One-way Multivariate Analysis Research Articles

Effects of salient factors on the pursuit of higher education among multicultural youth in Hong Kong.

This study presents novel and compelling evidence of the disparities in factors influencing the beliefs and aspirations for higher education among mainstream and immigrant youth in Hong Kong, particularly those who are underprivileged. We developed and validated a psychometric questionnaire, known as the Post-Secondary Education Pursuit Instrument (PSEPi), which was administered to 4,850 students aged between 15 and 18 years old from 23 secondary schools. The objective of this study was to explore the factors that impact students' choices and plans for higher education. The results of the one-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) analysis deepen our understanding of the differential effects of success and obstacle factors on students' higher education pursuits across various cultural groups. The underprivileged mainstream, Chinese immigrant, and ethnic minority South Asian youth reported a perceived glass ceiling effect associated with their ethnic backgrounds, as well as financial aid barriers, while pursuing higher education, in contrast to their average Hong Kong mainstream counterparts (mean Cohen's d = 0.40). The direct effects and multiple mediation analyses demonstrated that significant others' influence, particularly the influence of parents, and locus of control are prime determinants of the perceived usefulness of higher education for all student groups. The implications are that educational policies should be implemented to level the playing field in higher education admissions for both privileged and underprivileged youth in Hong Kong and other international countries. Overall, this study provides robust empirical evidence that can be utilized to enhance educational policies and practices to bridge the gap between mainstream and underprivileged immigrant youth in their pursuit of higher education.

An Exploration into the Impact of Flipped Classroom Model on Cadets’ Problem-Solving Skills: A Mix Method Study

<p style="text-align:justify">Many education and learning experts currently recommend the flipped classroom model as an alternative to learning after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the impact of the flipped classroom model on social skills and problem-solving skills for cadets. This research used a sequential mix method involving 50 maritime students in semester 7 of the Engineering Study Program at the Maritime Sciences Polytechnic Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Researchers used two main instruments, namely problem-solving skill tests and interviews. Furthermore, in the quantitative analysis, the researcher ran paired sample t-tests and one-way Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) using the SPSS 25.00 program. In addition, researchers also analysed qualitative data from interviews using thematic analysis techniques. The results showed that the flipped classroom model proved to have a positive effect on the problem-solving skills of maritime students. Other findings state that the cadets also respond positively to the flipped classroom model. Researchers recommend that teachers use the flipped classroom model, especially in dealing with learning in the post-pandemic era, like today.</p>

Assessing Ghanaian primary school pupils’ scientific reasoning skills

Science education seeks to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to solve problems in society. To be successful in solving problems, one has to develop scientific reasoning skills. Although scientific reasoning skills are emphasized in the Ghanaian science curriculum, it is not explicitly taught, making it difficult to determine whether Ghanaian school children have developed them. This study, therefore, sought to assess the scientific reasoning skills of primary school pupils in Ghana. In doing so, efforts were made to investigate if differences existed in the scientific reasoning skills of boys and girls in different class levels in primary schools. A cross-sectional survey of 1,066 primary school pupils from 10 schools in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana was conducted using the science P reasoning inventory. Means, standard deviation, independent sample t-test, and one-way multivariate analysis of variance were the statistical tools used to analyze the data obtained. The study revealed that class 4 and class 5 pupils demonstrated naïve scientific reasoning skills while class 6 pupils exhibited an intermediate level of scientific reasoning skills with no difference between boys and girls in each class. The study’s findings highlight the need for a carefully structured and progressive curriculum that effectively develops scientific reasoning skills as pupils advance through different grade levels.

Femoral Fixation Strength as a Function of Bone Plug Length in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Utilizing Interference Screws.

