Sample Survey Research Articles

Stay, leave late, leave early, return, or move onward? Interprovincial migration decisions of older adults in China, 2000–2005 and 2010–2015

AbstractExisting studies on the migration of older adults in China have tended to treat older migration as a one‐off activity and have failed to investigate the multiple processes involved. Based on the microdata samples of the 1% national population sample surveys in 2005 and 2015, this study examines the effect of regional and personal attributes on older adults' two‐phase migration decisions. In the first phase, older adults decide whether to leave the province of household registration, while in the second phase, they decide to stay in the same province, return to the province of household registration, or move onward to a new province. In the first phase of migration, older adults' decisions were affected by several regional amenities, including medical services, public green areas, air pollution, and temperature differences. In the second phase of migration, older adults who had decided to remain in the first phase tended to leave provinces with a lower cost of living, fewer public green areas, and more extreme temperature differences. Older adults who, in the first phase, had moved to a new province with fewer medical services, more severe air pollution, and larger temperature differences were more likely to return to their province of household registration in the second phase in 2000‐2005, while those residing in provinces with more extreme temperature differences tended to move onward to a new province in 2010‐2015. This study enhances our understanding of the heterogeneity of older migration in China by disentangling the complexity of multiple migration processes.

Food-Related Online Media (Mukbang and Cookbang) Exposure and Dietary Risk Behaviors in Korean Adolescents

BackgroundStudies have shown that prolonged smartphone use is associated with dietary risk behaviors among adolescents. However, little is known about whether the exposure to food-related online media contents, such as mukbang (eating broadcast) and cookbang (cooking broadcast), is associated with unhealthy dietary behaviors, independent of overall duration of smartphone use. ObjectivesThis study investigated the associations between the frequency of mukbang/cookbang watching and dietary risk behaviors among Korean adolescents, using nationally representative survey data. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we examined the data from 50,044 middle and high school students in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey 2022. Participants reported their frequency of mukbang/cookbang watching, mean duration of smartphone use, frequency of breakfast eating, frequency of nighttime eating, and intakes of fast foods, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and high-caffeine drinks. We performed multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between mukbang/cookbang watching and dietary risk behaviors, accounting for complex survey sampling and adjusting for potential confounders. ResultsFrequent mukbang/cookbang watching (≥5 times/wk compared with never) was positively associated with dietary risk behaviors, including frequent breakfast skipping (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.28), frequent nighttime eating (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.33, 1.54), and frequent intakes of fast foods (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.58, 1.80), SSBs (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.66), and high-caffeine drinks (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.33, 1.50), adjusting for duration of smartphone use. All mukbang/cookbang viewers, including those who perceived that mukbang/cookbang videos had “no influence” on their dietary behavior, had higher prevalence of dietary risk behaviors than nonviewers (perceived “no influence” compared with nonviewers—OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.26, breakfast skipping; OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.24, nighttime eating; OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.50, fast foods; OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.38, SSBs; OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.37, high-caffeine drinks). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that frequent mukbang/cookbang watching may be associated with unhealthy dietary behaviors among Korean adolescents.

Financial literacy and investment returns: The moderating effect of education level

The purpose of this research is to explore the far-reaching implications of financial literacy for investment returns. Employing a large-scale sample survey in China during 2011 to 2021, we find strong evidence that financial literacy enhances investment returns. Moreover, this positive relationship is enlarged by the education level. This research highlights the importance of financial literacy and education in facilitating investment returns. The finding of this research provides valuable guidance for individuals and policymakers.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence in New Zealand women from the cross-sectional Sexual and Reproductive Health module of the New Zealand Health Survey 2014/2015.

To describe urinary incontinence prevalence for New Zealand women. The New Zealand Health Survey Adult Sexual and Reproductive Health module 2014/2015 was used to estimate urinary incontinence prevalence. Associations between urinary incontinence and age, body mass index (BMI), parity and ethnicity were estimated by logistic regression adjusted for sampling weights. There were 2,472/5,685 (43.5%) of women aged between and 16 and 74 who responded to the urinary incontinence question and reported at least some incontinence. The sample survey weight-adjusted prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 41.7% (40.0-43.4). An increased prevalence of incontinence was seen with older age, increased BMI and greater parity. The association between BMI and parity was complex, with the lower prevalence with lower BMI attenuated with increasing parity. After adjustment for these variables there was no association with incontinence prevalence for Māori versus non-Māori or European versus non-European. Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent in New Zealand women. There was no association with ethnicity after adjusting for older age, increased BMI and parity. The prevalence identified in the New Zealand Health Survey is higher than that reported in older surveys based on the electoral roll.

