Large Correlation Research Articles

A Quality Prediction Method for Optimizing the Teaching Mode of History Courses Based on Multi-Category Data Fusion Analysis

In the process of predicting the optimization quality of teaching mode, a single convolutional neural network method is affected by multiple sources of data such as students’ behavioral data and teachers’ evaluations, which is prone to causing modal collapse and affecting the prediction quality. For this reason, we propose a method for predicting the optimization quality of history course teaching mode based on the fusion analysis of multi-class data. After collecting the data of optimizing the quality of teaching mode of historical courses, noise reduction is carried out by the noise reduction self-coder network on the data collection, and the combination of historical data and current data is realized by the dynamic slicing method of multi-feature matrix, after fusing the multi-category data, the data are inputted into the convolutional neural network, and an optimized multi-objective genetic algorithm optimizes the convolutional neural network, stabilizes the convolutional neural network model, and avoids the modal collapse caused by multi-source attributes and categories of the data. The optimized convolutional neural network is used to extract the deep features of the optimized quality of history course teaching mode, and the obtained features are input into the multiple linear regression model as independent variables to obtain the predicted scores of the optimized quality of history course teaching mode. Through experimental verification, the method can realize in-depth cleaning and denoising of the data of each feature of history curriculum teaching mode, and there is a large correlation between the features related to the optimization quality of the five history curriculum teaching modes collected by the method and the final score of the optimization quality of the history curriculum teaching modes, the method predicts that the optimization quality of the history curriculum teaching modes scores and the scores of the expert evaluation are basically consistent.

Communication Barriers between Teachers-Students during Teaching Learning Process at Secondary School Level

The purpose of this study was to find out the Communication Barriers between Teachers-Students during Teaching Learning Process at Secondary Level. The study aimed to explore teachers' perspectives on the causes of communication barriers and the factors contributing to them, as well as the potential solutions to overcome these barriers. Two objectives and two research questions were made for this study. These barriers are related to, language proficiency, lack of confidence, shyness, cultural diversity, lack of motivation and nervousness. The survey research method (quantitative research design) was used for this study. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the data of 200 public secondary school teachers from two tehsils (Sahiwal and Sillanwali) of Sargodha district. A questionnaire composed of 24 close-ended statements was developed on a five-point Likert scale. The reliability of the instrument was found 0.911 by using Cronbach's alpha. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics Independent t-test, and Pearson r correlation. The results indicate a significant negative large correlation among variables. R-value -.527. So, it is concluded that these communication barriers exist and have a great effect on the learning process. So, it is highly recommended that teachers should create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable communicating openly with them. Effectively addressing communication barriers between teachers and students requires implementing thoughtful strategies. Teachers can ensure their messages are easily understood by using clear and straightforward language.

The Reliability of the PEP-3 in the Arab Context: Algerian-Tunisian

The objective of this study is to validate the applicability of the PEP-3 in the Arab context (Algerian-Tunisian) within a sample of 116 children with TSA, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years. Between February and August 2024, data were collected from various geographical regions (north, central, and south) in Algeria and Tunisia. The research employed an analytical approach using Cronbach's alpha coefficient along with a descriptive analytical method. The present study examined the effectiveness of the Psychoeducational Profile - Third Edition (PEP-3) in the Algerian-Tunisian environment. The PEP-3 was applied to a sample of 116 children with autism spectrum disorder in Algeria and Tunisia. The construct validity of the PEP-3 was supported by the high internal consistency of each subtest, in addition to the medium to large correlation coefficients between the subtests. The results of the Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the test ranged from 0.93 to 0.94 for the procedural axes. The correlation matrix ranged from 0.71 to 0.95. The findings indicate that the scale in the Algerian-Tunisian context demonstrates an overall stability rate of 0.95. These results provide strong evidence of the construct validity of the PEP-3 and its effectiveness in the Algerian-Tunisian environment.

