Positive View Research Articles

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of Artificial Intelligence in Endodontics and Implantology Education: A Cross-sectional Study

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of AI in Endodontics and implantology education among dental professionals' and dental students in Endodontics and implantology education at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional online survey that was carried out among dental students and dental professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A self-structured, close-ended questionnaire that was administered that consisted of 17 questions was included. The questionnaire validity and reliability were evaluated for vetting and remarks. The questions were circulated through Google Forms, and it was circulated among the study participants through online mode. The data were collected systematically, and SPSS Statistics version 26.0 was used for data analysis. Results: There were 805 responses, (443 dental students and 362 dental professionals') participated in the study through Google Forms. Among these, 435 (54%) were females and 370 (46%) were males. In the study group, 491 (61.0%) were aware of AI, and 314 (39.0 %) were not aware (p-value 0.000). Among the 17 questions used to assess the KAP, 12 questions were significant with a p-value less than 0.05. More than 73 % prefer to use artificial intelligence in endodontics and implantology education. About 120 (14.9%) agreed that AI will replace the role of dentists in the future. There were no significant results in comparing dental students and dental professionals. Conclusion: The current study contributes valuable insights into knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to artificial intelligence among dental student and professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Despite some reservations, the majority show a positive view towards the role of AI in the endodontic education, which indicates fertile ground for further exploration and integration of AI technologies into endodontic education. There is a need for continued future research to explore strategies to improve the potential of AI while test their reliability and relevance in endodontic and implantology education.

Students' Learning Interest In Following The Process Pjok Learning At Mi Miftahul Ulum Plinggisan

This research uses quantitative descriptive methods to measure and analyxe The level of student interest in learning following the PJOK learning process at MI Miftahul Ulum Plinggisan. This method aims to get a clear picture of the factors that influence students' learning interest and the effectiveness of the strategies that have been implemented. The population of this study was all students at MI Miftahul Ulum Plinggisan, with samples selected randomly to ensure representation from each class. The research instrument is a questionnaire consisting of four main parts: Learning Motivation, Enjoyment, Involvement, and Perceptions of PJOK Lessons. Each section consists of several statements which are measured using a Likert scale with a range of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). Data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires to students who were research samples, with filling in under the supervision of researchers to ensure completeness and accuracy of the data. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques, including editing and coding, tabulation, calculating descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, and standard deviation), as well as Pearson correlation analysis to see the relationship between the variables motivation, enjoyment, involvement, and perception with interest. student learning. The research results showed that as many as 70% of students felt motivated to take part in PJOK lessons, as many as 80% of students enjoyed the activities in learning PJOK, as many as 80% of students were active in PJOK activities. As many as 75% of students have a positive view of the importance of PJOK lessons.

Persepsi Bentuk Penugasan Mata Pelajaran Geografi dalam Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka

Education reflects society's ability to produce competent individuals who contribute positively. As times evolve, the education system undergoes transformation to meet modern era demands. Technological and informational advancements influence students' knowledge, skills, and social aspects in completing tasks, encouraging them to be more adaptive. Indonesia has implemented various curricula, with the Merdeka Curriculum being the latest. This curriculum is expected to deepen conceptual understanding and strengthen student competencies in the dynamic global era. This study analyzes the perceptions of 10th-grade public high school students in Tapos District, Depok, regarding geography subject assignment forms in the Merdeka Curriculum. Using a quantitative descriptive approach with a questionnaire as the main instrument, this study finds that the majority of students (64%) have a good perception of these assignment forms. The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum shows variations in assignment forms, including print-based technology, audio-visual, computer, and their combinations. In conclusion, students have a positive understanding and view of various geography assignment forms in the Merdeka Curriculum.

