Independent Sample T-test Research Articles

Assessing the combined effect of metacognitive skills and scientific attitudes as catalysts for gender-specific academic achievement in science

The synergistic effects of metacognitive skills and scientific attitudes on academic achievement have not been fully established by the dozens of studies that span through the margins of archives on these variables. This warranted an investigation to understand the combined role of these variables on gender-specific academic achievement. Employing a survey design, the researcher gathered data from 344 participants through the utilization of the simple random sampling technique. This was accomplished using three distinct instruments: the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI), the Scientific Attitude Assessment (SAA), and the Science Achievement Test (SAT). The obtained data underwent careful analysis employing correlation, independent samples t-test, and linear regression techniques. The findings unveiled parity in academic performance between male and female students, indicating an equal display of intellectual prowess in science among both genders. This suggests the implementation of pedagogical approaches that are both gender-sensitive and gender-neutral in our classrooms. Such approaches aim to ensure that educational practices cater to the needs and strengths of all genders equally, fostering an environment where both male and female students can reap the benefits of education without discrimination.Top of Form Moreover, the analysis underscored that both metacognitive skills and scientific attitudes significantly predict academic performance in science. Additionally, a robust association was observed between the combined influence of metacognitive skills and scientific attitudes, and academic achievement in science. This underscores the necessity of presenting both variables as a cohesive unit to students to enhance their academic success.

A Study of the Impact of Online Feedback on Moroccan EFL University Students’ Listening Proficiency

Although technology has been widely integrated into language teaching, research on its impact on EFL students’ listening proficiency and subskills still needs to be explored. This study aims to address this gap, stressing the role of online feedback in language acquisition. The significance of this study is manifested in the potential application of online feedback in the EFL arena and other related learning settings worldwide. This quasi-experimental study investigates how online feedback influences the listening subskills of engineering students at the National School of Applied Sciences (ENSA) in Berchid, Morocco. The study addressed the following question: To what extent does online feedback affect students’ overall listening proficiency? Through convenience sampling, 60 second-year students were singled out: 30 were assigned to the experimental group and 30 to the control group. Using the pretest-posttest design, the current study aimed to determine whether students improved their listening proficiency and subskills using the ProProfs platform, which gave detailed and interactive feedback. Independent samples t-tests showed significant improvements for the experimental group in listening for gist, specific information, and filtering information, although not in inferring implicit information. The findings of the current study indicated that technology-enhanced feedback could be a successful way of improving EFL students’ listening proficiency and subskills, and hence, it called for further integration into tertiary language education.

Reported foodservice environmental sustainability practices in Australian healthcare and aged care services pre and post the onset of COVID-19.

Healthcare foodservices substantially impact global environmental changes. This study investigated environmentally sustainable practices in Australian health foodservices; and perceptions of the influence of COVID-19 on foodservice environmental sustainability. An observational study was undertaken collecting data at two time points (2019 and 2022) via a pre-workshop survey with healthcare foodservice stakeholders. The survey used rating scales and free text options to explore sustainable practices, perceived barriers and enablers to sustainable practices, and a free-text response on the impact of COVID-19. Analysis included independent samples t-tests (continuous, normally distributed),Mann-Whitney U tests (continuous non-normally distributed data), and Pearson chi-squared tests (categorical data). A qualitative analysis of free text responses to a single question about the impact of COVID-19 was used to identify, analyse, and report positive and negative aspects of COVID-19 for sustainable foodservice practices. Demographic and employment characteristics were similar between timepoints n = 37 (2019) and n = 30 (2022), except for number who had attendedsustainability training (n = 14, 38.8% vs n = 19, 63.3%; p = 0.038). There were fewer private hospital (n = 6, 16.2% vs n = 0), (0%) and more rural site representation in 2022 (n = 2, 5.4% vs n = 13, 43.3%; p <0.001). Sustainable foodservice practices were consistent across timepoints (overall mean (SD) sum score for sustainable practices 63.3 (20.7) vs 61.3 (20.4); p = 0.715), with recycling cardboard (n = 27, 90.0% vs n = 22, 84.6%), and the use of reusable cutlery (n = 26, 86.7% vs n = 22, 84.6%) the most prevalent practices at both timepoints. A 'lack of equipment' was the primary reported barrier while passionate staff ("champions") was the primary reported enabler. Participants reported that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in single-use disposable items. This study describes negligible changes in reported environmental sustainability practices by Australian healthcare foodservice stakeholders from 2019 to 2022. The study provides useful information on sustainability beliefs and practices in healthcare foodservices.

