Multidimensional Scaling Analysis Research Articles

The Impact of Smartphones on the Academic Performance of University Students

Smartphones have become an important medium of connection and information. It is frequently used for social and academic purposes. This study examines the intricate relationship between smartphone usage patterns and academic performance among university students. Data was collected from 300 participants with the help of a Google survey form. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), factor analysis, and logistic regression were used for the analysis of data. The findings revealed that the majority of students spend 1-3 hours daily on their smartphones with social media emerging as the primary purpose for usage. Despite prevalent smart phone usages, students reported relatively high cumulative grade point averages (CGPAs), indicating positive academic achievement levels. However, the analysis also uncovered that smartphone usages, brings distractions while studying. Logistic regression analysis identified the significant predictors of CGPA, highlighting the importance of managing smartphone habits effectively. Multi-dimensional scaling (MDs) and factor analysis provided insights into the clustering of factors related to smartphone usage and academic performance. Overall, these findings underscore the need for targeted intervention to promote responsible smartphone usage habits and support academic success among university students.

Imagining and implementing healthy city interventions: Combined results from parallel concept mapping exercises in Montreal with community members and stakeholders.

Built environment interventions provide structural solutions to complex urban challenges. Though community voices are part of municipal decision-making, planners and public health professionals need tools to better integrate their perspectives for desired changes (what) when implementing built environment interventions (how). We present two simultaneous concept mapping exercises conducted in Montréal, Canada, to facilitate the consideration of these dimensions. Community members were prompted about neighbourhood changes that could improve their quality of life; stakeholders were prompted about factors that contribute to successful implementation of interventions. Through each exercise, items were generated, grouped, and rated on importance and feasibility. Concept maps were produced using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. The clusters identified by community members and stakeholders were combined into a Community × Stakeholder Matrix, which supported discussions on interventions with the research's Advisory Committee. Thirty-two community members generated 41 responses, which resulted in 6 clusters: (1) strengthen public transportation, (2) reduce space dedicated to cars, (3) foster local social connections, (4) develop quality cycling infrastructure, (5) improve pedestrian accessibility, and (6) green the city. Thirty-seven stakeholders generated 40 items, which resulted in 5 clusters: (1) collaboration with stakeholders and citizens, (2) planning and evaluation, (3) common vision for the future, (4) regulatory framework and funding, and (5) context-informed approach. Capturing the collective vision of our urban environments and the processes underlying change through concept mapping can lead to more successful changes. We propose combining understandings of the what and how into a matrix to support evaluation and strategic planning of interventions and better integrate community voices into operational planning.

Urbanization effects on growth and otolith asymmetry in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and Oreochromis niloticus within tropical coastal lagoon watersheds

In this study, we investigated the growth dynamics and otolith shape asymmetry of two fish species, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (CN) and Oreochromis niloticus (ON), within urbanized watersheds of the southern lagoon system, Nigeria. Using the von Bertalanffy growth model (VBGM), in addition to sediment metal concentration indices such as the average shale content, index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk (PER) index, contamination levels were classified, and ecological risks were assessed. Notably, a lower growth potential (t0) was observed in CN at Ikorodu than at Epe, with similar trends for ON in the Epe during the dry season. Otolith asymmetry patterns, particularly in the CN at Ikorodu and ON in the Epe during the dry season, exhibited distinct ecological variations, indicating heightened stress levels at Ikorodu. Sediment analyses revealed moderate to strong contamination (Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr) in both Lagos Lagoon (Ikorodu) and Epe Lagoon, with Ikorodu exhibiting notably high to moderate contamination levels according to the CF index. Elevated PLI values for Cd and Pb in Ikorodu, in addition to greater PER, indicated increased risk, with Cd posing a high risk (61.42%) and Pb posing a moderate risk (49.50%). Additionally, the reduced asymptotic length in the Epe during the dry season suggests that Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus is adaptable to seasonal variations, while divergent growth patterns in both areas indicate the existence of trade-off mechanisms in response to changing conditions. Habitat-specific otolith asymmetry and metal contamination underscore species adaptability, with wider stressor variability in Lagos than in Epe. Furthermore, multidimensional scaling analysis highlights the intricate relationship between otolith shape variables and environmental factors, emphasizing the need for tailored conservation efforts in urbanized watersheds.

