Scores In Component Research Articles

Medium- and Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 in a Population of Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: Cognitive and Psychological Sequelae and Quality of Life Six Months and One Year after Discharge.

Most researchers have assessed cognitive functions in post-COVID-19 patients by means of screening tools and found cognitive sequelae in addition to anxiety, stress, depression, and a reduced quality of life (QoL). This study was aimed at investigating cognitive and psychological sequelae in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) six months (t6) and one year (t12) after discharge from the hospital, the impact of critical illness on well-being and QoL, and the protective role of cognitive reserve (CR). Twenty-three ICU patients underwent an extensive neuropsychological test battery at t6 and t12; a healthy control group underwent the same evaluation. Patient scores were compared with control scores: patients reported significantly lower scores in visual-spatial functions, both at t6 (U = 122; p = 0.033) and at t12 (U = 70; p = 0.003), and higher levels of anxiety (U = 126; p = 0.043) and depression (U = 97; p = 0.005) at t6; the levels of anxiety decreased at t12, while only depression symptoms persisted (U = 99.5; p = 0.025). Regarding the QoL, patients obtained lower scores in the physical component of QoL, both at t6 (U = 72; p = 0.008) and at t12 (U = 56.5; p = 0.005). Few and moderate correlations emerged between isolated cognitive functions and CR and the length of hospital stay. The results suggest a prevalent visual-spatial involvement, the medium- and long-term persistence of psychological sequelae, and a reduced QoL in ICU patients.

Association between Dietary Quality and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Korean Adults: A Nationwide, Population-Based Study Using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (2013-2021).

This study explored the relationship between the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This cross-sectional study included 34,174 Korean adults. The KHEI was composed of three subcomponents (adequacy, moderation, and energy balance) and calculated based on a 24 h dietary recall. The total score ranged from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a greater adherence to the Korean dietary guidelines. The total KHEI scores were categorized into quartiles (Q1-Q4). NAFLD was classified using the hepatic steatosis index. Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The adjusted OR (95% CI) of NAFLD was 0.95 (0.87-1.03) for the Q2 group, 0.90 (0.83-0.98) for the Q3 group, and 0.79 (0.72-0.87) for the Q4 group, compared with the Q1 group. Among the subcomponents of the KHEI, individuals with high scores in the adequacy component, characterized by an abundant consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, exhibited the most pronounced association with NAFLD. A higher KHEI score was negatively associated with NAFLD in Korean adults. Therefore, the promotion of healthy dietary patterns can play a beneficial role in the prevention or management of NAFLD.

An Exploration of Predictors of English Scores in an Admission Examination: Research Notes from the Turkish Context

This study aimed to identify the predictors of the short answer scores in the English component of a private high school entrance exam. A purposive of 390 high school students were drawn from the student body who took the admission exam of a private co-educational high school implementing two international programs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education and International Baccalaureate Diploma Program) along with the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) program. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the predictors of English scores in the school admission examination. A statistically significant and moderate relationship was found between the scores in English and Mathematics scores in this admission exam conducted in a school located in eastern Turkey. The study is significant as it was conducted in a Turkish context using an admission assessment test for the first time. The findings yield important implications for practice for educators, practitioners, and curriculum policymakers.

Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Survivors in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study.

Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a major concern among breast cancer survivors. Little is known about HRQO and its determinants in Saudi women with breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to describe the HRQOL of Saudi women with breast cancer and the association between HRQO and sociodemographic and clinical variables. This cross-sectional study involved 147 BC participants who completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Multivariable linear logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with HRQOL. For the physical component scale, general health scored the highest (55.41±17.99) while, role physical function scored the lowest (48.61±22.51). The mean scores in the mental component were higher for social function (56.91±20.84), while the lowest score was observed for energy and vitality (49.62±20.84). Significant differences were observed in many SF-36 domains across the sociodemographic and clinical variables. Older age, having had a mastectomy as well as comorbid conditions, and receiving chemotherapy and hormonal therapy were associated with decreased HRQOL. However, being physically active, employed, and having more education were associated with higher HRQOL. HRQOL is generally poor among breast cancer survivors in Saudi Arabia, depending on a variety of factors. These findings highlight the need for routine QOL assessment. Furthermore, recognizing these predictors may play a key role in maximizing HRQOL for breast cancer participants.

