Multivariate Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression among welfare- and justice-involved adolescents in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is higher among welfare- and justice-involved youth than in those not involved in these systems, which increases the risk of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the mechanisms underlying the link between CM and these two psychiatric conditions are less well understood among at-risk populations in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: This study attempts to fill this gap by examining the prevalence of and risk factors for depression and PTSD among at-risk groups in Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional research design using multistage sampling was adopted. The sample comprised 205 adolescents: justice-involved [102 (49.8%)] and welfare-involved [103 (50.2%)]. In total, 151 (73.7%) were males, while 54 (26.3%) were females. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate analysis of variance were applied. Results: The results showed that 66.1% of welfare-involved adolescents and 69.6% of justice-involved adolescents reported PTSD, while 68.9% of welfare-involved adolescents and 75.5% of justice-detained adolescents reported depression. Neglect (OR = 0.253; 95% CI 0.146–0.571; p < .001) and witnessing violence (OR = 0.230; 95% CI 0.114–0.597; p < .004) predicted depression. Emotional abuse (OR = 0.186; 95% CI 0.090–0.80; p < .015), witnessing violence (OR = 0.147; 95% CI 0.014–0.876; p < .043), neglect (OR = 0.187; 95% CI 0.14–0.90; p < .008), and physical abuse (OR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.254–0.937; p < .001) predicted PTSD. Also, PTSD significantly differed based on type of placement (F = 6.08, p < .014, η 2 = .029), but depression did not differ based on type of placement (F = 2.46, p > .118, η 2 = .012). Conclusions: CM profiles are risk factors in PTSD and depression among at-risk groups. CM screening should be included in mental health services of out-of-home placements to prevent the cycle of mental health problems and reoffending. Trauma-focused and cognitive–behavioural therapies have the potential to alleviate the suffering of traumatized adolescents.

In vitro measurement of the initial forces and moments generated for a curve of Spee malocclusion with labial and lingual archwire forms.

To compare the biomechanics of labial and lingual fixed orthodontic treatment options for a simulated curve of Spee malocclusion. An in vitro electromechanical orthodontic simulator was used to measure the three-dimensional forces and moments on each tooth of a mandibular arch. Labial and lingual brackets, both with 0.018-inch slot sizes, were bonded to mechanical teeth. Three archwire forms were considered: labial straight, lingual straight, and lingual mushroom. The simulator was set in a passive levelled position with 0.016-inch × 0.022-inch stainless steel archwires, then teeth were moved to a curve of Spee maloclussion with the first premolar intruded 1.5 mm and the canine and second premolar intruded 0.75 mm. Two-way mixed multivariate analysis of variance (α = 0.05) was used to compare forces and moments generated among the three archwires. Statistical differences were found in 55 of 63 comparisons of forces and moments between archwire types for each tooth around the arch. The lowest force magnitudes were measured for labial straight archwires at each tooth position. The lateral incisor experienced the largest gingival forces with all archwire forms. The first premolar and first molar experienced labial-lingual crown tipping moments in opposite directions between labial and the two lingual archwire forms. Biomechanical differences between labial, lingual straight, and lingual mushroom treatment modalities for the correction of curve of Spee misalignments were elucidated. Labial straight archwire exerted the lowest force magnitudes overall. For both lingual archwire forms, the labial-lingual inclination of the first premolar could be highly variable during levelling.

Effect of calcium lignosulphonate addition on some physical and mechanical properties of high-density fiberboard

Calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) (C20H24CaO10S2) is widely used in various industries today, including wood, construction, food, agriculture, and textiles. It has been noted that there are currently few studies on the addition of CLS chemicals to various fiberboards. This study was designed to explore the outcomes of the interaction between CLS and the boards, with the aim of expanding the potential applications of this chemical. In this study, we incorporated CLS at varying percentages (6%, 8%, and 10%) as an adhesive additive in high-density fiberboard (HDF) produced using urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin in a laboratory setting. We assessed its impact on several physical properties [thickness swelling (TS), density, and water absorption (WA)] and mechanical properties [modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and surface soundness (SS)]. A control group was established using prepared boards, allowing for a comparison of results between boards made with and without CLS additives. According to the results of a multivariate analysis of variance, the CLS percentage showed no significant effect on density, MOE, and SS. However, it significantly influenced TS, WA, IB, and MOR, resulting in reductions of 4-12% for SS, 6-12% for MOR, and 2-22% for IB, while increasing TS by 20-130%, WA by 25-84%, and MOE by 1-3%. It was observed that the use of CLS in the study led to differing results in the tests conducted on the produced HDF materials.