Drag force and filtration performance of square-frame ichthyoplankton sampling net

A constant-depth ichthyoplankton sampler (CDIS) is widely employed for quantitative sampling surveys, yet challenges related to sampling distortion due to unstable tows of the CDIS persist. The drag force of the square-frame sampling net is pivotal in maintaining the dynamic stability of the CDIS during horizontal towing. This study delves into the hydrodynamics and filtration performance of square-frame sampling nets through flume-tank experiments and numerical simulations. The results show that the drag coefficient for the square-frame ichthyoplankton sampling net initially decreases and then increases as the solidity ratio rises from 0.3 to 0.7. It becomes greater as the net length becomes shorter and the net mouth area becomes larger. A response model for the drag force for the square-frame sampling net is proposed that is capable of accurate predictions. The results also reveal that the flow decelerates at the net mouth and gradually accelerates in the posterior section of the net, and the filtration efficiency increases as the net length and mouth area increase but decreases slightly as the solidity ratio increases. Our study provides vital scientific data for reference and methodologies for designing or modifying a square-frame CDIS, fostering enhanced stability and accuracy in ichthyoplankton surveys.

Is gravidity associated with COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in Jamaica?

In 2021, Jamaica's maternal mortality ratio doubled as a result of COVID-19-related deaths. Yet, COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant Jamaican women remained low. In the United States, COVID-19 vaccination is lower among pregnant women who have had multiple pregnancies (multigravidas) versus women who were pregnant for the first time (primigravidas). We examined whether this pattern exists in Jamaica. A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 79 pregnant Jamaican women recruited from a teaching hospital (May-July 2022) was used to assess self-reported COVID-19 vaccination and medical mistrust beliefs-operationalized as low vaccine confidence, government mistrust, and race-based mistrust-by gravidity. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for vaccination by gravidity, adjusting for age, education, and comorbidities. Thirty-nine (49%) of the participants were multigravidas. Socioeconomic status was similar between multigravidas and primigravidas. COVID-19 vaccination was lower in multigravidas (46%) than primigravidas (75%) after adjusting for age, education, and comorbidities (aPR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.46-0.99; p = 0.044). Vaccine confidence was lower in multigravidas (p = 0.044). Government mistrust and race-based mistrust did not differ between the two groups. In Jamaica, multigravidas may have lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake and lower vaccine confidence compared with primigravidas. Understanding the distinct needs of pregnant subpopulations is essential for crafting effective maternal vaccination campaigns.

Discriminating populations of Atlantic herring mixing in the Norwegian Sea feeding ground using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)

Atlantic herring Clupea harengus feeding in the Norwegian Sea are assumed to consist of Norwegian spring spawners (NSSH), Icelandic summer spawners (ISSH) and North Sea autumn spawners (NSAH). Putative Norwegian autumn spawners (NASH), Faroese autumn (FASH) and spring (FSSH) spawners also feed in the area. However, until there is a method to discriminate between populations in mixed samples, fishery and survey data from the Norwegian Sea will be solely attributed to the predominating NSSH, ultimately causing biased stock assessments. Hence, we evaluated if a panel of 120 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with spawning characteristics and salinity preferences would be an effective discrimination tool. The overall observed levels of genetic differentiation were high (FST = 0.57, p <0.001, 95% CI: 0.51-0.62). Spawners from stocks under current management (NSSH, NSAH and ISSH) were well separated, but the putative populations were not. Discriminant analysis of principal component as well as Structure runs confirmed the differentiation observed with FST. When the SNP panels were tested on commercial fishery samples of NSSH east of Iceland, up to 16% were assigned to ISSH. This implies that catch data are seriously biased and demonstrates the potential of SNP panels as a tool to solve the problem. However, work is needed to develop improved SNP panels that effectively separate the putative populations from the managed stocks. We recommend that such a tool should be established in regular sampling of fishery and surveys in the Norwegian Sea and accounted for in future stock assessments, advice and management.