Antifungal Efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum and Clotrimazole for Treatment of Denture Stomatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the antifungal efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) and clotrimazole for treatment of denture stomatitis (DS). Materials and Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with DS types I and II assigned to two groups (N=25). In the first group, G. lucidum extract was administered in the form of 5% gel while 1% clotrimazole gel was prescribed for the second group. Pain intensity according to the visual analog scale (VAS), and the percentage of DS recovery based on the Budtz-Jorgenson index were evaluated and recorded after 7 and 14 days. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and logistic regression (alpha=0.05). Results: The percentage of complete recovery on day 7 in the G. lucidum group (28%) was higher than that in the clotrimazole group (16%) but not significantly (P=0.592). Not wearing dentures overnight significantly increased the odds of recovery by 6.56 times, while the odds of recovery decreased by 0.03 times in DS type II, as compared to DS type I (P= 0.009). Conclusion: No significant difference existed between the antifungal efficacy of G. lucidum and clotrimazole for clinical treatment of DS. Thus, Ganoderma may be regarded as an alternative treatment, especially in patients’ resistant to azoles. Nonetheless, further clinical studies are required to shed more light on this topic.

Determination of weight loss methods and effects among wrestlers before an official championship

IntroductionIt is known that combat athletes frequently lose weight before a competition. This study aimed to determine the weight loss methods before an official championship and the effects of these weight loss methods on the performance of wrestlers.MethodThe sample of the study consisted of 350 competitive wrestlers. The “Athlete Weight Loss Methodology and Effects Scale” and personal information form were used as data collection tools in the study. In the data analysis, independent samples T-test, One-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis were used in addition to descriptive statistics.ResultsWrestlers generally reported dieting by restricting fatty (89.1%) and carbohydrate (83.4%) foods. It was observed that they preferred jogging with a raincoat (89.1%) and/or using the sauna (79.7%) as a weight loss method. Wrestlers also reported that they performed weight loss, although at a low level, by using ergogenic aids such as laxatives (31.7%) and/or diuretic pills (28.0%). They were observed to experience physiological effects such as muscle cramps (72.9%), injury (71.1%), and/or difficulty breathing (60.9%), as well as psychological effects such as feeling extremely tired (81.7%), stress (79.7%), decreased performance (78.6%) and/or extremely irritability (71.4%). It was determined that there was no difference between the weight loss methods and effects of the wrestlers according to their gender and wrestling style (p &amp;gt; 0.05). On the other hand, it was determined that the diet level of U20 wrestlers was higher than U17 (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and Senior wrestlers and that U17 and U20 wrestlers were exposed to higher levels of physiological and psychological effects than Senior wrestlers (p &amp;lt; 0.05).ConclusionIt was determined that wrestlers preferred methods such as restricting food and fluids, using a sauna, and jogging with a raincoat to lose weight. It is necessary to prevent young wrestlers from losing weight before the competition. Thus, it is possible to prevent wrestlers in their development period (U17 and U20) from being exposed to physiological and psychological effects caused by losing weight.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING DUOLINGO IN TEACHING VOCABULARY TO CAMP CLASS AT LANGUAGE CENTER

This study seeks to determine the effectiveness of the Duolingo app as a gamification-based learning tool for teaching vocabulary in order to assist students in improving their English language skills. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a Nonequivalent Control Group Design, which splits the class into two groups: experimental and control. The data was collected by developing vocabulary questions for both pre- and post-tests. The statistical tool from SPSS version 22 was used to analyse the data. The study's findings demonstrate how effective the Duolingo program is in helping students improve their English vocabulary. The independent sample t-test resulted in a Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000, which is statistically significant and less than 0.05. Furthermore, the average pre-test score (69.44 before using the Duolingo app) and post-test score (85.83 after using the Duolingo app) increased. This shows that students who were taught using the Duolingo app had different vocabulary mastery outcomes than those who were taught using traditional techniques or without the app. The Duolingo software is significantly more effective in helping students improve their vocabulary. Following the adoption of the Duolingo program, the Language Center noticed an improvement in its pupils' vocabulary.

