Sample Group Research Articles

Strategy to Empower Nontargeted Metabolomics by Triple-Dimensional Combinatorial Derivatization with MS-TDF Software.

Chemical derivatization is a widely employed strategy in metabolomics to enhance metabolite coverage by improving chromatographic behavior and increasing the ionization rates in mass spectroscopy (MS). However, derivatization might complicate MS data, posing challenges for data mining due to the lack of a corresponding benchmark database. To address this issue, we developed a triple-dimensional combinatorial derivatization strategy for nontargeted metabolomics. This strategy utilizes three structurally similar derivatization reagents and is supported by MS-TDF software for accelerated data processing. Notably, simultaneous derivatization of specific metabolite functional groups in biological samples produced compounds with stable but distinct chromatographic retention times and mass numbers, facilitating discrimination by MS-TDF, an in-house MS data processing software. In this study, carbonyl analogues in human plasma were derivatized using a combination of three hydrazide-based derivatization reagents: 2-hydrazinopyridine, 2-hydrazino-5-methylpyridine, and 2-hydrazino-5-cyanopyridine (6-hydrazinonicotinonitrile). This approach was applied to identify potential carbonyl biomarkers in lung cancer. Analysis and validation of human plasma samples demonstrated that our strategy improved the recognition accuracy of metabolites and reduced the risk of false positives, providing a useful method for nontargeted metabolomics studies. The MATLAB code for MS-TDF is available on GitHub at https://github.com/CaixiaYuan/MS-TDF.

Levels of teacher performance in formative assessment in multigrade and single-grade classrooms

Formative assessment is an evaluative practice developed in the classroom for the improvement of learning using evidence on student progression. The objective of this research is to compare sample groups from multigrade and single-grade classrooms on the theme of formative assessment based on the students' opinion of the teacher's performance. The method used was a comparative quantitative method. The sample type is a probability sample of 683 students from 5th to 8th grade from urban and rural schools in the commune of Longaví, located in the Maule Region of Chile. A validated Likert scale questionnaire with a high level of reliability (α = 0.93) was used. The results of the research showed that, in the six dimensions, the best teacher performance concerning formative assessment is found in multi-grade schools and not in single-grade schools. This can be explained on the basis of several reasons, among them the level of adaptability that teachers have in this type of classroom, the heterogeneous characteristics of the classroom (different ages and learning goals) and the need for teachers to monitor the learning progression of students with different classroom characteristics.

Milling degree affects the fermentation properties of rice: perspectives from the composition of nutrients and gut microbiota via in vitro fermentation

Fermentation substrates of rice with different milling degrees (MDs) were prepared and fermented with human feces to compare their fermentation properties and effects on gut microbiota. MD 0s, MD 5s and MD 60s represented brown rice, moderately-milled rice and white rice, respectively. After in vitro fermentation, the MD 5s group showed higher starch utilization, compared with the MD 0s and 60s groups evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and confocal laser scanning microscope. Effects of fermentation substrates of rice with different MDs on gut microbiota were evaluated by 16S rDNA sequencing. All the sample groups reduced the pH and produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids. The MD 5s group exhibited higher α-diversity than the MD 0s and 60s groups. Abundances of Phascolarctobacterium, Blautia and norank_f_Ruminococcaceae were higher in the MD 0s and 5s groups, compared with the MD 60s group. These bacteria were also positively correlated with the SCFAs production via Spearman correlation analysis. In vitro culture assay revealed that fermentation substrates of MD 0s and 5s promoted the growth of two probiotics (Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium adolescentis). Our results showed that moderate milling might be an appropriate way to produce rice products with richer nutrients and better fermentation properties.

Study of the Level of Sports Addiction Among Students at the Faculty of Sports Science

The aim of this study was to investigate the exercise addiction of the students of the School of Physical Education and Sport and to determine the differences according to the type of exercise, age of exercise and load dynamics. The Exercise Addiction Scale (EBÖ-21) developed by Housenblas and Downs (2002) and the Turkish Validity and Reliability Study by Yeltepe and İkizler (2007) and the Personal Information Form were applied to the sample group. The sample of the study consisted of 245 athletes who regularly train at Afyon Kocatepe University School of Physical Education and Sports. Studies on this subject indicate that addiction to sports is similar to addiction to chemical substances due to the presence of withdrawal and tolerance symptoms. The results of the study presented show that self-confidence and athletic performance increase as the students' level increases. When evaluating exercise addiction by gender, it was found that female students were more likely than male students to consider physical problems and show self-control and interruption of exercise behaviour. When evaluated by age, exercise addiction was found to have decreased and been brought under control in older individuals, indicating progress in self-control of addiction.

