Independent Sample T-test Research Articles

The Integral Assessment of Playing Tactics in National Football Teams

Objectives. The objective of the study was to determine the features of competitive activities among national football teams based on the integral assessment of playing tactics. Materials and methods. The study was conducted during the 2024 European Football Championship. The competitive activities of national football teams from European countries (Germany, Spain, England, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Turkey) were analyzed, focusing on the playing tactics in 50 halves. In order to carry out the study, the following methods were used: theoretical analysis of literature sources; pedagogical observation of competitive activities; analysis of video materials of competitive activities; methods of mathematical statistics. The statistical analysis of the research results was conducted using descriptive mathematical statistics. The sample was characterized by determining the arithmetic mean, standard deviation (S), and coefficient of variation (V). The significance of observed differences in the indicators was assessed using the parametric Student’s t-test for independent samples. Prior to this, the data’s conformity to a normal distribution was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk W-test. Results. A methodology for the integral assessment of the tactics undertaken by national football teams was developed. The integral assessment of team tactics consisted of 10 specific coefficients that reflect the main components of football players’ competitive activities in the phases of ball possession and recovery. The competitive activities in 50 halves of the 2024 European Football Championship were analyzed. The average value of the integral assessment of the tactics in national football teams was determined to be 5.62 ± 0.43 points. The findings revealed significant tactical variations between the teams, with Spain’s use of high pressing and creative play contributing to their championship victory. A ten-point scale for evaluating the tactics of national football teams was developed, on the basis of which the level of competitive activities is interpreted. Conclusions. The developed methodology for monitoring and analyzing the tactics of football teams allows for targeted management influences on the competitive activities of football players at the operational, current, and stage levels.

Characterization of Changes in Ripening Process of Volatile Apple Compounds Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS Analysis

The aim of this study was to identify the aromatic compounds present in different apple varieties and to gain insights into the changes in the aromatic compounds during ripening. Three apple varieties (“Red Astrachan”, “Ning Qiu”, and “Golden Delicious”) at different stages of ripening were selected for this study; their peel and pulp were analyzed via headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME)–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), and 30 volatile compounds were identified. The samples’ differences were analyzed using heat map cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and an independent samples t-test. The results showed that the content of aromatic compounds in the peel was higher than that in the pulp. The relative content of esters in the aromatic compounds of the three apple varieties followed the order of pulp > peel and “Ning Qiu” > “Golden Delicious” > “Red Astrachan”. This suggests that “Ning Qiu” combines the advantages of its parents in terms of its aroma content. The highest concentrations of aroma compounds in “Red Astrachan” and “Ning Qiu” accumulate before the ripening stage, and care should be taken to choose an appropriate harvesting time according to the different needs during production. The main compounds of “Red Astrachan” are aldehydes and C8 esters, while those of “Ning Qiu” and “Golden Delicious” are alkenes and esters. After analyzing the relative odor activity values (rOAVs) of key volatile compounds and their aroma descriptors during the harvest period, acetic acid pentyl ester, butanoic acid hexyl ester, hexanoic acid hexyl ester, and 2-ethyl-1-Hexanol were found to contribute the most to the overall flavor of the peel and pulp. “Ning Qiu” combines the parental advantages of the concentrated peel of “Red Astrachan” and the astringent pulp of “Golden Delicious”, with compounds in its composition that give a pleasing aroma. Mature “Ning Qiu” fruits have a more intense aroma and fruity flavor. The development of flavor-specific varieties has provided the theoretical basis for future research in molecular hybridization, molecular-assisted breeding, and the molecular biology of apple flavor synthesis and metabolism.

Development and validation of a clinical-radiomics nomogram for the early prediction of Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess

Background and aim Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a devastating and potentially life-threatening disease globally, with Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess (KPLA) being the most prevalent in Asia. This study aims to develop an effective and comprehensive nomogram combining clinical and radiomics features for early prediction of KPLA. Methods 255 patients with PLA from 2013 to 2023 were enrolled and randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. The differences between the two cohorts of patients were assessed via univariate analysis. The radiomics features were extracted from imaging data from enhanced CT of liver abscesses. The optimal radiomics features were filtered using the independent sample t-test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and a radiomics score (Rad-score) was calculated by weighting their respective coefficients. Clinically independent predictors were identified from the clinical data and combined with the Rad-score to develop a nomogram by multivariate logistic regression. The predictive performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and clinical decision curve. Results The nomogram incorporated four clinical features of diabetes mellitus, cryptogenic liver abscess, C-reactive protein level, and splenomegaly, and the Rad-score that was constructed based on seven optimal radiomics features. It had an AUC of 0.929 (95% CI, 0.894-0.964) and 0.923 (95% CI, 0.864-0.981) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration and decision curves showed that the nomogram had good agreement and clinical applicability. Conclusions The clinical-radiomics nomogram performed well in predicting KPLA, hopefully serving as a reference for early diagnosis of KPLA.

