Questionnaire Responses Research Articles

Chronic Coronary Syndromes with/without obstructive coronary arteries: are there differences in ongoing chest pain?

Abstract Background Stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is the archetype chronic coronary syndrome, clinically manifesting as angina with obstructive CAD on angiography and managed via evidence-based guidelines. In contrast, patients with Angina with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (ANOCA) are often diagnosed with ‘non-specific chest pain’ and not appropriately managed. Purpose To compare the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) responses and 3-year rates of chest pain hospital presentations in patients with ANOCA compared to Stable CAD. Methods Consecutive angina patients undergoing elective coronary angiography enrolled in the CADOSA (Coronary Angiogram Database of South Australia) Registry between 2012-18 were included. Consenting patients participated in a longitudinal health status assessment utilising the SAQ. In-hospital clinical data was extracted from CADOSA and mortality and hospitalisation data over 12-months was extracted via administrative records. Results Of 6,372 consecutive patients undergoing elective angiography for the investigation of chest pain 2,287 had ANOCA and 4,085 Stable CAD. ANOCA patients were younger (61±11 vs 66±11, p<0.05) and more often female (59% vs 27%, p<0.05) compared to Stable CAD. The SAQ health status assessment was completed at baseline, 1 and 12-months for 377 patients (ANOCA n=156, Stable CAD n=221). At 12-month follow-up, there were no differences in SAQ scores amongst all domains (physical limitation- 92±16 vs 92±15, angina stability- 64±25 vs 62 ±24, angina frequency- 91±17 vs 92±16, treatment satisfaction- 94±13 vs 94±13 and quality of life- 78±22 vs 81±21) between ANOCA and Stable CAD, all p>0.05. However, in the 12-month follow-up, ANOCA patients were less likely to have a chest pain hospital emergency department presentation (10% vs 15%, p<0.001) or admission (6% vs 12%, p<0.005) compared to the Stable CAD cohort. Conclusion Although patient-reported outcomes were identical between Stable CAD and ANOCA patients, the latter were less likely to present to emergency department or be admitted to hospital than their Stable CAD counterparts, reflecting the clinical nihilism encountered in the ANOCA patient journey.

AFFECT-HCM: quality of life and costs in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiac disease, characterised by increased wall thickness. Pathogenic DNA variants in sarcomeric genes are identified in about half of HCM patients, enabling pre-symptomatic testing in family members. Since the first description of HCM tremendous progress has been made in the evaluation and management of HCM patients. However, little is known on the impact of HCM on quality of life (QoL) and costs. Purpose The AFFECT-HCM study evaluates the QoL, healthcare and societal costs in HCM patients and genotype-positive phenotype-negative (G+/P-) subjects. Methods The AFFECT-HCM is a multi-centre prospective study including genotyped HCM patients aged 18-80 years and G+/P- subjects. The study cohort is divided into three groups based on phenotype: G+/P- (wall thickness <13 mm), non-obstructive HCM (nHCM, maximal left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient <30 mmHg) and obstructive HCM (oHCM, LVOT gradient ≥30 mmHg). For QoL, the generic five-domain five-level EQ-5D-5L with the attached visual analogue scale and disease-specific Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire are used. Healthcare and societal costs are measured via a bottom-up approach using the cost questionnaires iMCQ and iPCQ and expressed with means (the standard in healthcare cost reporting despite non-normality) in 2023 Euro per patient per year (€ PPPY). QoL and costs are compared between phenotypes. Results Results are summarised in the table. Between November 2022 - December 2023, 506 subjects (mean age 55 years, 39% female) were included in three Dutch hospitals. The study included 84 G+/P-, 307 nHCM and 115 oHCM subjects. Questionnaire response rate was 92%. Compared to G+/P- subjects; HCM patients were older (57 vs 46 yrs), more often male (67% vs 32%) and had more cardiovascular risk factors. Compared to nHCM patients, oHCM patients were more often symptomatic (58% vs 34%), more often in NYHA class III (19% vs 2%) and used more HCM-related medications (79% vs 64%). HCM patients, and particularly oHCM patients, reported decreased QoL with lower QoL-related questionnaire scores (Figure). The utilities (EQ-5D-5L) of HCM patients were lower than G+/P- subjects and the Dutch overall average (0.87±0.17), and for oHCM comparable with another study (0.82±0.18). Costs were higher for HCM patients than G+/P- subjects (€14374 vs €5888 PPPY) and higher in oHCM patients compared to nHCM patients (€19672 vs €12419 PPPY). The leading between-group difference is higher productivity losses in oHCM patients. Conclusion HCM is associated with reduced QoL and increased costs, especially in oHCM patients. The primary cost driver are healthcare costs, but the difference between oHCM and nHCM patients is mainly caused by indirect costs due to productivity losses. These data provide novel insights in the BoD of HCM and can aid in assessing cost-effectiveness analyses of new therapies for HCM in the future.Baseline characteristics and resultsQuality of life-related questionnaires

