Large Effect Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Dropout Intervention Programs Among K-12 Students: A Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of dropout intervention programs among K-12 students. A total of 26 empirical studies published between 2010 and 2022 were included, from which 31 effect sizes were extracted. The average effect size for the dropout intervention programs on increasing high school completion was estimated as 0.19 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.28). We found that both nonrandomly assigned but matched designs and randomly assigned designs tended to have larger effect sizes compared to nonrandom designs. Behavioral interventions (ES = 0.33) and combined interventions that implemented at least two kinds of intervention strategies (ES = 0.31) performed better than programs focused on academics alone (ES = 0.12) in terms of preventing dropout and promoting graduation rate. We suggest educators and policymakers include behavioral components when developing intervention programs.

Factor modification in the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and liver cancer risk in a nationwide cohort.

The effect modification by smoking and menopausal status in the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and liver cancer risk has not been reported. This population-based cohort study included 4.486 million cancer-free individuals among those who underwent national cancer screening in 2010 and were followed up until December 2017. We conducted analyses in populations that excluded people with chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis (Model I) and that included those diseases (Model III). HDL-C level was classified into eight groups at 10-mg/dL intervals. Liver cancer risk by HDL-C was measured using adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During follow-up, 18 795 liver cancers in Model I and 20 610 liver cancers in Model III developed. In Model I, low HDL-C levels (aHR 1.83; 95% CI 1.65-2.04) and extremely high HDL-C levels (aHR 1.24; 95% CI 1.10-1.40) were associated with an increased liver cancer risk compared with a moderate HDL-C level of 50-59mg/dL. This association was similar in both men and women with larger effect size in men (aHR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.70-2.15). The hazardous association between low HDL-C and liver cancer risk was remarkable in current smokers (aHR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.84-2.60) and in pre-menopausal women (aHR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.29-6.58) compared with post-menopausal women (aHR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.10-1.93). This association was similarly observed in Model III. Low and extremely high HDL-C levels were associated with an increased liver cancer risk. The unfavourable association between low HDL-C and liver cancer was remarkable in smokers and pre-menopausal women.

Genomic wide association study and selective sweep analysis identify genes associated with improved yield under drought in Turkish winter wheat germplasm

A panel comprising of 84 Turkish winter wheat landraces (LR) and 73 modern varieties (MV) was analyzed with genome wide association study (GWAS) to identify genes/genomic regions associated with increased yield under favorable and drought conditions. In addition, selective sweep analysis was conducted to detect signatures of selection in the winter wheat genome driving the differentiation between LR and MV, to gather an understanding of genomic regions linked to adaptation and yield improvement. The panel was genotyped with 25 K wheat SNP array and phenotyped for agronomic traits for two growing seasons (2018 and 2019) in Konya, Turkey. Year 2018 was treated as drought environment due to very low precipitation prior to heading whereas year 2019 was considered as a favorable season. GWAS conducted with SNPs and haplotype blocks using mixed linear model identified 18 genomic regions in the vicinities of known genes i.e., TaERF3-3A, TaERF3-3B, DEP1-5A, FRIZZY PANICLE-2D, TaSnRK23-1A, TaAGL6-A, TaARF12-2A, TaARF12-2B, WAPO1, TaSPL16-7D, TaTGW6-A1, KAT-2B, TaOGT1, TaSPL21-6B, TaSBEIb, trs1/WFZP-A, TaCwi-A1-2A and TaPIN1-7A associated with grain yield (GY) and yield related traits. Haplotype-based GWAS identified five haplotype blocks (H1A-42, H2A-71, H4A-48, H7B-123 and H7B-124), with the favorable haplotypes showing a yield increase of > 700 kg/ha in the drought season. SNP-based GWAS, detected only one larger effect genomic region on chromosome 7B, in common with haplotype-based GWAS. On an average, the percentage variation (PV) explained by haplotypes was 8.0% higher than PV explained by SNPs for all the investigated traits. Selective sweep analysis detected 39 signatures of selection between LR and MV of which 15 were within proximity of known functional genes controlling flowering (PRR-A1, PPR-D1, TaHd1-6B), GY and GY components (TaSus2-2B, TaGS2-B1, AG1-1A/WAG1-1A, DUO-A1, DUO-B1, AG2-3A/WAG2-3A, TaLAX1, TaSnRK210-4A, FBP, TaLAX1, TaPIL1 and AP3-1-7A/WPA3-7A) and 10 regions underlying various transcription factors and regulatory genes. The study outcomes contribute to utilization of LR in breeding winter wheat.

