Descriptive Research Articles

Comparison of the Effect of Using Virtual Laboratory Based on PhET Simulation and Real Laboratory in Improving Mastery of Electronic Concepts of Physics Education Students

This study aimed to compare the mastery of electronic concepts among physics education students using a constructivist virtual laboratory (PhET Simulation) and a real constructivist laboratory. The importance of this research lies in the potential of virtual laboratories as an alternative to physical ones, especially when resources are limited. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a matching-only posttest-only control group. The sample consisted of 68 physics education students from UIN Alauddin Makassar, divided into two groups: one using PhET Simulation (34 students) and the other using real laboratories (34 students). Data were collected through multiple-choice tests designed to measure concept mastery, analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests such as t-tests. The results showed no significant difference in concept mastery between students using PhET Simulation and those using real laboratories (t =-0.167, p= 0.868). Both methods were equally effective in enhancing students’ understanding of electronics. The novelty of this study lies in directly comparing the two laboratory approaches within a constructivist framework. This finding suggests that virtual laboratories can serve as a viable alternative to real laboratories in supporting concept mastery, offering flexibility and resource efficiency. The implications of the study are particularly relevant for educational institutions with limited access to physical laboratories, as PhET Simulation provides a cost-effective solution without compromising learning outcomes.

Using hope theory to understand changes from professional learning in inclusive education

AbstractProfessional learning for quality teaching is a lifelong enterprise. Nevertheless, it entails a considerable cost with varying outcomes. Drawing on Snyder's hope theory and Pantic's teacher agency, this paper aims to present a model aimed at deepening our understanding of teachers' intentions and competencies in inclusive education. The model formulates a professional learning cycle tailored to address their unique needs. This study draws on data from a larger qualitative dominant mixed‐methods study exploring 18 teachers' professional learning experience with the inclusionEd online platform. The process involved a pre‐training online survey and interviews and employed multiple strategies for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used for pre‐training survey data to assess teacher‐participants' attitudes towards inclusion and efficacy levels in this area. Subsequently, using Snyder's hope theory and Pantic's teacher agency, we deductively analysed interview data. The quantitative results showed that teacher‐participants had positive beliefs about inclusive education with high efficacy. However, qualitative data analysis uncovered a misalignment between their stated beliefs and enacted beliefs, revealing diverse pathways to both success and challenges in their implementation of inclusive practices. The qualitative analysis, combined with the preliminary survey findings, unveiled the fluidity of hope and identified the influences on shifting hope and maintaining a positive stance. We offer an illustration of teacher professional learning pathways. Understanding how these pathways might be used to increase the value and outcomes of professional learning programmes is discussed. This study concludes with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications and directions for future research.

Usage behavior related to the 9-Euro-ticket - impetus for psychiatric outpatients to increase activity and social contacts?

This study presents first descriptive statistics on the usage behavior relating to discounted tickets for public transportation as part of an initiative of the German Federal Government in 2022. During a three-month period, 103 psychiatric outpatients of the University Clinic - Charité Berlin provided self-reported data by completing a survey. In general results suggested a high usage rate of the so-called "9-Euro-ticket" of 89,3%. Due to its purchase, 37,9% (N=39) of the participants felt motivated to explore unknown places. Furthermore, approximately one third of the sample (34,9%; n=36) reported an increase of social contacts as a result of their ticket usage. A higher influence of costs on participants' activity levels was associated with an increase in main symptoms. Higher age was correlated with a decrease of patients' core symptoms due to their activity. Results indicate a high usage of reduced-price tickets for subsidized public transport by the patients concerned.