Association between internet use and primary headache severity among Hungarian university students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRecent studies suggest that increased digital technology usage could be a factor in the rising occurrence and severity of headache episodes. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether the severity of primary headaches (migraine and tension-type headache) is associated with problematic internet use taking many covariates into account.MethodsWe conducted an online cross-sectional survey using a quantitative, descriptive questionnaire, targeting university students enrolled in correspondence courses, aged 18 to 65. The survey included socio-demographic parameters, risk factors, concomitant diseases, medical history of headaches, and details of online activities. Psychometric measurements contained the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, the 9-item short version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-SF), and the Athens Insomnia Questionnaire.ResultsA total of 550 responders (n = 480 female; n = 70 male) completed the online questionnaire package. Among the participants, 202 individuals (36.7%) reported experiencing headaches, 74 had migraines and 119 had tension-type headache. Internet addiction was detected in 46 (8.4%) participants. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that significant risk factors of all primary headaches severity included being &amp;lt;30 years (p = 0.044, OR = 3.439), not having children (p = 0.014, OR = 2.493), being married (p = 0.035, OR = 2.528), spending more than 4 h per day on the internet (p = 0.021, OR = 1.088), experiencing mood disturbances (p = 0.033, OR = 1.345) and the presence of insomnia (p = 0.048, OR = 1.667). Furthermore, a slight positive correlation was identified between the amount of time individuals spent on the Internet and the severity of headaches (r = 0.138, r2 = 0.019, ß = 1.068, p = 0.049). Patients with migraine or tension-type headache showed different predecessors, internet use was only associated with the severity of tension-type headache (night-time internet use, OR = 3.075, p = 0.043, and internet addiction, OR = 1.221, p = 0.003).ConclusionThis research marks one of the initial epidemiological investigations in Hungary concentrating on the possible adverse impact of online activities on the severity of headache. Although our study could find slight correlation between the role of online activities and internet addiction on the severity of primary headaches, the topic merits further investigation.

Anesthesiologists Cross the Quality Chasm with Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Among Perioperative Patients

Background/Objective: POCUS is an invaluable tool for anatomical variation assessment, guidance of invasive interventions, and diagnosis of critical conditions that may change the anesthesiologist’s plan of care. This technology increases success rate, decreases time to surgery, and maximizes outcomes. The objective of this pilot program evaluation was to identify the anesthesiologists’ systems and processes for utilizing POCUS in clinical decision-making for patients during the perioperative phases of care for improved outcomes. Materials/Methods: A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was conducted to identify differences across groups (scan type). The independent variable was the type of POCUS examination. The dependent variables included the patient’s: (1) Perioperative Status; (2) Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist’s Review of Patient History and Formulating the Clinical Question; (3) Overall Risk Potential; (4) Aspiration Potential; (5) Issues Related to Cardiovascular Hemodynamics; (6) Issues Related to Volume Status; (7) Clinical Question Answered by POCUS; (8) Change in Plan of Care; (9) Interventions; and (10) Pharmacological Interventions. Results: MANOVA findings (Wilks’ λ) identified a statistically significant interaction between POCUS scan type and the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist’s clinical decision-making (p &lt; 0.0001). The following four criteria were statistically significant: (1) patients (64%) were examined with POCUS preoperatively (p &lt; 0.05); (2) patients (95%) identified as having some type of overall risk potential (p &lt; 0.05); (3) patients (36%) specifically identified as an aspiration risk (p &lt; 0.0001); and (4) patients (41%) identified with issues related to cardiovascular hemodynamics (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: POCUS is a proven imaging modality that is easy, portable, sensitive, and specific for identifying various anatomical landmarks. POCUS utilization in the perioperative setting has potential to have a profound impact on successful surgical completion.

