Significant Differences In Perceptions Research Articles

Women's effectiveness in school leadership: The case of Awi Nationality administrative zone primary schools, Ethiopia

Research on the effectiveness of women in school leadership roles is plentiful in general literature. However, there is a notable scarcity of studies focusing on the effectiveness of women principals within Ethiopia's primary education system. This study examined the perceived effectiveness of women school principals' vis-à-vis the national professional standards for school principals in Ethiopia. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 147 teachers of which 85 male and 62 women selected through a comprehensive sampling procedure. A survey questionnaire was employed to gather relevant information, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The study found that women were perceived positively as effective school leaders across key dimensions of Ethiopia's national professional standards. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in perceptions between male and women teachers in three dimensions (in fostering school vision and community leadership, t(145) = 1.013, p = .313, in instructional leadership, t(145) = .46 and p = .646 and in administrative leadership, t(145) = .791 and p = .43. The findings suggest the importance of boosting more women to pursue leadership roles in schools by encouraging successful women leaders and providing targeted training. These recommendations are particularly relevant for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in promoting gender equality and effective leadership in the education sector.

Factors associated with dental interns and professors perception of the management of disabled patients: A cross-sectional study under multivariable analysis

BackgroundPatients with disabilities experience oral health inequalities, including increased disease prevalence and unmet healthcare needs. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated to the perceived management of patients with physical disabilities among dental interns and professors at a university located in the capital city and a branch in a province in Peru. MethodsThis cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study included 100 dental interns and 75 Peruvian dental professors and was conducted from January to April 2022. A validated perception scale was used to evaluate the management of disabled patients. For the statistical analysis, the study employed Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, along with a Poisson regression model that used robust variance. The adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) was utilized to evaluate perception while taking into account factors such as gender, age, marital status, origin, professional experience, previous treatment of a patient with physical disability, and previous cohabitation with a disabled patient. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. ResultsThe 86 % of dental interns and 88 % of dental professors had a poor perception of managing disabled patients, with no significant association between them (p = 0.698). Male and female dental interns displayed significant differences in perception (p = 0.004), while no other variables showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Conversely, dental professors displayed significant differences in all variables analyzed (p < 0.05). In dental interns, gender was found to be the only influential variable, with females having a 41 % higher likelihood of perceiving disabled patient management poorly compared to males (APR = 1.41; 95 % CI: 1.04–1.91) (p = 0.028). However, gender was not found to be a significant factor for dental professors (p = 0.449). ConclusionThe majority of dental interns and professors had a poor perception of managing disabled patients, with no significant differences observed between them. Moreover, gender significantly influenced the perception of managing patients with physical disabilities among dental interns specifically. On the other hand, neither age, marital status, origin, professional experience, previous treatment of a patient with physical disability, nor previous cohabitation with a disabled patient were found to be associated factors among dental interns and professors.

Student-Led Interest Time and Its Influence on Social Skills and Interaction among Students: A Quantitative Analysis

This quantitative study investigated the perceptions of student-led interest time (SLIT) among secondary school students and its influence on social skills and interaction. Conducted at Balite National High School in San Francisco, Surigao Del Norte, the research utilized a descriptive research design to analyze the impact of SLIT on various aspects of student development. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants from the school's population of 365 students. The findings revealed that SLIT positively affects engagement, learning outcomes, skill development, and social connections within the classroom. Students perceive SLIT activities favorably, expressing enjoyment and recognizing its benefits for personal growth and relationship-building. However, there are identified areas for improvement, particularly in aligning SLIT activities with student preferences and interests. Demographic analysis indicates a diverse representation of students across different age groups and grade levels, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of perceptions across various developmental stages and educational backgrounds. Statistical tests demonstrate significant differences in perception based on age and grade level, highlighting the influence of demographic factors on students' views of SLIT. This study underscores the importance of SLIT in promoting holistic student development. It suggests that efforts to tailor SLIT activities to meet student needs and interests better can further optimize its effectiveness. Further research, including post-hoc analyses, is recommended to identify specific age groups or grade levels that exhibit significant differences in their perceptions of SLIT, aiding in the refinement of SLIT implementation strategies.

