Two-way Multivariate Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Convergence or distinctiveness? Exploring how geographic location influences fan behavior in online fan communities

PurposeThis article examines how geographic location (i.e. local or nonlocal) influences fans’ communicative convergence or distinctiveness in the context of an informal online fan community (i.e. Twitter [X]). Nonlocal fans, who live geographically distant from the team they support, derive distinctiveness and belonging from supporting a team from afar. This study considers how these needs materialize in online communication.Design/methodology/approachText mining and textual analysis were employed to collect and evaluate tweets (N = 12,865) in terms of expressed emotion. Tweets were evaluated using the NRC VAD sentiment lexicon (i.e. valence, arousal, dominance) and then categorized based on geographic location and in-group/out-group status. The resulting groups were then analyzed with a two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to examine how geographic location relates to the expressed emotion of tweets.FindingsThe findings indicate nonlocal fans expressed statistically greater arousal compared to local online community members, reflecting their distinctiveness as nonlocal fans. Nonlocal and local fans expressed similar degrees of valence and dominance in their language, suggesting nonlocal fans converge communication behavior, seeking social approval from the salient online fan community.Originality/valueThis study suggests that geographic location influences communication behavior in online fan communities. Moreover, nonlocal fans may be valuable, and underutilized, advocates for sports teams in online community settings.

Vaping Frequency in Young Users: The Role of Gender and Age Among Regular Users

Background: Vaping is popular among adolescents and emerging adults; however, little is known about regular vaping patterns in older adolescents and emerging adults. Objective: The current study explored whether gender and age are associated with nicotine-based vaping frequency to ascertain ascertaining which subgroups of youth are most at-risk for frequent use. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, participants using nicotine-based vaping devices (N=535, age range 16-24) reported frequency measured as vaping days in a week, number of episodes during which participants vaped, and puff numbers for each episode. A two-way multivariate analysis of variance was used to test the effects and interactions of gender and age groups on the three frequency outcomes. Results: Emerging adults and males vaped more frequently than their older adolescent and female counterparts, respectively. Specifically, emerging adults vaped more days per week in comparison to older adolescents, whereas males vaped more days per week and had more vaping episodes per day relative to females. Further, emerging adult males had more vaping episodes in comparison to other subgroups, and adolescent females as well as emerging adult males took more puffs per episode in comparison to emerging adult females. Conclusion: Vaping differences among subgroups suggests the need for policies to reduce regular nicotine vaping targeted toward specific gender and age groups.

ANALISIS BEDA ROA, ROE, DAN BOPO BANK SWASTA DAN BANK PEMERINTAH SEBELUM DAN MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 DI INDONESIA

The study aims to examine the difference in profitability between government banks and private banks before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Government banks used Bank BNI and private banks used Bank Mega as a sample. Bank profitability is measured by ROA, ROE, and BOPO. The data used in this study are ROA, ROE, and BOPO of Bank BNI and Bank Mega quarterly data from quarter 1 of 2017 to quarter 4 of 2021. The hypothesis of this study was tested using a two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The results of this study conclude that there are differences in ROA, ROE, and BOPO between government banks and private banks before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ROA of government banks is higher than the ROA of private banks before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ROA of government banks was lower than the ROA of private banks. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the ROE of government banks was higher than the ROE of private banks. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ROE of government banks was lower than the ROE of private banks. The BOPO of government banks is lower than the BOPO of private banks before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the BOPO of government banks was higher than the BOPO of private banks.

Investigating gender differences in quality of life and social support in patients with severe mental illnesses.

Severe mental illnesses (SMIs), including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect patients significantly. Gender has been identified as a key factor influencing the experience of SMIs with notable disparities in prevalence, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the quality of life (QoL) and social support for patients with SMIs can vary based on gender. This study examined gender differences in QoL and social support of patients with SMIs. Participants include 170 outpatients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at Shafa Hospital (2021). QoL and social support were assessed using World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), respectively. Group differences were analyzed using t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and two-way multivariate analyses of variance explored the effect of gender and disease type. It was indicated that females with schizophrenia reported higher QoL than males, but the opposite was observed for bipolar disorder. Gender differences in social support were not significant among schizophrenia patients, nor between the two patient groups. However, women with bipolar disorder and multiple hospitalizations experienced lower social support and QoL compared to men. Additionally, more hospitalizations were associated with decreased QoL in both genders with schizophrenia. Findings suggest the need for gender- specific interventions and support policies to enhance QoL and social support in patients with SMI.

