Sample Survey Research Articles

Research on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in English Teaching in Higher Education

With the rapid development of science and technology, the domain of artificial intelligence (AI) witnesses a surge in growth. It is employed in English language teaching for non-native speakers both at home and abroad. This essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages of AI applications in English teaching, with a particular focus on higher education in China. A sampling survey is conducted to investigate the utilization of AI in English language teaching at the post-secondary level. The research involves administering a questionnaire to a sample of 50 college students to inquire about the integration of AI in the classroom. This paper reveals that the two most prevalent applications of AI in the classroom is assisted reading and spoken interaction. Nevertheless, the most evident challenge is the tendency of students to over-rely on AI. In addition, this paper points out the impacts of constructivism on English teaching by taking English writing as an example. These discussions provide some reference for future research on this topic. In light of the aforementioned conclusions, educators may gain insight into the potential applications of AI in the classroom aiming to optimise teaching efficiency.

Challenges and Opportunities in Pineapple and Cabbage Cultivation in Nagaland: A Garrett Ranking Analysis

India’s horticulture sector, a significant contributor to the nation’s economy has experienced substantial growth, particularly in states like Nagaland. This study examines the growth and challenges faced by the horticulture sector in Nagaland, with a particularly emphasis on fruit and vegetable cultivation. Despite horticulture sector being a significant component of the state’s economy, the sector has experiences periods of negative growth particularly between 2011-12 and 2017-18. Taking a sample survey of 120 farmers, the study aims to analyse the farm sizes, productivity and the challenges faced by the farmers associated with the decline. Both Pineapple and Cabbage farmers face common challenges such as pest and disease management and ineffective pricing systems. However, pineapple farmers also struggle with inadequate credit facilities, while cabbage farmers face additional issues with irrigation infrastructure. The findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as upgrading infrastructure, improving farm practices, and expanding market access, are crucial for revitalising the sector. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to formulate strategies that can address these challenges, support sustainable growth, and ultimately strengthen the horticulture sector in Nagaland.

India’s immobile elderly and universal health coverage: insights from 75th round national sample survey

India’s immobile elderly and universal health coverage: insights from 75th round national sample survey

The Impact of Childhood Neglect on College Students' Self-focused Attention

Purpose: This study aims to explore the impact of childhood neglect on college students' self-focused attention, so as to deeply understand the psychological development characteristics of college students and provide a theoretical basis for preventing and intervening in college students' self-focused attention. Methods: A random sample survey of 307 college students was conducted using the Childhood Neglect Scale (CNS) and the Self-focused Attention Scale (SFAS). Results: There was a significant negative correlation between childhood neglect and the self-focused attention of college students. The higher the degree of childhood neglect, the lower the self-focused attention of college students. Childhood neglect has a significant predictive effect on self-focused attention of college students. Conclusion: Childhood neglect has a negative impact on college students' self-focused attention.

Development of a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dc-ELISA) for the detection of scopolamine in wheat

: A competitive direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dc-ELISA) was developed for the detection and quantification of scopolamine (SCO) in wheat flours and cereal samples (multigrain, oat and barley). The limit of quantification (IC20) of the established method was 6.00 ± 1.20 ng/g, with the limit of detection (IC10) being 2.4 ± 0.6 ng/g in wheat flour with a coefficient of variation (CV) less than 20%. The assay was highly specific to SCO and nor-scopolamine, with no cross-reactivity to other similar structures. In spiked wheat flours the recoveries ranged from 84% to 104% with CVs of less than 20% and the recovery from a Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) buckwheat control sample was 118%. A comparison of spiked wheat flour and a FAPAS control sample showed similar results to those determined by classical LC-MS/MS methods. A small retail survey of wheat flours and cereal samples was conducted using this ELISA method and a LC-MS/MS method, which showed scopolamine was not detected in any of these survey samples by either method. This method is suitable for rapid quantitation of SCO in wheat flours and cereal samples.