Pengaruh Tipe Mobil Terhadap Harga dan Kapasitas Mesin di Belarus Dengan Pendekatan Metode Manova

Belarus is a country on the European Continent that continues to develop modern technology, especially in the field of the transportation industry. Supported by people's consumption patterns that tend to be consumptive where the demand for goods can affect the country's economy if not controlled properly, one of which is the use of cars. The high interest of the public in the use of cars is influenced by the design of the body type. Body type plays an important role in determining consumer preferences. The design of the car body type also affects the selling price. Engine capacity is also closely related, where larger vehicles typically have larger tanks. Therefore, it is important to analyze the influence between car body type and price and car engine capacity in Belarus using the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) method. Data analysis starts from describing the characteristics of variables, then conducting MANOVA assumption testing starting from multivariate normality testing with Q-Q plot and T-proportion test, independence correlation test test with barlet test, and homogeneity test with box's m test. Followed by the MANOVA test on the body variable on the price and capacity of the car engine and after that the LSD test. The results of the price characteristics and the capacity of the car engine were obtained by one and two outliers, respectively, and the shape of the boxplot was asymmetrical The most observed type of car was the universal type. The results of the MANOVA assumption test show that the data is normally distributed multivariate, dependent, and has a homogeneous covariance variance matrix. The results of the MANOVA test show that there is at least one type of car that has a significant influence on the price and capacity of the car engine. The LSD test results show the type of car based on the price of the car that there is no difference between the average car type 1, 2, 3, 4.

Psychological and Educational Challenges of Immigrant Adolescents in Italy: Exploring Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Student–Teacher Relationship, and Academic Disparities

Adolescence is a critical stage marked by identity formation and social challenges, especially for adolescents with migratory backgrounds who must reconcile their ethnic identities with the dominant culture. This study explores the mental health, life satisfaction, student–teacher relationship, and academic achievement of Italian-born, second-generation, and first-generation immigrants. The sample of 680 adolescents (M = 382; F = 280; Prefer not to say = 18; Mean age = 16.77 years) includes native-born Italians (n = 244), second-generation immigrants (n = 210), and first-generation immigrants (n = 226). Data were collected using self-report measures for mental health, life satisfaction, student–teacher relationship, and school achievement. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance identified significant group differences, followed by post-hoc tests to further explore differences between the groups. Second-generation immigrants reported significantly lower emotional well-being compared to their Italian-born peers. Both first- and second-generation immigrants exhibited lower life satisfaction, particularly in peer relationships. In terms of student–teacher relationship, second-generation immigrants perceived higher levels of school danger compared to Italian-born adolescents, possibly driven by discrimination. Academic outcomes revealed significant disparities, with Italian-born students outperforming second-generation immigrants, highlighting the impact of acculturative and bicultural stress. The findings highlight the unique challenges second-generation immigrants face in Italy in balancing cultural integration with preserving their heritage.

Impact of agricultural land-use on functional feeding groups of Afrotropical Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera in the Kat River, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Despite Africa experiencing a substantial rise in inadequately managed agricultural practices, studies examining the effects of these activities on the functional organisation of macroinvertebrates in tropical streams are underdeveloped. The responses of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPTs) functional feeding groups (FFGs) to agricultural pollution were investigated in the Kat River, Eastern Cape, South Africa, to identify potential FFG indicators. Physicochemical parameters and macroinvertebrates were sampled from eight sites delineated into four land-use impact categories (highly impacted, HIC; impacted category, IC; moderately impacted, MIC; and least impacted, LIC) based on the percentage of agricultural land cover. The Permutational multivariate analyses of variance (PERMANOVA) results revealed land use (F = 4.2, 3.62; p < 0.05) and season (F = 2.89, p < 0.03) influenced FFGs in the river, with shredder abundances decreasing with increasing agricultural stress. Conversely, collectors, predators and scrapers were tolerant of agricultural disturbance. Nutrient variables (NO3-N, NO2-N and NH4-N), canopy and depth were the critical variables that affected FFG structure in the river. Our findings provided more understanding and insights into the functional structure of EPT in relation to agricultural pollution and can contribute to developing trait-based biomonitoring tools in Africa.

Assessment of myelination development in neonatal rats using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) 7-T MRI.

Myelination is a crucial process in the nervous system. This study aimed to evaluate the progression of myelin sheath development in different brain regions of neonatal rats at distinct developmental stages using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) 7-T MRI. Male SD rats of different ages (3days, 1week, 2weeks, 3weeks, 1month, 2months) were selected for the study. Advanced in vivo MRI experiments were conducted using a 7-T MRI scanner. Custom MatLab scripts were employed to generate MR images and process the data. Myelin staining was used to assess myelin distribution in various brain regions. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Spearman's rank correlation. The progression of myelination was significantly different in different brain regions (F(5, 30) = 3.34, P < 0.05), with the corpus callosum showing an accelerated rate of myelination. Within the first month alone, there was an increase of 46.1% in myelination (t(35) = 2.29, P < 0.05). The hypothalamus and internal capsule exhibited a more gradual yet consistent increase in myelination over the two-month period, with increases of 47.1% (t(35) = 2.27, P < 0.05) and 39.8% (t(35) = 2.59, P < 0.05), respectively. A substantial positive correlation was found between the MRI-based and histological measurements of myelination (r = 0.31, P < 0.05). This study demonstrates the potential of CEST 7-T MRI as a non-invasive tool for assessing myelination progression and provides insights into the differential myelination rates across various brain regions during early development.