DETERMINATION OF FISH DIVERSITY IN THE ROCKY HABITAT AROUND MERSIN BOĞSAK ISLAND (NORTHEAST MEDITERRANEAN) BY VISUAL CENSUS METHOD

DETERMINATION OF FISH DIVERSITY IN THE ROCKY HABITAT AROUND MERSIN BOĞSAK ISLAND (NORTHEAST MEDITERRANEAN) BY VISUAL CENSUS METHOD

Moving target positioning algorithm based on multidimensional scaling analysis from TDOA and FDOA with sensor uncertainties

Moving target positioning algorithm based on multidimensional scaling analysis from TDOA and FDOA with sensor uncertainties

Athlete’s Personal Values and the Likelihood of Alcohol Use and Heavy Drinking during Adolescence

Sport is considered an exceptional activity for promoting healthy lifestyles, but the relationship between sport and alcohol consumption is inconclusive. Research on personal values may shed light on this issue and thus make it possible to find effective ways to prevent alcohol misuse in adolescents. The main objectives of this study were to explore the relationships between personal values and alcohol consumption amongst adolescent athletes and to validate the Portrait Values Questionnaire-21 (PVQ-21) in this population. A total of 914 athletes (aged 11–19; 55.4% female) participated in this study. Confirmatory multidimensional scaling analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the predictive power of personal values on alcohol use. Openness to change values positively predicted high-frequency alcohol use and high-frequency heavy episodic drinking, whereas the opposite occured with athletes who held conservation values. Furthermore, the probability of presenting heavy episodic drinking was negatively associated with conservation values. Finally, the PVQ-21 presented adequate psychometric properties to assess personal values among adolescent athletes. It is crucial to consider the personal values of adolescent athletes when promoting healthy lifestyles through sport.

Screening Organic Acid Contents of Tomato Landraces Collected From Aegean-Mediterranean Region of Anatolia

Tomato landraces can serve as valuable sources for breeding new cultivars aimed at enhancing fruit quality in terms of organic acids. Nineteen tomato landraces spread along the Mediterranean coasts of Anatolia were evaluated to determine their basic internal quality parameters and organic acid composition. The parameters assessed included fruit weight, diameter, length, pH, titrable acidity (TA %), soluble solid content (SSC%), SSC/TA ratio, and organic acids, such as oxalic (OA), tartaric (TarA), malic (MA), malonic (MalA), lactic (LA), acetic (AA), citric (CA), and ascorbic acids (AscA). Significant diversity was observed among the different landraces concerning these traits. Citric acid was found to be the most abundant organic acid within the landraces. Notably, the highest and lowest values for CA were recorded in Ege 8 (105.73 mg g-1) and TR62707 (31.10 mg g-1), respectively, making them promising sources for future breeding programs. Ascorbic acid (AscA) exhibited the lowest content among all the organic acids, ranging from 0.06 to 0.12 mg.g-1 (equivalent to 64-116 µg.g-1). Moreover, the landrace TR49646 displayed the highest malic acid content (8.23 mg g-1), making it a potential source for obtaining high malic acid content. Conversely, Ege 6 showed the lowest malic acid content (5.11 mg g-1). For health purposes, the landrace TR63233 was identified as having the lowest oxalic acid content. Multidimensional scale analysis further confirmed the potential candidates identified by the ANOVA and one-way ANOM tests. The results revealed a considerable diversity among the evaluated landraces, and the identified traits could be instrumental in selecting and breeding new cultivars with improved characteristics.

