Significance Level Research Articles

An assessment of the efficacy of cognitive behavioral intervention for trauma in schools among student-residents at the Manila Boys’ Town Complex, Philippines

This study assessed the efficacy of the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) in mitigating the impact of trauma on the behavior and academic performance of student- residents at the Manila Boys’ Town Complex, Philippines. Utilizing a pretest-posttest control group design, trauma symptoms were evaluated using the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC). The study included 20 participants, divided equally into experimental and control groups. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, a non-parametric test used to compare two related samples, in this case, the pretest and posttest scores. The test revealed no statistically significant differences between pretest and posttest scores across six TSCC subscales: Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Posttraumatic Stress, Dissociation, and Sexual Concerns, at the .05 significance level. Despite the lack of significant statistical improvement, median posttest scores for the experimental group were lower than those of the control group, with scores of 61.5, 60, 51, 55.5, 58, and 64, compared to 64.5, 59.5, 52, 58.5, 61, and 74.5 for the control group across the respective subscales. These results suggest that while CBITS did not produce statistically significant outcomes, it may have a potentially positive effect on addressing trauma-related issues. The findings highlight the complexities involved in trauma intervention within educational settings and emphasize the need for culturally and contextually tailored approaches. Future research should consider increasing sample sizes and further adapting CBITS to enhance the reliability and applicability of the findings. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of trauma intervention strategies in public schools and underscores the necessity for ongoing exploration to optimize support for vulnerable student populations.

The Effectiveness of Experiential Learning Strategy in Achieving Science Subject Competence Among Fifth Grade Elementary School Students

This study investigates the effectiveness of experiential learning strategies in enhancing science subject competence among fifth-grade elementary students in Anbar Governorate, where traditional teaching methods dominate. Prior research indicates a lack of engagement and critical thinking among students, emphasizing the need for pedagogical approaches that promote active learning and real-world experiences. Employing a descriptive and experimental design, this research included two groups: an experimental group receiving instruction through experiential learning and a control group taught via traditional methods. The sample consisted of 65 fifth-grade students from Al-Mu'min Primary School, chosen to ensure representativeness. Pre-experimental assessments ensured equivalence in variables such as age, intelligence, and previous academic achievement. The study's impact was evaluated using a post-test composed of 40 multiple-choice questions aligned with the science curriculum. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in mean achievement test scores between the groups, with the experimental group achieving a higher average score of 29.90 compared to the control group's 22.55. The calculated t-value was 10.11, surpassing the critical t-value of 2.00 at the 0.05 significance level, indicating strong evidence for the effectiveness of experiential learning strategies. Furthermore, the effect size measured using eta squared (η² = 0.63) confirmed a large impact on student achievement. The findings signify that experiential learning strategies substantially enhance science subject competence among elementary students, fostering greater engagement and understanding of scientific concepts. These results advocate for the integration of experiential learning methodologies in science education, reflecting a shift away from traditional teaching practices to more effective, student-centered approaches that promote critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge.

Factors affecting antibiotics consumption among the elderly population in Thailand

Background: The consumption of antibiotic among the elderly population has raised concerns in Thailand due to its correlation with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infections. Moreover, it is also related to adverse drug reactions resulting from impaired drug excretion and elimination. Contributing factors to antibiotic consumption in the elderly population are insufficiently understood in Thailand. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of antibiotic consumption behaviour among the elderly population and to identify associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using survey data from the National Statistic Office, which included only elderly individuals. Bivariate analysis with a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was performed to screen for significant independent variables with a significance level below 0.05. All significant variables were included in the multivariable analysis, which revealed adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Of 9,104 elderly people, the prevalence of antibiotic consumption was found to be 7.77% (95% CI: 7.21% - 8.31%). The multivariable GLMM analysis demonstrated that being free from underlying diseases (AOR= 2.16, 95% CI: 1.63-2.88, p-value < 0.001), having transportation expenses (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI:1.49-2.99, p-value < 0.001), experiencing pain and discomfort symptoms (AOR =1.66, 95%CI: 1.27-2.16, p-value < 0.001), having anxiety and depression (AOR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.27-2.16, p-value = 0.012), having moderate to poor level of knowledge (AOR = 2.42 95% CI: 1.55-3.78 and (AOR=2.71, 95% CI:1.75-4.21), and not receiving information regarding antibiotic use and its resistance (AOR = 5.12, 95%CI: 4.12-6.36, p-value < 0.001) were the major contributing factors to antibiotic consumption behaviours in the elderly population. Conclusion: The prevalence of antibiotic consumption in the elderly population may contribute to emergence of AMR infections and increased mortality rates. Implementing clinical practice guidelines and health education programs is essential to control antibiotic prescriptions and discourage self-medication in Thailand.

