

ABSTRACT The portrayal of women in traditional societies as victims of conflicts and gender inequalities often overlooks their roles as agents of change. This article examined the roles of Borana women in addressing structural inequality during peace, conflict, and post-conflict settings using endogenous institutions. The study utilized an ethnographic research design and a qualitative research approach. Both primary and secondary data were collected for the study. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect primary data, while secondary data were obtained from relevant materials through desk review. The primary data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study reveal that Borana women play crucial roles in fighting structural inequality through endogenous institutions in preserving peace, protecting the vulnerables, challenging male dominance, maintaining community life and upholding women’s customary laws. The study also revealed the challenges women face in addressing structural inequality. These findings contribute to feminist theories by emphasizing women’s active and diverse roles in combating structural inequality. Consequently, assertive policy options that safeguard women’s customary rights and endogenous peacemaking practices are needed. Furthermore, the study calls for policy interventions and support systems that empower women and enhance their participation in decision-making processes.

The Construct Uncertainty Principle: A Paradox of Control Variables the makes Research Design More Complex

The Construct Uncertainty Principle: A Paradox of Control Variables the makes Research Design More Complex

The Construct Uncertainty Principle: A Paradox of Control Variables the makes Research Design More Complex

The Construct Uncertainty Principle: A Paradox of Control Variables the makes Research Design More Complex

Sport pedagogy and feminism: what is known and what is missing? Findings from a scoping review

ABSTRACT Background Worldwide, to play sports is proclaimed a right. Yet its sexist practices insist on cultivating a hegemonic gender culture to keep ‘others’ away and deprive them from its potential educational benefits. Sport feminisms have been vocal on the gender oppressions operated in the field and have claimed pedagogy has a role to play in social transformation through a liberating education. Purpose We aimed at analyzing the academic production about sport pedagogy and feminism published in articles globally, to answer when, where how and by whom the studies were developed; what is known and what is missing. Method We conducted a scoping review searching for sport pedagogy and feminism and their related terms combined. Selection was delimited by studies informed by feminist approaches discussing sport pedagogy from recreational to elite level. Findings Our review covered 46 studies from the last three decades when Global North English-speaking countries have dominated the scene, both as investigation settings and authorship. Studies presented two main trends. The most substantial were investigations reporting gender inequalities, especially with women coaches; followed by others exploring pedagogical alternatives for more equitable sport experiences. Together, studies have demonstrated that the ‘patriarchal gender game’ is still on and the ‘deviants’ from the cis-hetero-white-able-bodied-male ideal continue to suffer systematic prejudice and discrimination in sport, inclusive through sexist coaching. But they also showed ‘the tactics of the equity gender game’ is counterattacking with pedagogical strategies to welcome girls, women and gender-diverse people in sport. Discussion Undoubtedly, the dialogues between sport pedagogy and feminisms have contributed greatly to challenge sexism through education, but the game is not over. The invisibility of black women, women with disabilities and queer people in studies evidenced the need for more intersectional approaches. Coach development initiatives should be critically examined and rethought. The predominance of studies and researchers from Global North English-speaking countries denoted that voices and knowledges from Global South are missing. More than empathizing with gender inequalities, we long to see feminist sport pedagogy engaging in the reinvention of the ways we learn, practice, teach and coach sport. More democratic, diverse and audacious research designs grounded in the commitment to guarantee sport as an educational experience for everyone seem promising ways to be explored.

The Sisyphean Breath: Role of Anxiety Sensitivity and Distress Tolerance in Dyspnea among adults with Asthma and COPD.

Asthma and COPD are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, im- pacting over 260 million people and causing over 3 million deaths globally (Momtaz- manesh, S. etal., 2023). Pulmonary symptoms can impair tolerance and increase the negative attribution of anxiety sensations. Reciprocally, anxiety associated with dys- pnea can induce hyperventilation. This perpetuates a cycle of symptom exacerbation and poor treatment adherence. Managing laboured breathing is challenging due to its subjective nature. Dyspnea is a sufferer's endless pursuit to breathe, rendering its experience as truly, "Sisyphean". This study explored the role of anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance in dyspnea among adults with asthma and COPD (N = 107). A single-group cross-sectional research design was used. Data from pulmonologist- diagnosed adults with asthma and COPD were collected across various clinics in Delhi-NCR. It was found that the anxiety sensitivity, distress tolerance and dyspnea were strongly correlated. Also, an increase in anxiety sensitivity was strongly predictive of dyspnea severity. Further, distress tolerance acted as a partial mediator between anxiety sensitivity and dyspnea. Improving distress tolerance can act as an adjuvant in effective dyspnea management.