Adherence to the EAT-Lancet Dietary Recommendations for a Healthy and Sustainable Diet—The Case of the Brazuca Natal Study

Background: The “EAT-Lancet Commission Summary Report” commission remodeled the concept of healthy and sustainable diets by proposing a “diet for the Anthropocene”, encouraging the development of indices that measure adherence to sustainable diets with a planetary scope. We aimed to report the adherence of adults and elderly people in a northeastern Brazilian capital to the EAT-Lancet recommendations. Methods: We used data from 411 participants in the population-based study. The dietary data were collected with Globodiet, over a standardized 24 h. The diet sustainability data were verified using the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI). A Pearson correlation test verified the correlation between the PHDI and the independent variables. We conducted linear regression models that were adjusted for potential confounding variables to examine the correlation between the adherence to the PHDI and the independent variables. Results: The mean total score for the adherence to the PHDI was 29.4 points in a score with a possible range from 0 to 150. Regarding the component scores, the highest scores in the adequacy component were for fruits, followed by legumes and vegetables, while the lowest scores in the moderation group were for animal fat and red meat. We observed, in the final model, that the explanatory variables for the PHDI were being male and not consuming alcohol, which were directly related to the PHDI, while having 1 to 9 years of study and being food insecure were indirectly related to the score. Conclusions: Our results showed a low adherence to a sustainable eating pattern, far from the EAT-Lancet recommendations.

Influence of the timing of biological treatment initiation on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis long-term outcomes

BackgroundJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treatment is aimed at inducing remission to prevent joint destruction and disability. However, it is unclear what is the long-term impact on health-related outcomes of the timing of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) initiation in JIA. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term impact of the time between JIA onset and the initiation of a bDMARD in achieving clinical remission, on physical disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsAdult JIA patients registered in the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register (Reuma.pt) and ever treated with bDMARD were included. Data regarding socio-demographic, JIA-related characteristics, disease activity, physical disability (HAQ-DI), HRQoL (SF-36), and treatments were collected at the last visit. Patients were divided into 3 groups (≤ 2 years, 2–5 years, or > 5 years), according to the time from disease onset to bDMARD initiation. Regression models were obtained considering remission on/off medication, HAQ-DI, SF-36, and joint surgeries as outcomes and time from disease onset to bDMARD start as an independent variable.ResultsThree hundred sixty-one adult JIA patients were evaluated, with a median disease duration of 20.3 years (IQR 12.1; 30.2). 40.4% had active disease, 35.1% were in remission on medication, and 24.4% were in drug-free remission; 71% reported some degree of physical disability. Starting a bDMARD > 5 years after disease onset decreased the chance of achieving remission off medication (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.06, 0.92; p = 0.038). Patients who started a bDMARD after 5 years of disease onset had a higher HAQ and worse scores in the physical component, vitality, and social function domains of SF-36, and more joint surgeries when compared to an earlier start.ConclusionLater initiation of bDMARDs in JIA is associated with a greater physical disability, worse HRQoL, and lower chance of drug-free remission in adulthood.