Optimal Duration of Cold and Heat Compression for Forearm Muscle Biomechanics in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND Cold and heat therapies for recovery in sports are commonly used, including in the mixed martial arts (MMA). The Game Ready (GR) device can be used for local monotherapy with either heat or cold and for contrast therapy. This study aimed to compare the effects of duration of cold and heat compression on biomechanical changes in the forearm muscles of 20 healthy mixed martial arts athletes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty MMA volunteers (26.5±4.5 years old) underwent 3 different phases of the GR: (1) stimulation time 10 min (eGR-10, GR experimental group), (2) 10 min (cGR-10, sham control group) and (3) 20 min (eGR-20, GR experimental group). The following outcomes were assessed: muscle tone (T), stiffness (S), flexibility (E), pressure pain threshold (PPT), microvascular response (PU), and maximum isometric strength (Fmax). All measurements were performed before GR (rest) and after GR stimulation (post). RESULTS Both eGR-10 and eGR-20 significantly improved outcomes T (p<0.001), S (p<0.001), E (p=0.001, and p<0.001, respectively), PPT (p<0.001), PU (p<0.001), and Fmax (p<0.001). Notably, eGR-20 exhibited superior improvements in PU, Fmax, and PPT, with larger effect sizes (p<0.001). While eGR-10 demonstrated more pronounced reductions in T and S (p<0.001), these results underscore the potential for tailored GR therapy durations to optimize specific recovery goals for MMA athletes. CONCLUSIONS GR stimulation affects muscle biomechanical changes, pain threshold, muscle strength, and tissue perfusion. The study results suggest that 10 min of GR stimulation is sufficient to achieve changes that can be used to optimize recovery for MMA athletes.

Effects of portable interventions on school psychologists' graph-rating inconsistency.

The visual analysis of data presented in time-series graphs are common in single-case design (SCD) research and applied practice in school psychology. A growing body of research suggests that visual analysts' ratings are often influenced by construct-irrelevant features including Y-axis truncation and compression of the number of data points per X- to Y-axis ratio. We developed and tested two brief interventions, based on the research in cognitive and visual science, to reduce visual analysts' inconsistency when viewing unstandardized graphs. Two hundred practicing school psychologists visually analyzed data presented on standardized graphs and the same data again on unstandardized graphs. Across all conditions, participants were more willing to identify meaningful effects on unstandardized graphs and rated the data as showing significantly larger effects than on the corresponding standardized graphs. However, participants who answered additional (task-relevant) questions about the level or trend of graphed data showed greater rating consistency across the types of graphs in comparison to participants who answered task-irrelevant but challenging questions or control participants. Our results replicated prior research demonstrating the impact of SCD graph construction on practicing school psychologists' interpretations and provide initial support for an intervention to minimize the impact of construct-irrelevant factors. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Novel Performance Rating Instruments for Gynecological Procedures in Primary Care: A Pilot Study.