Research Attitude, Achievement Motivation, and Self-Efficacy Among Post-Graduate Students Specializing in Primary Education

This study investigates the research attitude, achievement motivation, and self-efficacy concepts among post-graduate students specializing in primary education. The research aims to understand the interplay between these constructs and their implications for academic success and research engagement. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires from a sample of 62 post-graduate students. Descriptive statistics, and correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between research attitude, achievement motivation, and self-efficacy. Statistical analyses showed non-significant correlations: between research attitude and achievement motivation (Kendall's tau_b = -.048, p = .881; Spearman's rho = -.036, p = .939), achievement motivation and self-efficacy (Kendall's tau_b = -.109, p = .708; Spearman's rho = -.204, p = .629), and research attitude and self-efficacy (Kendall's tau_b = .293, p = .362; Spearman's rho = .360, p = .427) among post-graduate students. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors influencing post-graduate students' research experiences and offer insights for academic institutions to enhance support mechanisms for student researchers. The implications of the study underscore the importance of fostering positive research attitudes, strengthening achievement motivation, and enhancing self-efficacy among post-graduate students specializing in primary education. Targeted interventions can optimize academic support and promote professional development in research-intensive environments

Pelvic Floor Muscle Evaluation in Older Women with Urinary Incontinence: A Feasibility Study.

The objective of this feasibility study was to characterize the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in older women with urinary incontinence (UI) via clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation. This cross-sectional study included women aged ≥ 70years with symptomatic UI confirmed by a 3-day bladder diary. Clinical evaluation of the PFMs included the Modified Oxford Scale strength assessment (grade 0-5). PFM defects were also characterized as none/normal, minor, and major based on MRI evaluation. Descriptive statistics were utilized. Spearman's correlation with 95% confidence intervals was calculated between PFMs strength, MRI defects, and age. Participants (n = 20) were 76.6 ± 4.7years. Clinical evaluation demonstrated poor PFM strength in 95% (n = 19) of participants with the following grades: 15% (n = 3) grade 0, 45% (n = 9) grade 1, and 35% (n = 7) grade 2. MRI evaluation demonstrated PFMs= defects in 100% of participants with 45% (n = 9) minor and 55% (n = 11) major defects. The correlation coefficients between PFM strength and MRI defects, MRI defects and age, and PFM strength and age were -0.29 (95% CI -0.64, 0.18; p = 0.22), -0.01 (95% CI = -0.44, 0.44; p = 0.99), and 0.04 (95% CI = -0.41, 0.47; p = 0.88) respectively. Clinical and MRI evaluation of PFMs in older women with UI is feasible. Clinical evaluation of PFMs demonstrated poor strength in 95% of women, and MRI revealed PFM defects in all participants.

EFFECT OF DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES ON PERFORMANCE OF SACCOS IN MANDERA COUNTY, KENYA

Dynamic capabilities are the firm's ability to integrate, build, and reconfigure internal and external competencies to address rapidly changing environments. By developing inspired capabilities that go beyond ordinary strategic capabilities, firms will be in a strong position to achieve a long-lasting competitive advantage. SACCOs play a critical role of savings mobilization for investments as envisioned in the Kenya’s development blueprint, vision 2030. SACCOs have been facing financial challenges leading to closure while others have been put under receivership. The general objective of this study was to determine the effect of dynamic capabilities on performance of SACCOs in Mandera County, Kenya. The specific objectives was to examine the effect of markets technological sensing and effect of innovation and strategic renewal on performance of SACCOs in Mandera County, Kenya. The study was guided by dynamic capabilities theory and diffusion of innovation theory. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The study targeted 39 SACCOs distributed in all constituencies in Mandera. The target included 117 senior management staff of the SACCOs from which 117 senior management staff were subjected to the questionnaires through census. The study used content validity to confirm that the questionnaire would enable the researcher to achieve study objectives. A pilot study was conducted with 10% of the respondents hence 12 management staff in four SACCOs. Reliability was tested using Cronchba Alpha coefficient with a threshold of 0.7. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in Tables. All ethical considerations were strictly adhered to. Findings show that; markets technological sensing has a strong positive significant correlation with performance of SACCOs in Mandera County (r = 0.542, p value =0.000), and innovation and strategic renewal has a strong positive significant correlation with performance of SACCOs in Mandera County (r = 0.842, p value =0.000). The study therefore recommends that; the management should invest in gathering and analyzing market intelligence, and make efforts to ensure that the staff who introduce successful ideas are rewarded.. KEY WORDS: Markets technological sensing, Innovation and strategic renewal , Performance of SACCOs