What You See is What You Get: Sustainable Tourism Practices and Behavioral Intention in Ecotourism of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

The study aimed to assess the sustainable tourism practices and behavioral intention among tourists in Camp Paraiso Hotel and Resort in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. This study used the three dimensions of sustainable development by the Food and Agriculture Organization (2023) such as economic aspect, social aspect and environmental aspect. The behavioral intention variable was patterned after the study of Borbon et. al 2022 entitled “Tourist Behavioral Intention in Visiting Tourist Attraction in Batangas Province” which includes willingness to pay more, intention to recommend, revisit intention and loyalty.The researchers employed convenience sampling, involving 80 respondents who were tourists at Camp Paraiso in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. The study utilized Likert-scale questionnaires and applied statistical treatments such as ranking, frequency and percentage analysis, weighted mean calculation, t-tests, and Pearson-R correlation for data analysis. This study adopted a quantitative descriptive correlational research approach. The majority of the respondents were male, and most tourists were from within Nueva Ecija, with many visiting Camp Paraiso only once or twice. The findings indicate that tourists strongly agree the sustainable practices at Camp Paraiso, suggesting high adherence to sustainability which include economic aspect (3.51), social aspect (3.52) and environmental aspect (3.55). While the study found areas for improvement in sustainable practices and overall sustainable tourism development, enhancing indicators that received strong agreement from tourists is recommended. Analysis of demographic profiles revealed no significant differences in perceptions of sustainability aspects (economic, social, environmental) based on sex. Similarly, there were no significant differences between types of tourists concerning economic aspect and environmental aspects, but there was a notable difference in the social aspect. Age and frequency of visits did not significantly correlate with tourists’ assessment of sustainable practices. Overall, the study concluded a significant relationship between Camp Paraiso’s sustainable practices in terms of economic, social and environmental (r value = 0.00001), and tourists’ behavioral intentions. The researchers proposed an action plan to enhance sustainable tourism practices specifically at Camp Paraiso.

EPIDEMIOLOGIA DA ESCOLIOSE PEDIÁTRICA EM HOSPITAL TERCIÁRIO EM RECIFE-PE

ABSTRACT Objective: The present study aims to outline the epidemiological parameters of patients with scoliosis between the ages of 0 and 18 years old, who were evaluated at the Getúlio Vargas Hospital in Recife-PE. Methods: The participants completed a demographic questionnaire, followed by clinical evaluation, including Cobb angle measurement, clinical photographic registration and quality of life questionnaires. Results: The sample consisted of 103 patients, mostly females, with a mean age of 13.86 years, from the interior of the state, diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis classified as Lenke 1. Neuromuscular and congenital scoliosis were less common. The quality-of-life questionnaire showed a significant difference in self-image perception among patients with idiopathic scoliosis, those who had a curve measuring under 50 degrees had better scores than those who had greater angles. Patients with larger curves scored lower on all questionnaire items, but there was no significant difference when compared to the other group. Conclusion: It was shown that the main epidemiological parameters in the pediatric population with scoliosis are girls, mean age 13 years, coming from the interior of the state being idiopathic scoliosis, the most common, classified as Lenke 1. Neuromuscular scoliosis was the main type of deformity following the idiopathic; cerebral palsy being the most common etiology. Level of evidence IV; Prognostic Studies Investigating the effect of a Patient characteristic on the outcome of Disease.

Comparison of quality of life with two trifocal intraocular lenses under different lighting conditions

