Simple Random Sampling Research Articles

The accuracy of a novel stunting risk detection application based on nutrition and sanitation indicators in children aged under five years

BackgroundAdaptive and innovative technologies to prevent stunting are being developed continuously in various countries. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the accuracy of a stunting risk detection application based on nutrition and sanitation indicators in children aged under five years.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2023 and involved 316 mother-child pairs selected by simple random sampling from urban (n = 244) and rural (n = 72) areas in Bogor, West Java Province, Indonesia. An application was developed to detect stunting risk based on 25 indicators: eight indicators of maternal and child characteristics, eight nutrition indicators, and nine indicators of personal hygiene and sanitation. The nutrition and sanitation indicators were determined according to the World Health Organization conceptual framework for stunting. The accuracy of the stunting prediction model was analyzed using the Area Under Curve (AUC) and the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) Curve method.ResultsOf the 316 included children, 29.5% were stunting. The developed stunting risk detection application exhibited good sensitivity (88.3%) and specificity (83.3%). It accurately detected children at risk of stunting with an AUC of 89.6%. In urban areas, eight indicators were significantly predictive of stunting: mother’s height, child’s age, exclusive breastfeeding, frequency of protein consumption, balanced diet, washing hands with soap, availability of complete room functions in the house, and good household waste management. In rural areas, eight indicators were significantly predictive of stunting: mother’s height, history of infectious disease, early initiation of breastfeeding, frequency of protein consumption, complementary feeding, washing hands with soap, availability of safe food storage, and availability of clean water sources for drinking. Mother’s height was the dominant factor in predicting stunting in urban (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.321, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.202–3.051, p = 0.006) and rural (aOR = 3.927, 95% CI = 1.132–4.281, p = 0.001).ConclusionThe developed application exhibited good accuracy and quickly assessed the risk of stunting in children, enabling it to provide appropriate recommendations to prevent stunting. However, it must be improved by simplifying the number of included indicators and re-testing on a broader scale.

Study on the role and mechanism of Biochanin A in inflammatory response and cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in mice

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of biochanin A (BCA) on the inflammatory response and cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. Methods: Using the simple random sampling method, 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were categorized into the sham operation control group (5 mice), sham operation experimental group (5 mice), BCA-MI control group (15 mice), BCA-MI experimental group (15 mice), azithromycin-MI control group (4 mice), and azithromycin-MI experimental group (4 mice). The mouse MI model was constructed by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The BCA-MI experimental group was administered 200 mg/kg BCA by gavage, while the BCA-MI control group was given an equal volume of solvent once a day for 3 consecutive days. Mice in the azithromycin-MI experimental group were administered 160 mg/kg azithromycin by gavage, and those in the azithromycin-MI control group were given an equal volume of solvent once a day for 3 consecutive days. The azithromycin-MI experimental group served as a positive control for the influence of BCA on neutrophil infiltration. At 21 days after MI, cardiac MRI and ultrasound examinations were conducted on the sham operation control group, sham operation experimental group, BCA-MI control group, and BCA-MI experimental group, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were recorded; The hearts of MI mice were extracted, and Masson staining was utilized to assess the MI area and collagen deposition. At 3 days after MI, the hearts of the BCA-MI control group, BCA-MI experimental group, azithromycin-MI control group, and azithromycin-MI experimental group were extracted for flow cytometry to evaluate the infiltration of neutrophils in the heart. At 3 days after MI, the peripheral blood of the BCA-MI control group and BCA-MI experimental group was collected, centrifuged to obtain serum, and the levels of inflammatory factors were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); The hearts of the mice were extracted, and the infiltration of neutrophils and the level of apoptotic myocardial cells in the MI area were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Circulating neutrophils from one healthy mouse were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) (in vitro control group) or PMA+BCA (in vitro experimental group) for 4 hours to induce the inflammatory state of neutrophils, and the culture medium was obtained through centrifugation. The culture medium from the in vitro control group and in vitro experimental group was used to cultivate H9C2 cardiomyocytes to induce their injury. The inhibitory effect of BCA on the injury of cardiomyocytes by neutrophils was evaluated by Western blotting for apoptosis-related proteins BCL2-associated X protein (Bax) and Cleaved caspase 3. Results: Compared with the BCA-MI control group, the BCA-MI experimental group exhibited a smaller infarct area (19.56%±3.48% vs 31.45%±2.27%, P=0.003), an increased LVEF (52.79%±0.36% vs 48.42%±1.04%, P=0.005), a decreased LVFS (24.31%±0.32% vs 26.41%±0.16%, P=0.001), and a lower proportion of neutrophils (79.52%±1.92% vs 87.20%±2.01%, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of neutrophils between the BCA-MI experimental group and the azithromycin-MI experimental group (P=0.517). The number of apoptotic myocardial cells in the heart and the levels of inflammatory factors, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in the peripheral blood of mice in the BCA-MI experimental group were all lower than those in the BCA-MI control group at 3 days after MI (all P<0.05). In the in vitro experiment, the gray levels of Bax protein (65.63%±28.81% vs 100.80%±43.01%, P=0.023) and Cleaved caspase3 protein (77.59%±34.67% vs 108.40%±46.45%, P=0.047) in the experimental group were both lower than those in the control group. Conclusion: BCA improves cardiac function after MI in mice by inhibiting neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses and reducing myocardial cell apoptosis.

