Higher Academic Level Research Articles

Exploring Influencing Factors at Student and Teacher/School levels on Science Self-efficacy Using Machine Learning and Multilevel Latent Profile Analysis

The main purpose of this study was to explore major factors at student and teacher/school levels affecting middle-school students’ science self-efficacy among countries with high science academic performance levels in PISA 2015 data by using various regression algorithms of machine learning and multilevel latent profile analysis (MLPA). Out of total of 195 (110 at the student-level and 75 at the teacher/school-level), 88 at the student-level and 38 at the teacher/school-level explanatory variables were finally selected after data pre-processing. Through over 20 regression analysis algorithms of machine learning, 10 variables at the student-level and five variables at the teacher/school-level were found to be significant predictors, consistent with previous studies. Next, MLPA was applied to classify underlying science self-efficacy sub-groups at each level and verify the statistical significance of variables affecting science self-efficacy, chosen from the machine learning. Three classes at the student-level (low, moderate, high) and two at the teacher/school-level (mid-low, mid-high) were selected as the optimal number of latent profiles. At the student-level, students with higher environmental awareness, science activities, interest in broad science topics, instrumental motivation, test anxiety, and achieving motivation were more likely to belong to the moderate or high groups than the low group. At the teacher/school-level, the mid-high group had more considerable science-specific resources, higher instructional leadership, a larger student-teacher ratio, and more science teachers than mid-low group. Finally, the significance of the study was presented, and implications for increasing science self-efficacy in middle school students were suggested.

Prevalence and influencing factors of sleep disorders in medical students after the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe prevalence of sleep disorders among medical students was high during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, fewer studies have been conducted on sleep disorders among medical students after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the prevalence and factors influencing sleep disorders among Chinese medical students after COVID-19.MethodsA total of 1,194 Chinese medical students were included in this study from 9th to 12th July 2023. We used the Self-administered Chinese scale to collect the demographic characteristics. In addition, we used the Chinese versions of the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess subjects’ depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, respectively. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to identify factors influencing sleep disorders. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to assess the predictive value of relevant variables for sleep disorders.ResultsWe found the prevalence of sleep disorders among medical students after COVID-19 was 82.3%. According to logistic regression results, medical students with depression were 1.151 times more likely to have sleep disorders than those without depression (OR = 1.151, 95% CI 1.114 to 1.188). Doctoral students were 1.908 times more likely to have sleep disorders than graduate and undergraduate students (OR = 1.908, 95% CI 1.264 to 2.880).ConclusionThe prevalence of sleep disorders among medical students is high after COVID-19. In addition, high academic levels and depression are risk factors for sleep disorders. Therefore, medical colleges and administrators should pay more attention to sleep disorders in medical students after the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular assessment of sleep disorders and depression is essential.

Community pharmacists' comfort levels with and barriers to application of an expanded scope of practice in Québec.

In recent years, community pharmacists have seen their profession transition from a dispensing-focused role to a rapidly evolving clinically oriented practice. In Québec, Bill 31, adopted in 2020, increased the clinical opportunities for pharmacists with independent prescribing privileges in various defined clinical situations. As this expanded role can lead to different barriers, it is crucial to explore pharmacists' comfort levels with implementing such changes in their practice. A web-based survey was conducted from March 25 to May 28, 2021, among community pharmacists in Québec. We collected data with a questionnaire developed for this study. Questions were grouped into 4 domains: (1) characteristics of the respondents; (2) workload and work setting; (3) comfort level with, and barriers to, adjusting medications and following up pharmacologic treatments (86 clinical situations evaluated); and (4) general barriers and facilitators to implementation. A total of 146 community pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Most were women (71.9%), younger than 50 years of age (86.2%), had a bachelor's degree (64.4%) as their highest academic level and had more than 10 years of experience as pharmacists (56.8%). Most of them worked exclusively in a community pharmacy (86.3%). Among the 86 clinical situations evaluated, there were 16 in which at least 80% of respondents felt comfortable. The main barriers identified were a lack of knowledge, experience and dedicated time and difficulties integrating these activities into the workflow; facilitators were having an adequate environment and resources. This study shows community pharmacists can confidently adjust pharmacotherapy for several conditions. However, they must have adequate time and resources. Also, the more complex the clinical situations were, the less comfortable community pharmacists felt adjusting pharmacotherapy. This study identified several areas where continuing education, training and mentoring could be offered and where the work environment and organization could be improved.