Comparison of the predictive value of multiparametric MRI and prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer

Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT in detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 115 prostate cancer patients who underwent both mpMRI and PSMA PET/CT before undergoing radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection at the Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, between March 2020 and September 2023. The age (M(IQR)) was 67(10) years (range: 45 to 84 years), and the body mass index was 24(4) kg/m2 (range: 18 to 30 kg/m2). Pathological and imaging data were obtained from the patients. Lymph node pathology results were used as the gold standard to evaluate the diagnostic performance of mpMRI and PSMA PET/CT for detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis in PCa through diagnostic evaluation tests. Comparisons between groups were performed using independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ2 test. Results: The positive rate for detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis was 18.3% (21/115) with mpMRI and 25.2% (29/115) with PSMA PET/CT. The pathological positive rate for lymph nodes was 28.7% (33/115). In patient-based analysis, the diagnostic sensitivity of PSMA PET/CT was significantly higher than that of mpMRI (63.6% vs. 30.3%, χ2=7.36, P=0.007). In lesion-based analysis, both the sensitivity and positive predictive value of PSMA PET/CT were significantly higher than those of mpMRI (sensitivity: 68.0% vs. 21.6%, χ2=42.20, P<0.01; positive predictive value: 50.0% vs. 23.1%, χ2=7.54, P=0.006). Conclusions: PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI both demonstrates good specificity in predicting pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer. However, PSMA PET/CT is significantly superior to mpMRI in terms of sensitivity and the detection rate of pathologically positive lymph nodes.

The Influencing Factors of Knowledge Hiding Among Employees in the Construction Industry: A Psychological Contract Perspective

This study explores the factors influencing employee knowledge hiding in construction industry organizations. Utilizing quantitative methods, the research examines the impact of demographic factors, including gender, age, educational level, marital status, and duration of service, as well as psychological contract breaches on employee knowledge hiding. An independent samples t-test and multiple comparisons using the least significant difference (LSD) test were conducted to analyze the demographic factors. At the same time, a simple linear regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between psychological contract breach and knowledge hiding. The results indicate that demographic factors significantly affect employee knowledge hiding, with females, older employees, those with lower educational levels, divorced or widowed individuals, and employees with longer service durations tending to hide knowledge more frequently. Furthermore, psychological contract breach is found to have a strong and positive relationship with employee knowledge hiding, suggesting that employees are more likely to engage in knowledge-hiding behaviors when they perceive a violation of their psychological contract. The findings have important managerial implications, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to address knowledge hiding among different employee groups and maintaining a strong psychological contract with employees to foster a culture of knowledge sharing and innovation

Therapeutic results of three-dimensional aortic valve anatomic repair for regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve

Objective: To explore the surgical technique and results of three-dimensional aortic valve anatomic repair for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with aortic regurgitation (AR). Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. From August 2021 to December 2023, 130 consecutive patients with BAV-AR underwent aortic valve anatomic repair at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University,and the data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 115 males and 15 females, aged (38.6±11.7) years (range: 15 to 67 years). All patients received modified aortic root reconstruction, to do three-dimensional root remodeling, including the basal ring, sinus of Valsalva and sino-tubular junction simultaneously. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Comparisons between groups were performed using independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon paired signed-rank test, or χ² test. Results: No patient transferred to valve replacement during the operation. The cardiopulmonary bypass time (M(IQR)) was 109 (34) minutes (range:67 to 247 minutes), and the aortic cross-clamp time was 76 (26) minutes (range: 32 to 158 minutes). Preoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed 123 patients (94.6%) presented with moderate or severe regurgitation. Immediately postoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed no regurgitation in 22 patients (16.9%), trace regurgitation in 81 patients (62.3%) and mild regurgitation in 27 patients (20.8%). Follow up was complete in all patients, with a follow-up of 5.5 (9.4) months (range: 0.1 to 27.6 months). No mortality was observed during follow-up. Echocardiography was obtained in 112 patients at the latest follow-up, including no regurgitation in 4 patients (3.6%), trace regurgitation in 58 patients (51.8%), mild regurgitation in 45 patients (40.2%), moderate regurgitation in 4 patients (3.6%), and severe regurgitation in 1 patient (0.9%). Conclusion: For patients with BAV-AR who have good valve quality and no severe aortic sinus dilation, the recent outcomes of three-dimensional anatomical repair technique, focusing on overall remodeling of the aortic root, are satisfactory.