Improving training and confirming the acquisition of gynecological procedure skills for family physicians (FPs) is crucial for safe healthcare delivery. The objectives of this study were to (a) develop performance rating instruments for four gynecological procedures, and (b) pilot them to provide preliminary validity evidence using modern validity theory. Sixteen academic FPs and gynecologists participated in a modified Delphi technique to develop procedure-specific checklists (PSCs) for four procedures: intrauterine device insertion, endometrial biopsy, punch biopsy of the vulva, and routine pessary care. We modified a previously validated global rating scale (GRS) for ambulatory settings. Using prerecorded videos, 19 academic FPs piloted instruments to rate one first-year and one second-year family medicine resident's performance. They were blinded to the level of training. We compared the mean scores for PSCs and GRS for each procedure using paired samples t tests and Cohen'sdto estimate effect sizes. Consensus on items for the final PSCs was reached after two Delphi rounds. PSC and GRS scores were numerically higher for the second-year resident than the first-year resident for every procedure, with statistically significant differences for six of eight comparisons (P&lt;.05). All comparisons demonstrated large effect sizes (Cohen'sd&gt;0.8). Both instruments received high scores for ease of use by raters. We developed novel performance rating instruments for four gynecological procedures and provided preliminary validity evidence for their use for formative feedback in a simulation setting. This pilot study suggests that these instruments may facilitate the training and documentation of family medicine trainees' skills in gynecological procedures.

Analgesic Mechanism of Dexmedetomidine and Esketamine in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is usually caused by external direct or indirect factors, and with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) combined with Esketamine (ESK) on pain behavior and potential analgesic mechanisms in rats with SCI. The goal was to provide a reliable multimodal analgesic medication regimen for SCI. Thirty rats were divided into five groups with six rats in each group: Sham group, SCI group, DEX group, ESK group, and DEX+ESK group. The SCI model in rats was constructed, and the motor function of hind limbs of rats was measured using Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and inclined plate test. The levels of interleukin 18 (IL-18), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the spinal cord were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of substance P (SP), neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) in the rats' spinal cord were measured by Western blot assay. The viability of spinal astrocytes was evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. After 7 days, the BBB scores were significantly higher in the DEX, ESK, and DEX+ESK groups compared to the SCI group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the DEX+ESK group had significantly higher scores than both the DEX and ESK groups (p < 0.01). The maximum angle of the DEX (p < 0.05), ESK (p < 0.05), and DEX+ESK groups (p < 0.01) were higher than the SCI group, and the maximum angle of DEX+ESK group was higher than DEX and ESK groups (p < 0.05). The levels of IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the DEX, ESK, and DEX+ESK groups were lower than the SCI group (p < 0.01), while the DEX+ESK group had significantly lower IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels than the DEX and ESK groups (p < 0.01). The levels of SP (p < 0.01) and NK-1R (p < 0.05) were lower in the DEX, ESK, and DEX+ESK groups compared to the SCI group, and the levels of SP and NK-1R were lower in the DEX+ESK group compared to the DEX and ESK groups (p < 0.01). The DEX and ESK groups suppressed the activity of spinal astrocytes (p < 0.01), however, the DEX+ESK group had larger effects on spinal astrocytes than the ESK group (p < 0.05). Treatment using DEX combined with ESK improves the motor function, inhibits inflammation and astrocyte activity, and exerts analgesic effects on rats with SCI. These findings can serve as a reference for the selection of multi-modal analgesics.

Effect size guidelines for cross-lagged effects.

Cross-lagged models are by far the most commonly used method to test the prospective effect of one construct on another, yet there are no guidelines for interpreting the size of cross-lagged effects. This research aims to establish empirical benchmarks for cross-lagged effects, focusing on the cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) and the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM). We drew a quasirepresentative sample of studies published in four subfields of psychology (i.e., developmental, social-personality, clinical, and industrial-organizational). The dataset included 1,028 effect sizes for the CLPM and 302 effect sizes for the RI-CLPM, based on data from 174 samples. For the CLPM, the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles of the distribution corresponded to cross-lagged effect sizes of .03, .07, and .12, respectively. For the RI-CLPM, the corresponding values were .02, .05, and .11. Effect sizes did not differ significantly between the CLPM and RI-CLPM. Moreover, effect sizes did not differ significantly across subfields and were not moderated by design characteristics. However, effect sizes were moderated by the concurrent correlation between the constructs and the stability of the predictor. Based on the findings, we propose to use .03 (small effect), .07 (medium effect), and .12 (large effect) as benchmark values when interpreting the size of cross-lagged effects, for both the CLPM and RI-CLPM. In addition to aiding in the interpretation of results, the present findings will help researchers plan studies by providing information needed to conduct power analyses and estimate minimally required sample sizes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Identifying Atopic Dermatitis Risk Loci in 1,094,060 Individuals with Subanalysis of Disease Severity and Onset

