Stratified Random Sampling Strategy Research Articles

The Prevalence and Comorbidity of Tic Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Chinese School Students Aged 6-16: A National Survey.

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tic disorders (TDs) are closely related and considered to etiologically overlap. Both disorders are characterized by repetitive behaviors. TD and OCD often co-occur. The high comorbidity between OCD and TD individuals suggests that we also need to pay more attention to the homogeneity and heterogeneity between TS and OCD. To date, there has been no systematic nationwide epidemiological survey of the mental health (including tic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder) of children and adolescents in China. Methods: A two-stage epidemiological study of psychiatric point prevalence was conducted. We used the multistage cluster stratified random sampling strategy to assess five provinces of China. The Child Behavior Checklist was used to identify behavioral problems among the enrolled students in the first stage. The results from the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents and evaluations from two psychiatrists based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV were used to make a diagnosis. Point weighted prevalence for TD and OCD was estimated. We adjusted prevalence estimates with the product of sampling weights and poststratification weights. Standard error values and 95% confidential intervals were generated with Taylor series linearization. Rao–Scott adjusted chi-square (χ2) tests were employed to compare the prevalence estimates of different age and sex groups. Results: In the first stage, 73,992 participants aged 6–16 years old were selected. The prevalence rates of OCD and TDs were 1.37% (95% CI: 1.28–1.45) and 2.46% (95% CI: 2.35–2.57), respectively. The prevalence of OCD was found to be higher in girls (p < 0.001) and higher in boys with transient tic disorder (TTD) (p < 0.001) and Tourette’s syndrome (TS) (p < 0.001). The most common comorbidity of TS was OCD (40.73%), and for OCD, it was TS (11.36%). Conclusions: Our study is the first nationwide survey on the prevalence of TD (2.46%) and OCD (1.37%) in school students aged 6–16 years old in China. The high comorbidity between OCD and TD individuals suggested overlap based on the prevalence dimensions, which might be influenced by age and sex. This result suggested that we also need to pay more attention to the homogeneity and heterogeneity between TS and OCD.

A global forest reference set with time series annual change information from 2000 to 2020

ABSTRACT Mapping and monitoring forest with time-series remote sensing methodologies requires reference data constructed in a sampling framework. Few worldwide reference data sets with time-series information are currently available for large areas. We produced a global forest reference set at 30 m with time-series information from 2000 to 2020 based on a stratified random sampling scheme. All available Landsat, high-resolution Google Earth images and other relative land cover/land change products were used in a visual interpretation approach. This reference dataset contains 10339 sample units (6252 persisting forest sample units, 2049 change sample units and 2038 persisting non-forest sample units) attributed with annual forest/non-forest information from 2000 to 2020. The results of our analysis highlight many cases of undetected forest change due to definition and other factors, and suggest that change of forest canopy cover could be monitored instead of land cover types. The reference set can be potentially used for many large-area applications such as validation of forest mapping projects or as auxiliary data for forest monitoring analysis. And this reference set will be available online (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5524258).

Comparison of Teleconsultations and In-Person Consultations from Outpatients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Internal Audit of Medical Notes.

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to compare the quality-of-care and compliance with medical record regulations between in-person consultations (QIP and CIP) and telephone consultations (QTP and CTP), from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) outpatients, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore the impact of the consultation modality on the treatment. Methods: Data from 324 medical notes corresponding to rheumatic consultations between July and December 2020 were abstracted. Notes were selected considering a stratified (in-person and telephone consultations) random sampling strategy. QIP, CIP, QTP, and CTP were scored based on prespecified criteria as percentages, where higher numbers translated into better standards. Logistic regression analysis investigated the association between the consultation modality and the treatment recommendation (dependent variable). Results: There were 208 (64.2%) medical notes related to in-person consultations and 114 (35.2%) to telephone consultations. Overall, medical notes corresponded to middle-aged women with long-standing disease. QIP was superior to QTP (median, interquartile range): 60% (60-75%) versus 50% (25-60%), p ≤ 0.001, and differences were related to disease activity and prognosis documentation (81.3% vs. 34.5% and 55.8% vs. 33.6%, respectively, p ≤ 0.001) and the prolonged prescription of glucocorticoids with a documented management plan (58.5% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.045). Meanwhile, CIP and CTP were similar. Telephone consultation was a significant risk factor for no changes in the treatment recommendation (odds ratio: 2.113, 95% confidence interval: 1.284-3.479, p = 0.003), and results were consistent in the 142 medical notes with documented absence of disease activity. Conclusions: In the clinical context of RA, the quality-of-care provided by telephone consultations is below the standard of care and impacts the treatment.

