Independent Scales Research Articles

Comparison of clinical independence level scores among predoctoral dental students between dental school clinic and community clinic rotation.

The aim of this study was to compare the difference in the level of clinical independence among predoctoral dental students during their community clinic rotation with their dental school clinic rotations. Descriptive statistics, assessment of sample normality, and T-tests were performed to present the difference in average independence scale scores for the participants in each of the clinical disciplines at dental school clinical rotations and community rotations. The relative impact of each community clinical site was assessed to compare scores assigned at varying locations by different faculty. This study analyzed 222 dental students, including 29 from International Dental Program (IDP) and 193 traditional Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) students. Community clinic scores showed greater variability, with significantly higher scores in diagnostics and operative dentistry compared to school clinics, where higher scores were noted in endodontics and oral surgery. IDP students scored lower than traditional DDS students in school clinics but outperformed them in community settings. Community clinic scores showed greater variation between 2023 and 2024 compared to the smaller changes observed in dental school clinic scores. This study highlights the impact of clinical setting, and duration on student procedural experience and performance, suggesting that varied clinical settings can enhance students' skills and readiness for practice. It reveals differences in DDS and IDP students' experiences due to prior training and potential evaluation biases. Study findings suggested lack of significant variance in the overall scores across different evaluators in community rotations. Future research should focus on refining evaluation metrics and better prepare students for practice.

Methodology for Determining Minimally Clinically Important Differences in Acute Pain Intensity with the Double Stopwatch Technique.

Minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) in acute pain intensity have not been well established. Conventional approaches for estimating MCIDs require an independent reference scale, with a threshold that must be presumed to accurately classify meaningful change in pain for all study participants, to serve as an anchor. The double stopwatch technique is the gold standard for measuring the time to meaningful relief, where participants actively press the second stopwatch when they experience pain relief that is meaningful to them. This technique eliminates the problem of misclassification with arbitrary anchors at a single time point, but the censored nature of the data is not amenable for determining MCIDs using standard methods. We propose a stopwatch-based MCID methodology that employs the double stopwatch technique to identify individualized thresholds for meaningful change in pain. This approach enables direct classification of changes in pain for each participant based on whether they perceived the change as meaningful and whether it exceeded the study cut-off being tested. Pain values of participants who do not achieve meaningful relief are incorporated into the analysis to address censoring and avoid bias. The performance (e.g., sensitivity, specificity) of different thresholds to serve as an MCID can be estimated using standard approaches with variance estimates derived by cluster bootstrapping. The advantages of the stopwatch-based MCID methodology are illustrated relative to a conventional approach using data from a randomized trial in third molar extraction. PERSPECTIVE: This article describes a methodology for determining MCIDs using the double stopwatch technique, the gold standard for assessing meaningful changes in acute pain. This methodology can be used to establish MCIDs in different acute pain settings, providing a useful basis to evaluate the meaningfulness of clinical trial results. DATA AVAILABILITY: The participant-level data included in this study as an illustrative example were submitted to the FDA by an industry sponsor and may not be publicly released. R statistical code is provided for a simulated dataset to illustrate the proposed method as a supplementary appendix.

Development of seasonal ozone maximum reactivity scales for Beijing, China

We designed scenarios based on urban emissions to develop a Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR) scale for 41 conventional volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Beijing and quantitatively analyzed the various factors affecting MIR in urban areas. We explored the effects of updating the representative urban atmosphere used for ozone reactivity calculations by incorporating updated meteorological data, emission rates, initial condition concentrations, and VOC profile compositions. A box model equipped with the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) was used to localize the MIR scale for Beijing based on urban emission model inputs, and this was compared with scenarios in the United States. The MIR differences for most VOC species were minimal; however, Beijing exhibited higher MIR values for aromatic hydrocarbons in the summer, attributed to the higher emission intensity of aromatics in the city. Due to differences in meteorological conditions and emission scenarios, the MIR showed significant seasonal characteristics across different months. It is necessary to calculate independent MIR scales for different urban agglomerations under specific ozone pollution seasons and emission conditions. This study provides recommendations for the application of the MIR scale and can serve as a reference for VOC control strategies in China and other countries facing ozone pollution.