Food safety knowledge, attitude, and practice among fish retailers in the Ho central market of Ghana

Fish is among the most readily available and affordable sources of animal proteins and forms an integral part of Ghanaian cuisine. Improper handling constitutes one of the primary sources of deterioration and contamination of fish. Evaluating knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of food safety in food handling is essential to minimizing foodborne diseases. This study aimed to assess the KAP of local market fish retailers in the Ho Central Market of Ghana due to their vital role in maintaining fish safety. Using a structured questionnaire; data were collected from 169 fish retailers on the food safety KAP of handling fish. Results of the study revealed that fish retailers had a satisfactory level of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward food safety. A two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed a significant difference for fish retailers with medical examination certificates on knowledge (Wilks=0.68, F=2.52, p˂0.01) and practice (Wilks=0.81, F=3.23, p˂0.01), and training and practice (Wilks=0.83, F=2.71, p˂0.01). Positive correlations were seen between mean knowledge score and attitudes score (p < 0.001, rs =0.33), between attitude score and practices score (p < 0.001, rs =0.49), and between knowledge score and practices score (p < 0.001, rs =0.41). The study identified fish retailers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of food safety to be satisfactory. However, some practices were difficult to adhere to due to a lack of basic amenities to facilitate hygienic practices. The study recommends improving basic amenities to promote hygienic practices in the local market.

Influence of Parental Educational Levels on Children’s Hard Skills Development

Aims: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the intricate connection between parental educational levels and the development of hard skills among secondary school children in Sri Lanka. Specifically, the study aims to explore the disparities in hard skills based on both fathers' and mothers' highest educational levels, considering the nuanced interplay between these factors&#x0D; Study Design: The research employs a Two-Way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to examine the relationships between parental educational levels and hard skills development in secondary school children. The study utilizes a sample of 1350 participants, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure a diverse socioeconomic representation. The research design incorporates a structured questionnaire, validated for reliability, to assess students' perceptions of the enhancement of hard skills and socioeconomic status. The study is conducted in secondary schools across Sri Lanka. The duration of data collection spans a specified period to ensure comprehensive insights into the nuanced relationship between parental education and hard skills development among students.&#x0D; Methodology: The research methodology involves administering a structured questionnaire to the selected sample, probing into students' perceptions of hard skills development and their socioeconomic backgrounds. Two-Way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) is employed to analyze the data, allowing for a detailed examination of disparities in hard skills based on both fathers' and mothers' highest educational levels.&#x0D; Results: The findings reveal significant differences in students' hard skills based on the educational level of fathers, with those having tertiary-educated fathers exhibiting the highest mean scores. Surprisingly, the mother's highest education level does not yield significant differences in hard skills. Importantly, a significant interaction is observed between fathers' and mothers' educational levels, emphasizing their joint influence on students' educational well-being and the enhancement of hard skills.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study underscores the crucial role of both parents' educational backgrounds in shaping the development of hard skills among secondary school children in Sri Lanka.

Endurance Training and MitoQ Supplementation Increase PERM1 and SMYD1 Gene Expression and Improve Hemodynamic Function in the Cardiac Muscle of Male Wistar Rats

Background: Histone methyltransferase (SMYD1) and the muscle-specific protein PERM1 play an important role in maintaining cardiac energetics and function. The present study aimed to examine the effect of two types of endurance training (running and swimming) plus MitoQ supplementation on PERM1 and SMYD1 gene expression and the hemodynamic function of the cardiac muscle of male Wistar rats. Methods: The animals underwent MitoQ supplementation alone, endurance training alone, or endurance training+MitoQ supplementation for eight weeks. The gene expression of PERM1 and SMYD1, which was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantified by 2-∆∆CT method, and hemodynamic function were compared between groups using two-way multivariate analysis of variance. Results: Cardiac gene expression of PERM1 and SMYD1 increased significantly through running (PERM1, P&lt;0.05; SMYD1, P&lt;0.01), swimming (PERM1, P&lt;0.05; SMYD1, P&lt;0.05) and MitoQ supplementation (PERM1, P&lt;0.001). The effects of MitoQ supplementation on the cardiac gene expression of PERM1 were additive to the effects of both running and swimming (PERM1, P&lt;0.001; SMYD1, P&lt;0.05). Swimming-induced enhancement in cardiac expression of PERM1 and SMYD1 was associated with a significant increase in±dP/dt max (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The expression of genes involved in cardiac metabolism can be affected by endurance training and this effect could be improved through MitoQ supplementation.