The Impact of an Educational Kit Based on a Virtual Laboratory in Chemistry for First-Year Middle School Students and Their Astute Thinking

The present study investigates the influence of a virtual laboratory-based learning kit on the development of clever thinking skills among middle school students engaged in chemistry education. This research responds to the increasing demand for effective and engaging pedagogical approaches within the realm of science education. The study formulates a null hypothesis asserting that there is no statistically significant difference, at the 0.05 significance level, between the average scores of students in the experimental group utilizing the virtual laboratory-based learning kit and those in the control group receiving instruction through traditional methods. An experimental design with partial control was employed, featuring an experimental group comprising 34 students and a control group consisting of 32 students from Qadisiyah Middle School for Boys. Participants were randomly selected to create an unbiased sample of 66 students. The groups were equated based on key variables, such as age, grade 6 grade point average (GPA), and prior knowledge of the subject matter. To facilitate effective learning, twenty-four daily teaching plans were meticulously constructed: the experimental group’s plans were aligned with the virtual laboratory-based educational kit, while the control group adhered to conventional instructional techniques. Subsequent statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to assess the outcomes of the two independent samples with unequal sizes. The findings revealed a significant enhancement in clever thinking skills among students in the experimental group who engaged with the virtual laboratory-based educational kit, in comparison to their counterparts in the control group. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate notable advantages associated with the incorporation of a virtual laboratory-based educational kit into chemistry instruction to foster the development of clever thinking skills among students. This research advocates for the integration of virtual laboratories into pedagogical practices and encourages further investigation across various educational levels and subjects to ascertain their broader implications for learning outcomes.

Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 as a potential prognostic biomarker for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a meta-analysis

BackgroundMost studies have indicated that peripheral insulin-like growth levels factor-1 (IGF-1) is valuable in diagnosing heart failure, although the results have been inconsistent. To help solve the debate, we performed a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between IGF-1 and heart failure (HF).MethodsWe conducted an extensive search across various databases such as Embase, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Medline, and Web of Science on May 30, 2023. From the extensive pool of studies, we selected 16 relevant articles, encompassing a total of 1,380 cases and 1,153 controls, to conduct a rigorous meta-analysis.ResultsThe total results indicated that there is an association between lower IGF-1 level and HF. The random-effects model yielded a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of −0.598 (95% CI: −1.081 to −0.116, P = 0.015). Further subgroup analysis also showed that IGF-1 levels were associated with HF in the age difference ≥5 years subgroup and body mass index difference >1 subgroup. Additionally, significant association between IGF-1 levels and HF were detected in the “serum” samples and “Europe” subgroups. Importantly, we observed IGF-1 showed significant lower levels in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) compared to the controls, not in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The Begg’s and Egger’s tests revealed no indication of publication bias.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis has provided evidence suggesting a substantial correlation between reduced levels of IGF-1 and the occurrence of HF. Further prospective studies are necessary to ascertain the use of IGF-1 as a reliable biomarker for diagnosing HF, especially for HFrEF. But the diagnosis of HFpEF should be cautious.

The Traumatic Implications of Sexual Assault on the Academic Performances of Female Students: A Study of Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State

This research seeks to investigate the traumatic implications of sexual assault of female students of selected tertiary institutions in Anambra State on their academic performance. The specific objectives were to basically assess the relationship between sexual assault and non-attendance to lectures and the relationship between sexual assault and academic failure. The research was carried out using a descriptive survey design. The population of the study was one thousand three hundred and seventy (896) female students of three selected tertiary institutions under study. Data was collected from primary source using a well structured questionnaire. Designed instrument was validated through content validity using five experts from both the industry and academia. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 probability level of significance aided by computer through the application of statistical packaging for social sciences (SPSS version 23). Findings indicated that: there was a significant relationship between sexual assault(r = 0.104, p = 0.000, p-value < 0.05) and non-attendance to lectures and the relationship between sexual assault (r = 0.014; p=0.001; p-value < .05) and academic failure. It is recommended that school management should establish counseling units across all tertiary institutions with professional counselors employed to counsel victims as well as encouraging them to move on with their usual academic life.