Fear of falling and its related factors in older adults following a fall in Kashan, Iran (2023–2024)

BackgroundFalling is a significant challenge in old age, often leading to isolation, self-imposed limitation, reduced movement, and muscle strength. This study aimed to explore the fear of falling and its related factors in older adults following a fall in Kashan, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study followed 200 older adults who visited medical centers in Kashan from July 2023 to May 2024. Continuous sampling was carried out. Data collection involved a background information questionnaire, the shortened version of the falls efficacy scale-international in older adults, the independence scale of activities of daily living, and the short-form state-trait anxiety inventory. Data were gathered before, one month, and three months after the fall. Data analysis utilized SPSS-24, including t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 71.34 ± 8.36 years (ranging from 65 to 96 years). There was a significant increase in fear of falling scores one month and three months after the fall (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression revealed that factors such as illiteracy, old age, and previous falls were predictors of fear of falling before the fall (P < 0.05). One month after the fall, predictors included illiteracy, hip fracture, and high anxiety scores (P < 0.05). Three months after the fall, predictors encompassed illiteracy, hip fracture, high anxiety score, and internal fixator placement as a treatment intervention (P < 0.05), explaining 15% of the variance in fear of falling.ConclusionsIdentifying predictive factors for fear of falling can assist health policymakers in developing a holistic care plan to enhance the quality of life for older adults post-fall. It is essential to screen for fear of falling levels, particularly after trauma, offer educational counseling services, particularly in mental health, after discharge, and prepare training programs related to fall prevention.

U(1)-charged Dark Matter in three-Higgs-doublet models

We explore three-Higgs-doublet models that may accommodate scalar Dark Matter where the stability is based on an unbroken U(1)-based symmetry, rather than the familiar ℤ2 symmetry. Our aim is to classify all possible ways of embedding a U(1) symmetry in a three-Higgs-doublet model. The different possibilities are presented and compared. All these models contain mass-degenerate pairs of Dark Matter candidates due to a U(1) symmetry unbroken (conserved) by the vacuum. Most of these models preserve CP. In the CP-conserving case the pairs can be seen as one being even and the other being odd under CP or as having opposite charges under U(1). Not all symmetries presented here were identified before in the literature, which points to the fact that there are still many open questions in three-Higgs-doublet models. We also perform a numerical exploration of the U(1) × U(1)-symmetric 3HDM, this is the most general phase-invariant (real) three-Higgs-doublet model. The model contains a multi-component Dark Matter sector, with two independent mass scales. After imposing relevant experimental constraints we find that there are possible solutions throughout a broad Dark Matter mass range, 45–2000 GeV, the latter being a scan cutoff.

The effects of death anxiety on diet-fluid restriction non-adherence in hemodialysis patients.

The study was performed to examine the effects of death anxiety on diet-fluid restriction non-adherence in hemodialysis patients. This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was performed with 118 hemodialysis patients who received treatment in the dialysis unit of a university hospital and a state hospital in Elazığ, eastern Turkey. The study data were obtained with the "Descriptive Data Form", "Death Anxiety Scale", and "Dietary and Fluid Restriction Non-Adherence Scale". The average Death Anxiety Scale total score of the patients was 10.00 ± 4.75. The "Duration of non-adherence with diet" mean score was 1.66 ± 1.70, "Degree of non-adherence with diet" mean score was 1.24 ± 1.19, "Duration of non-adherence with fluid restriction" mean score was 1.61 ± 1.71, and "Degree of non-adherence with fluid restriction" mean score was 1.16 ± 1.13. The independent variable Death Anxiety Scale significantly and negatively affected the dependent variable "Duration of non-adherence with diet", "Degree of non-adherence with diet", "Duration of non-adherence with fluid restriction", and "Degree of non-adherence with fluid restriction". Hemodialysis patients face serious death anxiety, their degree of non-adherence with diet-fluid restriction was low as death anxiety scores increased, and the degree of non-adherence with diet-fluid restriction decreased.

