Secondary Level Research Articles

Mental health after the COVID-19 pandemic among Finnish youth: a repeated, cross-sectional, population-based study

High levels of mental health problems among young people were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, but studies of the post-pandemic period are scarce. We assessed mental health problems among Finnish youth before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic using nationwide population-based samples. Our aim was to examine in which direction the heightened levels of adolescent mental health problems have developed after the pandemic. In this national, repeated cross-sectional, population-based study in Finland, we recruited students at lower and upper secondary level (aged 13-20 years) who were taking part in the Finnish School Health Promotion (SHP) survey in 2015-23 (119 681-158 897 participants per round). The SHP is based on total sampling and conducted biennially between March and May. Self-reports covered the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale; the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire for depression; the Mini Social Phobia Inventory for social anxiety; the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale for mental wellbeing; loneliness; the Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food measure for disordered eating; and suicidality (suicidal ideation, deliberate self-harm, and suicide attempts). Scales were dichotomised using validated cutoffs. Presence of any and comorbid mental health problems was assessed. Logistic (for dichotomised outcomes) and linear (for Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) mixed effects models were used to analyse the effect of survey year on mental health, controlling for sociodemographic background factors and stratified by gender and school level. Cisgender and transgender youth were compared. Between 2015 and 2023, the SHP study recruited 722 488 students (371 634 [51·6%] girls and 348 857 [48·4%] boys) with a mean age of 15·8 years (SD 1·3) who were either in the eighth and ninth grades of comprehensive school or the first and second years of general and vocational upper secondary schools in Finland. The proportion of participants with generalised anxiety, depression, and social anxiety symptoms above the cutoff increased from pre-COVID-19 levels to 2021 and remained at these higher levels in 2023 among all study groups. Among girls in lower secondary education, prevalence of generalised anxiety, depression, and social anxiety symptoms increased from 2021 to 2023, as did social anxiety among girls in upper secondary education. Among boys, the proportion with social anxiety symptoms decreased between 2021 and 2023. Mental wellbeing scores decreased in all groups between 2021 and 2023, and disordered eating increased in girls, and in boys in lower secondary education. Suicidality increased in girls but not in boys. Loneliness was the only measure to show improvement in all groups from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, 55 895 (72·6%) of 76 994 girls and 22 718 (32·8%) of 69 205 boys reported at least one mental health problem, and 37 250 (48·4%) girls and 9442 (13·6%) boys reported comorbid mental health problems. Among both transfeminine and transmasculine youth, the prevalence of generalised anxiety and depression symptoms decreased from 2021 to 2023, but compared with cisgender youth, the proportions were significantly higher throughout. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health could be long lasting. In this study, the substantial change for the better among transgender youth was a positive exception. Providing adequate support and treatment for young people with poor mental health is essential, but solutions to the mental health crisis need to address a wider societal perspective and should be developed in partnership with young people. NordForsk, Research Council of Finland. For the Finnish and Swedish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

마을교육 생태계 조성을 위한 서울시 초·중등 마을결합형학교 운영사례 분석 및 함의

Objectives The purposes of this study were to examine the cases of village-linked schools’ operation report that were operated in elementary and secondary level schools between 2015 year and 2020 in Seoul ito identify the features and implications of village-linked schools policy. Methods The conceptual framework of analysis was developed to analyze the village-linked schools’ operation reports and then examine the 40 reports of schools using the content analysis methods. Results First, the village-linked schools appears to understand the importance of philosophy and visions of vil-lage-linked schools but they were unable to create the circumstance and cultures of schools for the task. Second, most schools only set up a task-force team with just several staff members for village-linked school activities showing limitations to construct an effective system and organization for the task. Third, the curriculum and les-sons for village-linked schools were limited to foster the students’ competency and achievement of study. Fourth, the schools tried to share their resources with the village but encountered leadership role limitations in the village. Fifth, most village-linked schools didn’t make an effort to assess students’ competencies and share their achievement. They need to emphasize and share the students’ positive results and achievements obtained by this task with society. Conclusions First, the operation and system based on the five main divisions of village-linked schools that were utilized for this analysis need close and effective cooperation to succeed and reach the goals of the policy. Second, the people in the schools need to understand the philosophy and values of village-linked schools and then to maintain the operation for many years. Third, most importantly the effective curriculum should be developed and the innovation of lesson and assessment of students’ achievement also should be conducted to succeed the new educational paradigm of village-linked schools.

