Independent Samples Research Articles

Loneliness, Psychological Well-being, Depression, and Social Participation in the Older Persons: Rural and Urban Differences.

The purpose of this study is to compare the loneliness, psychological well- being, depression, and social participation of elderly people living in Turkish society between rural and urban areas. The sample group of the study, in which a correlational survey model was used, consisted of 610 elderly adults. The study population consists of two groups: the first group consists of individuals over 65 years of age living in the city (Istanbul) (n= 291), and the second group consists of individuals over 65 years of age living in rural areas (rural areas of Ordu) (n= 319). Socio-demographic Information Form, Loneliness in the Elderly Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Psychological Well-Being in the Elderly Scale, and Social Inclusion Scale were applied online. Statistical analyses of the study were conducted using SPSS 27.00, and the Independent Samples t-test and ANOVA test were used. According to the findings of this study, statistically significant results were found in psychological well-being, social inclusion, social relations, loneliness and depression, and place of residence. It was observed that the social isolation and social acceptance levels of those living in urban areas were higher than those living in rural areas. Social, loneliness, and depression scores of those living in the village/town were found to be higher than those living in the city centre. Furthermore, the social relationship scores of those living in the village/town were found to be higher than those living in the city centre. The increasing elderly population worldwide has become an issue that requires global measures. Place of residence is one of the factors thought to affect older people's health and well- being. It is thought that the study data will contribute to new policies that will ensure the protection and promotion of elderly health and those working in this field. In addition, the study, which provides information about Turkish culture, will also enable intercultural comparisons.

Sociodemographic, economic, and academic factors linked with resilience in university students during covid-19 pandemic: a Brazilian cross-sectional study

BackgroundResilience is a crucial factor in students’ mental health, playing an important role in their successful adaptation to the academic environment. However, there is a lack of understanding about resilience and its associated factors in students from different undergraduate courses. This study aimed to describe the resilience profile of undergraduate students from various courses in Brazil and identify sociodemographic, economic, and academic factors associated with resilience.MethodsThis study has data from a cross-sectional multicenter study involving undergraduate students from eight Federal Institutions of Higher Education in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dependent variable was resilience, measured using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) 10-item version, with sociodemographic, economic, and academic factors considered independent variables. Data was collected virtually via a self-administered questionnaire between October 2021 and February 2022 (during the covid-19 pandemic). Independent samples t-tests and ANOVAs were conducted to compare resilience scores between independent variables, and Tukey’s post-hoc test was performed when necessary. Multiple linear regression was performed to create three models.Results8,650 undergraduate students were included in this study. The average score on the resilience scale was 19.86 ± 8.15, with a normal distribution. The respondents ranged from 18 to 71 years old, averaging 23.9 ± 6.33. Being female, not having a religious belief, having low per capita family income, having had a decrease in the family income, not being heterosexual, or having the head of the family with a low education level were the main factors associated, individually, with low resilience scores in the sociodemographic and economic multiple linear regression model constructed. Being from linguistics, letters and arts courses, being enrolled in fewer subjects, or being from UFMG were the main factors associated, individually, with low resilience scores in the academic multiple linear regression model constructed.ConclusionsThe study’s findings revealed that sociodemographic, economic, and academic variables were significantly associated with resilience scores in undergraduates from Minas Gerais during the covid-19 pandemic. These findings can help universities develop target strategies to promote students’ resilience and reduce the risk of poor mental health among this population.

The effect of a cultural sensitivity education program on the intercultural sensitivity and compassion levels of Turkish nurses: A randomized controlled trial

AimThis study was performed to measure the effect of a cultural sensitivity education program in increasing Turkish nurses’ intercultural sensitivity and compassion levels. BackgroundIntercultural care encompasses compassion, an indispensable value of nursing care. The primary purpose of compassion is to ensure the well-being and welfare of the individual. DesignA parallel group randomized controlled trial. MethodsThe study was completed by 64 nurses, 32 in the intervention and 32 in the control groups. A Cultural Sensitivity Education Program was presented to the intervention group. Instruments were given to both groups before the intervention (pre-test), one week after the intervention (post-test) and three months later (follow-up test). Chi-square, independent sample t-test and two-way mixed-design variance analysis with Bonferroni Multiple Comparison Test were used to analyze the data. ResultsThe post-test and follow-up test mean scores of intercultural sensitivity and compassion of the intervention group after the intervention increased significantly compared with the control group. The intervention had a large effect size. ConclusionsThe study showed that the cultural sensitivity education program effectively increased the nurses’ intercultural sensitivity and compassion levels. Nurse managers could integrate education programs into the in-service education programs to improve the intercultural sensitivity and compassion levels of nurses.