Associations between basic motor competencies and physical fitness in Spanish pre-schoolers: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundBasic motor competencies (BMC) play a vital role in child development and are a primary focus of physical education. However, there is a lack of research on BMC in preschool-aged children, making this study particularly significant. The present study aims to examine the relationship between BMC and physical fitness components in Spanish preschool children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 children (n = 52 boys, average age of 4.80 years) living in Pamplona, North Spain. Components of physical fitness (handgrip strength, standing long jump, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) were assessed using the PREFIT Battery. Overall physical fitness was computed from the four selected fitness components separately for boys and girls. Higher z-scores values in physical fitness indicate better fitness performance. To assess BMC, the MOBAK KG test battery was applied (subscales of object control and self-movement). Sex, age, and body mass index were used as main confounders.ResultsAfter adjustment for confounding factors, the BMC was positively associated with single (z-scores) components and overall physical fitness sum of z-scores (R2 from 0.178 to 0.469, all P-values < 0.05). Additional percentile scores weakened the associations, but they still remained significant (R2 from 0.146 to 0.337, all P-values < 0.05). Compared with participants in the lowest tertile, those in the highest tertile of the MOBAK KG sum score, and in both object movement and self-movement test subscales had significantly higher scores in single fitness component (z-scores or percentile) and overall physical fitness sum of z-scores (all P for trend < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results revealed that higher BMC is associated with better physical fitness in Spanish preschool children. The findings emphasize the crucial role that basic motor competence plays in promoting physical activity in preschool children.

Melatonin for Huntington Disease (HD) Gene Carriers with HD-Related Sleep Disturbance - a Pilot Study (P1-11.013)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To evaluate the efficacy of exogenous melatonin in improving sleep quality in Huntington disease (HD) gene carriers. <h3>Background:</h3> Various sleep disorders have been identified in HD. Low melatonin levels might explain disrupted circadian behavior in HD [1]. There is evidence of improvement in sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in individuals receiving melatonin [2]. This is the first study evaluating the efficacy of melatonin in HD. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, proof of concept study. HD gene carriers with a PSQI ≥5 and stable medications for the past 2 months were recruited from the UTHealth, Houston HDSA Center of Excellence. The PSQI, HD Sleep Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and UHDRSc were administered. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the data. <h3>Results:</h3> We enrolled 15 patients (mean age 47.5 years, 46% female), 73% white, 13% African American, and 13% Hispanic. As expected, both melatonin and placebo groups showed significant differences in the PSQI-6 since they were taking medications for sleep. Interestingly, compared to baseline the melatonin group had significantly improved scores in the HD Sleep Questionnaire, and increased scores in the improvement component of the CGI. No differences were noted in the HADS or ESS. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> This pilot study in HD gene carriers demonstrates a potential benefit of melatonin for sleep disturbances. Consistent with previous data in other neurodegenerative diseases, melatonin can positively impact sleep quality. Analysis of other variables including changes in BMI, subcomponents of the UHDRS, and measures of quality of life will be forthcoming. Future studies that use objective assessments such as polysomnogram or actigraphy, a larger sample size, and differentiating between disease stages might provide valuable information regarding the utility of melatonin in HD. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Patino Murillas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zadegan has nothing to disclose. Natalia Pessoa Rocha has nothing to disclose. An immediate family member of Dr. Karagas has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Thirty Madison. An immediate family member of Dr. Karagas has received personal compensation in the range of $100,000-$499,999 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for Thirty Madison. An immediate family member of Dr. Karagas has stock in Thirty Madison. Mr. Tanigaki has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Duncan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Furr-Stimming has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Teva Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Furr-Stimming has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Michael J. Fox Foundation. Dr. Furr-Stimming has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Teva Pharmaceuticals. The institution of Dr. Furr-Stimming has received research support from Cures within Reach. The institution of Dr. Furr-Stimming has received research support from Huntington’s Disease Society of America. The institution of Dr. Furr-Stimming has received research support from Roche/Genetech. The institution of Dr. Furr-Stimming has received research support from Uniqure. The institution of Dr. Furr-Stimming has received research support from CHDI. The institution of Dr. Furr-Stimming has received research support from Huntington Study Group/Neurocrine. The institution of Dr. Furr-Stimming has received research support from NIH/University of Iowa. The institution of Dr. Furr-Stimming has received research support from Sage Therapeutics. Dr. Furr-Stimming has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.