The Influence of Fear of Falling on Cognitive-Motor Interference in Walking in Older Adults

Objectives: Fear of falling (FOF) is common among older people and may impact normal walking in this population. This study aimed to determine the effect of FOF on cognitive-motor interference in walking among older adults. Methods: Ninety older adults with the ability to walk 20 meters and without cognitive disorder participated in this study. Three groups of high FOF, low FOF, and no FOF were identified using the fall efficacy scale-international (FES-I). The cognitive-motor interference was determined for the completion time of three functional movements, namely forward walking (FW), timed up and go (TUG), and obstacle crossing (OC), as well as the correct answer rate in verbal fluency (VF) and mental tracking (MT) tasks. The difference in outcomes between the groups was determined using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The Pearson correlation coefficients determined the association between FES-I and cognitive-motor interference in subjects with FOF. Results: Dual-task cognitive performance measures, including MT + TUG, VF + OC, and MT + OC, significantly differed between the high FOF and no FOF groups (P&lt;0.05). MT + TUG, VF + OC, and MT + OC also showed significant differences between the high FOF and low FOF groups (P&lt;0.05). Other cognitive-motor interference measures were not significantly different between the groups. The FES-I showed a positive correlation with MT + TUG (r=0.76, P=0.001), VF + OC (r=0.72, P=0.001), and MT + OC (r=0.65, P=0.001) in individuals with FOF. Discussion: The results indicate that FOF may impair cognitive performance during dual tasks in older adults. Future studies may be needed to investigate whether reduced FOF has the advantage of dual-task improvement in older people.

Comparison of In-Game Trunk and Upper Extremity Kinematics Between Fastballs, Breaking Balls, and Changeups in NCAA Division I Collegiate Baseball Pitchers.

Previous biomechanical analyses of baseball pitching report similar kinematics between pitch types. However, prior studies were conducted in a controlled laboratory environment. This study aimed to compare in-game trunk and upper extremity kinematics between fastballs, breaking balls, and changeups to determine whether there are kinematic differences that may affect performance as well as to provide new insights into potential risk factors for injury. It was hypothesized that there would be kinematic differences between pitch types. Descriptive laboratory study. A retrospective analysis was conducted of markerless motion capture data collected during National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball games. Included were 34 pitchers who pitched at least 3 pitches of each type (fastball, breaking ball, changeup) during competition. A 1-way repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to test differences between pitch types, and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to test pairwise comparisons. The MANOVA revealed a significant effect of pitch type (P < .001), and follow-up univariate tests found a significant main effect of pitch type for 12 of the 15 kinematic variables analyzed. Post hoc Bonferroni tests revealed that maximum shoulder external rotation was significantly greater during fastballs than breaking balls. At foot contact, significantly less shoulder external rotation was seen during changeups compared with fastballs and breaking balls. At the time of ball release, changeups had significantly less trunk lean and less trunk flexion than fastballs and breaking balls, and fastballs had a significantly smaller arm slot angle than breaking balls and changeups. Collegiate baseball pitchers displayed numerous kinematic differences between pitch types during competitive play, some of which are known influencers of pitching kinetics. This study offers a novel perspective regarding kinematic differences between different pitch types during competition. These results are comparable to the findings of laboratory studies and provide valuable insights into potential injury mechanisms.

Yoga in Virtual Reality Increases Experience of Presence but May Be Less Satisfying, More Difficult, and More Nausea-Unbalance Inducing.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, yoga classes have increasingly been delivered in virtual formats via online videoconferencing. Virtual reality (VR) guided meditations have been found to be a satisfactory means of teaching meditation, but satisfaction with practicing yoga in VR has not been researched. The present study evaluated whether participants experience a greater sense of presence and satisfaction with yoga instruction provided through 360-degree videos when the videos are viewed in three dimensions through a VR headset compared to a standard two-dimensional display. Forty female undergraduate students first participated in a brief in-person yoga class, then two classes of equivalent length that were prerecorded 360-degree videos; all lessons took place during a single 1-hour session. One of the videos was viewed by 3D VR headset, and the other was viewed on a standard 2D laptop, with viewing order randomized across participants. After each of the three yoga classes, a questionnaire assessing spatial, interpersonal, and temporal presence; satisfaction; nausea-unbalance; and difficulty was administered. Split-plot repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect of delivery format, whereas the main effect for order of the virtual delivery formats and the interaction between the order and format were both nonsignificant. Follow-up univariate analyses revealed that the in-person yoga classes were associated with the greatest satisfaction and sense of presence compared to the two virtual delivery formats. Although the yoga instruction viewed through 3D VR headset was associated with a higher sense of presence than the 2D laptop viewing condition, it was also associated with more nausea-unbalance and difficulty and overall lower satisfaction.