Multivariate Examination of Tourist Decision Processes: Insights from Foreign Tourists

The objective of this study was to investigate the demographic characteristics of foreign tourists, their decision-making process when choosing tourist destinations, and their behavior during visits to destinations in Thailand. This research involved a sample of four hundred foreign tourists, and the primary research tool employed was self-administered questionnaires. The reliability and consistency of the measurement scale were assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, resulting in a coefficient of 0.848. The collected data underwent analysis using both descriptive and inferential statistics. To examine the interaction between the main demographic variables of foreign tourists (gender and age) and the five stages of the decision-making process (need recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision, and post-purchase evaluation), a two-way multivariate analysis of variance was applied. The findings of the research indicated that a majority of the respondents rated all five stages of the decision-making process as "somewhat recognized/practiced." Furthermore, a statistically significant interaction effect was observed between gender and age concerning the combined dependent variables associated with the decision-making process.

Students’ perceived benefits of chess: Differences across age and gender

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in students’ perceived benefits of chess by gender and age after being exposed to chess during instruction for an entire academic year as part of a Chess in Schools initiative in a southeastern state of the United States. Data were collected during the 2017–201 8 academic year. The sample consisted of 1,286 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Data were collected using a retrospective pretest survey. Seven constructs of the students’ perceptions were generated (increased enjoyment of mathematics, improvement in academic self-efficacy, improvement in collaborative skills, improvement in organizational skills, enjoyment of chess, confidence in chess playing ability, and increased engagement in learning), and all had high reliability coefficients. Data were analyzed using a two-way multivariate analysis of variance. The results showed that elementary students consistently tended to have higher ratings of perceived benefits than middle and high school students across all constructs. The differences between middle and high school students were low and not statistically significant.

Assessment of food hygiene and safety knowledge, attitude, and practices of fruit and vegetable vendors in the Ho central market, Ghana

Local markets are primarily the center for trade and distribution of fruits and vegetables in Ghana. Fruit and vegetable vendors are responsible for keeping food hygienic and safe from contamination. However, little is known about fruit and vegetable vendors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward food hygiene and safety in local markets. This study aimed to assess the KAP of fruit and vegetable vendors in Ho City. Data on KAP was collected from 113 fruit and vegetable vendors in the Ho Central Market using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using a two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine the association of demographic variables with knowledge, attitude, and practice of food hygiene and safety. A correlation analysis was conducted to determine the intercorrelation among the KAP variables. The results suggest significant differences for vendors with medical examination certificates on knowledge (Wilks = 0.60, F = 2.82, p˂0.00), attitude (Wilks = 0.71, F = 2.10, p˂0.01), and practice (Wilks = 0.59, F = 1.79, p˂0.01). A significant correlation was found between the three domains, but the influence of knowledge and attitude on practice was weak. Fruit and vegetable vendors' knowledge and attitudes toward food hygiene and safety were supportive and favorable. However, some practices were not supportive and encouraging toward food hygiene and safety. The lack of basic amenities in the market influenced the practice of vendors. Improved environmental sanitation conditions at local markets are vital to the practice of food hygiene and safety to prevent foodborne diseases.

Do fatigue and depression have a bivariate association with device-measured physical activity behavior in persons with multiple sclerosis?