A study to assess students’ performance in theory and practical components of final summative pharmacology examination in Non-CBME and CBME curriculum

Background: Competency-based medical education (CBME) has transformed the MBBS curriculum and aims to emphasize the five roles of an Indian medical graduates: clinician, leader, communicator, life-long learner, and professional. Accordingly, various changes have been made in the curriculum and assessment of Phase II students in pharmacology since 2019. The scores in the theory component have changed from 110 to 200, and those in the practical component have changed from 40 to 100. Aims and Objectives: To assess performance of students in the theory and practical components of the final summative pharmacology examination under the CBME curriculum (Batch 2019–20) with the earlier non-CBME curriculum (Batch 2018–19). Materials and Methods: A record-based observational study was conducted at a medical college in Kolkata. The percentage of marks obtained by students in theory and practical components in the CBME batch and in the non-CBME batch (inter-batch comparison) were compared by using an unpaired Student’s t-test. Further scores in theory and practical components were also compared for each batch (intra-batch comparison). Results: Average marks obtained by the students of the non-CBME batch (n = 250) and CBME batch (n = 242) in the theory exam were 64.36% ± 6.14 and 63.69% ± 6.77, and in the practical exam they were 71.51% ± 8.58 and 71.04% ± 6.54, respectively. There is no statistically significant difference in the theory and practical components between non-CBME and CBME batches. The performance in the practical examination compared to the theory examination was significantly better in both the non-CBME and CBME batches (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Major changes and modifications have been made in the curriculum due to the incorporation of CBME. Over the years, more data can be generated on students’ ability to adapt to the CBME curriculum and improve their learning.

El aporte del procesamiento cognitivo a los puntajes en matemáticas en el Tercer Estudio Regional Comparativo y Explicativo

International tests of massive application allow evaluating how individual, institutional, national, and family factors contribute to students' educational achievement through their performance. Consequently, education evaluation is based on the paradigm of general and specific competencies for life. One of these general competencies is the capacity to solve mathematical problems and apply logical thinking to problem-solving. In order to evaluate this general competence, standardized tests have been developed. Among these tests, the Third Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study (TERCE) in 2013 evaluated the mathematical and other areas' academic performance of children in the third and sixth grade. The TERCE Mathematics evaluation allows researchers to capture the students' academic performance in five domains: numeric, geometric, measurement, statistics, and variation, as well as their cognitive performance in objects and elements recognition and simple and complex problem-solving. In addition, to evaluate these eight dimensions, the TERCE test also asks for information regarding academic context, family environment, and teachers, among others. Despite this information, in Colombia and in general, the evaluation of the socioeconomic context over academic performance has been studied mainly considering the schools' characteristics, families' economic levels, and public expenses. Therefore, there is little evidence of the effects of psycho-pedagogical and psychological factors on academic performance. Psycho-pedagogical models emphasize the dependence of the superior processes on perceptual and attentional processes and the need for activities that demand deep processing and active involvement with information before, during, and after classes. Thus, attending simultaneously to different elements affects the development of cognitive control functions, which leads to low academic achievement and performance. Frequently, students face academic activities in different scenarios where the attentional system should divide its resources between several stimulus sources. Activities in which the attentional system focuses are “essential processing”, and those not related to the main academic activity are called “incidental processing”. Consequently, increasing the sources of incidental processing would decrease the attentional resources devoted to the essential processing of educational activities producing low academic performance. In this context, the study proposes and evaluates an effects model focused on essential and incidental cognitive processing of academic activities. The information was captured on the mathematics performance of sixth-grade students from 15 countries (and the state of Nuevo León de México) participating in the Third Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study (TERCE). A Structural Equations model was formulated using indices of Essential Processing (Attentional Control, Working Memory, and Family Supervision) and Incidental Processing (Perceived Violence, Leisure use of the computer, and incidental processing) based on the items or questions used in the TERCE. The indices were designed based on the Item Response Theory (IRT) model. Findings show that the proposed model affects the performance in the test by 24 points. Higher scores in essential processing produce higher scores in the mathematics component of the TERCE test. Family supervision of academic activity is the single element with the highest impact on academic performance (3.020); on the other hand, attentional control (7.48) and working memory (4.295) also impact academic performance positively. Regarding the incidental processing variables, lower levels of perceived violence (1.680), less noise and distractor in class (2.130), and higher use of computers at home for leisure activities (5.851) have the most significant impacts on academic performance. The results are discussed considering the cognitive hypotheses on the distribution of attention resources and the training hypothesis to understand information technologies' role in the academic processes. Suggestions for further research focus on the inclusion of items with a higher theoretical background that allows researchers to evaluate the impact of essential and incidental processing on academic performance using items specially designed with that goal to get more conclusive and robust results. https://doi.org/10.16888/interd.2023.40.1.17