Investigation Of The Relationship Between Empathic Anger And Violence Tendency In Nurses

Introduction: While empathy is generally regarded as a positive trait, the emergence of empathic anger among nurses can have adverse effects on their mental well-being and, more importantly, on their tendency for violence. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between empathic anger and violence tendencies in nurses. Method: The study was carried out as a cross-sectional study. This study was conducted on 348 nurses who agreed to participate in the research working in a hospital in Erzurum, Turkey. The study data were collected with a personal information form, empathic anger scale, and violence tendency scale. The research data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 22.0). The analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, as well as descriptive statistics such as frequency percentages, means, standard deviations, medians, percentiles, maximum and minimum values. Additionally, One-Way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests were employed. Results: It was found that the mean Emphatic Anger Scale scores score of the nurses included in the study was 23.20 ± 5.66, and the Violence Tendencies Scale score was 44.35 ± 11.01. It was found that there was a positive, statistically significant relationship between the Emphatic Anger Scale scores and Violence Tendencies Scale mean scores of the nurses (p &lt; 0.001). Regression analysis shows that the Empathic Anger Scale has a significant and positive effect on violent tendencies (B = 0.601, p &lt; 0.0001 ). Conclusion: It was determined that the nurses' empathic anger and violence tendencies levels were above the average. As a result, it shows that empathic anger in nurses has a significant and positive effect on violent tendencies . In addition, it was determined that as the empathic anger levels of the nurses increased, their level of violence tendencies also increased. Keywords: Angry; empathic; nurse; tendencies; violence.

Determination of the Internet Decision-Making Status of Risky and Non-Risky Pregnant Women

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the Internet decision-making status of risky and non-risky pregnant women. Method: The research employed an analytical and case-control design. The sample of the study consisted of 214 pregnant women, including 107 in the risky group and 107 in the non-risky group, who applied to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic. In the study, the data were collected using The Introductory Information Form and The Internet Decision-Making Scale in Pregnancy (IDMSP) through face-to-face interviews. In the evaluation of the data, Chi-square test, Independent Samples t-Test and Mann Whitney U test were used in addition to descriptive statistics. Results: The mean age of the pregnant women participating in the study was 28.08 ± 6.37 years. It was determined that 56.1% of the pregnant women who participated in the study met their need for information on the Internet, 46.7% checked the blog pages of the doctors while searching on the Internet to receive information about pregnancy, and 49.1% mostly used the Internet for searching about the prenatal development and health of the baby. The overall mean score of the pregnant women at risk obtained from the IDMSP was significantly higher compared to those in the non-risky group (p=0.002). Conclusion: The Internet decision-making status of risky pregnant women has been found to be higher compared to non-risky pregnant women. Accordingly, midwives and nurses should inform pregnant women that information on the Internet is not always safe, and it is important to consult healthcare professionals when making a decision regarding pregnancy.