Development augmented reality assisted teaching modules human sensory system to improve student learning outcomes

In the era of digital transformation, the use of technology to improve the quality of learning is very important. This research aimed to develop a teaching module for human sensory system material assisted by augmented reality media to improve students' biology learning outcomes. This research uses research and development methods. The subjects of this research were 22 Biology Education students at the University of Papua. Data collection instruments include validation sheets and questionnaires to determine the validity and responses of students to teaching modules as well as providing multiple choice questions to measure learning outcomes. The data analysis technique is descriptive by calculating validation results, analyzing student response questionnaires and student learning outcomes. The research results show that media and material expert validation test results obtained a percentage of 93.33% with a very valid category. The results of assessing student responses in the trial obtained an average percentage of 85.13% in the very good category. Student biology learning results show an average of 61.36 in the sufficient category. The conclusion of the research on Augmented Reality-assisted teaching modules meets the criteria of being valid, practical and effective and improving students' biology learning outcomes.

The work affective well-being under the impact of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is expected to help enterprises reduce costs and improve efficiency, but it may also threaten the employment of employees. It may form a substitution effect on employees’ jobs and might make them experience negative work emotions. Employees’ work emotions could then affect their innovative abilities, which in turn impacts the innovation ability and competitiveness of enterprises. Therefore, the impact of applying artificial intelligence technology on employees’ work well-being has become a pressing issue for businesses today. Through empirical analysis of 349 questionnaire responses, we found that employees’ STARA awareness negatively predicts their work affective well-being. Job stress mediates the relationship between STARA awareness and employees’ work affective well-being. Psychological resilience moderates the relationship between STARA awareness and job stress, moderates the indirect effect of STARA awareness on employees’ work affective well-being through job stress. Theoretical discussions and analyses of the mechanism through which STARA awareness affects employees’ work affective well-being were conducted based on the Conservation of Resources theory. In practice, we provide valuable insights for employees and enterprises to address the impact of AI, enhance work affective well-being, and strengthen enterprises’ innovation and competitiveness.

Pharmaceutical Marketing Management in India

Background: In order to identify key tactics and their gaps, the researcher self- designed questionnaire responses from 80 respondents (who either work at managing level in a pharmaceutical company or own their own firm) on Google through convenience sampling across several areas in India. Additionally, the researcher solicited consumer input on marketing assistance, strategies, and tools. We are going to present research on how pharmaceutical firms' marketing tactics change over time as they transition from one to other. It will additionally shine light on the many marketing techniques and tools that pharmaceutical businesses use. Results: A comprehensive cohort comprising 160 patients satisfying the criteria was included in the study. The duration of the study was six months, and the data were collected from the Department of Nephrology of a Government Medical College. Businesses must use digital marketing, or digital devices for marketing (TAB), to improve efficient advertising after studying pharmaceutical marketing strategies and proposing various strategies for conversation. Digital platforms also play a significant role in facilitating effective feedback and surveys related to marketing strategies. For the healthcare sector to effectively communicate and implement strategies, medical representatives must rotate on a regular basis. The supply chain pricing strategy must also adapt to local requirements in order to enhance sales development. The pricing plan for the supply chain must be adjusted to the demands of the region in order to boost sales. In the pharmaceutical sector, developing new medicines and improving existing ones are necessary to boost sales and generate income. This study includes many details and outcomes that need to be analysed further to improve the current pharmaceutical scenario. Work must be done on quality, the use of advanced techniques, and the implementation of new schemes that benefit the MR team

Research on the Influencing Factors and Development Strategies of the Under-forest Economy in Heilongjiang Province

