Experimental Pretest Research Articles

The Effect of the Unting Debt Game (Anti-Stunting Snake and Ladder) on Increasing Knowledge About Stunting

The prevalence of stunting in the world, as collected by WHO in 2020, was 150.8 million (22.2%). WHO has designated five regions as stunting prevalence, including Indonesia in the Southeast Asian region with a prevalence rate (36.4%). Adolescents are a group that has the potential to be agents of behavior change. For this reason, adolescents need to be given education to increase knowledge and build awareness of the impact of stunting in the future. This study aims to determine the influence of Uting Debt Media (Snake and Ladder Stunting) in increasing adolescents' knowledge about stunting. This research is quantitative. The type of research used was Quasy Experimental pretest and posttest with the control group. The population in this study is all young women of MTS Jamaluddin Bagik Nyaka Village in August 2024, with a sample of 30 people divided into two groups with 15 members each and using purposive sampling techniques. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire to determine the level of knowledge of adolescent girls about stunting before and after the intervention. The statistical results of the post-test of the experimental and control groups using the Mann-Whitney techniques showed Asymp. signature. (2-tailed) 0.012 < 0.050, with the mean rank of the experimental group of 19.00 and the mean rank of the control group of 12.00. So, it can be concluded that there is a significant difference in the results of the post-test of the experimental group and the control group, which affects the increase of knowledge in the experimental group before and after being given treatment to increase adolescent knowledge about stunting

Effectiveness of station-rotation and flipped-blended learning strategies in improving study habits and academic performance of secondary school biology students in Osun State, Nigeria

The study investigated the effectiveness of Station-rotation and Flipped-blended learning in improving study habits and Academic achievement of students in Osun State Secondary School. It adopted quasi experimental pre-test, post-test control group design. The population for the study comprised all Biology students in senior Secondary Schools in Osun State. The sample consisted of 115 senior secondary school Biology students randomly selected from three secondary schools in their intact classes. Each intact class was randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The instrument for the study comprised the Biology Achievement Test (BAT) and Study Habit Inventory (SHI). The result showed that students taught using the station-rotation blended learning strategy performed better than those taught using the flipped blended learning strategy. The result also showed that the study habits of students taught using station-rotation strategy were better enhanced than those taught using the flipped blended learning strategy. The study recommended the use of a more novel strategy like the station-rotation blended learning strategy in delivering Biology contents in secondary schools.

Effect of suspension training intervention on the balance ability of juvenile deaf-mute patients

Maintaining balance is essential for daily activities; deficits in hearing-impaired adolescents can severely impact their academics and daily life. Suspension training is employed to enhance the coordination of multiple muscle groups within the body and ultimately to improve balance. A total of 105 students with non-genetic hearing impairments, comprising 65 boys and 40 girls, participated in the study. Balance training using the TRS suspension belt included exercises such as prone elbow brace, supine back brace, kneeling elbow brace, lateral elbow brace, prone hip flexion, and supine hip lift. Strength training using equipment involved exercises like single-leg suspension squat, flying bird brace, supine suspension arm flexion, seated static brace, and standing butterfly pinch chest. The main outcome measures included static balance tests (lambda footwork, Wolfson postural stress test), dynamic balance tests (functional forward reach test, balance beam walk test), and vestibule function tests (rotation-walk test). The results of the lambda footwork and Wolfson postural stress tests revealed highly significant differences between 8 weeks and 16 weeks of intervention (p < 0.01). The Functional Forward Stretch test demonstrated a significant difference between 8 weeks of intervention and 2 weeks of intervention at 16 weeks (p < 0.05). The balance beam walking test indicated a significant improvement at 8 weeks (p < 0.05) and a highly significant improvement at 16 weeks (p < 0.01). In the spin-walk test, no statistically significant differences were observed between the pre-experimental test, the 8-week intervention, and the 16-week intervention (p > 0.05). Leveraging the expropriation system to mediate skeletal muscle movement and muscle contraction coordination can improve balance. Suspension training significantly improved balance during activities requiring static non-interference maintenance. However, suspension training did not demonstrate a significant effect on improving vestibule function. Overall, suspension training was effective in enhancing balance in all patients with non-hereditary deafness.