Anthropometry and physical appearance can be associated with quality of life in Brazilian women with Turner syndrome.

This study aimed to analyze if anthropometric factors and physical appearance are associated to QoL in Turner syndrome (TS). Observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. The SF-36 was applied along with an additional questionnaire regarding specific characteristics of TS. There were no differences in quality of life (QoL) in TS women regarding median height and appropriate height according to parental target height, however, participants satisfied and who did not desire to change their height had better scores in the mental health and role emotional domains than those not satisfied and desired to change it. When comparing participants who were or were not bothered by physical appearance, the results showed that those not bothered by physical appearance had a better score in the vitality and social function domains. Considering patients who did or did not desire to change physical appearance, those who did not want to change their physical appearance had higher scores in the mental component and in the social function and mental health domains of the SF-36. This study indicated that anthropometric factors and physical appearance may possibly be associated to QoL in TS, and also emphasizes the need to develop and validate an official questionnaire regarding specific TS characteristics in order to assess in more detail how specific characteristics of TS interfere with their QoL.

Quality of life, level of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people

The population of actively working older people is growing rapidly. The relationship between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functionality in this population is not entirely clear. To determine the association between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people. Cross sectional assessment of 138 adults aged 40 to 50 years (53% women) and 119 older people aged 60 to 75 years (53% women) who were actively working in two public services. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire and usual physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short). Handgrip strength, the timed up and go (TUG) and chair stand test (CST) were used as functional tests. Compared to older people, adults had better physical functional tests (P < 0.01). Older people had better scores in the mental health component (MHC) of quality of life (p < 0.05). In adults, the physical health component of quality of life (CSF) had a positive association with physical activity (Spearman Rho (rs)= 0.270; p = 0.01), grip strength (rs = 0.330; p < 0.01) and the TUG (rs = -0.229; p < 0.01). In older patients, CSM and CST were positively correlated (rs = 0.201; P = 0.029). In both groups, a correlation was observed between CSM, grip strength (adults rs = 0.283; p < 0.01; older people rs = 0.211; P = 0.02) and with TUG (adults rs = -0.197; P = 0.021; older people rs = - 0.212; p = 0.02). There is a positive correlation between quality of life and level of physical activity in working adults, which is not observed in older people. Adequate performance in physical functional tests is positively correlated with better quality of life (CSF and CSM) in adults and only with the mental health component in older people.

A cross-sectional survey exploring the knowledge, experiences and attitudes of Australian pharmacists toward medicinal cannabis

BackgroundAustralian pharmacists currently dispense a wide range of prescription-only cannabis-based medicines. Recent regulatory changes will expand the role of pharmacists, allowing certain low-dose cannabidiol products to be supplied without a prescription in pharmacies. This harmonises Australia with many other countries where cannabidiol products are readily available to consumers.AimTo examine Australian pharmacists’ experience, knowledge and attitudes towards medicinal cannabis and their preparedness to supply over-the-counter low-dose cannabidiol products.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study using a 51-item on-line questionnaire that was informed by previous surveys of health professionals and assessed for face validity. Australian pharmacists were recruited to complete the survey between May and December 2021, primarily through professional pharmacy organisations. Pharmacists were included in the final dataset if they completed the demographic characteristics section and at least one additional section of the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and relational statistical tests.ResultsThere were 272 attempts to complete this survey and 217 responses included in the final dataset. Over half of the respondents (60.0%, 130/217) had dispensed at least one medicinal cannabis prescription during their career and 58.5% (127/217) had received at least one medicinal cannabis enquiry in the last fortnight. Only around half (53.9%, 117/217) felt comfortable supplying medicinal cannabis products and fewer (39.3%, 79/201) were confident discussing cannabis-related enquiries. More than half of the respondents (58.7%, 118/201) supported the provision of low-dose cannabidiol products through pharmacies. Two-thirds (67.8%, 80/118) of respondents achieved relatively low scores (< 60%) in the knowledge component of the survey. Most respondents (94.2%, 178/189) endorsed a need for further training in this area.ConclusionAustralian pharmacists tended to support medicinal cannabis availability and improved access to low-dose cannabidiol products via pharmacies. However, results highlight a need for improved training and education of pharmacists around cannabis-based medicines.