Feasibility of utilizing pectoral muscle thickness as a predictor for one repetition maximum bench press in trained men

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to develop prediction equations for the one repetition maximum (1RM) Bench Press (BP) in resistance-trained men based on muscle thickness and simple anthropometric parameters. 83 men (age: 26.2 ± 4.9y, height: 175.9 ± 6.3 cm, body mass: 82.9 ± 11.2 kg) participated in the present investigation and were assessed for anthropometric measurements and for muscle thickness of pectoral major (MTP). Then, the participants performed the 1RM BP test. A very large correlation was detected between MTP and 1RM BP (r = 0.83–0.88). A prediction equation based on MTP and body mass (EQ1) was developed: 1RM BP = –15.2460565 + (32.0751388 * MTP) + (0.6364405 * Body Weight) with R2 = 0.79. Another prediction equation was developed using MTP only (EQ2): 1RM BP = 20.36167 + (39.36532 * MTP) with R2 = 0.69. Bland-Altman analysis and paired sample t test provided insufficient evidence to support differences between the predicted and the measured 1RM BP in both the equations (p > 0.05). This study showed that both MTP based (EQ2) and MTP and body mass based (EQ1) methods can be used to predict 1RM BP and may represent important tools for the evaluation of maximal strength. These findings support the potential use of non-performance-based parameters to predict maximal dynamic strength in trained individuals.

The relationship between climate change and mental health: a systematic review of the association between eco-anxiety, psychological distress, and symptoms of major affective disorders

Background and objectivesThe adverse impacts of climate change on mental health is a burgeoning area, although findings are inconsistent. The emerging concept of eco-anxiety represents distress in relation to climate change and may be related to mental health. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between eco-anxiety with validated mental health outcomes, specifically psychological distress and symptoms of major affective disorders.DesignSystematic review.MethodsEBSCO, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases were searched to February 2024 for studies of adult samples quantifying eco-anxiety (exposure, i.e. fear, worry or anxiety in relation to climate change) and symptoms of psychological distress and major affective disorders (outcomes), as assessed by validated measures.ResultsFull text review of 83 studies was performed, and k = 35 studies were included in the review (N = 45 667, 61% female, Mage 31.2 years). Consistently, eco-anxiety showed small to large positive correlations with mental health outcomes of psychological distress, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress symptoms. However, results regarding post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and pathological worry were mixed. Stronger associations were observed where eco-anxiety was operationalised as ‘anxiety’ rather than ‘worry’.ConclusionsFindings underscore that eco-anxiety is related to psychological burden. Greater consideration of eco-anxiety in assessment and treatment is needed in clinical practice and further policy development is warranted at the intersection of climate and health to address the mental health challenges posed by climate change.

Antecedents and consequences of South African female athletes' trust in the coach.

The purpose of this study was to investigate female South African school athletes' trust in their coaches in relation to their perceptions of the coaches' justice, benevolence, integrity, competence, commitment to coach, willingness to cooperate, and performance. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The results showed that there was a large correlation between trust in the coach and the following factors: perceived justice (r = .504, p < .01), perceived integrity (r = .511, p < .01), and perceived competence (r = .534, p < .01). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis results revealed that perceived justice was the only significant predictor of trust in the coach as it had a higher beta value (β = .17, p < .05) than the other variables. This study shows that coaches should demonstrate fairness in their decision-making by providing players with incentives, opportunities to play, friendly relationships, and places of preference.