SDG: Consumer's Perception Towards Herbal/Organic Products with Respect to Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study would help to clarify the perceptions of Indian consumers of organic/herbal products and Sustainable Development Goal. It examines how consumers perceive several elements that were discovered during focus group talks for upcoming research projects by academics and researchers. Additionally, it will support research on the impact of buying herbal products, particularly among the targeted population categories. An attempt has been made by the researcher to study the perception of consumer on herbal products on various parameters like buying behavior, attitude and awareness to make sure of SDG. Method: The study is descriptive, based on sample survey. And has been carried out on empirical level and it is based on the interview schedule method. Data on the personal and professional backgrounds of the sample respondents, as well as their degree of awareness, attitude, and happiness with herbal products, were gathered through the interview schedule. The instrument used to collect the data is a well-structured questionnaire which is incorporated with items measuring socio-economic status, awareness about herbal products, attitudes and perception towards herbal products and factors influencing the purchase of herbal products. The sampling technique is Simple Random sampling and the sample size is 420. The data were analyzed by using Statistical tools such as, Descriptive statistics, Frequency Distribution Analysis, Reliability and Item analysis, Cross tabulation analysis with Chi-square test, Independent sample t-test, Canonical Correlation Analysis, One way ANOVA (F test). Principle Component Factor Analysis, Rank Analysis and Regression. Results: It was discovered that the frequency of purchasing herbal goods and the brand that was purchased were significantly influenced by socioeconomic characteristics such as gender, age, education, employment, and marital status. This correlation between the socioeconomic factors and herbal product purchasing suggests that marketers should consider tailoring their products and approaches based on the target audience’s demographics

Appetite Loss in Patients with Advanced Cancer Treated at an Acute Palliative Care Unit.

Appetite loss is prevalent in patients with advanced cancer and negatively affects their quality of life. However, understanding of the factors associated with appetite loss is limited. The current study aims to explore characteristics and therapeutic interventions used for patients with and without appetite loss admitted to an acute palliative care unit. Patient characteristics and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), using the 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS 0-10), were registered. Descriptive statistics, independent samples T-tests and chi-square tests were utilized for data analysis. Of the 167 patients included in the analysis, 62% (104) had moderate to severe appetite loss at admission, whereof 63% (66) improved their appetite during their hospital stay. At admission, there was a significant association between appetite loss and having gastrointestinal cancer, living alone, poor performance status and withdrawn anticancer treatment. Patients with appetite loss also experienced more nausea, depression, fatigue, dyspnea and anxiety. In patients with improved appetite during hospitalization, mean decrease in NRS was 3.4 (standard error (SE) 0.27). Additionally, patients living alone were more likely to improve their appetite. Appetite improvement frequently coincided with alleviation of fatigue. Understanding these associations may help in developing better interventions for managing appetite loss in patients with advanced cancer.

Bully victimization and self-esteem among students with communication disorders

BackgroundBullying is a universal problem among school-aged adolescents, characterized by recurrent and destructive behavior toward peers. Bullying victimization has a strong impact on self-esteem. Students diagnosed with communication disorders are more likely to experience low self-esteem. The study’s main goal is to detect a correlation between victimization and self-esteem in teenage students diagnosed with communication disorders.MethodsFrom October 2023 to March 2024, we conducted this cross-sectional study in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The study included 150 teenage students of both genders diagnosed with communication disorders. Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale was used to measure self-esteem, and the multidimensional peer victimization scale was used to measure bullying victimization. We analyzed the data using independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and simple linear regression analysis.ResultsThis study found that students with communication disorders experience high levels of bullying victimization (M = 18.63) and report low self-esteem (M = 13.56). A significant negative correlation was observed between bullying victimization and self-esteem (r2 = 0.21), indicating that bullying accounts for 21% of the variance in self-esteem. Male students were more likely to experience higher levels of bullying victimization and lower self-esteem compared to female students.ConclusionThe study determined the severe impact of bullying on the self-esteem of adolescent students with communication disorders, particularly among males and those with stuttering. The long-term effects of bullying and potential protective factors that could mitigate its impact on self-esteem require further research.

Postpartum Depression Levels in Women After the Application of Assisted Reproduction Techniques and Their Affecting Factors

Objective: This study was carried out to determine postpartum depression levels and their affecting factors in women who became women after the application of assisted reproductive techniques. Methods: The study is descriptive and cross-sectional and was conducted with mothers (n=93) who had babies as a result of treatment at the infertility clinic of Cukurova University Hospital. Research data were collected using the “Personal Information Form” and “Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS)”. In the analysis of the research data, descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Kruskall Wallis and Mann Whitney U test were employed. Results: The EPDS mean score of the women in the study was determined to be 18.22± 3.22 and 94.6% of them were at risk for postpartum depression. Statistically significant differences were found between the EPDS mean score of the mothers and the gender of the baby they want to have, experiencing anxiety, and sharing problems with their spouse (p0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that mothers who have a baby as a result of infertility treatment are at risk for postpartum depression. Although a healthy outcome of pregnancies obtained as a result of treatment is eagerly awaited by the mothers, it also poses a risk for postpartum infertile mothers.