THE EFFECTS OF VIRTUAL REALITY ON PAIN, ANXIETY, AND COMFORT DURING THE CHEST TUBE REMOVAL PROCEDURE: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

PurposeThe purpose of the current study is to determine the effects of virtual reality on pain, anxiety, and comfort during chest tube removal. Materials and MethodsThe research was conducted in the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of Atatürk University Health Practice and Research Hospital between January 2023 and April 2024. The study was performed as a randomized controlled experimental trial with a pretest-posttest control group. Eighty-two patients (41 in the intervention group and 41 in the control group) were included in the research. Patients in the intervention group watched a video with virtual reality glasses during chest tube removal. The “Descriptive Information Form,” “Visual Analog Scale,” “Verbal Pain Scale,” “State Anxiety Inventory,” and “Comfort Scale” were used to collect data. Number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, paired sample t-test, independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, and linear regression analysis were used in data evaluation. Our study was recorded in the Clinical Trials database with protocol number “NCT06550323.” ResultsThe groups had similar descriptive characteristics (p>0.05). The pre-procedural mean pain, anxiety, and comfort scores were similar in the two groups (p>0.05). The post-procedural mean VAS and verbal pain scores, mean anxiety, and comfort scores of the intervention group were lower in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). ConclusionThe research findings showed that virtual reality significantly reduced pain and anxiety while increasing comfort levels during chest tube removal. Therefore, it is recommended that virtual reality be used during chest tube removal.

Parental Monitoring and Its Association With Alcohol, Tobacco Cigarettes, and Cannabis Initiation in the United States Adolescent Population

PurposeLimiting time with friends (LTWF), a facet of parental monitoring, may be protective for newly incident adolescent alcohol, tobacco cigarette, and cannabis use. MethodsWe extended epidemiological evidence based on estimates from nationally representative samples of US adolescents aged 12–17 years, across 18 years of independent samples of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2002–2019). We estimated the prevalence of always LTWF, and odds ratios examining incident alcohol, tobacco cigarette, and cannabis use by LTWF within age and cohort. ResultsThe prevalence of always LTWF decreased with older age within study year and cohort. The odds of alcohol initiation were lower among youth reporting their parents were always LTWF. The odds of tobacco cigarette and cannabis initiation were lower among younger youth reporting their parents were always LTWF. DiscussionFuture research is needed to fully understand the influence of LTWF on incident substance use, particularly for older adolescents.

Assessing proximal humerus cortical bone thickness for total shoulder arthroplasty: A cadaveric study

BackgroundIn reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, a humeral osteotomy is typically performed at the anatomic neck. The quality and quantity of cancellous and cortical bone impacts sizing of implants. Little-to-no information exists characterizing the transition of this bone quality at this location. This cadaveric study focused on measuring and analyzing the transition zone of the proximal humerus bone quality to better understand the implications of utilizing different implant sizes during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. This assessment was conducted through the usage of a newly designed indentation depth probe. MethodsAn Exactech, Inc. designed indentation depth probe was used to assess the transition from cancellous to cortical bone in 45 cadavers after a humeral osteotomy was performed. The thickness of the cortical rim was measured in regard to superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior quadrants. Linear regressions were utilized to evaluate the relationship between anatomic location in regard to cortical bone thickness. Independent sample two-tailed t-tests were also conducted to examine the relationship between spring force and bone thickness. Finally, independent sample two-tailed t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were utilized to examine the relationship between cortical thickness and variables including sex, age, osteoporosis, and a diagnosis of cancer. ResultsAll linear regressions were found to be insignificant excluding the relationships between inferior to anterior (p=0.003) and inferior to posterior (p=0.001). All t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were found to be insignificant, except for the relationship between age and the posterior aspect (p=0.04). ConclusionsIn our cohort, cortical bone thickness was not impacted by sex, diagnosis of osteoporosis, or diagnosis of cancer. Interestingly, age was found to only have an impact on the posterior aspect of the cortical bone rim. Differences in cortical bone thickness were also found in regard to both the inferior to anterior and inferior to posterior comparisons. Clinical RelevanceThis suggests that differences in cortical bone thickness can occur, and that one point of assessment might not be sufficient.