The associations among type D personality and nomophobia, metacognitions about smartphone use, smartphone addiction in Chinese university freshmen: a two-wave study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine longitudinal associations of Type D personality and smartphone addiction, while also exploring the mediating roles of nomophobia and metacognitions about smartphone use.MethodsType D Personality Scale-14 (T1), Nomophobia Questionnaire (T2), Metacognitions about Smartphone Use Questionnaire (T2) and Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (T2) were applied at two time points. 653 university freshmen (Mage= 18.56, SD = 0.65) from a university in China were surveyed.Results(1) Type D personality was significantly and positively correlated with nomophobia, negative metacognition, and smartphone addiction. In contrast, the correlation between Type D personality and positive metacognition did not reach the significant level. (2) Compared with individuals with non-Type D personality, those with Type D personality scored significantly higher on nomophobia, negative metacognition, and smartphone addiction. However, the difference was not significant for positive metacognition. (3) Nomophobia and metacognitions about smartphone use fully mediated the relationship between Type D personality and smartphone addiction. While the mediating effects of nomophobia and negative metacognition were significant, the mediating effect of positive metacognition was not significant.ConclusionsType D personality can not only affect smartphone addiction directly but also indirectly through nomophobia and negative metacognition. Therefore, to prevent and intervene in smartphone addiction, we can start from both affect (nomophobia) and metacognition (negative metacognitions about smartphone use).

Extraction of bioactive compounds from peel and seeds of pitomba (Talisia esculenta) using eutectic solvents

SummaryThis study explores using pitomba peel and seeds to obtain a natural extract with high antioxidant capacity, employing extraction techniques with eutectic solvents combined with agitation and temperature control. The analysis revealed that, for the extraction with pitomba peel residues, the average levels of phenolic compounds did not show significant differences except for the extraction with ethanol. In contrast, the extractions performed with pitomba seeds showed significant differences, with the combination of choline chloride with lactic acid and choline chloride with glycerol providing the highest phenolic compound values. For flavonoids, the highest amount was obtained with the extraction using L‐proline and levulinic acid for the pitomba peel and ethanol and choline chloride with levulinic acid for the pitomba seeds. The results of the DPPH and FRAP assays indicate that, for antioxidant activity, the highest DPPH value was achieved with the extraction of pitomba peel using choline chloride with glycerol. In contrast, for pitomba seeds, elevated values were found with choline chloride with glycerol and choline chloride with levulinic acid. In the FRAP assay, the averages between L‐proline with levulinic acid and choline chloride with glycerol were not significantly different, showing high values. For pitomba seeds, the averages between ethanol and choline chloride with glycerol were also not significantly different and showed the highest obtained values. The results demonstrate that the extracts obtained from pitomba residues are rich in valuable compounds for potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. They highlight the significant levels of flavonoids extracted from pitomba peel and seeds and emphasise the effectiveness of deep eutectic solvents (DES), particularly choline chloride with glycerol, in the extraction process.

Assessment of Lateral Epicondylitis in Butchers in Islamabad

Background: Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a common overuse injury affecting the extensor muscles of the forearm, particularly in professions requiring repetitive manual tasks, such as butchery.Objective: To assess the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis among butchers in Islamabad and its association with occupational risk factors.Methods: A correlational study was conducted between February and July 2022, involving 205 butchers selected through convenience sampling. Participants with at least one year of work experience were included, while those with pre-existing injuries or diabetes were excluded. Data were collected using the Pain Rating Scale, DASH questionnaire, and Cozen’s test. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 25, with a significance level of 0.05.Results: The prevalence of lateral epicondylitis was 23.41% (n=48). Butchers working more than 9 hours daily had a significantly higher prevalence (p=0.001). Mild to moderate pain was reported by 26.3% to 21.5% of participants, particularly in the arm and shoulder.Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of lateral epicondylitis among butchers, linked to prolonged working hours and repetitive tasks. Ergonomic interventions and work modifications are recommended to reduce risk.