To determine femoral construct fixation strength as bone plug length decreases in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Sixty fresh-frozen bone-patellar tendon-bone allografts were utilized and divided into 20-, 15-, and 10-mm length bone plug groups, subdivided further so that half utilized the patella side (P) for testing and half used the tibial side (T). Ten mm diameter recipient tunnels were created within the anatomic anterior cruciate ligament footprint of 60 cadaveric femurs. All bone plugs were 10 mm in diameter; grafts were fixed using a 7 × 23 mm metal interference screw. An Instron was used to determine the load to failure of each group. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to test the hypothesis that there would be one or more mean differences in fixation stability between 20- or 15-mm plug lengths (P or T) versus 10 mm T plug lengths when cross-compared, with no association between other P or T subgroups. The mean load to failure of the 20 mm plugs (20 P + T) was 457 ± 66N, 15 mm plugs (15 P + T) was 437 ± 74N, and 10 mm plugs (10 P + T) was 407 ± 107N. There was no significant difference between P + T groups: 20-versus 15-mm (p = 1.000), 15-versus 10-mm (p = 0.798), and 20-versus 10-mm (p = 0.200); P + T MANOVA (p = 0.291). Within groups, there was no significant difference between patella and tibial bone plug subgroups with a pullout force range between 469 ± 56N and 374 ± 116N and p-value ranging from p = 1.000 for longer bone plugs to p = 0.194 for shorter bone plugs; P versus T MANOVA (p = 0.113). In this human time zero cadaver model, there was no significant difference in construct failure between 20-,15-, and 10-mm bone plugs when fixed with an interference screw within the femoral tunnel, although fixation strength did trend down when from 20- to 15- to 10-mm bone plugs. There is a balance between optimal bone plug length on the femoral side for achieving adequate fixation as well as minimizing donor site morbidity and facilitating graft passage in ACLR. This study reveals utilizing shorter plugs with interference screw fixation is potentially acceptable on the femoral side if shorter plugs are harvested.

Examining the Factors Related to the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge Levels of Preservice Social Studies Teachers

Technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) is a pedagogical tool that can provide teachers and preservice teachers opportunities to receive enhanced lesson input, engage in classroom interactions, and improve learning outcomes. This study aims at examining the factors related to the TPACK skills of preservice social studies teachers. Participants consisted of 368 preservice teachers studying at the social studies teacher education department of a university located in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey. Participants completed the TPACK scale and personal information form. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way multivariate analysis of variance, and one-way analysis of variance. The results of the study reveal that gender is associated with the preservice teachers’ technological knowledge, content knowledge, and pedagogical knowledge; education year is associated with technological knowledge and technological pedagogical knowledge; high school type is correlated with technological knowledge, technological pedagogical knowledge, technological content knowledge, and technological pedagogical and content knowledge; home computer ownership is associated with technological knowledge; and average weekly time spent using a computer is associated with technological knowledge and technological pedagogical and content knowledge. Finally, technical computer skills are correlated with technological knowledge, content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, technological pedagogical knowledge, and technological pedagogical and content knowledge. The current study may contribute to determining culturally specific and cross-cultural correlates of TPACK skills among preservice teachers.

"Short-Circuit" L1 use in pre-reading activities and its effects on L2 reading comprehension and focus-on-vocabulary learning

This study explores the effect of categorically different pre-reading activities in learners’ L1 on reading comprehension and learning of focus-on-vocabulary. The participants were sixty Turkish EFL learners attending a state high school, and the data was gathered from their achievement test scores. We analyzed the data through one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and implemented t-test statistical procedures. The findings revealed that the treatment group, who were exposed to pre-reading activities in L1, obtained better results both in reading comprehension and focus-on-vocabulary activities than the control group. The positive effect of implementing the ‘’short-circuit’’ L1 use in pre-reading activities for reading comprehension and focus-on-vocabulary exercises was observed. It was also seen that categorically different pre-reading activities enhanced EFL learners’ reading comprehension and vocabulary learning.

The Impact of Parental Attachment Styles on the Expression of Personality Traits among Emerging Adults: A Study of UK University Students

Prior research indicates that attachment to primary caregivers significantly influences individuals’ personality traits and exerts lasting effects on their interpersonal relationships in adulthood. This study investigated the impact of parental attachment styles to primary caregivers on the Big-Five Personality traits during the period of Emerging Adulthood. Participants (N = 184) comprised students enrolled at an English University utilising convenience sampling. Using a quantitative methodology, a one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was employed to examine the relationship between parental attachment styles (Secure, Insecure, and Avoidant) and the Big-Five-Personality traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism). Participants completed two online questionnaires (The Big-Five Inventory Scale (BFI) and The Adult Scale of Parental Attachment – Short Form) to measure the effects of parental attachment style to a primary caregiver on the Big-Five Personality traits. The results revealed a statistically significant main effect of parental attachment style on the Big-Five Personality traits in emerging adults, with Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism showing notable significance. Furthermore, a gender-based comparison between those reporting a male or female primary caregiver presented similar results, particularly for female primary caregivers. These findings explain the essential role of primary caregivers in shaping their children’s development, providing valuable insights that may assist primary caregivers in better understanding their impact on their children’s future lives. This study contributes to our understanding of the manifestation of personality traits across the lifespan. It could act as a catalyst for future research investigating personality manifestation at critical periods across the lifespan.