Health Behaviours and Sense of Coherence Among Female Students of Selected Polish Universities of the Third Age

The purpose of the study was to answer 4 research questions: 1. What is the state of health behaviours among female U3A (University of the Third Age) students? 2. What is the sense of coherence among the students of U3As? 3. What is the meaning of the conducted research for health promotion? The study was conducted by means of a diagnostic survey. For the assessment of selected indicators, Juczyński’s Inventory of Health Behaviours and Antonovsky’s Life Orientation Questionnaire were used. The study included 104 female students of universities with varying organisational and legal forms. In each of the 3 U3As, a similar state of health behaviour is maintained, interpreted as average. It has been shown that respondents exhibit a mean sense of coherence. Elderly people received the highest scores in the comprehensibility component, whereas the lowest in the 3 groups tested regarding the meaningfulness component. In research, it has been shown that there is a correlation between the sense of coherence and the pro-health behaviours of the female students.

Sleep quality, purpose in life, and health related quality of life among people living with HIV in Nigeria

Background Sleep has been linked to multiple health outcomes. We aim to determine the relationship between sleep quality, purpose in life, and HRQoL among PLHIV. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among 401 PLHIV in the HIV clinic using a structured questionnaire that included their demographics, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being, and Veterans RAND 12-item Health Survey (VR-12). Results Ninety-two [22.9%] were classified as having poor sleep quality. Poor sleepers had significantly lower scores in the physical component [48.0 (9.5) vs. 51.2 (7.1), p = .014] and mental component 44.7 (10.5) vs. 52.1 (9.8), p < .001 in HRQoL as compared to good sleepers. Purpose in life moderates the effect of sleep quality on the physical component of HRQoL, p interaction = .003. Conclusion Assessing sleep quality and purpose in life routinely among HIV-infected patients may impact the overall wellbeing of PLHIV.

Mental Toughness Characteristics of Male University Athletes in Relation To Contextual Factors.

Mental toughness is a psychological construct related to successful performance in academics, management, and sports among other sectors. However, studies on the determinants of mental toughness with respect to different human endeavours have remained inconclusive. This study explored mental toughness characteristics of male university athletes in selected sports in relation to contextual factors of athletes’ age, playing experience, year of study, and the type of sport. The Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ48) was used to collect data from male university athletes (n = 140). Results of this study showed significant difference in the following components of MT: lower scores in challenge (p = .015), emotional control (p = .005), and life control (p = .002) among athletes with shorter playing experience, and higher scores in life control (p < .001), emotional control (p = .021), and confidence in abilities (p = .009) in handball as compared to soccer players. Soccer players had significantly higher scores in the challenge component (p = .038) of mental toughness as compared to handball players. It was concluded that playing experience and the type of sport influenced characteristics of mental toughness among university athletes. Coaches, trainers, and sports psychologists need to consider these contextual factors to optimize mental toughness of athletes. Future studies should explore how specific contextual factors influence training environments and outcomes, as well as how stakeholders can leverage on the relationships between playing experience, the type of sport and mental toughness to augment athletes’ mental toughness and sports performance.