Translanguaging for English Language Education: Uncovering Thai EFL Students’ Insights

Translanguaging pedagogy has gained attention in recent years in language education; yet, there is limited research on how it is utilized and perceived by university students in Thailand. This study therefore examines the translanguaging practices and perceptions of Thai university students regarding incorporating such practices in classrooms with strict language boundary policy. The mixed method study analyzes questionnaire (N=77), observation and interview (N=10) data from students using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis, respectively. While this study participants are only those observed to practice translanguaging in the classroom, however, the results indicated that only 84% of the students found translanguaging (i.e., using their L1 and other repertoire resources) in the classroom for content learning and meaning-making beneficial, while the others (16%) still prefer a strict English only practice. Moreover, the results showed the students’ overall positive views on incorporating translanguaging in different classroom situations to assist low proficiency students’ learning and enhance classroom interaction and participation since most of Thai teachers frequently use their L1 with students. Some students further highlighted challenges in implementing this strategy in Thailand, despite its practical benefits for English language education in Thailand. The study also highlights the implications of this practice for Thailand and beyond.

Perception of Youth Regarding Aurat March in Pakistan: An Exploratory Study

The current study explores the perception of youth regarding Aurat March in Pakistan, emphasizing its importance in understanding young people’s perspectives on gender issues. The semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct the interviews with young people. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The findings indicate that young people hold positive and negative views of the Aurat March. On the positive side, many perceive it as a crucial protest against gender inequality and injustice, offering a platform for individuals to advocate for women's rights. However, there are also concerns among youth that the Aurat March promotes vulgarity and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, which some perceive as a western agenda. Additionally, some participants feel the march primarily represents the issues of elite women rather than addressing broader societal concerns. This study highlights the importance of involving young, educated individuals in the Aurat March to raise awareness of gender issues, challenge societal norms, and create a more inclusive dialogue around women’s rights in Pakistan. Understanding these diverse perceptions is essential to increase meaningful conversations and progress toward gender equality in the country.

Patient buy-in to social prescribing through link workers as part of person-centred care: a realist evaluation.

Social prescribing link workers have become part of primary health care in recent years. They help patients to recognise non-medical factors affecting their health and identify sources of support, often in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. They form part of wider work to strengthen person-centred care, which actively seeks to engage individuals in decision-making about their health, taking into account their medical, social, psychological, financial and spiritual circumstances. To understand how buy-in to social prescribing and the link worker role is established for a patient, and how this relates to person-centred care. A realist evaluation. Patients engaging with link workers in seven different parts of England were involved. As part of data collection, we observed link workers interacting with 35 patients. We also interviewed 61 patients and re-interviewed 41 of them 9-12 months later. Data were coded and developed into context-mechanism-outcome configurations, which were used to produce a programme theory. Data highlighted how patients might be uncertain about the link worker role but agree to a referral as they sought assistance with their non-medical issues. Patients talked about experiencing a sense of hope through the trust they developed in a link worker. This trust was established through the communication skills and knowledge demonstrated by a link worker, and by their ability to act as an anchor point when required - a reliable, consistent source of support to whom patients could offload. The link worker role also involved connecting patients to external support, which called for sensitivity around how ready someone was to move forward; this was shaped by a patient's motivation but also their capacity to make changes given other demands in their life. Connecting patients to external support could be affected by structural factors outside the link workers' control (e.g. housing options or employment opportunities). We did not interview patients who had rejected the offer of social prescribing, and most had a positive view of meeting with a link worker. Person-centred care is engendered by link workers through their skills, knowledge and ability to respond to the individual readiness of patients to engage with external support. It can be curtailed by structural factors outside link workers' sphere of control, such as access to housing or caring responsibilities of patients. This can hinder patients' ability to 'connect to', leaving link workers to continue 'connecting with' patients as they act as an anchor point. Exploration is required of factors affecting patients who interact with a link worker but do not access external support. Longitudinal work with a cohort of patients, speaking to them on a regular basis, may provide further understanding in this respect. This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme as award number NIHR130247.