Interface misfit of conventionally milled and novel hybrid full-arch implant-supported titanium frameworks

ObjectiveA hybrid manufacturing technique that combines selective laser melting (SLM) and computer numerical control (CNC) has been developed for the fabrication of implant-platform/framework interfaces (PFIs) for mandibular and maxillary full-arch implant-supported titanium frameworks. The aim of this study was to compare the discrepancies in specimens fabricated using the hybrid technique (termed SLM/m hereafter) with those in specimens fabricated by conventional CNC milling.Materials and methodsBased on a mandibular four-PFI CAD model and a maxillary six-PFI CAD model, four groups of titanium frameworks (eight per group, totaling 32) were fabricated according to the fabrication technique (SLM/m or milling) and number of PFIs (four or six). The frameworks were scanned by a structured light scanner and aligned with the CAD model in Geomagic Control X. Discrepancy was defined as the difference between the PFIs of the scanned framework and those of the CAD model. Discrepancies were measured and evaluated by multilevel analysis using a mixed-effects model (α = 0.05), followed by independent samples t-tests (α = 0.0125). Furthermore, the manufacturing times and raw-material costs were recorded and compared.ResultsThe maximum discrepancy values for the four-PFI and six-PFI hybrid frameworks were 52.2 and 64.3 μm, respectively. Multilevel analysis revealed that the fabrication technique and the number of PFIs had no significant effect on the discrepancy value. However, a significant interaction between the two factors was observed (P = 0.020). The discrepancies for the four-PFI hybrid frameworks were significantly lower than those for the four-PFI milled frameworks (P = 0.001). No significant difference in discrepancies between the six-PFI hybrid frameworks and six-PFI milled frameworks was observed (P = 0.697). Furthermore, the hybrid frameworks required only 11% of the raw materials and 25% of the milling time required for the conventionally milled frameworks.ConclusionSLM/m hybrid frameworks are viable, accurate alternatives to CNC-milled frameworks, with the added benefit of substantial cost reduction.

A mechanical comparison of the translational traction of female-specific and male soccer boots

ABSTRACT The studded outsole of a soccer boot provides additional traction to players to minimise the risk of slipping while performing high-speed manoeuvres. As excessive traction can lead to foot fixation and injury risk, there has been significant research surrounding the influence of stud configuration on the level of traction generated. This previous research, however, has predominately focused on the stud patterns, foot morphology and lower limb loading patterns of male players. As the popularity of women’s soccer increases, the aim of this investigation was to examine the differences in translational traction of female-specific soccer boots and male soccer boots currently available. A custom-built apparatus was used to determine the translational traction on both natural and artificial grass for four different movement directions. It was hypothesised that the female-specific boot in each pair would produce lower levels of translational traction as they are designed to be safer for female players who are more at risk of lower limb fixation injuries compared to males. An independent samples T-test showed that while there were some loading conditions where female boots produced lower translational traction compared to male boots, across all loading scenarios there was no significant difference between male and female boots (p = 0.818), thus the null hypothesis was rejected.

Prognostic value of multi-PLD ASL-based cerebral perfusion ASPECTS in acute ischemic stroke.

We aimed to verify the application value of the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) based on multiple post-labeling delay (multi-PLD) arterial spin labeling (ASL) for outcome assessment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. The endpoint was modified Rankin scale score at 90 days (90-day mRS). Patients were divided into the good outcome (0-2) and poor outcome (3-6) groups. The independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and χ2-test were used to compare clinical and imaging parameters between groups. We used partial correlation analysis to evaluate the relationships between ASPECTS and outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine potential independent prognostic indicators. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the independent prognostic indicators in predicting outcomes. Fifty-five AIS patients were included. The good outcome group had a lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; Z = -3.413, P < 0.001) and infarct core volume (ICV; Z = -3.114, P = 0.002) as well as higher cerebral blood flow (CBF)-ASPECTS (Z = -3.835, P < 0.001) and cerebral blood volume (CBV)-ASPECTS (Z = -4.099, P < 0.001). Higher CBF-ASPECTS (r = -0.459, P = 0.001), and CBV-ASPECTS (r = -0.502, P < 0.001) were associated with a lower 90-day mRS. The baseline NIHSS, CBF-ASPECTS, and CBV-ASPECTS were identified as independent prognostic indicators. The AUCs of the baseline NIHSS, CBF-ASPECTS, and CBV-ASPECTS were 83.3, 87.4, and 89.9%, respectively. Combining NIHSS with CBF-ASPECTS and CBV-ASPECTS, the AUC significantly improved to 96.3%. The combined three factors showed a significant difference compared to the baseline NIHSS (Z = 2.039, P = 0.041) and CBF-ASPECTS (Z = 2.099, P = 0.036), but no difference with CBV-ASPECTS (Z = 1.176, P = 0.239). The ASPECTS based on multi-PLD ASL is a valuable tool for identifying independent prognostic indicators and assessing clinical outcomes in AIS patients. The baseline NIHSS, combined with CBF-ASPECTS and CBV-ASPECTS, enhances the predictive efficacy of clinical outcomes in AIS patients. The CBV-ASPECTS alone can offer comparable predictive efficacy to the combination.