Interplay between Sex and Disease Burden in Huntington's Disease: Clinical and Neuroimaging Perspectives.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat expansion in the hungtintin gene. The disease exhibits sex-related differences in symptomatology and disease progression, but the effect on brain structural biomarkers and the interaction between sex and disease burden remain underexplored. To investigate the interplay between sex and disease burden on clinical measures and neuroimaging biomarkers in HD. We retrospectively analyzed data from Enroll-HD, TRACK-HD/ON, PREDICT-HD, and IMAGE-HD studies, including a combined dataset of 19,738 participants with CAG>=40. Linear mixed models were employed to evaluate the influence of sex and the sex-disease burden interaction on clinical evaluations (Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale and Problem Behaviors Assessment) and neuroimaging biomarkers (striatal volumes and cortical thickness), with CAG-Age Product Score (CAPS) used as a proxy for disease burden, while controlling for covariates. Female participants exhibited less pronounced striatal atrophy and cortical thinning with increasing CAPS (caudate: β male/female =-3.462/-2.935, p<0.05; putamen: β male/female =-4.775/-3.908, p<0.01). Regarding clinical measures, females experience greater motor decline with increasing CAPS (Total Motor Score: β male/female =3.024/3.244, p<0.0001), greater cognitive decline (Symbol Digit Modalities Test : β male/female =-34.89/-38.91, p<0.0001), and greater functional decline (Total Functional Capacity: β male/female =-6.449/-6.817, p<0.05; Independence Scale: β male/female =-32.44/- 34.99, p<0.001). The sex-CAPS interaction significantly impacts both clinical and neuroimaging biomarkers of HD, underscoring the importance of incorporating sex-specific considerations into the clinical staging and management of HD.

Health literacy in adult cardiac surgery patients; a multi-site Australian study

Abstract Background Almost 60% of Australians report low levels of health literacy (HL). International evidence indicates limited comprehension of the risks and benefits of cardiac surgery, in addition to understanding the basic elements of informed consent. Purpose The aim of this study was to explore HL in adult cardiac surgical candidates. Methods We recruited consecutive English speaking adult patients from a major public (Site 1), major private (Site 2) and regional hospital (Site 3) in Victoria, Australia. Prior to discharge, a Registered Nurse conducted a semi-structured interview using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). The HLQ is a multidimensional validated instrument comprised of 9 independent scales. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and ANOVA. Results We recruited 164 (29.5%) eligible participants from; Site 1 (63, 32.1%), Site 2 (49, 19.3%) and Site 3 (52, 49.5%) respectively. Average age was 64.6 (SD 11.8), most participants were male (n = 134, 81.7%), few lived alone (n = 28, 17.1%), 122 (74.4%) identified as being Australian 5 (4.1%) of whom were indigenous and 9 (5.5%) spoke a language other than English at home. The majority of participants highest level of education was aligned with a trade certificate (n = 48, 29.3%) or not completing high school (44, 26.8%) and most were retired (n = 68, 41.5%), working full time (n = 51, 31.1%) or part time (n = 24, 14.6%). Less than half had private insurance (n = 72, 43.9%), more than half had presented to emergency (n = 87, 53.0%) in the previous 12 months and a history of cardiac complaints (n = 137, 83.5%) was as expected. In this study participants felt understood and supported by healthcare providers (Scale 1 M 3.32, SD 0.26), had sufficient information to manage their health (Scale 2 M 3.13, SD 0.35), proactively managed their health (Scale 3 M 2.98, SD 0.39), had strong social supports (Scale 4 M 3.31, SD 0.36), could appraise health information (Scale 5 M 2.88, SD 0.49) and were proactively engaged (Scale 6 M 4.00, SD 0.50). More challenging was their ability to advocate on their own behalf (Scale 7 M 3.80, SD 0.60), to explore information (Scale 8 M 3.70, SD 0.60) and to understand all written information (Scale 9 M 3.90, SD 0.60). Site 2 participants were highly educated, less likely to live alone, more likely to have private insurance, had fewer emergency presentations and higher scores on scales 6 to 9 (p &amp;lt; 0.05) that measure health care interactions, than those from Site 1 or 3. Conclusions There was a high level of HL in this cohort and findings indicate patient strengths in relation to HL differed according to site. In measuring individual skills and experience of participants interacting with services, systems and the health care environment this study provides valuable insight into HL levels in cardiac surgery candidates.