Integrating AI-Powered Digital English Textbook at Grade12

In response to the global emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), the Government of Punjab, Pakistan, conducted a pilot project in 2024, introducing AI-powered digital textbooks for Grade 12 English learners. The project included 80 teachers and 400 learners from Lahore, Pakistan. The present study explores the perspectives of the learners and teachers who participated in this pilot initiative. A concurrent mixed-methods research design was employed, with a sample of 100 students and 40 teachers selected through simple random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from students, while interviews were conducted with teachers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 27, and thematic analysis of qualitative data was carried out using Claude.ai. The findings revealed that students viewed AI-powered digital textbooks as a novel, dynamic, engaging, and impactful method for learning English. Similarly, teachers regarded AI-powered digital textbooks as highly beneficial for enhancing students' English language proficiency.

COVID-19 and mental health: Retrospective analyses on the impact of global pandemic on psychiatric outpatient referrals in Northwest Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract Introduction: Recent studies have identified certain patient profiles associated with increased risks of mental health issues, potentially due to direct or indirect effects of the pandemic. This study aims to describe and compare the incidence of mental health issues and characterize patient profiles among new psychiatric referrals throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in northwest Peninsular Malaysia. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among new cases referred for psychiatric evaluation from January 1, 2019, till to December 31, 2022, categorized into pre-COVID, early/mid-phase COVID-19, and late-phase COVID-19 timelines. Eligible subjects were selected through simple random sampling. Data collected included sociodemographic information and findings from mental health questionnaires. Data were descriptively analyzed. Results: A total of 183 new outpatient psychiatric referrals were analyzed. An increasing trend in new referrals was observed throughout the various phases of the COVID-19 timeline with a notable shift toward depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, followed by mental trauma and stressor-related disorders. Only 11.1% of new cases reported that their illness was related to COVID-19, primarily due to the impact of the Movement Control Order (66.7%), fear of infection (33.3%), vaccine-related concerns (20.0%) and clinical sequelae from COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Our findings provide corroborated local data from the Southeast Asian region regarding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. This data may serve as anticipatory guidance for future pandemic aiding public health planning and resource allocation to optimize patient care.