A holistic approach to different regulations for acoustic improvements in industrial facilities

With the developing technology and mechanization, the number of industrial facilities has increased. It is important for the worker’s physical and mental health to be in suitable working conditions. This paper analyses the regulations applied in the examination and evaluation of the acoustic environment in industrial facilities. The European Parliament and Council Directive, the United States, Singapore, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Japan, and WHO principles were analysed in detail. Simultaneously, analyses were conducted on the auditory perception of the workers in industrial facilities. As a result of the study, 85, 87, and 90 dBA noise exposure levels were determined for 8 h in different regulations examined. It has been determined that the regulative systems for the auditory perception of the workers in industrial facilities are insufficient. It was found necessary to develop regulation systems for evaluating noise exposure levels and the auditory perception of the workers together. It is important for the occupational health and safety of workers to develop a holistic approach in the update and revision of international regulation and to evaluate the control mechanisms within this scope. The protection of mental and physical health of the workers is presented as the most fundamental requirement. Moreover, it should be ensured that the noise control measures that can be taken (at the source, at the transmission path, and at the receiver) are formed by reducing the noise exposure and increasing the auditory perception of the workers in a positive view.

Inclusive Education Strategies for Successful Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Mainstream Classrooms

This study aimed to assess the strategies that facilitate the effective inclusion for students with disabilities in mainstream classroom settings. It employed a descriptive quantitative research methodology, utilizing a pre-designed questionnaire for data collection that was informed by an extensive investigation of relevant literature and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. This study included descriptive statistics as well as inferential methods such as t-tests and ANOVA to analyse the replies. The findings indicate that educators hold a predominantly positive view of inclusive education strategies, particularly in relation to co-teaching, differentiated instructions and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). While variations were observed based on gender, title, and region, it was evident that collaborative planning among teachers was crucial. These disclosures highlight the importance of continuous professional development, collaborative relationships, and adequate allocation of resources in promoting inclusive practices. The objective of future research should be to enhance equitable learning environments for all students by conducting in-depth investigations into the professional backgrounds and contextual factors that influence the execution of inclusive education.

Attitudes and Perceptions of University Students Towards Teachers' Strategies for Managing Large EFL Classrooms

This study explores students' perceptions and attitudes towards managing large classes in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at Yogyakarta State University. Using a quantitative survey approach, the research involved 45 master's students from the English Education Department. It examined aspects of classroom management such as physical environment, teacher communication, and instructional strategies. Results show overall positive views on the learning environment and teacher effectiveness but reveal challenges in experiential learning and student-teacher interaction within large classes. The findings emphasize the need for innovative teaching methods, thorough preparation, and tailored lesson plans to address the specific needs of large EFL classrooms. This research offers insights for educators and policymakers to enhance teaching and learning in similar settings

A formative study of the sociocultural influences on dietary behaviours during pregnancy in rural Bangladesh.

Balanced energy protein supplementation (BEP) is recommended for contexts of high maternal undernutrition by the World Health Organization. Despite recent improvements in undernutrition, Bangladesh remains a context where BEP could help accelerate progress towards nutrition goals. In preparation for an effective trial testing a fortified BEP, a qualitative study was undertaken to better understand sociocultural factors influencing dietary behaviours in pregnancy. Married women of reproductive age (n = 23), their husbands (n = 6) and mothers-in-law (n = 6) were interviewed, and focus group discussions were conducted with women (n = 4). Women had a clear understanding of which nutritious foods are important to consume during pregnancy, including green leafy vegetables, dairy and other animal-source foods. Many explained affordability as a barrier to consuming those foods with the desired frequency. Women acquired information about diet and nutrition in pregnancy from community health workers as well as other women in the community. Most preferred to seek information from their own networks before formal health care providers. Women and husbands generally had positive views about micronutrient supplements, although some mothers-in-law were more hesitant. Some food taboos relating to the consumption of certain foods like duck and pigeon meat persist, mainly stemming from concerns for the unborn child. Opportunities exist to build on existing perceptions of healthy diets, potentially framing food or nutrient supplements as a beneficial 'add-on' to promote a healthy pregnancy. There is a scope to strengthen nutrition counselling, especially for the family members, to dispel myths and misconceptions and promote dietary and other support for pregnant women.