Navigating Cultural Challenges in Transplant Surgery: Insights from Turkish Surgeons.

To achieve expertise, transplant surgeons in Turkiye undergo rigorous training, including medical school, residency, compulsory service, and extensive training in transplant surgery. Despite their high academic and clinical knowledge level, success in transplant surgery heavily depends on cultural competency. Through semi-structured interviews with 21 transplant surgeons specializing in kidney and liver transplants in Ankara, this study reveals how health illiteracy, culture, and folklore create significant barriers. Surgeons navigate these challenges while enduring harsh working conditions. This research highlights the critical role of cultural competency in transplant surgery, emphasizing the necessity for surgeons to understand and address the diverse cultural needs of their patients. Key findings indicate that surgeons must balance medical expertise with cultural sensitivity to deliver effective care. This study identifies four main cultural barriers: spiritual trust, family politics, health illiteracy, and subcultural incompetency. Effective transplant surgery requires a combination of theoretical proficiency and cultural awareness to meet a patient's needs and improve surgical outcomes.

Awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome among Saudi Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Child abuse is a global problem. Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a result of child abuse, with shaking being the most common form of maltreatment, causing mortality or severe brain damage in infants. A lack of awareness of SBS among current and future healthcare professionals can have serious consequences. To date, no studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to examine student nurses' awareness of SBS, so we sought to assess this issue in an academic institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For this questionnaire-based study, we employed a cross-sectional, descriptive design. The target population was nursing students from every year of study in the institution's five-year undergraduate nursing programme, who received an online questionnaire during the 2022-2023 academic year. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Of the 293 respondents, 100.0% confirmed that they were not aware of SBS through their nursing curricula, and 62.1% reported not being made aware of SBS at all during their academic journey. The majority of participants were unaware of the negative consequences of shaking a baby. Most were not aware that shaking a baby vigorously can cause permanent blindness (73.4%), postural impairments (56.7%), sleep disorders (61.1%), or convulsions (60.1%). The results of our study revealed a statistically significant relationship between nursing students' awareness of SBS and both their year of study and marital status. Those at higher academic levels and those who were married were more aware of SBS. To improve nursing students' knowledge of SBS and help them to better inform the public of this syndrome, particularly parents, child maltreatment topics should be added to nursing curricula in Saudi Arabia, and their importance should be emphasised. This will help reduce the prevalence and burden of SBS nationally.

Public awareness of the association between the risk of breast cancer (BC) development and alcohol consumption (AC) among women aged 18–75 years.

e22547 Background: Worldwide, 4·4% of all new cases of female BC are attributable to alcohol use. Alcohol is recognized as a group 1 carcinogen, as classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. However, public awareness of the association remains low. We aim to look at the awareness of the association between AC and the risk of BC development among female employees of a community hospital in the United States. Methods: We sent an 8-item survey to 100 randomly selected adult females working in a community hospital via an online link. The survey was voluntary, with no incentives. We captured the following measures: age, alcohol use, awareness of AC as a BC risk factor, education level, screening for BC, and personal or family history(FH) of BC. Analyses examined correlates of associations between awareness and conceptual predictors. Results: Sixty females (60% response rate) responded to the survey. The age groups were: 28%(17): 18-39 years, 25%(15): 40-49 years, and 47%(28): 50-75 years. 22%(13) had a graduate(Gr), 56%(34) had an undergraduate(UG), and 22% (13) had a high school level of education. 33% (20/60) consumed alcohol. 61% (37/60) did not consider AC as a risk factor(RF) for BC development. 54% with Gr, 62% with UG, and 71% with a high school level of education did not consider AC to be a RF for BC. 41% among 18-39, 67% among 40-49, and 72% among 50-75 year-olds did not consider AC an RF for BC. 92% (55/60) never received education about the association of BC with alcohol intake. 23% with Gr, 5% with UG, and 0% with high school received education about the association of Alcohol and BC. 86% of 40-49 years and 75% of 50-75 years had undergone screening mammograms in the last three years. Mammogram rates were 75% in women with positive FH, compared to 45% without positive FH. Conclusions: The results revealed a low level of awareness of the risk of alcohol use with BC, with just 40% of females considering it as a risk factor. Younger age and higher academic levels were the variables that had the strongest association with better awareness. A further lower level of education was reported, with more than 90% never having received education about the association. We must orchestrate awareness of this association with attention to individuals with lower educational levels.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in paleolimnology: insights from the 2022 IAL-IPA symposium