Science Teaching Practices at Secondary Level: Cross Comparison of Public and Private Sector Teachers

The main purpose of the study was to learn about science education practices in both public and private schools and identify effective teaching practices in both sectors. To fulfil this purpose, a comparison between public teachers with private teachers and public students with private students was made. For this purpose, a random sample of 300 secondary school students and 80 teachers were selected to collect data. The selected teachers and students were given two rating scales as instruments to learn how to utilize teaching practices. The data were analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). To examine the gathered information, descriptive data analysis statistics and inferential statistics were used to diagnose the practices. Data analysis highlighted that male secondary school teachers in public and private schools needed to be successfully teaching science. The results led to the recommendation that all the teachers, particularly those employed by private institutions, should undergo refresher courses for effective science teaching practices training.

Factors Influencing on Job Satisfaction of Secondary School Teachers in Karachi Pakistan

Teachers are role models for their students and considered an asset of any nation's educational system because of their impact on students' personal and intellectual development. The objective of this research is to examine the perspectives of public secondary school teachers in district central Karachi regarding their level of job satisfaction through a simple survey technique. 120 secondary school teachers, including 50 male and 70 female teachers, were selected using simple random sampling. In terms of frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, the data were analyzed using descriptive technique. The results revealed that at the secondary level, teachers were found to be extremely motivated and satisfied for their teaching practices. However, they required a higher level of job satisfaction regarding advantages and benefits, followed by working conditions and physical facilities. The study suggested that pay and benefits, working conditions, and physical facilities should be a priority of administration and policymakers for enhancing teachers' job satisfaction, which ultimately enhances teaching /learning and quality of education.

School Occupational Health and Safety Performance Scale: Validity and Reliability Study for Scale Development

The aim of this study is to develope a scale to evaluate the performance of occupational health and safety practices in schools. The form created for this purpose was presented to experts and the content validity rates of the items were determined in line with the feedback received.The items with a content validity ratio below .80 were excluded from the study. The 49-item trial form was applied via e-mail to 990 teachers working at primary, secondary, and high school levels in public and private schools in İstanbul, affiliated with the Ministry of National Education, and the data obtained were analyzed. With exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), a two-dimensional structure consisting of 40 items in total revealed "Occupational Health and Safety Training Practices Applied in Schools" and "Occupational Health and Safety Practices Applied in Schools, Managerial Precautions and Precautions". It was determined that the goodness of-fit indices of the model were quite high. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) also confirmed the EFA results. The obtained correlation coefficients were examined. Item-total score correlation coefficients were between r = .878 and r = .650, and a significant relationship was observed at the p < .01 level. The internal consistency coefficient obtained for the entire scale was .92. There was a significant (p< 0.05) difference between the items and the total score between the 27% lower and 27% upper groups. It was determined that this difference was in favor of the upper 27% group. There was high reliability in the items on the scale, and the items were distinguishable on the basis of the characteristics the scorers of the scale were looking for.

An Investigation of Graduate Theses on Gifted Students Based on "Differentiated Instruction"

The aim of this research is to reveal the general status of graduate theses written on the basis of “differentiated teaching” with gifted students in Turkey. In this study, where basic qualitative research method is used, data were obtained by document technique examination. Descriptive analysis method was used in the analysis of the obtained data. In the determination of the graduate theses to be used in the study, the thesis screening electronic environment of the Higher Education Institution was used. In line with the findings of the study, most of the theses related to the differentiated teaching in the field of gifted people in Turkey were concluded within the Institute of Educational Sciences in 2014, where the most thesis was doctoral theses. The most studies are written within the Istanbul University. In addition, the methods used in research are mostly quantitative research patterns. The most used models in the theses are the parallel (running) curriculum model and integrated curriculum models respectively. Again, the most differentiated disciplines are mathematics, science and social knowledge respectively. The majority of the sample/working group of the research are 5th grade. When the results of the research are examined, it is recommended that differentiation models related to the superior talents be carried out with the courses at the secondary level (high school) level and with the students, qualitative and mixed method researches are also given weight and studies are carried out at the graduate level.