DENTAL'S AREA LEARNING MODEL AS AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE AND TEETH BRUSHING SKILLS PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Background: Preschool children have different characteristics from children of other ages, so that maximizing their cognitive, affective and psychomotor potential requires appropriate learning methods. Dental's Learning Area Model is a dental health education model that gives preschool children, especially the 3-4 year age group, the choice to choose the areas they want to learn about dental and oral health so that with this choice children are able to optimize learning according to their criteria and abilities. Objective: Develop a Dental's Area Learning Model as an effort to increase knowledge and skills in brushing teeth and reduce the Plaque Control Record (PCR) of preschool children. Method: Quasy Experiment Pretest And Posttest With Control Group Design, Research subjects were preschool children aged 3-4 years who were divided into 2 groups: 1. Dental's Area Learning Model intervention for 14 days through 4 stages of activities, namely training, simulation, brushing practice teeth and evaluation in children. 2. 14 day tooth brushing model as control. Dependent variable: knowledge and teeth brushing skills. Data were tested using Wilcoxon and Independent t-test. Results: Dental's Area Learning Model is effective in increasing students' knowledge of brushing teeth with a p-value of =0.000 and brushing skills with a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05). Conclusion: Dental's Area Learning Model is effective in increasing knowledge and teeth brushing skills in preschool children

Effectiveness of Solar System Scope-Assisted PBL on Kepler Law Material Integrated with Al-Quran to Improve Student Learning Outcomes

This research is motivated by the low ability of students to understand physics subjects which are considered difficult, including the difficulties experienced namely visualizing subject matter which requires learning models and media as support to improve student learning outcomes. This research was conducted at MA Muallimin UNIVA Medan, by applying the Problem Based Learning (PBL) learning model assisted by Solar System Scope media on Kepler law material integrated with the Koran which is used in the learning process to improve student learning outcomes. The research method used is experimentation which is a type of quantitative research in class X MIA 1 as an experimental class with a Probe Based Learning (PBL) learning model. The sample was taken using a purposive sampling technique. The instrument used is a written test (essay) with 10 questions. It is known that the pretest and posttest data are normally distributed with a significance value of Experimental Pretest (0.078), Experimental Posttest (0.130), Control Pretest (0.200), Control Posttest (0.052) and are declared homogeneous with a significance value of Based on Mean (0.245) where the test value normality and homogeneity exceed (>) the real level used in the measurement, namely α = 0.05 or 5%. With the help of SPSS it is known that the average learning outcomes of students in the experimental class (83.07) are higher than those in the control class (79.90) so it can be concluded that the hypothesis is accepted and the average of the experimental class is stated to be better than the average of the control class. As for the effectiveness of the experimental class with the PBL (Problem Based learning) model, it was 76.6% and the control class with the Direct Instruction learning model was 54.4%, where the experimental class was declared effective and the control class was declared less effective.

Katuk Leaves (Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr) on Hemoglobin Level among Pregnant Women in Third Trimester

Background: In 2018, 41,8% of amternal mortality in developing countries was caused by anemia in pregnancy, the prevalence of anemia in Indonesia is still very high at 44,2%. One of the causes of anemia is a lack of iron in the body. Anemia can be prevented by consuming foods that contain iron and vitamin C to help the absorbtion process, by consuming katuk leaves while continuing to consume Fe Tablets according to government recommendations.Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of Katuk Leaves (Sauropus androgynus) and Fe Tablets on hemoglobin levels among pregnant women in third trimester.Methods: This research is aquassy experiment pre and post test with control group design. The population in this study was 86 third trimester pregnant women which 45 had anemia in last 6 month at Private Midwifery Practice N. The sample were divided by intervention group and cotrol group, each group was 15 pregnant women, according to sample theory of experimental research. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. The research instrument used observation sheets and Digital Hemoglobinometer. The data analyzed with parametric test, the t-test.Results: The result of statistic tests showed that there was an effect of katuk leaves and Fe tablets on hemoglobin level with p value of 0,00 (0,005).Conclusion: Consumption katuk leaves and Fe tablet is more effective in changing hemoglobin levels compared to consuming Fe tablets only.