Abstract: To address issues such as the small scale of operations, low technological content, and opaque market information in the under-forest economy of Heilongjiang Province, this study employs descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis methods based on 124 questionnaire responses from forest farmers in various cities and counties of Heilongjiang Province. The study explores the influencing factors of developing the under-forest economy in Heilongjiang Province. The results show that the number of family laborers, family wage income, forest product planting area, attention to forestry technology, and forestry bureau subsidies significantly impact the development of the under-forest economy. Factors such as forest product prices, product quality, the risk of unsold products, supply of production materials, and forest product cooperatives have a weaker influence on the development of the under-forest economy. Based on these influencing factors, relevant suggestions are proposed to promote the development of the under-forest economy, providing a more scientific theoretical basis for the development of the under-forest economy in Heilongjiang Province.

Exploring the Impact of an Interactive Electronic Pegboard on Manual Dexterity and Cognitive Skills of Patients With Stroke: Preliminary Analysis.

As individuals age, the incidence and mortality rates of cerebrovascular accidents significantly rise, leading to fine motor impairments and cognitive deficits that impact daily life. In modern occupational therapy, assessing manual dexterity and cognitive functions typically involves observation of patients interacting with physical objects. However, this pen-and-paper method is not only time-consuming, relying heavily on therapist involvement, but also often inaccurate. Digital assessment methods, therefore, have the potential to increase the accuracy of diagnosis, as well as decrease the workload of health care professionals. This study examined the feasibility of an interactive electronic pegboard for the assessment and rehabilitation of patients with stroke. We explored the pegboard's clinical applicability by examining the relationship among stages, timing, and difficulty settings, as well as their alignment with patient capabilities. In total, 10 participants used a prototype of the pegboard for functional and task assessments; questionnaire interviews were conducted simultaneously to collect user feedback. Patients with stroke consistently required more time to complete tasks than expected, significantly deviating from the initial time frames. Additionally, the participants exhibited a slight reduction in performance levels in both manual dexterity and cognitive abilities. Insights from questionnaire responses revealed that the majority of participants found the prototype interface easy and enjoyable to use, with good functionality. This preliminary investigation supports the efficacy of interactive electronic pegboards for the rehabilitation of the hand functions of patients with stroke, as well as training their attentional and cognitive abilities. This digital technology could potentially alleviate the burden of health care workers, positioning it as a valuable and intelligent precision health care tool.

Competencies of Using Computers in Teaching: An Evaluative Study on Students of the Faculty of Education, Sohag University

This study aimed to assess the competencies of Sohag University’s Faculty of Education students in computer-based teaching competencies, employing a descriptive-analytical approach and a questionnaire covering eight core areas: the role of computers in education, information technology skills, integration of computers in teaching, use of the internet and email for instruction, operation of Windows OS, utilization of presentation software, spreadsheets, and word processing tools. A cognitive achievement test was also developed to measure students’ knowledge in these areas, with a sample comprising 235 students from both scientific and literary disciplines. The findings revealed varied student perceptions regarding the impact of their academic studies on developing computer-based teaching skills, with statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) favoring scientific students over literary students in both their questionnaire responses and test performance. Additionally, students generally exhibited low competency scores on the test, highlighting the need for enhanced focus on practical skill development. A positive correlation (r = 0.26) was also identified between literary students' questionnaire responses and their test performance, statistically significant at the 0.01 level, underscoring the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

An evaluation by dental clinicians of cutting characteristics and haptic perceptions in 3D-printed typodont teeth: A pilot study.

This study aimed to compare the haptic perception of clinicians to the cutting response of 3D-printed typodont teeth and commercial typodont teeth and human extracted teeth. Twenty clinicians were asked to perform a Class I cavity preparation on commercial typodont teeth, 3D-printed typodont teeth, and human extracted teeth, while the forces were recorded via a three-axis load cell. The haptic perception of clinicians was also evaluated through a response questionnaire comparing commercial and 3D-printed typodont teeth. The study found that clinicians used similar forces (p=0.53) to cut both the 3D-printed typodont teeth (1.37 N) and the human extracted teeth (1.44 N), but more force was needed to cut the commercial typodont teeth (3.71 N). The response questionnaire indicated that clinicians rated the 3D-printed typodont teeth highly compared to the commercial teeth. The 3D-printed dentine received favorable feedback from clinicians, and the 3D-printed enamel was rated higher compared to the commercial equivalents. The results of the study suggest that 3D-printed typodont teeth offer a comparable haptic perception to human extracted teeth and can be used as an effective tool for preclinical dental learning. Moreover, the study highlights the advantages of 3D-printed typodont teeth over commercial typodont teeth in terms of haptic perception.