개념도 분석을 통해 본 초등학생 학부모의 선행학습에 관한 인식

This study aimed to investigate parent's perceptions of pre-learning among primary school parents using the concept mapping methodology, which is useful for understanding and structuring group perceptions. Sixteen parents participated in individual in-depth interviews. Based on the data obtained, a total of 58 final statements were derived through a statement integration process, with 14 participants contributing to similarity classification. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were conducted based on similarity classification of participants. Subsequently, a survey on the degree of empathy for statements was conducted using a 5-point Likert scale with 76 parents, including statement generators and similarity classification participants, to calculate the degree of empathy for statements and clusters. The results revealed that parent's perceptions were divided into two dimensions: 'children's motivation-social pressure' and 'parent’s conviction- experience and external influence'. They were further classified into four clusters and two sub-clusters. Specifically, the clusters included 'enhancing children's motivation and abilities for pre-learning', 'realities and surrounding circumstances inducing pre-learning', 'value system and conviction towards pre-learning', and 'awareness and coping with the current state of pre-learning'. Among these, the cluster 'enhancing children's motivation and abilities for pre-learning' was further divided into sub-clusters of 'children's motivation for pre-learning' and 'enhancing children's abilities through pre-learning', while the cluster 'realities and surrounding circumstances inducing pre-learning' was divided into sub-clusters of 'experiential realities necessitating pre-learning' and 'surrounding environments prompting pre-learning'. Parents showed the highest empathy towards the cluster 'value system and conviction towards pre-learning'. In conclusion, parents have evolved considering the choice regarding pre-learning to strategizing for the success of their children's pre-learning. Parents have taken an active lead in their children's pre-learning situations, armed with their own educational value system and convictions, considering factors such as their children's motivation, timing, methods, surrounding circumstances, and experiences. The study is significant in suggesting the necessity of observing changes in societal perceptions of pre-learning and improving educational policies and entrance examination systems based on parent's perceptions.

초등교사의 수업실행 저해요인에 관한 연구

Objectives This study focused on the factors which inhibit the teaching practices as they were perceived by elementary school teachers. Methods Thirty-five elementary school teachers were interviewed, and research materials were analyzed using a concept map approach. From the interview, 44 key sentences were extracted as a final statement, and the concept mapping was completed using the Multidimensional Scaling and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis method. 970 elementary school teachers were asked to answered the 5-point Likert scale questionnaires to check which statement could affect the teaching practices. Results First, the elementary school teachers recognized the factors inhabiting the teaching practices in the “job performance-relationship formation” and “inside-outside the school” dimensions. Second, elementary school teachers recognized the inhabiting factors in 8 clusters; “formalism of educational administration,” “inefficiency of school work,” “lack of trust between teachers and parents,” “lack of efficiency in business processing,” “lack of administrators’ leadership,” “lack of teaching support,” “negative teaching culture,” and “lack of professionalism and teacher’s philosophy” appeared in that order. Conclusions This study will help to identify ways to improve the teaching expertise by identifying the inhibiting factors as perceived by elementary school teachers.

Soil Moisture and Litter Coverage Drive the Altitude Gradient Pattern of Soil Arthropods in a Low-Elevation Mountain

This study sought to investigate the vertical distribution pattern of the soil faunal community in a low-altitude mountain area. On 8 July 2022, a low hill was selected as the study area, and soil arthropods were collected through traps. The leaf litter, vegetation type, and distribution quantity of each sampling site were investigated while the soil faunae were collected. In addition, the soil’s physical and chemical parameters were measured. The results of a one-way ANOVA showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the soil properties, leaf litter, and plant quantities at different altitudes within the research area. A total of 1086 soil arthropods, belonging to five classes and ten orders, were collected during the study period. The dominant species of soil arthropods at different altitudes were significantly different. The dominant species in low-altitude areas were Armadillidium sp. and Aethus nigritus. However, Eupolyphaga sinensis and Philodromidae were the dominant species in high-altitude areas. The results of a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis showed that the soil faunae at different altitudes were clustered into two communities: a high-altitude community and a low-altitude community. With the increase in altitude, the species richness of the soil arthropods gradually decreased, and their abundance showed a decreasing trend. A redundancy analysis (RDA) of the soil arthropods and environmental factors showed that soil moisture (p < 0.01), pH (p < 0.01) and defoliation (p < 0.05) had significant effects on the distribution of the soil fauna. The results of a Pearson correlation analysis indicated that different environmental factors had interactive effects on the distribution of the soil arthropods. The quantity and species richness of the soil arthropods in different sample lines were tested using a variance analysis. The results showed that there were significantly smaller quantities of soil arthropods in the sampling line closer to the trekking ladder. This indicates that human tourism, namely mountaineering activities, had a direct impact on the soil fauna. This study can provide a reference for and data support in the development of biodiversity conservation measures for forest parks in low mountain areas.