Website-Based Flipbook Model on Changes in Adolescents' Dental and Oral Health Care Behavior

One of the risk factors that causes high levels of dental and oral problems is behavior. To overcome these problems, media is used as a tool, with a model website-based flipbook. It is hoped that this will be a solution to facilitate the education process to help teenagers improve their dental and oral health maintenance behavior. This research is to produce a website-based flipbook model that is feasible and its application is effective in changing the oral health care behavior of adolescents. The method used in this research is Research and Development (R&D) and the research design used is a Quasy Experiment Pretest- Posttest with a Control Group Design. Research subjects were 2 groups: The intervention of 42 people was modeled website-based flipbook control 40 people were given an animated video on dental and oral health. The research results show that website-based flipbooks are suitable as a model for improving adolescent dental and oral health maintenance behavior with expert validation results: 90.8% and p-value = 0.858. The results of the unpaired test stated that its application was effective in increasing knowledge (∆0.001), attitudes (∆0.001), actions (∆0.001), and reducing debris index scores (∆0.010) compared to the control group. The conclusion is the development of the website-based flipbook model and its implementation of effective changes in adolescent dental and oral health maintenance behavior.

Preventive effect of yacon leaves capsule in reducing symptoms of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage (EIMD) is the disruption of skeletal muscle after high-intensity exercise, leading to decreased performance. Furthermore, it is a common condition following vigorous exercise, particularly in individuals unaccustomed to performance. This disruption results in a decrease in strength, muscle soreness, swelling, and the release of several cytokines, both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. Symptoms of EIMD include Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and a loss of physical function. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a 14-day administration of yacon leaves capsule supplementation on DOMS and inflammation post-EIMD.To achieve this, an experimental pretest and posttest control group design with a randomized control trial approach was adopted. A total of 32 Recreational male students of the Sports Science Universitas Negeri Surabaya were randomly and double-blindly assigned to either yacon capsule supplementation (n=16) or placebo (n=16) group. Participants were instructed to take a yacon capsule or placebo after breakfast for 14 days. The study groups were subjected to a muscle-damaging protocol consisting of 7 sets of 10 eccentric single-leg press repetitions on a leg press machine. DOMS and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) were determined at 0-h (baseline), 24-h, and 48-h post-exercise before and after 14-day supplementation periods.The results showed that DOMS and IL-6 serum increased at 24 hours post-EIMD when compared to baseline. Additionally, a significant reduction in both DOMS and IL-6 serum levels was observed within the yacon group compared to the placebo group (p<0.05).In conclusion, yacon leaves capsule supplementation was able to attenuate the risk of muscle damage by decreasing DOMS levels and IL-6 serum in the blood.

Pengaruh Pemberian Informasi tentang Asuhan Perkembangan pada BBLR terhadap Tingkat Pengetahuan dan Sikap Perawat di Rumah Sakit Al Islam Bandung

Development care is an effort to modify the environment and respond to changes in the behavior of newborns, especially in infants Low Birth Weight, The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of training on developmental care on nurses' ability to care for babies with low birth weight. The design of this study used "quasi experiment pre and post test control", which involved 19 nurses in the perinatology room of Al Islam Bandung Hospital. The results showed a significant increase in the mean score of nurses' knowledge, attitudes and actions after the intervention (p value = 0,000, α = 0.05). This training is effective in increasing nurses' knowledge and attitudes. The recommendation of this study is the need for socialization to all health workers supported by the hospital policy to implement development care and evaluate the implementation of development care in LBW care.