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease highly attributable to genetic factors. In this study, we report results from a genome-wide meta-analysis of AD in 37,541 cases and 1,056,519 controls with data from the FinnGen project, the Estonian Biobank, the UK Biobank, the EAGLE Consortium, and the BioBank Japan. We detected 77 independent AD-associated loci, of which 10 were, to our knowledge, previously unreported. The associated loci showed enrichment in various immune regulatory processes. We further performed subgroup analyses of mild and severe AD and of early- and late-onset AD, with data from the FinnGen project. Fifty-five of the 79 tested variants in the associated loci showed larger effect estimates for severe than for mild AD as determined through administered treatment. The age of onset, as determined by the first hospital visit with AD diagnosis, was lower in patients with particular AD-risk alleles. Our findings add to the knowledge of the genetic background of AD and may underlie the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Short-Term Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure and Emergency Hospital Admissions for Asthma in Children: A Case-Crossover Analysis in England.

There is an increasing body of evidence associating short-term ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure with asthma-related hospital admissions in children. However, most studies have relied on temporally resolved exposure information, potentially ignoring the spatial variability of NO2. We aimed to investigate how daily NO2 estimates from a highly resolved spatio-temporal model are associated with the risk of emergency hospital admission for asthma in children in England. We conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study including 111,766 emergency hospital admissions for asthma in children (aged 0-14 years) between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2015 in England. Daily NO2 levels were predicted at the patients' place of residence using spatio-temporal models by combining land use data and chemical transport model estimates. Conditional logistic regression models were used to obtain the odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) after adjusting for temperature, relative humidity, bank holidays, and influenza rates. The effect modifications by age, sex, season, area-level income deprivation, and region were explored in stratified analyses. For each 10 µg/m³ increase in NO2 exposure, we observed an 8% increase in asthma-related emergency admissions using a five-day moving NO2 average (mean lag 0-4) (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06-1.10). In the stratified analysis, we found larger effect sizes for male (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.12) and during the cold season (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.08-1.12). The effect estimates varied slightly by age group, area-level income deprivation, and region. Short-term exposure to NO2 was significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma emergency admissions among children in England. Future guidance and policies need to consider reflecting certain proven modifications, such as using season-specific countermeasures for air pollution control, to protect the at-risk population.

An improved habitat suitability index for the great crested newt Triturus cristatus

An improved habitat suitability index for the great crested newt Triturus cristatus

A genome-first approach to characterize DICER1 pathogenic variant prevalence, penetrance and cancer, thyroid, and other phenotypes in 2 population-scale cohorts