Причины обращения за психологической помощью в стационаре скорой помощи

<p>Psychological assistance to patients in an emergency multidisciplinary hospital is increasingly relevant due to the influence of mental disorders and emotional maladjustment on treatment, the patient’s internal perception of their illness, and adherence to treatment. Since hospitalization is inherently a stressful factor that can contribute to the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms, psychological support for patients and often their loved ones is an integral part of the treatment process. However, studies on the emotional state of patients at the time of hospitalization are limited and primarily focus on assessing the level of current stress. Patients admitted to the hospital often experience symptoms of emotional maladjustment long before hospitalization, which can significantly impact their adaptation to the hospital environment and the treatment process as a whole. This article analyzes the reasons for seeking psychological help during hospitalization in an emergency hospital and examines the relationship between these reasons and the level of emotional maladjustment. The analysis of primary issues was conducted by coding each case according to the most prominent problem presented. A total of 379 consultations were analyzed, identifying problems associated with psychological distress. The sample consisted of 122 men and 257 women, with an average age of 50 years. Also, some patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), including 30 men and 50 women. The results of the study showed that one of the most common reasons for seeking psychological help was related to situational reactions to stress. However, the majority of patients in this group did not have elevated scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. In addition, a significant percentage (37% of all consultations) of patients were referred for psychological consultation due to emotional problems that had been present before hospitalization. Notably, patients in this group were most often among those with clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression. The data obtained may indicate that the main reason for the deterioration of the emotional state at the time of hospitalization is not hospitalization itself, but problems that the patient has encountered outside the hospital walls.</p>

Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies in dried blood and saliva samples using antibody proximity extension assays (AbPEA)

Using a modified proximity extension assay, total and immunoglobulin (Ig) class-specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were sensitively and conveniently detected directly from ø1.2 mm discs cut from dried blood and saliva spots (DBS and DSS) without the need for elution. For total Ig detection, antigen probes were prepared by conjugating recombinant spike protein subunit 1 (S1-RBD) to a pair of oligonucleotides. To detect isotype-specific antibody reactivity, one antigen probe was replaced with oligonucleotide-conjugated antibodies specific for antibody isotypes. Binding of pairs of oligonucleotide-conjugated probes to antibodies in patient samples brings oligonucleotides in proximity. An added DNA polymerase uses a transient hybridization between the oligonucleotides to prime synthesis of a DNA strand, which serves as a DNA amplicon that is quantified by real-time PCR. The S1-RBD-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies in DBS samples collected over the course of a first and second vaccination exhibited kinetics consistent with previous reports. Both DBS and DSS collected from 42 individuals in the autumn of 2023 showed significant level of total S1-RBD antibodies with a correlation of R = 0.70. However, levels in DSS were generally 10 to 100-fold lower than in DBS. Anti-S1-RBD IgG and IgA in DSS demonstrated a correlation of R = 0.6.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Long-Term Dentin Bond Strength, Water Sorption, Solubility, and Degree of Conversion of Self-Adhesive Resin Composites.

To evaluate the long-term microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin, water sorption (WSP) and solubility (WSL), and degree of conversion (DC) of self-adhesive resin composites (SACs). The mid-coronal dentin of human molars was exposed, and teeth were randomly assigned to five groups according to the SACs (n = 10): 1. FIT SA F03 (FIT); 2. Experimental (EXP); 3. Fusio Liquid Dentin (FLD); 4. Vertise Flow (VER); 5. Constic (CON). The µTBS was evaluated after 24 hours (24 h) and 6 months (6 m) storage. A scanning electron microscope examined failure modes and resin-dentin interfaces. The WSP and WSL (n = 5) were evaluated following ISO 4049:2019 specifications, and DC (n = 3) was measured using Raman spectroscopy. The statistical analyses were performed accepting a significance level of p = 0.05. FIT, EXP, and FLD produced significantly higher µTBS median values than VER and CON after 24 h and 6 m (p 0.05). After 6m, the µTBS median of FIT and EXP significantly decreased (p 0.05), while FLD, VER, and CON showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). FLD and CON exhibited lower WSP than FIT, EXP, and VER (p 0.05). FLD presented the lowest (p 0.05), and VER revealed the highest WSL (p 0.05). FIT and EXP showed the highest (p 0.05), and VER demonstrated the lowest DC (p 0.05). Following the present study's design, SACs' bonding performance and physical properties remained restricted. Therefore, the application should be considered cautiously, and further clinical trials are necessary to evaluate their long-term performance.