The Relationship Between Peer Groups and the Learning Independence of Biology Education Students

Purpose of the study: This research aims to determine the relationship between peer groups and the learning independence of biology education students. Methodology: This type of research is quantitative with a correlation method. The population of this study was Biology Education Students, totaling 263 people with a sample size of 132 people. Sampling was carried out using Simple Random Sampling. The data collection techniques used are the learning independence scale and the peer group scale. The data analysis technique is descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis with product moment correlation techniques. Main Findings: The research results based on descriptive statistical analysis show that independence in learning is in the low category with an average value of 88.56 and the peer group is in the medium category with an average value of 87. Meanwhile, the results of inferential statistical analysis show that rcount is greater than rtable or 0.27 ≥ 0.24, H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted, meaning that there is a relationship between the peer group and the learning independence of students. Where is the sig value. 2-tailed is 0.00 ≤ 0.05. Novelty/Originality of this study: This research contributes to explaining the social aspects of independent learning that are often overlooked in previous literature. While much research has explored internal factors that influence learning independence, the emphasis on the role of peer groups as external agents influencing students' motivation, mindset, and learning styles, is an innovative focus point. This enriches our insight into how social interaction with fellow students can have a significant influence on the level of learning independence of Biology Education students.

Assessment of Surgical Competences for Neck Dissection and Total Laryngectomy on Revascularized Cadaver Models: Onco-Neck-Score and Onco-Larynx-Score.

In surgical simulation, evaluation tools are necessary to allow the overall and specific level of each gesture to be assessed for learners, to allow active feedback and follow-up. The aim of this study was to create and validate a scale for the assessment of competences for neck dissection (ND) and total laryngectomy (TL) in head and neck surgical oncology simulation specific for revascularized cadavers' models. Two independent scales were created for ND and TL based on a two-round Delphi method. The scales were used during ND and TL simulation sessions on SimLife® (Symedis, Poitiers, France) model. Surgical steps were scored by 2 independent observers. To assess its ease of use, a questionnaire was answered by senior surgeons (SS) at the end of the sessions. Fifteen items were included in the final version for ND scale and 20 for TL scale. The results of 14 lateral ND and 8TL were included. The mean score was higher for SS (69 ± 6.4; 87.5 ± 8.5) than for residents (36.5 ± 11; 57.5 ± 13.2) for ND (P = 0.0006) and TL (P = 0.028) respectively. Six SS strongly agreed that this tool had a positive impact on resident training with stepwise feedback and accurately represented their competences. We developed a pedagogic tool built to assess surgical competence for head and neck surgical oncology on revascularized cadaver models. This tool has a good construct validity thanks to the expert reviewing with Delphi method and appears to have fine acceptability by the SS.

Huntington Disease Health Related Quality of Life, Function and Well Being: The Patient's Perspective.