Strategic Orientation of Romanian Healthcare Organizations from a Contingency Theory Perspective Based on Porter’s Generic Strategy Model

Under limited financial and human resources, factors such as technological progress, increased life expectancy, and increased medical needs argued that health organizations should define their strategic direction in line with these challenges. The purpose of this paper is to determine the types of competitive advantage that Romanian healthcare organizations seek, as well as the types of organizational strategy, according to Porter’s Generic Strategy Model, from a Contingency Theory Perspective For this purpose, the collection and analysis of primary data, resulting from the answers provided by a sample relevant to the topic addressed, respectively, employees from the health system were enrolled. Scales measuring the orientation of health organizations toward obtaining competitive advantages through differentiation and through costs, as well as the range of strategic activities, were validated by exploratory factor analysis, and for the analysis of the results used the independent samples t test; additionally, one-way multivariate analysis of variance (One-Way MANOVA) and Hotelling’s T2 test were also used. The results of the research highlighted that, in general, healthcare units aim to achieve superior performance compared to competitors by differentiating the products/services offered, rather than reducing costs, and the tendency to aim to achieve one (or both) type(s) of competitive advantage, as well as the scope of strategic activities in which it is achieved, differ according to several contingency factors, including location in a certain geographical area, the type of health organization, and their age and size.

Motor Coordination in Primary School Students: The Role of Age, Sex, and Physical Activity Participation in Turkey.

Motor coordination (MC) is an essential skill underpinning precise and controlled movements, contributing significantly to daily functioning and overall performance. The developmental trajectory of MC in children is intricately shaped by a spectrum of factors encompassing age, gender, and physical activity engagement. Delving into the complex interrelation of these variables holds the potential to unravel nuanced developmental trends and offer targeted avenues for interventions aimed at augmenting motor proficiency in the pediatric population. This study aimed to assess the differences in MC of primary school students based on sex, age, and physical activity participation (PAP). A total of 848 students from public primary schools, aged between 6-9 years, including 412 boys and 436 girls. The MC was measured using Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK3+) test battery, which included Jumping sideways (JS), Balancing backward (BB), Moving sideways (MS), and Eye-Hand Coordination (EHC). One-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to determine the binary and triple interactions of sex, age, and PAP variables on the MC parameters of the participants. The study revealed that boys aged 6-9 had higher scores than girls on eye-hand coordination (EHC) (p < 0.02). No significant gender-related differences in balancing backward (BB), jumping sideways (JS), and moving sideways (MS) were found. When the subtests of KTK3+ were compared by age, a significant difference was observed between the groups in all subtests (p < 0.05). With respect to PAP, students with PAP had a significant advantage in all subtests of the KTK3+ (p < 0.05). The double co-effects or triple co-effects of age, sex, and PAP parameters do not influence the KTK parameters. This study presents evidence supporting sex differences in the motor skills of children within this age range and highlights the potential impact of age and physical activity on motor development.

Examining measurement invariance of an ICT literacy self-efficacy scale across gender: a comparative study