Nurses’ Participation, Perceived Benefits And Barriers In Health Policy Making In Pakistan

Background: Nurses globally have close contact with patients and are knowledgeable about their most intuitive conditions. Including them in the policy-making process will enhance the healthcare system and help in sustainable health development. This study aims to determine the factors affecting nurses’ participation in health policy making. It also determine the perceived benefits, Perceived Barriers and its demographic association for nurses’ participation in health policy making, in Pakistan Methodology: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted among registered nurses at various hospitals from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, Balochistan and Islamabad. A probability simple random sample of n=341 participants was recruited. The data collection tools consisted of, nurses’ participation questionnaire, barriers questionnaire and perceived benefits. A written consent was implied to every participant along with the close ended questionnaire. Introduction to every participant was done. After data collection it was entered and analyzed in SPSS version- 21. Results: The study revealed that while nurses in Pakistan recognize the importance of participating in health policy-making, their actual involvement remains limited (71.0%) exhibit low participation. Key perceived benefits included participation builds self-confidence (86.8%), contributes to public health promotion (86.2%), impact on people health (85.3%) and high opportunity to communicate (83.3%). However, significant barriers such as lack of political knowledge (87.4%), an unclear path to gaining necessary information (80.1%), and uncertainty about the efficacy of political activity (85.9%), no any meaningful change (78.9%) and lack of external support (78.9%) and financial resources (61.3%) as significant obstacles. Moreover, age, experience and designation were found to have significant association with the nurses' role in healthcare decision-making. Conclusion: The study highlights that despite recognizing the benefits of health policy participation, most nurses exhibit low involvement due to barriers like limited political knowledge and lack of external support

Health workers’ motivation was significantly higher in private hospitals than public hospitals influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors in Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundMotivation of health workers is crucial for providing high-quality healthcare services and improving the performance of health facilities. However, less attention has been given to this aspect of workplace climate in hospital settings, and there is scant evidence on the level of health workers’ motivation on healthcare delivery. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the motivation of health workers and its determinants at public and private hospitals in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from November 3rd to December 4th, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 472 study participants. Motivational status was measured using the mean of 14 items on a Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were computed to present results using tables and figures. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with motivational status. Strength of association was measured using adjusted odds ratios with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals and statistical significance was declared at p-values less than 0.05.ResultsA total of 458 health workers participated in our study the health workers’ motivational status was found to be 56.3% (95% CI: 52–60.7%). A significant difference in motivational status was observed between private (62.3%) and public hospitals (50.4%) (χ2 = 6.532, p = 0.011). Working in private hospitals (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.03–2.23), good collegial relationships (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.1–2.32), job satisfaction (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.02–2.20), a favorable work environment (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.06–2.30), and educational status (AOR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.17–0.94) were significantly associated with higher health workers’ motivational status.ConclusionThe motivational status of health workers was significantly higher in private hospitals than in public hospitals. The proportion of motivated health workers was low, which poses challenges in maintaining a regulated health workforce within the health system. Working in private hospitals, job satisfaction, working environment, higher educational status, and collegial relationships were predictors of motivational status. Therefore, public hospitals should promptly implement both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational strategies.

Influence of Technology on Labour Productivity in the Construction Industry in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The construction industry in Nairobi City County, Kenya, significantly contributes to economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation. However, rapid urbanisation has exposed inefficiencies such as project delays, resource constraints, and low labour productivity. This study aimed to examine the influence of technology adoption, specifically safety technology, Building Information Modelling (BIM), construction automation, and remote monitoring on labour productivity in the construction sector. Guided by the Theory of Constraints, the study sought to identify how technology alleviates productivity limitations in construction processes. The specific objectives were to establish the influence of safety technology and assess the impact of BIM on labour productivity. The research targeted a population of 2,610 construction professionals in Nairobi, including engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, contractors, technicians, and artisans. A sample size of 261 was selected through simple random sampling. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. The questionnaires featured closed-ended and Likert-scale questions to gather quantitative data, while interviews provided qualitative insights. The study achieved an 88% response rate (230 responses). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing correlation, regression, and ANOVA techniques. The results revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.386, p &lt; 0.05) between technology use and labour productivity. Regression findings showed that technology use accounted for 14.9% of the variance in productivity levels. The study concludes that technology adoption enhances efficiency, safety, and project outcomes in Nairobi’s construction industry. It is recommended that construction firms invest in affordable technologies and capacity building. Policymakers should support technological innovation through training and incentives. Further research should explore the impact of artificial intelligence and digital tools in other regions of Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Use of AI Tools in Enhancing Student Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in education have gained significant attention due to their potential to enhance learning experiences. This study aimed to determine the impact of AI tools in enhancing student learning in terms of engagement, interaction, behavioral intention, satisfaction, and academic performance. The study utilized a descriptive quantitative research design. There were 353 Junior High School students and 323 Senior High School Students who participated in the study and were selected through simple random sampling. The study was conducted in a Private Catholic Educational Institution. It was found out that integrating AI tools in education has a high impact in enhancing student learning. The study also highlighted that AI tools enhance student involvement in the classroom by fostering active participation and collaboration, while also facilitating meaningful interactions with academic content. Additionally, students express a strong intention to continue using AI tools due to their effectiveness in solving academic queries and improving learning outcomes. Integration and support will be essential to maximize the long-term benefits of AI in education and ensure sustained student success.