Aims/Purpose: To evaluate the effect of two types of trifocal intraocular lenses on the visual quality of patients undergoing cataract surgery by assessing contrast sensitivity, halo perception and subjective visual satisfaction under photopic and mesopic lighting conditions.Methods: Observational, prospective, cross‐sectional study. The study was conducted at the Hospital Universitario Sanitas la Moraleja in Madrid. The study followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The sample included 16 cataract or lensectomy patients with bilateral implantation of one of the two intraocular lenses (IOL) under study: 20 eyes implanted with FineVision and 12 eyes implanted with PanOptix. After 30 days after surgery, contrast sensitivity was measured with the CSV‐1000 test (2.5 metres) for four spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12 and 18 c/g), halo perception was assessed with the Halo.V.1 software and finally quality of life was assessed with the VF‐14 questionnaire. A p‐value &lt; 0.05 was considered a criterion for statistical significance.Results: Analysis of contrast sensitivity under photopic conditions showed significant differences greater for the FineVision lens of 0.15 log units at 3 c/g and 12 c/g frequencies between the two lenses under photopic illumination conditions (p‐value 0.034). However, there were no statistically significant differences in mesopic illumination conditions. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference when purchasing the perception of halos, with a p‐value (0.149). On the other hand, patients' subjective perception of quality of life scored worse in night vision (p‐value 0.023) and near vision (p‐value 0.046) when comparing the PanOptix lens and the FineVision.Conclusions: The FineVision IOL lens provides better contrast sensitivity in photopic illumination conditions than the PanOptix. However, in mesopic conditions, both IOL designs provide similar contrast sensitivity values for the far distance. On the other hand, although the lenses did not show statistically significant differences in halo perception, the FineVision shows better vision satisfaction results during night driving than the PanOptix.

유아교사의 개인 배경 변인에 따른 전문성 지원환경 인식 차이 연구

Objectives In this study, we tried to analyze and discuss the differences in perception of early childhood teachers' personal background variables(age, academic background, career, type of early childhood education institution, and age) (opportunities for professional learning and development, relationship between teachers and directors, expectations for teachers and infants, and decision-making).&#x0D; Methods A total of 624 early childhood teachers working in kindergartens and daycare centers in the metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas were surveyed to collect data. Using SPSS 21.0, independent sample t-verification, ANOVA, and Scheffé follow-up verification were conducted to analyze differences in recognition and technical statistics such as internal consistency analysis, data normality verification, mean and standard deviation.&#x0D; Results In terms of professional learning and development opportunities, there were significant differences in perception according to the age, career, type of early childhood education institution, and age of the teacher and director. In the perception of expectations for teachers and infants, there was a significant difference according to the age of teachers and the type of early childhood education institution. However, in the case of teacher autonomy and decision-making, no significant difference in perception was found according to individual background variables.&#x0D; Conclusions Based on these findings, it was suggested that it is necessary to establish a professional support environment considering the individual characteristics of early childhood teachers, and that discussions on the professional support environment for early childhood teachers need to be approached by subdividing them into sub-variables as well as higher concepts. In addition, the necessity of activating various in-house activities, seminars, and study meetings in consideration of teacher experience to support the professional development and learning of early childhood teachers was discussed.&#x0D;

Gender Differences in Body Satisfaction Perception: The Role of Nutritional Habits, Psychological Traits, and Physical Activity in a Strength-Training Population.

The objective of this study is to examine gender disparities in body satisfaction perception, emphasizing the influence of nutritional habits, psychometric assessments, levels of physical activity, and health-related metrics. Employing a sample of 605 strength-trained participants (385 males and 224 females), aged between 20 and 35 years, and regularly engaged in strength training, we conducted a thorough analysis using Google Forms. We evaluated variables including age, anthropometric data, resistance training frequency, food consumption patterns, and psychological profiles. Our findings indicate significant gender-based differences in body satisfaction perception. Females tend to overestimate their muscular size and express heightened concern regarding gluteal shape, while males exhibit a more realistic self-perception, primarily focused on hip width. Dietary patterns also display gender-specific tendencies; females prefer healthier options like vegetables, whereas males consume more milk, fermented products, and carbohydrates. Hydration practices diverge as well, with females showing higher water intake in contrast to males' preference for alcoholic and carbonated beverages. Psychologically, males demonstrate greater extroversion, while females exhibit higher conscientiousness, openness, and a tendency toward negative thoughts and anxiety. Regarding physical activity, females engage in training sessions with greater volume compared to males. This study highlights the intricate interplay of social, cultural, and personal factors shaping gender-specific perceptions of body satisfaction and their subsequent impact on health and lifestyle choices. These insights pave the way for future specialized interventions and research, underscoring the importance of understanding gender-specific nuances to promote healthy body satisfaction and self-perception.

