bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Association of Screen Time and Physical Activity with Mental Health among University Students in Peshawar
Authors: Ayaz Iqra , Shabbir Rida , Ullah Hakim
Published: October 2024

Background: The COVID-19 lockdown restricted movement and increased screen time, potentially affecting mental health. This study aimed to determine the association between screen time and physical activity with mental health in university students of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Methodology: This cross-sectional survey enrolled 232 students using the convenience sampling method and were asked to fill out the questionnaires on screen time, physical activity levels (IPAQ) and mental health (DASS-2). The impact of screen time and physical activity levels on mental health was analyzed using frequencies and contingency tables (cross-tabs).

Results: Among the participants, 37.90% reported experiencing depression, 40.90% anxiety, and 37.10% stress. Notably, 76% of those with mild anxiety exhibited low screen time. Furthermore, 46.7% of participants with mild stress engaged in high physical activity, and 52.6% of those with moderate stress had moderate physical activity. No significant correlations were found between depression, screen time, and physical activity.

Conclusion: Significant correlations were observed between stress and physical activity, as well as anxiety and screen time. These findings underscore the importance of considering both screen time and physical activity in addressing mental health concerns among students.

Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, COVID-19, Exercise, Screen Time.
Association of Body Mass Index with Pain Perception, Anxiety, Depression, and Disability in Fibromyalgia Patients
Authors: Rani Shama , Ahmed Hira , Khan Saha , Amir Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Background: A disorder of uncertain origin, Fibromyalgia (FM) is accompanied by pervasive pain, tiredness, disturbed sleep, and cognitive deficit. It has been related to depression, manic-depressive illness, and chronic fatigue. FM is negatively affected by obesity on both clinical and biological parameters.

Methods: A total of n=150 FM patients (132 Female and 18 Male) were included in the study. Initially, informed consent and demographic data were gathered from the participants. Afterwards, each patient's Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and classified into average weight, overweight, and obese categories. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used to quantify the intensity of pain, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) was used to determine the participants’ anxiety levels, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) was used to examine their depression levels, and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) was used to measure their functional status. All these questionnaires were self-administered by the participants.

Results: In the NPRS, HAM-A, HAM-D, and HAQ-DI categories, no significant differences were found (p>0.05). However, between the BMI level and anxiety, a weak positive correlation was detected (r=0.195, p=0.017). BMI levels were not statistically significantly correlated with pain, depression, or disability (r=0.011, p=0.0897; r=0.048, p=0.562; r=0.072, p=0.383).

Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that there is no significant association of pain perception, anxiety, depression and disability with increasing BMI among FM patients except for a weak positive correlation with anxiety.

Keywords: Body Mass Index, Fibromyalgia, Pain, Obesity.
NASBE Discussion Guide: Summer Learning: A New Vision for Supporting Students in Summer Programs
Authors: Sun Chris
Published: October 2024

This primer on summer learning loss and ways to mitigate it aims to help guide discussion by state boards of education.
Um olhar sobre a quadrilha junina “Arraiá Padre Piná” enquanto opção de lazer no bairro de Mãe Luiza em Natal/RN
Authors: Marília Medeiros Soares.  , Akaline de Araújo Bezerril Oliveira  , João Batista Barroso de Carvalho
Published: October 2024

Tendo sua origem na nobreza européia a quadrilha junina popularizou-se no Brasil, tornando-se uma importante opção de lazer e sociabilidade. Na comunidade de Mãe Luíza, em Natal/RN, não é diferente. A quadrilha “Arraiá Padre Piná” tem grande importância como atividade de lazer, não apenas para seus membros, mas também para toda a comunidade, que se diverte com as apresentações nos muitos arraiás organizados no bairro, além de sentir-se representada por ela quando participa de festivais locais e regionais. Um dos motivos da grande importância dessa quadrilha junina para a comunidade de Mãe Luiza dá-se devido à realidade daquela comunidade, a qual convive com o domínio de facções criminosas e com a falta de espaços adequados para a prática de atividades culturais e de lazer.
BOLETIM MENSAL (AGOSTO/2021)
Authors: Danielle Cardoso De Moura  , Greice Aparecida Domingos Feliciano  , Thatiane Poiato Castelani Coelho  , Camille Sahib Guimarães Citino
Published: October 2024