Determinants of Infertile of Infertile Women Requesting Assisted Reproduction Techniques in a Low Resource Setting in Western Nigeria

Background: Infertility is an important gynaecological condition with psycho-social, cultural, economic, religious, demographic, and clinical consequences. Although the prevalence of couples having problems with conception has remained relatively stable worldwide, there has been an increase in the proportion of couples seeking fertility services. This substantial increase might reflect the improvement in the advancements in fertility care, improved success rates, increased availability of specialists and or involvement of insurance firms in infertility treatment. Paradoxically, countries in Africa with high infertility burden still lags in fertility care. This study was therefore aims to investigate the types and causes of infertility in patients attending fertility care in an assisted conception Centre in a public tertiary hospital in southwest Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patient records who attended Assisted fertility centre (AFC) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), from January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2023. Categorical variables were analysed using percentages while continuous variables were analysed using mean and standard deviation and the association between categorical variables was analysed using chi-square test. The statistical significance level was set at p-value < 0.05. Results: The mean age and mean duration of infertility of the participants in the study was 40.89±6.8, and 8.14±3.5 respectively. About 72.9% had more than secondary education while almost two thirds of the participants had secondary infertility, 36.1% had previous pelvic surgeries, 11.4% had chronic pelvic pain and menstrual abnormality. Secondary infertility was more prevalent in women who has chronic pelvic pain, or those who has had previous pelvic surgery, previous infertility or previous abortion. Conclusion: In conclusion our analysis suggests that Secondary infertility is the commonest cause of inability to conceive in our facility. It also revealed that most of our women present late for fertility care at an advanced maternal age.

Modulation of Photosensitizing Responses in Cell Culture Environments by Different Medium Components

Many cell culture experiments are performed under light to evaluate the photodynamic or photosensitizing efficacy of various agents. In this study, the modulation of photosensitizing responses and phototoxicity under cell culture conditions by different medium components was investigated. The significant levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from DMEM, RPMI 1640, and MEM were observed under the irradiation of fluorescent light (FL) and white and blue LEDs, indicating that these media have their own photosensitizing properties; DMEM showed the most potent property. Phenol red-free DMEM (Pf-D) exhibited a stronger photosensitizing property than normal DMEM by 1.31 and 1.25 times under FL and blue LEDs, respectively; phenol red and riboflavin-free DMEM (PRbf-D) did not show any photosensitizing properties. The inhibitory effect on light transmission was more pronounced in DMEM than in RPMI, and the interference effect on green LED light was greatest at 57.8 and 27.4%, respectively; the effect disappeared in Pf-D. The media containing riboflavin induced strong phototoxicity in HaCaT keratinocytes by generating H2O2 under light irradiation, which was quenched by sodium pyruvate in the media. The presence of serum in the media was also reduced the phototoxicity; H2O2 levels in the media decreased serum content dependently. The phototoxicity of erythrosine B and protoporphyrin IX under FL was more sensitively pronounced in PRbf-D than in DMEM. The present results indicate that several medium components, including riboflavin, phenol red, sodium pyruvate, and serum, could modulate photosensitizing responses in a cell culture system by inducing photosensitizing activation and by interfering with irradiation efficacy and ROS generation.

The applied study to improve the treatment of knee sports injuries in ultimate frisbee players based on personalized exercise prescription: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveUltimate frisbee can lead to severe sports injuries, especially joint injuries in the lower limbs, such as knee meniscus injuries. This study examines the impact of personalized exercise therapy on knee meniscus injuries in ultimate frisbee players in the Lingnan region of China.MethodsSeventy-six patients with confirmed meniscal injuries participated in the study, divided into an intervention group (n = 38) and a control group (n = 38). The control group received standard treatment, including drug therapy and physical therapy. The intervention group received standard treatment plus a personalized exercise regimen based on FITT-VP (frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression) principles, incorporating strength training, aerobic exercise, flexibility training, neuromuscular training, and aquatic exercise. This program was monitored and adjusted over a six-month period through both online and offline methods. The primary outcomes were joint range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference atrophy index (TCAI), Lysholm Rating Scale (LRS) scores, and visual analog scores (VAS). The secondary outcome was the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Data were collected before the intervention, and at 1 month and 6 months after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0 and GraphPad 10.0, with a significance level set at α = 0.05.ResultsAfter 1 month, the intervention group showed significantly better results in ROM (116.67 ± 9.063), LRS score (86.316 ± 3.750), and IKDC score (80.473 ± 5.421) compared to the control group (111.784 ± 4.778, 82.579 ± 3.818, and 77.684 ± 4.430, respectively) (p < 0.05). The TCAI (3.219 ± 1.889) and VAS score (1.921 ± 0.673) in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (5.228 ± 2.131 and 2.710 ± 1.112, respectively) (p < 0.01). After 6 months, the differences in LRS and VAS scores between the groups were not significant. However, the intervention group continued to show significant improvements in ROM (134.934 ± 3.011), TCAI (1.107 ± 1.158), and IKDC score (93.315 ± 1.847) compared to the control group (125.395 ± 18.554, 4.574 ± 1.109, and 87.789 ± 4.437, respectively) (p < 0.05).ConclusionPersonalized exercise prescriptions offer significant therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits for ultimate frisbee players with knee meniscus injuries. This approach helps to reduce symptoms, alleviate pain, and improve joint function, muscle strength, and athletic performance after sports-related injuries.