“We can work on this”: exploring supervisor approaches to feedback in the context of writing for a professional doctorate

Purpose This paper aims to show how an Academic Literacies lens can contribute to a deeper understanding of writing for a professional doctorate (PD) by focusing both on the language of supervisors’ written feedback and on student and supervisor perspectives on feedback throughout Year 1 (Y1). Design/methodology/approach Firstly, written feedback summaries on formative assessments across two Y1 cohorts on a UK PD programme were analysed thematically to identify patterns in feedback practices. Secondly, two longitudinal, detailed student/supervisor case studies were developed, drawing on multiple data sources. Findings Supervisors’ written feedback enacted an encouraging dialogue around assessed writing, discursively constructing a sense of solidarity on the doctoral journey, focusing on the “long view”. Case study analysis, however, revealed tensions centred around jarring discontinuities in students’ feedback experience as they transitioned from formative to summative assessment at the end of Y1. Research limitations/implications The paper demonstrates that an Academic Literacies approach can offer valuable insights into the specific, situated context of writing for a distance learning PD and makes the case for greater attention to writing in contexts of partly taught doctorates. Practical implications Findings suggest that PD programmes should work towards providing continuity of feedback experience, through supervisor and examiner training and through assessment arrangements which support students to navigate challenging transitions between formative and summative phases of assessment. Originality/value This paper reports on an innovative research design which combined a textual “snapshot” of supervisory feedback, paying close attention to language, with detailed longitudinal case studies exploring perspectives on feedback over time. It contributes to doctoral writing research by throwing light on the relatively underexplored domain of writing in the taught phase of the PD. It contributes to doctoral education studies by highlighting the central role of feedback on writing in shaping the experience of PD researchers.

Ozone therapy in musculoskeletal medicine: a comprehensive review

Musculoskeletal disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that impact the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues within the body. Despite the ongoing debate on toxicity and administration, ozone demonstrated promise in managing several musculoskeletal disorders, modulating pain and inflammation. A literature search was conducted. The research design, methods, findings, and conclusions of the studies were then examined to evaluate the physiological effects, clinical application, controversies, and safety of the application of ozone in musculoskeletal medicine. Ozone application demonstrates considerable therapeutic applications in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, including fractures, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain syndromes. Despite these advantages, studies have raised concerns regarding its potential toxicity and emphasized the importance of adhering to stringent administration protocols to ensure safety. Additionally, heterogeneities in patient reactions and hazards from oxidizing agents were observed. Given its anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, ozone therapy holds potential in the management of several musculoskeletal disorders. Additional high-quality research with long follow-up is required to refine indications, efficacy and safety profile. Finally, for wider clinical acceptability and utilization, the development of international recommendations is essential.

The medication usage pattern and prevalence of polypharmacy among patients with sickle cell disease: a population-based study in southern Iran

ABSTRACT Background Due to the numerous complications associated with sickle cell disease (SCD), patients often receive a variety of medications alongside their SCD treatment. However, a notable gap exists in the current literature regarding medication use patterns among them. This study aimed to investigate medication usage patterns in patients with SCD. Research design and methods This cross-sectional study, conducted in Bushehr Province, employed a stratified random sampling method to select eligible participants with SCD. A thorough interview gathered various information, including details about the medications. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system was utilized for drug classification. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of at least five medications. Results A total of 300 individuals with SCD were included in this study. Polypharmacy was observed in 26.3% (95% CI: 20.8%-32.8%) of the study population. The analyses revealed positive associations between the use of more concurrent medication use and higher age groups and having multimorbidity. Antianemic preparations (86.7%), antineoplastic agents (58.3%), and vitamins (41.0%) were the most frequent medication classes used by the study participants. Conclusions Our study revealed notable underutilization of hydroxyurea and a high rate of polypharmacy, associated with age and multimorbidity, among patients with SCD in southern Iran.

Efektivitas Iklan Melalui Konten Media Sosial Tiktok Agrowisata Ternak Lebah Madu Ciburial dengan Dimensi Empathy dan Persuasion

The number of social media users is increasing, including TikTok social media. TikTok is used as a marketing communication medium by businesspeople, namely Ciburial Honeybee Farming Agrotourism, who previously used Instagram but did not attract consumer interest. This research was conducted to determine how effective the video content of social media TikTok Agrotourism Ciburial Honeybee Livestock advertising is if analyzed using the empathy and persuasion dimension. The research design uses a descriptive quantitative method with survey and interview techniques. A sample size of 100 was drawn using a purposive sampling technique because the population was huge, with the criteria being active users of TikTok social media and watching advertising videos for Ciburial Honeybee Farming Agrotourism. This research uses dimensions derived from the EPIC Model, namely empathy and persuasion. This research proves that the Ciburial Honeybee Farming Agrotourism advertisement, seen from the empathy and persuasion dimension is considered effective, with an empathy score of 3.99 and persuasion 4.18. There is evaluation recommendation so that advertising effectiveness increases from practical to very effective, namely improving the quality of advertising content.