The Influence of Brief Counseling on Work Motivation and Implementation of Patient Safety Culture in Staff at Ramdani Husada Clinic

The application of work motivation and patient safety culture is one facet of work culture, which is an organizational management concept. Additional evidence regarding the use and efficacy of counseling in the workplace can be obtained by understanding how different stakeholders use it. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how brief counseling affects staff members' job motivation and adoption of the Ramdani Husada Clinic's patient safety culture. Quantitative research employing a "nonequivalent control group design" methodology is the methodology employed. A sample of sixty-three individuals was selected using a non-random sampling technique. Three statistical tests are used in the data analysis technique: multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), paired sample t-test, and independent sample t-test. The findings of the study demonstrated that.

Neurocognitive functioning in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1- a nationwide population-based study

BackgroundNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition characterized by various somatic manifestations and cognitive impairments, but the latter are sparsely described in adults. This study aimed at characterizing potential impairments of neurocognitive functions using neuropsychological tests as well as a self-report questionnaire.MethodsIn a nationwide, population-based study including 103 adults with NF1 and 38 age- and gender-matched NF1-free comparisons, we used a comprehensive neurocognitive test battery to assess intelligence and visual short-term memory, immediate visuospatial recall, reaction time, sustained attention, motor speed, planning, planning time, working memory as well as multitasking and a questionnaire to assess executive functions. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and general linear models with repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used.ResultsWe observed a statistically significant difference in overall performance-based cognitive functioning. Adults with NF1 showed significant, moderate-to-severe impairments in intelligence, visual short-term memory, immediate visuospatial recall, sustained attention (p < 0.0001–0.002), and some executive functions (p = 0.008 − 0.001), whereas other cognitive functions (multitasking, reaction time, motor speed, spatial working memory, planning time, and planning efficacy as well as some self-reported executive functions) were unimpaired.ConclusionsThis is the first study with a population-based sample of persons with NF1 and the results show impairments of intelligence and other cognitive functions. The pattern of both significant cognitive impairments and non-significantly different cognitive functions suggests a cognitive profile of selective rather than generalized cognitive deficits in NF1.

Inference methods for multivariate coefficient of variation: a novel NPC-based approach

In many fields, from psychology and biology to quality control, logistics and risk management, the coefficient of variation (CV) and in particular the multivariate coefficient of variation (MCV), can be applied as measures of variability. Consequently, several parametric and nonparametric inference methods for CV and MCV have been introduced in the literature. These include a recently introduced permutation-based James-type studentized statistic for making inferences about MCV. In this article, we propose a new permutation-based solution exploiting the Non Parametric Combination (NPC) methodology. This new extension presents some major advantages: it can be applied to test both the one and two-sided ordered alternatives, it can deal with high-dimensional settings, even in the case of small sample sizes, and it can be used to deal with isotonic inference problems. In this paper, we present an extensive simulation study to address both one-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA)-like problems and isotonic inference problems. A case study is then provided to show a real data application of the new NPC-based solution.

Diagnostic performance of approximal caries in bitewing radiographs from different monitors and room illuminances.

To compare the accuracy, duration, and certainty of diagnosing approximal caries in bitewing radiographs displayed in three monitors under two luminance conditions. A total of 39 teeth without evident caries were selected from 11 patients undergoing partial jaw resection. Before the operation, 13 bitewing radiographs were captured by a digital imaging system. Eight observers evaluated the images under the dark (9 lux) and bright (200 lux) conditions, using two medical-grade monitors and a commercial monitor. Using histological results as the gold standard, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves under different conditions were compared using the Z-test. Multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to assess the impact of various factors on diagnostic duration, while ordinal logistic regression was used to examine factors influencing diagnostic certainty level. It was considered significant when P＜0.05. No significant difference was found in the diagnostic accuracy or duration for diagnosis approximal caries under two luminance conditions with the three distinct monitors (P > 0.05). Ambient light, clinical experience and the pathological grade of approximal caries have influence on the degree of diagnostic confidence (P＜0.05). Different monitors and ambient luminance didn't influence the diagnostic accuracy or evaluation duration. Ambient luminance, clinical experience, and the depth of caries affect the degree of diagnostic confidence. The study employing bitewing radiographs from real patients indicates that ambient luminance, clinical experience, and the depth of caries affect the degree of diagnostic confidence.