A study on the psychological functioning of children with specific learning difficulties and typically developing children

IntroductionDyslexia is a widespread Specific Learning Difficulty, and children with dyslexia often face significant psychological difficulties due to their challenges with reading, spelling, and writing. ObjectiveThis study examines the psychological functioning of children with dyslexia and compares it with typically developing children.MethodThis cross-sectional study used the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to evaluate behavioral issues and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess anxiety levels. Primary school teachers, who had known the children for at least a year, provided the reports. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t-test.ResultsForty children with dyslexia (n = 40) and fifty typically developing children (n = 50) were assessed, in which both groups are predominantly boys (70%, 54%) aged 7–12 years (Mean age:9.3 ± 1.5). The results indicate a significantly greater degree of behavioural problems t(88) = 8.39,p < 0.001 among children with dyslexia compared to typically developing children. They also had higher level of anxiety t(88) = 6.81,p < 0.001 compared to typically developing children.ConclusionThe findings highlight a strong connection between emotional and behavioral issues in children with dyslexia. Generally, these children are more prone to depression, anxiety, and disruptive behaviors compared to their peers. The study underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that integrates emotional needs assessment and management into the interventions for children with dyslexia.

Cultural intelligence and cooperation in the construction industry: the mediating role of trust

Purpose This study aims to investigate the mediating role of trust in the relationship between cultural intelligence (CQ) and cooperation among construction professionals. Furthermore, this study assesses perceived differences in CQ, trust and cooperation between individuals with and without experience working with foreigners in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from a cross-sectional survey of 408 engineers in Myanmar’s construction industry. A confirmatory factor analysis validated structural equation modeling approach was used to address research hypotheses, and an independent samples t-test was performed to identify the perceived differences between two categories of respondents. Findings The structural equation modeling results identified CQ as a positive direct predictor of cooperation, affect-based trust and cognition-based trust. Both affect-based trust and cognition-based trust directly and positively influenced cooperation. The relationship between CQ and cooperation was partially mediated by affect-based trust and cognition-based trust. The findings of the independent samples t-test revealed that construction employees with prior experience working with foreigners tend to exhibit a higher level of CQ, trust and cooperation than their counterparts. Originality/value The present study added the mediating role of trust in CQ and cooperation linkage, an area that has received limited attention in the literature.

EFFECT OF SHORT ENGLISH WRITING ACTIVITY ON FACEBOOK ON SCIENCE AND NON-SCIENCE STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE

This study compares the Science and Non-Science university students’ performance in a short English writing activity on Facebook. In this mainly quantitative study, 86 Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Independent and Basic English Users from 4 classes (2 Sciences and 2 Non-Sciences), joined 4 separate Facebook Groups, managed by two class teachers. Each week, the teachers posted a pre-selected topic in the groups and the students were instructed to respond to it. The mean performance of the groups was compared by performing a paired samples t-test and an independent samples t-test of the pre-test and post-test. The post-test revealed a significant improvement in the students’ short writing performance (within groups), but no significant difference was observed between the Science and Non-Science groups’ performance (between groups). Individual interviews with the teachers revealed that both groups of students committed similar grammatical, structural, and vocabulary mistakes, however, the Science students were more active and confident in using the English language in the classrooms. In line with the constructivist view of language learning, the study highlights the importance of teachers’ instructions, feedback, monitoring, and encouragement in improving students’ short writing ability and consistency in writing practice.