A cultural evolution theory for contemporary polarization trends in moral opinions

While existing theories of political polarization tend to suggest that the opinions of liberals and conservatives move in opposite directions, available data indicate that opinions on a wide range of moral issues move in the liberal direction among both liberals and conservatives. Moreover, some political scientists have hypothesized that this movement follows an S-shaped curve among liberals and a similar, but later, S-shaped curve among conservatives, so that polarization on a given issue first increases (as opinions at an initial stage move faster among liberals) and then decreases (as opinions at a later stage move faster among conservatives). Here we show that these dynamics are explained by Moral Argument Theory, a cultural evolution theory positing that opinion shifts on moral issues arise from a certain content bias in social opinion transmission. This theory also yields several other specific predictions about trends and polarization in moral opinions, which we test against longitudinal data on 55 moral issues from the General Social Survey (sample sizes between 1798 and 57,809 per issue). The predictions are generally confirmed. We conclude that a cultural evolution perspective can provide valuable insights for social science in understanding contemporary societal changes.

Comprehensive propagation of errors for the prediction of woody biomass

Abstract Managing vegetation to sequester carbon in biomass requires estimates to meet standards for accuracy, with methods that are transparent, verifiable and cost‐effective. Allometric models are commonly used to predict biomass from non‐destructive field inventory data. Although a number of studies have addressed biomass error propagation, none have provided a general set of methods for linking errors all the way from initial allometric model development through to the final site‐based biomass prediction, for both above‐ and below‐ground biomass. Error sources in total biomass (above‐ + below‐ground) were quantified using a combination of analytical and Monte Carlo methods, illustrated with four contrasting case studies using either site‐ and‐species‐specific, species‐specific or generalised allometric models. Sampling error was found to be the most important contributor to site‐level biomass uncertainty, arising from the interaction between spatial variability and the field sampling design. The contribution of allometric model covariance to total error was also quantified, with errors in the determination of moisture content during allometric model development identified as a potentially important yet often overlooked error source. Application of different allometric models to the same inventory data suggested the error from generalised models was no greater than that from site‐ or species‐specific models, with increases in the generalised model prediction error balanced by decreases in other error sources associated with the increased sample size on which generalised models are based. Recommendations for reducing errors in predicted biomass include increasing field survey sample size, adopting field survey designs that ensure spatial representativeness and improving moisture content measurement protocols and increasing the moisture content sample size during allometric model development. To reduce costs while maintaining acceptable accuracy, the use of generalised allometric models is recommended, with the caveat that additional biomass sampling for model validation may be required to limit the potential for biased predictions.

Digital engagement for travel information among car and public transport users in the Netherlands

As the offer of digital services in transport expands, understanding users’ digital engagement and how it developed over time is important to make informed policy decisions. In particular, we lack an understanding of how both PT (public transport) and car users access and engage with digital technologies and perceive them to be necessary to travel. This article aims at bridging this gap, using a 2022 survey of representative samples from both populations in the Netherlands.There is clear evidence of travellers getting more used to digital technologies over time. In 2022, at most 80% of car and PT users relied at least from time to time on their smartphone to look for travel information. As expected, higher digital skills correlate positively with the likelihood of using smartphone-based travel information. It is worth noting that PT users report higher digital skills than car users, while these samples do not differ significantly in terms of age and education levels. As such, low (perceived) digital skills might be a barrier to switching from the car to public transport.Almost 75% of car and PT users think that travelling is more difficult nowadays without a smartphone, demonstrating a radical shift in societal expectations within a decade and a half. Alternatives like public information displays exist and are still used by the majority, but traditional communication channels are not deemed sufficient anymore to travel worry-free. These perceptions can contribute to shaping reality and may put those with a lower digital access at a disadvantage.