Optimized dynamic similarity models to predict SGS backscatter in 2D decaying turbulence

Large eddy simulation (LES) of two-dimensional (2D) turbulence is often used in the geostrophic flows. However, some basic dynamics underlying traditional SGS models are absent in 2D turbulence, e.g. the vortex stretching. Hence, this research proposes an optimized dynamic similarity model (DSM) for the SGS stress, which is constructed through the dynamic procedure based on the Germano identity. In addition, a modification is made to the dynamic mixed model (DMM) for the sake of realizability condition. The optimized DSM is justified in comparison with the DMM, through the a priori and a posteriori verifications, in the context of the 2D decaying turbulence with turbulent Reynolds number of Re=3.7×104 and turbulent Mach number of Mt=0.1. Special attention is paid to the consistency of the verification procedure, so that the filtering operations used in the direct numerical simulation (DNS) and LES are optimally equivalent. The SGS transport phenomena, especiallythe SGS backscatter, predicted by these two models are studied in detail. In addition, the optimized DSM and the DMM are extended for the modified SGS transport vectors of passive scalars to show their capability in calculating 2D turbulent mixing. The numerical results show the optimized DSM provides larger correlation coefficient, better locality, and stronger SGS backscsatter than the DMM does, and therefore it is more suitable for the LES of 2D turbulence.

The Exposure Guide: A Practical Measure of Exposure Quality

Quality monitoring is essential for the use of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in both practice and research settings, yet few quality measures have been developed or validated for any treatment. This study examined the initial psychometric properties of a brief, practical measure of quality for exposure therapy (Exposure Guide; EG) in a sample of youth from three randomized clinical trials for pediatric OCD (N = 103 patients and 368 sessions). The EG was initially developed based on the behavioral principles underlying exposure, delivery factors linked to clinical outcomes in prior literature, and with input from both exposure therapy researchers and partners in community mental health settings. Results indicated good to excellent inter-rater reliability (item ICCs = .64 to 1.00). When compared against a validated, time-intensive coding system, each EG item exhibited large correlations with parallel coding system variables; these were significantly larger than correlations with other variables. Variance components analysis demonstrated EG subscale variability at the level of therapists, patients, and time. The EG demonstrates strong initial reliability and construct validity in a clinical trial context; future studies will be needed to establish psychometric properties in practice settings and to elucidate therapist, patient, and treatment course factors that may influence quality.

Cross Cultural Validation of Oral Health Index Profile for Temporomandibular Disorders in Spanish Speaking Population.

Structured patient-centred assessment is critical for improving care. OHIP-TMDs are a validated English-language outcome measure for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) which evaluates the biopsychosocial impact of TMD. Due to language and cultural changes, the original instrument's phrasing of its items may change when translated to Spanish. This study cross-culturally adapted and validated OHIP-TMDs for Spanish-speaking individuals with TMD. OHIP-TMDs was forward-backward translated into Spanish (OHIP-TMDs-Sp) and cross-culturally adapted to a Hispanic population with TMD (Diagnostic Criteria for TMD n = 154) according to international norms. All patients completed the OHIP-TMDs-Sp, the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS), and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-20). A subsample (n = 30) recompleted the OHIP-TMDs-Sp after a 3-week washout to measure test-retest reliability using an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC 2.1). OHIP-TMDs-Sp, JFLS-20, and GCPS were analysed for convergent validity and internal consistency. The sample with articular and muscular TMD diagnoses was 85.7% female with a mean age of 29.5. (SD 9.01). OHIP-TMDs-Sp had high internal reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.95) and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.57-0.93). In terms of convergent validity, the OHIP-TMDs-Sp demonstrated moderate to large positive correlations with the total JLFS-20 score (ρ = 0.72; p < 0.01), Mastication (ρ = 0.68; p < 0.01), Communication (ρ = 0.68; p < 0.001), as well to GCPS disability score (ρ = 0.59; p < 0.01), and characteristic pain intensity (ρ = 0.69; p < 0.01). The total score of OHIP-TMDs-Sp is reliable for assessing quality-of-life in Spanish-speaking TMD patients.