Efficacy of a sexual development education programme for the mothers of primary school students in Türkiye

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a sexual development education programme designed for the mothers of primary school pupils in Türkiye. The programme’s impact on participants’ perceptions of sex education was evaluated using a 2 × 2 experimental design. Thirty participants, all mothers of primary school students, were assigned to either the experimental or control group. Data collection tools included a Personal Information Form, an Opinion Questionnaire on Sex Education, and the Sex Education Programme Knowledge Test (SEPKT). The experimental group participated in an 8-week Sexual Development Education Programme. Pre-test analysis revealed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups; however, post-test analysis indicated a significant improvement in SEPKT scores for the experimental group compared to the control group. Post-test results also showed that participating mothers held more positive views about sexual development education compared to their pre-programme perspectives. This research contributes to understanding the impact of targeted interventions in sex and sexuality education. The findings underscore the importance of providing comprehensive sex education programmes with targeted interventions for parents in Türkiye, which can positively influence their ability to communicate and provide appropriate education to their children.

South African palliative care provider perspectives on emergency medical services in palliative situations

IntroductionDue to the frequent intersection of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with palliative situations and the increasing global need for palliative care, there has been increased recognition of the need for palliative care integration with EMS. However, EMS and palliative care systems remain segregated in many Low-to-Middle Income Country contexts, as in South Africa (SA). The aim of this study was to gather perspectives of palliative care providers in SA concerning EMS in palliative situations. MethodsA qualitative design employing individual semi-structured interviews was implemented. Ten interviews with experienced doctors and nurses holding post-graduate palliative medicine qualifications were conducted. Verbatim transcriptions of interviews were subjected to content analysis with an inductive-dominant approach to develop codes and categories. ResultsFour categories were developed: (1) Disposition towards EMS, (2) Perceived EMS challenges, (3) Positive EMS impact across patients’ palliative care journeys and (4) Methods of EMS and palliative care system integration. Participants maintained an overall positive view of EMS and palliative care integration, noting the beneficial impact of EMS and suggesting various methods of integration, while also highlighting challenges and concerns. ConclusionEMS and palliative care integration would be mutually beneficial to both systems while benefiting patient well-being and the broader healthcare system. Potentially low-cost, high-impact interventions suggested by participants, such as palliative care cards for patients and enhancing EMS and palliative care system communication, represent efficacious and judicious use of limited resources within the SA context. Pilot studies investigating these suggestions should be conducted.

Perceptions of E-Cigarette Use as Means for Smoking Cessation among Selected E-Cigarette Users in Iligan City

Background and Aim Understanding users’ perspectives, duration of use, and stages of change related to smoking cessation is crucial for informing effective interventions.  Design We employed a correlational design and used questionnaires to collect data from 120 e-cigarette users in Iligan City. Respondents were divided into two groups based on smoking cessation stage categories: action and maintenance.  Results Respondents generally held positive views of e- cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. Nearly 30% of the users transitioned from traditional cigarettes to e- cigarettes within six months. More than half of the respondents were actively taking steps to quit (action stage), while almost 46% had successfully quit and were in the maintenance stage. The study found no significant association between the perceptions of e-cigarette use as a tool for smoking cessation and the stage of change in smoking cessation, as well as between the duration of e- cigarette use and the stage of change in smoking cessation.  Conclusion Even if our findings suggest that perceptions on e- cigarette smoking and duration of e-cigarette use showed no significant association with smoking cessation stages of change, respondents revealed a leap by taking actions to quit traditional smoking.