A New Modified Estimator for Population Mean using Auxiliary Character and Attribute in Double Sampling

In sample surveys, when information on two auxiliary characters is available, several authors prefer chain-type estimators to improve the performance of estimators of the population mean. These authors have assumed that the information (population mean, total, etc.) on the first auxiliary or auxiliary character is not available but on the second or additional auxiliary character. However, there are instances where the latter and former may also be unavailable. In such cases, we have suggested a novel modified regression-type estimator that uses the data from the auxiliary character and the auxiliary attribute in double sampling to estimate the population mean. We have derived the expressions for bias and mean square error of the suggested estimator using the large sample approximation. After mathematical comparisons, we have obtained mathematical conditions under which the suggested estimator has lower mean square error than the existing estimators. Further, we supported these theoretical comparisons using a numerical analysis with a real-life dataset.. KEYWORDS :Bias, Double sampling, Mean square error, Auxiliary attribute, Auxiliary character.

Economic Status, Access to Higher Education and the Role of the State

This paper highlights the gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education by economic groups using data from the survey on Household Social Consumption: Education conducted by the National Sample Survey Office during the 75th round (2017–2018). We find that the GER of the youth belonging to poor households is very low. Besides, more than two-thirds of them have not completed Class XII, which is the threshold level needed to pursue higher education. It follows that promoting higher education by focusing only on the tertiary level will not achieve the desired effect unless the secondary level is supported and promoted just like the elementary level.

Female Literacy and Crime Against Women in India: Complex Trajectories and Correlations

ABSTRACTGender equality remains a recurrent goal of governments across the world, yet discrimination and abuse continue to impede the progress of women. Within India's patriarchal society, women continue to be viewed through a stereotypical lens. Despite greater focus on female literacy and enactment of legislations that seek to protect women's rights, the safety of women from crime remains tenuous. This research explores trajectories of female literacy and crimes against women (CAW) in India to find possible correlations. Data from the Ministry of Statistics, the National Crime Record Bureau, National Census records and official sample surveys were obtained from government databases. Further, bivariate regression analysis was used to validate the hypothesis. The results indicate a clear correlation between female literacy and CAW, although other factors may be considered to explain certain anomalies.

Review of sociological databases on consumption

The article suggests a typology of sociological sample surveys on consumption. A detailed classification of 106 databases is given according to their geography, time frame, institutional affiliation, access to data, sampling and data collection methodology, and thematic content. Among databases reviewed, six main types of surveys were distinguished: 1) Household Economic Survey; 2) Marketing consumer surveys; 3) Consumer sentiment indices; 4) Surveys of household time budgets; 5) Single studies in the field of consumption; 6) Repositories of quantitative and qualitative data in the field of consumption. The identified types are described by the following characteristics: topics covered by the surveys, institutional affiliation, type of sampling and data collection, mode of access, possibilities for enrichment with other types of data, advantages and disadvantages when used by academic researchers. The online appendix offers a complete navigator table for the surveys included in the review.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND ADOLESCENTS’ SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT: THE IMPLICATION OF THE TEACHING LEARNING PROCESS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BUEA, CAMEROON

The study investigated interpersonal skills as determinants of adolescents’ social adjustment in the University of Buea. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design, specifically utilizing a sample survey approach. The research focused on a population of 5,736 adolescent students across three faculties. To determine an appropriate sample size, the researchers applied the Krejcie and Morgan model, which indicated that 361 students would constitute a representative sample. The sampling process combined purposive sampling to identify the population of interest, followed by random selection of individual participants. For data collection, the researchers developed and administered a questionnaire that included both open-ended and closed-ended questions. The data management process began with entering the collected data into EpiData version 3.1. To ensure data quality, the researchers then conducted rigorous data cleaning and validation checks using SPSS version 23.0, which helped identify and address any invalid codes in the dataset. To establish the reliability of the research instrument, the team assessed the internal consistency of responses using Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient. The statistical analysis employed two main tests: Chi-square analysis was used to examine and compare descriptive differences in the data, while Spearman's rho correlation test was selected for hypothesis testing due to the normal distribution of the data. This comprehensive methodological approach allowed the researchers to systematically collect, process, and analyze data while maintaining scientific rigor throughout the study. The combination of purposive and random sampling techniques helped ensure both the relevance and representativeness of the sample, while the statistical tests chosen were appropriate for the nature of the data and research objectives. The data analysis incorporated both descriptive and inferential statistical methods to examine the relationship between social adjustment and interpersonal relationships among university adolescents. The fundings yielded a statistically significant positive correlation (R = 0.411, p < 0.01) between interpersonal relationship formation and social adjustment outcomes in the university environment. This moderate correlation coefficient indicates that adolescent students who successfully establish and maintain quality interpersonal relationships demonstrate enhanced social adjustment within the university context. The strength of this correlation (R = 0.411) suggests a meaningful association between these variables, though it also indicates that other factors are likely to contribute to social adjustment outcomes. This empirical evidence underscores the importance of interpersonal relationship development as a key facilitator of successful social adaptation among adolescent university students.