Profile of Interpersonal Communication of Grade XII Science Student at SMA Negeri 1 Kediri

This study aims to determine students' perceptions of interpersonal communication. This study is an exploratory research with research subjects of 57 grade XII Science students at SMA Negeri 1 Kediri. The research instrument used was a closed questionnaire with graded answers according to a Likert scale that had been validated and declared valid. The research data analysis used was descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with the Anova test at a significance level of 5%. The results of the study show that (1) grade XII Science students at SMA Negeri 1 Kediri have an average perception score about interpersonal communication on the indicator, namely Oppeness of 3.11 in the Tall category, Empathy is 3.27 in the Very High category, Supportiveness is 3.34 in the Very High category, Positiveness is 3.16 in the Very High category, and Equality is 3.20 in the Tall category; (2) there are significant differences in students' perceptions of interpersonal communication on the indicators of oppeness, empathy, supportiveness, positiveness, and equality as evidenced by a significance value of 0.003, which is smaller than 0.05 (&lt;0.05).

WHEN OLDER ADULTS GOT TRAUMATIC INJURY: EFFECTS OF CASE MANAGEMENT

Abstract Case management can improve patient outcomes from the acute to rehabilitation phase after traumatic injury. However, a lack of evidence on effects of case management in older patients with traumatic injury makes it difficult to translate research findings into practice. The study was to examine the effects of a case management intervention on illness perception, coping strategies used, and quality of life in older patients with traumatic injury across a 9-month span after hospital discharge. A 4-wave longitudinal, experimental design was used in older patients with traumatic injury hospitalized at a regional hospital in Taiwan. Subjects were randomly assigned to case management (experimental) or usual care (control) group. The intervention started during hospitalization and ended with a phone follow-up two weeks post discharge. Illness perception and/or coping strategies used along with health-related quality of life were measured at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months after discharge. Generalized estimating equations were used for analysis. Findings showed significant differences of illness perceptions at 3 and 6 months as well as coping strategies used at 6 and 9 months after discharge between the two groups. However, no significant difference on quality of life over time between the two groups was found. While case management appears to help older patients with traumatic injury decrease illness perception and better cope with their injury, it does not significantly improve their quality of life nine months after discharge. It is recommended that healthcare professionals develop a comprehensive long-term case management program for older patients with traumatic injury.

Family-Centered Care Across Thai Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Background: Implementing family-centered care (FCC) presents challenges to parental-healthcare provider partnership and collaboration in newborn care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Aims: To explore NICU nurses' perceptions of FCC (respect, collaboration, and support) during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare these between nurses working in secondary and tertiary/higher care settings. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional exploratory online survey design study was conducted to identify Thai NICU nurses' perceptions. The online survey of the Perceptions of Family-Centered Care—Staff (PFCC-S) was distributed via a Web page and professional networks between July and September 2022. Results: Of the 187 survey respondents, most NICU nurses worked in the NICU for less than 16 years and were employed in tertiary care/higher care settings in southern Thailand. There was a significant difference in perceptions of support subscale between NICU nurses in secondary (mean: 3.32, SD ± 0.53) and tertiary/higher care settings (mean: 3.17, SD ± 0.46) (P &lt; .05). Conclusion: Despite the challenges of the visitation restriction of COVID-19 in Thailand, nurses' perceptions of the value of FCC were maintained. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Further research is recommended to investigate how FCC can be implemented where there is a lack of material and infrastructure resources and staff shortage.