PurposeDespite the ever-increasing importance of cultivating information, communication and technology literacy skills among college students, they have yet to be related to comprehensive measuring instruments. A glance at the empirical literature reveals that most pertinent scales have been confined to measuring Internet literacy skills, whereas educators in the 21st century advocate an inclusive conceptualization of ICT literacy. Such a comprehensive conceptualization embodies technical, critical, cognitive and emotional competencies. Additionally, more empirical evidence is needed to indicate gaps in testing measurement invariance of ICT literacy scales across genders or cultures. To that end, the current study aims to adapt and cross-validate an ICT literacy self-efficacy scale across gender by testing the measurement invariance using a multiple-sampling confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA). Furthermore, the current study aims to verify the ICT literacy self-efficacy scale's psychometric properties to establish its construct validity and understand the scale's underlying factorial structure.Design/methodology/approachThe current study has administered the scale to a cross-sectional sample of 3560 undergraduate students enrolled in six universities in the Sultanate of Oman.FindingsThe results have revealed that the ICT literacy self-efficacy exhibits satisfactory indices of construct validity. On the other hand, the results of MCFA demonstrate that the differences in the goodness of fit indices between the nested models and the baseline model were below the cut-off criterion of 0.01, indicating invariance. Therefore, the scale has proved to be amenable for comparing genders on their ICT literacy self-efficacy using an one-way multivariate analysis of variance.Originality/valueThe study has several implications for research and pedagogical practices. The study provides empirical evidence for establishing ICT literacy self-efficacy as a distinct high-domain construct of task-specific self-efficacy beliefs.

Values in college mathematics learning: Student teachers’ preference

This study explored what Ghanaian student teachers value in college mathematics learning. A cross-sectional survey involving 180 student teachers from College of Education in Ghana was conducted using the What I Find Important (WIFI) in mathematics learning questionnaire. The study employed principal component analysis with Oblimin rotation and one-way multivariate analysis of variance in analyzing the data gathered. Among the findings, it was found that student teachers value exploration, connections, understanding, and fluency in their study of college mathematics. Also, the findings of the study revealed a statistically significant difference in what student teachers value in college mathematics learning across college class levels. To facilitate a clearer understanding of valuing in the colleges of education in Ghana, it is considered important to establish through research the values of teacher educators regarding college mathematics learning and teaching, and how these values reflect what student teachers value and those values espoused in the new 4-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) curriculum in Ghana.

Medical Mistrust Among a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Sample of Sexual Minority Men.

Purpose: Medical mistrust is a barrier to health care utilization and is associated with suboptimal health outcomes. Research on mistrust among sexual minority men (SMM) is limited and largely focuses on Black SMM and HIV, with few studies assessing mistrust among SMM of other race/ethnicities. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in medical mistrust among SMM by race. Methods: From February 2018 to February 2019, a mixed-methods study examined the health-related beliefs and experiences of young SMM in New York City. The Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS) was used to measure medical mistrust related to race, and a modified version of the scale assessed mistrust related to one's "sexual/gender minority" status (Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale-Sexual/Gender Minority [GBMMS-SGM]). With an analytic sample of 183 cisgender SMM, a one-way multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine differences in GBMMS and GBMMS-SGM scores by race/ethnicity [Black, Latinx, White, "Another Racial Group(s)"]. Results: There were significantly different GBMMS scores by race, with participants of color reporting higher levels of race-based medical mistrust than White participants. This finding is supported by effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. Differences in GBMMS-SGM scores by race were borderline; however, the effect size for Black and White participants' GBMMS-SGM scores was moderate, indicating that higher GBMMS-SGM scores among Black participants is meaningful. Conclusion: Multilevel strategies should be used to earn the trust of minoritized populations, such as addressing both historical and ongoing discrimination, moving beyond implicit bias trainings, and strengthening the recruitment and retention of minoritized health care professionals.

Critical Thinking and Mathematical Problem Solving Skills of Students Through Schoology-Assisted Blended Learning Models

Students' poor critical thinking and mathematical problem-solving abilities are caused by a variety of variables, including teacher-centered learning and an ineffective learning models. In order to increase students' critical thinking skills and mathematical problem solving abilities, it is required to use an appropriate and unique learning strategy. The purpose of this research is to determine the influence of the Blended Learning models, as aided by Schoology Media, on students' critical thinking and mathematical problem-solving abilities. This study used a quasy experimental design as a research method. The population used in this study were all class X students of SMK-SMTI Bandar Lampung. The sample technique employed in this research was cluster random sampling, so that class X KI 4 as the experimental group and class X KI 1 as the control group, each group consisting of 28 students. The instruments used in this study were tests of critical thinking skills, tests of mathematical problem solving Skills, and documentation. Data analysis techniques using descriptive data analysis and inferential analysis. The hypothesis test is in the form of a One-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (One-way MANOVA) Test. Based on the results of the analysis, 1) There is a difference between the Skills to think critically and the Skills to solve mathematical problems between the two groups of students; 2) There is a difference in the Skills to think critically between the group that is treated with the schoology-assisted Blended Learning model and the group that is given the conventional learning model treatment; 3) There are differences in the Skills to solve mathematical problems between groups that are treated with the schoology-assisted Blended Learning model and the group that is given the conventional learning model treatment; and 4) there is an influence between the Blended Learning learning model on students' critical thinking skills and mathematical problem solving.