Exercise induced hypoalgesia after a high intensity functional training: a randomized controlled crossover study

BackgroundAcute physical activity often induces an acute reduction in pain sensitivity known as exercise induced hypoalgesia (EIH). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high intensity functional training (HIFT) on EIH compared to a control session.Methods50 (age: 26.0 ± 2.7; 23 female) participants successfully conducted this study consisting of a pre-experimental test as well as a 12-minute HIFT (body-weight exercises) and a 12-minute control (supervised breathing) session in a randomized crossover design. Pre and post, pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured at the ankles, knees, elbows, and forehead.ResultsThe HIFT resulted in a relative maximum and average heart rate of 96.2% (± 3.6%) and 91.1% (± 4.2%), respectively, and maximum and average RPE values of 19.1 (± 1.2) and 16.2 (± 1.4), respectively. Results reveal a significant ‘Intervention’ × ‘Time point’ interaction (p < 0.001) for PPT (pooled for one average value) with hypoalgesia observed following the HIFT (p < 0.001; pre: 56.0 ± 16.8, post: 61.6 ± 19.0 [Newton]) and no change following the control (p = 0.067; pre: 56.6 ± 18.4, post: 55.3 ± 18.9 [Newton]). Further, a significant ‘Time’ × ‘Intervention’ × ‘Landmark’ interaction effect (p = 0.024) is observed and all landmarks showed significant hypoalgesia following HIFT (p < 0.01), except for the right elbow and forehead. Following control, no hypoalgesia was observed at any landmark. Analysing male and female participants separately, it was observed that EIH occured only in men.ConclusionA HIFT using bodyweight exercises reduces pain sensitivity. Hence, combining strength and aerobically demanding exercises in a short but high intensity manner, as done in HIFT, can be seen as a usable tool to induce hypoalgesia. Yet, these results were observed only in male participants, necessitating future sex-specific research.Trial registrationDRKS00034391, retrospectively registered on the 4th of June 2024.

The Effectiveness of Diabetes Self-Management Education on Changes in Blood Sugar Levels in Type II DM Patients at the Klatak Public Health Center, Banyuwangi Regency

Introduction: Providing self-skills education and training to improve the ability of type II DM sufferers to carry out self-care management (DSME) including 8 important components and applying peer support to increase motivation and improve their health, avoid complications to early death. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Diabetes Self-Management Education on changes in blood glucose levels in patients with type II DM at Banyuwangi Regency in 2023. Method: Experimental research with the design of True Experimental Pretest pos-ttest control group design. The population were all type II DM patients who were treated regularly at the Klatak Public Health Center. A sample of 24 respondents in the control and 24 in the intervention groups used the MSD sample size formula. Respondents in this study were examined pre- &amp; post-test venous plasma blood glucose levels. The sampling technique used is an RCT. Data analysis used SPSS 21 for Windows statistical T-test. Result: The paired T-test results indicated that the P-value for the intervention group was less than 0.05, specifically 0.000. It means Ha is accepted. So, the blood glucose levels differ before and after undergoing DSME with the Peer Support Group method. Then, with a significance value of 0.015 being less than 0.05, it can be inferred that there is a noteworthy difference. Statistical test results of the N-gain score in the intervention group were 50.3% in the Less Effective category, while in the control group was -4.4% in the Ineffective category. Conclusion: There is a significant mean difference between the two groups. The N-gain score test results in the intervention group were higher than control group. It is hoped that the implementation of DSME with the Peer Support Group will be more systematic, sustainable, and focused on changing behavior.

Validation of the mental visualization effect on answer selection in closed questions in surveys

The selection of listed answers in surveys is influenced by numerous aspects. At the moment of decoding, the mental representation of the item can represent a bias if it is distorted by personal impressions. The present research aims to identify these influences at the moment of choice of items presented sequentially in a closed-ended question by a nominal scale. For this purpose, the answers of a survey were correlated with the results of psychometric experimental pretests on mental image formation by applying them to experimental groups. Although the item selection affects several aspects of linguistic elements, it seems that this no influences the choice. The comparison between the data of mental visualisation of item and item frequency showed a very high correlation unusually in social or psychosocial sciences. Wording can increase the item comprehensibility but not eliminate the visual imagery effects, therefore represents a permanent bias.