School Mental Health in Charters: A Glimpse of Practitioners from a National Sample

Charter schools are part of a global push for alternative governance models in public education. Even though U.S. charter schools enroll nearly 3.2 million children, little is known about school mental health (SMH) practice in charter schools. The current study was the first step in a line of inquiry exploring SMH and school social work practice in charter schools. Using cross-sectional survey research methods, the authors conducted brief one-time phone surveys with charter school social workers and counselors identified using a stratified random sampling strategy with national charter school lists. The final sample for analysis was 473 schools. Of these, 44.4% (n = 210) had a school social worker or counselor present at least one day per week, of whom 67 (30.5%) were school social workers. The school social work sample reported a number of job titles, including “school social worker” (67%) and many (13.4%) that were a variation of counselor (e.g., “behavioral counselor,” “social emotional counselor”). Half were employed by their school, five were employed by an outside organization contracted with the school and eight were employed by the school’s chartering organization. More than three-quarters (83%) had a master's degree in social work as their highest degree. Our findings provide a snapshot of the SMH and school social work workforce within the emerging practice setting of charter schools. Findings suggest that the SMH workforce may be professionally similar to those in traditional public schools, but with more flexibility for interprofessional collaboration, professional advocacy, and role definition. Other implications for research are also discussed.

Analyzing Lifelong Learning Tendency in Language Classrooms, Thailand

Being able to use a foreign language to communicate will increase an individual's opportunities of employment and personal growth, which implies the significance of adopting a lifelong learning approach to language learning. This study was conducted to explore language learners’ lifelong learning tendency in general and the key factors affecting this tendency in a humanities and language division in an international college in Thailand. By using stratified random sampling strategies, 383 full-time language learners participated in this study. The survey questionnaire was designed based upon the Lifelong Learning Tendency Scale developed by Coskun and Demirel (2010). The scale contained four dimensions with 27 statements: motivation (6), perseverance (6), self-regulation (6), and curiosity (9) with Cronbach alpha of 0.89 from the pilot study results ( n = 50). After performing statistical analyses ( T-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression) to the data, it was found that students in the Thai context held a comparatively high level of inclination for lifelong learning. Among the selected demographic variables, only the year of learning at college was found to correlate with the lifelong learning tendency.

Analysis on vaccination willingness and related factors of influenza, pneumonia, and herpes zoster vaccine among people over 50 years old in Minhang district of Shanghai