Adaptation of the Teaching Engineering Self-Efficacy Scale to Turkish and Analysis of Science Teachers' Teaching Engineering Self-Efficacy Beliefs across Different Variables

The objective of this study was to adapt the Teaching Engineering Self-Efficacy Scale (TESS) to Turkish through comprehensive validity and reliability assessments and to analyze science teachers' (specializing in science, physics, chemistry, biology) Teaching Engineering Self-Efficacy (TES) beliefs concerning various variables. The study employed the TESS, originally developed by Yoon, Evans, and Strobel (2014), alongside a personal information form, and followed a descriptive survey model as its research methodology. The adapted TESS's validity and reliability were evaluated using data from 476 science teachers in schools under the Ministry of National Education (MNE) in X province, and the main study involved 221 science teachers from Y province. The assessment of teachers' TES beliefs in relation to different factors was executed using independent samples t-tests, One-Way ANOVA, and the Scheffe test. It revealed that science teachers' TES beliefs significantly varied based on factors such as their involvement in providing engineering education, the integration of engineering education into their teaching, and their specific teaching subjects, but not gender. The study contributes a valid and reliable scale to the academic literature.

Association between pre-procedural anxiety and vomiting in children who undergo procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department

IntroductionChildren presenting to the emergency department (ED) often require procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) prior to procedures. Although ketamine is used widely for PSA safely, there is a risk of adverse effects. Among them, vomiting is significant as it occurs in about 10% of patients and can potentially endanger the airway. Because there is evidence that post-operative complications might be due to anxiety prior to the operation, this study aims to investigate the association between pre-procedural anxiety and vomiting in the ED.MethodsIn this cohort study, a convenient sample of children aged 2 to 14 years who were a candidate for PSA with ketamine in the ED were enrolled. Anxiety was evaluated using the short version of the modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale (mYAS). Vomiting was recorded during the period of hospitalization in the ED and 24 h after discharge by a phone call. Association between anxiety level and vomiting was analyzed using the independent samples t-test and multivariable logistic regression was used to control for covariates.Results102 children were enrolled and 93 were included in final analysis. The mean age of participants was 3.95 ± 1.79 years and 55.9% were male. According to the mYAS, the mean score of anxiety was 48.67 ± 21.78 in the waiting room and 59.10 ± 23.86 in the operating room. The mean score of anxiety was 58.3±25.3 and 51.0±20.7 in the vomiting and non-vomiting groups, respectively. At least one episode of vomiting was reported in 23 children of which, 19 took place in the hospital and 4 after discharge. No significant association was observed between pre-procedural anxiety and the occurrence of vomiting. On univariate regression model, the odds ratio of the association between mean anxiety and vomiting was 1.02 (CI 95%: 0.99–1.04) (P-value: 0.16). On the multivariable logistic regression model, after adjusting for all the covariates, the odds ratio was 1.03 (CI 95%: 1.0–1.05) (P-value: 0.05).ConclusionThe present study showed that anxiety before procedural sedation and analgesia with ketamine in children was not associated with the incidence of vomiting.

