Population Sample Research Articles

Frailty index is an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Eastern Europe: a multicentre cohort study

BackgroundThis study investigates the association between frailty and mortality in Eastern European populations, which remains largely unexplored compared with Western Europe. The aim is to assess the risk of all-cause...

Analisis Faktor Resiko yang Berhubungan dengan Kejadian Hipertensi pada Kepala Keluarga di Desa Waesala Kabupaten Seram Bagian Barat Provinsi Maluku Tahun 2024

Hypertension is a non-communicable disease (ncd) which is a major problem in the health sector and continues to increase every year even though many preventive and promotive measures have been developed following advances in science and technology. to find out analysis of risk factors related to the incident of hypertension in heads of families in tatinang and tita mandiri village waesala regency seram bagin barat tahun 2024. This type of research uses quantitative methods with a cross sectional approach. sampling method used a total sample population of 133 people. data analysis was carried out using univariate, bivariate analysis with chi square and multivariate analysis with logistic regression. Based on the results of the stress logistic regression test, p = 0.042; smoking p = 0.998; alcohol p = 0.996, and diet p = 0.000. diet is the dominant factor with a logistic regression value of p = 0.000 with an or or exp (b) = 12,722. There is a relationship between stress levels, smoking, alcohol and diet. these are the most dominant factors related to the incidence of hypertension in the tatitang and tita mandiri hamlets, while the age factor is not related to the incidence of hypertension.

Paraoxonase I Activity and Its Relationship with Nutrition in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration, with oxidative stress playing a key role. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme that may influence ALS progression. This study aimed to establish a predictive model for the influence of PON1 activity on functionality in ALS patients and explore its relationship with nutrition. Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, 70 ALS patients underwent assessments of PON1 activity, lipid profile, functional capacity, respiratory function, and heart rate variability. A structural equation model was developed to determine the relationships between variables. Nutritional intake was analyzed in 65 patients. Results: The predictive model showed that PON1 activity and LDL levels positively influenced functionality, both directly and indirectly through respiratory capacity. Heart rate variability moderately predicted functionality independently. HDL levels were not significantly associated with functionality. Weak to moderate correlations were found between PON1 activity and intake of certain nutrients, with positive associations for monounsaturated fats and vitamin D, and negative associations for carbohydrates, proteins, and some micronutrients. Conclusions: PON1 activity appears to play an important role in ALS patient functionality, both directly and through effects on respiratory capacity. However, its relationship with nutritional intake was not strongly evident in this sample population.

Association between periodontitis and cardiovascular risk in Spanish employed adults-The Workers' Oral Health study.

Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are highly prevalent non-communicable diseases, sharing an inflammatory pathogenesis and common risk factors. The objective of the present research is to assess the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease risk in a representative sample of the Spanish-employed population. Cross-sectional data were obtained between 2008 and 2011 in the Workers' Oral Health (WORALTH) epidemiological study. Periodontal examinations were based on the evaluation of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and community periodontal index (CPI). Participants also underwent a medical check-up and answered a comprehensive health questionnaire. With this information, participants were categorized into three levels of CVD risk using the systemic coronary risk estimation (SCORE) algorithm for low-risk European countries. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were determined with multiple logistic regression models for the association between periodontal status and CVD risk. Data from 4224 individuals were analyzed. The overall prevalence of high CVD risk (SCORE ≥ 5%) was 5.1%. The prevalence of SCORE ≥ 5% was 3.4%, 9.4%, and 15.2% for CAL 0-3 mm, 4-5 mm, and ≥6 mm, respectively (p < .001), and 6.2%, 6.5%, and 14.6% for CPI ≤2, 3, and 4, respectively (p < .001). Individuals with CPI = 4 presented an OR of 1.50 (95% confidence interval, CI [1.04; 2.17]) for high SCORE values, after adjusting for confounders (age, sex, and smoking habit). Periodontitis, defined by the presence of deep periodontal pockets (≥6 mm), was significantly associated with high CVD risk (SCORE ≥ 5%) in a representative sample of the employed population in Spain.

Determinants Affecting the Awareness of Hypertension Complications within the General Population in Saudi Arabia.