Este boletim apresenta os resultados da pesquisa secundária mensal que o Observatório do Turismo do Mato Grosso do Sul realiza com vistas a monitorar os principais indicadores do setor, de modo a acompanhar os impactos gerados em razão da pandemia de Covid-19 nas atividades turísticas do Estado. A pesquisa foi realizada no mês de setembro de 2020, por meio da extração das informações em portais públicos e por meio de sistemas específicos disponibilizados por órgãos parceiros. Os resultados apontam para uma recuperação lenta e gradual, indicando ainda retração em comparação com o período pré-pandemia em praticamente todos os indicadores analisados.
Ventilation Dependency after Cardiac Operation for Infective Endocarditis: Risk Factors and Focus on Preoperative Aortic Regurgitation
Authors: Shi Jun-jie , Li Xiang-wei , Long Xiao-mao , Xu Rui-hong , Lu Chang-chao
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The investigation was to elucidate predictors of ventilation dependency after cardiac operation for infective endocarditis. Methods: Patients with infective endocarditis undergoing cardiac operation were retrospectively investigated. Mechanical ventilation >72 hours was defined as ventilation dependency after cardiac operation. Results: 896 patients with infective endocarditis who underwent cardiac operation were assigned to group of mechanical ventilation ≤72 h (n = 704) and >72 h (n = 192). Multivariate analyses identified age, interval from symptoms to operation, vegetation size, aortic occlusion length, pump length, intensive care unit (ICU) retention length, serum creatinine before and 24 h after surgery, preoperative and postoperative left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD), preoperative aortic regurgitation and packed red blood cells to be associated with ventilation dependency after cardiac operation; ventilation dependency is significantly related to prolonged ICU stay (>3 d), 1- and 5-year mortality after cardiac operation. All-time mortality (45.3% versus 5.6%, p < 0.001) of mechanical ventilation >72 h group was higher than that of mechanical ventilation ≤72 h group. A significant positive correlation exists between preoperative aortic regurgitation and ventilation dependency after cardiac operation. A value of preoperative aortic regurgitation >5.25 cm2 was 100% sensitive and 64.6% specific for the diagnosis of ventilation dependency after cardiac operation. Conclusions: We found modifiable risk factors of ventilation dependency after cardiac operation including interval from symptoms to operation, vegetation size, aortic occlusion length, pump length, ICU retention length, serum creatinine before and 24 h after operation, preoperative and postoperative LVEDD, preoperative aortic regurgitation and packed red blood cells and optimization of pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors that can reduce incidence of ventilation dependency, contributing to better short- and long-term outcomes.
The Use of Subcutaneous Hemovac Drain after Open Heart Surgery with Sternotomy
Authors: Bozkurt Burak , Karaagac Anil , Pocan Yusuf Kagan , Kus Mukan Kagan , Memetoglu Mehmet Erdem , Aydogan Hakki , Kaplan Mehmet
Published: October 2024