This report provides insights into ways that paleolimnology is becoming, and can continue to be more diverse, equitable and inclusive. Ideas presented here came during the organization, and in part, out of a special session held during the Joint Meeting of the International Association of Limnogeology (IAL) and the International Paleolimnology Association (IPA), conducted virtually (27–29 April 2022) and in-person, in Bariloche, Argentina (27 November to 1 December 2022). It was the first time in 55 years that the combined IAL-IPA meeting (held separately prior to 2018) hosted a special session to address issues beyond the value of scientific information in lake sediments. That session, “Beyond just research data: the value of outreach, education, equality, and inclusion around lakes,” included topics such as Third Mission activities, i.e., the economic and social missions of universities and how they contribute to the broader community. It also addressed challenges to diversifying our Earth Science community, which is still characterized by underrepresentation of women, especially at the highest academic levels, suffers from the “parenthood effect,” which affects both women and men, and often fails to adequately support dual-career couples, especially in Europe. Efforts to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) included: (1) a virtual IAL-IPA meeting for Early Career Researchers (ECRs), conducted months before the in-person conference in Argentina, (2) a special session on DEI challenges and values, (3) financial support for ECRs and attendees from low-income countries, (4) equitable ECR awards, (5) consideration of gender equity during plenary and oral presentations, (6) remote presentations, including both live and pre-recorded talks, (7) utilization of multiple communication platforms to disseminate information to conference participants, and organization of science-communication activities, and (8) pre- and post-conference courses and workshops. These efforts were supported by the local organizing committee and by the establishment of the first DEI Working Group. ECRs dominated the in-person Joint Meeting (200 of 300 attendees), which we view as an opportunity to promote changes in our discipline. We encourage members of our community to work collaboratively to shape diverse research groups and identify leaders who will promote more equitable and inclusive workplaces.

The core components and the survey on importance of professional quality of chief editor, editorial director and editor of sci-tech journals in China

Background: This study aims to explore the core elements of the professional quality of the chief editor, editorial director, and editor of sci-tech journals and to analyze the understanding of the importance of the professional quality of the editorial team. Methods: The core elements of the professional quality of the chief editor, editorial director, and editor of sci-tech journals are summarized into basic quality, professional quality, comprehensive quality, and excellent quality. They are then defined and explained using the literature research method. In addition, a questionnaire on the core professional quality of the chief editor, editorial director, and editor of sci-tech journals was designed to investigate the cognition status of the importance of professionalism among editors of sci-tech journals. Results: The survey results show that editors are the direct executors of journal operations and need to master basic quality and improve professional quality. The editorial director is the main manager of the work of sci-tech journals, and it is necessary to comprehensively strengthen the promotion of various professional qualities. The chief editor is the main person at the helm of the academic quality of sci-tech journals and needs to have a higher academic level and a more rigorous work attitude. They should pay attention to improving professional quality and excellent quality. Conclusion: The chief editor, editorial director, and editor of sci-tech journals should focus on different professional quality training specific to their practice. Professional quality evaluation standards should be established to provide a reference for the evaluation system of sci-tech journal editors.

Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Determinants Among Adolescent Mothers in Kibera Informal Settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is recommended as the optimal way to feed infants (WHO,2019). The study sought to assess the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants among adolescent mothers in Kibera informal settlement. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. A sample of 300 adolescent mothers were interviewed together with 10 Key informants. Multistage Sampling was the technique used to select villages and households with adolescent mothers with infants less than 6 months. A questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews with adolescent mother and key Information Interview guide was used to collect the qualitative data from health care workers at Carolina For Kenya facility. Quantitative data was coded, entered into SPSS software. Descriptive statistics was carried out for all variables whereby categorical variables were evaluated using percentages and frequencies. The chi-square test was applied at a bivariate level to assess relationships associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Significance levels were set at α=0.05. The qualitative data obtained were analyzed according to major themes raised during the interviews. The findings were that most (89%) of the adolescent mothers were unemployed and their mean age was 17 years (±SD= 2.19). More than a half (64%) attained secondary as the highest academic level. The mean birth weight of the infants was 2.7kgs (±SD=1.13) and 61% were females. The prevalence rate of exclusive breastfeeding was low 7.3% while complementary feeding rate was high at 80.7%, Almost half (48.7%) of the infants were being given water and complementary foods like milk (30.3%) and dilute porridge (21%). The variables that were significantly (p<0.05) associated with exclusive breastfeeding were age (χ2=27.992, p=0.006) and knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding (χ2=23,836, p=0.000). Most (80%) of the professionals had been trained for 2 years and above while the remaining 20% had already undergone training for one year and were still enrolled for some more training. The practice of exclusive breastfeeding was low and many adolescent mothers introduced complementary feeding before six months.

The Use of Lexical Bundles in English Language Academic Writing among University Learners: A Systematic Literature Review

Lexical bundles have been widely studied in English academic writing, but not as extensive in university learners’ academic writing. This study conducted a systematic review of the literature on lexical bundles in academic writing among university learners from 2017 to 2022 to describe the directions of and limitations of recent studies on how lexical bundles influence the fluency and coherence of academic writing among university learners. The review relied on two major databases, Scopus and Web of Science, and adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The study analyzed 28 articles them based on three content-based themes: the research context, the research contents, and the research objectives. Recent research on lexical bundles in academic writing among university students 1) lacks an in-depth analysis of specific functions, such as text-oriented bundles, which predominate and play an important coherence role in more advanced academic writing; 2) addressing the analysis of lexical bundles solely through a phraseological lens fails to account for their genre-specific characteristics. It is crucial to merge insights from both genre and phraseology for a thorough analysis; 3) comparing the academic writing of native English-speaking learners, that of university learners in East Asia and the Middle East are unevenly distributed and limited in scope. There is limited research on academic writing at higher academic levels, university learners in Southeast Asia, and cross-regional comparative studies.

Fear of Death in Colombian Nursing Students.

Introduction: Death is a natural phenomenon inherent to the human condition and an inevitable consequence of life. As future professionals, nursing students should face the process of death and recognize their limitations, because emotional aspects can influence the quality of health care, especially in Spanish-speaking countries. This study aimed to quantify the level of fear of death among nursing students in a higher education institution in a region of Colombia. Methods: A quantitative correlational study including 258 university students selected by stratified sampling were administered the Collet-Lester Fear of Death Scale; the results were analyzed for the age, religion, marital status, number of children, and academic level of the respondents. Results: On average, the students were 22.9 years old; 83.3% of them were female, 75.6% were Catholic, 14.1% had at least one child, and 66.7% had experienced bereavement in the family. An association was found between the female gender and the fear of one's own death (p = .025). Conclusion: These findings differ from those reported in other Latin American countries where higher academic level and clinical experience are related to lower fear of death.

Amount of instructional and inclusion time for children with disabilities in France

ABSTRACT The aim of this research is to study the actual situation of the inclusion of children with disabilities in France. The parents of 552 children with disabilities, aged between 3 and 18, were interviewed about the amount of instructional and inclusion time of their child. Inclusion time refers to instructional time spent with non-disabled peers. The parents also specified the nature and severity of their child’s disability, the potential difficulties linked to the child’s behaviour using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the child’s academic level and various socio-demographic variables. The study shows that the amount of instructional time of children with a disability is significantly lower than that of non-disabled children. Children with an intellectual disability or with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) have significantly less instructional time than children with a motor disability, dys-disorder or ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). An important number of hours of inclusion is associated with a high academic level, particularly in mathematics. The higher the total score of emotional difficulties is, the lesser the child is schooled and included; conversely, a high score of pro-social behaviour is associated with more hours of instruction, after controlling the other variables. Finally, the parents’ socio-professional category has an impact on instructional time and even more so on inclusion time, in favour of children with an advantaged background.