Different domiciles in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aims to determine differences in students’ perceptions, participation and satisfaction with online learning in terms of differences in residence namely in villages and cities. This study used comparative survey research. The research data sources were 597 Indonesian students from three regions namely western, central and eastern Indonesia. Data were collected using a questionnaire, then analysed using one-way multivariate analysis of variance assisted by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The results of this study are as follows: (1) there are differences in perceptions of online learning during the COVID-19 period between students who come from villages and cities; (2) there are differences in participation in the online learning process during the COVID-19 period between students from rural and urban backgrounds and (3) there are differences in student satisfaction with online learning in terms of village and city backgrounds. The conclusion of this study is that students' perceptions, participation and satisfaction with online learning are better in cities than in villages. The implications of this research require the attention of the government and academics to find steps to overcome online learning problems especially in rural areas.

Technical issues occur but are infrequent and have little impact on physiotherapist-delivered videoconferencing consultations for knee osteoarthritis: A descriptive study

IntroductionClinicians often report technical issues as a barrier to adopting videoconferencing service models. This descriptive study nested within a randomised controlled trial investigated the frequency, nature and impact of technical issues during video consultations. MethodsPhysiotherapists (n = 15) underwent training to deliver knee osteoarthritis care focussed on education, strengthening and physical activity. In the randomised controlled trial, participants received five physiotherapy consultations either in-person or via videoconferencing (via Zoom) over 3-months; consultations were recorded and physiotherapists documented technical difficulties. In this study, available notes were audited (n = 169 initial and n = 147 final consultations) and nature and frequency of technical issues coded. Based on whether the clinician reported technical difficulties, three subgroups were created for analysis 1) in-person, 2) videoconferencing without technical issues, 3) videoconferencing with technical issues. Forty participants were randomly selected for each subgroup (n = 120). Duration of consultation components (set-up and introduction, assessment, exercise, physical activity, education and wrap-up), total consultation duration and duration of technical issues were compared across subgroups using one-way multivariate analyses of variance with mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). ResultsTechnical issues were documented in 37% (initial) and 19% (final) of video consultations. Problems with audio/video were most frequent, occurring in 36–21% (initial) and 18–24% (final) consultations. Audio/video problems were predominantly experienced during set-up, but did not significantly increase videoconferencing consultation duration compared to in-person consultation duration (MD (95% CI) 0.72 (−3.57 to 5.01) minutes). DiscussionWhile technical issues with videoconferencing consultations frequently occur, they are typically minor, transient and resolved quickly.

Effect of gonadectomy on pain assessment in dogs undergoing orthopaedic stifle surgery

ObjectiveTo compare pain perception between gonadectomized and intact dogs. Study designBlinded, prospective, cohort study. AnimalsA group of 74 client-owned dogs. MethodsDogs were divided into four groups: group 1—female/neutered (F/N), group 2—female/intact (F/I), group 3—male/neutered (M/N) and group 4—male/intact (M/I). Premedication consisted of intramuscularly administered acepromazine (0.05 mg kg−1) and morphine (0.2 mg kg−1), and subcutaneously administered carprofen (4 mg kg−1). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (1 mg kg−1 intravenously and supplementary doses to effect) and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Intraoperative analgesia was achieved with fentanyl infusion (0.1 μg kg−1 minute−1). Pain assessments [using the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) and an algometer at the incision site (IS), parallel to the incision site (NIS), and on the contralateral healthy limb] were performed preoperatively, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 20 hours after extubation. The time-standardised area under the curve (AUCst) for measurements was calculated and compared by performing a one-way multivariate analysis of variance (manova). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsPostoperatively, F/N exhibited higher pain than F/I, with estimated marginal means (95% confidence intervals) AUCstISGroup1 909 (672–1146) versus AUCstISGroup2 1385 (1094–1675) (p = 0.014), AUCstNISGroup1 1122 (823–1420) versus AUCstNISGroup2 1668 (1302–2033) (p = 0.024) and AUCstUMPSGroup1 5.30 (4.58–6.02) versus AUCstUMPSGroup2 4.1 (3.2–5.0) (p = 0.041). Similarly, M/N showed higher pain than M/I with AUCstISGroup3 686 (384–987) versus AUCstISGroup4 1107 (871–1345) (p = 0.031) and AUCstNISGroup3 856 (476–1235) versus AUCstNISGroup4 1407 (1109–1706) (p = 0.026), and AUCstUMPSGroup3 6.0 (5.1–6.9) versus AUCstUMPSGroup4 4.4 (3.7–5.2) (p = 0.008). Conclusions and clinical relevance:Gonadectomy affects pain sensitivity in dogs undergoing stifle surgery. Neutering status should be taken into consideration when planning individualized anaesthetic/analgesic protocols.