University Students' Attitudes and Perceptions on Learning English with Mobile Apps

This study investigates university students' attitudes and perceptions toward using mobile applications for English language learning. Conducted at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta with 43 master's students, the research employed a survey to assess various aspects of mobile app usage. Results indicate a generally positive view, with high engagement in listening and multimedia activities, underscoring the effectiveness of mobile apps in these areas. However, there are concerns about content accuracy and the need for improved support for writing skills. Students found mobile apps convenient and enjoyable, suggesting their significant potential to enhance language education. Recommendations include integrating mobile apps more systematically into curricula, focusing on features that support writing skills, and addressing concerns about information reliability. Future research should explore long-term impacts, effective integration strategies, and the role of specific app features in language development

Preschool and elementary school teachers’ stereotypes and views of older adults

ABSTRACT The stereotyping of older adults shapes our society and has significant implications for our future as an aging population. While considerable research addresses negative stereotypes across various contexts, a notable gap exists regarding teachers’ stereotypes. Given teachers’ unique role as agents of change, this quantitative study utilized a survey method to investigate the stereotypes and views of 236 preschool and elementary school teachers concerning older adults, along with factors influencing these stereotypes, such as age, gender, frequency, and nature of interaction with older adults, and aging anxiety. The Older Adult Stereotypes Questionnaire and the Anxiety about Aging Scale, supplemented with custom questions, were employed. Findings revealed that the participants generally exhibited a tendency to hold negative stereotypes about older adults. Positive stereotypes and views were linked to the perceived importance of interactions and coherence of views with older adults, while high aging anxiety correlated with negative stereotypes and views. Notably, the older teachers and the female teachers with high aging anxiety displayed more negative views regarding older adults. These findings suggest that age and gender should be considered when designing interventions to address teachers’ negative stereotypes and reduce their anxiety about aging. Also, with new educational policies, more opportunities for intergenerational interaction should be provided to build meaningful relationships among generations to promote a more inclusive and positive view of aging within the school environment. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering an age-inclusive education system and preparing future generations to value and respect older adults.

Non-STEM majors COVID-19 vaccine impressions improve, and misconceptions resolve, after podcast assignment.

Misinformation regarding vaccine science decreased the receptiveness to COVID-19 vaccines, exacerbating the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on society. To mitigate the negative societal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, impactful and creative science communication was needed, yet little research has explored how to encourage COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and address misconceptions held by non-Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics majors (referred to as non-majors). We have previously demonstrated that including expert guest lectures in the vaccine module in the non-major introductory biology course helps combat students' vaccine hesitancy. In the present study, we further address how learning about vaccines impacts student knowledge and impressions of the COVID-19 vaccines through a podcast assignment. As a part of this assignment, non-majors created podcasts to address COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions of their choice. We coded pre and post, open-ended essay reflections (n = 40) to assess non-majors' knowledge and impressions of the COVID-19 vaccines. Non-majors' impressions of the vaccines improved following the podcast assignment with more than three times as many students reporting a positive view of the assignment than negative views. Notably, eight of the nine interviewed students still ended the course with misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines, such as the vaccines being unnecessary or causing fertility issues. In a post semi-structured interview following this assignment, students (n = 7) discussed the impact of looking into the specific misconceptions related to COVID-19 vaccines themselves, including improved science communication skills and understanding of different perspectives. Thus, podcasts can provide opportunities for students to improve engagement in valuable societal topics like vaccine literacy in the non-majors classroom.