Examining the effect of imaginary short story activities in Turkish courses on the higher level thinking skills of eighth grade students

Short stories stand out as a type of writing that is thought to affect distinct language skills. This study investigates how activities supported by imaginative short stories in Turkish lessons affect eighth-grade students’ higher-level thinking skills. The research employed a mixed-method, sequential explanatory design. In this context, we first collected the quantitative data for the experimental study. We then collected qualitative data through observation and interviews to explain and support the quantitative data. We determined the sample size by considering the central exam success rankings from the previous year and the socio-economic environment, resulting in a total of 46 students in two different classes within a single suitable school. We collected data through the high-level thinking skills test, as well as observations and semi-structured interviews. We analyzed quantitative data using paired and independent sample t-tests, as well as qualitative data using thematic analysis. As a result of the research, we determined that imaginative short stories significantly increased students’ skill test scores and retention levels. In addition, a significant difference was found between the skill test scores of the two groups. The researchers’ observations and the results obtained from the interviews confirmed that the activities achieved the desired results and had positive effects on the students. In this respect, it also supported the quantitative findings. Given its originality, more studies on this topic are required to reach more generalizable results. In particular, the use of imaginative short stories in the education of different languages can help demonstrate the effectiveness of such texts.

Do open acces journal articles experience citation advantage?

Background of the study: Implementation open access (OA) have pushed journal articles become more visible and increase in citations of articles. Whether it is the general case for authors in all university?. Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the advantage of OA on numbers of citations of article journals published by authors from Universitas Surabaya, Indonesia. Method: The methods of analysis employed are descriptive analysis and independent sample t-test. Findings: The results showed three key findings, those are (1) the number of Scopus indexed OA articles at Universitas Surabaya is increased by 23% in 2022, (2) the majority of article publications are in OA journals, representing 70% of the 514 articles in question. (3) The t-test results indicated a significant difference with a value of t = 0.022 and a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Specifically, the number of citations was found to be higher in articles published in non-OA access journals than those in published in OA journals. Conclusion: The number of citations is not only affected by OA feature but also influenced by various factors, such as the reputation (quartile) of the journal, the scope of research collaboration, and the number of authors.

Comparing the accuracy and treatment time of a robotic and dynamic navigation system in osteotomy and root-end resection: An invitro study.

To compare the accuracy and treatment time of a robotic system (RS) and a dynamic navigation system (DNS) in osteotomy and root-end resection in an invitro study. In this study, four identical mandibular models were created using three-dimensional (3D) printing, each model including 18 teeth. In the surgical procedures, teeth #35, #33, #32, #42, #43 and #45, along with the mesiobuccal roots of teeth #36 and #46, were specifically selected for operation on each model. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scans were performed on all models. DentalNavi software was used to plan a drilling path and depth as well as design surgical accessories. In the RS, osteotomy and root-end resection were performed with robotic assistance, whereas in the DNS, these procedures were performed using dynamic navigation. Post-operative CBCT scans were obtained. Global platform deviation, global apex deviation, angular deflection, and time were compared to evaluate the accuracy and treatment time of the surgeries. The treatment time was defined as the registration time and drilling time. Statistical analyses were performed using the Shapiro-Wilk and independent sample t-test. The global platform deviation, global apex deviation and angular deflection in the RS group were significantly smaller than those in the DNS group (p <.05). The registration time in the RS group was significantly longer than that in the DNS group (p <.001), whereas the drilling time was significantly shorter (p <.001). The overall surgical time was significantly longer in the RS group than in the DNS group (p <.001). Subgroup accuracy analysis revealed that in both the anterior and posterior tooth regions, the RS group exhibited significantly smaller apical and angular deviations than the DNS group (p <.001). Additionally, in both the anterior and posterior tooth subgroups, the total time for the DNS group was significantly shorter than that for the RS group in the anterior tooth area (p <.01). RS showed higher accuracy and shorter drilling time in osteotomy and root-end resection compared to DNS. The RS holds promise as a reliable technological advancement in endodontic microsurgery. However, future endeavours should prioritize the reduction in registration time.