Background: This study investigated the effect of subcutaneous Hemovac drain use on sternal wound complications in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 undergoing open heart surgery through median sternotomy. Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 120 patients (74 males, 46 females) with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 who underwent open heart surgery through median sternotomy between January 2021 and January 2024. The mean age was 60.36 ± 11.31 years (range, 18–80 y). After median sternotomy, a Hemovac drain was placed subcutaneously in the study group (n = 60) and in controls no Hemovac drain was placed (n = 60). Durations of hospital stay, types of surgery, sternal wound complications, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared between the two groups. Results: The duration of hospital stay (p = 0.018; p < 0.05), the rate of sternal wound complications (p = 0.001; p < 0.01), the rate of superficial sternal complications (p = 0.001; p < 0.01), and the need for antibiotics in superficial infections (p = 0.001; p < 0.01) were significantly lower in cases with a Hemovac drain compared to those without. Conclusion: Subcutaneous placement of a Hemovac drain after open heart surgery is a simple, easily applicable, and effective method that reduces sternal wound complications, and hospital stay in obese patients.
Administration of Vocational Education Bilateral System of Educational Institutions under the Office of the Commission Rayong Province Vocational Education
Authors: Piphatsathitporn In-touch , Kaew-asa Thaweesak
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims: The study of bilateral vocational education administration in educational institutions under the Rayong Vocational Education Institute aims to: (1) assess the level of vocational education administration within the bilateral system of vocational institutes in Rayong Province, based on the standards set by the Vocational Education Commission; (2) compare the levels of vocational education administration between different vocational education institutes in Rayong Province; and (3) explore guidelines for promoting or developing the administration of vocational education under the bilateral system within institutions under the Rayong Vocational Education Institute.
Methodology: The study involved 201 participants in the sample group. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires with a 5-point rating scale and structured interviews, yielding Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) values between 0.80 and 1.00, and a reliability coefficient of 0.97. Statistical analysis included t-tests, F-tests, as well as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation to effectively interpret the data.
Results: (1) The Rayong Vocational Education Institute oversees a bilateral system of educational institutions, and the vocational education administration demonstrates a high level of proficiency in four main areas: curriculum, measurement and evaluation, collaboration between establishments and educational institutions, and graduate quality. (2) Using a t-test, vocational education administration in the bilateral system was analyzed based on categories such as position, educational level, individual items, and overall assessment. An F-test was also conducted to assess differences according to the size of the educational institutions. While administrators and teachers from different positions, educational backgrounds, and institution sizes had varied opinions on vocational education administration, there were no significant overall differences in perception. (3) Comprehensive guidelines for enhancing the administration of vocational education in the bilateral system should focus on four key areas: 1) improving graduate quality, 2) enhancing the curriculum, 3) fostering collaboration between businesses and educational institutions, and 4) refining measurement and evaluation processes.
Análise da variação dimensional em 3 marcas de hidrocolóides Irreversíveis em 3 tempos de vazamento
Authors: Correia de Paula Amanda , Naira Oliveira Rocha Amanda , Saymon Matos de Souza Humberto , Gonçalves de Abreu Saulo
Published: October 2024

Introdução: Os primeiros registros do uso dos hidrocolóides foram na década de 20, mas com produtos alimentícios e com baixa estabilidade dimensional. Cada marca comercial de alginatos sofrem pequenas alterações dimensionais durante um período preconizado pelos fabricantes, que, de acordo com a norma ISO 2156:2021, são consideradas aceitáveis para serem utilizadas na prática clínica. Entretanto, o material moldador perde sua propriedade de fidelizar a impressão do objeto moldado a partir de um determinado tempo. Objetivo: Analisar as alterações dimensionais de Hidrocolóides irreversíveis: Hydrogum 5, Jeltrate Plus e Avagel em três tempos de vazemento, através de um ensaio experimental in vitro.  Materiais e métodos: Esse método consistiu em avaliar a constância dimensional em três marcas diferentes, após a moldagem feita sobre um objeto cúbico e suas medições, verificando as alterações de área a moldagem feita sobre um objeto cúbico e suas medições, verificando as alterações de área. Suas medidas serão analisadas por escaneamento digital e seu volume calculado, avaliando sua estabilidade dimensional ao longo desses períodos de tempo. Resultados: Os três alginatos variaram suas dimensões em área e em massa, sendo o processo de sinérese sua principal causa.Conclusão: Os resultados demonstram que apenas o Hydrogum 5 manteve sua estabilidade dimensional até 60 minutos.
ABOUT PRIORITY AREAS AND TASKS MODEL LAWMAKING IN THE COLLECTIVE SECURITY TREATY ORGANIZATION SECURITY FOR 2025–2030
Authors: Kolesnik Artem
Published: October 2024

Based on the analysis of the forecast characteristics of the military-political situation in the field of ensuring national and collective security of the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, proposals for the development of model acts of the Collective Security Treaty Organization for 2026–2030 are formulated. The results of the analysis allowed the author to substantiate practical recommendations for improving the quality of information, scientific, methodological and expert-analytical support for model lawmaking in the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
CRIMINAL VIOLENCE WHEN QUALIFYING AS AN ILLEGAL ARMED FORMATIONS AND GANGS
Authors: Aksenov Alexey
Published: October 2024