Limited information is available on patients' experience living with Huntington's disease (HD). The primary objective of this study was to assess the health-related quality of life and well being of patients with HD. A non-interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted in 17 hospitals-based movement disorders units in Spain. Patients aged≥18years, genetically HD diagnosed [with a diagnostic confidence level score of 4, and an Independence Scale (IS) score≥70] were included. The primary variables were the Huntington's Disease Health-related Quality of Life (HDQLIFE) scores and results of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Secondary outcomes include the Unified HD Rating Scale (UHDRS), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness (SSCI-8), Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS) and Problem Behaviours Assessment for HD short Version (PBA-S). A total of 102 patients were included. The mean age (SD) was 53.1 (12.1) years and 56% were male. Most of the patients (99.0%) showed motor symptoms (87.3%), behavioural and psychiatric disturbances (59.8%), or cognitive impairment (20.6%). HDQLIFE domain score means (SD) includes concern with death and dying 45.97 (9.60) end-of-life planning 37.91 (8.84), and meaning and purpose 44.74 (9.05). SWLS score mean was 24.25 (7.33). Depressive symptoms were found in 37.4% of patients and moderate-to-severe feelings of hopelessness in 32.9%. The prevalence of stigma was 55.9% (n=57). HD impacted quality of life, with prevalent motor, psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment. Patient perspectives may provide complementary information to implement specific interventions.

Utilizing item response theory for the analysis of self-regulated learning scale in mathematics

In the learning process, students must be able to regulate themselves. This is an effort to improve the quality of student learning, especially their learning achievement. The purpose of this study is to empirically analyze the characteristics of self-regulation skills in learning mathematics. The analysis was carried out by utilizing Item Response Theory (IRT) with a Partial Credit Model (PCM). This study is a descriptive quantitative study with the subjects of the study being 123 students of grade 10 of Senior High Schools in Yogyakarta. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire that had been developed and its item characteristics were analyzed using IRT. The independent learning scale questionnaire in mathematics consists of 16 statement items and measures 5 aspects. Based on all the questions that are feasible to be analyzed using the PCM model, it is known that there are 5 aspects that fit, namely (1) self-confidence, (2) discipline in learning, (3) active in learning, (4) responsibility, and (5) motivation in learning. This instrument can be used to measure students' self-regulation skills in learning mathematics based on their ability level.

Multi-step carbon emissions forecasting using an interpretable framework of new data preprocessing techniques and improved grey multivariable convolution model

As China stands at a critical juncture in its transition towards a low-carbon future, the precise prediction and analysis of provincial carbon emissions have emerged as paramount tasks. Focusing on forecasting in this intricate and vital domain, an updated grey multivariable convolution model is designed by employing the unified new-information-oriented accumulating generation operator (UNAGO) technique to process raw sequences. Equipped with UNAGO's hyper-parameters that enable the independent scaling effects and prioritize new information, the newly-designed model offers high flexibility and adaptability for handling complex provincial carbon emissions. Subsequently, four different restricted carbon emission sequences are utilized as case studies for validation purposes, and the new model's performance is scrutinized against five contrasting methods across three prediction forecasting horizons. Comparative experimental results reveal the new model's superior level of accuracy in predicting carbon emissions across four different provinces, with MAPE values of <4 % and 10 % in the in-sample and out-of-sample periods, respectively. Furthermore, rigorous evaluations with Diebold-Mariano (DM) and Probability Density Analysis (PDA) tests confirm the model's robust and general forecasting capabilities.

A size-dependent nonlinear isogeometric approach of bidirectional functionally graded porous plates