Pengaruh Penerapan Model Project Citizen terhadap Peningkatan Civic Disposition Siswa Kelas XI SMA Negeri 7 Binjai

The purpose of this study was to determine how the application of the Project Citizen learning model affects the Civic Disposition of class XI students of SMA Negeri 7 Binjai. The research methodology used is quantitative. To determine the causal relationship between the independent variable (Project Citizen, variable X) and the dependent variable (Civic Disposition, variable Y), the research design used is a quasi-experiment with a nonequivalent control group design. This research uses data collection techniques, namely questionnaires, documentation studies and observation. This research was conducted at SMA Negeri 7 Binjai North Sumatra. The population in this study were all 11th grade students of SMA Negeri 7 Binjai. While the samples are students of class XI-7 and XI-6. The data found were analyzed statistically with the t test then normality test, homogeneity test and hypothesis testing with paired sample t-test. The results showed that the Project Citizen learning model had a significant effect on improving the Civic Disposition of students in class XI-7. This can be seen from the mean or average results of Pre-Test and Post-Test Civic Disposition in experimental classes. Where the experimental Pre-Test was 100.06 and increased by 15.79, namely the Post-Test result of 115.85. While the Pre-Test in the control class amounted to 102.16 and increased by 6.19, namely the Post-Test result of 108.35. Then the t test results show that the sig. (2tailed) value is 0.000 &lt;0.05, then H_o is rejected then H_aadmitted. Thus it can be concluded that there is a significant effect of applying the citizen project model on increasing the Civic Disposition of students XI-7 SMA Negeri 7 Binjai.

Effectiveness of cognitive reappraisal and distraction for induced acute pain: A laboratory study.

Cognitive reappraisal and distraction modulate pain; however, little is known about their effectiveness at different levels of pain intensity. Thus, the aim of this study has been to analyze the differential efficacy of both strategies to reduce perceived pain intensity and pain unpleasantness in low and moderate pain levels. 3 (emotion regulation strategy: cognitive reappraisal, distraction, and control) × 2 (intensity of the painful stimuli: low and moderate intensity) × 2 (time: pretest and posttest) mixed factorial design. Ninety healthy adults were randomly assigned to one of six experimental conditions. Pain-heat stimuli were administered with an advanced thermal stimulator. All participants completed the experimental pretest and posttest phases; in each phase, 12 pain stimuli were administered. Participants received brief training on how to apply cognitive reappraisal, distraction, and the control condition for the posttest phase. Data were collected from May 2022 to November 2022. Analyses of repeated-measure analysis of variance showed that at posttest cognitive reappraisal and distraction were equally effective in reducing perceived pain intensity in low pain levels, while distraction was more effective than cognitive reappraisal in decreasing perceived pain intensity in moderate pain levels. Both distraction and cognitive reappraisal were effective in decreasing pain unpleasantness regardless of the intensity of the painful stimuli. These findings highlighted the beneficial use of both strategies in the short term for pain relief, distraction being more effective in moderate pain levels. Applying both strategies to everyday situations that may cause short-term acute pain could be of great clinical relevance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Making Computer Science Accessible through Universal Design for Learning in Inclusive Education

The field of technology and computer science (CS) is developing dynamically. Just as anyone can learn computers at any age, students with special educational needs (SEN) also aspire to acquire IT (information technology) knowledge on an equal footing with all other students. However, one of the obstacles facing students with SEN is the lack of educational materials and programs for CS in secondary schools. The authors have designed teaching materials and assignments that promote inclusion. This study aims to evaluate the impact of teaching resources developed based on universal design for learning (UDL) to make the school’s CS course accessible to all students. The experiment involved 16 students and five teachers. For 8 weeks, students studied computer science using training materials based on UDL. Assessment of knowledge outcome indicators, particularly programming skills, was conducted before and after the experiment. After studying computer science through specific tasks, the interviewees demonstrated a higher level of assimilation of the subject, as indicated by the subsequent test results (mean = 12.13, standard deviation = 1.20), compared to the pre-experimental test (mean = 8.94, standard deviation = 1.12). The study demonstrated that using special UDLbased tasks to teach CS makes it more accessible and has a positive impact on students with special educational needs.