Newborn pulse oximetry screening coverage in a nationwide complex survey sample: An assessment of a congenital heart disease early detection program at the regional level in Brazil

ObjectivesTo estimate the coverage of newborn pulse oximetry screening (POS) in Brazil, as well as identifies associated factors and the proportion of positive screening results. MethodsCoverage was estimated based on the most recent National Health Survey (2019). Adjusted marginal prevalence ratios were estimated via poisson regression model with robust variance. ResultsThe POS coverage was 66.3 % (95 %CI: 65.5–67.1; N = 3,140,023) and was higher in children born in privately funded hospitals (PFHs) than in the Unified Health System (SUS): 78.1 % (76.7–79.5) versus 61.1 % (60.2–62.1). In the North region, the POS coverage in PFHs (64.9 %, 59.7–70.1) was lower than that in the South (82.5 %, 79.4–85.6) and the Southeast (81.5 %, 79.3–83.6); it was even lower in SUS in the North (44.0 %; 42.4–45.6). After a federal ordinance providing financial resources to postscreening diagnostic, the screening coverage in SUS increased from 57.6 % (56.2–59.1) to 64.6 % (63.3–65.9). The proportion of positive screening tests was 9.2 % (8.9–9.5) in SUS and 7.8 % (7.3–8.3) in PFHs, of which 40.8 % (40.5–41.1) underwent complementary exams in SUS and 57.2 % (56.7–57.7) in PFHs. In the multivariate model, the main independent predictors of POS were the coverage of other newborn screening tests. ConclusionsInequalities were found between major regions and healthcare systems. Government financial incentives have reduced this inequality, although the percentage of postscreening complementary exams remains insufficient and unequal. The main independent predictors of screening prevalence were those related to the organization of health services.

Challenges affecting public participation in environmental impact assessment in Sri Lanka

Environmental impact assessment (EIA), as a policy procedure, proved capable of promoting sustainable development by reducing or eliminating the adverse effects of development projects. Encouraging public involvement in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is crucial for promoting sustainable development, which is arguably the main purpose of the EIA. There are a number of challenges that prevent the public from participating meaningfully in the EIA process. The primary objective of this study is to identify the challenges when they come within the domain of public participation in Environmental Impact Assessment. The paper focuses on identifying the most severe challenges experienced in Sri Lanka. The study is conducted by employing a mixed-method approach. After in-depth interviews with selected key informants and a sample survey of 240 participants representing all 9 provinces of Sri Lanka. This sample is selected using a purposive sampling process. The study revealed a number of challenges, like limited access to information and language barriers, education level, cultural norms and gender roles, institutional support and transparency, lack of awareness and knowledge, and trust among community members in the community. Identified all 6 key challenges that have a significant impact and positive correlation towards public participation in Sri Lanka

Staff and work environment factors associated with workplace violence in hospitals: Comparison of units with high versus low rates of violence.

This study examined healthcare worker perceptions of physical environment and safety climate contributors to workplace violence. Inpatient hospital employee (2015) convenience sample survey (N = 327) comparisons were via Mann Whitney, Wilcoxon Rank Sum, or Chi-square to determine response differences by workplace violence experience (yes/no), and hospital units (higher/lower) violence rates. Employees with workplace violence experience and units with higher violence rates identified a higher number of contributing physical environment factors. Safety climate ratings were higher among employees without workplace violence experience but did not differ between hospital units with higher versus lower violence rates. Prioritization of staff perceived climate safety and physical environment contributors can support organizational efforts to mitigate specific workplace violence hazards on hospital units.