Teachers’ Views and Strategies for Improving Children’s Critical Thinking Skills

The study aimed to investigate preschool teachers' perceptions regarding the enhancement of children's critical thinking skills, as well as their employed strategies for fostering such skills. The study was designed as a case study, a qualitative model. The sample group consisted of 30 preschool teachers from Turkey. Data were collected using online interviews and examined using descriptive and content analysis. According to the preschool teachers, the study findings showed that Turkish-language and science-math activities are the activities that contribute most to improving children’s critical thinking skills. Furthermore, the preschool teachers stated that they mainly used the strategy of asking open-ended questions during book reading activities and least used the strategy of promoting the interaction/collaboration among students to improve children’s critical thinking skills.

Oil price, energy consumption and CO2 emissions as growth determinants: a PVAR system GMM approach

Purpose This study aims to revisit the empirical debate about the asymmetric relationship between oil prices, energy consumption, CO2 emissions and economic growth in a panel of 184 countries from 1981 to 2020. Design/methodology/approach A relatively new research method, the PVAR system GMM, is applied. Findings The outcome of the PVAR system GMM model at the group level in the study suggests that oil prices exert a positive but statistically insignificant effect on economic growth. Energy consumption is inversely related to economic growth but statistically significant, and the correlation between CO2 emissions and economic growth is negative but statistically insignificant. The Granger causality test indicates that oil prices, CO2 emissions, oil rents, energy consumption and savings jointly Granger-cause economic growth. A unidirectional causality runs from energy consumption, savings and economic growth to oil prices. At countries’ income grouping levels, oil prices, oil rent, CO2 emissions, energy consumption and savings jointly Granger-cause economic growth for the high-income and upper-middle-income countries groups only, while those variables did not jointly Granger-cause economic growth for the low-income and lower-middle-income countries groups. The modulus emanating from the eigenvalue stability condition with the roots of the companion matrix indicates that the model is stable. The results support the asymmetric impacts of oil prices on economic growth and aid policy formulation, particularly the cross-country disparities regarding the nexus between oil prices and growth. Originality/value From a methodological perspective, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the study is the first attempt to use the PVAR system GMM and such a large sample group of 184 economies in the post-COVID-19 era to examine the impacts of oil prices on countries’ growth while controlling for other crucial variables, which is noteworthy. Two, using the World Bank categorisation of countries according to income groups, the study adds another layer of contribution to the literature by decomposing the 184 sample economies into four income groups: high-income, low-income, upper-middle-income and lower-middle-income groups to investigate the potential for asymmetric effects of oil prices on growth, the first of its kind in the post-COVID-19 period.

Evaluation of the Effects of Different Warm-Up Protocols on Agility and Speed in Badminton Players

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different warm-up methods on basic motoric characteristics in badminton players. Method: The sample group of the study consisted of 10 male athletes with a mean age of 21.9 ± 2.2 years, who played badminton at Marmara University Faculty of Sports Sciences. Three different warm-up protocols including traditional warm-up, static warm-up and explosive warm-up were applied to the athletes before the tests. After each warm-up protocol, T Agility Test and 10-meter sprint test were performed. SPSS 26 statistical program was used for data analysis. Results: When the 10 m sprint test results were analyzed, there was no statistically significant difference between the traditional warm-up protocol and the static warm-up and explosive warm-up protocols (r=1.000; r=0.53; p>0.05, respectively), while a statistically significant difference was found between the static warm-up protocol and the explosive warm-up protocol (r=.027; p<0.05). When the agility results were analyzed, there was no statistically significant difference between the traditional warm-up protocol and the static warm-up protocol (r=.611; p>0.05), while a statistically significant difference was found between the traditional warm-up protocol and the explosive warm-up protocol (r=.020; p<0.05) and between the explosive warm-up protocol and the static warm-up protocol (r=.001; p<0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, as a result of the comparison of 3 different warm-up protocols, better results were observed in agility and sprint performance after the explosive warm-up protocol. The effect of all three warm-up methods on improving performance was observed in parallel with many studies. However, certain effect differences were revealed inline with the results. It can be said that explosive warm-up will be more effective on the performance of athletes because the game is fast and the jumping activities are high.