Associations of Dietary Intake of Vitamin B6 and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate Level With Depression in US Adults: Findings From NHANES 2005-2010.

Evidence regarding the associations of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate level in plasma and dietary intake of vitamin B6 with depression risk is scarce. Accordingly, we investigated the aforementioned associations in US adults. This is a cross-sectional study that included data from two independent samples of 12,716 and 11,967 individuals (aged ≥20years) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2010. The associations of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate level in plasma and dietary intake of vitamin B6 with depression risk were examined through multivariable logistic regression. In addition, we determined dose-response associations by fitting restricted cubic splines to the data. In the multivariable model, the highest quarter of dietary intake of vitamin B6 was associated with a significantly lower risk of depression compared to the lowest quarter (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.79, p< 0.001). Similarly, the highest quartile of plasma PLP levels was linked to a reduced risk of depression compared to the lowest quartile (OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.93, p<0.01). With increasing quartiles of dietary intake of vitamin B6 and plasma PLP levels, the risk of depression also decreased accordingly (all p for trend < 0.01). Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that for every 1-SD increase in the level of plasma lutein+zeaxanthin and dietary intake of vitamin B6, the risk of depression showed a decreasing trend (all p<0.01). The interaction test results indicated that the dietary consumption of vitamin B6 did not significantly interact with any of the stratification factors (all p for interaction >0.05). Moreover, no significant interaction was found between the amount of plasma PLP and any hierarchical factors (all p for interaction >0.05), except for gender-based subgroup analysis (p for interaction >0.05). The dose-response relationship results showed a linear decrease trend in the relationship between dietary vitamin B6 intake and plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate with the risk of depression. Plasma PLP levels and dietary vitamin B6 intake in the highest quartiles are associated with a lower risk of depression. These findings support the promotion of a balanced diet rich in vitamin B6. However, future randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on depression risk. We should aim for a healthy and balanced diet in terms of nutritional supplementation.

Effect of an artificial intelligence-assisted recognition system on colonoscopy quality

Objective: To explore the value of the artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted recognition system in the detection quality of colonoscopy. Methods: From January 2023, the data on 700 patients who underwent colonoscopy in the Digestive Endoscopy Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University were collected prospectively. Based on a computerized number method, patients were divided into the AI assistance group and control group. The detection rate of adenomas (ADR) and polyps, number and size of adenomas, Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS), intubation time, withdrawal time, and cecal intubation rate were compared between groups. Normally distributed data were analyzed with the t-test for independent samples. Non-normally distributed data were analyzed with the Rank sum test. Categorical data were analyzed with the Chi-square test. Results: In total, 691 patients were included in the analysis. According to the intention to treat (ITT) analysis and per-protocol (PP) analysis, the withdrawal time of the AI group was higher than that of the control group (ITT:436 (305, 620) vs 368 (265, 510) s, Z=-4.24, P<0.001;PP:439 (306, 618) vs 364 (262, 500) s,t=-4.50, P<0.001); however, there were no significant differences in the ADR (ITT:123(35.5%) vs 111(32.2%), χ2=0.88, P=0.349;PP:108(34.2%) vs 99(31.1%), χ2=0.67, P=0.414), the number of adenomas (ITT:0(0, 1) vs 0(0, 1),Z=-1.08, P=0.282;PP:0(0, 1) vs 0(0, 1),Z=-0.87, P=0.387), the polyp detection rate (ITT:85(24.6%) vs 85(24.6%),χ2=0.001, P=0.983;PP:79(25.0%) vs 77(24.2%),χ2=0.05, P=0.818), BBPS (ITT:6.5±0.9 vs 6.5±0.7,t=-0.59, P=0.555;PP:6.7±0.6 vs 6.6±0.6,t=-1.83, P=0.068), and cecal intubation rate (ITT:346(100.0%) vs 343(99.4%), χ2=0.50, P=0.478) between these two groups. After excluding inadequate bowel preparation and failed cecal intubation cases, the AI-assisted system was found to significantly improve the detection rate of small adenomas (≤5 mm) (PP:27.8%(88/316)vs 21.1%(67/318), χ2=3.94, P=0.047). Conclusions: The application of an AI-assisted system in colonoscopy can increase the withdrawal time and improve the detection rate of small adenomas.