A108: Mood State of the University Students During the COVID-19 and Its Influencing Factors

Purpose: Employing a stratified random sampling approach, we conducted an investigation into the mental state and its influencing factors among 10,285 college students across 80 universities in 20 provinces (cities), spanning Beijing, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Tibet, Zhejiang, and Chongqing. This study, conducted in 2020, 2021, and 2022, aims to effectively enhance the mental well-being of college students within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Frequency was employed to examine the basic characteristics of the respondents. The Pearson chi-square test was then utilized to test the rates of emotional strife across different parameters such as grade, gender, ethnicity, year, visual acuity, physical activity (PA), and physical class. Additionally, binary logistic regression was applied to analyze the quantitative-effect relationships between distinct mental states and various other indicators. Results: The chi-square test indicated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the comparison of emotional strife scores among college students across the years 2020, 2021, and 2022, except for high total emotional strife scores and visual acuity across different physical fitness levels. Results from binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant effect (p < 0.05) of all factors, excluding physical class, on emotional strife among college students. Specifically, the odds of higher emotional disturbance decreased in 2021 (OR=0.782) compared to lower total emotional disturbance scores. However, except for graduate students, the odds of higher emotional disturbance gradually increased with higher academic levels (sophomore, OR=1.51; junior, OR=2.319; and senior, OR=2.932) compared to freshmen. Male students exhibited higher odds of higher emotional disturbance (OR=1.139) than their female counterparts. Furthermore, the odds of higher emotional disturbance were higher for male students compared to female students (OR=1.139). However, the odds of higher emotional disturbance decreased for Han Chinese (OR=0.764) and other ethnic groups (OR=0.909) compared to Tibetans. Simultaneously, the odds of higher emotional disturbance tended to decrease with increasing self-rated health levels compared to poor health (fair, OR=0.509; good, OR=0.255; healthy, OR=0.157). In terms of physical activity, compared to low PA, subjects with moderate PA (OR=0.776) and high PA (OR=0.67) tended to experience higher emotional disturbance, reflecting a decreasing trend in the odds of higher emotional strife. Conclusion: The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental well-being of college students exhibited significant variations. In 2021, along with poor self-health ratings and low levels of physical activity (PA), were identified as risk factors associated with higher emotional strife among college students. Conversely, being in sophomore, junior, or senior years, identifying as male, and belonging to the Han or other ethnic groups were identified as protective factors against higher emotional strife. These findings suggest that schools should specifically address Tibetan college students across different grades who engage in moderate to high levels of physical activity, aiming to enhance their overall mental well-being.

Grammaticality Judgments as Evidence for Null-subject Parameter Resetting by Young and Adult Libyan EFL Learners

This study investigates a number of issues related to the differences between young and adult second language learners concerning the process of parameter resetting in cases when the first and the second language have two different values of the same parameter. The case which is examined in this study is the fact that Arabic which is the first language of the target groups of participants in this study is a pro-drop (null-subject) language, while English which they are studying as a foreign language is a non-pro- drop (non-null subject) language. The study uses Grammaticality Judgment tasks to which group of the Libyan EFL learners, the young or the adult learners’ group have reset this parameter from its value in Arabic to its different value in English. These Grammaticality Judgment tasks were applied to 91 university students who are studying in the Department of English, Faculty of Arts at Misurata University. The young learners’ group included 45 pupils in the first grades at the International Knowledge School in Misurata. The academic performance level of the participants in the two groups was considered as a factor which may affect the grammaticality judgments of the participants. The results showed that younger learners performed better in the grammaticality judgment tasks and that their judgments were not affected by the fact that their first language had a different value of the pro-drop parameter. It was also noticed that the intensive academic study at a university level did not help the older participants to be better than younger participants in this task. Moreover, the level of academic achievement was not a factor in this study that participants with lower academic levels performed better than those with higher academic levels