Engagement personas in patients living with atrial fibrillation and multimorbidity, and their caregivers: results from the AFFIRMO international online survey

Abstract Introduction Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often experience concomitant long-term health conditions. Their level of engagement, defined as their active role in the management of their condition, is crucial in identifying strategies to improve their care and self-management; similarly, the engagement level of their caregivers is also important. Purpose The AFFIRMO study aims to examine ways of optimising care and self-management for AF patients with multimorbidity by identifying characteristics of engagement personas for patients and their caregivers. Methods An online survey, distributed between June 2022 and January 2023, open to AF patients and their caregivers in five countries (UK, Italy, Denmark, Romania and Spain) collected data related to patients and caregivers’ engagement in the healthcare process using the Patient Health Engagement Scale® (PHE-s), the Altarum Consumer Engagement (ACE), and the Caregiver Health Engagement Scale® (CHE-s). Patients and caregivers were grouped into ‘high’ and ‘low’ engagement groups, based on scale-specific cut-off values, and compared by age group, sex, level of education and country of recruitment, using Chi-square tests (p<0.05). Results 659 patients (311 (47.2%) male, 70.9 (10.2) years), and 201 caregivers (54 (26.9%) male, 58.3 (15.2) years) participated. Based on the PHE-s®, 428 (64.9%) were classified as ‘high’ engagement level. Patients in the high engagement group were significantly more likely to be male, aged <75 years, have secondary level education or above, and have <3 co-morbidities; no differences in engagement level based on country of recruitment. Based on the ACE scale, 369 (56.0%) were categorised as ‘high’ engagement level. Those with ‘high’ engagement were significantly more likely to be <65 years old, living in Northern Europe, educated to degree level or above, and had <3 co-morbidities, with no sex differences in engagement level. One hundred thirty-eight (68.7%) caregivers reported ‘high’ engagement. However, there were no significant differences between sex, age group, region of recruitment, or level of education between high and low engagement in caregivers. Conclusions Identification of engagement personas of patients and their caregivers could help to develop better management pathways for AF patients with multimorbidity.Table 1.Level of engagement

The transformative potential of textbooks

Education is recognized as crucial in addressing unsustainable practices, such as food waste. One of the aims of interdisciplinary food education in basic education is to promote sustainable food waste behavior, which can be promoted by transformative learning. This study examined how food waste is addressed in nine Finnish basic education textbooks. The content related to food waste and the pedagogical style of the texts were analyzed from home economics, biology, and geography textbooks designed for secondary level education (grades 7–9, age 13–16). The results were analysed to assess their potential to promote transformative learning. All of the textbooks approached the topic of food waste from the perspective of their own subject, and none presented it as an interdisciplinary phenomenon. Home economics textbooks focused on students' perspectives, emphasizing food waste reduction and waste sorting. Geography textbooks frequently explored the topic in the context of the food supply chain or at a global level, while biology textbooks primarily addressed the sorting of food waste. The textbooks primarily used a neutral text style focusing on information transmission. In some contexts, a persuasive style was employed to encourage critical thinking and action. The participative style, which encourages active student engagement, was utilized the least in all textbooks, and primarily for exercises. By integrating learning-supportive text styles (such as participative and persuasive), including student tasks related to food waste, and fostering an interdisciplinary understanding of food waste, textbooks have the potential to transform student learning and engagement in sustainable food practices.

Developing linguistic competence for 6th grade students in Vietnam

Developing linguistic competence for junior level students in Vietnam is an emerging issue that needs attention. This paper applies interdisciplinary research methods which are a combination of linguistics and educational sciences. The combination of the questionnaire survey method and class observation is used to evaluate students' language competencies, especially, speaking and listening. The analytical method is used to analyze linguistic skills that are necessary to be created for students during this stage. Developing linguistic competence is considered the most effective means to grow thinking capacity. The scope of this paper is aimed at sixth grade students specifically surveying their linguistic competence thereby providing an overview of the language development stage for juniors at the secondary school level in Vietnam in general and in Ha Dong district, Hanoi in particular. We conducted a case study by collecting data at two secondary schools in Hanoi city (implementation period of two months: December 2021 and February 2022). According to these factual survey results, we can primarily suggest concrete measures to develop linguistic competence for 6th-grade students in Vietnam. This will also be an information source for reference in completing the Literature textbook series edited according to the new “General Education Program in Literature (2018)” in Vietnam which is in the early stages of being put into use.