Objective: To determine the knowledge of influenza, pneumonia, herpes zoster and related vaccines, willingness to vaccinate under multiple payment scenarios, and corresponding risk factors among people over 50 years old in Minhang District of Shanghai. Methods: A total of 1 672 respondents aged 50-69 from 13 communities/towns in Minhang district of Shanghai were included in this study using a stratified random sampling strategy on December 2020. The knowledge of influenza, pneumonia, herpes zoster and vaccines was investigated using a questionnaire, and the differences in the willingness under multiple payment scenarios were determined using chi-square test. The consistency in the willingness under multiple payment scenarios was compared using Cohen's Kappa and the risk factors of the willingness was determined using ordinal logistic regression. Results: The average age of 1 672 respondents was (60.48±5.96) years old, including 777 (46.47%) males and 895 (53.53%) females. A total of 1 350 subjects (80.74%) had local household registration in Shanghai. The proportion of the willingness to vaccinate for themselves, spouses, and parents under any payment scenario was determined to be 80.6% (influenza vaccine), 81.5% (pneumonia vaccine), and 74.0% (herpes zoster vaccine). The willingness to vaccinate against influenza and pneumonia under multiple payment scenarios remained stable (Kappa value ≥0.6), while that against herpes zoster infection was inconsistent (Kappa value ≤0.35). Logistic regression analysis showed that respondents who had higher knowledge of influenza and influenza vaccine [OR (95%CI): 1.111 (1.054-1.170), 1.182 (1.126-1.240), respectively], aged 50-59 [1.305 (1.085-1.531)] and local household registration in Shanghai [1.372 (1.079-1.721)] had higher willingness to vaccinate against influenza, while males had lower willingness [0.733 (0.551-0.910)]. Respondents who had higher knowledge of pneumonia and pneumonia vaccine [OR (95%CI): 1.837 (1.152-2.517), 2.217 (1.541-2.893), respectively] had higher willingness to receive pneumonia vaccine. Respondents aged 50-59 [1.327 (1.059-1.537)] and with local household registration in Shanghai [2.497 (1.417-4.400)] were more likely to be vaccinated against herpes zoster, while those with middle school degree or below [0.664 (0.396-0.992)] and high school degree [0.559 (0.324-0.964)] were less likely to be vaccinated. Conclusion: Among people aged over 50 years old in Minhang district of Shanghai, the willingness to vaccinate for themselves, spouses, and parents against influenza, pneumonia and herpes zoster infection is quite different under multiple payment scenarios, especially for herpes zoster vaccine.

Teacher and School Characteristics Associated with the Identification and Referral of Adolescent Depression and Oppositional Defiant Disorders by U.S. Teachers.

Teachers contribute to the process of identifying and referring students for mental health services, however, relatively little is known about how they make those decisions and how decision-making differs across school contexts. This study used a vignette-based method to investigate individual and school contextual factors associated with the likelihood that teachers identify and refer students for mental health services. Teachers were recruited from public middle and high schools across the U.S. using a stratified random sampling strategy. Teachers (N = 462) responded to vignettes by indicating their concern for students, as well as their likelihood of providing mental health referrals. Vignettes varied by problem type (depression, oppositional defiant disorder), problem severity (moderate, severe), and student gender (male, female). Data on school characteristics were extracted from the U.S. Department of Education database. Regression models indicated several significant associations of teacher demographic characteristics and school characteristics with vignette ratings. For example, female teachers were more likely than males to rate vignettes as concerning, and middle school teachers were more likely than high school teachers to indicate they would refer students for mental health services. Teachers in schools with a higher proportion of Black students rated depression vignettes as less serious and indicated they were less likely to refer students for mental health services than teachers in majority white schools. Results suggest school characteristics may contribute to established disparities in mental health service access. Findings have implications for targeting mental health supports in schools.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12310-021-09491-1.

Predictors of Behavioural Intentions of Teachers to Adopt and Use Information and Communication Technologies in Secondary Schools in Zimbabwe

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) also known as educational technology in the teaching and learning context, has become a new normal in all sectors of education world-wide. The most important driver of the use of ICT in education has been the rapid advances in technology and to some extent, natural disasters such as COVID-19 that has affected access to education across all sectors of the education system. As a result, it has become very important that teachers in secondary schools adopt ICT for their teaching. This study therefore seeks to establish factors influencing the behavioural intentions of secondary school teachers to adopt ICT in Zimbabwe. A sample of 251 teachers were selected using stratified random sampling strategy from 10 secondary schools to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire adapted from the Oscarson Scale for Measuring Adoption-proneness (OSMA) was used for data collection. Results of the study showed that the use of technology in teaching, professional development, attitudes toward ICT, gender and ICT support services have a significant influence on the behavioural intentions of secondary school teachers to adopt ICT. A number of challenges that affected the adoption of ICT in secondary schools were also identified. The study has implications on both policy and practice with regard to the adoption of ICT in secondary schools.