On Bootstrap Algorithms in Survey Sampling

Objective: The aim of this paper is to present bootstrap algorithms for measuring the accuracy of estimation and prediction in design-based and model-based approaches in survey sampling and small area estimation. Three proposals of prediction-mean squared error estimators are also examined. Research Design & Methods: Various bootstrap procedures are shown and used to estimate the design- and prediction-mean squared errors based on real data. Computations are supported by two R packages. Findings: Three prediction-mean squared error estimators are proposed. Implications / Recommendations: The bootstrap algorithms used in the design-based approach give similar results for the considered data for the variance estimates of the considered estimator, implying that the speed of the algorithms may be important for practitioners in cases of similar properties. The proposed estimators of the prediction mean squared error produce higher estimates than other estimators in the model-based approach, indicating a positive bias that can be interpreted as a pessimistic accuracy estimate. Contribution: All the presented bootstrap algorithms are easily applicable using two R packages available at R CRAN and GitHub. Three double bootstrap prediction-MSE estimators are proposed and analysed in the real-data application.

Integrating endogeneity in survey sampling using instrumental-variable calibration estimator

The endogeneity problem arises when the auxiliary variables correlate to the error terms. In such cases, appropriate instrumental variables ensure efficient estimation. Calibration has recognized itself as an important methodological tool at a large scale to estimate the population total in survey sampling. Which does not offer efficient estimation in the presence of endogeneity. When endogeneity is present in the auxiliary variables, the calibration using endogenous auxiliary variables may produce biasedness and increase variance due to inappropriate model assumptions. In this article, we propose instrumental-variable calibrated estimators by using the classical instrumental-variables approach for the case of exact identification that are more efficient than conventional calibration estimators when some auxiliary variables are endogenous. The necessary properties of the proposed estimators are presented. Our study is backed by both the simulation study and a real data example to check the performance of the proposed estimators.

Impact of Patient Age on Management of Hypothyroidism: A Survey of Physicians from Three Developing Regions

Abstract Background The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels increase with age, and aiming for the same TSH target applicable in a younger population in older patients who are on replacement with thyroid hormones. Methods We assessed practice patterns regarding TSH goals and explored factors influencing physicians' decision-making when managing hypothyroidism. Multiple-choice questions in a case-based survey of a convenience sample of physicians practicing in relevant disciplines in three developing regions. Results Of the total 286, senior physicians represented 63% and mid-grades represented 27% of the respondents. Forty-one percent were endocrinologists, 19% were internists with endocrine interests, and 16% were family physicians. Over half (52%) practiced at a tertiary level and 42% had been in practice for over 20 years. Fifty percent of respondents had more than 20% of their patients over 65 years.Several attributes were factored into decision-making when managing hypothyroidism. Respondents took into account age (75%), preceded by the presence of cardiac arrhythmias (80%), pregnancy (79%), heart disease (78%), and patient symptoms (77%) when determining the treatment strategy. When presented with scenarios differing in patients' age, around 90% of physicians targeted a TSH ≤ 3.0 mIU/L in 30-year-old patients. Fifteen percent of respondents targeted a TSH of 1.6 to 3.0 mIU/L in octogenarians, but 78% targeted a TSH > 3.1 to 5.0 mIU/L in this group. Regardless of sex, physician-reported TSH goal ranges (0.1–0.5, 0.6–1.5, 1.6–3.0, and 3.1–5.0 mIU/L) increased directly to patient age. Overall, respondents were less inclined to start treatment in 85-year-olds than in 70-year-old females with TSH of 6 mU/L (20% vs. 11%). Females with a TSH of 15 mU/L were more likely to get treated than those with a 6 mU/L TSH. Vital persons are more likely to be treated with thyroxine than vulnerable persons for the same TSH levels. Multivariate analysis showed that compared with endocrinologists, family physicians and other specialties were less likely to consider age in their clinical decisions, odds ratio (OR) 0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1–0.7), p = 0.018, and OR 0.3 (95% CI 0.1–0.8), p = 0.013, respectively. Conclusion A consensus is needed on the role of patients' age in hypothyroidism management, the complexity of managing hypothyroidism in an older adult patient, and the variability in practice patterns among physicians. Addressing these challenges demands ongoing dialogue and collaboration among health care providers to improve patient care and outcomes in hypothyroidism management across different age groups.