#1590 Human papilloma virus vaccination rates in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney transplant recipients are predisposed to chronic infections and malignancies because they receive chronic immunosuppressive therapy. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. HPV is a significant cause of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and head and neck cancers in kidney transplant recipients. HPV vaccine prophylaxis has an important role in preventing HPV-related diseases in renal transplant patients, with a 70-100% rate. Vaccine prophylaxis is recommended before or after kidney transplantation. In our country, HPV vaccination in kidney transplant recipients seems to be a neglected issue. We first determined the HPV vaccination level of the transplant recipients we follow. We compared it with the current guidelines. We aimed to evaluate the adequacy of pretransplant and/or post-transplant vaccinations. Method Our study is a cross-sectional survey study. Between March 15 and April 15, 2023, 170 patients who applied to Ankara City Hospital Kidney Transplant outpatient clinic were included in our study. The questionnaire form structured by the researchers was applied to the patients by face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire consisted of questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, their level of knowledge about human papillomavirus vaccines and their vaccination rates. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results 170 patients participated in our study. Participants were between the ages of 18-43 years. 51.8% were male and 48.2% were female. 72.9% were married and 27.1% were single. 78.8% of the patients had an income below 9,000 TL. 34.7% had high school education or higher. The most common reason for transplantation was hypertension with 30.5%. 75.9% of the patients stated that they did not know the necessity of HPV vaccine. Again, 80% of the patients stated that they did not receive information about HPV vaccine before or after transplantation. Among these, 130 patients did not want to get vaccinated, with 79 of them mentioning the cost as the reason for not getting vaccinated. Only 4.1% of the patients had received HPV vaccination before or after transplantation. More than half of those who were vaccinated (57.1%) reported having received the quadrivalent vaccine and had received two doses. It was found that the mean age of patients who received HPV vaccine (32.0 ± 6.83) was statistically significantly younger than the mean age of those who did not (47.3 ± 12.69) (p = 0.034). Those with an education level of high school and above received HPV vaccination at a significantly higher rate than those with a lower education level (p = 0.037). Similarly, in the question about the necessity of HPV vaccination and in the question about whether they received information about HPV vaccines, the rate of those with high school and above education level (32.3%) who answered yes to the question was statistically significantly higher than those with secondary school education level (13.5%) (p = 0.004). Conclusion Our study found that both male and female kidney transplant recipients lacked sufficient knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccines, with very low vaccination rates. We believe that the vaccine's age-specific administration in two or three doses, its high cost, and the necessity of payment have negatively affected HPV vaccination rates. HPV, causes various infections and cancers, making it crucial to raise awareness about HPV vaccines. Especially primary health care services should be used more effectively, education programs should be organized and individuals should be directed to vaccination.

#2910 Renal toxicities in oncology at a secondary level hospital within the first 6 months of outpatient consultation establishment