Purpose This study examined the bivariate association between fatigue and depression symptoms and physical activity behavior in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods The sample of adults with MS completed the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and wore a waist mounted accelerometer during waking hours for 7 days. We categorized participants as having elevated fatigue and depression based on cut-points for the FSS (i.e., 4+ as indicative of severe fatigue) and the HADS (i.e., 8+ as indicative of elevated depressive symptoms). We used a two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to examine the contribution of fatigue and depression to volume and pattern of sedentary, light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results Results indicated no bivariate association between fatigue and depression and measures of physical activity behavior. The MANOVA indicated there was a significant association between fatigue and MVPA (F = 2.30, p = 0.032) and steps/day (F = 13.6, p < 0.001), independent of depression symptoms. There was no association between depression symptoms and physical activity behavior. Conclusions This study demonstrated an interrelation between fatigue symptoms and MVPA and steps/day in MS, independent of depression symptoms, and this should be considered in the future design and delivery of physical activity interventions in MS. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILIATION Fatigue and depression are prevalent and burdensome symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). These symptoms can collectively worsen psychological and functional outcomes in MS. Fatigue symptoms may impact ambulatory physical activity to a greater degree than depression symptom status in persons with MS. Fatigue is an important consideration when designing behavior change interventions targeted at promoting physical activity in persons with MS.

Disability Type and Constraints to Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Türkiye

Little is known about the effect of disability type on perceived physical activity (PA) constraints. Investigating the leisure-time PA constraint differences across disability groups would increase the possibility of PA participation, and reverse the physical inactivity trend for disabled populations. The purpose was to examine perceived PA constraint differences between individuals with 3 different disability types, which are visual, hearing, and physical disabilities. The study sample comprised 305 individuals with a visual disability, 203 individuals with a physical disability, and 144 individuals with hearing loss. Leisure Time PA Constraints Scale-Disabled Individuals Form, consisting of 32 items and 8 subscales, was used as for data collection. Data were analyzed with a 3 × 2 two-way multivariate analysis of variance. Findings indicated a significant main effect of the disability group (Pillai V = 0.025; F16,639 = 10.132, P < .001, η2 = .112), gender (Pillai V = 0.250; F8,639 = 2.025, P < .05, η2 = .025), and interaction between the disability group and gender (Pillai V = 0.069; F161,280 = 2.847, P < .001, η2 = .034). The follow-up analyses of variance indicated significant differences in facility quality, social environment, family, willpower, time, and ability perception scores between disability groups, P < .05. People with different disabilities have different perceived leisure-time PA barriers with respect to environmental, social, and psychological factors; generally, disabled females perceived more barriers to leisure-time PA. Policies and intervention protocols for disabled individuals should directly address the disability-specific need of individuals to increase leisure-time PA participation.

Effects of Message Framing and Information Source on Consumers’ Attitudes toward an Amino Acid-Based Alternative Meat Curing System

Recently, meat scientists have developed an innovative amino acid-based alternative meat curing system (AAACS). However, consumer skepticism toward novel foods presents challenges regarding the acceptance of food innovations like the AAACS. Effective communication about this and other food technologies is critical. Our study was a 2 × 4 randomized factorial between-groups experiment that investigated how two peripheral cues-message frame and information source-impact attitudes toward the AAACS. We used Qualtrics to randomly assign participants to one of eight treatment groups. Each group viewed a different video about the AAACS. Then, all participants were asked about their attitudes toward the alternative meat curing system. Data were analyzed using a two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The two-way MANOVA determined concurrently the experimental effects of message frame and information source on information recall, trust, source expertise, source credibility, and anticipated consumption behavior. A significant MANOVA was followed up using Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). A significant main effect was found for information source. The DFA revealed only one significant underlying function and that source expertise was the most powerful discriminating variable for information source.

Interactive Effect of Salivary Protein Carbonyl, Total Glutathione, pH, and Flow Rate on Root Caries Severity: A Case-Control Study.

Oxidant and antioxidant components in saliva play an essential role in caries development. The purpose of the current study was to disclose the interactive effect of salivary protein carbonyl (PC), total glutathione (GSH), pH, and flow rate on root caries severity. The control and study groups consisted of 90 older adults of both genders classified into six groups: normal salivary flow rate with no root caries (control), normal salivary flow rate with incipient root caries, normal salivary flow rate with shallow root caries, hyposalivation with no root caries, hyposalivation with incipient root caries, and hyposalivation with shallow root caries. Each group consisted of 15 older adults. The study participants were selected from those patients who attended the teaching hospital at the College of the Dentistry/University of Baghdad and fit the study's criteria. Unstimulated saliva was collected. Both salivary pH and flow rate were determined immediately. After that, saliva was subjected to biochemical analysis to determine PC and total GSH levels colorimetrically. Root surface caries was diagnosed clinically using the Root Caries Index. Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-way univariate analysis of variance, two-way multivariate analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient (α = 5%). Salivary total glutathione revealed a significant interactive effect with salivary flow rate and root decay severity. Levels of salivary total GSH were significantly higher in subjects with shallow root caries than those with incipient root caries; no root caries levels of salivary PC were significantly high in the hyposalivation group, but no correlation with caries severity was found. High root caries severity was found to be associated with reduced salivary pH and flow rate. A significant interactive effect was recorded for salivary flow rate, pH, and total GSH on root caries severity except for salivary PC.