An exploration of pre-school teacher's experiences of using play-based approaches to develop language and literacy skills within their classrooms of children aged two to five years

In the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs recommends implementing play-based learning in early education curricula. This research study set out to explore the following research question: What are pre-school teachers’ beliefs, understandings and uses of play-based approaches to develop language and literacy skills in their classrooms? For this study, the term pre-school refers to the age category of children from 2 years and 8 months to 5 years of age. This age cohort is the age of eligibility for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme in Ireland which provides financial support for 2 years of early childhood care and education for children aged 2.5 to 5 years of age. This study aimed to explore the tools pre-school teachers used to implement play-based approaches in their classrooms; the challenges and facilitators they perceived when implementing play-based approaches, and to understand how play-based approaches were implemented specifically for language and literacy development. The study design was qualitative and nine semi-structured interviews were completed with pre-school teachers. Results from the thematic analysis highlighted the three themes: (1) Learning Through Play, (2) What Influences Play and (3) Making Sense of Play Through Reflective Practice. These three themes consist of several sub-themes which are evident throughout each theme. The results of this study showed that pre-school teachers have a positive view towards play-based approaches for children's language and literacy development. However, they were unsure about implementing play-based approaches with other curriculum models. Challenges such as settings’ philosophies and parents’ expectations emerged as key elements of pre-school teachers’ experiences of using play-based approaches.

The New Satanic Panic

Abstract A moral panic animated by conspiracy theories alleging ritual sex abuse swept through the United States in the 1980s. During that “Satanic Panic,” as it came to be known, people expressed fears of social change regarding gender and sexuality. Beginning in 2022, conservative politicians, pundits, and pastors in the United States levied similar accusations of child grooming, sex trafficking, and satanic sex abuse at the LGBTQ + community, teachers, liberals, and entertainment companies; these accusations were accompanied by repressive legislation and violence. Despite their political salience, little is known about the people who believe these accusations. Using a 2022 U.S. national survey (N = 2,001), we find that up to one-third of Americans believe accusations of satanic cult abuse, government sex trafficking, and an “agenda” to “groom” children into gay or trans lifestyles. These beliefs are correlated with a range of political attitudes (e.g., positive views of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and white nationalists) and policy preferences (e.g., overturning Roe v. Wade), as well as with normative (e.g., a desire to run for political office) and nonnormative (e.g., the acceptance of political violence) political intentions and behaviors. Regression analysis further reveals that these conspiracy theory beliefs are positively associated with dark psychological traits, antiestablishment orientations, and repressive views toward sex and gender. Our findings suggest that these accusations can spark dehumanization and deadly violence by mobilizing into politics people who possess strong feelings of political efficacy, but also antisocial traits, nonnormative tendencies, and a desire to undermine established political institutions.

Exploring the application of ChatGPT in learning English of students – A study on perception of sophomores at Nguyen Tat Thanh University

This research focuses on analysing the application of ChatGPT, which is a natural language processing model, in learning English at the university level. A survey was conducted in 244 sophomore at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, to investigate their opinions on the use of ChatGPT in education. Results indicate that the majority of students hold a positive view towards using ChatGPT in learning English and believe that it can help improve their English skills. The research also proposes several ways to enhance the effectiveness of using ChatGPT in learning. In summary, this study highlights the potential of ChatGPT in supporting English education at universities. ® 2024 Journal of Science and Technology - NTTU

From urn models to box models: Making Neyman's (1923) insights accessible

Abstract Neyman’s 1923 paper introduced the potential outcomes framework and the foundations of randomization-based inference. We discuss the influence of Neyman’s paper on four introductory to intermediate-level textbooks by Berkeley faculty members (Scheffé; Hodges and Lehmann; Freedman, Pisani, and Purves; and Dunning). These examples illustrate that Neyman’s key insights can be explained in intuitive and interesting ways to audiences at all levels, including undergraduates in introductory statistics courses. We have found Freedman, Pisani, and Purves’s box-of-tickets model to be a valuable expository tool, and we also find their intuitive explanation of Neyman’s variance result helpful: It is a “minor miracle” that in randomized experiments, the two-sample z z -test is conservative because of “two mistakes that cancel.” All four books take a more positive view of Neyman’s results than Neyman himself did. We encourage educators and researchers to explore ways to communicate Neyman’s ideas that are helpful for their own audiences.