Abstract Background and Aims In recent years the discovery of targeted therapies in oncology have been a revolution with spectacular results for patients with advanced neoplasia and metastasis. Representing a more precise approach to interfering with tumorigenesis, these therapies exhibit superior tolerability profile in terms of toxicity and have significantly improved overall survival (1). Numerous studies have demonstrated the increased risk of cancer patients developing acute renal failure and progressing to chronic kidney disease, both contributing to higher mortality. The use of these novel drugs, alongside traditional chemotherapy, coupled with the extended survival of patients with neoplasms has led to a rise in kidney pathologies (2.3). Addressing the need to provide a comprehensive and optimized treatment to this group of patients, the field of Onconephrology has emerged. Its primary objective is to assist in the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases associated with the underlying oncological condition and/or oncotherapeutics. While well-established Onconephrology Clinics predominantly operate in tertiary hospitals worldwide, acknowledging the growing significance of this field, we established an Onconephrology outpatient consultation at our secondary level hospital. In this study, we aim to delineate the incidence of renal toxicities secondary to oncotherapeutics within the first six months of initiating our Onconephrology outpatient consultation. Method Forty-six patients were retrospectively included, and an analysis of oncological and renal variables was conducted to determine the incidence of renal toxicities. Results Out of the forty-six patients evaluated, 12 exhibited renal toxicity secondary to oncotherapeutics, with a mean age of 73.3 years. The most frequent malignancy was lung cancer (n = 6), followed by gastrointestinal tract cancer (n = 2). Most patients presented with metastatic disease (n = 9), and their malignant disease was either in remission (n = 4) or stable (n = 5). Reasons for referral included acute kidney injury (n = 7), acute kidney injury over chronic kidney disease (n = 3), proteinuria (n = 1), and electrolyte abnormalities (n = 1). The diagnoses included acute immune-mediated tubulointerstitial nephritis secondary to checkpoint inhibitors (n = 5), cisplatin renal toxicity (n = 3), acute tubular necrosis secondary to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (n = 2), hypomagnesemia induced by EGFR inhibitor (n = 1), and nephrotic syndrome related to anti-VEGF. Following multidisciplinary intervention, most patients experienced recovery of kidney function (n = 9), while some progressed to chronic kidney disease (n = 2), and other maintained electrolyte imbalances (n = 1). Conclusion This study describes 12 patients with renal toxicities secondary to oncotherapeutics over a 6-month period at a secondary hospital. Most patients exhibited recovery of kidney function, emphasizing the positive outcomes achievable through multidisciplinary care, particularly in the context of the Onconephrology outpatient consultation, even in institutions with limited resources.

Relationship between Parental Engagement and Student Achievement of Secondary Level Students

The aim of this research is to study the relationship between parental engagement and student achievement of secondary level students especially grade 10 students in public and private schools in the Sunsari district using survey design through simple random method. Data were collected by pre- prepared and expert standardized Likert scale having structured questionnaires and analyzed descriptively and inferentially through using the SPSS software. This study finds that both parents (father and mothers) of private schools' students are more educated than public schools. This study also finds that fathers and mothers in both schools are the students' Immediate Parents of the grades 10 students. In addition to that, it finds that maximum students of public schools obtained moderate grades (C-C+) whereas good grades (B-B+) in private schools. Thus, the achievement of public schools' student is low than private school's students. Furthermore, there is no significant mean difference between fathers/mothers' qualifications and students' achievement in both public and private schools. It finds that there is a weak, positive and no significant relationship between parents' talks practice and students' achievement and there is negative, weak and significant relationship between reward practice of parents and students' achievement. Likewise, there is also weak, positive and no significant relationship between punishment practice and students' achievement and negative and there is weak and no significant relationship between support practice of parents and students' achievement.

Relationship between Teachers’ Attitude towards Curriculum and Students’ Academic Achievement at Secondary School Level

This research paper investigates the relationship between teachers’ attitudes towards the curriculum and students’ academic achievement at the secondary school level. Utilizing a descriptive-correlation study design, the research employs quantitative methods to explore this relationship. The population for this study includes 148 secondary schools for boys, comprising 1,649 male teachers and 37,349 boy students. From this population, a sample of 600 male teachers was selected through a stratified random sampling technique. To measure teachers’ attitudes towards the curriculum, a 21-item Likert scale questionnaire was employed, with response options ranging from 1 to 5. Student academic achievement was evaluated using the average scores from the annual examination of Class IX, as provided by the Boards of Intermediate & Secondary Education Peshawar (BISEP). The analysis incorporated various statistical tools, including one-sample t-tests, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis, to test the study’s hypotheses. The results indicated that teachers' attitudes towards the curriculum positively contributed to students’ academic achievement. Additionally, the study found a reciprocal positive contribution between teachers’ attitudes towards the curriculum and students’ academic achievement. The overall conclusion is that the relationship between teachers’ attitudes towards the curriculum and students’ academic achievement is statistically significant.