Dual Use of Auxiliary Information for Estimating the Finite Population Mean under the Stratified Random Sampling Scheme

In this paper, we proposed an improved family of estimators for finite population mean under stratified random sampling, which needed a helping variable on the sample mean and rank of the auxiliary variable. The expression of the bias and mean square error of the proposed and existing estimators are computed up to the first-order approximation. The estimators proposed in different situations were investigated and provided a minimum mean square error relative to all other estimators considered. Four actual data sets and simulation studies are carried out to observe the performance of the estimators. For simulation study, R software is used. The mean square errors of all four data sets are minimum and percent relative efficiencies are more than a hundred percent higher than the other existing estimators, which indicated the importance of the newly proposed family of estimators. From the simulation study, it is concluded that the suggested family of estimators achieved better results. We demonstrate theoretically and numerically that the proposed estimator produces efficient results compared to all other contend estimators in entire situations. Overall, we conclude that the performance of the family of suggested estimators is better than all existing estimators.

University Students’ Persistence With Technology-Mediated Distance Education: A Response to COVID-19 and Beyond in Zimbabwe

Technology-mediated distance education (TDE) has become part of the new normal in the range of teaching strategies used in universities in Zimbabwe. Contemporary literature abounds with studies that highlight challenges associated with access to education in universities, yet very little is highlighted about how TDE can be used to enhance access to education in Zimbabwean universities during the COVID-19 era and beyond. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate determinants of students’ behavioural intentions to persist with TDE in universities in Zimbabwe during COVID-19 and beyond. The study employed a quantitative approach that used a self-constructed structured questionnaire for data collection from a sample of 1,300 distance learning students selected from five universities using a stratified random sampling strategy. Structural equation modelling using IBM SPSS Amos 22 was used for data analysis. Results of the study show that cultural and norms issues (β = .325; p &lt; .001) and characteristics of the students (β = .329; p &lt; .001), the lecturer (β = .362; p &lt; .001), the institution (β = .427; p &lt; .001), and external stakeholders (β = .279; p &lt; .001) were all significantly associated with the behavioural intentions of university students to persist with TDE. Results of this study have implications for both policy and practice with regard to implementing TDE in universities.

Geostatistical modelling and mapping of nematode-based soil ecological quality indices in a polluted nature reserve

Nematodes are indicators of soil quality and soil health. Knowledge of the relationships between nematode-based soil quality indices and environmental properties is beneficial for assessing environmental threats on soil biota. This study evaluated the spatial distribution of nematode-based soil quality indices in a 23-ha heavy metal-polluted nature reserve using geostatistical methods. We expected that a selection of abiotic soil properties (pH and moisture, clay, organic matter, cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) contents) could explain a significant portion of the spatial variation of the indices and that regression kriging could more accurately model their spatial distribution than ordinary kriging. A stratified simple random sampling scheme was used to select 80 locations where soil samples were taken to extract nematodes and derive the indices. The area had a distinct gradient in soil properties with Cd and Zn content ranging from 0.07 to 68.9 and 5.3 to 1 329 mg kg−1, respectively. Linear regression models were fitted to describe the relationships between the indices and soil properties. By also modelling the spatial correlation structure of regression residuals using spherical semivariograms, regression kriging was used to produce maps of the indices. The regression models explained between 21% and 44% of the total original variance in the indices. Soil pH was a significant explanatory variable in almost all cases, while heavy metal conent had a remarkably low effect. In some cases, the regression residuals had spatial structure. Independent validation indicated that in all cases, regression kriging performed slightly better because of having lower values of the root mean square prediction error and a mean prediction error closer to zero than ordinary kriging. This study showed the importance of soil properties in explaining the spatial distribution of biological soil quality indices in ecological risk assessment.

L-Moments and calibration based variance estimators under double stratified random sampling scheme: an application of covid-19 pandemic

The presence of extreme events gives rise to outrageous results regarding population parameters and their estimates using traditional moments. Traditional moments are usually influenced by extreme observations. In this paper, we propose some new calibration estimators under L-Moments scheme for variance which is one of the most important population parameters. Some suitable calibration constraints under double stratified random sampling are also defined for these estimators. Our proposed estimators based on L-Moments are relatively more robust in presence of extreme values. The empirical efficiency of proposed estimators is also calculated through simulation. Covid-19 pandemic data from January 22, 2020, to August 23, 2020, is considered for simulation study.