PurposePopulation-scale, exome-sequenced cohorts with linked electronic health records (EHR) permit genome-first exploration of phenotype. Phenotype and cancer risk are well characterized in children with a pathogenic DICER1 (HGNC ID:17098) variant. Here, the prevalence, penetrance, and phenotype of pathogenic germline DICER1 variants in adults were investigated in 2 population-scale cohorts. MethodsVariant pathogenicity was classified using published DICER1 ClinGen criteria in the UK Biobank (469,787 exomes; unrelated: 437,663) and Geisinger (170,503 exomes; unrelated: 109,789) cohorts. In the UK Biobank cohort, cancer diagnoses in the EHR, cancer, and death registry were queried. For the Geisinger cohort, the Geisinger Cancer Registry and EHR were queried. ResultsIn the UK Biobank, there were 46 unique pathogenic DICER1 variants in 57 individuals (1:8242; 95% CI: 1:6362-1:10,677). In Geisinger, there were 16 unique pathogenic DICER1 variants (including 1 microdeletion) in 21 individuals (1:8119; 95% CI: 1:5310-1:12,412). Cohorts were well powered to find larger effect sizes for common cancers. Cancers were not significantly enriched in DICER1 heterozygotes; however, there was a ∼4-fold increased risk for thyroid disease in both cohorts. There were multiple ICD10 codes enriched >2-fold in both cohorts. ConclusionEstimates of pathogenic germline DICER1 prevalence, thyroid disease penetrance, and cancer phenotype from genomically ascertained adults are determined in 2 large cohorts.

PROFICIENCY OF TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY USAGE COMPETENCIES: A META-ANALYSIS STUDY

In this meta-analysis study, it was aimed to examine the perceptions of distance education and the effect size of technology usage competencies by using meta-analysis method. In the meta-evaluation carried for this purpose, twenty-eight studies that met the criteria for inclusion in the research were reached. By combining these studies, 11.797 sample groups were studied. In order to reach a general decision in the research, a funnel plot graph was drawn before statistical calculations were made. Statistical calculations were performed in order to make a general impression decision about the publication bias in the funnel plot diagram. When the statistical analysis results and the diagram graph results were combined, it was determined that there was no publication bias in the studies included in the study. Then, a heterogeneity test was performed to determine the model type of the research. According to the results of the heterogeneity test, it was decided that this research should be interpreted according to the type of random effects model. For heterogeneity, publication type, school type, and branches were aimed as moderators. It was observed that the meta-analysis study had a small distribution of perceptions of distance education and technology usage competencies, that the variables of publication type, school type and distribution departments did not have a moderator unit in the calculations done on the moderator, but it was concluded that the effect sizes of the studies published as articles, the studies carried out in secondary education institutions and the studies on mathematics teachers had a relatively larger effect size than the others.

Could nutrition status predict fatigue one week before in patients with nasopharynx cancer undergoing radiotherapy?

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing radiotherapy experience significant fatigue, which is frequently underestimated due to the lack of objective indicators for its evaluation. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal association between fatigue and nutrition status 1 week in advance. From January 2021 to June 2022, a total of 105 NPC patients who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy were enrolled in the observational longitudinal study. The significant outcomes, including the Piper Fatigue Scale-12 (PFS-12), the Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), four body composition indices, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were assessed weekly from pre-treatment until the completion of radiotherapy (T0-T7) to explore their relationship. The trajectories of PFS-12 and all dimensions for 105 participants reached a peak during the fifth week. Sensory fatigue consistently received the highest scores (T0 = 1.60 ± 2.20, T5 = 6.15 ± 1.57), whereas behavior fatigue exhibited the fastest increase over time (T0 = 1.11 ± 1.86, T5 = 5.47 ± 1.70). Higher PG-SGA scores were found to be weakly explainable for aggravating fatigue (β = 0.02 ~ 0.04). Unlike generalized additive mixed models, marginal structural models (MSM) produced larger effect values (β = 0.12 ~ 0.21). Additionally, body composition indices showed weakly negative relationships with fatigue in MSMs one week in advance. The PG-SGA may be a more accurate predictor of future-week fatigue than individual body composition indicators, particularly when HADS is controlled for as a time-dependent confounder.