Enhancing University Students' Soft Skills: A Quantitative Study on Problem-Solving and Social Competence

This study investigates the development and interrelation of problem-solving skills and social competence among university students using the quantitative methodological approach. It addresses massive gaps in our knowledge regarding soft skill manifestation and evolution in higher education. Data was collected from 300 university students using validated survey instruments about problem-solving ability, social competence, academic performance, and other related variables through systematic sampling. There were a few significant positive correlations between problem-solving confidence, social competence, and academic performance. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that problem-solving confidence and problem-solving skills are the principal predictors of academic outcome accounting for 25% of soft skill variance. Furthermore, the investigation indicates large substantive correlations between stress-coping mechanisms and social competence. This predicts that emotional resilience is influential in academic environments. This research analyzes the socioeconomic aspect of skill acquisition. Therefore, it underlines the need for specific education interventions. This contribution of the research to the theoretical discourse on the development of soft skills in higher education is further augmented by providing evidence-based recommendations for curriculum upgrading and institution policy reforms. The results of the study hold enormous implications for pedagogy practices and the development of education policy within higher education institutions.

Impact of ENSO on Cloud Distribution and Rainfall Variability in Tangerang Regency

A type of climate variation in the Pacific Ocean known as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is defined by an increase in sea surface temperature (SST) in the Central and Eastern equatorial areas, which affects the amount of rainfall that falls and increases. In Indonesia, the rainy season typically persists from October to March, whereas the dry season persists from April to September. Research on the influence of ENSO on rainfall has been carried out in several areas, but has not been carried out in the Tangerang area. This study aims to ascertain how the ENSO phenomena affect rainfall fluctuations and cloud distribution in the Regency of Tangerang. The secondary data, which includes information on rainfall, cloud cover, wind direction, and speed, was acquired from BMKG Meteorology Budiarto. In addition, data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website's Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) was used. Surface weather analysis and Pearson correlation analysis are the data analysis techniques used. The results presented that based on surface weather study, ENSO events had a consequence on cloud distribution in Tangerang Regency. The clouds lead when the ENSO phenomenon occurs, namely Cumulus and Nimbostratus clouds with a 4-8 octa cloud cover. Meanwhile, the correlation test results show that ENSO influences seasonal and annual rainfall variations in the district of Tangerang. The largest correlation between SOI and annual rainfall occurred in 2015 with a correlation value of r-0.84 (very strong). Meanwhile, the greatest correlation between SOI and seasonal rainfall occurred in July-September with a correlation value of r=0.67 (strong).

Running in mice increases the expression of brain hemoglobin-related genes interacting with the GH/IGF-1 system

The beneficial effects of exercise are partly mediated via local or systemic functions of the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) system. As IGF-1 increases local brain hemoglobin beta (Hbb) transcripts, we hypothesized that exercise could have similar effects. Mice were single-housed with free access to running wheels for seven days. After sacrifice and saline perfusion, the expression of 13 genes was quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in three brain regions: the prefrontal cortex, motor cortex, and hippocampus. In addition, plasma insulin, glucose, homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), C-peptide, and IGF-1 were investigated. We show that hemoglobin-related transcripts (Hbb and 5’-aminolevulinate synthase 2 [Alas2]) increased 46–63% in the running group, while IGF-1-related genes [Igf1 / growth hormone receptor (Ghr)] decreased slightly (7%). There were also moderate to large correlations between Hbb- and IGF-1-related genes in the running group but not in the sedentary group. HOMA-IR, plasma glucose, and insulin changed marginally and non-significantly, but there was a trend toward an increase in plasma-IGF-1 in the running group. In conclusion, seven days of running increased Hbb-related transcripts in three brain regions. Hbb-related transcripts correlated with components of the brain IGF-1 system only in the running group.