Explore Students' Metacognitive Thinking Process in Solving Compound Polarity Problems Based on The Level of Academic Ability

This study was designed to identify and describe students’ metacognitive thinking process in solving compound polarity based on academic ability level. Two hundred and eighty-four high school students in Indonesia participated in the study. Students are classified into high, middle and low academic ability groups based on field notes, student academic data, compound polarity problem-solving test (CPPST) scores and teacher suggestions. Six selected students from each group were designated as research subjects and then interviewed in depth to explore their metacognitive thinking processes. CPPST answer sheets and interview transcripts were analyzed using summative content analysis and tested for validity by data triangulation. The results showed that the students with high and medium academic ability level carry out metacognitive thinking processes in the dimensions of planning, monitoring and reflection in solving compound polarity problems, where the metacognitive thinking processes of students with high academic ability are more varied than students with middle academic ability. Students with low academic ability only carry out the dimensions of planning and monitoring. Therefore, teachers need to train students' metacognitive skills in solving problems and get used to applying metacognitively in each given problem solving so that students are trained to solve problems systematically, carefully and thoroughly, and manage time properly in order to obtain the expected learning achievement.

Application of the K-Means Clustering Algorithm to Determine Student Academic Ability Levels during Covid-19

Since the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, various ways and efforts have been made by the government to prevent the spread of the corona virus. One of them is by implementing an online learning system, so that it causes differences in the learning process that is usually carried out by lecturer face to face with students. Changes in the learning process are expected to be carried out effectively and efficiently. The purpose of this research is to find out how the level of students' academic ability is during online learning in the Informatics Engineering study program at Universitas Malikussaleh and aims to produce a system model that can cluster the level of student academic ability using the K-Means Clustering Algorithm. The variables used in this study are 3 parameters, namely the teaching and learning process, facilities and infrastructure and learning outcomes. The stages carried out in this study were collecting questionnaire data filled out by 200 students. The data obtained would be processed using the K-Means Clustering Algorithm and forming 3 clusters, namely low, medium and high. The clustering results of 200 data obtained 27 students having low academic ability levels (Cluster 1), 87 students having moderate academic ability levels (Cluster 2) and as many as 86 students having high academic ability levels (Cluster 3). The contribution of this research is to help the management of the Informatics Engineering Study Program at Universitas Malikussaleh to find out how the level of student academic ability is during the online learning period during the COVID-19 pandemic, so that evaluation of learning can be carried out online.

A statistical study of sport concerning the affective factors of resilience

Research on the resilience of athletes has attracted the attention of scholars in the last three decades. The incorporation of statistics has led to rapid advances in sports research, with a major focus on the factors that influence resilience, such as the sport in which the athlete is engaged, the standard of the athlete, the age and the gender, and so on. The methodology of sports statistics is also worth discussing, and the mainstream data analysis methods in the current literature include t-test, ANOVA and linear regression. This paper pulls together a considerable amount of relevant literature at the cutting edge and high academic level and analyzes what they study. We point out recognized findings and contradictions, indicating research directions and academic gaps for future theoretical research.

National prevalence and socioeconomic factors associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in South Korea: a large-scale representative study in 2021.

Among the global efforts toward preventing the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines are a pivotal factor in ending the pandemic. Thus, through a large-scale population-based study, we investigated the individual-, social-, and family-associated factors affecting the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in South Korea. Data were obtained from a nationwide representative study (Korea Community Health) conducted in 2021. To determine the individual-, social-, and family-associated variables for COVID-19 vaccination acceptance, we investigated data from 225,319 individuals. In the total sample (n=225,319), 184,529 COVID-19-vaccinated people and 40,790 non-vaccinated people were evaluated. The factors related to the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination were significantly associated with the demographic factors, namely, older age group, female sex, and a history of influenza vaccination, as well as medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression. Socioeconomic conditions influencing the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination were significantly associated with low-income families and blue-collar workers. Health-related risk factors were high in the obese group. However, a noteworthy negative association was found between the acceptance of vaccination and smoking habits and alcohol consumption. Conversely, a positive association was observed between academic level and vaccination acceptance. Our findings suggest that old age, female sex, a history of influenza vaccination, medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression, low-income families, blue-collar workers, and health-related risk factors, such as obesity, were associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, a high academic level, absence of smoking habits, and non-current alcohol use were positively associated with vaccine acceptance.