Dealing with assisted suicide-knowledge, attitudes and experiences of members of the German Association for Palliative Medicine

In February 2020, the Federal Constitutional Court declared §217 of the German Criminal Code void. Ever since, assisted suicide services have been legal in Germany. This study aims to describe the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of members of the German Association for Palliative Medicine (DGP) regarding assisted suicide. Online survey with members of the DGP from July to September 2023 using Qualtrics®. The study group developed the questionnaire based on current literature; it was adapted following an initial application among young physicians and an interprofessional panel of experts with consensus voting. Data was analysed using descriptive and explorative statistics. 991 DGP-members (18%) participated, of which physicians made up 57.0% (n = 545/957) and nurses 23.4% (n = 224/957). Of the participants, 197/851 (23.1%) incorrectly stated that assisted suicide is prohibited by professional code, 430/914 (47.1%) rejected arestriction of palliative care teams to suicide prevention measures, and 766/930 (82.4%) rejected personal involvement in assisted suicide regardless of a patient's health status. For patients in palliative situations, 473/926 (51.1%) could imagine participating in assisted suicide, and 71% wantednew legislation regulating assisted suicide. There are gaps in the knowledge of the participating members of the DGP regarding the legal and professional status of assisted suicide. Further educational work is needed in this regard. The participants can more easily imagine assisted suicide for people in palliative disease trajectories. As in surveys of members of other medical societies, the attitudes of more experienced staff are reflected. Compared to younger healthcare professionals, they have amore restrictive attitude towards the concept of assisted suicide.

The Utilization of Stakeholder Management Frameworks for the Successful Completion of Construction Projects in Zambia

This study aimed to examine the utilization of stakeholder management frameworks in the Zambian construction industry using the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) in Siavonga as a case study. The study was pinned on the stakeholder theory using a mixed methods design that involved integrating quantitative data and desk/secondary research. The target population comprised industry practitioners and project team members working on the KDRP project. Using judgmental (or purposive) sampling, 91 respondents took part in an online survey and over 30 articles were examined in the systemic review. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS V23 by running descriptive frequency statistics and the studies were grouped using Atlas.ti software. The study demonstrated a good level of knowledge and positive attitude by construction workers on the KDRP of stakeholder management. The biggest factors that influenced the implementation and application of stakeholder management frameworks were a lack of project or organizations management interest to implement stakeholder management frameworks and lack of skill by contractors and project managers to apply stakeholder management frameworks among others. The study concluded that there is no stakeholder management framework in use in the Zambian construction industry. Therefore it is recommended that the concerned engineering bodies advocate for the development of national or industry-specific policies, regulations, or guidelines that promote stakeholder engagement in construction projects.

Examining the Relationship between Helplessness in Change and the Expectation of Approval from others with the Gender of Tehran students

Irrational beliefs are any thought, emotion or behavior that leads to self-destruction and self-destruction and its important consequences are impaired survival, happiness and joy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between helplessness in change and expectation of approval from others with gender in students of Tehran Azad University. The present study was an applied correlation study. The study population was students of Tehran Azad University.95 of whom were randomly selected. The research method was to collect field information with a questionnaire. The research instrument included the Jones irrational beliefs questionnaire and data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software. With0.95confidence the statistical hypothesis of zero equality of the mean of irrational beliefs and its subscales, i.e. helplessness in changing and expecting from others, is confirmed by the two groups of men and women so we can say that there is no significant difference between the means of the groups. Based on the results of the study, it can be said that each of the subscales of irrational beliefs have the same effect on both men and women and there is no significant difference between them.