S24 - Domestic Cannabis Cultivation: Results of the Georgian (country) Sample of the Transnational Online Survey of Cannabis Growers

S24 - Domestic Cannabis Cultivation: Results of the Georgian (country) Sample of the Transnational Online Survey of Cannabis Growers

The value of home-uroflowmetry in evaluation of voiding function in children with overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) in children is clinically common and seriously affects the physical and mental health of children. The voiding frequency (VF) is an important basis for the diagnosis of OAB. The emergence of home-uroflowmetry (HUF) has allowed the patients to record the VF while recording the uroflowmetry at home, and the voiding at home can show the real voiding situation. However, the use of HUF to assess OAB in children and its clinical significance has not been reported in the literature. Thus, this study investigate the value of HUF in evaluation of voiding function in children with OAB and survey the VF of healthy children in Mainland China. From May 2021 to July 2023, 52 children with OAB aged 7-10 years, 48 age-matched volunteers (control group) accepted HUF. Daytime VF and nighttime VF, voided volume (VV) per time, 24-h voided volume (24h-VV), maximum flow rate (Qmax), voiding time (VT), and uroflow pattern were recorded and compute corrected maximum urine flow rate (cQmax). VF in 600 health pupils (7-10 years) from five primary schools in Henan Province China were selected for questionnaire survey by cross-sectional survey and multi-stage sampling methods. 52 children with OAB and 48 healthy children completed the available 48-h HUF recordings. 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime VF, and cQmax were higher in the OAB group than in the control group (P<0.05). However, average VV, Qmax, and VT were lower in the OAB group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in 24h-VV between two groups (P>0.05). A total of 502 questionnaires qualified for statistical analysis, and the 24h-VF was 6.3±0.95 times, daytime VF was 5.6±0.89 times, and nighttime VF was 0.7±0.59 times. There was no significant difference in the comparison of 24-h, daytime, and nighttime VF between boys and girls and in the comparison of VF by age (P>0.05). Compared with the results of the questionnaire, the difference of VF in HUF control group was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The VF in children is similar to that of adults and the HUF is a useful tool with the ability to more realistically record changes in voiding function in children with OAB.

Determinants associated with internet gaming disorder in female medical students: a logistic regression analysis using a random sampling survey

BackgroundInternet gaming disorder (IGD) is a momentously growing issue of all ages, and medical students are not immune from the ever-increasing online gaming vogue. The Indian context is little comprehended, necessitating further research on the magnitude and variables. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk variables of IGD among female medical students. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2023 on 512 female (a calculated sample size) medical undergraduate students enrolled in a tertiary center located in a rural area of North India. A stratified random sampling technique was used to choose the participants. The study included a semi-structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic and personal details and gaming characteristics. It also includes a standardized tool, i.e., the Gaming Disorder and Hazardous Gaming Scale (GDHGS) to assess the outcome. The Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the determinants of the dependent variable.ResultsAmong the participants, only 236 (46.1%) were identified as gamers. The mean age of the gamers was 21.09 (SD = 1.65) years. Among the gamers, around 31 (13.1%) medical undergraduate students had IGD. The Binary logistic regression analysis identified a few significant determinants of IGD such as dissatisfaction with academic performance (COR = 24.8), playing internet games for more than 2 h per day (COR = 5.9), playing paid games (COR = 2.8), and playing games daily (COR = 4.99).ConclusionIGD is highly prevalent among professional medical college students, and its propensity is linked with poor academic performance, using paid games, and spending long hours and days on gaming. Thus, administrators should identify at-risk students and help them in seeking therapy.

Characteristics of astigmatism in school-age children aged 5 to 13 years in northeast Sichuan: a cross-sectional school-based study.

Astigmatism is closely associated with myopia progression, vision loss, eye fatigue and amblyopia, which seriously endangers children's eye health. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristic distribution of astigmatism in children in Langzhong City, providing valuable insights for allocating resources and develop prevention and control strategies. A cross-sectional study and random sampling survey were conducted. Between January and November 2021, 21,415 students aged 5 to 13 years from 14 primary schools in Langzhong City underwent non-cycloplegic refractive testing using autorefraction. The data on myopia were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 23.0. The inclusion criterion was set at an absolute astigmatism value of ≥0.50D. Among the 21,415 children studied, 61.70% were found to have astigmatism. The prevalence of astigmatism varied significantly across different grades (χ2=501.414, P<0.001). The predominant types of astigmatism were mild astigmatism (0.50-1.00D) and with-the-rule astigmatism. Mixed astigmatism was primarily observed in children in grades 1 and 2, while compound myopic astigmatism was more common in children in grades 3 to 6. These differences were statistically significant. As the degree of astigmatism increased, the proportions of against-the-rule astigmatism, oblique astigmatism, compound myopic astigmatism, and simple hyperopic astigmatism decreased, whereas the proportions of with-the-rule astigmatism, mixed astigmatism, and compound hyperopic astigmatism increased. The prevalence of astigmatism among school-age children aged 5 to 13 years in northeast Sichuan is notably high, with compound myopic astigmatism and with-the-rule astigmatism being the most common types. Regular refractive examinations are crucial for the early detection and management of astigmatism.