Assessment of macular pigment optical density of primary open-angle glaucoma patients under topical medication

BackgroundGlaucoma is a progressive, sight-threatening disease. In this study, we aimed to compare macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements of the primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients under topical therapy with the control group. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 55 eyes of 30 POAG patients and 42 eyes of 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The data of all participants were analyzed retrospectively. Subsequently, patients with POAG were divided into two groups: Group 1 received therapy including prostaglandin analogue (PGA), and group 2 was using anti-glaucomatous drugs other than PGA. All participants underwent detailed ophthalmologic examination, including fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. In addition, MPOD was measured using the Zeiss Visucam 500 fundus camera. Mann-Whitney U test, Independent samples t-test, and one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) tests were used to compare the values between and among groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in age and sex between POAG and healthy controls (p = 0.229, p = 0.376, respectively). All MPOD values were higher in the glaucoma group than in the control group. MPOD max, MPOD volume, and MPOD area were significantly higher in the POAG group than in the control group (p<0.05 for all). However, there was no significant difference in the mean MPOD (p = 0.083). In addition, in pairwise comparisons, the PGA therapy group had significantly higher MPOD values than the control group (p<0.05 for all). ConclusionMPOD levels increased in patients receiving PGA treatment. In addition, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was positively correlated with MPOD levels in POAG patients. Therefore, PGAs may have a neuroprotective effect.

PERIANAESTHETIC HYPOTHERMIA IN RODENTS: A FACTOR TO CONSIDER FOR ACCURATE AND REPRODUCIBLE OUTCOMES IN ORTHOPAEDIC DEVICE-RELATED INFECTION STUDIES

Orthopedic device-related infection (ODRI) preclinical models are widely used in translational research. Most models require induction of general anesthesia, which frequently results in hypothermia in rodents. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of peri anesthetic hypothermia in rodents on outcomes in preclinical orthopedic device-related infection studies.A retrospective analysis of all rodents that underwent surgery under general anesthesia to induce an ODRI model with inoculation of Staphylococcus epidermidis between 2016 and 2020 was conducted. A one-way multivariate analysis of covariance was used to determine the fixed effect of peri anesthetic hypothermia (hypothermic defined as rectal temperature &lt;35°C) on the combined harvested tissue and implant colonies forming unit counts, and having controlled for the study groups including treatments received duration of surgery and anesthesia and study period. All animal experiments were approved by relevant ethical committee.A total of 127 rodents (102 rats and 25 mice) were enrolled in an ODRI and met the inclusion criteria. The mean lowest peri-anesthetic temperature was 35.3 ± 1.5 °C. The overall incidence of peri-anesthetic hypothermia was 41% and was less frequently reported in rats (34% in rats versus 68% in mice). Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of peri anesthetic hypothermia on the post-mortem combined colonies forming unit counts from the harvested tissue and implant(s) (p=0.01) when comparing normo- versus hypothermic rodents. Using Wilks’ Λ as a criterion to determine the contribution of independent variables to the model, peri-anesthetic hypothermia was the most significant, though still a weak predictor, of increased harvested colonies forming unit counts.Altogether, the data corroborate the concept that bacterial colonization is affected by abnormal body temperature during general anesthesia at the time of bacterial inoculation in rodents, which needs to be taken into consideration to decrease infection data variability and improve experimental reproducibility.