Entropy-informed multi-stage sampling design for soil pollution mapping in heavy metal contaminated areas

The accuracy of soil heavy metal pollution mapping is heavily reliant on the sampling strategies utilized in both the preliminary and detailed survey stages of site investigations. This study introduces an entropy-informed multi-stage sampling design (EIMSD) method that leverages preliminary survey data as background information and utilizes relative entropy to progressively select sampling points in detailed surveys. Results indicate that the EIMSD method outperforms the grid sampling design (GSD) and conventional sampling design (CSD) methods across both hypothetical and real-world study areas. This superiority is evidenced by a notable rise in R2 values, ranging from 6.4% to 60.4% and a decrease in RMSE values from 16.7% to 54.0% relative to GSD, and a similar trend with an increase in R2 values from 6.7% to 44.1% and a reduction in RMSE values from 16.5% to 39.7% when compared to CSD. This study also investigates the optimal configurations for EIMSD, focusing on the number of detailed sampling points per stage (Nadd) and the ratio of preliminary-to-detailed survey sample sizes (Np/Nd) when the sum of Np and Nd is held constant. Our findings highlight that adding one detailed sampling point per stage (Nadd = 1) is the most effective. For areas with strong spatial variability, a larger Np/Nd value of approximately 3/2 is recommended, whereas a ratio close to 1 is apt for areas with moderate variability. Conversely, for areas with weak variability, a smaller Np/Nd value of about 2/3 is advised. EIMSD provides a more detailed and accurate map of soil heavy metal contamination, facilitating more targeted and effective remediation strategies.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on traumatic brain injury emergency department visits, interfacility transfer and mortality in the United States, 2016–2020: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected patient demographics, injury mechanisms, interhospital transfers and mortality of patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) treated in...

Prevalence of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Stages in US Adolescents and Relationship to Social Determinants of Health.

Given that many risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) begin in childhood, knowledge of the prevalence of cardio-kidney metabolic syndrome (CKM) in adolescents and its risk factors is critical to understanding the etiology of ASCVD risk burden. To calculate the proportion of US adolescents with CKM stages 0, 1, and 2 and to assess the social factors and behaviors most strongly associated with advanced CKM stage. Cross-sectional analysis of 2017-2020 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) sample data. United States. Adolescents. Social determinants of health, including family income to poverty ratio, health insurance, routine healthcare access, and food security, as well as behaviors including smoking, physical activity, and diet. The prevalence of CKM stages 0, 1, and 2 in adolescents was measured using survey-weighted data. Generalized linear models were used to quantify associations between social factors, behaviors, and CKM staging. Of the 1,774 surveyed adolescents ages 12-18 years, representing 30,327,145 US adolescents, 56% (95% CI 52-60%) had CKM stage 0, 37% (33-40%) had CKM stage 1, and 7% (5-9%) had CKM stage 2. Physical activity score (1 to 100, 100=highest) was lowest among adolescents with CKM stage 2 (physical activity score for CKM 0: 60 (31), CKM 1: 60 (32), and CKM 2 49 (33); p=0.025). Other health behaviors, such as the DASH diet and nicotine scores, did not differ according to the CKM stage (p=0.477 and p=0.932, respectively). According to sex, race, ethnicity, and age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses, a ratio of income to poverty level >1.85, having health insurance, and food security, were associated with a 32% (OR 0.68 [95% CI:0.52,0.89]), 40% (OR 0.60 [95% CI: 0.37, 0.99]), and 45% (OR 0.55 [95% CI: 0.41,0.73]) lower odds of CKM stage 1-2, respectively. After adjustment for all sociodemographic factors, only food security was associated with 41% lower odds of CKM stage 1-2 (OR 0.59 [0.43, 0.81]). CKM stage 1-2 in adolescents is most strongly associated with food insecurity.Improved access to healthy food and policies to address food security may help prevent higher CKM stage, beginning in adolescence. Question : What is the prevalence of cardio-kidney metabolic syndrome (CKM) in adolescents, and what social determinants of health factors are associated with CKM stages 0,1, and 2 in adolescents? Findings : In this population-based study, 44% of adolescents are in CKM stages 1 and 2, and the presence of CKM stages 1 and 2 in adolescents is most strongly associated with lower household food security. Meaning : By addressing social factors, such as food security in the US, we may improve the cardio-kidney metabolic health of adolescents and improve cardio-kidney metabolic health across the lifespan.