The Effect of an Aerobic Platform on A Number of Body Components in Obese, Overweight, and Normal Children at the Age of (10-12 Years)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of aerobic training intervention on body components in obese, overweight and normal weight children aged 10-12 years. Methods: quasi experimental pretest / posttest study design was used. The research sample was deliberately chosen from the primary school students of the ninth Kuwait School for Boys for the academic year (2022-2023), whose number is (56) students, with (10) obese children and (23) overweight children And ( 23) normal children. Paired independent t test Analysis was used to test the effect of the intervention between pre- and post-training. Results: The intervention significantly improved body component measurements in children with obesity or overweight when the pre-test and post-test values were compared in the research; BMI (p&amp;lt;0.001); Fat M(kg) (p&amp;lt;0.001); It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in TR Fat M (p&amp;lt;0.001). However, in the data below, he concluded that there was no statistically significant difference between the variables;TBW(L) (p&amp;gt;0.05); PMM(%) (p&amp;gt;0.05); TR FFM (p&amp;gt;0.05); TR PMM (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusions: aerobic training made a significant difference in body component indices among children aged 10-12 years with obesity or overweight. Programmed aerobic training interventions can be used to improve some body component indices in obese and overweight children.

Pengaruh Penerapan Metode Quantum Kauny terhadap Peningkatan Kemampuan Tahfidz Qur’an Siswa di SD IT Cendekia Darussalam

Problems that become obstacles in carrying out the tahfidz Qur'an program at SD IT Cendekia Darussalam, thereby disrupting the improvement of the quality and ability of tahfidz Qur'an of students at school, include the lack of enthusiasm and motivation of students in memorizing the Qur'an, the deposit for memorizing was not fluent, students could not understand the meaning of their memorization and also the use of learning media and the choice of methods were inappropriate which cause the problems with the quality of students' memorization.This study was aimed to find out (a) how high the quality of students' memorization of the Qur'an is after implementing the quantum kauny method at SD IT Cendekia Darussalam. (b) the effect of applying the quantum kauny method on improving students' tahfidz Qur'an abilities at SD IT Cendekia Darussalam. The method used in this research was quantitative experimental method with a Quasi Experimental pretest posttest control group design. The samples in this study were students of class VI AL-Munadi and class VI Al-Munawwir. Data collection techniques in this research consisted of tests, documentation, observation and interviews. The results of the research show that there is a difference in test results using the Quantum Kauny method in pretest and posttest using the conventional method, this is proven by the "t" test and the results of hypothesis testing in class VI Al-Munawwir obtained tcount &gt; ttable namely 13.066 &gt; 2.07387 and significance value (2-tailed) &lt; 0.05. then the test results in class VI Al-Munadi obtained tcount &gt; ttable, namely 2.369 &gt; 2,045 and the significance value (2-tailed) &lt; 0.05, and the N-Gain test from the results of the N-gain analysis in the Experiment class was 0.33 medium category and control class 0.-12 low category. So it can be concluded that the use of the quantum kauny method has an effect on increasing the ability of tahfidz Qur'an students at SD IT Cendekia Darussalam because Ha is accepted and Ho is rejected