Hypertension imposes a significant public health burden. An increased awareness of hypertension complications within a population can positively impact patient care and prevent complications. This study seeks to assess the awareness of hypertension complications among the population of Bisha in Saudi Arabia in 2020. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020. A validated self-administered online-based questionnaire was sent to a sample of the adult population of Bisha to measure their awareness of hypertension complications. Almost three-quarters of the population (72.2%) were aware of hypertension complications. The awareness level was significantly higher among male participants (p < 0.001), those aged 31-40 years, those who were married, those working as police officers or in civilian jobs, those living in urban areas (p = 0.04), those with a university-level education (p = 0.03), those with a medium family income (SAR 5000-14,999) (p = 0.001), and those with a history of hospitalization because of causes other than hypertension (p = 0.05). Marital status was independently predictive of awareness (B = 0.851, Wald test = 12.179, p = 0.000) among the respondents. The study concludes that the awareness of hypertension complications among the Bisha population in Saudi Arabia was deemed acceptable. Factors such as marital status, age, gender, a family history of hypertension, the duration of hypertension, and medication adherence positively influenced this awareness and served as predictors of hypertensive awareness. The findings highlight the importance of health authorities in ensuring the widespread awareness of hypertension complications, particularly among hypertensive individuals.

Dynamics of Intercity Migration Propensity in China: Evidence from an Age-Period-Cohort Analysis

This research conducts a disaggregation of three major temporal interrelations – age, period, and cohort (APC) – to fully grasp variations in intercity migration propensity in China. Using repeated cross-sectional data from the Sixth Population Census in 2010 and the 1% Population Sampling Surveys in 2005 and 2015, we disentangle APC effects on the two-stage migration decision-making process through the Hierarchical APC model. The empirical findings are as follows: the likelihood of migration decreases as individuals age, persisting until their early 60s, after which a slight upward trend is observed. Migrants from the 1940–1985 cohorts exhibit an increasing propensity for migration, which later reverses in subsequent cohorts. However, the average intercity migration propensity does not significantly vary across periods. Furthermore, the decision of where to migrate – whether to move across provincial boundaries – also varies across APC factors. The propensity for interprovincial migration steadily declines with age. The contextual period effects are significant and partially result from the development of foreign-invested enterprises. Individuals born in the 1960s and 1970s are more likely to migrate interprovincially compared to their post-1980s counterparts. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of these results. Our findings shed light on more nuanced mechanisms underlying the dynamics of intercity migration in China, particularly the effects of cohort replacement on migration.

Antibiotic utilization at an orthopedic inpatient department in a large governmental hospital in the north of the West Bank, Palestine; a retrospective observational study

BackgroundStudies evaluating the patterns of antibiotic consumption are becoming increasingly necessary as a result of the increased use of antibiotics and development of antibiotic resistance globally. This study aimed to evaluate the use of antibiotics in in terms of both quantity and quality at the largest surgical hospital in the north of the West Bank, Palestine.MethodsAn observational retrospective study with a total population sampling method was conducted to collect data from the inpatients of the orthopedic departments of a large governmental hospital in the northern West Bank, Palestine. The data were collected from patients’ files and evaluated using the anatomical therapeutic chemical and defined daily dose (ATC/DDD) methodology, and the drug utilization 90% (DU90%) index. The ATC/DDD methodology, designed by the World Health Organization (WHO), as a well-trusted and standardized tool that allows measuring and comparing antibiotic utilization across different contexts. Antibiotic prescriptions were classified using the World Health Organization Access, Watch and Reserve classification (WHO AWaRe).ResultsOf the 896 patients who were admitted to the hospital in the year 2020 and included in the study, 61.9% were males, and 38.1% were females. The percentage of patients who received antibiotics was 97.0%, and the overall antibiotic usage was 107.91 DDD/100 bed days. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was cefazolin (50.30 DDD/100 bed days), followed by gentamicin (24.15 DDD/100 bed days) and ceftriaxone (17.35 DDD/100 bed days). The DU90% segment comprised four different agents. Classification of antibiotics according to the WHO AWaRe policy revealed that 75.9% of antibiotics were prescribed from the access list.ConclusionThis study comes as part of the efforts exerted to combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in Palestine. Our results showed that the consumption of antibacterial agents in the orthopedic unit at a large governmental hospital in Palestine was relatively high. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the decision-makers to create policies aimed at regulating antibiotic prescriptions. This study also aims to provide a look into the antibiotic prescription patterns, offering a clearer understanding of the current situation of antibiotic consumption in Palestine. It also emphasizes the need for antibiotic stewardship and surveillance programs.