Cohort Profile: Baseline Characteristics of Veterans from Improving Veteran Access to Integrated Management of Back Pain (AIM-Back) - an Embedded Pragmatic, Cluster Randomized Trial in the United States.

AIM-Back is an embedded pragmatic clinical trial (ePCT) with cluster randomization designed to increase access and compare the effectiveness of two different non-pharmacological care pathways for low back pain (LBP) delivered within the Veteran Administration Health Care System (VAHCS). This manuscript describes baseline characteristics of AIM-Back participants as well as the representativeness of those referred to the AIM-Back program by sex, age, race, and ethnicity, relative to Veterans with low back pain at participating clinics. To be eligible for AIM-Back, Veterans were referred to the randomized pathway at their clinic by trained primary care providers (Referral cohort). Veterans from the Referral cohort that participated in the study included: 1) an Electronic Health Record (EHR) sample of Veterans enrolled in the program (i.e., attended initial AIM-Back visit with no consent required) and a Survey sample of Veterans that were consented for further study. Descriptive statistics for age, race, ethnicity, sex, high-impact chronic pain (HICP), a comorbidity measure, post-traumatic stress diagnosis (PTSD) and opioid exposure were reported for the Referral cohort and by sample; mean baseline PROMIS pain interference, physical function and sleep disturbance scores were reported by sample. Additional measures of pain, mental health and social risk were reported on the Survey sample. Participation to prevalence ratios (PPRs) were calculated for sex, age, race, and ethnicity by clinic to describe representativeness of the Referral cohort. Across 17 randomized primary care clinics, the Referral cohort included 2767 unique Veterans with n=1817 in the EHR sample, n=996 in the Survey sample and n=799 of the EHR sample (44%) were also in the Survey sample. High rates of HICP were observed in the EHR and Survey samples (>59%). Mean scores (SD) based on self-reported PROMIS Pain Interference (63.2 (6.8), 63.1 (6.6)) and PROMIS Physical Function (37.1 (5.3), 38.1 (5.8)) indicated moderate impairment in the EHR sample and Survey sample respectively. Approximately 10% of the EHR sample had documented opioid use in the year leading up to the AIM-Back referral. At most clinics, older Veterans (>=65 years) were underrepresented in the Referral cohort compared to those with LBP visits at clinics (PPRs < 0.8). The AIM-Back trial will conduct analysis to examine the comparative effectiveness of the two care pathways and identify individual characteristics that may improve responses to each pathway. The trial is expected to complete 12-month follow-up data collection by December 2024, with subsequent analyses and publications providing insights into optimizing non-pharmacological care for Veterans with LBP. NCT04411420 ( clinicaltrials.gov ). Strengths: Embedded features (e.g., EHR documentation and clinical staff serving as interventionist) of the AIM-Back trial have potential to facilitate implementation of these care pathways more broadly in Veteran's Health Administration clinics and in health systems outside the Veteran's Health AdministrationParticipating clinics were in 10 states providing regional geographic representation across the study.Trial was delivered within an integrated health system optimal for consistent documentation templates and data extraction across the trial sites.Limitations: Due to clinical personnel's role in participant recruitment, sample biases may exist in those referred to the program and/or those who agreed to participate in additional surveysThese findings may not be generalizable to older aged Veterans due to our lower enrollment of those 65+.