When to Text? How the Timing of Text Message Contacts in Mixed-Mode Surveys Impacts Response

Abstract Using multiple modes of contact has been found to increase survey participation over a single contact mode. Text messaging has emerged as a new mode to contact survey participants in mixed-mode survey designs, especially for surveys that include web and/or phone data collection. However, it is unclear how to best combine text messages with mailings and other outreach contacts to improve response rates and data quality. To explore the effectiveness of using text messaging as a contact mode, we conducted a full factorial experiment that varies the sequencing of text messages with mailing contacts (early versus late reminder) and the time text messages were sent (morning versus afternoon). The experiment was implemented in a follow-up wave of a mixed-mode nationally representative longitudinal survey with two sample groups (Cooperative versus Other Respondents). For Cooperative Respondents, text reminders seemed to be effective at increasing completion rates, with the early text reminder being somewhat more effective than the late text reminder, at least early in the field period. For Other Respondents, text invitations were effective at improving the completion rate, but effects diminished quickly once the invitation letter was sent. Additionally, the early text reminder appears to be more effective than the late text reminder at increasing completion rates for Other Respondents. The sequencing of text messages did not affect data quality across sample groups or substantially impact nonresponse. The time of day the text messages were sent did not affect any of the outcome measures examined.

Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution (ANH) impacts postoperative coagulation profile and bleeding in Adult Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: The coagulation profile of cardiac surgery patients is impacted by pro-inflammatory effects caused by procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass. In order to counteract these effects, pharmacological therapies and allogeneic blood transfusions are required. The strategy of Acute normovolemic hemodilution also known as “intraoperative autologous donation” is also a viable option to address these negative effects. The theoretical basis for ANH is that the removed blood of a patient’s own self is shielded from the inflammatory response of blood cells to the bypass circuit. ANH is an infrequently practiced strategy at various cardiac surgery institutes within Pakistan to enhance coagulation profile, decrease the need for blood transfusions despite being an established approach abroad. Aims and Objectives: The objective of our study is to compare the effect of ANH on patients undergoing adult cardiac surgery in a sample group versus a control group with the primary endpoint of postoperative drain output as a measure of effectiveness of blood coagulation profile. Blood coagulation profiles were also compared between the two groups as secondary variables. Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted at the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology from December 21st, 2023 to February 13th, 2024. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients over the age of 12 years who were to undergo adult cardiac surgery was conducted. An online research randomizer software randomly selected them into two equal groups, sample and control (n=30). The ANH volume retrieved from the patient's central vein in the sample group was used to fill the CPD blood transfusion bags after administering anesthesia. After the patients in both groups were weaned off CPB and protamine administered to neutralize heparin, ANH blood was infused back into the patients in the sample group whereas the control group received allogenic blood only. Chi square test was applied to all qualitative variables and Independent Samples t-test for all quantitative variables. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and a p-value ? 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Hemoglobin (12.9±0.90 g/dL in ANH and 11.8±1.00 g/dL in non-ANH) and aPTT levels (34.2±6.06 seconds in ANH and 54.2±10.95 seconds in non-ANH) were statistically significant (p-value <0.01). In the ANH group, the mean value (623.3±86.28 mL) of postoperative drain output significantly decreased by approximately 220mL compared to the non-ANH group (842.3±99.26 mL) (p-value <0.01). Conclusion: ANH positively conserves most of the coagulation profile parameters. It assists in reducing postoperative bleeding and the volume of allogeneic blood required perioperatively in cardiac surgery.