Examination of Sex-Related Differences in Fatigability and Frequency Components of Mechanomyographic Signals During Sustained Exercise

Background: Surface mechanomyographic (sMMG) signals have been used to examine sex-specific differences in the mechanical behavior of muscle during fatiguing exercise. However, studies often utilize simple amplitude- and frequency-based analyses, which only reveal the static components of the sMMG signal. Methods: Thus, a wavelet-based analysis was used to examine changes in the spectral intensity of the non-dominant limb’s vastus lateralis during a fatiguing, maximal, unilateral isometric leg extension in recreationally active men (n = 11) and women (n = 10). Relative changes in spectral intensities and instantaneous mean frequency (IMF) were examined using linear mixed-effect models. Time-to-task failure was compared using an independent sample t-test. Results: The neuromuscular responses demonstrated parallel decreases in IMF (p &lt; 0.001). Further, there were parallel, nonlinear, decreases in spectral intensity across wavelets (p &lt; 0.001) and there were no sex differences in time-to-task failure (p = 0.15). Conclusions: These data showed no sex-specific differences in exercise fatigability or muscle mechanics during fatiguing exercise of the leg extensors. However, when collapsed across sex, wavelet-specific changes in spectral intensity over time reveal novel insights into the interplay between low- and high-frequency components during fatigue.

The Effect of Job-Related English Learning Materials for Mobile Learning Implementation on Students’ English Mastery

This study aims to test the effectiveness of the Job-Related English Learning Material (JRELM) for Mobile Learning Implementation for teaching English at Bali State Polytechnic, Indonesia. Regarding English language aspects and skills, JRELM includes grammar, vocabulary, reading, speaking, listening, and writing materials. This study was conducted by following the pre-test and post-test control group design. This study involved 48 students; 24 were in the experimental group, and the other 24 were in the control group. They were the 2nd-semester students of the electrical engineering study program at the Bali State Polytechnic. To collect the study data, the researchers used pre-test and post-tests to measure the students’ English mastery. Validity and reliability tests were conducted to ensure the pre-test and post-test were valid and reliable before being used to collect the study data. The researchers used the results of the pre-test and post-test of the experimental group and control group to get the N-gain scores. Then, the N-gained scores were further analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and an independent sample t-test to identify the effectiveness of JRELM on students’ English mastery. The data results show that the JRELM for mobile learning significantly affects students’ English mastery. It is because the JRELM can be accessed at any time, it is provided with exciting learning materials, and it helps students focus on learning with relevant material according to the professional field. Thus, this study concluded that JRELM effectively improves students' mastery of English.

Impacts of disasters on women: the case of Kahramanmaras Earthquake sequence : Post-traumatic stress disorder and other problems among women after the Kahramanmaras Earthquake sequence.

This study aimed to uncover difficulties, living conditions, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among women victims of the Kahramanmaras earthquake sequence on February 6, 2023. The data was collected from 388 participants using an online survey between November 1-30, 2023. We collected the data using a survey form with a 48-question sociodemographic information form and the 9-item Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-Short Scale.We analyzed the data using independent samples t-test, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis. While 59.5% of participants reported post-earthquake headaches, 77.8% had difficulty sleeping. Apart from the primary impacts of the disaster, 53.6% of participants reported post-earthquake financial difficulties, and 53.4% had to be employed to generate income. Besides, 22.2% of participants experienced violence, and 38.1% had PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, having to work in a paid job increased their probability of developing PTSD symptoms by 3.4 times. Our analysis showed that singles, smokers, those with a disaster-damaged home and financial difficulties, those who had to work, those receiving psychological support, and those with anxiety had significantly higher PTSD scores (p < 0.05). Despite all such difficulties, 43.3% of them participated in aid activities. It seems imperative to devise and implement efficient strategies to address women's physical and mental health challenges in the wake of the disaster. Moreover, it is of the utmost importance to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into disaster preparedness plans by fostering collaborations among all relevant bodies.