“Allowing Space for Voice…All Our Voices”: Understanding Ho‘ouna Pono Implementation Through Educational Leadership Perspectives in Rural Hawai‘i Schools

AbstractEpidemiological research over the past two decades has highlighted substance use disparities that affect Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth, and the lack of effective approaches to address such disparities (Okamoto et al. in Asian American Journal of Psychology 10(3):239–248, 2019). The Ho‘ouna Pono curriculum is a culturally grounded, teacher-implemented, video-enhanced substance use prevention program that has demonstrated efficacy in rural Hawaiʻi in a large-scale trial (Okamoto in Asian American Journal of Psychology 10(3):239–248, 2019). Despite its potential to ameliorate health disparities and address youth substance use, prevention programs such as Ho‘ouna Pono have been poorly disseminated and implemented across Hawaiʻi, raising the question: Why are effective prevention programs not used in communities that most need them? The present study used concept mapping to understand previously identified implementation barriers and develop implementation strategies for Ho‘ouna Pono. Seven Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE) educational leaders and administrators sorted Ho‘ouna Pono implementation barriers (e.g., “There is a lack of HIDOE funding to support prevention curricula”), named concepts, and rated barriers’ perceived impact and difficulty. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis yielded a five-cluster solution: (1) Kumu (Hawaiian word for teacher) Controlled, (2) School Level Buy-in, (3) Curriculum, (4) Student Attitudes + Mindsets (Family + Community), and (5) Policy. Participant ratings identified eight high-impact and low-difficulty barriers. Discussion revealed important intersections among barriers indicating the need for coordinated and cross-level implementation strategies to support Ho‘ouna Pono sustainment. Brainstormed implementation strategies using participants’ own language highlighted a need for participatory methods in school settings to bidirectionally share ways to best sustain substance use prevention programs.

What does it mean to be good at peer reviewing? A multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis study of behavioral indicators of peer feedback literacy

Peer feedback literacy is becoming increasingly important in higher education as peer feedback has substantially grown as a pedagogical approach. However, quality of produced feedback, a key behavioral aspect of peer feedback literacy, lacks a systematic and evidence-based conceptualization to guide research, instruction, and system design. We introduce a novel framework involving six conceptual dimensions of peer feedback quality that can be measured and supported in online peer feedback contexts: reviewing process, rating accuracy, feedback amount, perceived comment quality, actual comment quality, and feedback content. We then test the underlying dimensionality of student competencies through correlational analysis, Multidimensional Scaling, and cluster analysis, using data from 844 students engaged in online peer feedback in a university-level course. The separability of the conceptual dimensions is largely supported in the cluster analysis. However, the cluster analysis also suggests restructuring perceived and actual comment quality in terms of initial impact and ultimate impact. The Multi-Dimensional Scaling suggests the dimensions of peer feedback can be conceptualized in terms of relative emphasis on expertise vs. effort and on overall review quality vs. individual comment quality. The findings provide a new road map for meta-analyses, empirical studies, and system design work focused on peer feedback literacy.