Znanstvenoinformatički centar "Bugarska enciklopedija"

The Bulgarian Encyclopedia Scientific Information Centre is a constituent part of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, responsible for the compilation and publication of encyclopedias and encyclopedic reference books. Its work follows the tradition of encyclopedic knowledge in Bulgarian culture dating back to medieval collections from the court of Tsar Simeon I in the 9th to 10th centuries. Encyclopedic content is also contained in the first Bulgarian schoolbook, published in 1824, and in the growing interest in reference publications before and after the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. The first Bulgarian general encyclopedia, the Encyclopedic Dictionary, was published in 1899–1907, followed by the popular Bulgarian Encyclopedia A-Ya in 1936. A specialised unit for the preparation of encyclopedias and encyclopedic reference literature was established at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in 1955 under the name Bulgarian Encyclopedia, and was renamed the Bulgarian Encyclopaedia Scientific Information Centre in 2003. The Centre’s mission is to disseminate scientific knowledge widely and in an accessible form. The Centre’s main activities include the compilation and preparation of general one-volume and multi-volume encyclopedias, the development of methodological guidelines and technologies for new publications, the preparation of thematic vocabularies of the articles and illustrations of the editions, and editorial and compiling work. The publications of the Bulgarian Encyclopedia Scientific Information Centre are of a high academic level, and the editorial and compilation work is carried out by experienced scientific encyclopedic editors, which guarantees the high professional standards of the publications. Multiple editions of the Bulgarian Encyclopedia have been published, covering a wide range of topics such as history, science, culture, and more. The Centre has also published thematic encyclopedias and electronic versions of its work, and collaborates with various organisations and publishers to continue its responsible activity of national importance

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Oral Hygiene Practices of Secondary School Students in Al-Qunfudah District, Saudi Arabia.

Background Oral health is closely related to general health awareness and good oral hygiene practices, which makes it an important aspect of general health and well-being. The current study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral hygiene among secondary school students in Al-Qunfudah district, Saudi Arabia. Methods A convenient sample of 383 male and female secondary school students in the Al-Qunfudah district, Saudi Arabia, was included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. The research data were collected from the study sample through a self-administered online survey via WhatsApp and Telegram electronic applications. Finally, the collected data were coded and analyzed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) and expressed in frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were applied to assess the relationship between the participants' knowledge and practice scores of oral hygiene and their demographic characteristics. A P-value of less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results In this study, female students represented 70% of the sample, and most of them were Saudi (97.0%). Many of them identified the great impact of oral hygiene on overall health (89.2%), and more than two-thirds indicated that brushing their teeth regularly would prevent oral problems (89.2%). Nearly two-thirds of them perceived that dental problems would affect their school attendance; however, 59.1% ignored the important role of schools in maintaining students' oral hygiene. The poor practice of dental care was observed among students, as 47.5% brush their teeth twice daily and a third replace their brushes every three months. Despite the fact that the majority of the study population had adequate knowledge (44.4%) and a positive attitude (78.6%) toward oral hygiene, only 39.9% could effectively apply it. The knowledge of oral hygiene was significantly better among females (P = 0.005), older students (P = 0.001), those at a higher academic level (P = 0.016), and students from Al-Qunfudah city (P = 0.007). Furthermore, older pupils, those with a higher academic level, and those from Al-Qunfudah city performed better in terms of dental hygiene than their peers (P-value was 0.001 for each). Conclusion Secondary school students generally have adequate awareness levels and positive attitudes towardoral hygiene, but they practice it with remarkably little consistency. Schools should emphasize their crucial roles in enhancing oral health among their students of different education levels through their curriculum and frequent monitoring of students. Persuasive and realistic oral health education initiatives are recommended for schoolchildren and their family members or caregivers, with a particular emphasis on males, younger children, and those living in rural areas.