Adaptation of the Student Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale to the Turkish Context: Validity and Reliability Study

This study aimed to adapt the Student Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence (SATAI) Scale to the Turkish Context both at secondary and high school levels. The research was conducted with two study groups: the first group of 384 secondary school students and the second group of 295 high school students. Data were collected from these participants in the 2023–2024 academic year. The scale consists of 26 items and three factors; behavioral, affective, and cognitive, and serves the purpose of measuring the students’ attitude toward artificial intelligence. The behavioral factor assesses students’ AI-related actions while the affective factor captures their emotional reactions, and the cognitive factor, in turn, evaluates their knowledge of the topic at hand. By determining students’ attitudes about AI, this measurement guides learning processes, contributes to the development of teaching materials, and increases interest in the field of AI. Language validity, construct validity, criterion validity, conceptual and experiential equivalence, and reliability studies were carried out in the process of adapting the scale to Turkish. To ensure the language validity of the Turkish form of the scale, translation back translation technique was applied and expert opinions were sought. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was applied to test the construct validity. To test the criterion validity, the correlation between the whole scale and each sub-factor was examined. Within the scope of reliability studies, Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficients of the scale, half-test reliability, item total correlations, and item discrimination values were calculated. As a result of the research, it has been determined that the Student Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence (SATAI) Scale Turkish Form is a valid and reliable assessment tool.

Education Status of the Santal Community in Northern Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a land of cultural diversity, with several small ethnic groups living across the country, each with its own tradition and identity. The purpose of this study is to explore the educational status of the Santal community, one of the largest ethnic groups residing mainly in the northern part of Bangladesh. This study adopted a qualitative approach, using a case study as methodology. Data were collected through interviews, group discussions, and document analysis. The findings reveal that the educational status of the Santal community is characterized by poor enrolment, continuity and literacy rate. Despite receiving primary education, their attainment rate declines in the secondary, higher secondary, and university levels. In this regard, various socioeconomic factors contribute to the low educational attainment rate. The Santal children are unable to continue their studies mainly due to poverty. Furthermore, language barriers, future employment uncertainty, child marriage, gender discrimination, industrialization and cultural impediments are primarily responsible for low educational attainment. They are already fighting to make ends meet, so adding the expense of school to their list of concerns is excessive. Despite this, the majority of the young people, especially those who are currently pursuing education, acknowledge the value of education and aspire to improve their situation by reaching a high social position through educational attainment. It illustrates that the current generation is aware of the importance of education and is eager to continue their studies. As a case study, the results of this research demonstrate how ethnic groups have struggled to get education in Bangladesh and what steps should be taken to enhance education status, so adding to the existing literature on education and policy. The findings may also be useful for policymakers concerned in improving the educational status of ethnic groups, notably the Santal community. Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research, 49 (2),173-196

A hands-on activity to introduce the structure of NV-center quantum bits in diamond

For the start of a secondary school level lesson series on quantum computing, we designed a hands-on modeling activity where students construct a model diamond lattice with a nitrogen vacancy (NV) defect. NV centers find application as qubits and sensitive magnetometers. This activity aims to help students visualize the structure of such NV centers within the diamond lattice, making the subject matter more tangible. The activity has proven to be challenging but feasible. It features both collaborative and competitive elements thereby surely creating an energizing buzz in the classroom.

Students’ Perceived Role of Rote Learning in Vocabulary Learning Strategies at Secondary Level

This paper aims to examine the students’ perceived role of rote learning strategy for learning English vocabulary at secondary level. 1497 mixed-ability public and private secondary school students of district Multan were used to gather information. Respondents in age range from 12 to 18 years. The findings were collected through the adapted questionnaires. English version with Urdu translation was administered to participants and a proportional stratified random sampling technique was implemented. Survey method of quantitative design was used in this study. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical approaches, including Pearson's R correlations, Mean, SD, Independent samples t-test, and ANOVA. Factor analysis was also performed. Findings showed positive behavior of students’ towards using vocabulary learning strategies. It was concluded that students’ perceived the most effective role of rote learning in vocabulary learning strategies at secondary level then other vocabulary learning strategies. Significant correlation was found between students’ perception of vocabulary learning strategies and students’ perception of preferring rote learning strategy. It was found that students’ perception of vocabulary learning strategies with respect to School Sector, Gender, Group, Medium, Tehsil, Father’s Qualification and Mother’s Qualification varies significantly while students’ perception of vocabulary learning strategies based on Class and Age are not varied significantly. No statistically significant differences was found between students’ perception of preferring rote learning strategy with respect to School Sector, Class, Gender, Tehsil, Father’s Qualification and Mother’s Qualification. Furthermore students’ perception of preferring rote learning strategy based on Group, Medium and Age differs significantly.