Does Student-to-School-Counselor Ratio Matter When Considering Schools’ Race/Ethnicity Composition? A New York Statewide Examination

School counselors play a vital role in promoting students’ development in academic, career, and social/emotional domains. Professional organizations and educational partners have advocated for equitable access to school counselors and school counseling services by all students from pre-K through 12th grade. However, recent controversies have questioned effects of the student-to-school-counselor ratio and student outcomes. Using multiple databases retrieved from the New York State Education Department, we performed two separate two-way multivariate analyses of variance of the interaction effects of student-to-school-counselor ratio and schools’ race/ethnicity composition on student achievement on math and English language arts standardized tests, chronic absenteeism, and high school graduation and postsecondary 4-year college enrollment rates. Our analyses yielded significant interaction effects on students’ graduation and 4-year college enrollment rates and math test results. We discuss the contextualization of student-to-school-counselor ratio and implications for advocacy.

Project Coordinate: Impact of Content-Focused Lesson Study on Teacher Knowledge, Collaboration, and MTSS Instruction

General and special educators often do not have the needed knowledge and skills or collaborative opportunities to implement coordinated, evidence-based instruction within a multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) framework. As such, the authors used a randomized control design to examine the impact of Project Coordinate (PC), a professional development approach incorporating online content modules and lesson study, on fourth-grade general and special education teachers’ knowledge, collaborative planning, and instructional practice in reading. The authors used multilevel modeling, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) analyses to examine differences in teacher knowledge, changes in the frequency of tiered instruction, teachers’ perceptions of collaborative planning, changes in treatment teachers’ use of evidence-based practices (EBPs), and effective implementation of EBPs. Results showed that PC teachers did not make significant gains in knowledge; however, these teachers did make significant gains on collaborative and instructional practice though findings are complex. The authors discuss the implications of findings for future research and practice.

Future anxiety, experience of stigma, emotion regulation and quality of life in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-cultural perspective

The aim was (1) to investigate potential differences in future anxiety, experience of stigma, emotion regulation and quality of life between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Emirate and Australian mothers/fathers/caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); (2) to examine the predictive role of sociodemographic characteristics (i.e. culture, parental gender, age, and family socioeconomic status), child’s features (i.e. child IQ and ASD severity) on parenting stress in parents of children with ASD in Italy and Japan; (3) to study the predictive role of culture, parents’ sociodemographic characteristics, child’s characteristics, future anxiety, experience of stigma, and emotion regulation on the quality of life between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Emirate and Australian mothers/fathers/caregivers of children with ASD. Participants were parents or main caregivers of autistic children. There were 280 parents of children (aged six to ten years) with a diagnosis of ASD. For analyses of gender and country differences in future anxiety, experience of stigma, emotion regulation and quality of life, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed. Findings highlight the importance of a cross-cultural approach to understand the predictive contribution of selected sociodemographics of parents and child on study variables.

Clustering of Study Program Using of Block-Based K-Medoids

The purpose of this research is to classify Study Programs based on eleven mixed data from InternalQuality Management System (QMS) indicators. This grouping can provide a clearer picture of howQMS affects the performance and quality of study programs. By understanding these clusters, universities can identify and design more effective strategies to improve the quality of education. The dataused comes from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT) and the websitedatabase, which consists of seven numerical variables: number of lecturers, percentage of doctors, percentage of professors and associate professors, student enumeration, percentage of graduates, programexperience, and availability of laboratories. Meanwhile, the categorical variable consists of four variables: National Accreditation Board of Higher Education (BAN-PT) research ranking, accreditation,international recognition, and level of community service. The clustering method used is the blockbased k-medoids (block-based KM), and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). We applied theDeviation Ratio Index based on K-Medoids (DRIM) to determine the number of clusters. This researchresults that the optimal number of groups that must be formed is three. Based on MANOVA the resultsshowed that the group consisting of 12 study programs had better QMS outcomes than the other twogroups.