Green Recruitment as a Mediating Variable of the Effect of Green Employer Behavior on Employee Performance

Context: The image above indicates that if the researcher decides to formulate a Green Recruitment variable argument, it can have a positive relationship and a significant influence on employee performance. Then the researchers modified this variable into Green Recruitment by adding Environmental & Natural elements with the aim of creating a company that upholds Sustainable Development. Objective: The main objects in this article are Green Recruitment, Employee Performance, and Green Training which are formulated by Green Recruitment as an Independent variable, Green Training as a Moderation variable, and Employee Performance as an Independent variable. Method: This research is quantitative research with an exploratory approach which uses a number of previous studies, especially the five studies mentioned above and the addition of two other studies regarding Green Recruitment. The data used in this research is primary data that researchers obtained from PT. Musi Hutan Persada in Indonesia has 300 employees. These data were analyzed using the smart PLS 4.0 analysis tool. Results: The Green Recruitment variable can have a positive relationship and a significant influence on Employee Performance. This is because the P-Values in the first row are positive and are below the 0.05 significance level, namely 0.043. Apart from that, in the next row the P-Values also point to positive and are below the 0.05 significance level, namely 0.000. These results indicate that the Green Recruitment variable can have a positive relationship and a significant influence on employee performance and the Green Training variable can strengthen the influence of the Green Recruitment variable on employee performance. These results are due to recruitment which has a high nuance in protecting the environment, usually has high social sensitivity and concern and ultimately improves employee performance. The resulting employee performance is not just ordinary employee performance like employee performance in other studies, but employee performance that is nuanced and combined with aspects of caring for nature and the environment. Therefore, the first and second hypotheses in this study can be accepted. Contribution: The researcher's great hope is that this article can be used as one of the main references in Human Resource Management scholarship, especially those closely related to Green Recruitment, Green Training and Employee Performance. Apart from that, it is hoped that this research will become a reference in deciding existing policies.

Social media impact on students’ decision-making regarding aesthetic dental treatments based on cross-sectional survey data

This study investigated the influence of social media on patients regarding aesthetic dental treatments according to sex, type of treatment, and time since their last treatment. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey. Participants were students over 18 years of age who were social media users and had undergone aesthetic dental treatment. 504 responses were included. Data evaluation was made using Pearson chi-square test. The level of significance was set at p < .05. 29.37% of the respondents indicated that social media influenced their decision to have their aesthetic treatment. Regarding the influence of social media, no differences were observed between males and females, nor by type of aesthetic treatment. Participants who had undergone an aesthetic dental treatment within the last year were more influenced by social media than those who had undergone it more than two years ago. Posts from dental clinics or dentists were the type of content that most influenced participants. Social media can influence some patients' decision to undergo aesthetic dental treatment, thus dental practices and dentists should consider the increasing importance of social media in their daily practice.