Biochemical components of corneal stroma: a study on myopia classification based on Raman spectroscopy and deep learning methods

The study aimed to identify differences in the biochemical composition of corneal stroma lenses across varying degrees of myopia using Raman spectrum characteristics. Corneal stroma lens samples from 38 patients who underwent small incision lens extraction (SMILE) surgery, were categorized into low (n = 9, spherical power ≧ -3.00D), moderate (n = 23, spherical power &lt; -3.00D and &gt; -6.00D), and high myopia (n = 6, spherical power ≦-6.00D) groups. A custom-built microscopic confocal Raman system (MCRS) was used to collect Raman spectra, which were processed by smoothing, denoising, and baseline calibrating to refine raw data. Independent sample t-tests were used to analyze spectral feature peaks among sample types. Significant differences (P &lt; 0.001) were found in multiple Raman spectral characteristic peaks (854 cm-1, 937 cm-1, 1002 cm-1, 1243 cm-1, 1448 cm-1, and 2940 cm-1) between low and high myopia samples, particularly at 2940 cm-1. Differences were also found between low and moderate, and moderate and high myopia samples, although fewer than between low and high myopia samples. The three-classification model, particularly with PLS-KNN training, exhibited superior discriminative performance with accuracy rates of 95%. Similarly, the two-classification model for low and high myopia achieved high accuracy with PLS-KNN (94.4%) compared to PCA-KNN (93.3%). PLS dimensionality reduction slightly outperformed PCA, enhancing classification accuracy. In addition, in both reduction methods, the KNN algorithm demonstrated the highest accuracy and performance. The optimal PLS-KNN classification model showed AUC values of 0.99, 0.98, and 1.00 for ROC curves corresponding to low, moderate, and high myopia, respectively. Classification accuracy rates were 89.7% and 96.9%, and 100% for low and high myopia, respectively. For the two-classification model, accuracy reached 94.4% with an AUC of 0.98, indicating strong performance in distinguishing between high and low myopic corneal stroma. We found significant biochemical differences such as collagen, lipids, and nucleic acids in corneal stroma lenses across varying degrees of myopia, suggesting that Raman spectroscopy holds substantial potential in elucidating the pathogenesis of myopia.

THE EFFECT OF SPORTS ON EXPECTED CONFIDENCE AND YAKUT MORAL INTELLIGENCE LEVELS IN INDIVIDUALS

In this study, the impact of sports and various variables on the expected trust and ethical intelligence levels of university students was investigated. The research was conducted using a general survey model. Data collection instruments included a "Personal Information Form" developed by researchers, along with the "Expected Trust Scale" and "Ethical Intelligence Scale." Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software. Independent sample t-tests were employed for binary group comparisons based on the number of categories of the independent variable, while one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc LSD tests was used for multiple groups. The relationship between the two scales was examined using Pearson correlation analysis. The analysis results were interpreted at a significance level of 0.05. In the study, it was observed that university students' expected trust and ethical intelligence attitudes were influenced by variables such as age, faculty of study, participation in sports, weekly duration of sports activity, type of sport, and age at which sports were started. Additionally, significant positive correlations were found between participants' levels of "Expected Trust" and "Ethical Intelligence." In conclusion, it was determined that sports significantly contribute to both expected trust and ethical intelligence attitudes.

Effects of alcohol-related problems on the costs of frequent emergency department use: an economic analysis of a case–control study in Spain