Role of anxiolytic medications in maintaining perioperative blood pressure in total hip arthroplasty surgeries: case-control retrospective study

Background: Elevated blood pressure (BP) measurements seen in patients having total hip arthroplasty (THA), pose a significant issue for surgeons. The study objective was to investigate the effectiveness of preoperative anxiolytic medications in the maintenance of blood pressure and reduction of total blood loss in patients undergoing THA surgeries. Methods: A retrospective case-control cohort study in a tertiary care university hospital included patients who had THA and had either primary managed hypertension or were non-hypertensive. 190 patients who underwent primary THR; 103 controls and 87 treatment group (Oral 3 mg Bromazepam). Pearson’s chi-square, independent sample t-test, paired samples t-test, and a two- way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized in the analysis. Results: Bromazepam group had a significantly lowered ratio of systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the morning of the surgery (P&lt;0.05). Bromazepam also reduced the ratio of SBP and MAP in theaters before anesthesia (P&lt;0.05). A repeated measures ANOVA showed significant treatment effects for SBP and MAP but not DBP (P&lt;0.001 for both). SBP, DBP, and MAP showed a significant time-treatment effect (P&lt;0.001, 0.019, and&lt;0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Oral bromazepam (anxiolytic) aids in the regulation of blood pressure in individuals with well-managed hypertension and in healthy patients having total hip arthroplasty without apparent adverse effects related to the medication. This could potentially reduce the number of uncontrolled hypertension-related surgery delays and patients on the surgical waiting list.

Reduction of Noise Levels During Caesarean Births Through Audiovisual Feedback is Associated With Lower Stress Levels for Patients.

Noise reduction during surgical procedures leads to improved surgical performance and results. The caesarean birth (CB) is an exceptional operation and a life changing experience. Through the introduction of staff education and implementation of audiovisual feedback, we intended to reduce noise, and subsequently reduce surgical complications and increase the well-being of patients and staff. During Phase I, blinded baseline measurements of noise were conducted. Phase II started after staff education and structured questionnaires on subjective noise and stress were added, and in Phase III audiovisual feedback was introduced. Mean and peak noise levels over the time of the procedure were obtained in A-weighted decibels (dB(A)). Kruskal-Wallis H tests were performed to evaluate the impact of interventions on noise levels. Questionnaires were evaluated using descriptive statistics; stress-scores were compared using independent sample t-tests. Ninety planned CBs were included. Median noise levels were 62.85 dB(A) at baseline. They decreased significantly to 60.60 dB(A) (Phase II) and 59.25 dB(A) (Phase III), respectively. This reduction of 3.6 dB(A) leads to a subjective noise reduction of around 20%. Significant differences for A-weighted and peak noise levels during actual surgery were found after combining staff education with audiovisual feedback. In Phase III, staff reported less stressful noise. Stress also decreased significantly in the patient group. Beeping machines and telephones were identified as the most stressful sources of noise. We show that noise reduction during CB is both necessary and possible. Diminished subjective perception of noise and stress are positive impacts of this intervention. Staff education and audiovisual feedback can help to provide a calm and lower stress environment for patients and staff during caesarean births.