Technology-based learning effect on the learning outcomes of Indonesian students: a meta-analysis

The utilization of information technology in education offers learners access to a variety of learning resources that are not restricted. It is expected that this use will enhance the success of the learning process and the attainment of educational goals. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of information technology-based learning on the academic performance of students in Indonesia. This research adopts a meta-analysis design and utilizes a selection process based on established criteria to gather studies from the Google Scholar and Scopus databases. The study adheres to the PRISMA protocol. There were 51 studies included, comprising 44 academic journals and seven proceedings. The analysis technique applied is a meta-analysis using the random effect size model. The results of this study indicate that the utilization of information technology in education has a significant impact on the learning achievement of Indonesian students. The analysis of 51 studies, including 44 scientific journals and seven proceedings, showed that the effect sizes of the studies varied from -0.80 to 5.85, indicating heterogeneity in the studies analyzed. The effect size model used in this meta-analysis was a random effect size model, with the summary effect value showing a large effect size with a value of 1.285, a p-value&amp;lt;0.001, and a confidence interval ranging from 1.012 to 1.559. Subgroup analysis also revealed a significant difference in the average effect size across different levels of education, including elementary, secondary, and tertiary education. The results of the study showed no evidence of publication bias.

The Impact of Virtual Reality Assisted Listening Instruction on English as a Foreign Language Learners’ Comprehension and Perceptions

Virtual Reality (VR) as an interactive, illustrative, and immersive learning environment has ample opportunities for the development of language skills. Despite a growing literature on VR-assisted language learning, the benefit of VR for L2 listening is in need of further investigation. To fill this lacuna, the current study surveyed the impact of using 360° monoscopic VR videos as pre-listening tasks on language learners’ development of listening comprehension. Sixty English as a foreign language (EFL) learners participated in the study as the control and the experimental groups. Their entry level of listening comprehension was evaluated by the B1 Preliminary listening paper before the study. Listening was taught to both groups by the comprehension-based model consisting of a pre-during-post listening cycle. The pre-listening activities of the experimental group included watching and working on 360° VR videos related to the topics of the listening parts of the textbook. The pre-listening phase of the control group included the warmup activities of the textbook. Both groups’ listening comprehension was evaluated again at the end of the study. The quantitative data analysis revealed a significant difference between the participants’ listening comprehension in favor of those who had worked with VR video as pre-listening tasks. Also, larger effect sizes for Parts 3 and 4 of the test that focused on understanding monologues were evident. The experimental group members were asked to express their perceptions of the experience of working with 360° VR videos in listening instruction by taking part in a structured interview. The results showed that almost all participants found the activities to be inspiring and pedagogically valuable.

The effect of actual and expected income shocks on mental wellbeing: Evidence from three East Asian countries during COVID-19

This paper evaluates the effects of economic shocks to current and expected income reduction on mental wellbeing. We use individual-level data from three East Asian countries; China, Japan, and South Korea, during the early phases of the pandemic when the COVID-induced economic shocks were severe. The findings reveal significant causal effects from current and expected income reduction on different aspects of mental health deterioration, including anxiety, trouble sleeping, boredom, and loneliness. Interestingly, we found that expectations of future income loss have a significantly larger effect on people's mental wellbeing compared to current falls in income. This has significant implications for the design of policies to support income during pandemics.

Measuring Ethical Behavior of Accounting Graduates in Malaysia: Comparison between Perceptual Statements and Vignettes

The failure of accountants/auditors to uphold positive values and maintain ethical behavior while performing professional services has been widely discussed. Most future accountants in Malaysia are accounting graduates from Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) accredited universities. Previous studies have found that ethical culture at the workplace will influence the ethical behavior of an individual. Previous studies have measured ethical behavior using vignettes scenarios and perceptual statements. Thus, the study has two objectives, and they are firstly to empirically assess the impact of an ethical workplace culture on the ethical behavior of these graduates and secondly to compare the statistical results of two different measurements of ethical behavior using perceptual statements and vignettes. To achieve both objectives, SmartPLS 4 was utilized to examine the impact of ethical culture at workplace on the ethical behavior of accounting graduates using vignette scenarios and perceptual statements. This study involved 344 samples of accounting graduates from MIA-accredited universities, and path analysis was performed to test the hypotheses. The findings demonstrate a positive relationship between the ethical workplace culture and ethical behavior among accounting graduates, regardless of whether the ethical behavior was measured using vignette scenarios or perceptual statements. However, it was found that the relationship of ethical culture at the workplace and ethical behavior measured by perceptual statements provides a better explanation of the relationship between ethical behavior and workplace culture, as evidenced by its higher path coefficient, larger effect size, and more explanatory power. as opposed to the relationship of ethical culture at workplace and ethical behavior measured by perceptual statements. Taking these results into account, researchers are advised to choose the measurement of ethical behavior carefully and to ensure that the research instruments used are appropriate for the complexity of the phenomenon being studied, which improves the precision and dependability of research results.