The use of social cognitive learning for humanistic professional role modelling: impacts on awareness of humanistic professionalism, caring behaviour, and transitional anxiety

Background Although medical literature has highlighted the importance of role modelling, hardly any reveals how humanistic qualities and role modelling should be taught. This study aimed to determine whether the use of Bandura’s social cognitive learning for humanistic professional role modelling could elicit any positive effect on medical university students’ awareness of humanistic professionalism, caring behaviours, and school-to-work transitional anxiety. Methods We conducted a 16-week quasi-experimental study to examine whether the intervention could elicit any differences between the experimental group (BanduraSCLT – HPRM – Literature-and-Film Study; N = 34) and the control group (non-BanduraSCLT – HPRM – Literature-and-Film Study; N = 33), comprising of medical university students from the central part of Taiwan. The quantitative instruments included the Humanistic Professional Awareness Scale (HPAS-HSP), Caring Behaviour Scale (CBS-HSP) and School-to-Work Transitional Anxiety Scale (StWTA-HS). One-way MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance) and one-way MANCOVA (multivariate analysis of covariance) were used for statistical analysis. Results The results revealed that students who received Bandura’s social cognitive learning for humanistic professional role modelling had significantly stronger humanistic professional awareness in terms of ‘personal integrity and accountability’, ‘sensitivity to others’ and ‘professional competence’. They also had more effective caring behaviour in terms of ‘support and attentiveness’, ‘professional knowledge and skills’, ‘gratifying needs and responsiveness’ and ‘confidentiality and trust’. In addition, they had less school-to-work transitional anxiety in terms of ‘inexperience in professional knowledge and skills’, ‘fear of death’, ‘fear of being infected’ and ‘interpersonal interactions.’ Conclusion The findings suggest that using Bandura’s social cognitive learning for humanistic professional role modelling can have a positive impact on awareness of humanistic professionalism, caring behaviour and school-to-work transitional anxiety. Hence, it can be an effective teaching tool for medical education.

Relationship between species richness, taxonomic distinctness, functional diversity, and local contribution to β diversity and effects of habitat disturbance in the riparian spider community of the Ganga River, India

BackgroundIn the riverine riparian ecosystem, particularly in India, the knowledge of the effects of habitat disturbance on taxonomic distinctness, functional diversity, and local contribution to β diversity (LCBD) of spider community is elusive. The present study examined the relationships between the index of taxonomic distinctness (Δ+), index of variation in taxonomic distinctness (λ+), functional evenness (FEve), functional divergence (FDiv), functional dispersion (FDis), and LCBD of spider community of the Ganga River and the effects of habitat disturbance on these indices. A total of 27 sampling sites were selected along the bank of the Ganga River. Based on the rating of the disturbance scores, the sites were classified into lowly, moderately, and highly disturbed sites. To understand the relationships between species richness, Δ+, λ+, FDis, FDiv, FEve, LCBD, and habitat disturbance score, Pearson’s correlation was calculated, followed by the linear regression model. The one-way multivariate analysis of variance was used to find differences in taxonomic distinctness and functional diversity in the different disturbed sites.ResultsSignificant relationships were found between λ+ and Δ+, FDis and Δ+, FDis and λ+, FDiv and species richness, FEve and species richness, FEve and λ+, FEve and habitat disturbance, LCBD and FEve, and LCBD and habitat disturbance. A significant difference was present in the indices of functional diversity between the lowly, moderately, and highly disturbed sites. Agriculture, garbage dump, human settlement, and created embankment influenced the spider community's λ+, FEve, and LCBD.ConclusionUnrestrained anthropogenic activities exacerbate habitat disturbance by affecting ecological processes. Thus, understanding linkages between ecosystem disturbance, taxonomic, functional, and β diversity can be fundamental to managing and conserving natural resources. This work highlights the importance of including taxonomic and functional diversity to comprehend the impact of habitat disturbance on riverine riparian spiders beyond just the number of species. An integrated taxonomic and functional diversity approach coupled with β diversity can be used to support environmental assessment, restoration, and conservation planning of the biological resources of the Ganges River.