The impact of patient involvement on participant opinions of information sheets.

Patient and public involvement (PPI) groups can provide valuable input to create more accessible study documents with less jargon. However, we don't know whether this procedure improves accessibility for potential participants. We assessed whether participant information sheets were rated as more accessible after PPI review and which aspects of information sheets and study design were important to mental health patients compared with a control group with no mental health service use. This was a double-blind quasi-experimental study using a mixed-methods explanatory design. Patients and control participants quantitatively rated pre- and post-review documents. Semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed to gain qualitative feedback on opinions of information sheets and studies. Two-way multivariate analysis of variance was used to detect differences in ratings between pre- and post-review documents. We found no significant (P < 0.05) improvements in patient (n = 15) or control group (n = 21) ratings after PPI review. Patients and controls both rated PPI as of low importance in studies and considered the study rationale as most important. However, PPI was often misunderstood, with participants believing that it meant lay patients would take over the design and administration of the study. Qualitative findings highlight the importance of clear, friendly and visually appealing information sheets. Researchers should be aware of what participants want to know about so they can create information sheets addressing these priorities, for example, explaining why the research is necessary. PPI is poorly understood by the wider population and efforts must be made to increase diversity in participation.

Fatty acid composition in common deep-water shrimps of the Arabian Sea and its importance to human nutrition

AbstractDeep-water shrimps are recognized as non-conventional culinary delicacies owing to the presence of high-quality polyunsaturated fatty acids, even though they remain one of the predominantly unexplored marine fishery resources. In this study, variation of fatty acid profiles of Aristeus alcocki, Solenocera choprai, Heterocarpus chani and Plesionika quasigrandis, caught along the south-west coast of India (Arabian Sea) during the months spanning from September 2018–April 2019, were compared. Among the deep-water shrimps studied, A. alcocki contained a greater amount of n-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid along with optimal n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios beneficial for human nutrition (up to 8 during the winter months) when compared with other shrimps. In general, fatty acid concentrations exhibited variations, particularly with regard to polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. These n-3 fatty acids were predominant during December–February of the studied year, but concentrations were noticeably lower during March and April. Females had considerably higher (P &lt; 0.05) C20–22n-3 fatty acid concentrations along with nutritionally balanced polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio than males. Results of the two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences in the fatty acid profiles between the species and months. The interaction effects of months with species were also highly significant (Wilk's lambda = 0.000001; F = 187.7, P &lt; 0.0001). Lesser atherogenicity (&lt;3) and thrombogenicity (&lt;0.5) indices coupled with considerably greater n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratios recognized these deep-water species as a possible source of highly nutritional human food.

Older Adults' Vigorous Occupational Physical Activity Levels in Six Countries Are Explained by Country and 'Having Multiple Jobs'.

Several studies have compared physical activity (PA) levels between countries, but none of these studies focused on older adults and occupational PA. This study aimed to assess potential inequalities in older adults' occupational PA across six countries and to ascertain whether having multiple jobs is a factor that interacts with country of residence to modify inequalities. This study adopted a cross-sectional design with a statistical technique screening for potential covariates. Older adults (mean age = 64 years; range = 50-114 years) from six countries (Russia, Mexico, China, India, Ghana, and South Africa) participated in the study. We utilised data from the first wave of the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE). These data were collected from 2007 to 2010. A random sample of 34,114 older adults completed the survey. We analysed the data with a two-way multivariate analysis of variance after screening for the ultimate covariates. There were differences in occupational PA levels (i.e., vigorous and moderate PA) among the six countries. Occupational PA levels were not significantly associated with having multiple jobs. However, having multiple jobs interacted with country of residence to influence vigorous occupational PA. Older adults from most countries who had more than one job reported more vigorous occupational PA. Older adults' occupational PA differed among the six countries, and having multiple jobs was associated with more vigorous occupational PA. Older adults who keep multiple jobs at a time may be more active than their counterparts who had one job or were unemployed.