Effects of the Momentum project on postpartum family planning norms and behaviors among married and unmarried adolescent and young first-time mothers in Kinshasa: A quasi-experimental study.

This study evaluated the effect of Momentum-an integrated family planning, maternal and newborn health, and nutrition intervention-on postpartum family planning norms and behaviors among ever married and never-married first-time mothers age 15-24 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Using data collected in 2018 and 2020, we conducted an intent-to-treat analysis among 1,927 first-time mothers who were about six-months pregnant at enrollment. Difference-in-differences models were run for panel data and treatment effects models with inverse-probability weighting for endline-only outcomes. Average treatment effects (ATE) were estimated. Momentum had positive effects on partner discussion of family planning in the early postpartum period (ever married 15-19: ATE = 0.179, 95% CI = 0.098, 0.261; never married 15-19: ATE = 0.131, 95% CI = 0.029, 0.232; ever married 20-24: ATE = 0.233, 95% CI = 0.164, 0.302; never married 20-24: ATE = 0.241, 95% CI = 0.121, 0.362) and discussion with a health worker, and on obtaining a contraceptive method in the early postpartum period, except among never married adolescents. Among adolescents, intervention effects on modern contraceptive use within 12 months of childbirth/pregnancy loss were larger for the never married (ATE = 0.251, 95% CI = 0.122, 0.380) than the ever married (ATE = 0.114, 95% CI = 0.020, 0.208). Full intervention exposure had consistently larger effects on contraceptive behaviors than partial exposure, except among ever married adolescents. Momentum had no effect on normative expectations about postpartum family planning use among adolescents, and on descriptive norms and personal agency among those who were never married. Results for normative outcomes and personal agency underscored the intersectionality between young maternal age and marital status. Future programs should improve personal agency and foster normative change in support of postpartum family planning uptake and tailor interventions to different age and marital status subsets of first-time mothers.

Climate Model Simulations of the Effects of Orbital Parameters on Glacier Equilibrium Line Altitude

AbstractThe effects of obliquity and precession on conditions favorable for Northern Hemisphere glaciation are explored using an energy balance and mass balance model of equilibrium line altitude (ELA), the height on a glacier where accumulation and ablation are in balance annually. Climate forcing for the ELA model is obtained from idealized single‐forcing orbital simulations with two atm‐ocean general circulation models, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) CM2.1 and National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Earth System Model version 1.2. Over Scandinavia and Baffin Island, the respective locations in which the Scandinavian and Laurentide ice sheets are thought to have originated, low obliquity and perihelion at the boreal winter solstice are associated with lower ELA values, as would be expected from the orbital theory of the ice ages. Linear reconstructions of ELA variations over the past 800 kyr indicate that precession dominated ELA variations in Scandinavia and Baffin Island in the GFDL model, and in Scandinavia in the NCAR model. Obliquity and precession played equal roles in Baffin Island in the NCAR model. A decomposition of the ELA responses finds that the effects of ablation on ELA are much larger than the effects of precipitation. Overall, the findings of this study point to precession being a more important factor in glacial inception than obliquity, which contrasts with previous findings in which obliquity had a slightly larger effect on positive degree days (PDDs), a simple metric for ablation. This is likely due to differences in seasonality of melt from the ELA model and PDDs.