Workplace Humanization and Job Effectiveness of Business Education Graduates in Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State

This study examined workplace humanization and job effectiveness of business education graduates in tertiary institutions in Rivers State. Two (2) objectives, research questions and null hypotheses were stated, answered, formulated and tested to guide this study. Descriptive survey design was adopted in this study and the population consists of one thousand two hundred and eighty-three business education graduates in public tertiary institutions in Rivers State and the sample size of this study was two hundred and ninety-seven respondents drawn from the population with the use of Taro Yamen formular, hence simple random sampling techniques was adopted in this study. A self-developed questionnaire titled “Workplace Humanization and Job Effectiveness of Business Education Graduates Questionnaire (WoHuJEBEGQu) was used to obtain data for this study. In addition, the said instrument employed face and content validity, which was validated by experts in the study area and a reliability index coefficient of 0.81 was obtained using test-retest method of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). Mean and standard deviation was used to answer and analyzed the research questions while independent t-test statistical tool was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings of this study revealed that job security and equity in remuneration are the variables of workplace humanization that enhances job effectiveness of business education graduates in tertiary institutions in Rivers State to a high extent. In addition, there is no significant difference in the mean responses of male and female business education graduates on extent job security and equity in remuneration enhances job effectiveness in the aforementioned institutions in Rivers State. It was therefore recommended among others that management of institutions should display equal fairness in the areas of employees’ remuneration so that there will not be room for any marginalization.

STAD atau Jigsaw? Menguji Keefektifan Dua Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif dalam PKn

This study aims to determine the differences in Civic Education learning outcomes between students taught using the STAD cooperative learning model and the Jigsaw cooperative learning model at MAN 1 Kendari. The research method used is an experimental design with a post-test only control group design. The sample consists of 60 students, selected through multi-stage random sampling, with 30 students from class XI IPS2 and 30 students from class XI IPS3. Data were collected using a Civic Education learning outcomes test, which was validated and tested for reliability, with a reliability score of 0.903. The results showed that the average learning outcomes of students taught with the STAD model were higher (87.21) compared to those taught with the Jigsaw model (73.44). Hypothesis testing revealed a significant difference between the two learning models, with a t-value (30) greater than the t-table value (2.390) at a 0.01 significance level. This study concludes that the STAD cooperative learning model is more effective in improving Civic Education learning outcomes compared to the Jigsaw learning model.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Barleria albostellata C.B. Clarke Leaves and Stems: Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have increasingly gained attention owing to their distinctive physicochemical and biological properties. The objective of the investigation was to biologically synthesize AgNPs using plant extracts from Barleria albostellata. The synthesized AgNPs, obtained from B. albostellata (leaves and stems), were characterized through various techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated utilizing the disk diffusion method. The cytotoxicity effects of the synthesized AgNPs were determined using the MTT assay (3-[(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide]) in cervical cancer (HeLa), embryonic kidney (HEK293), and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. The results indicate that B. albostellata extracts could serve as eco-friendly biofactories for the synthesis of AgNPs. UV-vis spectroscopy of the leaf and stem extracts revealed absorption peaks within the range of 400–450 nm, thereby confirming the synthesis of AgNPs. Elemental Ag was highest in the methanol leaf extracts (16.87 ± 0.89%) and lowest in the powdered stem extracts (7.13 ± 1.44%). Synthesized AgNPs were predominantly spherical in shape. HRTEM revealed that synthesized AgNPs from the methanolic stem extracts (34.32 ± 16.99 nm) were larger in size, while those from the powdered stem extracts were smaller (16.57 ± 5.55 nm). AgNPs synthesized from both the leaf and stem extracts exhibited zeta potential values between −8.8 and −32.1 mV, with hydrodynamics diameters ranging from 34.3 to 111.3 nm. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of various functional groups on the AgNPs. AgNPs synthesized from the leaf and stem extracts displayed significant antibacterial activity and were sensitive to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity (diameter of the zone of inhibition) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.67 ± 2.87 mm) in the leaf methanolic extract. Synthesized AgNPs exhibited selective in vitro cytotoxicity against HEK293, HeLa, and MCF-7 cell lines. The IC50 values of the AgNPs synthesized from the various extracts were all above 9 µg/mL. Significant cytotoxic levels (IC50 16.11 and 27.23 µg/mL) were observed for the MCF-7 cell line upon exposure to the methanolic leaf and stem AgNPs. This study recommends the use of medicinal plant extracts in producing economically effective AgNPs, due to their efficient capping. Overall, AgNPs synthesized from B. albostellata extracts comprised novel antibacterial and anticancer agents, and warrant further investigation. Bio-synthesized AgNPs show great potential in the area of nanotechnology and may be used as an affordable, eco-friendly alternative for the delivery of conventional therapeutics.