Study Through Memes: Using Memes as a Teaching Tool in Anatomy

Introduction: The popularity of internet memes these days, especially amongst young generation raises a question, whether memes can be used for enhancing interest and learning of students in lectures or not? This study shows the effectiveness of memes as a teaching tool in Anatomy subject. Aims and Objectives: To determine the effects of using memes as a teaching tool in order to enhance interest and understanding of students. Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted at Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College over 6 months duration between June to December 2023 Material and Methods: A group of 100 students was selected and divided into two groups. Both groups were taught using traditional method. A pre-experiment test related to musculoskeletal system was conducted. Then in revision classes the experimental group reinforced the concepts through power points presentations in which the memes were incorporated. A post experiment test of anatomy was taken from both groups A self-constructed survey was also conducted to register the students’ experience regarding memes. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 27 paired T-test, for comparison of means in both groups pre and post experimental test scores . P value ? 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Results of the test taken before the experiment showed that students of both control and experimental group had equal level of understanding of the topic p value ? .217, but the results of the pre and post experimental test of the experimental group showed significant difference. (P value ? 0.018) signifying their improved understanding of concepts. The survey results showed that memes can be used as a vector to enhance students’ participation, interest, attention span and ability to memorize concepts. Conclusion: Memes are an effective tool for teaching anatomy. Similar research can be done in other subjects too.

Effects of app icon familiarity and authority on app icon image fit and usage intention: focusing on the moderating effects of app icon features and app type

PurposeThis research delves into the dynamic realm of app design by examining the impact of app icon familiarity and authority on image fit, influencing users' app usage intention. Focusing on the distinctive circumstances of Chinese and Korean customers, the study aims to provide insightful information about how application user behavior changes.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing structural equation modeling, the study employs data from 293 Korean and Chinese consumers. The research design incorporates a thoughtful approach, including parallel translation methods, focus group interviews, and pre-experimental testing to ensure survey accuracy and validity. The study strategically selects stimuli from the Apple App Store rankings, emphasizing icon features and type considerations.FindingsThe results provide important new information about the connections between usage intention, image fit, authority, and familiarity with app icons. Notably, app icon familiarity and authority positively influence image fit. Furthermore, app icon image fit emerges as a positive predictor of usage intention, mediating the complex interplay between familiarity, authority, and intention. The study also identifies moderating effects, shedding light on the nuanced role of app icon features and types.Originality/valueOriginating from a comprehensive exploration of icons, this study significantly contributes to the field by exploring icon differences and uncovering the intricate mechanisms guiding users' decisions. The findings offer valuable insights for app designers, marketers, and researchers seeking a deeper understanding of user behavior in diverse cultural contexts, thereby enhancing the theoretical and practical foundations in app usability and consumer behavior.

Utilizing ensemble learning in the classifications of ductile and brittle failure modes of UHPC strengthened RC members

This study aims to achieve the swift and precise classification of ductile and brittle failure modes in flexural reinforced concrete (RC) members, specifically those with tension sides strengthened by ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC). Employing six ensemble learning techniques—Bagging, Random Forest, AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, and LightGBM—the authors utilize a comprehensive dataset comprising 14 features, which include manually labeled failure modes obtain from load–deflection curves. The model training spans four scenarios, varying in the inclusion or exclusion of features describing the cross-sectional area of RC members and moment resistance. XGBoost emerges as the most effective classifier, achieving an impressive 84% accuracy with high confidence. Additionally, the study employs the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) technique on the best-performing model to illuminate the significance and impacts of various features in UHPC-strengthened flexural members’ failure modes. Notably, moment resistance and UHPC tensile strength surface as the most influential factors in predicting failure modes. Increased rebar yield strength, UHPC compressive strength, UHPC reinforcement ratio, and steel fiber volume in UHPC contribute to enhanced ductility in flexural members, while heightened moment resistance and UHPC layer thickness, along with a robust RC-UHPC interface, tend to induce brittleness. The introduction of such an effective failure modes classification model, coupled with the model’s explainability, instills trust in its predictions and facilitates seamless integration into real-world applications, particularly in seismic areas. The model’s ability to operate without the need for pre-experimental tests marks a significant advancement in the field.