Preliminary studies on changes in the amount of tryptophan metabolites in human glioma tissues

BackgroundWe have developed and validated methods for the determination of three major tryptophan metabolites metabolized by the kynurenine pathway, namely kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA). KYN and 3-HK were determined using RP-HPLC-UV, and 3-HAA using RP-HPLC-FL. We then developed a comparative method based on CE-UV. The developed methods were validated and 36 samples of human brain glioma tissue homogenates were assayed in all 4 grades of malignancy, and the concentration levels of assayed metabolites were compared with available clinical data. ResultsEach of the methods is characterized by high precision, accuracy and repeatability, and the determined LOQ values indicate the possibility of performing quantitative analysis on the available samples of human glioma tumors (36 samples in grades G1–G4). The concentration values of selected metabolites obtained using HPLC methods were subjected to statistical analysis and preliminary clinical data processing. We found statistically significant differences in the concentrations of KYN, 3-HK and 3-HAA between the various grades of the disease, and characterized these differences more precisely by means of the Dunn–Bonferroni post hoc test. We did not find that the patient's environment or habits significantly affected the metabolites concentration of the study samples population. In addition, we showed a high positive correlation between KYN, 3-HK and 3-HAA, which appears to be a characteristic that describes metabolic changes of Trp in relation to KYN, 3-HK and 3-HAA, and indicates potential diagnostic value. SignificanceThe preliminary studies carried out contribute new knowledge on the molecular basis of human brain glioma. They also provide valuable information useful for the development of glioma diagnostics, differentiation of disease grades and assessment of the patient's condition. The obtained relationships between metabolite concentrations and the grade of malignancy of the disease and correlations between metabolite concentrations constitute the basis for further broader biochemical and clinical analysis.

Olivine Time-Capsules Constrain the Pre-Eruptive History of Holocene Basalts, Mount Meager Volcanic Complex, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract The Canadian segment of the Cascade Volcanic Arc (i.e. the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt) comprises more than 100 eruptive centres, spanning the entire Quaternary period (Pleistocene to Holocene in age), and with deposits ranging in composition from alkaline basalt to rhyolite. At least one of the volcanoes is currently active; Mount Meager / Q̓welq̓welústen erupted explosively 2360 years BP and has ongoing fumarolic activity. Long-term forecasting of eruption frequency and style depends on reconstruction of the history and timescales of magmatic processes preceding previous volcanic eruptions. Utilising diffusion chronometry, we investigate the Mount Meager Volcanic Complex focusing on Holocene olivine-phyric basalts (Lillooet Glacier basalts) exposed by the retreat of the Lillooet Glacier. We identify two distinct olivine populations in samples of quenched, glassy basalt lavas that record different magmatic processes and histories. Glomerocrysts of Fo83 olivine phenocrysts, entrained and transported by a hot mafic input, form Population 1. These exhibit resorption and normally zoned outermost rim compositions of Fo76–78; a third of them also show interior reverse compositional zoning. A second population of skeletal microphenocrysts have the same composition as the phenocryst rims (i.e. Fo76–78) and are in equilibrium with the adjacent matrix glass. We estimate the pre-eruptive temperature-fO2 conditions in a shallow reservoir (100 MPa; ~3 km) for a melt with H2O content of 0.5 to 1 wt % as ~1097°C to 1106°C (± 30°C), and NNO + 0.5 (±1.1), respectively. Using these input parameters, we report Fe-Mg diffusion chronometry results for 234 normally zoned profiles from 81 olivine phenocrysts. Diffusion modelling of compositional profiles in oriented crystals indicates pre-eruptive magmatic residence times of 1 to 3 months. These remarkably short residence times in shallow reservoirs prior to eruption suggest very short periods of unrest may precede future eruptions.

The Brazilian (FRANCO) method for dental age estimation: Willems' model revisited.