Recent progress in materials science and fabrication technologies, such as additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing, has facilitated the design and production of intricate multi-directional functionally graded (FG) materials which are playing a pivotal role in interdisciplinary engineering applications. Developing mathematical modeling for such nanostructures, however, remains challenging. The primary objective of this research, therefore, is to present a mathematical model for studying the static bending characteristics considering the geometric nonlinearity of bidirectional FG nanoplates with internal pores. The mathematical formulations are established by utilizing the first-order shear deformation theory and the von-Kármán assumption within the framework of an isogeometric approach based on NURBS basis functions. To account for the influence of both strain gradient and nonlocal elasticity, we adopt the nonlocal strain gradient theory including two independent material length scale parameters to predict the geometric nonlinearity performance of structures at small-scale levels. The mechanical properties of multi-directional FG material models are assumed to be continuously graded in two directions based on power law, while internal pores can be dispersed into two typical distribution patterns. Several numerical investigations are performed to evaluate the substantial impact of certain parameters on the nonlinear deflections of bidirectional FG nanoplates with pores under various conditions. Compared to existing studies, the key contribution is to present a robust numerical model aimed at elucidating both the stiffness-softening and stiffness-hardening mechanisms of multi-directional FG nanostructures under static bending conditions with geometric nonlinearity. These findings enhance our insights into nonlinear bending performance and contribute valuable design guidelines for future small-scale engineering structures. These innovative designs have become popular and are now crucial in state-of-the-art engineering applications, such as aerospace, nuclear systems, or thermal resistance devices.

Using the SCAR-Q to Evaluate Morbidity of Scars in Craniosynostosis Repair.

While previous literature has investigated the psychosocial impact and aesthetic satisfaction associated with post-operative scarring for certain pediatric craniofacial conditions, the impact of the scar burden resulting from craniosynostosis surgery has not been adequately studied. SCAR-Q was shared with patients ages 8 and older. Thirty-two complete patient responses were recorded. SCAR-Q is a PROM that consists of three independent scales - appearance, symptoms, and psychosocial impact - associated with a scar. Mann-Whitney U, linear regression, and Pearson correlation tests were used to evaluate associations between the scales, in addition to patient characteristics such as sex and suture involvement. Mean ages at time of surgery and survey completion were 9.65 ± 10.10 months and 12.10 ± 3.92 years, respectively. Mean scale scores were 81.5 ± 17.9 for appearance, 86.8 ± 12.4 for symptoms, and 79.3 ± 25.7 for psychosocial impact. Higher patient dissatisfaction with scar appearance correlated with more scar-related symptoms (r = 0.389; p = 0.028) and a greater psychosocial impact (r = 0.725; p < 0.001). SCAR-Q scales did not significantly correlate with age at surgery, age at survey completion, type of synostosis, or type of surgery; however, female patients reported lower mean appearance (65.4 vs. 86.0; p = 0.012) and psychosocial impact (57.3 vs. 85.5; p = 0.010) scores when compared to their male counterparts. It is vital that surgeons discuss patients' aesthetic satisfaction following craniosynostosis surgery in order to appropriately address and limit deleterious, long-term physical and psychosocial outcomes.

Deconvoluting Surface Modification Effects on Flow Battery Electrode Performance by Impedance Spectroscopy

Flow batteries have proliferated over the past decade, both in installed capacity and in the diversity of systems being developed for grid storage applications. As a long duration energy storage technology, flow batteries offer the distinct advantage of independent scaling of energy capacity through their liquid electrolytes, and of power capacity through stack design. Across flow battery systems, improving the design of reactor stacks to achieve high power densities at acceptable energy conversion efficiencies remains an important lever for lowering overall levelized costs of storage. In pursuit of this aim, understanding the reaction kinetics on the surfaces of porous carbon electrodes is key [1]. However, traditional techniques such as voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and cell performance must be utilised with caution to avoid convoluting observations of surface kinetics with other effects.Previous studies on vanadium flow batteries have used impedance spectroscopy to circumvent this issue, utilising the shared dependence of double layer capacitance and charge transfer conductance [2]. In recent years, DRT analysis of impedance spectra has also been used to further study electrode treatments for vanadium systems [3]. Building on these works, we use impedance spectroscopy combined with other techniques to deconvolute the effects of electrode treatments ex-situ before demonstrating the modified electrode performance in flow cells. The accompanying abstract image illustrates how different electrode modifications can manifest comparative differences in identified faradaic features in impedance spectra. As the most well studied system, we first apply our analysis to electrodes for vanadium electrolytes, validating our method and previous studies on electrode modifications. Following this, we apply our approach to capture a range of behaviours by studying redox active species with faster kinetics, such as recently developed organic species [4].The results of this work aim to improve the evaluation of reaction kinetics for different redox active species and electrode treatments. By doing so, we seek to further understand surface reaction mechanisms and how they can be harnessed to improve stack and electrolyte performance.[1] T. V. Sawant, C. S. Yim, T. J. Henry, D. M. Miller, and J. R. McKone, ‘Harnessing Interfacial Electron Transfer in Redox Flow Batteries’, Joule, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 360–378, Feb. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.joule.2020.11.022.[2] H. Fink, J. Friedl, and U. Stimming, ‘Composition of the Electrode Determines Which Half-Cell’s Rate Constant is Higher in a Vanadium Flow Battery’, J. Phys. Chem. C, vol. 120, no. 29, pp. 15893–15901, Jul. 2016, doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b12098.[3] K. Köble et al., ‘Revealing the Multifaceted Impacts of Electrode Modifications for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Electrodes’, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, vol. 15, no. 40, pp. 46775–46789, Oct. 2023, doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c07940.[4] J.-M. Fontmorin, S. Guiheneuf, T. Godet-Bar, D. Floner, and F. Geneste, ‘How anthraquinones can enable aqueous organic redox flow batteries to meet the needs of industrialization’, Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science, vol. 61, p. 101624, Oct. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.cocis.2022.101624. Figure 1