Disseminating fraud awareness and prevention advice to older adults: perspectives on the most effective means of delivery

AbstractRaising awareness to combat scams has become a central strategy of fraud/scam prevention. Using data from a wider evaluation of a targeted campaign to improve fraud prevention and awareness for older adults predominantly over 75, this paper offers findings on the most effective means of dissemination of anti-scam communications to this group. The paper draws upon almost 1000 questionnaire responses and qualitative data from older adults, as well as volunteers and workers involved in the project. The research finds many older adults have not received any fraud prevention or awareness communications in the prior six months, illustrating a gap in fraud prevention messaging reaching this group. The paper also shows that the preferred method of dissemination is one-to-one through friends and family and that is also the case for the most isolated. The paper offers some potential solutions to address these gaps, particularly for lonely older adults.

Flipped Classroom Trial for Python Programming with Raspberry Pi Using Moodle

A flipped classroom is a pedagogical method that flips traditional lectures and homework. In the case of a flipped classroom, the traditional lecture is viewed at home before class and homework activities are completed in the classroom with the tutor present to guide students in their work. At present, the above-mentioned flipped classroom has become increasingly popular, and sometimes controversial, within higher education. In this paper, we describe the flipped classroom example for Python programming to control I/O devices with Raspberry Pi. First, the tutor uploads the lecture notes onto Moodle. Secondly, students read the lecture notes prior to the class. Students can then ask questions on the Moodle Forum if there are any questions about the class notes. Thirdly, the students attend the class. As part of the class activities, students form into 10 groups. Each group creates a Python programme based on topics related to the class note, one hour is permitted for this activity. This is an example of a group activity. Next, each group will demonstrate the Python programme they have created to the tutor and other students in a 5-minute presentation. Following this, the tutor and other students will provide comments on the demonstration. Students will then complete a self-reflection journal about the flipped classroom on Moodle after the class. The tutor evaluates each journal written by the students. In this paper, a description of the Python programmes aims to control 8 LEDs is given as an example of a flipped classroom. Finally, the tutor added a questionnaire about the flipped classroom onto Moodle at the end of the semester. Collated questionnaire responses show that students felt the flipped classroom was appealing and helped improve programming skill. Thus, the author concludes that the flipped classroom is engaging and an effective way of teaching.

Exploring the lived experience of performance-related health and wellbeing among flautists

IntroductionThe study has investigated the lived experience of flautists, focusing on their experiences and perceptions of performance-related physical discomfort, injury and related mental health challenges that they might have encountered in practice and performance. The aims of the research have been to provide flautists with an opportunity to reflect on any physical or psychological performance issues in their own words, and to understand the subjective meaning of these experiences.MethodsA basic qualitative approach was used for gathering data. All the fieldwork was undertaken during or immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, the participating flautists were deliberately selected using professional networks on the basis of their answers to a pre-interview initial questionnaire related to the characteristics of their personal backgrounds and their experiences, as well as being able to participate remotely. There have been two data collection phases. Phase 1 was a specially designed pre-interview questionnaire drawing on themes from appropriate literature. Phase 2 built on the pre-interview questionnaire responses and was designed as semi-structured interviews, undertaken on Zoom, and included a ‘River of Flute-playing Experience’ activity during the interview. The ‘River of Experience’ method is an autobiographical research tool in which participants were asked to annotate key biographical experiences and challenges at various points along their drawing of a meandering river. The combined data analyses drew on thematic analysis.ResultsThe eight participants reported a personal history of performance-related health and wellbeing challenges that they had faced at some point in their lives. The findings reveal that flautists encounter health-related challenges associated with their practice and performances, and the data suggest that they each require an understanding of likely performance-related health challenges and supportive resources to assist them in managing these challenges.DiscussionThe participants’ diverse experiences highlight the importance of managing health and the value of supportive social connections. They cope with health challenges by integrating passion, resilience, and adaptability into their lives, finding ways to grow and continue to thrive in their flute-playing journey. The study underscores the need for comprehensive health education and support resources for flautists, emphasising the significance of resilience and adaptability in fostering health, wellbeing, and success.