Assessment of ecological and public health risks associated with heavy metals on farmland in Wonosobo Regency, Indonesia

The deposition of metallic substances on farmland is of critical importance owing to its possible detrimental impacts on the surroundings and human wellness. Heavy metals can adversely affect the physicochemical properties of soil and plant health. Prolonged exposure to heavy metals in humans can lead to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The present research intended to determine the dispersion condition of toxic metals on cropland and assess the attendant environmental and health dangers in the Wonosobo Regency. This study used a soil sample survey encompassing 312 soil sampling sites. The completed analyses comprise geographical analysis, index of geo-accumulation (IG), contamination index (CI), Nemerow comprehensive contamination index (NCCI), risk analysis, and health risk analysis. The research findings reveal that cadmium material is the primary contributor to contamination from heavy metals in farmland in Wonosobo Regency, as shown by IG analysis. The CI and environmental hazards assessments suggest considerable pollution levels. Kids are more prone to illnesses than adults due to their daily intake amount, so it is necessary to pay more attention to the daily intake sources in children to minimize exposure to heavy metals.

Prevalence and pattern of multimorbidity in China: a cross-sectional study of 224,142 adults over 60 years old.

To examine the prevalence and potential risk factors of multimorbidity among older adult in China. In addition, we investigated the pattern of multimorbidity. This study is based on data from the fourth Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban and Rural China (SSAPUR) in 2015, a comprehensive survey of individuals aged 60 years or older in China. We calculated baseline data and prevalence rates for comorbidities, stratified by household registration, age, sex, education, exercise, and health insurance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for comorbidities. Furthermore, we determined the prevalence rates for the three most frequent disease combinations. A total of 215,040 participants were included in our analysis. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 50.5% among the older adult in China. The prevalence rate was slightly higher in rural areas than in urban areas, with rates of 51.5 and 49.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Moreover, the prevalence rate was higher in females than in males, with rates of 55.2 and 45.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals aged 70-79 years (OR:1.40, 95% CI: 1.38-1.43, p < 0.001) and over 80 years (OR:1.41, 95% CI: 1.38-1.45, p < 0.001) had a higher prevalence of multimorbidity than those aged 60-69 years. The most prevalent pair of comorbidities was hypertension and osteoarthropathy, with 19.6% of the participants having these two conditions, accounting for 5.4% of the total participants. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of multimorbidity among the older adult in China. Increased expenditure on preventive health care, popularization of general medicine and popular medical education may be adopted by the Government to cope with the high prevalence of multimorbidity.

Relationship between dietary risk factors and sedentary recreational screen time among school-age children in grades 4-6 in Baise City from 2018 to 2019

To explore the relationship between dietary risk factors and sedentary recreational screen time of adolescents. A total of 6363 pupils of Grades 4-6 from 6 primary schools in Baise were recruited with cluster-sampling method from Sep.2018 to Nov.2019. Participants were asked to report the average duration of watching television, digital devices use, intakes of sugar-sweetened beverage(SSB), snacks, fast-food, soymilk/milk product, skipping breakfast, and frequency of fruit/vegetable. We performed multivariable logistic regression to estimate OR and 95%CI for the relations between duration of sedentary recreational screen time and dietary risk factors, accounting for complex survey sampling and adjusting for potential confounders. (1)Both prolonged watching television and leisure-time digital devices use were associated with high intakes of SSBs, snacks, and low intakes of fruits and vegetables. And compared with &lt;2 h/d, two kinds of screen-time(&gt;4 h/d) was associated with significantly higher odds for intakes of fast food(watching television: OR=2.551;leisure-time digital devices use: OR=3.024), and frequent breakfast skipping(watching television: OR=1.646;leisure-time digital devices use: OR=1.674). (2)Compared with the reference groups(&lt;2 h/d), participants spending more time per day on sedentary recreational screen time were more likely to drink sugar-sweetened beverages(OR=1.717-3.272), consume snacks(OR=1.626-3.154)and less likely to consume fruit/vegetable(OR=1.526-2.251). Compared to ≤2 h/d, estimated ORs of high intakes of fast food were 2.118 for&gt;3 h/d of screen time, and 2.357 for &gt;4 h/d. Increased television viewing and digital devices use in adolescence of Grades 4-6 is associated with higher odds of consumption of sweetened beverages, snacks and lower odds of fruit consumption in Baise.