A novel family of variance estimators based on L-moments and calibration approach under stratified random sampling

Estimation of the population variance is of major concern in numerous examinations and ratio estimators are mainstream choices for it. It is a typical practice to utilize conventional central moments to construct variance estimators utilizing auxiliary information. However, conventional central moments give equal weight to each observation and hence highly affected by extreme values. For solving this issue, some recent developments are available in literature based on non-conventional/robust characteristics (inter-decile range, mid-range, etc.) of an auxiliary variable with conventional central moments under a simple random sampling scheme. This article initially, defines a family of ratio type variance estimators based on an adaptation of existing estimators with conventional central moments and non-conventional/robust characteristics of the auxiliary variable under a stratified random sampling scheme. After that, a novel family of variance estimators is proposed, in the presence of extreme values. The novel family of variance estimators is based on L-moments and calibration approach with some suitable constraints which can provide enhance the estimation of the population variance. We utilize L-moments characteristics (L-location, L-scale, and L-CV) for the purposes of the article. The variance expression of the novel family is also provided. Empirical illustrations are done using real and artificial data sets. The percentage relative efficiency is used for assessing the performances of adapted and novel families of estimators.

Has IMRD become IMRDi in management journals? Implications as an independent structural component of research articles

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to understand the practice of separating implications into separate sections or sub‐sections in scholarly articles that report empirical research in social sciences. Using a stratified random sampling strategy, I selected 120 articles from 40 journals in the field of management available via the Social Sciences Citation Index. I analysed the articles using qualitative content analysis that was guided by two research questions: (1) do journal articles include implications as an independent component? and (2) What guidance do journal editors provide about the presentation of implications in article submissions? The results show that 72% of articles separated implications into a section or sub‐section whilst the remaining 28% integrated them into other main sections. Of the first group, three quarters of authors separated implications into sub‐sections of the Discussion section and one quarter presented them as independent main sections that followed the Discussion. Several patterns related to the range, length, order, and type of implications sections and sub‐sections emerged. The results also showed that only 4% of journals mention implications in their guidelines for authors. Journal editors could use the results of this study to discuss the importance of implications to the journal strategic development, articulate their position on the article structure, and audit their guidelines. Researchers might use the study results to improve their article structure and, hence, increase chances of receiving positive editorial decision.

A Goal Programming Approach for Multivariate Calibration Weights Estimation in Stratified Random Sampling

Calibration estimation is one of the most important ways to improve the precision of the survey estimates. It is a method in which the designs weights are modified as little as possible by minimizing a given distance measure to the calibrated weights respecting a set of constraints related to suitable auxiliary information. This paper proposes a new approach for Multivariate Calibration Estimation (MCE) of the population mean of a study variable under stratified random sampling scheme using two auxiliary variables. Almost all literature on calibration estimation used Lagrange multiplier technique in order to estimate the calibrated weights. While Lagrange multiplier technique requires all equations included in the model to be differentiable functions, some un- differentiable functions may be faced in some cases. Hence, it is essential to look for using another technique that can provide more flexibility in dealing with the problem. Accordingly, in this paper, using goal programming approach is newly suggested as a different approach for MCE. The theory of the proposed calibration estimation is presented and the calibrated weights are estimated. A comparison study is conducted using actual and generated data to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach for multivariate calibration estimator with other existing calibration estimators. The results of this study prove that using the proposed GP approach for MCE is more flexible and efficient compared to other calibration estimation methods of the population mean.