The Effect of Using the Contemplative Approach to Enhance Speaking and Critical Thinking Skills in the EFL Undergraduate Literature Classroom

This research study explored the effect of using the contemplative approach to enhance speaking skills and critical thinking skills in the EFL literature classroom which aimed to 1) investigate English speaking skills and 2) investigate students’ critical thinking skills in the EFL literature classroom. This research study applied a mixed-method research design. Data collection was conducted in both qualitative and quantitative formats. Instruments were an English speaking test, a critical thinking test, classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and a reflective journal. The sample group was eleven second-year students of the English studies major who enrolled in the literary adaptation course in the second semester of the academic year 2022 at Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Thailand by purposive sampling with the volunteers who were interviewed and joined the activities. The quantitative data was analyzed by descriptive statistics while the qualitative data was classified, analyzed, and reported by the objective items. The findings indicate that contemplative approaches can significantly enhance students' English-speaking skills. Although the results suggest that participating in contemplative activities did not have a statistically significant impact on the participants' critical thinking abilities, a slight improvement was observed in their critical thinking skills.

The Relationship Between ABO and Rh Blood Groups and Microvascular Complications of Diabetes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the possible relationships between ABO and Rh blood groups and microvascular complications of diabetes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Material and Methods: This study included Type 2 DM patients who were hospitalized and followed in our clinic between February 2019 and April 2022. The patients’ data files were retrospectively reviewed in order to record demographic characteristics, antidiabetic medications, comorbid diseases, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c values, ABO/Rh blood groups, and microvascular complication status (nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy). Results: A total of 348 patients were included in the study. In the sample group, male patients constituted 40.9% (142) and female patients 59.1% (206) of the sample, and the mean age was 59.3±12.8 years. Diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy rates were 31.3%, 41.0%, and 52.0%, respectively. The blood group was A in 151 (43.4%), B in 51 (14.6%), 0 in 127 (36.5%), and AB in 19 (5.5%) patients. Patients with different blood types did not show any significant differences in the microvascular complications of diabetes. The frequency of nephropathy and retinopathy were lower in Rh-negative patients than in Rh-positive patients (p=0.044 and p=0.041, respectively). Conclusion: ABO blood groups are not correlated with the microvascular complications of diabetes in patients with type 2 DM. However, Rh positivity may pose certain risks for nephropathy and retinopathy.

The Impact of Machine Translation on the Development of Tourism Translation From the Perspectives of Translators and Experts in Saudi Arabia

Regardless of its distinction for touring and tourism communication, the subject of machine translation has not been dealt with regarding tourism investigation. This study aims to bridge this gap in knowledge by exploring machine translation (MT) technology in the development of tourism translation from the perspectives of translators and translation experts in Saudi Arabia. To attain the three objectives of the study, the researcher applied the quantitative approach. For data gathering, a 12-item opinion poll was disseminated among a random sample group that consisted of 80 translators and translation experts who were selected at random from several Saudi universities, top translation services companies, and tourism organizations during the current academic year 1445/AH/2024 CE. The findings of this study discovered that many translators and translation experts had positive perspectives on utilizing machine translation (MT) technology in the development of tourism translation around the world today in general and Saudi Arabia in particular. Moreover, the perspectives of these translators and translation experts on the difficulties and intricacy confronted in applying machine translation (MT) technology in the tourism translation industry were highly positive. Over half of the participants (51.42%) perceived that machine translation (MT) can help overcome obstacles encountered by translators in the field of tourism. The findings revealed that translators and translation experts in the realm of the tourism industry have a promising future thanks to the relationship between machine translation (MT) and tourism translation.

Developing Achievement in Mathematics, Specifically in Elementary Logic, through Brain-Based Learning (BBL) Combined with Skill Practice Exercises for Grade 10 Students

This research aims to: 1) Develop an effective Brain-Based Learning (BBL) plan combined with skill practice exercises for Grade 10 students, achieving a performance criterion of 70/70; 2) Compare the learning outcomes in elementary logic before and after implementing the BBL approach combined with skill practice exercises for Grade 10 students; 3) Study the satisfaction level of students towards the BBL approach combined with skill practice exercises for Grade 10 students. The sample group consisted of 39 students from Grade 10 room 4 in the first semester of the 2023 academic year, selected through purposive sampling. Research tools included a learning management plan, an achievement test, skill practice exercises, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, and dependent samples t-test. The research found that: 1) The BBL-based learning management plan for elementary logic for Grade 10 students was effective, with performance levels of 95.69/81.28, exceeding the set criterion of 70/70; 2) The academic achievement of students who underwent the BBL-based learning in elementary logic for Grade 10 students significantly improved post-learning, at a .05 level of statistical significance; 3) Students were highly satisfied with the BBL-based learning approach combined with skill practice exercises in elementary logic for Grade 10 students, with a mean satisfaction score of 4.86.