This study aimed (I) to test the Willems' dental age estimation method in different geographic samples of the Brazilian population, and (II) to propose a new model combining the geographic samples in a single reference table of Brazilian maturity scores. The sample consisted of 5017 panoramic radiographs of Brazilian males (n = 2443) and females (n = 2574) between 6 and 15.99 years (mean age = 10.99 ± 2.76 years). The radiographs were collected from the Southeastern (SE) (n = 2920), Central-Western (CW) (n = 1176), and Southern (SO) (n = 921) geographic regions. Demirjian's technique was applied followed by Willems' method and the proposed Brazilian model. Willems' method led to mean absolute errors (MAE) of 0.79 and 0.81 years for males and females, respectively. Root mean squared errors (RMSE) were 1.01 and 1.03 years, respectively. The Brazilian model led to MAE of 0.72 and 0.74 years for males and females, respectively, and RMSE of 0.93 years for both sexes. The MAE was reduced in 70% of the age categories. Differences between regions were statistically (p < 0.05) but not clinically significant. The new model based on a combined population had an enhanced performance compared to Willems' model and led to reference outcomes for Brazilians. Assessing patients' biological development by means of dental analysis is relevant to plan orthopedic treatments and follow up. Having a combined-region statistic model for dental age estimation of Brazilian children contributes to optimal age estimation practices.

Healthy Eating beyond Whole Grains-Insight on Associations between Diet Quality and Arterial Stiffness in the Brisighella Heart Study Cohort.

Although whole grains have well-recognized protective effects against the development of cardiometabolic diseases, whole grain foods are poorly consumed by the general population. The aim of our study was to establish, at a population level, the vascular impact of a low intake of whole grain foods. From the initial cohort of the Brisighella Heart Study, we identified a population sample of 1503 individuals-including 720 men (47.9%) and 783 women (52.1%)-who overall largely consumed refined grain products. Diet quality was estimated by the Short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI), and women were found to have an eating pattern that was overall healthier than men (44.1 ± 8.5 vs. 36.3 ± 8.1, p < 0.001). The development of an age- and blood pressure (BP)-adjusted multiple linear regression model found that carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was significantly predicted by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, B = -0.148, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) -0.259--0.038, p < 0.001), serum uric acid (SUA, B = 0.220, 95%CI 0.095-0.320, p = 0.001) and sHEI (B = -0.231, 95%CI -327--0.089, p < 0.001) in men, and by eGFR (B = -0.152, 95%CI -0.266--0.052, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI, B = 0.174, 95%CI 0.111-0.331, p = 0.002), SUA (B = 0.278, 95%CI 0.158-0.354, p < 0.001) and sHEI (B = -0.218, 95%CI -308--0.115, p < 0.001) in women. Ultimately, a low sHEI score was a significant predictor of arterial stiffness also in a population cohort with a high consumption of refined grain products.

Long-term courses of alcohol dependence

Descriptions of long-term histories of alcohol dependence provide insight into the etiology, prevention and care. Report of empirical findings about the development into and remission from alcohol dependence. Narrative literature review, analysis of findings from cohort studies in the general population. Risk factors provide the opportunity to estimate increased probabilities of developing an alcohol dependence. Adolescents disclosed symptoms of alcohol dependence within 8 years after the first alcohol consumption. Alcohol dependence is related to alife expectancy 17.6 years fewer than in the general population. Data of ageneral population sample revealed arisk of early death 2.8times higher than among people without mental disorders. The severity of alcohol dependence was shown to be a predictor of premature death. Nicotine dependence can add to the shortening of life in addition to alcohol dependence. Among the alcohol dependent residents in ageneral population sample, 90.2% did not have utilized detoxification treatment that included motivational treatment and 78.4% did not have utilized standard detoxification treatment in apsychiatric treatment facility. Remission without formal help has been proven. It is the main route of remission. To reduce unfavorable courses of alcohol dependence, prevention and treatment should be focused more on the needs in the general population. In psychiatric and other medical routine care, screening and an appropriate brief intervention should be carried out.

Nutritional Status of SMA N 1 Bukit Sundi Students Solok District

Adolescence is a transition period that is very vulnerable to nutritional problems. Likewise, young women occupy an important position in the flow of human life, because they will become prospective mothers who play a role in preserving and giving birth to quality generations and offspring in the future. The nutritional status of adolescent girls needs to be aforethought, where energy and protein intake, and knowledge about stabilized nutrition affect the nutritional status of adolescents. The attempt of this research was to determine the nutritional status of female students at SMA N 1 Bukit Sundi. The category of research is perceptive with a cross-sectional form. This research was carried out in April-May 2024, with a sample population of 100 people using a simple random sampling technique. Nutritional status was measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI) with data obtained through filling out questionnaires by research subjects, where research results showed that 40% of female students were included in the underweight nutritional category, 44% of female students were included in the underweight nutritional category. normal, 10% of female students fall into the overweight nutritional category, 5% of female students fall into the obese nutritional category level I, and 1% of female students fall into the obese nutritional category level II.