Long-term safety profile and secondary effectiveness of Canakinumab in Pediatric Rheumatic diseases: a single-center experience

ABSTRACT Background To demonstrate the long-term safety profile of canakinumab over a nine-year period by documenting adverse events in patients with various pediatric rheumatic diseases. Research design and methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Pediatric Rheumatology Department of Istanbul University Cerrahpasa between 2015 and 2023. The analysis concerned individuals who had been administered canakinumab treatment for at least six months. The exposure-adjusted event rates were calculated as adverse events per 100 patient days and were compared among three groups based on the cumulative canakinumab dose of <35 mg/kg, 35-70 mg/kg, and >70 mg/kg. Results Among 189 patients, the median exposure time to canakinumab was 2.9 (1.5-4.1) years, corresponding to 573.4 patient years. The median cumulative dose of canakinumab was 2205 (1312-3600) mg. The most common adverse event was upper respiratory tract infection (0.76), followed by urinary tract infection (0.02), pneumonia (0.009), latent tuberculosis (0.009) and lymphadenitis (0.004). A total of 55 serious adverse events (0.025) were reported, 12 (0.006) of which led to drug discontinuation. The event rate of macrophage activation syndrome and disease exacerbation was statistically higher in patients receiving <35 mg/kg cumulative canakinumab dose (p < 0.05). Conclusions An increase in side effect was not observed with the increasing cumulative doses of canakinumab. Canakinumab demonstrated long-term safety with appropriate indication and monitoring.

Kepuasan Konsumen Atribut Produk Pakcoy di Rumah Buah Tirtayasa Kota Bandung

Pakcoy is one of the vegetable commodities sold at Rumah Buah Tirtayasa that has experienced sales that have not been on target for more than a year so Rumah Buah Tirtayasa needs to know the reason consumers buy pakcoy, the level of compatibility between the level of performance and the level of importance, and the level of consumer satisfaction after buying pakcoy at Rumah Buah Tirtayasa. The research design used was a quantitative design with a total of 67 respondents. This research uses descriptive analysis methods, Importance Performance Analysis, and Customer Satisfaction Index analysis. The results showed that (1) The characteristics of consumers of pakcoy products at Rumah Buah Tirtayasa are women aged early adulthood, namely 26-35 years who are married with income above the current UMR Bandung City of Rp 4,068,462 who work as private employees. Tirtayasa Fruit House pakcoy consumers buy and consume pakcoy for household needs and the majority of consumers have three family members. (2) Based on the results of the IPA calculation, the attributes that have been satisfactory are color, quality, price suitability with quality, availability, and taste, while the attributes whose performance needs to be improved are size, brand variation, packaging, and labels. (3) CSI's calculation results show that pakcoy consumers at Rumah Buah Tirtayasa are very satisfied with the performance of pakcoy attributes at Rumah Buah Tirtayasa. Companies must improve, innovate, improve performance, and educate consumers about the attributes that need to be improved. For future research, it is expected to examine more detailed attributes or use other variables related to consumer satisfaction.

Efektivitas Iklan Melalui Konten Media Sosial Instagram pada Produk UMKM Al-Waliy Honey Gummy dengan Pendekatan AIDA Model

Instagram is now used as a marketing communications medium by MSMEs, including Al-Waliy Honey Gummy, which previously only went by word of mouth marketing and was still not widely known to the public. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of Instagram advertisement video created by Al-Waliy Honey Gummy MSME using the AIDA Model approach. The research design uses descriptive quantitative design with survey and interview techniques. A sample size of 103 was drawn through purposive sampling with the criteria being active users of Instagram and have watched Al-Waliy Honey Gummy advertising video on Instagram. The findings indicate that the Al-Waliy Honey Gummy advertisment is considered effective, with scores of 3,99 for attention, 4,30 for interest, 4,06 for desire, and 4,12 for action (out of 5). The study suggests a need to enhance the quality of advertisement content to elevate effectiveness from effective to very effective and become more active in promoting the products by optimizing Instagram’s features.

Foundations of Exercise and Physical Activity Research.

While recognition of the link between physical activity and mental health dates back nearly two millennia, the academic study of physical activity is a relatively young discipline emerging over the last 50years. This chapter provides an overview of key terms and measurement techniques in physical activity, exercise, and mental health research. The most common study designs in physical activity research include cross-sectional, cohort, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analytic studies. Examples from the literature as well as the advantages and disadvantages of various methodological approaches are discussed throughout the chapter in the context of mental health research.