Developing Academic Achievement in Mathematics on Fractions through Active Learning Combined with Skill Practice for Grade 3 Elementary Students

This research aims to 1) develop an effective Active Learning plan combined with skill practice according to the 70/70 criterion, 2) study the learning achievement index through Active Learning combined with skill practice, and 3) investigate the satisfaction towards Active Learning combined with skill practice. The sample group consisted of 27 Grade 3 students from Muang Wapi Pathum School, during the first semester of the 2023 academic year, selected through purposive sampling. The research tools included 1) 10 Active Learning plans totaling 10 hours, 2) mathematics skill practice, 3) an achievement test consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions, and 4) a satisfaction questionnaire regarding Active Learning combined with skill practice, using a 5-point Likert scale with 13 items. The statistical analysis included mean, percentage, standard deviation, and effectiveness index. The research found that the Active Learning plan was effective with an efficiency of 81.00/82.20, which meets the predefined criterion of 70/70. The effectiveness index was 0.6828, indicating that students improved their learning by 68.28 percent. Overall satisfaction was at the highest level, with an average score of 4.54.

Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms reveal the genetic diversity and population structure of Creole goats from northern Peru

Goat farming constitutes a significant source of income for farmers in northern Peru. There is currently an absence of information about the genetics of Peruvian Creole goats that would enable us to understand their origins and genetic spread. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic diversity of Creole goats from northern Peru using SNP markers. This study involved the collection of 192 male Creole goats from three key goat production geographical departments in northern Peru. These goat samples were genotyped using the GGPGoat70k SNP panel. To explore the genetic influence of other breeds on Peruvian Creole goats, our dataset was combined with previously published SNP genotypes. External data set includes multiple breeds genotypes sampled from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, and Alpine breed from Italy, France, and Switzerland. After quality control 52,832 autosomal SNPs were used to assess genetic diversity in the Peruvian goats. For the population structure analysis of the merged data 20,513 common SNPs were used. Estimations for expected heterozygosity (He), observed heterozygosity (Ho), and inbreeding coefficient (FIS) were computed for the Peruvian groups. AMOVA, principal component analysis and ADMIXTURE were conducted to evaluate the population structure in the two data sets, Peru and merged. The results revealed a considerable genetic diversity, with Ho values ranging from 0.40 to 0.41 for the Peruvian sampling groups, and inbreeding coefficient was notably low for Peruvian goat. The population structure analysis demonstrated a distinction (p < 0.05) from other breeds. These findings suggest a level of genetic differentiation of the Peruvian goat population among other breeds, although further research is needed considering samples from other Peruvian areas. We expect this study will contribute to define genetic management strategies to prevent the loss of genetic diversity in Peruvian goat populations and for upcoming advancements in this field.

Development Guidelines for Executive Function (EF) Skills in Early Childhood: Needs Assessment in Nonthaburi Kindergartens

Executive function skills are crucial for children in the 21st century, serving as indicators of their readiness for learning. Children with well-developed executive function skills can effectively accomplish various tasks, solve problems using diverse strategies, and collaborate with others happily. This research aims to: 1. Identify the necessity for fostering executive function skills among early childhood students in Nonthaburi Province. 2. Analyze the causes underlying the necessity to promote executive function skills in early childhood students. 3. Propose strategies to enhance executive function skills in early childhood students. The research consists of two phases. Phase 1 involves identifying the necessity for developing executive function skills among early childhood students, with a sample group comprising 12 volunteer kindergarten teachers randomly selected from 12 classrooms and 328 early childhood students aged 5 to 5 years 11 months (162 boys and 166 girls). The research instrument used is the MU.EF-101 assessment. Data analysis involves calculating the mean and standard deviation of T-scores for working memory, inhibitory control, and shift/cognitive flexibility. Phase 2 analyzes the causes of necessity and proposes strategies to promote executive function skills in early childhood students. The data sources for this phase are 12 teachers, and the research instruments include fishbone diagram recording forms and group discussion recording forms. Findings suggest that parental involvement is crucial in training children to perform tasks independently and in teaching children patience. Additionally, teachers should analyze children&amp;#39;s behaviors to plan appropriate learning activities based on their context. Teachers must encourage children to think and make decisions independently, encourage when mistakes occur, and ensure the availability of suitable tools and toys that promote the development of executive function skills in early childhood students, which teachers or parents can conveniently utilize.