An Empirical Study: Assessing the Influence of Media Platforms on the Self-Esteem of First-Year Adolescents in Vellore

The primary aim of this paper is to assess the effect of media platforms on the self-esteem of first-year students in Vellore district. A study was done using the survey method and a simple random sampling technique. Adolescence is a crucial period of development for emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. There are 120 first-year college students who took part in the study. The participants initially responded to inquiries regarding their media usage, and they were then given a self-esteem assessment adopted from "Disease Control and Prevention" The descriptive and correlation methods were used to analyze the data. The findings statistically demonstrated that media platforms had an effect on the level of self-esteem among first-year adolescents in the Vellore District. Based on the outcome of the study, recommendations were provided. The adolescents were conscious of the downsides of media platforms and modified their use of media platforms consequently, and there is a pressing need for appointing a professional counsellor for adolescents to discuss their problems and get help for their emotional issues.

The Effects of Leadership Styles on Academic Performance: A Case Study of Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall success of educational institutions, as it is not only about managing resources or ensuring compliance with regulations but also about inspiring and guiding staffs and students toward achieving academic and organizational excellence. The aim of this study is to determine the perception of teachers as regards the leadership practices of principals, as well as establish what possible impact the leadership style of school principals may have on student academic achievement. 300 teachers were selected by simple random sampling. Two instruments - the “Principals' Leadership Style Questionnaire (PLSQ)” and the “Teachers' Questionnaire”, were employed for the collection of data. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages as well as inferential statistics such as ANOVA, and regression were used to analyze the collected data. The results revealed that transformational leadership style was the most frequently utilized by principals of senior secondary schools in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, followed by instructional, and lastly transactional. The study revealed that the principal's transformational leadership practices had a significant and positive effect on students' academic achievement, with an overall correlation value of r = 0.779 (p &lt; 0.01). Additionally, the linear multiple regression analysis demonstrated that 61.4% of the variation in student academic performance could be attributed to changes in the principal's transformational leadership approach.

Assessment of disordered eating attitudes and associated factors among female undergraduates at Arba Minch University, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundEating disorders significantly impact physical health and have negative psychosocial consequences. The global burden of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa among young females is estimated to account for 1.9 million disability-adjusted life years. Early identification of disordered eating attitudes is critical for preventing the progression to more severe forms of eating disorders; however, there is limited evidence on this issue among university students in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess disordered eating attitudes and their associated factors among female students at Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia, in 2023.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Arba Minch University from January 1, 2023, to April 1, 2023. A total of 600 female students participated in the study, selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, entered into Epi-Info version 7, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with disordered eating attitudes, with variables having p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant. The strength and presence of associations between the outcome variable and independent variables were measured using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Model fitness was assessed using the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.ResultsThe study found that the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among female students at Arba Minch University was 11.5% (95% CI: 9.0-14.3). Factors significantly associated with disordered eating attitudes included academic department (AOR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.06-4.86) and body mass index (AOR=5.83, 95% CI: 2.34-14.52).ConclusionThe study indicated a notable prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among female students at Arba Minch University. Body mass index and academic department were found to be significantly associated with these attitudes. The link between disordered eating and body image concerns underscores the need for policies promoting self-confidence and positive body image. More specifically, university health services should implement routine screening using EAT-26, combined with psychological counseling services to support at-risk students.