Simplified inverse distance weighting-immersed boundary method for simulation of fluid-structure interaction

When simulating fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems involving moving objects, the implicit inverse distance weighting-immersed boundary method (IDW-IBM) developed by Du et al. [1] has to construct a large square correlation matrix and solve its inversion at each time step. In this work, a simplified inverse distance weighting-immersed boundary method (SIDW-IBM) is proposed to eliminate the intrinsic limitations in the original implicit IDW-IBM. Through error analysis using Taylor series expansion, a second order approximation can be derived, which allows us to approximate the large square correlation matrix into a diagonal matrix; thereby, we proposed the SIDW-IBM based on this second order approximation to explicitly evaluate the velocity corrections, where the needs to assemble the large correlation matrix and inverse it are circumvented. Owing to the fact that the inverse distance weighting interpolation removes the limitations in the Dirac delta function, the proposed SIDW-IBM has been successfully implemented on the non-uniform meshes to further improve the computational efficiency. The proposed SIDW-IBM is integrated with the reconstructed lattice Boltzmann flux solver (RLBFS) [2] to simulate some classic incompressible viscous flows, including flow past an in-line oscillating cylinder, flow past a heaving airfoil, and flow past a three-dimensional flexible plate. The good agreement between the present results and reference data demonstrates the capability and feasibility of the SIDW-IBM for simulating FSI problems with moving boundaries and large deformations.

Feasibility of knee magnetic resonance imaging protocol using artificial intelligence-assisted iterative algorithm protocols: comparison with standard MRI protocols.

To evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of AI-assisted iterative algorithm protocols (AIIA) in accelerated fast spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus standard (SD) fast spin-echo MRI for clinical 3.0 T rapid knee scans. The accelerated sequence, which includes fat-suppression proton density-weighted imaging (FS-PDWI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), was used in conjunction with the SD sequence in 61 patients who underwent MRI scans. SD images were processed using standard reconstruction techniques, while accelerated images utilized AIIA reconstruction. Quantitative assessments of image quality were conducted, measuring noise levels, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast signal-to-noise ratio (CNR). Additionally, subjective evaluations were performed using a Likert five-point scale to assess image quality. The SD group completed the entire knee scan in 466 s, while the AIIA group completed the scan in 312 s. Compared to the SD group, the AIIA group had a noticeably higher SNR of T1WI in the femur and subpatellar fat pad (p = 0.04, 0.001). On the other hand, T2WI femur SNR was noticeably higher in the SD group (p = 0.004). Measurements of SNR, CNR and other noise levels showed no statistically significant changes. Compared to the SD group, the AIIA group had significantly higher subjective image quality scores for every sequence (p < 0.05). There was a modest to large intraclass correlation value (ICC = 0.65-0.90) for the anomalies that were examined among readers. Both the AIIA and SD procedures were shown to have comparable diagnostic performance for meniscal and cruciate ligament rupture (p > 0.05). Images processed using AIIA reconstruction were acquired faster while maintaining comparable image quality and diagnostic capability, meeting the requirements for clinical diagnosis.

The Relationship between Traditional Acoustic Measures and Cepstral Analysis of Voice

Introduction: In this study, the correlations between traditional acoustic measures (TAMs) and cepstral analysis (CA) were explored in Persian. Methods: This investigation was a cross-sectional study including 179 dysphonic (n = 141) and normophonic (n = 38) speakers. The TAMs (jitter, shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio) and CA (cepstral peak prominence and cepstral peak prominence smoothed) values were obtained during vowel prolongation, reading a standard sentence, and a nonstandard running speech sample using Praat software. The difference of acoustic measures between normophonic and dysphonic speakers and intercorrelation among acoustic measures and correlation between the acoustic measures and perceived dysphonia levels were analyzed with independent t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall’s Tau-b correlation tests using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results: The findings showed that dysphonic speakers had higher TAM values and lower CA values than normophonic speakers (p < 0.05). In dysphonic speakers, a large correlation was discovered among all acoustic measurements (r = 0.52–0.96; p < 0.05), while in various perceived dysphonic speakers, there was a correlation of varying strength (r = 0.25–0.97; p < 0.05). Ultimately, there was a significant small-to-large correlation between the acoustic measures and perceived dysphonia levels (r = 0.34–0.58; p < 0.05). Conclusion: This research demonstrated that Persian speakers with dysphonia experienced a rise in TAM and a corresponding reduction in CA. In the future, multi-parametric indices can be developed using both TAM and CA to include various aspects of vocal production and yield a single, comprehensive value.