Quantum Flipped Learning and Students’ Cognitive Engagement in Achieving Their Critical and Creative Thinking in Learning

The 21st century as the information age implies that everyone, including students, must be literate in the development and advancement of knowledge-based information and communication technology. That is, students in schools as early as possible must be invited to build 21stcentury knowledge and skills, namely 4C skills. To accommodate this, the learning model must accommodate student centered learning models, one of which is quantum flipped learning (QFL) as a substitute for direct flipped learning (DFL). The aims of this study were 1) to analyze the main and interactive effect between the QFL model vs. the DFL model and students' cognitive involvement on their critical and creative thinking in learning physics. To achieve this goal, experimental research was conducted using a post test only control group design. The population of this research is high school students of class XI SMAN 4 Singaraja, and the sample is 4 classes selected by class random technique. The research data were collected with critical thinking tests, creative thinking tests, and cognitive engagement questionnaires. The research data were analyzed using two-way multivariate analysis of variance. Hypothesis testing was carried out at a significance level of 5%. The results showed that 1) critical thinking and creative thinking of students who studied with the QFL model were higher than students who studied with the DFL model, 2) students who had high cognitive engagement showed critical thinking and creative thinking skills that were not different from students who had low cognitive engagement, 3) there is no interactive effect between the learning model and students' cognitive involvement on critical thinking and creative thinking. The implication of this research is that to achieve optimal critical thinking and creative thinking, physics learning will be better if using the QFL model, students who have low cognitive engagement to be guided and motivated in learning to be able to increase their cognitive engagement in learning, both levels of cognitive involvement students are accommodated by both models.

The effect of footwear on mechanical behaviour of the human ankle plantar-flexors in forefoot runners.

PurposeTo compare the ankle plantar-flexor muscle-tendon mechanical behaviour during barefoot and shod forefoot running.MethodsThirteen highly trained forefoot runners performed five overground steady-state running trials (4.5 ± 0.5 m.s-1) while barefoot and shod. Three-dimensional kinematic and ground reaction force data were collected and used as inputs for musculoskeletal modelling. Muscle-tendon behaviour of the ankle plantar-flexors (soleus; medial gastrocnemius; and lateral gastrocnemius) were estimated across the stance phase and compared between barefoot and shod running using a two-way multivariate analysis of variance.ResultsDuring barefoot running peak muscle-tendon unit (MTU) power generation was 16.5% (p = 0.01) higher compared to shod running. Total positive MTU work was 18.5% (p = 0.002) higher during barefoot running compared to shod running. The total sum of tendon elastic strain energy was 8% (p = 0.036) greater during barefoot compared to shod running, however the relative contribution of tendon and muscle fibres to muscle-tendon unit positive work was not different between conditions.ConclusionBarefoot forefoot running demands greater muscle and tendon work than shod forefoot running, but the relative contribution of tendon strain energy to overall muscle-tendon unit work was not greater.

Simulated computer adaptive testing method choices for ability estimation with empirical evidence

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Computer adaptive testing (CAT) is a technological advancement for educational assessments that requires thorough feasibility studies through computer simulations to ensure strong testing foundations. This advancement is especially germane in Africa being adopters of technology, and this should not be done blindly without empirical evidence. A quasi-experimental design was adopted for this study to establish methodological choices for CAT ability estimation. Five thousand candidates were simulated with 100 items simulate through the three-parameter logistic model. The simulation design stipulated a fixed-length test of 30 items, while examinee characteristics were drawn from a normal distribution with a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1. Also, controls for the simulation were set not to control item exposure or to use the progressive restricted method. Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Two-way multivariate analysis of variance: MANOVA) for testing the generated hypotheses. This study provided empirical evidence for choosing ability estimation methods for CAT as part of the efforts geared towards designing accurate testing programs for use in higher education.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;