Diet quality in young adulthood and sleep at midlife: a prospective analysis in the Bogalusa Heart Study

BackgroundDiet and sleep are both established risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. Prior evidence suggests a potential link between these behaviors, though longitudinal evidence for how diet associates with sleep is scarce. This study aimed to determine the prospective association between diet quality in young adulthood and multiple sleep outcomes at midlife in the Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS).MethodsThis prospective study included 593 BHS subjects with dietary assessment at the 2001–2002 visit and sleep questionnaire responses from the 2013–2016 visit, after an average of 12.7 years (baseline mean age: 36 years, 36% male, 70%/30% White and Black persons). A culturally tailored, validated food frequency questionnaire assessed usual diet. Diet quality was measured with the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) 2010, the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015, and the alternate Mediterranean (aMed) dietary score. Robust Poisson regression with log-link function estimated risk ratios (RR) for insomnia symptoms, high sleep apnea score, and having a healthy sleep pattern by quintile and per standard deviation (SD) increase in dietary patterns. Models adjusted for potential confounders including multi-level socioeconomic factors, depression, and body mass index. Trends across quintiles and effect modification by sex, race, and education were tested.ResultsHigher diet quality in young adulthood, measured by both AHEI and HEI, was associated with lower probability of having insomnia symptoms at midlife. In the adjusted model, each SD-increase in AHEI (7.8 points; 7% of score range) conferred 15% lower probability of insomnia symptoms at follow-up (RR [95% confidence interval CI]: 0.85 [0.77, 0.93]), those in Q5 of AHEI had 0.54 times the probability as those in Q1 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.75), and there was a significant trend across quintiles (trend p = 0.001). There were no significant associations between young adult diet quality and having a high sleep apnea risk or a healthy sleep pattern at follow-up.ConclusionsA healthy diet was associated with a lower probability of future insomnia symptoms. If replicated, these findings could have implications for chronic disease prevention strategies incorporating the lifestyle behaviors of sleep and diet.

3D-printed model is a useful addition in orthopedic resident education for the understanding of tibial plateau fractures

This study aimed to explore the role of the three-dimension (3D) printed models in orthopedic resident training of tibial plateau fractures. A total of 41 residents from our institution were divided into two groups. The intervention group, consisting of 20 residents, had access to 3D-printed models illustrating thirteen tibial plateau fractures. In contrast, the control group, comprising 21 residents, received digital images of thirteen identical tibial plateau fractures. Evaluation of learning outcomes included the accurate identification of tibial plateau fracture patterns, deduction of traumatic mechanisms, preoperative plan, assessment time, and subjective questionnaire responses. The participants with 3D printed models scored significantly higher in both the Schatzker classification and Luo three-column classification compared to those without 3D printed models. Residents in the intervention group performed better in accuracy in deducing traumatic mechanisms compared to the control group. In addition, the sum score of preoperative plan in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Specifically, participants with 3D printed models scored higher in surgical approach choice and implants placement than these in the control group. Residents exposed to 3D printed models also spent less time to complete the assessment than those with access only to digital imaging. Subjective assessments indicated that 3D-printed models boosted confidence in fracture identification, improved preoperative plan for fracture management and enhanced the understanding in injury mechanism of tibial plateau fractures. Furthermore, residents agreed that the use of 3D-printed models heightened their interest in learning tibial plateau fractures. Therefore, the addition of 3D printed models significantly contributed to a comprehensive understanding of tibial plateau fractures, the improvement in fracture identification, inferring injury mechanisms and preoperative plan.