Pengaruh Model Direct Instruction Berbantuan LKPD terhadap Kemampuan Literasi Statistis Kelas V SDN 13 Pontianak Utara

This study examines the effectiveness of the Direct Instruction learning model, enhanced by LKP, on statistical literacy skills in statistics among fifth-grade students at SDN 13 Pontianak Utara. An experimental design with a quasi-experimental approach was employed, involving a sample of 47 fifth-grade students. Data collection utilized test questions, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an independent samples t-test with SPSS version 22. The impact of the Direct Instruction model on students' statistical literacy was assessed using the effect size formula. The findings reveal that: (1) the learning process utilizing the Direct Instruction model supported by LKPD was implemented as intended and adhered to the established materials, (2) a significant difference exists in statistical literacy skills between students who engaged with the Direct Instruction model supported by LKPD and those who did not, and (3) the effect of this instructional model on statistical literacy skills is considered substantial, with an effect size of0.91.

Updated Research Publication Standards and Expectations for Successful Matching in Urology Residency Following Step 1 Scoring Changes.

To analyze the research productivity of 2024 urology residency applicants and its impact on match outcomes following the transition of the Step 1 exam to a Pass/Fail scoring system. We conducted a retrospective review of PubMed-indexed publications for 98 applicants matched to the top 25 urology residency programs, as ranked by Doximity. Metrics such as the number of publications, citations, journal impact factors, and authorship rank were analyzed. Statistical comparisons of publication rates between top-ranked and lower-ranked programs were made using independent samples t-tests. The average number of publications per applicant was 5.95, with those entering top-ranked programs exhibiting higher research outputs. Most publications were found in journals like "Urology" and "Urology Practice." A significant portion of the research was published in the final year of medical school, indicating a push for paper acceptances prior to the urology application deadline date. The increase in research output among applicants reflects the shifting weights of factors important for residency competitiveness following the Step 1 Pass/Fail scoring changes. Early engagement and mentorship in research have been shown to increase the research output of students. The findings of this study clarify the research expectations of matching successfully into a top urology program and can be used by both medical students and program directors in the current and upcoming cycles.

Exploring the role of packaging in the formation of brand images: a mixed methods investigation of consumer perspectives

Purpose This study aims to explore consumers’ perspectives on how packaging plays a role in their consumption experience and how it contributes to the formation of brand images. By adopting a consumer’s perspective, the authors identify the criteria that consumers apply to evaluate packaging and reveal how packaging relates to consumers’ overall brand associations. Design/methodology/approach Through a sequential exploratory mixed methods design, the authors explore brand packaging of chocolate bars as emotionally laden, well-known fast-moving consumer goods. First, the authors conduct a qualitative focus group study to explore how consumers perceive package design, and how it relates to their brand impressions. Second, the authors test the constructs and attributes with an independent sample through a quantitative survey. Findings The qualitative findings reveal the different roles of packaging and highlight how packaging provides value for consumer experiences not only at the point-of-sale but also during later consumption. More specifically, the authors identify 12 main criteria that consumers use to evaluate packaging. The authors unwrap how packaging is embedded in consumers’ brand image networks by mapping out its connections to other brand associations pertaining to product attributes, the brand itself and personality impressions. The quantitative findings confirm the importance of practical and symbolic packaging criteria and the brand image comparisons. Originality/value Taking a consumer’s perspective, this study contributes to a more holistic understanding of how packaging supports brand building as we reveal the various ways in which packaging relates to consumers’ overall brand image associations. This study further directs attention to the roles that consumers themselves assign to packaging and how they evaluate packaging based on its practical, symbolic and social value.

Identification of asymmetrical abnormalities in functional connectivity and brain network topology for migraine sufferers: A preliminary study based on resting-state fMRI data