A Parallel Mediation Analysis of Behavioral Constructs Linking Intention-to-Use Technology to Performance Outcomes Among Pharmaceutical Executives

Managers in organizations are at a crossroads in understanding how behavioral intention to use technology influences employee performance. In the technology acceptance model, behavioral intention is a precursor to actual system use. However, there is inadequate information on how this intention indirectly impacts performance among employees in pharmaceutical organizations. Intuitively, behavioral mechanisms (job satisfaction, conscientiousness, self-efficacy, perceived relevance) should transform technology use into desired outcomes and serve as explanatory links between behavioral intention and technology performance. Using the theoretical lens of the technology acceptance model, reasoned action, and contingency theories, this study explored the mechanisms linking behavioral intention to technology performance among pharmaceutical executives. A web-based survey of a random sample of 282 pharmaceutical executives was conducted using a self-administered Google Forms questionnaire. Data was analyzed using variance-based structural equation modeling in ADANCO software, controlling for job-based demographics. All independent variables in the model significantly explained the variance in the dependent variable, technology performance. Perceived relevance was the only substantial linkage between behavioral intention and technology performance. The study confirmed that perceived relevance is an important mediator between behavioral intention and technology performance. To enhance performance, managers should adopt strategies that enhance job satisfaction, conscientiousness, self-efficacy, and perceived relevance. Ensuring appropriate technology deployment, adequate employee education, and targeted training are crucial for enhancing these mediating effects. The study contributes to the existing literature by recommending the inclusion of perceived relevance as a mediating link in the technology acceptance model.

Environmental DNA for monitoring the impact of offshore wind farms on fish and invertebrate community structures

AbstractTo reach the renewable energy targets set by the European Commission, a tenfold expansion of the installed offshore wind farms is needed. Since the construction of offshore wind farms may affect local soft‐sediment fauna, an efficient monitoring technique is needed to monitor the potential effects on the marine ecosystem. Here, we assess whether eDNA metabarcoding is a suitable alternative to monitor fish and epibenthos biodiversity in these difficult to access marine habitats. Water sampling and trawl surveys were conducted in parallel in 12 coastal and 18 offshore sites, the latter located inside and outside two offshore wind farms in the Belgian part of the North Sea. 12S eDNA metabarcoding retrieved 85.7% of the fish species caught in the beam trawls, whereas the COI eDNA metabarcoding only identified 31.4% of the epibenthic invertebrate species. Furthermore, the 12S marker resulted in an additional detection of 26 unique fish species, whereas the COI marker detected an additional 90 invertebrate species. Spatial patterns in alpha diversity recovered with eDNA metabarcoding were not significantly different from those observed with morphological determination. Significant differences were found in fish and invertebrate community structures between the coastal, transition and offshore zones as well as on the smaller wind farm scales, which agreed with the morphological beam trawl data. Indicator species found with morphological beam trawl monitoring for each of the three zones (coastal, transition, offshore) were also detected with 12S eDNA metabarcoding, and the latter method detected an additional 31 indicator species. Our findings show the need for adequate quality control of the obtained species lists and reveal that 12S eDNA metabarcoding analyses offers a useful survey tool for the monitoring of fish communities in offshore wind farms, but the used COI assay did not adequately capture the epibenthic communities as observed with beam trawl data.

Pengaruh Kemahiran Literasi Media dalam Konteks Pengundi Muda Baharu di Malaysia

The Influence of Political Information Processing Skills among New Young Voters in Malaysia ABSTRACT: The eligible voters age limit from 21 years to 18 years and triggered the issue of political participation readiness among new young voters in Malaysia. This study claims that media literacy skills from political information process dimension influence the political participation readiness. This study aims to evaluate the influence of media literacy skills from political information process dimension towards political participation readiness. There are seven political information process skills that are verified such as analysis, evaluation, grouping, induction, deduction, synthesis and abstract. By using survey and simple random sampling towards 547 respondents aged 18 to 26 years, this study, strategize data collection to represent the population of new young voters in Malaysia. The map of Malaysia is divided into North, South, East, West and Borneo Zones covering urban and rural areas. This study reported that the skills of induction, deduction and synthesis have positive influence towards political participation readiness among new young voters in Malaysia. However, the skills of analysis, evaluation, grouping and abstracting do not have any significant influence. This study suggests a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports with the Malaysian Election Commission, the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Digital in the National Service Training Program (PLKN). This initiative is expected increase the level of political participation readiness among new young voters in Malaysia. Keywords: Media literacy, new young voters, political information processing skills, political participation, voting.