Oxidation Potential of 2,6-Dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine Derivatives Estimated by Structure Descriptors

Linear relationships, expressing the electrochemical properties of molecules as functions of structure, give insight into the associated electrochemical process and are a tool for prediction. Many biological activities rely on water-based dissociation, making electrochemical properties a bridge between structure and activity. Motivated by a previous study, a replica is made here on a different dataset in order to validate/invalidate the previously reported results. There are several methods for obtaining structure-based descriptors. Some of the methods have been devised to account for molecular topology, some to account for molecular geometry, and others to account for both. Two methods are involved here to derive structure-based descriptors and further obtain structure–property relationships (FMPI and ChPE). In order to express structure descriptors, both FMPI and ChPE express first the topology of the molecule, using the heavy atoms identity matrix and the heavy atoms adjacency matrix, both square symmetric matrices in the belief that symmetry is one major factor of molecular stability. A set of 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives with oxidation peak potentials and coulometrically determined number of electrons experimental data is subjected to the search for structure–activity relationships. Even if the 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine is a symmetric compound (of Cs point group), their derivatives are generally not symmetric (9 out of 24 are asymmetric). The dataset is subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics in order to filter out the most relevant structure–activity relationship. The geometry is built using three levels of theory (one from molecular mechanics and two others from density functionals, of which one accounts for the interaction with water as solvent). One challenge of picking one out of two reported measured values is dealt with by calculating the likelihood associated with the two choices. Relevant structure–activity models are extracted and discussed. The use of in vivo (in water, SM8 model) models in geometry optimization (from MMFF94 and B3LYP and to M06 + Water SM8) results in a precision gain, but this is, in most of the cases, not statistically significant, and this can be considered a negative result.

Digging deeper into organisational resilience through strategic agility and strategic orientation: a study from the perspective of Sri Lankan SME leaders

Fueling success in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector requires a robust blend of organizational resilience and strategic agility to navigate the right strategies toward the ever-changing landscape of limited resources and constant dynamism. Therefore, leaders of SMEs need to play a prominent role in navigating the right balance of strategies towards organizational resilience. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of strategic agility on organizational resilience in times of economic uncertainty and by firm characteristics. Accordingly, raw data was collected in 2023 from 440 SME leaders using a structured questionnaire and data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and AMOS. The findings of the study indicate that strategic agility significantly enhances organisational resilience by decoupling strategic orientation in the SME sector. Findings further revealed that strategic sensitivity has a prominent role in fostering resiliency, particularly in medium-sized companies. Therefore, SME leaders need to identify enablers of organisational resilience in line with firm characteristics and uncertainty of the market and detailed attention to evolving strategic constraints is necessarily required through codifying strategic agility with strategic orientation into resilience capabilities which requires capturing and embodiment of organisational reaction to change.

Shifting temporal patterns in physical usage of a health sciences library following the extension of operational hours

Background: Students regularly state a strong preference for increased library operational hours to accommodate learning needs. While many academic libraries provide extended hours, academic health sciences libraries appear to adopt such models less frequently. This is not due to lower levels of student demand for extended hours. Case Presentation: In response to student preferences for increased hours, our institution shifted its budget to provide an additional 10 weekend hours (Friday-Sunday). This study is a post-hoc assessment of temporal changes in physical library use over weekend days pre- and post-implementation of extended hours. This study used (non-exam) weekend physical library usage data one year before and after implementing extended hours (January 2018-January 2020). We ran descriptive statistics to assess the hourly use pattern changes in physical library usage. Conclusion: For the regular academic year, students arrived earlier and stayed later, with less severe hourly peaks in opening and closing times physical use patterns seen in the pre-implementation period. Overall, we saw increases in all three areas of physical usage data studied. The data provides evidence of the true need for extended hours among users, along with hourly patterns reflecting a better match of hours with patron study patterns.

Association between telehealth use in oncology and downstream utilization at a large academic health system.