IntroductionAlcohol-related problems increase the probability of frequent emergency department (ED) use. In this study, we compared the direct healthcare expenses incurred during a single visit among frequent and non-frequent ED users and analyzed the impact of alcohol-related issues in healthcare costs arising from ED usage.MethodsThe study relied on secondary analyses of economic data from a 1:1 matched case–control study with the primary aim of identifying the clinical characteristics of hospital ED frequent users in a Mediterranean European environment with a public, universal, and tax-funded health system. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 65 years and underwent ED visits at a high-complexity Spanish hospital (cases ≥5 times, controls &amp;lt;5) from December 2018 to November 2019. Each case was matched to a control with the same age, gender, and date of attendance at the ED. Clinical data and direct healthcare costs for a single ED visit were obtained by a retrospective review of the first electronic medical register. Costs and duration of stay were compared between cases and controls using paired-samples t-tests, and ED users with and without alcohol-related problems were compared using bivariate (independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Chi square tests, and multiple linear regression) and multivariate analyses (multiple linear regression models with backward stepwise selection algorithm, and dependent variable: total mean direct costs).ResultsAmong 609 case–control pairs (total n = 1218), mean total healthcare direct costs per ED visit were 22.2% higher among frequent compared with non-frequent users [mean difference 44.44 euros; 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.4–75.5; t(608) = 2.811; p = 0.005]. Multiple linear regression identified length of stay, triage level, ambulance arrival, and the specialty discharging the patient as associated with total healthcare costs for frequent users. In bivariate analyses, a history of alcohol-related problems was associated with a 32.5% higher mean total healthcare costs among frequent users [mean difference 72.61 euros; 95% confidence interval 25.24–119.97; t(320.016) = 3.015; p = 0.003].ConclusionThe findings confirm the high cost of frequent ED use among people with alcohol-related problems, suggesting that costs could be reduced through implementation of intervention protocols.

Attitudes Toward Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Among Rural and Urban Students in Iringa Region, Tanzania

Students' attitudes toward Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) are influenced by socio-economic conditions, cultural perceptions, and resource availability. Urban students typically access better WASH facilities and education than rural peers. Cultural norms and community involvement play crucial roles in promoting positive hygiene practices and improving health outcomes, especially in Tanzania. The study examined WASH attitudes among students in rural and urban Iringa, Tanzania, highlighting socio-economic influences on these perspectives. This study assessed WASH attitudes among primary and secondary students in rural (Kilolo, Mufindi) and urban (Iringa Municipality) schools in Iringa, Tanzania, from July 4 to 25, 2024. A quantitative analytical cross-sectional design was employed, including 1,536 students randomly selected from 64 schools. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), utilizing descriptive statistics, P-values for associations, and multinomial logistic regression to identify predictors associated with attitudes among students. Rural students have a mean attitude score of 86.38%, slightly higher than urban students at 85.42%. The overall mean attitude score for both groups is 85.90%. It is noteworthy that both rural and urban settings demonstrate a high level of attitude. An independent samples t-test reveals a significant difference (t = -2.067, p = 0.039). In rural areas, 82.4% of students have a high attitude compared to 79.8% in urban areas. Key predictors of WASH attitudes include level of study and type of school, where primary and public-school students revealed significantly higher moderate attitudes, all with (p &lt; 0.05). Rural students exhibit more positive WASH attitudes than urban peers, indicating the need for targeted educational programs and resources to address disparities in various settings highlighted attitude gaps.

Students’ Evaluation of The Academic Performance Through Interactive Multimedia Integration in A State College

This study, conducted at a Polytechnic State College in Camarines Sur, evaluates the effectiveness of interactive multimedia integration in enhancing students’ academic performance. This study employed a quantitative method using a quasi-experimental design. It evolves pilot testing with pre-tests and post-tests for two sections of BS Nursing students. Section A (control group) consisted of 51 students, while Section B (experimental group) had 47 students. Statistical tools, including independent sample t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to analyze and interpret the data. The results revealed that the experimental group had a post-test mean score of 68.51, compared to the control group's 55.85. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant improvement in post-test scores for both groups, with the experimental group showing a greater mean difference of -16.29, indicating enhanced learning gains. Correlational analysis showed no significant relationship between pre-and post-test scores in Pair 1 (experimental group, r = 0.032, p = 0.822). In contrast, Pair 2 (control group) exhibited a statistically significant but weak negative correlation (r = -0.309, p = 0.035). Despite these differences, both groups demonstrated above-average performance before and after the intervention. The findings suggest that integrating multimedia technologies fosters an interactive and engaging learning environment, leading to a statistically significant improvement in academic performance. This highlights the potential of multimedia as a valuable tool for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of instruction in classroom settings.