A study on the Ishikawa's original basic tools of quality control in South American companies: results from a pilot survey and directions for further research

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to revisit Dr. Ishikawa's statement: “95% of problems in processes can be accomplished using the seven quality control (QC) tools” from his book “What is Quality Control?”. The authors are interested in critically investigating if this statement is still valid nowadays. It involves the analysis of the usage of the seven QC tools in the manufacturing and service sectors and the benefits, challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) for the application of the seven QC tools.Design/methodology/approachIn order to evaluate Kaoru Ishikawa's statement and how valid his statement is for manufacturing and service industries nowadays, an online survey instrument was developed, and data collection was performed utilising a stratified random sampling strategy. The main strata/clusters were formed by senior quality professionals working in operational excellence, quality consultants, quality directors, quality engineers, quality managers and quality supervisors working in both manufacturing and service sectors from South American companies. A total of 97 participants from different countries in South America responded to the survey.FindingsThe main finding of this study is that only about 20% of respondents felt that the original seven basic tools of QC can solve above 80% of quality related problems in their businesses. This is quite different from the findings reported by Dr Ishikawa in his work in between 1970 and 1980s. Another relevant finding presented in this paper is that Pareto analysis, histograms and cause and effect analysis are the most used tools in both manufacturing and service sectors. This paper also revealed that the seven QC tools proposed by Dr. Ishikawa were least used by human resources (HR), information technology (IT) and finance functions. This work presents a list of critical success factors required for the proper application of the seven QC tools.Research limitations/implicationsAll data collected in the pilot survey came from professionals working for South American companies. So, this paper does present limitations in terms of generalisation of the results. Also, data were collected at an individual level, so parameters such as the inter reliability of judgements on a particular survey item could not be evaluated. It is important to highlight that n = 97 is a low sample size, enough for a preliminary survey but reinforcing the limitation in terms of generalisation of the results.Originality/valueAuthors understand that this is the very first research focused on challenging Dr. Ishikawa's statement: “95% of problems in processes can be accomplished using the seven quality control (QC) tools” from his book “What is Quality Control?”. The results of this study represent an important first step towards a full understanding of the applicability of these tools in manufacturing and service industries in a global scale.

A Mechanistic Approach for Modeling Soil Development Using Remotely Sensed Data Collected from Invaded Coasts

The invasion of the exotic species Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) has profoundly influenced coastal soil development in China. Accurate assessment and monitoring of invasion-driven development in coastal soils requires the development of reliable methods to support the sustainable governance of coastal ecosystems. A space-for-time substitution method and a stratified random sampling strategy were utilized in this study to obtain soil data from 15 sites at three depth intervals (0–30, 30–60 and 60–100 cm) to obtain a total of 45 soil samples. We developed a mechanistic approach to model soil development using Sentinel-1 data. Here, soil development was represented by a comprehensive soil index, the soil quality index (SQI), which was calculated from key physical and chemical soil properties. In the structural equation model (SEM), soil, vegetation and remote-sensing data were initially assumed to be related to each other based on prior knowledge and were constructed from their corresponding observed variables. The results of the correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the invasion processes and SQI values, especially in the topsoil of the upper 30 cm. The final SEM model showed that the invasion process had great direct and positive effects on SQI in the upper 60 cm depth soil; however, vegetation (represented by a vegetation index) had a negative influence on SQI in the topmost layer. We found that Sentinel-1 data explained the large variation in the interacting ecosystem of the invasion, vegetation, and soils, with R2 values ranging between 0.45 and 0.96. The results of model performance evaluation demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed model in predicting SQI, with a ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 1.44 in the upper 60 cm. Our findings highlight the potential of Sentinel-1 data in monitoring the pace of soil development in constructed S. alterniflora marshes.

Antibody seroprevalence in the epicenter Wuhan, Hubei, and six selected provinces after containment of the first epidemic wave of COVID-19 in China