Validation of gavage sampling as tool for longitudinal sampling of microbiota of the mouse gastric lumen

BackgroundFecal samples are commonly used for longitudinal studies of the gut lumen microbiome to track the course of response to infection or drug treatment, but no comparable method has been evaluated for longitudinal analysis of the gastric lumen microbiome in mice. Herein, a buffer flush of the stomach with a flexible gavage needle was used to collect gastric contents at one or several time points without harming the mouse. These samples were compared to samples collected by sacrifice and dissection of the mouse stomach. Microbiota from these samples were sequenced and evaluated in two ways: the composition of samples as measured by beta diversity and the richness of samples as measured by alpha diversity. Additionally, the effect of multiple sampling every two days on these metrics were studied. DNA was extracted from each of these samples and Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. ResultsFirst, taxonomic richness of gavage and dissection samples was compared. A greater number of taxa was detected in gavage samples than in dissection samples. Second, taxonomic richness was analyzed over time. No significant difference in taxonomic richness was observed with repeated gavage flushes. Third, a comparison was made of the taxonomic composition of samples collected by gavage versus dissection followed by a comparison of samples collected over multiple samplings. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed no clear differences between collection by gavage flushing or dissection. Using weighted Unifrac and Aitchison taxonomic distances between gavage and dissection samples were not significantly different from distances between gavage samples themselves, and no significant difference was found in the taxonomic composition of mice which were sampled repeatedly. Finally, relative abundances of specific identified taxa were compared, and eleven taxa were found to differ in frequency between collection methods. Using the more stringent Analysis of Composition of Microbiomes (ANCOM), seven was found to differ. Similarly, no significant differences were uncovered using these analyses over multiple samples by gastric flush. ConclusionIn summary, the consistency of the microbiota collected by gastric flushing recommends its use for microbiome analysis of gastric fluid similar to the use of fecal sampling to study the gut lumen microbiome.

It is a "small world": Relations between performance on five spatial tasks and five mathematical tasks in undergraduate students.

One of the most robust relations in cognition is that between spatial and mathematical reasoning. One important question is whether this relation is domain general or if specific relations exist between performance on different types of spatial tasks and performance on different types of mathematical tasks. In this study, we explore unique relations between performance on five spatial tasks and five mathematical tasks. An exploratory factor analysis conducted on Data Set 1 (N = 391) yielded a two-factor model, one spatial factor and one mathematical factor with significant cross-domain factor loadings. The general two-factor model structure was replicated in a confirmatory factor analysis conducted in a separate data set (N = 364) but the strength of the factor loadings differed by task. Multidimensional scaling and network-based analyses conducted on the combined data sets reveal one spatial cluster, with a central node and one more tightly interconnected mathematical cluster. Both clusters were interconnected via the math task assessing geometry and spatial sense. The unique links identified with the network-based analysis are representative of a "small-world network." These results have theoretical implications for our understanding of the spatial-mathematical relation and practical implications for our understanding of the limitations of transfer between spatial training paradigms and mathematical tasks. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Sustainability of Corn Farming Systems on Post-Sand Mining Land in Malang, East Java, Indonesia

The sand mining activities leave a wide area ex-sand mining land. In Bambang Village, farmers who live in that area try to get their land back to produce agricultural activities that were used previously for sand mining. However, there are several obstacles to the sustainability of farming in this area, especially the matter of critical land issues, pest and disease attacks, unpredictability of price, and technology used still not optimized suboptimal use of technology. To analyze the sustainability index and the attributes that influence continuity of corn farming on post-mine sand land, a quantitative study was conducted used a five-dimension sustainability approach. This approach included the consist of ecological, economic, social, institutional, and technological dimensions. Data collected by distributing questionnaires to the respondents which are divided into 72 of farmers and five key informants, so that, total of respondents are 77 people. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and leverage analysis were used to determine the attributes that influence sustainability. The results of the research show corn farming continuity on post-sand mining land produce a sustainability index for about 54.86%. It is considered quite able to maintain in terms of the economic dimension (62.12%), social dimension (60.82%), and institutional dimension (60.27%). Though, the ecological dimension (46.88%) and technological dimension (44.23%) were classified as weak in terms of sustainability. Additionally, leverage analysis shows about 25 sensitive attributes which is influenced the sustainability of corn farming on post-sand mining land.