Insider perspectives: insights from formers on their role as subject-participants in P/CVE research

ABSTRACT This article examines the contributions of ‘formers’, individuals who were previously affiliated with groups advocating violent extremism but who now work as researchers and practitioners in the P/CVE field. There are a limited number of studies assessing the value added of formers to P/CVE programs. We make two significant contributions to the body of work. First, we examine how formers can contribute not only to P/CVE practice, but to academic research of terrorism, and how their insights and experience can be employed for improving research designs and interview completion rates and responses. Second, none of the extant works incorporates the views of formers themselves in the assessments. Four of the co-authors of this article are formers who publish peer-reviewed and policy institute research, and they present their perspectives on who counts as a former, and how their individual backgrounds inform and bolster their research and praxis. We encourage researchers of political violence to emulate other fields of social science and incorporate appropriately trained formers as subject-participants to improve research in the field.

INFLUENCE OF INCLUSIVE PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN GATSIBO DISTRICT, RWANDA

Background:The most popular strategy for meeting every childs educational needs is inclusive education. Teachers in industrialized and developing nations have different perspectives on inclusive practice. The general objective of this study is to assess the influence of inclusive pedagogical practices on students academic achievement in public Secondary schools of Gatsibo District, Rwanda. Specifically, the study focused on to examine effectiveness of inclusive lesson planning on students academic achievements, to examine the influence of inclusive lesson evaluation on students academic achievement, and to ascertain the relationship between inclusive pedagogical practices and students academic achievement in public Secondary schools of Gatsibo District, Rwanda. Materials and Methods:This study employed a quantitative with descriptive research design. Target population was with 121 teachers and head teachers including19 teachers and one head teacher from G.S. Nyarubuye, 34 teachers and one head teacher from G.S. Bihinga, 34 teachers and one head teacher from G.S. Nyamirama and 30 teachers and one head teacher of G.S Nyakayaga. The census sampling technique was applied where all entire population of 121 participants were taken as sample size of the study. The instrument for gathering data was a structured questionnaire. Using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0, the acquired data was examined descriptively. Inferential statistics will be shown to illustrate the link between the variables. The tables frequencies, means, and standard deviations will be used to display the results. This research was quantitative approach, the results were presented relied on research objectives. The research adopted a regression equation to establish the influence of inclusive pedagogical practices on students academic achievement in Public secondary schools. Results:On the effectiveness of inclusive lesson planning on students academic achievement in Public secondary schools, the results of data analysispresented that the overall mean was 4.14 that was between agree (4) and strongly agree (5) which presented that there was a significant effectiveness of inclusive lesson planning on students academic achievement in Public secondary schools. On the influence of inclusive lesson evaluation on students academic achievements in Public secondary schools, the resultsshowed that the overall mean was 4.34 that was between agree (4) and strongly agree (5) which presented that there was a significant influence of inclusive lesson evaluation on students academic achievements in Public secondary schools. The results of data analysisshowed that the relationship between inclusive pedagogical practices and students academic achievement was .947** whichpresented that there was a statistically significant relationship betweeninclusive pedagogical practices and students academic achievement in Public secondary schools. The results presented that the variables were statistically significant with regression mean square of 102.587 and residual mean square was 0.099 while F=1035.116 and P-value =.000b that concluded that there was a significant relationship between inclusive pedagogical practices and students academic achievement in Public secondary schools of Gatsibo District, Rwanda. Conclusion:Researcher suggested that teachers should apply the inclusive pedagogy in their teaching and promote the behavior that encourage students and create the friendship between teacher and students, this will promote the students academic achievement in Public secondary schools.

SCIENCE LABORATORY PRACTICES AND STUDENTS ATTITUDES IN CHEMISTRY IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RWANDA A CASE OF NGOMA DISTRICT

This study investigated the science laboratory practices and students attitudes in chemistry in public secondary schools in Rwanda, specifically inNgoma district. Descriptive research designs using mixed approach were used. The study encompassed both quantitative and qualitative sources of data that were collected with a questionnaire and an interview guide as the chosen research tools. The target participants comprised 735 participants including 719 students, 8 teachers, 4 deans of studies, and 4 head teachers from 4 public secondary schools in Ngoma district. To obtain the sample size, purposive and random sampling techniques were employed. The sample of 213 was determined with the help of the Slovins formula. Statistical analysis was achieved using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) after coding, editing, and processing of the raw data. Outputs of descriptive statistics and the relationship between science laboratory practices and students attitudes in chemistry were estimated. The findings were portrayed using tables with a subsequent careful interpretation and discussion. 149 (74 %) perceive science laboratory practices as the determinant of students motivation towards learning science subjects, and equally as the key factor to enhancing intellectual development in science subjects. 144 (72 %) held that science laboratory practices improve students problem-solving skills while 142 (71 %) emphasized that science laboratory practices help students develop experimental skills. Importantly, a strong Pearson correlation was obtained (r = .969, p = .031) between science laboratory practices and students attitudes in Chemistry subject. The study findings are important to educational planners and curriculum designers, as the findings serve as the guide for them during incorporation of practical content into the curriculum either during design or during modification of the existing one.