Social factors influencing waste separation behaviour among the multi-class residents in a megacity: A Survey analysis from a community in Bangkok, Thailand

Effective waste separation at the source is vital for sustainable waste management globally. However, motivating people to participate in waste separation can be challenging, especially in developing countries' megacities, where rapid urbanization and surging solid waste trends are prevalent. A survey conducted in Bangkok, Thailand, provides valuable insights into the factors that encourage waste separation at the source among individuals from diverse backgrounds. The study involved 456 respondents, an effect size of 0.35, a 95 % confidence level, and a 5 % margin of error. The sample groups were divided into four modules based on their lifestyles and analysed waste separation intention and behaviour using an extended theory of planned behaviour and a structural equation model. The results showed that attitude is a critical and fundamental factor influencing intention, while intention and trust in the recycling system are the most significant factors influencing waste separation behaviour. Furthermore, the significant factors influencing waste separation intention and behaviour for each module differ, highlighting the need for specific strategies to promote waste separation among individuals with diverse lifestyles in megacities. These findings are of immense value and can be confidently used by governors or policymakers worldwide to combat waste management challenges.

Suicide attempts in the absence of depression: Differences between broad cultural groups

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide (WHO, 2021). Depression is a common precursor to suicide and suicidality; however, individuals' experience of depression and the meaning of suicide differs depending on one's cultural background (Colucci, 2013; Goodmann et al., 2021; Kleinman, 2004). The current study explores the relationship between suicide and depression among six broad cultural groups in a large sample (N = 17,015) of adults representing six broad cultural groups (Latin America, South Asia, former Soviet Bloc, Western English-speakers, Chinese, and Arab World). Participants were recruited to a multilingual depression and suicide screening study via Google Ads (Leykin et al., 2012; Gross et al., 2014). As expected, the presence of depression was associated with suicide attempts. However, cultural group moderated this association, with Chinese participants being most likely to report suicide attempts while screening negative for depression. Although depression remains an important predictor of suicidality, it appears that certain cultural groups may be at higher risk even when depression is not present. Clinicians should consider using culturally adapted assessments for depression and suicidality.

Use of egg yolk phospholipids to improve the thermal-oxidative stability of fatty acids, capsaicinoids and carotenoids in chili oil

Phospholipids can act as antioxidants in food. In this study, egg yolk phospholipids (EPL) and sunflower oil were utilized in making chili oil, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was employed to quantify the concentrations of fatty acyl groups, carotenoids, capsaicinoids in chili oil according to their specific signals in the spectra. The results showed that the changes in the concentrations of fatty acyl groups in the control samples were greater than those in the EPL-treated samples at the same frying temperature, while the contents of carotenoids and capsaicinoids were significantly lower than those of the EPL-treated samples when fried at 150 °C (p < 0.05). Two-way ANOVA indicated that frying temperature and EPL treatment, as well as their interaction had significant impacts on the thermal-oxidative stability of chili oil (p < 0.05). The results suggest that EPL may act as antioxidants during frying, and EPL can improve the thermal-oxidative stability of chili oil.

Job Satisfaction of School Teachers in Kazakhstan: A Comparative Analysis of Survey Results by Demographic Factors

Even though teaching is one of the most in-demand professions today, numerous teachers are leaving their profession. One of the main reasons is the low level of teachers’ job satisfaction (Ingersoll, 2001) which is a significant factor for resilience, also for better performance and fulfilment. However, there are few research works about teacher job satisfaction in Kazakhstan. Therefore this study addresses the issue through a comparative analysis of the teacher job satisfaction survey results according to their gender, age, teaching experience, teaching location, and type of school where they teach. TJSQ (Lester, 1987) was used to collect data about the job satisfaction of teachers in Kazakhstan. The questionnaire consists of 66 questions that describe 9 scales or factors of teacher job satisfaction. Participants were from all cities and regions of Kazakhstan. 385 respondents took part in the survey by snowball sampling method. Results showed that the overall job satisfaction level was the same for all sample groups. However, significant differences between the groups were determined by factors such as Working conditions, Advancement, Security, and Responsibility.