Exploring the Perceptions of Teachers on the Utilization of Intelligent Tutoring System Introduction

School organization stands as a cornerstone in the holistic development of students, with its efficiency gauged by the relationship between inputs and corresponding outputs. In alignment with this principle, this study aims to bolster the role of educational technology, particularly the Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS), in elementary education. This descriptive-quantitative research endeavors to elucidate the perceptions of teachers regarding the integration and effectiveness of ITS in the educational landscape. The study employed a researcher-designed survey questionnaire to solicit feedback from educators regarding their experiences with ITS. A total of 80 teachers actively engaged with ITS participated in the survey. Data analysis was conducted using statistical methods, generating frequencies, weighted means, ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis Test, and Pairwise Mann-Whitney tests. The results uncovered a consensus among teachers across different subject areas and experience levels, indicating positive beliefs regarding the utilization of ITS. The findings suggest that teachers perceive ITS as a valuable tool for enhancing student learning outcomes, facilitating personalized instruction, and fostering a dynamic learning environment. Moreover, the study revealed that there were no significant differences in teacher perceptions based on subject area expertise or experience level, indicating a uniform belief in the potential of ITS across diverse educational contexts. The study further highlights the critical role of teachers in shaping the future of education through the effective integration of advanced technological tools like ITS. It underscores the importance of ongoing review and innovation in ITS implementation to ensure its continued impact on student learning and development. In an era marked by technological advancements and educational transformations, this research contributes to the broader discourse on leveraging intelligent tutoring systems to prepare informed and productive generations for the challenges of tomorrow's world.

Genre v. BPM in Time Perception

This paper investigates the impact of music on time perception by examining two factors: genre and beats per minute (BPM) of songs. The study explores whether there is a significant difference in time perception when individuals listen to classical music compared to pop music and how varying song speeds affect time perception. Participants from Conestoga High School were selected through a convenience sample during Unity Fair and were asked to estimate when 15 seconds had elapsed while listening to different songs. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in time perception between classical and pop music. However, there was a significant difference in time perception for songs with different BPMs. The study suggests that song speed plays a more substantial role in affecting time perception than genre. Further exploration of music's impact on cognitive functions and time perception in longer intervals is proposed for future research.

Accounting Students' Perceptions of The Ethics of Preparing Financial Statements

This study aims to determine the students' perceptions of the role of understanding ethics in shaping student ethics and to find out the students' perceptions of making financial statements in meeting the needs of financial statement users. The research sample was determined using the Slovin formula to obtain 100 respondents, consisting of 41 undergraduate accounting students of STIE Indonesia Banjarmasin and 59 undergraduate accounting students of Lambung Mangkurat University. The results of this study indicate significant differences in perceptions of earnings management, misstatements, and cost benefits to users of financial statements. Meanwhile, the differences in perceptions regarding disclosing sensitive information and accountability to financial statement users are insignificant.

외국어 학습 도구로서의 기계 번역

Objectives The objective of this study was to examine the perceptions and attitudes of undergraduate French language majors about neural machine translation through a survey.&#x0D; Methods The study involved students enrolled in courses such as “French Literature and Translation” and “Advanced French Composition 2” at a university in Seoul. Over the course of a semester, students actively participated in translation and composition exercises aided by machine translation technology and draw up Integrated Problem and Decision Reporting (IPDR) detailing the use of machine translation for problem-solving in the translation process. Subsequently, a survey was conducted to assess the participants' perceptions and attitudes toward machine translation.&#x0D; Results The participants exhibited highly positive responses towards the effectiveness and convenience of using machine translation for learning, highlighting benefits such as time-saving and enhanced learning outcomes. However, the participants displayed a flexible attitude toward the machine-generated results and modified them instead of accepting unconditionally. While statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences in perception and attitude based on enrolled courses or grades, open-ended responses indicated that high-achieving students emphasized the learning benefits and effectiveness of machine translation, whereas lower-achieving students focused on its convenience, particularly in terms of time-saving.&#x0D; Conclusions With the increasing integration of machine translation into foreign language education, understanding how French language majors perceive machine translation can aid educators in devising teaching methods and learning strategies that optimize efficient and effective learning outcomes. This study contributes to the exploration of using machine translation as a tool to enhance language learning.