Measuring sociocultural characteristics according to the six indicators of the Hofstede model: testing the toolkit for calculating values at the individual level

The study is devoted to the adaptation and testing in Russian conditions of the internationally recognised toolkit for measuring the values of socio-cultural characteristics according to the Hofstede model at the individual level. The results of approbation on the basis of a sociological study of the Arctic territories of the Republic of Karelia (n=1042) conducted in 2023 were presented. The territorial specificity of the values of socio-cultural characteristics of individuals according to the Hofstede model was determined, as well as their expression in the context of social groups (in particular, gender). The greatest differences can be traced for the indicator "masculinity", and the minimum differences for the indicator "collectivism". The relevance of the model of cultural indicators was checked and the convergence of measurements was assessed. The techniques of factor analysis by principal component analysis (PCA), multidimensional scaling (ALSCAL), and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied. The quality of factor analysis was checked on the basis of Bartlett sphericity criterion values and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin statistics of the sampling adequacy measure. Also, to check the reliability of the tools used, the results of the authors and the developers of the methodology were compared using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α). The obtained values of the coefficient indicate high reliability of the used toolkit, as well as confirm the preservation of the scales' measuring ability after translation for five indicators out of six. For the sixth indicator, "long-term goal-setting", it is reasonable to adjust the translation of the questions based on the relatively lower Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α). Nomological validity analysis confirmed the relevance of the presented tool. This allows us to speak about the achievement of the research goal and successful adaptation and validation of the actual toolkit for calculating the values of sociocultural characteristics according to Hofstede model at the level of individuals in the conditions of Russia. The applied scales are characterised by high reliability and validity. The prospect of further research is to expand the geography of the toolkit application and to compile an ethnometric database of the regions of AZRF on the values of socio-cultural characteristics according to the Hofstede model measured at the level of individuals, to analyse the patterns of spatial differentiation of indicators, as well as to study the aspects of influence within the triad "space - socio-cultural specifics of individuals - reproduction of human capital”.

Implementing menstrual cycle tracking: A pilot concept mapping study investigating considerations of coaches, support staff, and female athletes

ObjectivesTo identify what coaches, support staff, and athletes believe should be considered when implementing menstrual cycle tracking in sport. DesignConcept mapping (mixed-methods participatory approach). MethodsParticipants brainstormed statements in response to the focus prompt “What should be considered when tracking menstrual cycles in sport?” Participants then sorted the statements into groups according to meaning and rated each statement on its importance and feasibility to address. ResultsTwenty-six participants (12 athletes and 14 coaches/support staff) generated 53 ideas that the research team synthesised to 57 unique statements. Sixteen participants sorted the statements into an average of 8 (±4) groups. Six clusters were identified as the most appropriate representation of the sorting data following multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis: 1) Ethics, 2) Tracking Tools and Methods, 3) Performance and Health, 4) Education, 5) Interpretation and Framing and 6) Communication. Participants rated each statement based on their importance (n = 12) and feasibility (n = 10), respectively. The most important (mean = 3.88 out of 5) and feasible (mean = 3.85 out of 5) cluster was Ethics, whilst the least important (mean = 3.17) and feasible (mean = 3.04) was Communication. ConclusionsEthical considerations pertaining to privacy, consent, and scope of practice should be prioritised when tracking menstrual cycles in sport. A low burden method of tracking, which allows for some individualisation based on athletes' preferences or needs, and menstrual health education should also be undertaken to improve the uptake and impact of menstrual cycle tracking.