MODEL DISCOVERY LEARNING BERBANTUAN GEOGEBRA UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS MATEMATIS DAN KEMANDIRIAN BELAJAR SISWA

Mathematics, as an important foundation in education, contributes to the advancement of science and technology and teaches students logical, analytical, and creative thinking. This is in accordance with the Merdeka Curriculum which emphasizes the development of 21st century skills and character development, including critical thinking and self-regulated learning. However, the low mathematical critical thinking skills and self-regulated learning in Indonesia is still a challenge. One of the factors that influence this is the use of inappropriate learning models. The Discovery Learning learning model supported by technology such as GeoGebra is a potential solution to improve both capabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the increase in mathematical critical thinking skills and determine the increase in self-regulated learning of students who obtained the GeoGebra-assisted Discovery Learning model compared to students who obtained conventional learning models. This research method is a quasi-experiment with the nonequivalent pre-test post-test control group design. Sampling is done by purposive sampling technique. This research was carried out in one of the Junior High Schools in Serang City in the 2023/2024 school year, involving two classes of grade VII students as an experimental and control group. The instruments in this study consisted of tests of mathematical critical thinking skills and learning independence scales. The results showed that the improvement of mathematical critical thinking skills and increased self-regulated learning of students who applied the GeoGebra-assisted Discovery Learning model were better than students who applied conventional learning models

Physical therapy of persons after acute cerebrovascular accident in a long-term rehabilitation period