Experimental studies of the impact of amplitude modulation (AM) and tonality on the annoyance of wind turbine noise in the low frequency (LF) range

Amplitude modulation (AM) testing is most often limited to the band from 100 Hz to 800 Hz. The impact of AM and tonality on the annoyance of wind turbine (WT) noise in the frequency range below 100 Hz was undertaken as part of the work. In many works, complaints about the annoyance of WT noise in the low frequency (LF) band are raised, although the energy levels in this band do not exceed the threshold of perception. One of the reasons for such complaints may be AM and tonality. Acoustic signals were recorded in the band from 1 Hz to 20 kHz, at distances from 250 to 1500 m from the turbine at various wind speeds. From the recorded results, samples with the presence of AM and samples with tonal components were selected. The modulation depth, tonality or frequency modulation (FM) were determined for each sample. Preliminary listening tests were also carried out, in which the stimulus was the samples of recordings with AM and tonal components. The listening range was limited to the LF band. Preliminary studies showed no significant differences in noise perception between these samples. Further research is planned with recordings of greater tonality and AM depth.

Taste Abnormalities Emerging during Anti-Myeloma Therapies Including GPRC5D x CD3 Bispecific Antibody Talquetamab

Background: Dysgeusia is a common, yet underexamined side-effect of anti-tumor therapy. In multiple myeloma (MM) it has received more attention recently with the introduction of talquetamab, a bispecific T-cell engaging antibody targeting GPRC5D. Although GPRC5D expression is mainly restricted to plasma cells, cornified tissues including some cells in the oral cavity also express GPRC5D. This expression could be associated with changes in taste perception in patients undergoing therapy with talquetamab. Abnormalities in taste perception can negatively affect patients' quality of life and nutritional status, and in some cases may even require treatment interruption with a potential negative impact on outcome. Our objective was to determine the quality and severity of dysgeusia and its impact on quality of life in MM patients treated with talquetamab. To take our findings into perspective, we compared these results to patients who received high-dose melphalan, a treatment which goes along with taste abnormalities frequently (positive controls) as well as with BCMA targeting bispecific antibodies for which taste abnormalities have not been reported thus far (negative controls). Methods: We used a validated diagnostic instrument, “Taste-Strips”, to objectively assess gustatory performance in all five qualities of taste (sour, sweet, bitter, salty and umami). Further, we used a validated diagnostic instrument, “Sniffin' Sticks Identification Test 16”, to identify possible changes in olfactory perception. In addition, we used a questionnaire to document subjectively perceived changes in taste perception, oropharyngeal symptoms, nutritional status, individual diet-related symptoms, therapy compliance and quality of life. Results: We enrolled 55 patients with MM in our study. Seven (13%) patients were treated with a GPRC5D bispecific. Twenty-one (38%) patients received a BCMA bispecific and 27 (49%) patients received melphalan. All patients receiving a GPRC5D bispecific responded to treatment but also reported a significantly impaired overall taste sensation. They were significantly more likely to report loss of appetite ( P&amp;lt;0.01; Fisher test), loss of bodyweight (GPRC5D bispecifics: -4.3kg (SD4.6); BCMA bispecifics: -0.3kg (SD2.0); melphalan: -2.8kg (SD2.8)) and dry mouth ( P&amp;lt;0.01; Fisher test). Futhermore, patients receiving a GPRC5D bispecific reported a severe to very severe subjectively perceived level of impairment in quality of life due to subjectively perceived changes in gustatory perception of sweet, bitter, umami, and salty flavors (in descending order; P&amp;lt;0.01; Fisher test) and dry mouth ( P&amp;lt;0.01; Fisher test) than patients receiving BCMA bispecifics or melphalan. Forty-eight% of patients on BCMA bispecifics and 59% of patients on melphalan reported some level of dysguesia, which was objectified by “Taste-strips”-testing, highlighting the overall underreported frequency of this side effect. Of note, melphalan patients reported nausea and vomiting significantly more frequently than the other groups ( P&amp;lt;0.01; Fisher test). Objective olfactory testing did not show significant differences in olfactory perception between patients who received GPRC5D bispecifics, BCMA bispecifics or melphalan. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the importance of monitoring taste perception and quality of life changes caused by cancer therapies. The frequency of dysgeusia is underreported in MM patients receiving BCMA bispecifics and melphalan therapy. For optimal nutritional management, hospitals should consider patients' individual taste preferences.