Associations between sugar-sweetened beverages consumption, duration of physical exercise, and depressive symptoms among Tibetan university students at high altitude.

Depressive symptoms have become a public health issue of common concern in countries all over the world, and have many negative impacts on university students' study and life. Depressive symptoms are influenced by many factors, including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption and duration of physical activity. However, no study has been conducted on the association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, duration of physical exercise, and depressive symptoms among Tibetan university students at high altitudes. In this study, a self-assessment survey of SSBs consumption, duration of physical exercise, and depressive symptoms was conducted on 6,259 (2,745 boys, 43.86%) Tibetan university students aged 19-22 years in Lhasa and Ganzi areas, China, using stratified whole population sampling. The associations were also analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, binary logistic regression analysis, and ordered logistic regression analysis in the generalised linear model. The proportions of mild depression symptoms, moderate depression symptoms, and major depressive symptoms among Tibetan boys university students in high-altitude areas of China were 18.0, 22.9, and 1.5%, respectively; the proportions of girls students were 20.1, 21.9, and 1.5%, respectively, 1.5%, and the differences in the detection rates of depressive symptoms between sex were statistically significant (χ 2 value = 14.253, p < 0.01). Ordered logistic regression analyses showed that using duration of physical exercise >60 min/d and SSBs ≤1 times/week as the reference group, the duration of physical exercise <30 min/d and SSBs ≥5 times/week groups had the highest risk of developing depressive symptoms was the highest risk (OR = 6.98, 95% CI: 5.05-9.65; p < 0.001). This study confirmed that there was a positive association between SSBs consumption and depressive symptoms and a negative association between the duration of physical exercise and depressive symptoms among Tibetan university students at high altitudes in China. In the future, SSBs consumption should be effectively controlled and the duration of physical exercise should be increased to reduce the occurrence of depressive symptoms and promote the physical and mental health of Tibetan university students in high-altitude areas.

Pengaruh Brand Trust dan Brand Loyalty terhadap Repurchase Intention pada Produk Cat Avian di Gresik

. With the development of the era that is increasingly advanced, companies need to make effective marketing plans to excel in business competition. In marketing planning there are several factors that are considered such as Brand Trust and Brand Loyalty that affect Repurchase Intention. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of brand trust and brand loyalty partially and simultaneously on repurchase interest in Avian paint product customers in Gresik. The type of research used in this study is explanatory research. This study uses a quantitative approach. The sample population was 100 consumers of Avian paint products in Gresik. The method used in sampling was non-probability sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The research instrument used a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used was multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the analysis can be concluded that brand trust has a partial effect on repurchase interest; and brand loyalty has a partial effect on repurchase interest; while Brand Trust and Brand Loyalty have a simultaneous effect on Repurchase Interest in Avian Paint Product Customers in Gresik

The Influence of Transformational Leadership and Intrapreneurship Behavior on Innovative Work Behavior in the Business Support Directorate of TIC (Testing, Inspection, Consultation) Companies in Indonesia

This study explores the influence of transformational leadership and intrapreneurship behavior on innovative work behavior within the Business Support Directorate of a TIC (Testing, Inspection, Consultation) company in Indonesia. The organization is undergoing a significant transformation in response to rapid global changes and the need for innovation. Through a quantitative explanatory research approach, data was collected from permanent employees using a total population sampling method. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that both transformational leadership and intrapreneurship behavior positively influence innovative work behavior. In particular, intrapreneurship behavior exhibited a stronger impact. The study highlights the importance of fostering leadership and intrapreneurial qualities to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the TIC industry. The findings offer practical recommendations to enhance organizational innovation, employee engagement, and adaptability for sustainable business success.

Correlational Analysis of Food and Nutrition Literacy and Academic Performance among Intermediate-Level Students

This study aimed to determine the significant relationship between food and nutrition literacy and academic performance among intermediate-level students. Total population sampling was used which included fifty-three respondents. Through non-experimental quantitative descriptive-correlational research technique, validated questionnaire, Mean, and Pearson-Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (Pearson-r); results showed that the level of food and nutrition literacy was high or evident. It was also found out that the level of students’ academic performance was satisfactory. There was a no significant relationship between food and nutrition literacy and students’ academic performance. This means that the level of knowledge and skills about food and nutrition does not have a significant association to the academic performance of the students. In other words, whether a student knows a lot or a little about food and nutrition does not significantly correlate with their grades or academic success. The researchers recommended that teachers continue educating students about food and nutritional concepts, as well as developing academic performance. In addition to that, future researchers may conduct longitudinal studies to track the impact of food and nutrition literacy over time.