While telemedicine has been beneficial in oncology by reducing infectious exposure and improving access for patients with poor functional status, it also has intrinsic limitations, including the inability to perform a physical exam, which could lead to increased downstream utilization in this population at high risk of medical decompensation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study investigating the relationship between telemedicine use in oncology and subsequent outpatient oncology encounters, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. We included outpatient oncology encounters, including telemedicine and in-person visits, occurring between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022 at a large academic health system. Unadjusted descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used to estimate subsequent outpatient oncology visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations within 30 days of an index visit based on modality (telemedicine versus in-person). The multiple regressions were adjusted for various demographic and clinical characteristics, including palliative care visits, baseline utilization, recent chemotherapy, and comorbidities. Our cohort included 63,722 patients with 689,356 outpatient encounters, of which 639,217 (92.7%) were in-person and 50,139 (7.3%) were telemedicine visits. Patients on average had 0.91 outpatient oncology visits, 0.04 ED visits, and 0.05 hospitalizations within 30 days following an index encounter. In our adjusted analyses, telemedicine was associated with 13.7 fewer downstream outpatient oncology visits (95% CI 12.5-14.9; p < 0.001) per 100 index encounters, 0.7 fewer ED visits (95% CI 0.4-1.0; p < 0.001) per 100 index encounters and 0.9 fewer hospitalizations (95% CI 0.6-1.3; p < 0.001) per 100 index encounters compared to in-person visits. Contrary to our hypothesis, oncology patients who had a telemedicine visit had fewer follow-up outpatient oncology encounters, ED visits and hospitalizations after 30 days than those with in-person visits. Future studies should further investigate the efficacy of telemedicine in oncology and outline specific scenarios for appropriate use in this and other populations.

Investigation of Factors Associated with Gut Microbiota in Demodex-associated Skin Conditions.

This study describes the relationships of factors related to gut microbiota and skin conditions associated with Demodex, including demodicosis, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis. A total of 113 patients from Dokuz Eylül University Hospital Dermatology Department answered a cross-sectional questionnaire. They consisted of 42 cases of Demodex-related skin diseases and 71 healthy controls. Demographic data and medical history, dietary and lifestyle habits, and gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Fisher's Exact tests, independent samples t-tests, and logistic regression methods. Our findings identified alcohol consumption [odds ratio (OR)=11.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.11-17.22, p<0.01] and smoking (OR=10.32, 95% CI: 2.47-21.57, p<0.01) as strong risk factors for Demodex-related conditions. Low water intake (0-1 liter per day) (OR=3.39, 95% CI: 2.08-5.57, p=0.03) and infrequent exercise (less than 1 hour per week) (OR=4.87, 95% CI: 2.70-12.54, p=0.02) were also significant risk factors. Additional factors associated with increased Demodex risk included reduced bowel movements (OR=2.71, 95% CI: 1.45-4.06, p=0.01) and higher pet ownership (OR=2.85, 95% CI: 2.13-4.27, p=0.03). Although vegetarian and high-fat diets showed some associations, they were not independently significant. This study demonstrates key environmental and lifestyle factors, such as low water intake, infrequent exercise, reduced bowel movements, higher pet ownership, alcohol consumption, and smoking, that are significantly associated with Demodex-related skin conditions. These factors, related to gut microbiota, may provide valuable insights for managing these skin conditions and suggest promising directions for future research.

Анализ взаимосвязей предикторов академической успеваемости школьников методом сетевого моделирования

&lt;p&gt;The problem of studying the factors influencing students&amp;rsquo; academic achievement does not lose its relevance in modern psychological and pedagogical science. Such interest arises due to current development of ideas about education as a way of developing human capital, increasing well-being and quality of life of people in modern society. The academic achievement of schoolchildren is largely determined by non-cognitive factors, including personality characteristics, motivational indicators and the development of self-regulation. The present work aims to analyze the relationships between non-cognitive predictors of academic achievement of middle and high school students using the network modeling method. Primary data was obtained using the following methods: V.I. Morosanova&amp;rsquo;s &amp;ldquo;The Self-Regulation Profile of Learning Activity Questionnaire (SRPLAQ)&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;Academic Motivation Scale - School (AMS-S)&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;Attitude towards learning in middle and high school&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;Big Five Questionnaire &amp;mdash; Children version, BFQ-C&amp;rdquo;. The average score in Russian language and mathematics was used as an indicator of academic achievement. The sample consisted of 307 secondary school students (37.1% boys, age: 10-18 years). The statistical analysis included calculation of descriptive statistics for 28 indicators, and analyses of partial correlation networks, describing the relationships between regulatory and personality variables, as well as the academic achievement of students in grades 5-6, 7-9 and 10-11. The results revealed significant relationships between variables regardless of the period of education, and differences in the structure of partial correlation networks in grades 5-6, 7-8 and 9-11. It was found that the nature of the relationships between non-cognitive predictors and academic achievement varies depending on the period of study. The result showed that the achievement of students in grades 5-6 is significantly and directly correlated to the indicator of openness to new experience, while in grades 7-9 a direct correlation is also found with the general level of attitude towards learning, and in grades 10-11 - with cognitive motivation, neuroticism and conscious self-regulation. The results confirm the known relationships, and also reveal new ones that were not previously discovered in existing research: for example, a negative relationship between academic performance and cognitive motivation. The article concludes with directions for further research of moderator-mediator interactions between non-cognitive variables in their impact on students&amp;rsquo; academic achievement.&lt;/p&gt;

Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Levels of Confidence Regarding Age-Related Hyperkyphosis and Its Management among Thai Physiotherapists

Background: Thorough knowledge of the management of age-related hyperkyphosis is crucial to physiotherapists’ effective handling of complex spinal deformities. Objective: This cross-sectional study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and confidence of Thai physiotherapists regarding age-related hyperkyphosis. Methods: An online questionnaire with demographic, work-related, knowledge, attitude, and confidence questions was employed. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent t-tests. Results: Complete responses were obtained from 314 physiotherapists. The correct responses amounted to 68.79% for the definition, 90.00% for causes, 14.97% for age of onset, 22.38% for prevalence, and 64.65% for the gold-standard diagnosis of hyperkyphosis. Most of the diagnostic methods involved visual examination. The respondents reported that hyperkyphosis disrupts respiratory function. The aim of treatment, according to 88.85%, was to increase spine mobility. Corrective posture exercises were the most common treatment strategy, but the range of treatments was diverse. Many cited undergraduate education as their primary evidence source. Respondents had conflicting attitudes towards “age-related hyperkyphosis is a normal aging process” but mostly positive attitudes towards the need for physiotherapy treatment. Approximately 22% reported fair confidence in treating hyperkyphosis. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of raising awareness and enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and confidence among physiotherapists to improve care for older adults with hyperkyphosis.

Principles behind investors’ consideration of investing in emerging markets

Investors are showing a growing interest in emerging economies due to several compelling characteristics that make these countries attractive for investment. The objective of this study is to examine the factors that motivate individuals to invest in emerging markets. This study employed a quantitative research methodology, specifically utilizing a survey method and online questionnaires to collect data from asset managers in South Africa due to their investment expertise. This group is specifically for a limited number of investors and/or asset managers who have the ability to provide the required information. Data analysis entailed the application of descriptive statistics. The findings revealed multiple justifications for investing in emerging economies, such as higher returns, risk diversification, capitalizing on emerging markets, expanding prospects, maintaining a well-balanced investment portfolio, hedging money, and ensuring anonymity. Among these arguments, only four are crucial when contemplating investment in emerging economies: augmented returns, risk diversification, capitalizing on emerging markets, and expanding prospects.

Is e-cigarette advertising associated with e-cigarette use among young people? New survey evidence from Poland

ObjectiveYoung people are routinely exposed to e-cigarettes advertising. We examined the impact of e-cigarette advertising on e-cigarette use in a large representative sample of adolescents.MethodsData came from cross-sectional sample of the nationwide study on the health effects of tobacco products called PolNicoYouth, which included adolescents aged 15–18 years (N = 7,498). Data were collected through a detailed questionnaire recommended by international health organizations for monitoring tobacco use by adolescents. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyzes were conducted, adjusting for sex, age, type of school, place of residence, smoking of traditional cigarettes and parental smoking. Frequencies and proportions for descriptive statistics, and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for logistic regression models were reported.ResultsApproximately, 56% of interviewees had noticed some form of e-cigarettes advertising. Exposure to e-cigarette advertising was significantly associated with ever use of e-cigarettes (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09–1.53). Exposure to e-cigarette advertising via club/pub/disco was significantly associated with current e-cigarette use (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.06–2.36). Adolescents who have ever used e-cigarettes were more likely than never users to report exposure to advertisements on club/pub/disco (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.08–2.30) and internet (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01–1.47).ConclusionDespite the applicable advertising restrictions, the majority of young people declared contact with e-cigarette advertising, which shows the urgent need for more global action. The internet and advertisements in clubs, pubs and discos seem to be the key places of exposure. These forms of exposure need to be urgently addressed given their clear link to e-cigarette use.