Surveying Hematologists' Perceptions and Readiness to Embrace Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis and Treatment Decision-Making.

This study aims to explore the critical dimension of assessing the perceptions and readiness of hematologists to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in their diagnostic and treatment decision-making processes. This study used a cross-sectional design for collecting data related to the perceptions and readiness of hematologists using a validated online questionnaire-based survey. Both hematologists (MD) and postgraduate MD students in hematology were included in the study. A total of 188 participants, including 35 hematologists (MD) and 153 MD hematology students, completed the survey. Major challenges include "AI's level of autonomy" and "the complexity in the field of medicine." Major barriers and risks identified include "lack of trust," "management's level of understanding," "dehumanization of healthcare," and "reduction in physicians' skills." Statistically significant differences in perceptions of benefits including resources (p=0.0326, p<0.05) and knowledge (p=0.0262, p<0.05) were observed between genders. Older physicians were observed to be more concerned about the use of AI compared to younger physicians (p<0.05). While AI use in hematology diagnosis and treatment decision-making is positively perceived, issues such as lack of trust, transparency, regulations, and poor AI awareness can affect the adoption of AI.

Assessment of beef sensory attributes and physicochemical characteristics: A comparative study of intermediate versus normal ultimate pH striploin cuts

The quality of beef, defined by key attributes such as the intrinsic sensory qualities texture, flavour, and juiciness, is shaped by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study conducted a detailed examination of Nellore beef, focusing on two categories based on ultimate pH (pHu) levels: intermediate (pHu ≥ 5.8) and normal (pHu < 5.6) beef. A comprehensive approach was taken, involving twenty trained assessors who applied the Optimised Descriptive Profile (ODP) method to evaluate grilled striploin steak samples. In parallel, consumer preferences were measured through a hedonic test and a Check-all-that-apply (CATA) task, involving 135 participants. The ODP results revealed that the intermediate pHu samples were juicier (P < 0.05) compared to the normal pHu group. The CATA analysis highlighted differences in both intermediate and normal pHu beef, especially in juiciness, a crucial factor for consumer satisfaction. Notably, variations in deoxymyoglobin content linked to ageing were observed, with higher levels at the 3rd day compared to the 28th day, especially in the intermediate pHu samples (P < 0.05). Moreover, colour-related aspects such as L*, b*, chroma (C*), and oxymyoglobin were significantly influenced (P < 0.05) by both the pHu category and ageing time. Regarding consumer acceptance, the study found no significant difference in perception between the intermediate and normal pHu groups (P > 0.05). These findings revealed the complex interactions between pHu levels, sensory characteristics, and consumer preferences in beef quality, offering valuable insights for both the industry and research community.

Exploring the factors that influence research participation and engagement among radiography professionals in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundRadiography research is essential for evidence-based practice and professional development. However, barriers and challenges may hinder radiographers from engaging in research activities. PurposeThis study aimed to explore the barriers and attitudes of radiography professionals toward research in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience snowball sampling technique that included 267 radiographers. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on the barriers, attitudes, and reasons for conducting research. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA were used to examine the association between variables. ResultsThe most common barriers to research were lack of motivation (74.2%), heavy clinical workload (72.2%), lack of research resources (69.3%), and lack of funding support (69.7%). The respondents' attitude toward research was generally negative, as they lacked interest in conducting research (47.2%) and seeing no benefits for their department (46.5%). The positive aspects of their attitude are that they acknowledge the importance of following the development of radiograph research (57.3%), are willing to take responsibility for implementing relevant findings (51.2%) and they value research findings over their clinical experience (46.7%). Statistically significant differences in barrier perceptions were observed among the age groups (p = 0.006). Furthermore, female participants and those with a Master's degree demonstrated a significantly more positive attitude toward research (p < 0.05). The most frequently cited reasons to conduct research by radiographers were personal development (71.5%) and excellence allowance (55.4%). ConclusionThe results indicate the necessity for increased assistance and resources to facilitate radiography research and encourage healthcare professionals to actively participate in research.