Sexual Health and Psychological Well-Being: An Examination of the Interactions between Sexual Satisfaction, Relationship Dynamics, And Mental Health

This study comprehensively examines the relationships between sexual health and psychological well-being, focusing on sexual satisfaction, relationship dynamics, and mental health. The primary objective of this research is to determine how individuals' levels of sexual satisfaction impact their psychological well-being and to understand the dynamics of this relationship. While existing literature widely discusses the positive effects of sexual satisfaction on individuals' overall mental health and quality of life, this research aims to analyze these interactions from a more unique perspective. Utilizing quantitative methods, including statistical analyses such as independent sample t-tests, the study compares face-to-face and online data sets. The findings reveal that sexual satisfaction has a significant and robust impact on psychological well-being. It was observed that sexual satisfaction enhances individuals' capacity to cope with stress, reduces anxiety levels, and improves overall mental health. Additionally, relationship dynamics, particularly factors such as emotional alignment and closeness with a partner, significantly strengthen the interaction between sexual satisfaction and psychological well-being. In this context, the study sheds light on the interdependent dynamics of sexual health and psychological well-being, offering critical insights for clinical practice in this area. Enhancing sexual satisfaction could substantially improve individuals' quality of life and mental health. Therefore, it is recommended that sexual health topics receive greater emphasis in psychotherapy and counseling processes.

Analysis of corneal surface shape following overnight orthokeratology with different optical zone diameters.

This study analyzed the corneal surface shape following overnight orthokeratology with different optical zone diameters. A total of 82 eyes belonging to 41 myopic children who completed 1 month of the orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens wear at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2022 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the size of the base curve (BC) of ortho-k lens, patients were divided into BC 5.0 and BC 6.0 groups. The changes in decentration distance and corneal refraction of the two groups after the ortho-k lens wear were analyzed. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare these two outcome measures between the two groups. The decentration distance of BC 5.0 group (0.37 ± 0.19 mm) was significantly lower than that of BC 6.0 group (0.49 ± 0.25 mm, t = -2.330, p = 0.022). In the BC 5.0 group, the direction of decentration was superonasal in 3 cases, inferonasal in 2 cases, inferotemporal in 21 cases, and superotemporal in 6 cases. In the BC 6.0 group, the direction of decentration was superonasal in 2 cases, inferonasal in 2 cases, inferotemporal in 27 cases, and superotemporal in 19 cases. The optical zone area (8.19 ± 2.96 mm2) and reverse curve zone area (30.05 ± 6.74 mm2) in the BC 5.0 group were significantly lower than in the BC 6.0 group (10.42 ± 2.03 mm2, t = -4.043, p < 0.001; 38.21 ± 4.77 mm2, t = -6.422, p < 0.001). The change in the rate of refraction in the horizontal direction in BC 5.0 group were significant higher than in BC 6.0 group. Base curve 5.0 mm ortho-k lens is better positioned than BC 6.0 mm lens. A small BC ortho-k forms a smaller optical zone and reverse curve area, which might get a greater aiameter of alignment curve to facilitate positioning better than the traditional BC lens. In addition, a small BC lens increases positive refraction in the peripheral area, resulting in a greater negative pressure than the traditional BC lens.

The effect of using virtual reality goggles on psychological well-being and care burden of informal caregivers of patients hospitalized in a palliative care clinic

PurposeThis study was conducted to determine the effect of virtual reality goggles on the psychological well-being and care burden of informal caregivers of patients hospitalized in a palliative care clinic. MethodsPretest-posttest randomized controlled study. It was conducted from June-October 2023 with 44 informal caregivers (22 in the control, 22 in the intervention group). Caregivers in the intervention group were shown 360° relaxing virtual reality videos with virtual reality goggles for four weeks, three days a week, 30 min per use. The control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using the caregiver introduction form, psychological well-being scale, caregiving burden scale, and satisfaction form for virtual reality goggles. Analyses were performed with Independent Sample T-Test and Paired Sample T-Test. ResultsThe post-test mean score of the psychological well-being scale of the intervention group was statistically significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The post-test mean score of the caregiving burden scale of the control group was statistically significantly higher than the intervention group (p < 0.05). 68% of the caregivers in the intervention group were very satisfied with using virtual reality goggles. This study revealed that using virtual reality goggles increased psychological well-being and reduced the care burden of informal caregivers of patients hospitalized in a palliative care clinic. ConclusionThe results of this study have revealed that virtual reality glasses can be used to support informal caregivers in palliative care. This study reveals promising results for improving the quality of patient care by supporting informal caregivers. ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06156540