Development of HTML5-Based Mobile Learning Media to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in IPAS Learning

This study aims to examine the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of HTML5-based mobile learning media to enhance the critical thinking skills of elementary school students in science learning (IPAS). The research method used was Research and Development (R&D) with the ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation). The study subjects were fourth-grade elementary students from two schools, SDN Yosowilangun Kidul 01 and SDN Yosowilangun Kidul 03 in Lumajang Regency. Data collection techniques included questionnaires, expert validation instruments, practicality instruments, and pretest-posttest data. Data analysis was conducted using a descriptive quantitative approach, focusing on student needs and the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of HTML5-based mobile learning media. The results showed that the HTML5-based mobile learning media had an average validity score of 88.9%, categorized as "highly valid." The practicality test, based on teacher observation and student response questionnaires, yielded an average percentage of 91.50%, categorized as "very practical," indicating that the media is suitable for use in the learning process. In the effectiveness test, the analysis of critical thinking data resulted in an N-gain score of 0.754, categorized as "high," demonstrating that the use of HTML5-based mobile learning media can significantly improve students' critical thinking skills in elementary science learning. In conclusion, the use of HTML5-based mobile learning media in science learning is valid, feasible, and highly effective for improving students' learning outcomes and critical thinking skills at the elementary level.

Learning Tools on Literacy and Numeracy to Enhance Students' Critical Thinking Skills

This study seeks to describe the validity and practicality of learning tools, as well as to assess the effectiveness of literacy and numeracy-based learning tools. The study was conducted in an IX-grade class at SMP State 1 Kabila Junior High School, Bone Bolango Regency, involving 30 students. This development research utilized the Borg and Gall development model, modified by Sugiono, and focused on learning tools that include lesson plans, student worksheets, learning media, and test instruments. Data were collected using validation sheets, learning implementation sheets, student activity sheets, critical thinking tests, and student response questionnaires. The data obtained were analyzed by calculating the percentage of each score. The results showed that the teacher activity score averaged 89.75, while student activity was categorized as very good, with an average score of 94.5. Student responses were categorized as very good, with 49% of students strongly agreeing and 51% agreeing. Students' critical thinking abilities, measured through n-gain, were categorized as moderate to high. The analysis of the critical thinking test results also indicated improvements in every critical thinking indicator. Keywords: Literacy, Numeracy, Critical Thinking

Beyond the Bite: Exploring Mental Health of Dental Faculty in Pakistan– a multi-institutional study

IntroductionMental health issues are being reported increasingly amongst healthcare staff and students globally. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of common mental health issues amongst dental faculty members at multiple institutions in Pakistan.MethodsFollowing approval from the institutional ethics review board, dental faculty members at 14 dental institutions were invited to participate in an online survey based on globally validated scales for mental health problems including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Two open-ended questions were included in the survey to identify perceived factors contributing to poor mental health and recommendations for improving institutional support.ResultsA total of 200 faculty members out of provided their responses to the survey questionnaire but complete responses were provided by 183 participants which included 120 (65.57%) females, and 63 (34.43%) males. The total number of faculty members at the participating institutions was 426 and 183 responses translated into an overall response rate of 43%. Most participants were in the 31–40 years age-group (n = 81, 44.26%) followed by 25–30 year (n = 51, 22.87%) and 41–50 years (n = 40, 21.86%). The mean score on PHQ-9 was 6.51 (SD ± 5.4) while the mean DASS-21 score was 13.04 (SD ± 10.95). PHQ-9 Depression, and DASS-21 Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scores were all significantly positively correlated for the whole sample, and within each subgroup of each demographic factor. Job-related workload, lack of institutional support, financial limitations, and poor work life balance were identified as the main factors contributing adversely to the mental health of the participants.DiscussionThis study provides useful insights into the scale of mental health status amongst dental faculty members at 14 institutions in Pakistan. Underlying factors affecting the mental health of faculty members adversely were identified and recommendations are provided to address these challenges.

The association between dietary knowledge based on the Chinese Dietary Guidelines and adherence to healthy dietary habits: a large-scale cross-sectional study