Exploratory Factor Analysis and Convergent Validity of the Adult Executive Function Inventory (ADEXI).

The Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI)-a short, practical, self-report questionnaire accessible across diverse adult populations and languages-was used to assess executive functions (EFs), primarily inhibition and working memory. To examine the construct validity of the ADEXI Hebrew version through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and convergent validity by correlating scores with similar measures of EF. Cross-sectional study using online anonymous surveys. Nonclinical sample of 239 adults, 74.1% women, ages 18 to 80 yr (Mage = 44.19 yr, SD = 12.89). The Hebrew version of the 14-item ADEXI, a demographic questionnaire, and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX). Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's α EFA using varimax rotation, and Pearson's correlations were used. Total internal consistency was good (α = .86). Unlike the two factors in the original English version, our construct validity through EFA revealed three factors-inhibition, working memory, and, uniquely, flexibility-that accounted for 55.71% of the variance. Convergent validity was supported by medium to large significant correlations (r =.29-.76) between the ADEXI and the DEX subscales and total scores. Our findings offer psychometric evidence to support using the Hebrew version of the ADEXI for EF assessments in adult Hebrew-speaking populations. Plain-Language Summary: The Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI) assesses three key components: inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. In this study, we examined the construct validity of the Hebrew version of the ADEXI to assess executive functions. Our findings support using the ADEXI in Hebrew-speaking populations. The ADEXI offers occupational therapy practitioners serving Hebrew-speaking populations in their practice a validated tool for assessing executive functions.

Physiological responses and agreement between two traditional lunging protocols for physical fitness training in untrained ponies

Lunging is a training technique commonly performed in a round pen or on a lunge line. This study investigated the effort intensity, autonomic responses, and method agreement in applying different lunging protocols to untrained ponies. Sixteen untrained ponies (aged 13.6 ± 6.3 years and weighing 358 ± 47.4 kg) were studied. Each pony underwent the same research-focused lunging program on a lunge line and, subsequently, in a round pen with a two-day interval between sessions. The heart rate variability (HRV) and effort intensity, indicated as a percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax), were determined pre-lunging, during lunging at distinct gaits, and at 30 min intervals for 120 min post-lunging. The correlation and method agreement between the two lunging methods were analysed. Ponies ran faster and covered longer distances during exercise on a lunge line than in a round pen. The effort intensity during cantering reached moderate levels (75.10 ± 2.39 % HRmax) with occasional high-intensity levels (88.07 ± 1.29 % HRmax) via both lunging methods. The HRV reached a minimum during cantering and returned to the baseline 120 min post-lunging. The HRV parameters (SDNN, RMSSD, LF, HF, SD1, and SD2) were strongly correlated (rp ≥ 0.97 and p < 0.001 for all) with a large correlation effect size (R2 > 0.85) and excellent agreement (average differences were within mean ± 1.96 SD) between the two lunging methods. In conclusion, lunging can elicit high physiological responses in untrained ponies, and both lunging methods demonstrate excellent agreement and yield similar physiological responses in these ponies.

Use of an inertial sensor and a force platform to assess static balance in participants affected by multibacillary leprosy.