Comparison of paravertebral muscle thickness and fatty infiltration in patients with osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal bone mineral density: a single-blind retrospective controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of paravertebral muscles and fatty infiltrations of the lumbar region in individuals with varying degrees of bone mineral density, including those with osteoporotic, osteopenic, and healthy control groups. This single-blind, retrospective, and controlled study included patients aged 50-90 years with lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements. The study sample was selected through a simple random sampling method. The patients were divided into three groups based on their T-values in DXA measurements. All patients were evaluated using MRI to measure the anteroposterior thickness of the multifidus, psoas, and erector spinae muscles. Additionally, the Goutallier classification was utilized to assess the degree of muscle fatty infiltration at the L3 vertebra level. A total of 301 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 65.97 ± 8.15 years. A total of 274 patients (91%) were female. A notable reduction in the multifidus muscle was observed in both the osteoporotic and osteopenic groups when compared to the control group. A significant loss was observed in the erector spinae and psoas muscles in the osteoporotic group when compared to the osteopenic and control groups. Furthermore, a notable decline in erector spinae muscle mass was observed in the osteopenic group relative to the control group. The level of muscle fatty infiltration was found to be significantly higher in the osteoporotic group when compared to the control group. In patients with osteoporosis, there is a notable reduction in lumbar paravertebral muscle mass and an increase in fatty infiltration when compared to the healthy control group. The loss of muscle mass is observable in the multifidus and erector spinae muscles during the osteopenic period, whereas it is observable in the psoas muscle during the osteoporotic period.

THE EFFECT OF HUMAN RESOURCES (HR) QUALITY, E-COMMERCE ROLE, AND CAPITAL ACCESS ON MSME PERFORMANCE

This research delves into the Effect of HR Quality, E-commerce Role, and Capital Access on MSME Performance in Surakarta City. Employing a quantitative methodology, the research surveyed 97 MSME respondents selected through the Lemeshow formula, utilizing both accidental and simple random sampling techniques. Data were gathered through online questionnaires via Google Form and analyzed using SPSS version 25 through multiple linear regression. The results reveal that while the quality of human resources and the role of e-commerce do not significantly influence MSME performance, access to capital has a positive and substantial effect. These findings highlight the necessity for a stronger emphasis on financial accessibility to enhance MSME performance in Surakarta, such as offering affordable loans or flexible funding options. Although improving human resource quality and leveraging e-commerce remain vital, they must be underpinned by appropriate structural and financial mechanisms. Policymakers are encouraged to prioritize financial support systems, while MSMEs should enhance their digital marketing strategies and ensure robust technological infrastructures to facilitate effective e-commerce integration.

The Role of Teacher’s Nonverbal Communication in Shaping Students’ Motivation in Learning English

This study investigates students’ perceptions of the English teacher’s non-verbal communication and the non-verbal influence on their perceptions of the teacher’s role and classroom performance. The research conducted at SMP Negeri 40 Makassar used a mixed-methods design, and the data were gathered through a Likert-scale questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The 31 eighth-grade students were selected using simple random sampling to represent different classes within the school. The findings show that students generally interpret their teacher’s non-verbal communication positively. Moreover, the intended meanings behind gestures, facial expressions, and body language were effectively understood by the students, contributing to a more engaging and meaningful learning experience. The findings revealed that students had positive perceptions of their teacher’s nonverbal communication. The intended meanings behind the teacher’s nonverbal cues were generally well understood by the students. The nonverbal elements examined, such as gestures, eye contact, and tone of voice, functioned effectively in supporting the teaching process. Most students agreed that nonverbal communication enhanced their motivation, helped them focus on the lesson, and encouraged active participation such as speaking and answering questions. However, a few students reported feelings of nervousness, apathy, or fear of being noticed during class. The results highlight the crucial role of nonverbal communication as a motivational tool in language classrooms, suggesting that teacher training programs should include nonverbal communication awareness and strategies to improve teaching effectiveness and student engagement. The entire teacher’s nonverbal communication, where the researcher focused, namely gestures, eye contact, and tone of voice, functioned well. Students agreed that the use of nonverbal communication in the teaching and learning process works. Teachers’ nonverbal communication during the teaching and learning process motivated students to learn, focused their attention on the teacher’s explanations, and made them eager to speak or answer questions, although some students feel nervous, apprehensive in the learning process, and feel afraid of being noticed.