IntroductionPrevious systematic review has shown that individuals with more comprehensive dietary knowledge tend to engage in healthier eating patterns among American or European population. However, research on the association between dietary knowledge based on the Chinese Dietary Guidelines and healthy dietary behaviors, particularly among adolescents and college students in China, is lacking. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary knowledge based on the Chinese Dietary Guidelines and adherence to healthy dietary behaviors among adolescents and college students in China.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in China in August and October 2023. The study involved 527 adolescents and 11,856 college students. A convenience and cluster sampling methodology was employed to select one or two grades from 33 different university majors. The dietary behaviors of college students were evaluated by assessing their consumption of nine food groups: water, eggs, milk and milk products, vegetables, fruit, red meat, soy and soy products, seafood, and sugar-sweetened beverages. The dietary behaviors of adolescents were evaluated by assessing their consumption of five food groups: fast food, salty snack foods, fruits, vegetables, and soft drinks and sugared fruit beverages. The participants’ dietary knowledge was assessed using the Chinese Dietary Guidelines. The relationship between dietary knowledge and behaviors was examined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe questionnaire response rate was 100.0%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant positive association between dietary knowledge and the likelihood of exhibiting diverse dietary behaviors among college students. After adjusting for gender, age, family income, place of residence, and parents’ education levels, the results demonstrated a positive association between dietary knowledge and adherence to 4–8 eating habits among college students. In contrast, similar association was not observed among adolescent.ConclusionThis study revealed a significant association between dietary knowledge based on the Guidelines and adherence to healthy dietary behaviors among college students in China. That is to say, the higher the level of dietary knowledge based on the Guidelines among college students, the healthier the dietary behaviors they tend to adopt in their daily lives. These findings indicate the necessity of developing educational interventions based on the Guidelines to enhance dietary knowledge among individuals with limited dietary knowledge. Such interventions could facilitate the acquisition of essential health-related knowledge and strengthen motivation to engage in healthy dietary behaviors. Future studies should employ longitudinal prospective designs or randomized controlled trials in order to establish a causal association between dietary knowledge based on the Guidelines and healthy dietary behaviors.

A decision tree approach for investigating the background of research activity of community and hospital pharmacists in Mie Prefecture: a retrospective questionnaire-based survey

BackgroundThe support system for research activities has not been sufficiently established in clinical settings. A survey should be conducted to identify the causes of low research activity among pharmacists and the characteristics of pharmacists who could serve as mentors to build a support system at the regional level.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted with 156 pharmacists, including hospital and community pharmacists, who attended a webinar on research ethics held once a year in Mie Prefecture. Decision tree (DT) analysis was performed to extract the low research activities and pharmacists who could serve as mentors in research activities using independent factors identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe questionnaire response rate was 72.4% (113/156), and most respondents were community pharmacists (81.4%). In the DT model, pharmacists who did not belong to academic societies (78%, 46/59) or those who belonged to one or two academic societies but had no certifications (100%, 5/5) had low research activities. Pharmacists who read papers more than once a month and had a nearby mentor (73%, 11/15) were more likely to become mentors in research activities.ConclusionsThe combination of the number of academic societies and the presence of certifications determines the efforts in research activities. In addition to reading at least one paper monthly, the presence of a mentor for writing research papers may also be a crucial factor in becoming a mentor. The proposed DT model may be helpful in building a support system for research activities at the regional level.

The social skills of autistic boys in preschool: the contributions of their dyadic and triadic interactions with their parents.

The interactions of typically developing (TD) children within the family context are associated with their social skills in preschool, and the question guiding this study, which focused on boys, was whether the same would be true for autistic children. A specific focus was on the importance of the boys' engagement in triadic, mother-father-child interactions over and above their engagement in dyadic, parent-child interactions. The boys' social skills were assessed concurrently with their family interactions and one year later. Seventy-five autistic preschooler boys (Age in months: M = 49.45, SD = 11.03) and both of their parents were recruited through treatment centers and social media. The boys' dyadic engagement was assessed from observations of their interactions with their mothers and fathers (separately), and their triadic engagement from an observation of mother-father-child interactions. The boys' social skills in preschool were assessed using a Q-sort completed by observers and teachers and by the Social Responsiveness Questionnaire (SRS) completed by teachers. Controlling for the severity of the boys' symptoms and IQ, their dyadic engagement was associated with the concurrent observer Q-sort and teacher-reported SRS measures, and their triadic engagement did not explain additional variance in these measures. Predicting over one year, dyadic engagement was associated again with the observer Q-sort and teacher SRS measures, while the boys' triadic engagement accounted for additional variance in these measures as well as the teacher Q-sort. Finally, boys' dyadic engagement predicted gains in social skills on the observer Q-sort, and their triadic engagement was predictive of gains in the observer and teacher Q-sort. The engagement that autistic preschool-age boys displayed in the context of their dyadic and triadic interactions with their parents appears to be transferred to the preschool setting, and triadic interactions are of particular significance.