Research on the neural mechanisms underlying brain asymmetry in patients with migraine patients using fMRI is insufficient. This study proposed using lateralized algorithms for functional connectivity and brain network topology and investigated changes in their lateralization in patients with migraine. In study 1, laterality indices of functional connectivity (LFunctionCorr) and brain network topological properties (LBetweennessCentrality, LDegree, and LStrength) were defined. Differences between migraineurs and normal subjects were compared at whole-brain, half-brain, and region levels. In study 2, laterality indices were used to classify migraine and were validated using independent samples and the segment method for repeatability. In study 3, abnormal brain regions related to migraine were extracted based on the classification results and differences analysis. Study 1 found no significant differences related to in for migraine at the whole-brain level; however, significant differences were identified at the half-brain level for the hemispheric lateralization of the LFunctionCorr, while 11 significantly different brain regions were also identified at the brain region level. Furthermore, the classification accuracy in study 2 was 0.9366. With repeated validation, the accuracy reached 0.8561. Furthermore, after extending the samples according to the segmentation strategy, the classification accuracies were improved to 0.9408 and 0.8585. Study 3 identified 10 crucial brain regions with asymmetrical specificity based on laterality indices distributed across the visual network, the frontoparietal control network, the default mode network, the salience/ventral attention network and the limbic system. The results revealed novel insights and avenues for research into the mechanisms of migraine asymmetry and showed that the laterality indices could be used as a potential diagnostic imaging marker for migraine.

Socio-Cultural Approach through Digital Teaching Modules: A Solution to Improve Beginning Reading Skills in Elementary Schools

The low level of early reading skills among primary school students in Indonesia is one of the significant challenges in education. International evaluations such as PISA show that Indonesian students' basic literacy skills are still below average, affecting their overall academic development. One of the contributing factors to these low results is learning that is less relevant to students' socio-cultural context. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of a socio-cultural-based digital teaching module on primary school students' beginning reading skills. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a sample of 200 grade 1 students divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group learned using socio-cultural-based digital teaching modules, while the control group applied conventional learning methods. The instrument used was a beginning reading test with 20 questions that measured the ability to recognize letter symbols, distinguish words based on the same initial letter or syllable, and compose syllables into words. Independent Sample T-Test analyzing an independent sample, ensuring that the ty and homogeneity tests were met. The results revealed significant differences between the experimental and control groups, with the experimental group showing more significant improvement in all indicators of beginning reading ability. Further discussion showed that the socio-cultural-based approach in this module made learning more relevant, exciting and interactive for students, ultimately improving their reading comprehension and motivation. In addition, integrating digital technology in this module supports flexibility and continuity of learning, allowing students to learn according to their pace and needs. This research has important implications, namely the need for broader implementation of Socio-Cultural Based Digital Teaching Modules in primary schools to improve basic literacy. However, to ensure its successful implementation, adequate technological infrastructure support and teacher training are needed to optimize this digital-based learning in the classroom.

Perbedaan Regulasi Diri Penyintas PSK Ditinjau dari Lamanya Masa Rehabilitasi di PSKW Andam Dewi, Solok

This study aims to see the differences in the level of self-regulation possessed by survivors of Commercial Sex Workers undergoing rehabilitation based on the length of rehabilitation period at the Andam Dewi Women's Social Work Center (PSKW), Solok. The methodology of this study is based on a quantitative approach. This study employed total sampling as its sampling technique. In this study, the sample consisted of 40 people, including 15 prostitute survivors who had recently undergone rehabilitation and 25 prostitute survivors who had undergone rehabilitation for a prolonged period. Omrod (2012) is used to compile aspects of self-regulation for this study, which include setting standards and goals, self-observation, self-evaluation, self-reaction, and self-reflection. The results of the analysis using Independent Sample T. The results of the analysis show that there are differences in the level of self-regulation possessed by survivors of prostitutes who had undergone rehabilitation for a prolonged period at PSKW Andam Dewi with survivors of prostitutes who had recently undergone rehabilitation at PSKW Andam Dewi.

Reduction in the anatomical structure of infected Chrysanthemum morifolium by Puccinia horiana

The commercial production of Chrysanthemum morifolium var. Mustika Kaniya in Malino highland, Indonesia, was limited by white rust infection of Puccinia horiana. This study aimed to compare the leaf and stem sections between healthy and naturally infected plants of Chrysanthemum morifolium by Puccinia horiana. The Johansen method was used to make the sections. The data were analysed using Independent Sample t-Test at α = 5%. The results showed that the pustules were protruded on the abaxial of leaf epidermis and comprised of two cells, oblong, and slightly shrivelled at the middle. The infected chrysanthemum showed the reduction in the leaf tissues (lower epidermis, palisade and spongy mesophyll, vascular bundle, and clear parenchyma) compared to the healthy plant and also reduction in the stem tissues (epidermis, cortex, bundle sheath, and pith). The infection of P. horiana in this study caused the deformation of structural change in both leaf and stem of C. morifolium.