Unraveling the Angiogenic Landscape in Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma: VEGF Expression, Histopathological Differentiation, and Lymphovascular Invasion as Key Players

Background: Endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) is a prevalent gynecological malignancy whose prognosis is influenced by factors including histopathological grade and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). Angiogenesis, crucial for tumor growth and metastasis, is significantly mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study aimed to investigate the expression of VEGF in EEC and its correlation with histopathological differentiation and LVI. Methods: This observational analytical study employed a cross-sectional design using 36 archival paraffin block samples of EEC diagnosed between January 2022 and December 2024 at the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory of Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang. Cases were selected via simple random sampling from a population of 59. Histopathological grade (Grade 1, 2, or 3 based on FIGO architectural and nuclear criteria) and LVI (negative, focal, or substantial) were re-evaluated from Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&amp;E) stained slides. VEGF expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, scored semiquantitatively based on the percentage of positive tumor cells and staining intensity, and categorized as low or high. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests, with p&lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 54.36 years, with the highest prevalence in the 51-60 age group (41.7%). Grade 3 tumors were most common (38.9%), followed by Grade 2 (33.3%) and Grade 1 (27.8%). LVI was present in 47.2% of cases, predominantly focal (38.9%). High VEGF expression was observed in 58.3% of EEC cases. A statistically significant association was found between high VEGF expression and higher histopathological grade (p=0.000), with 66.7% of Grade 3 tumors showing high VEGF expression. No significant association was found between VEGF expression and LVI (p=0.080). Conclusion: High VEGF expression significantly correlated with higher histopathological grades in EEC, suggesting its role in tumor aggressiveness and dedifferentiation. However, a significant association with LVI was not established in this cohort. VEGF expression warrants further investigation as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in EEC.

Rhetoric–Reality Gap in Curriculum Implementation: Insights from Secondary School Science Enactment in Ethiopia

This study aimed to examine the implementation of science curriculum focusing on secondary schools in Ethiopia. To achieve this, a mixed-methods research approach, with a convergent parallel design, was employed. Using simple random sampling and comprehensive sampling techniques, 240 science teachers, 60 school leaders and 320 students from 20 secondary schools were selected as participants. Data collection involved questionnaires and interviews, which were analysed both quantitatively—using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations—and qualitatively through thematic analysis. The results revealed that the implementation of the secondary school science curriculum was insufficient and did not adequately address the key factors that influence its success. Critical issues such as resource availability, key stakeholder involvement, the establishment of a conducive school environment and supportive external contexts were found to be inadequate. In light of these findings, recommendations are provided to improve the implementation of secondary school science curriculum.

Principals Transformative Leadership Approach and Teachers Discipline in Secondary Schools in Fako Division of The South West Region of Cameroon

This study was designed to examine the impact of leadership approaches on teachers’ discipline in secondary schools in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. The study was guided by two objectives which examined how principals’ transformational leadership approach and principals’ democratic leadership approach impact teachers’ discipline in secondary schools in Fako Division. The Contingency Leadership Theory by Fiedler F. E. (1964) was used for the study. The mixed method approach was used most specifically the explanatory sequential design. A questionnaire and interview guide were the instruments used for the study. The questionnaire consisted of closed ended questions for teachers while the interview guide for principals. consisted structured questions. The sample population for the study was made up of 50 teachers and 3 principals in secondary schools in the Fako Division. The purposive and simple random sampling techniques were adopted for the study. Data from the closed ended questions were analysed using SPSS 23.0 with the aid of descriptive and inferential statistical tools while interview was analysed thematically. The Spearman’s rho tool was used to test the research hypotheses formulated in the study. Findings show that a significant majority (70%) feel motivated under transformational leadership, while only 30% disagree. The hypothetical statistics showed that there is a significant, positive and moderate influence on transformational leadership approach on teachers’ discipline in secondary schools in the Fako Division. (R- value 0.207**, p-value &lt; 0.001 &lt; 0.05). The positive sign of the correlation value implies that Principals transformational leadership approach will encourage teachers’ discipline on school matters and this is supported with an explanatory power of 32.9% (Nagelkerke statistics= 0.329). Thus, the null hypothesis was rejected while the alternative which states that, there is a significant influence transformational leadership approach on teachers’ discipline in secondary schools in Fak Division. Therefore, it was generally recommended that, for the effective school functioning, principals should endeavor to implement discipline and relate with the teachers for an active school performance.