Leprosy is a chronic, slowly developing infectious disease that affects the peripheral nerves, specifically Schwann cells. Individuals with the multibacillary type exhibit a propensity for developing chronic pain and a decrease in sensitivity in the plantar region, which directly interferes with balance maintenance. The evaluation of static balance in this population is made through the measurement of the center of pressure (COP) oscillations. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the association between postural control and COP oscillations using a force platform and finding accelerations of the center of mass (COM) from inertial sensors for reliable and portable balance assessment in leprosy patients. To validate the application of inertial sensors for patients with leprosy by establishing a correlation with the outcomes obtained from a force platform. This is an observational study with a case-control design, in which 30 participants with leprosy and 30 healthy participants were recruited to evaluate static balance using an inertial sensor and a force platform. Participants underwent balance assessment under two conditions (Eyes Open: OE and Eyes Closed: CE), and data from the platform and sensor were processed using Matlab computational routines. The data were quantified using four parameters: Total Displacement (TD), Area, Antero-Posterior Displacement (APdisp), and Medio-Lateral Displacement (MLdisp). The evaluated parameters showed significantly different values between the groups, where the Leprosy group exhibited significantly higher values compared to the control group, both in the OE and CE conditions for all four parameters. The sensor corroborated the differences demonstrated by the platform and followed the same trend for medio-lateral displacements and accelerations. It can be observed that the evaluated parameters exhibited a varied correlation ranging from moderate to large between the platform and the sensor. Among the four variables, MLdisp had the lowest correlation. The results partially confirmed the first hypothesis of concurrent validation, showing a moderate to large correlation between the force platform and the inertial sensor. The second hypothesis of clinical validation was also partially confirmed, as not all group differences observed in the COP measurements from the force platform were reflected in the COM measurements from the inertial sensor. Specifically, the force platform indicated greater oscillations in participants with multibacillary leprosy compared to controls, a finding statistically confirmed by the sensor for all measures except MLdisp. This research confirmed the concurrent validity of the inertial sensor with the force platform and its clinical validation, demonstrating that this instrument can be applied in clinical settings due to its low cost and ease of use. The findings may contribute to public health by identifying postural control tools for patients with multibacillary leprosy.

Hong Kong higher education students’ perceived adjustments in their community of inquiry presence during political turmoil and the COVID-19 pandemic

This study adopted a quantitative approach to explore learning adjustment in terms of the students’ perceived adjustments in teaching, cognitive and social presence in the community of inquiry (CoI) framework from face-to-face classroom to online learning, and then from online to blended learning in the case of a higher education institution in Hong Kong. The online CoI survey was conducted to collect data from a convenience sample of 212 participating students who experienced the transition from classroom to online learning, and then the transition from online to blended learning in the case of the higher education institution. Analysis of variance, pairwise comparisons, correlation and multi-group analyses were performed on the collected data. The analytical results indicated that the students perceived four adjustments in their CoI presences in the online classroom and blended learning. (1) Classroom learning exhibited the strongest CoI presence while online learning rendered the weakest CoI presence. (2) Cognitive presence was the most important while social presence was the least important for learning. (3) All correlations among the CoI presence were positive with large correlations in online and blended learning modes. (4) All the teaching, cognitive and social adjustments were positively and largely correlated. These findings provide implications for further studies on exploring the explanation for the student’s learning adjustment and investigating the learning improvement strategies for online education.

Assessing the reliability and validity of sleep assessments in patients seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery

BackgroundMore than 80% of patients seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) report disturbance in sleep function. No studies have assessed the psychometric properties of sleep measures in MBS samples. ObjectivesThis study assessed the reliability and validity of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) in a large sample of patients seeking MBS. SettingTwo academic medical centers. MethodsMeasures of sleep (PSQI and ISI) and psychological functioning, including the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), were administered presurgically. Internal consistency was assessed with mean inter-item correlations and item-total correlations. Construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) based on models identified in the literature and by measuring convergent and discriminant validity. ResultsParticipants (N = 939) were primarily female (83.4%) with a mean age of 41.7 (SD = 11.5) years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 47.5 kg/m2 (SD = 8.5). CFAs indicated excellent fit for 2-factor solutions for the PSQI and ISI. Internal consistency for the PSQI and ISI were acceptable. Convergent validity was demonstrated by large correlations between the PSQI and ISI (r = .80, P < .001), and moderate correlation between the PSQI, ISI, and QIDS (rs > .50, ps < .001). The PSQI and ISI were moderately correlated with QIDS items assessing sleep function (P < .001), but correlations with items assessing appetite change were small (r < .10), demonstrating good discriminant validity. ConclusionsResults support the reliability and validity of the PSQI and ISI for patients undergoing MBS.