Transforming learning outcomes: Impact of project-based learning on digestive system mastery

One of the learning models that is currently strongly advised to be used in the learning process is Project Based Learning (PJBL). The purpose of this study is to ascertain how PJBL affects students' learning outcomes in the digestive system. Students (n=61) from Muara Enim, Indonesia's class XI Science public senior high school served as the research subjects. A quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group is the study methodology employed. Project assignments, surveys, and observation sheets served as the tools. The independent sample t-test in the statistical program for social science 28 (SPSS version 28) was used to assess learning outcomes data. With a gain of 33.6 and n-gain of 0.63, the study's findings show that using the PjBL learning paradigm enhances students' learning outcomes. PjBl can increase motivation, and as it uses real-world challenges, strong curiosity will impact learning outcomes.

Creation and Validation of the MMQ-9: A Short Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Middle-Aged and Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives Memory concerns are common among older adults. The Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) is a well-validated participant-reported measure consisting of 57 items across three subscales assessing satisfaction with memory, self-perceived memory ability, and memory strategy use, respectively. Because short scales are often desired to accommodate clinical time constraints and reduce respondent burden, we created and evaluated 9-item versions of each subscale (MMQ-9). Methods In Study 1, we used an optimization strategy to identify subsets of items that maximized subscale reliability in a sample of 560 adults ages 50–90. In Study 2, we examined psychometric properties of the MMQ-9 in an independent sample of 638 adults ages 51–95. Results Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of each subscale met published criteria for good measurement properties. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the original factor structure. A hierarchical series of invariance models showed excellent fit, confirming robust measurement invariance across age, gender, and education. Conclusions The shortened MMQ-9 is a reliable, valid, and invariant measure of metamemory in middle-aged and older adults. Clinical Implications The MMQ-9 is a reasonable instrument of choice when brief yet psychometrically strong measures of participant-reported memory are required for clinical assessment of patients with memory concerns.

Motivation towards physical activities among Malaysian population by gender and age group

Sports culture among Malaysia Population still lacking and the percentage of inactive people still high and increase since year 2018. The aim of this study is to determine the level and influence of motivation towards physical activities based on gender and age groups. The researchers employed a survey design involving 7,015 respondents aged 13 years and above. Sampling selection across Malaysia was facilitated by Department of Statistic Malaysia based on block calculation and residence area from 13 states and 3 Federal Territories. The researcher employed the Multistage Cluster sampling random strategy by combining the cluster sampling procedure with stratified random sampling. A questionnaire designed by IYRES with high validity (r = 0.95) and reliability (r = .96) employed for data collection. A total of 190 trained enumerators collects the data manually. The findings of the analysis through an independent sample t-test showed that mean score for Males (M = 31.94, SD = 10.70) and for females (M = 29.84, SD = 10.82). p = .000, is significant. The results showed that there were significant differences in the mean of motivation towards physical activity participation between male and female respondents. Comparison by age group using One-way ANOVA showed that there were significant differences in the motivation of involvement in physical activity between the age groups, p = 0.000. Group pre-youth (M = 30.39, SD = 9.56), youth (M = 32.78, SD = 10.06), post youth (M = 30.72, SD = 11.06) and senior citizen 60 years and above (M = 26.76, SD = 10.72). This outcome proves that age does influence motivational factors in physical activity participation. The motivation level among youth is the highest and the elderly above 60 years old the lowest. Motivational factors are influenced by gender and age group in complex ways. Women tend to be more motivated by intrinsic factors such as job satisfaction, relationships, and personal growth, while men often lean towards extrinsic rewards. Younger individuals may be more driven by extrinsic rewards such as prizes, recognition, free gifts and performance achievements. Overall, psychological factors play a critical role in shaping individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, motivations, and behaviors regarding physical activity. By addressing psychological barriers and leveraging motivational strategies, interventions can effectively promote participation in exercise and support individuals in adopting healthier and more active lifestyles.