A Effectiveness of Multi-Intervention Programme Combining Benson's Relaxation Therapy and Counseling on Perceived Stress among Stroke Victims

Background: The global incidence of stroke reached 11.9 million cases in 2021, a 70% rise since 1990, with India contributing 1.25 million new cases, or 10% of the global burden. High perceived stress levels among stroke survivors negatively impact rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life.  Methods: His randomized controlled trial employed a quantitative pre-test post-test control group design. Conducted in the Thrissur District, Kerala, the study enrolled 60 stroke patients, selected via simple random sampling. A multi-intervention program, including Benson’s relaxation therapy and counseling, was administered to the experimental group. Perceived stress levels were reassessed after one month.  Results: After one month, the experimental group demonstrated a 78.77% reduction in perceived stress (pre-test mean score = 70.40, post-test mean score = 14.93), compared to the control group, which showed no significant change. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant decrease in perceived stress across time points in the experimental group (p&lt;0.001) but not in the control group (p=0.700).  Conclusion: The multi-intervention program significantly reduced perceived stress among stroke patients, underscoring the value of combining physical and psychological rehabilitation strategies for improved recovery outcomes.

THE EFFECT OF BACK MASSAGE ON THE SLEEP QUALITY OF MENOPAUSAL MOTHERS IN THE WORKING AREA OF THE PURWADADI HEALTH CENTER, CIAMIS REGENCY IN 2024

Background: Menopause is not having menstruation for 12 consecutive months. The standard sleep requirement for menopausal women is 7 hours/day. If a menopausal mother needs less than 7 hours of sleep / day, it can be said that the quality of sleep is not good which can cause fatigue and higher stress levels so that often menopausal women consume pharmacological drugs. One of the non-pharmacological interventions for handling the quality of sleep of menopausal women is back massage therapy. This study aims to determine the effect of giving back massage (Back Massage) on the quality of sleep of menopausal women in the Purwadadi Health Centre work area. Method: This type of research uses quasi-experiment type two group pretest and posttest design. The sampling technique used simple random sampling with a total of 90 participants. The data analysis used was univariate analysis test and non-parametric statistical bivariate test, namely Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Result: Wilcoxon test results obtained on back massage p-value is 0.000 meaning P &lt; 0.05. Conclusion: Wilcoxon test results obtained on back massage p-value is 0.000 meaning P &lt; 0.05.

The Influence of Fluctuations and Product Characteristics on Consumer Purchasing Decisions at the Rantauprapat Simple Gold Shop

The purpose of this research is to determine the influence of product fluctuations and characteristics on consumer purchasing decisions at a simple gold shop in Rantauprapat. This research uses quantitative methods and an associative causality approach. The data collection technique used is through observation and interviews. The sample in this research was 86 respondents or consumers. The sampling technique is simple random sampling. The data analysis technique uses statistical techniques/SPSS by carrying out validity and reliability tests then for questionnaires and multiple linear regression analysis with the T Test and F Test to prove the hypothesis. The research results show that there is an influence of fluctuations on purchasing decisions, there is an influence of product characteristics on consumer purchasing decisions. The influence of fluctuations and product characteristics is 16.80% and the remaining 83.20% is influenced by other factors and variables.