Purpose: to study the dynamics of recovery of walking, balance and quality of life of persons after acute cerebrovascular accident in a long-term rehabilitation period. Material and methods: patients were randomly divided into a main group (MG), which included 35 patients (n=35), and a comparison group (CG), which included 38 patients (n=38). The groups received rehabilitation intervention in accordance with the concept of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). A categorical profile was created for each person and SMART goals were set. A physical therapy (PT) program was developed for MG after acute cerebrovascular accident (ACVA) in the long-term rehabilitation period. Short- and long-term goals were set in the SMART format, which included the use of therapeutic exercises. Functional capabilities and quality of life were assessed before and after the rehabilitation intervention using the ten-meter walk test, the Tinetty balance and fall risk scale, the modified Renkin functional independence scale and quality of life. Results: the dynamics of the ten-meter walking test during the PT program among patients in the MG is reflected in a decrease in the test completion time, which amounted to 23,6 s, and in the CG – 7 s. By the time of the final examination, the range of the obtained values was limited to 8 and 15 s in the MG, and among the CG, the extreme values were found at the levels of 12 and 160 s. By the time of the final examination, the "balance" item on the Tinetty balance and risk of falls scale in the MG was 13,8 ± 1,69 points out of a possible 16 points; the Me (25%; 75%) indicators were 14 (13; 15) points. In the CG, the indicator was slightly lower and was 12,3 ± 2,61 points; the Me (25%; 75%) indicators were 13 (10; 15) points. The difference between the groups by the end of the study for this indicator was significant (p&lt;0.05). As for the increase, it was 4.7 points in the MG and 3.1 points in the CG. The average statistical results of the assessment of the “Risk of Falls” section in the MG were 9.2±1.59 points out of a possible 12; the Me (25%; 75%) indicators were 9 (8; 11) points. In the CG patients, the indicator was slightly lower and was 5,2±1,99 points; the Me (25%; 75%) indicators were 6 (4; 6.3) points. The difference between the groups by the end of the study for this indicator was significant. (р&lt;0,01). As for the increase, it was 5 points in MG and 1,4 points in CG. The intermediate results on the Renkin scale were 1,83±0,62 and 2,13±0,74 points in MG and CG with Me (25%; 75%) – 2 (2; 2) and 2 (2; 3), respectively. At this stage, there was no statistical difference between the groups (p&gt;0,05), but both groups showed a reliable improvement compared to the initial result (p&lt;0,01). During the final examination, the results in MG patients improved and were 1,11±0,62 points, where the Me (25%; 75%) indicators were found at the level of 1 (1; 2) point. Among the CG patients, the final result was worse (p&lt;0.01) and was found at the level of 1,55±0,72 points with Me (25%; 75%) 1 (1; 2) point. Conclusions: Analysis of the dynamics of walking, balance and quality of life indicators after acute cerebrovascular accident in a long-term rehabilitation period confirmed the advantages of the developed physical therapy program for individuals from the MG.

Relationship between Nutritional Status and Activities of Daily Living on Geriatric Depression among the Elderly Attending Primary Health Centers in Southern Karnataka

Abstract Introduction: The population of the planet is aging quickly. According to the World Health Organization, the percentage of elderly individuals above 60 years of age worldwide is predicted to be doubled, from 12% in 2015 to 22% by 2050. Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder among the elderly which has a larger influence on their physical and emotional well-being. It is important to recognize the unique physical and mental health issues experienced by older adults. Materials and Methods: A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly above 60 years of age attending two Primary Health Centres in the field practice areas of JSS Medical College, Mysuru. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 130 elderly people were selected. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics was administered, and a Geriatric Depression Scale (short form), Mini Nutritional Assessment Scale of the elderly, and Katz scale of independence were used. Statistical tests such as the Chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation test were used. Results: The prevalence of geriatric depression was 34.6%. Along with that, 5% were malnourished and 60% were at risk of malnutrition. The prevalence of physical dependency was 10%. Malnutrition and daily living activities were significantly associated with depression. Nutritional status and daily living activities show a negative correlation with geriatric depression and among them, nutritional status shows significant negative correlation with geriatric depression. Conclusion: Most of the elderly with poor nutritional status were depressed. Proper nutrition and adequate physical activity can cause a reduction in depression among the elderly.

Gamer and Non-gamer Students in Listening Skills: A Comparative Study of Third Semester Students in Academic Year 2023/2024

This study aims to reveal if there are significant differences in extensive listening skills between gamer and non-gamer of 3rd-semester students at the University of Mataram. The subject of the study involves the 3rd-semester students in the English department of Mataram University which consists of 10 students in total, by using a questionnaire to divide between gamer and non-gamer students, the researcher found that 5 of them are gamers and 5 others are non-gamers. After dividing the students into two groups, they were given TOEIC listening tests to check their listening scores, and the data collected were checked using the independent sample t-test scaling method. From the result of the analysis, it was found that the critical t-value is 2.306 which is smaller than the t-value which is 3.952. Therefore the null hypothesis is rejected which means there are significant differences between gamer and non-gamer of 3rd-semester students at the University of Mataram.