Life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction and resilience: when the pleasure of helping others protects veterinary staff from emotional suffering.

Individuals working in veterinary field suffer significantly from mental health problems, and research has extensively focused on psychological and work-related predictors of psychological distress. This study intended to approach psychological distress through a positive lens by investigating the predictive role of life satisfaction on psychological distress in veterinary staff, and the mediating effect of compassion satisfaction, resilience and perceived social support. A total of 868 veterinary staff (i.e. veterinarians, veterinary nurses, veterinary assistants and veterinary administrative staff) completed a web-survey assessing life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction, resilience, and social support. Life satisfaction negatively predicts psychological distress, and compassion satisfaction and resilience showed a mediation effect on the relationship between life satisfaction and psychological distress, with compassion satisfaction explaining 59% and resilience 6.4% of the effect of life satisfaction on psychological distress. Current data support the role of life satisfaction as a protective dimension on psychological distress within a broader sample population of veterinary staff in Portugal, highlighting the role of compassion satisfaction and resilience in contributing in minimising distress among veterinary staff.

Implementation of Digital Transformation and Government Enterprise Architecture in Improving the Performance of Integrated Social Services

This study addresses the subject matter of declining public confidence in local governments in Indonesia, primarily due to issues in public service delivery, highlighting the urgent need for improved integrated social services. The objective is to analyze the mediating effect of enterprise architecture orientation on the influence of environmental turbulence, flexibility strategy, business model innovation, and digital transformation on social service performance in West Java. Methods involved a survey explanatory approach with all 27 social service providers in West Java Province, employing whole population sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and hypothesis testing using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that environmental turbulence, flexibility strategy, business model innovation, and digital transformation significantly impact social service performance when mediated by enterprise architecture orientation. The conclusions suggest that a robust model emphasizing strategic architectural orientation and effective implementation of flexibility, innovation, and digital transformation can enhance social service performance amidst environmental challenges. This study contributes to understanding the complex dynamics of social service provision in local governments, advocating for strategic investments in enterprise architecture and adaptive strategies to improve public service delivery and restore public trust.

Investigating introductory and advanced students’ difficulties with entropy and the second law of thermodynamics using a validated instrument

We use the Survey of Thermodynamic Processes and First and Second Laws-Long (STPFaSL-Long), a research-based survey instrument with 78 items at the level of introductory physics, to investigate introductory and advanced students’ difficulties with entropy and the second law of thermodynamics. We present an analysis of data from 12 different introductory and advanced physics classes at four different higher education public institutions in the United States in which the survey was administered in person to more than 1000 students. We find that a widespread unproductive tendency for introductory students to associate the properties of entropy with those of energy leads to many errors based on an idea of “conservation of entropy,” in which entropy increases are balanced by equal entropy decreases. For many of the more advanced students (calculus based and upper level), we detect a tendency to expect entropy increases even in processes in which the entropy does change. We observed a widespread failure to correctly apply the relationship ΔS=Qreversible/T, either by using it for processes to which it does not apply or by applying it incorrectly or completely neglecting it in reversible processes to which it does apply. We also noted that many introductory students are simply not aware that total entropy must increase in any “spontaneous” heat transfer process. Students at all levels were very frequently found to be confused that while net entropy (system+reservoir) in reversible isothermal processes does not change, the entropy of the working substance itself does indeed increase or decrease depending on whether the process is an expansion or compression. Our findings are broadly consistent with prior research findings in this area, expanding upon them and revealing previously unreported aspects of students’ thinking. Moreover, our results reflect several new problem contexts in addition to those reported in prior research, and our sample population includes large numbers of both introductory and advanced students. Our detailed findings related to common student difficulties with entropy and the second law of thermodynamics before and after traditional instruction in college physics courses can potentially help instructors of these courses improve student understanding of these concepts. These findings can also be valuable for developing effective research-based curricula and pedagogies to reduce student difficulties and help students develop a solid grasp of these fundamental thermodynamic concepts. Published by the American Physical Society 2024