Visual impairment and associated factors in adults from three suburban communities in Nampula, Mozambique.

Scientific evidence on the burden of visual impairment, its causes, and associated factors are essential to monitor progress in eye health, identify priorities and develop strategies and policies that meet the needs of the population, towards the eradication of preventable blindness. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of visual impairment, its causes and associated factors in adults living in suburban communities in Nampula. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from November 2019 to February 2020. Eye examinations were performed on adults aged ≥18 years covered by the Lúrio University program, 'one student, one family'. The odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) were calculated to study the association between the dependent variable (presenting visual impairment) and independent variables (gender, age, school level, residence, family income and systemic diseases), with a 95% confidence interval. Distance and near presenting visual impairment had a prevalence of 16.3% and 21.1%, respectively, and were statistically associated with the age groups between 45-65 (OR:4.9) and >65 years (OR: 29.1), illiterate (OR:13.8), primary (OR:4.8) and secondary (aOR:37.5) school level, farmer (OR:32.8) and retired (OR:14.3) occupation, and presence of systemic diseases (OR :3.3). The main causes of presenting visual impairment were uncorrected refractive error and cataract. The prevalence of presenting visual impairment is relatively high, given the enormous effort undertaken within the framework of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight global initiative. There is a need to develop intervention plans targeted at the highest risk groups, with a view to achieving the 'one student, one family' program goals with respect to eye health.

Carbonated Beverage Chemistry for High-Voltage Battery Cathodes.

Advanced lithium-ion batteries utilize high upper cut-off voltages up to 4.8V versus lithium metal to reach extraordinary energy densities. Such a harsh environment challenges the cathode stability and requires the construction of robust cathode electrolyte interphases at their electrochemical interface. Inspired by carbonated beverages with supersaturated CO2, here we propose a surface modification strategy that produces effective passivation layer of low modulus from the weakest link. CO2 bubbles preferentially nucleate and grow at rough surfaces, which in oxide cathodes are also the local regions offering fast degradation pathway. Metal ion exchange on carbonated layer assist the construction of highly elastic interface under the guidance of packing factor. Our method enables surface reconstruction at both primary and secondary particle levels, for various cathodes exemplified by high-voltage LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 and LiCoO2. Remarkably, with ultra-high upper cut-off voltage of 4.8V versus Li+/Li, over 235 mAh g-1 discharge capacity and over 900W h kg-1 discharge energy at cathode level, ∼90% capacity retention can be obtained for LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 over 100 cycles at 0.5 C with commercial carbonate electrolytes. This carbonated beverage chemistry is promising for constructing high-quality surface passivation in many extreme-condition applications beyond battery cathodes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Reasons for Nurses Leaving the Profession

Nurses are an important part of health systems worldwide, making up nearly 50% of the global health workforce. The world is currently facing a shortage of 5.9 million nurses and midwives, which is expected to increase to a global shortage of 9 million by 2030. The growing shortage of nurses is considered a critical global problem, which is exacerbated by the trend of nurses leaving the profession. Inadequate wages, described by nurses as a negative factor, reinforcing the intention to leave the profession. The desire to leave the profession arises among nurses not only around the world, but also in our republic. The reasons for leaving medical workers with secondary education from the profession working at the primary level, in particular in family medicine centers and at the secondary level, i.e. in a hospital, are considered. Among nurses in the hospital, the main reason for leaving the profession was often high workload, insufficient wages, high professional risks and an unsatisfactory psychological climate in the team. In the nurses of the Family Medicine Centers, the same reasons were also indicated as the main reasons, but with a significantly low frequency. To solve the problem of nurses leaving the profession, a targeted personnel policy is needed, including increasing motivation to work, in particular, raising wages, reducing professional risks, developing mentoring for young professionals, constantly improving working conditions, improving job descriptions, protecting the rights of nurses.