Students in the Real-World of Performance Tasks Assessment: A Qualitative Inquiry

Providing relevant learning activities in a responsive classroom is necessary to develop 21st-century skills and competencies among students. That is why performance task assessment comes in as part of the educational reform brought about by the K to 12 Curriculum of the Department of Education. Several studies on the challenges to the curriculum planners and educators in implementing the performance-based assessment have been conducted. However, limited research has been done to look into the challenges encountered by the students during this implementation. Thus, this study was conducted. Employing a generic qualitative research design, this study explores the challenges encountered by Senior High School students in the implementation of the Performance Task Assessment. The data were gathered from the six participants who were chosen using criterion sampling, one of the purposeful sampling techniques. These participants got the lowest scores in the performance tasks component of the students' grades. The data were collected utilizing the unstructured interview. During the interview, the iterative process was followed until the saturation point was reached. The gathered data were analyzed using the recursive textual data analysis. The result of the study revealed that planning of tasks, execution of tasks, and consequences of tasks were contributory to the challenges encountered by students. Challenges on the planning of tasks included quality of leadership, preparation, and articulation. The absence of skills and lack of supervision and motivation were included in the challenges specific to the execution of tasks. Consequences of tasks included challenges brought about by unreliable scores received and the limited learning gained. The findings provided the baseline data for the formulation of departmental policies and procedures on the implementation of performance tasks assessment.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Women with Eating Disorders.

People with eating disorders show impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to investigate the relative role of physical and mental factors and stage of change as possible predictors of HRQoL in a group of Spanish women (n = 124) with eating disorders. For this purpose, initial and follow-up data were obtained after 6 months from patients attending an outpatient treatment unit for eating disorders. The determinants of the physical and mental domains of the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire were investigated in the total sample and separately based on the eating disorder diagnosis by multiple linear regression. Lower scores in the physical component of the SF-36 questionnaire were associated with the presence of a higher body mass index (BMI) at follow-up as well as a higher score in the “action” component of the Attitudes towards Change in Eating Disorders Questionnaire (ACTA). Conversely, a higher index in the EuroQoL-5D overall quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the presence of obsessive compulsive disorder were associated with a higher score in the physical dimension. The instrument used demonstrated the ability to assess changes associated with the physical component of these patients over the period studied, and the analysis provided more information and specific data on different aspects of HRQoL, thus allowing a more detailed analysis of the information.

The More the Merrier? Diversity and Private Equity Performance

AbstractThis paper explores how diversity among lead partner teams (LPTs) of private equity (PE) funds affects buyout performance. We argue that there is a trade‐off between the ‘bright side’ of diversity (i.e. improved decision‐making due to a broader set of perspectives) and the ‘dark side’ (i.e. deteriorated decision‐making due to a potential for clashes and a lack of cooperation). Our theoretical framework suggests that the net effect on performance depends on whether LPTs are diverse in socio‐demographic or occupational aspects. To test this hypothesis, we develop a comprehensive index that measures LPT diversity along six dimensions. Using a sample of 241 buyouts and 547 involved PE partners, we find that higher scores in the socio‐demographic component (gender, age, nationality) are associated with higher deal returns and multiple expansions. The opposite is true for higher scores in the occupational component (professional experience, educational background, university affiliation). Further results suggest that the ‘bright side’ of diversity gets relatively more important in case of complex buyouts and uncertain deal environments.

Attitudes towards the Use of ICT in Costa Rican University Students: The Influence of Sex, Academic Performance, and Training in Technology

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are being used more and more as part of teaching processes in both formal and informal settings. In this regard, it is important to understand university students’ attitudes towards using ICT as they will shortly form part of the productive sector of society. The aim of this study was to analyze student attitudes during their final years pursuing various degrees at a university in Costa Rica. We used a non-experimental transactional design and probabilistic sampling that involved 1187 students. We used a questionnaire containing a Likert-type scales to measure attitudes, which was structured according to affective, cognitive, and behavioral components. The results showed positive attitudes in general, with higher scores in the cognitive and behavioral components, and moderate scores in the affective component. In addition, we found differences in attitudes according to sex, prior training in technology, and academic performance.