BackgroundChina implemented containment measures to stop SARS-CoV-2 transmission in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. After the first epidemic wave, we conducted population-based serological surveys to determine extent of infection, risk factors for infection, and neutralization antibody levels to assess the real infections in the random sampled population. MethodsWe used a multistage, stratified cluster random sampling strategy to conduct serological surveys in three areas - Wuhan, Hubei Province outside Wuhan, and six provinces selected on COVID-19 incidence and containment strategy. Participants were consenting individuals >1 year old who resided in the survey area >14 days during the epidemic. Provinces screened sera for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM, IgG, and total antibody by two lateral flow immunoassays and one magnetic chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay; positive samples were verified by micro-neutralization assay. FindingsWe enrolled 34,857 participants (overall response rate, 92%); 427 were positive by micro-neutralization assay. Wuhan had the highest weighted seroprevalence (4•43%, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]=3•48%-5•62%), followed by Hubei-ex-Wuhan (0•44%, 95%CI=0•26%-0•76%), and the other provinces (<0•1%). Living in Wuhan (adjusted odds ratio aOR=13•70, 95%CI= 7•91–23•75), contact with COVID-19 patients (aOR=7•35, 95%CI=5•05–10•69), and age over 40 (aOR=1•36, 95%CI=1•07–1•72) were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among seropositives, 101 (24%) reported symptoms and had higher geometric mean neutralizing antibody titers than among the 326 (76%) without symptoms (30±2•4 vs 15±2•1, p<0•001). InterpretationThe low overall extent of infection and steep gradient of seropositivity from Wuhan to the outer provinces provide evidence supporting the success of containment of the first wave of COVID-19 in China. SARS-CoV-2 infection was largely asymptomatic, emphasizing the importance of active case finding and physical distancing. Virtually the entire population of China remains susceptible to SARS-CoV-2; vaccination will be needed for long-term protection. FundingThis study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology (2020YFC0846900) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82041026, 82041027, 82041028, 82041029, 82041030, 82041032, 82041033).

Unlocking the Cultural Diversity Black Box: Application of Culturally Responsive Pedagogies in University Classrooms in Zimbabwe

The study investigated the mediating role of lecturers’ biographic factors and multicultural competences in the use of Culturally Responsive Pedagogies (CRPs) to effectively teach culturally diverse classrooms in universities. Studies show that culture has an influence on student learning and that if it is not effectively managed, it can affect how students learn. The study employed a quantitative approach that used structured questionnaires for data collection from a sample of 370 lecturers selected from six universities using a stratified random sampling strategy. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used for data purification. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, One-way ANOVA, multiple regression analysis, and correlation analysis. Results showed that verbal and non-verbal communication, cultural knowledge, classroom management, and student-teacher interaction significantly influenced the application of CRPs by university lecturers. It also emerged from the study that the application of CRPs has a significant effect on diversity management in universities. Results further showed that the use of CRPs by university lecturers is still work in progress due to a myriad of challenges they face chief among which is a lack of cultural competence skills. These results have implications to diversity management in university classrooms in particular as well as in universities in general.

Small-Scale Environmental Drivers of Plant Community Structure and Diversity in Neotropical Montane Cloud Forests Harboring Threatened Magnolia dealbata in Southern Mexico

Gradient analysis was used to determine factors driving small-scale variation of cloud forest communities harboring Magnolia dealbata, a threatened species and bioculturally relevant tree for the Chinantecan, Mazatecan, Nahuan, and Zapotecan ethnicities in southern Mexico. Particularly, we aimed to: (a) determine factors explaining major community gradients at different heterogeneity scales along a small-scale elevational gradient, (b) test the Decreasing and the Continuum hypotheses along elevation, and (c) classify vegetation to assist in identifying conservation priorities. We used a stratified random sampling scheme for 21 woody stands along a small-scale (352 m) elevational transect. Four main data matrices were used (presence-absence, density, basal area, and guild data). Through Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS), Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA), and distance-based Redundancy Analysis (db-RDA), we found that major community variation was explained by soil pH, displaying an outstanding vegetation discontinuity, separating the species-rich relic Oreomunnea-Ticodendron-stands from stands with higher importance values for M. dealbata. The high species richness observed was explained by a combination of the windward effect of dry-seasonal maximum cloud condensation gain and habitat differentiation-specialization, a phenomenon that may also explain the mid-peak hypothesis and ensure the survival of relic species. Sampling-truncation and conservation status also played a role in this. Our results do not support the Decreasing and Continuum hypotheses along elevation.