The effect of learning styles on the academic achievement of nursing students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLearning in the academic setting is influenced by the dynamic interaction between students and teachers. Recognizing and adapting to diverse learning styles is essential for improving instruction, gaining knowledge, and drawing informed conclusions. Therefore, this study investigated learning styles and their effects on students’ academic achievement.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study in Iran’s Mazandaran province, 238 nursing students were surveyed between October and December 2021 using random sampling. The questionnaire included socio-demographic data, Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model, and students’ academic performance (EPT). Statistical analysis with SPSS version 22 involved descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, and linear regression with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe mean age of the nursing students was 20.95 ± 1.71 years. The most common student learning styles were convergent (75.2%) and accommodator (12.2%). According to the results, convergent (148.62 ± 16.28) and accommodator learning styles (147.72 ± 8.79) with the highest average played a role in students’ academic achievement. The mean score of EPT was 147. 13 ± 15.48 (out of 240). A significant difference between the academic performance and different dimensions of learning style was found (p = 0.002).ConclusionFindings indicated that adopting a convergent and accommodator learning style can affect students’ academic achievement. Therefore, learning environments appropriate to this style, such as simulation and laboratory activities, are suggested to emphasize practical work and make students think an scrutinize.

Analysis of the species composition and infection of ticks with pathogens of Lyme disease in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan for the period 2012–2022

BACKGROUND: The role of ixodid ticks in the transmission of pathogens of a number of natural focal infections can hardly be overestimated. Analysis of the manifestations of the epizootic process is important for planning preventive and anti-epidemic measures and is an integral component of epidemiological surveillance of natural focal infections. AIM: To analyze the species composition of ticks and the infection of ticks with borreliosis pathogens in the Republic of Tatarstan for the period 2012–2022. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis of the species composition of ticks collected by the zoological group of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Republic of Tatarstan from environmental objects during the period 2012–2022 was carried out. Testing of the ticks for Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction method with hybridization-fluorescent detection. An analysis of statistical observation form No. 2 “Information on infectious and parasitic diseases” (the section “Tick bites”) for the Republic of Tatarstan from 2012 to 2022 was carried out. Statistical processing was performed using descriptive statistics methods in Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: The total number of people who applied for tick bites in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2012–2022 was 77,703, of which 59,168 (76.2%) were people over 18 years of age. During the study period, 5536 ticks were collected for research on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan from environmental objects. The species composition of ticks was distributed as follows: Dermacentor reticulatus — 75.4%, Ixodes ricinus — 14.1%, Ixodes persulcatus — 10.5%. Infection of different types of ticks with Borrelia was not the same and was 20.4% for I. persulcatus, 14% for I. ricinus, 4.4% for D. reticulatus. In 4 regions of the republic, from ticks of the species I. ricinus pathogenic genomospecies B. miyamotoi were found (the infestation of this type of tick with B. miyamotoi was 0.4%). Indicators of morbidity of the population with ixodid tick-borne borreliosis and indicators of infection rates for ticks vary in different regions of the republic. CONCLUSIONS: The dominant species of ixodid ticks in natural epitopes of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2012–2022 were D. reticulatus (75.4% of the total number of collected ticks). For ticks of this species, the lowest level of infection with Borrelia was demonstrated (4.4% of ticks). This may be one of the factors responsible for the low, in comparison with other regions, incidence rates of tick-borreliosis in the Republic of Tatarstan. The identification of ticks of the species I. ricinus infected with B. miyamotoi confirms the need for targeted molecular genetic and serological examination for recurrent fever in patients with non-erythematous forms of febrile illness after an episode of tick bite.