사립유치원 교사의 행복에 대한 인식 탐색: 개념도 분석을 중심으로

사립유치원교사, 행복, 개념도The purpose of this study is to examine the recognition of private kindergarten teachers’ happiness. For this purpose, 14 private kindergarten teachers were selected as participants. In this study, the concept mapping method was used, and the research participants stated their thoughts on the focus question. Then, the statements were organized by the process of integrating and deleting, and the participants were required to categorize them and evaluate their importance. As a result of analyzing by conducting multidimensional scale analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, firstly, the final 50 statements were created for the recognition of happiness of private kindergarten teachers, and a multidimensional scale analysis was conducted and divided into following ‘twodimensions’ ‘early childhood-teacher’ and ‘teacher-welfare and thecher-expertise’. In addition, as a result of conducting a cluster analysis on the final statements, it was classified into five clusters: ‘happiness with young children’, ‘happiness from satisfaction with teaching profession’, ‘happiness with early childhood's parents’, ‘happiness with director and fellow teachers’, and ‘happiness from well-being and balance’. Secondly, as a result of examining the importance of each cluster, cluster 5, ‘happiness from well-being and balance’, showed the highest importance, and as a result of examining the importance of each statement, ‘when receiving bonuses’ and ‘when holidays are long’ showed high importance. The results of this study can be usefully employed as basic data for preparing specific measures to promote the happiness of private kindergarten teachers.

DNA of Music: Identifying Relationships among Different Versions of the Composition Sadhukarn from Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia Using Multivariate Statistics

Sadhukarn, a sacred music composition performed ritually to salute and invite divine powers to open a ceremony or feast, is played in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Different countries have unique versions, arranged based on musicians’ skills and en vogue styles. This study presents the results of multivariate statistical analyses of 26 different versions of Sadhukarn main melodies using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and cluster analysis. The objective was to identify the optimal number of parameters for identifying the origin and relationships among Sadhukarn versions, including rhyme structures, pillar tone, rhythmic and melodic patterns, intervals, pitches, and combinations of these parameters. The data were analyzed using both full and normalized datasets (32 phrases) to avoid biases due to differences in phrases among versions. Overall, the combination of six parameters is the best approach for data analysis in both full and normalized datasets. The analysis of the ‘full version’ shows the separation of Sadhukarn versions from different countries of origin, while the analysis of the ‘normalized version’ reveals the rhyme structure, rhythmic structure, and pitch as crucial parameters for identifying Sadhukarn versions. We conclude that multivariate statistics are powerful tools for identifying relationships among different versions of Sadhukarn compositions from Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and within the same countries of origin.

Species richness of living foraminifera in Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil): a species checklist

AbstractThere is a gap in knowledge about the biodiversity of living foraminifera (protozoa) in Brazil, particularly in coastal environments. In Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil), a coastal system highly impacted by anthropogenic activities, several previous studies have been carried out on foraminifera based on total (living + dead) assemblages and sub-fossil records. Thus, this study intends to analyze for the first time the species richness of living foraminifera (stained with Rose Bengal) in Sepetiba Bay. Based on the morphological characteristics, 214 living species were identified in 50 samples collected in Sepetiba Bay in May 2022. The number of living specimens was counted as 6548. Living foraminifera density was < 252 specimens per gram of sediment and the species richness (S) ranged from 15 to 61 (mean 16.9 ± 15.5) in the analyzed stations. The main taxonomic classes found were Globothalamea and Tubothalamea. The main Globothalamea taxa belonged to the genus Ammonia, with Ammonia tepida, Ammonia buzasi, and Ammonia rolshauseni standing out, as well as the Bolivina, Buliminella, and Elphidium, represented mainly by Bolivina striatula, Buliminella elegantissima, and Elphidium excavatum. A non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) and cluster analysis based on a presence-absence matrix and Bray–Curtis similarity index allowed the identification of two main groups of stations: 1. Located in the innermost areas of Sepetiba Bay and surrounding the mainland and Marambaia Barrier Island, at shallower depths, with lower diversity; 2. an outermost group of stations with higher diversity in areas with greater oceanic influence. Compared with previous studies, the results of this work suggest an enlargement of the “innermost” zone with less diversity towards the oceanic region of Sepetiba Bay. This work shows that even using a matrix of presence/absence of living foraminifera and species richness, it is possible to distinguish environments in coastal systems. Data based on the living foraminifera is needed to understand current biodiversity to better characterize coastal environments and carry out biomonitoring studies.