The article provides a brief chronological overview of the qualification of such crimes as organization and participation in illegal armed groups and banditry at all stages of the commission of a crime. The author structures the signs of illegal armed formations and gangs, and also highlights the common constituent elements of the sign of stability and organization of illegal armed formations and gangs. In addition, the specific features and differences of these related crimes are highlighted, and the role of criminal violence in the commission of crimes is determined. The conclusion is presented on the need to provide more pronounced formulations of the dispositions of these independent compositions in order to achieve the goals of the criminal law.
Análisis teórico de la gestión del conocimiento desde el ámbito de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE)
Authors:   Universidad Veracruzana, Hernández Villa Xóchitl Citlali , Aguilar Castillo Rosa Isela ,   Universidad Veracruzana
Published: October 2024

La Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE) ha ido evolucionando con el paso del tiempo en el ámbito empresarial por lo que las organizaciones independientemente de su tamaño han optado por adaptarla como parte de su organización. La época actual está basada en el conocimiento, por lo que el desarrollo de la capacidad de absorción por parte de las empresas es un aspecto crítico del desarrollo empresarial. La capacidad de absorción de las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (PYME) está determinada en cómo están traduciendo su entorno ambiental como una preocupación en términos de calidad en sus productos servicios, impactando en la parte económica y la parte ambiental, reflejando interés en adquisición de conocimiento en temas ambientales y su transferencia a la tecnología aplicada.
The Effectiveness of Schema Therapy on Anger Management and Rumination in Married Women with High Marital Dissatisfaction
Authors: Parandin Parvaneh , Mousazadeh Tavakkol , Kazemi Reza , Nazari Vakil
Published: October 2024

Objective: The present study was conducted with the aim of examining the effectiveness of schema therapy on anger management and rumination in married women with high marital dissatisfaction.

Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design, utilizing a pretest-posttest control group with baseline assessment, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up measurements. A total of 30 married women with high marital dissatisfaction, who attended couples therapy clinics in the western part of Tehran between April and July 2022, were selected based on inclusion criteria and their willingness to participate in the research (with written informed consent obtained). These participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (schema therapy; n=15) or the control group (n=15) using random allocation. All participants completed the Anger Control Scale and Rumination Questionnaire at three stages of measurement. The therapy sessions were conducted in a group format over eight sessions, each lasting 1 to 1.5 hours, according to the schema therapy protocol. The hypotheses regarding the effectiveness of the intervention were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings: The results of this study indicated that there was no significant difference in the mean variables of anger management and rumination between the two groups at the pretest stage, suggesting the homogeneity of the research groups at this stage. However, there were significant differences between the two groups at the posttest and follow-up stages, indicating the effectiveness of the intervention on the mentioned variables and the persistence of its effects at the follow-up stage. A comparison between the experimental and control groups also revealed significant differences in the components of anger management and rumination.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the aforementioned therapy can be utilized as a psychological intervention to improve anger management and rumination in married women with high marital dissatisfaction.
Model Fit Determination of Marital Satisfaction Based on Self-Differentiation, Critical Thinking, and Emotional Self-Regulation Mediated by the Feeling of Happiness in Married Women
Authors: Kordbacheh Soraya , Dokaneifard Farideh , Nicknam Mojgan
Published: October 2024

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to develop and validate a structural model of marital satisfaction among married women, based on self-differentiation, critical thinking, and emotional self-regulation, with happiness as a mediating variable.

Methods and Materials: This study utilized a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design with a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The sample comprised married women who visited the counseling centers at the University of Tehran between January 2023 and August 2023. A total of 330 participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires, including the Self-Differentiation Scale, Critical Thinking Questionnaire, Emotional Self-Regulation Scale, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. The data were analyzed using SEM to assess the model's fit and test the hypothesized relationships between variables.

Findings: The results indicated that the proposed structural model fit the data well, with satisfactory model fit indices (χ²/df = 3.618, RMSEA = .061, CFI = .923). Self-differentiation (β = .217, p = .033), critical thinking (β = .230, p = .01), and emotional self-regulation (β = .201, p = .01) had significant direct effects on marital satisfaction. Additionally, happiness significantly mediated the relationships between self-differentiation (β = .229, p = .01), critical thinking (β = .178, p = .01), and emotional self-regulation (β = .200, p = .01) with marital satisfaction.

Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of self-differentiation, critical thinking, and emotional self-regulation as key factors influencing marital satisfaction among married women. The mediating role of happiness highlights its significance in enhancing marital satisfaction by fostering positive emotions and reducing stress.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Oral Health among The Local Population of Lahore
Authors: Zahid Rahema
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess oral health-related awareness of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the
local population in Lahore.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months with a sample of
345 individuals (139 males, 206 females) using a convenience sampling technique. Aself-administered
questionnaire comprised 17 questions divided into five parameters: self-perception, knowledge,
attitudes, practices, and eating habits. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results.
Results: The study revealed that most of the participants(46%) had satisfactory self-perception of
oral health. The assessment of knowledge of oral health stated that 315 individuals(91.3%) were
aware of the prevention of caries through teeth brushing. The practices of individuals showed that
238(69%) of them brushed their teeth twice a day. Atotal of 206(59.7%) participants used mouthwash
as an additional oral cleaning aid. 189(54.8%) individuals consumed sweetened foods and drinks
daily.
Conclusion: The awareness related to oral health knowledge and attitude in the local population of
Lahore was considered to be adequate. Individual practices however do not reflect this knowledge as
unhealthy lifestyle still prevailed.
Clinical Value of HACOR Score in Predicting High Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy Failure in Hypoxemic Patients
Authors: Ameer Khalid
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess the sensitivity of the HACOR score in successfully predicting high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) failure in acute hypoxemic patients.

Methodology: A Prospective observational study was conducted at Critical care departments of Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, Okara and Rahim Yar Khan from Jan-Dec 2023. A total of 390 patients diagnosed as having acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (PaO2<60 mm Hg and/or pH <7.35) were selected and started on HFNO therapy. Primary variables studied were the sensitivity and specificity of the HACOR score in predicting HFNO failure after the first hour of therapy . Secondary variables studied compared the improvement in HACOR parameters after 1-hour of HFNO therapy in those patients who has success with HFNO.

Results: While assessing the power of the HACOR score in predicting failure of HFNO therapy with scores obtained after one hour, the area under the curve showed a value of 0.88 showing a good predictive power of failure for the test. A cut off value >6 was able to predict failure with a sensitivity of 85.9%, specificity of 93.8% with a positive and negative predictive value of 96.6% and 76.4% respectively

Conclusion: We conclude the HACOR score as a useful method with a cut-off value of more than 6 predicting a failure rate to HFNO to be > 86% after 1 hour of therapy.
Depression, a Hidden Co-Morbidity in Patients of Chronic Ailments; An Outpatient-Based Study
Authors: Yaseen Laila
Published: October 2024

Objective: To identify the rate of depression among patients with chronic diseases attending outpatient clinics.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine in a Tertiary care Hospital, Rawalpindi, from December 2023 to May 2024. A total of two hundred and forty-six patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) were chosen through consecutive sampling, adhering to specific exclusion and inclusion criteria. All participants provided informed written consent. Demographic data, information on comorbidities, and clinical and laboratory details were collected. The (CESD-10) scale “Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression” was utilized to evaluate depression.

Results: Among the 246 patients with chronic ailments in the medical OPD, 115 were male, and 131 were female. Depression was prevalent in 57 (86.4%) cases of diabetes mellitus (p-value 0.014), 37 (61.7%) cases of hypertension (p-value 0.005), 40 (64.5%) cases of chronic kidney disease (p-value 0.024), and 51 (87.9%) cases of asthma (p-value 0.010).

Conclusion: Patients with chronic ailments are more susceptible to depression, highlighting the importance of considering this comorbidity in their treatment plans.
JUSTIÇA PENAL CONSENSUAL
Authors: Melo Flávio Henrique de , Almada e Silva Izabel Cristina Sottomayor
Published: October 2024

Advindo do Pacote Anticrime, o Acordo de Não Persecução Penal, previsto no artigo 28-A, do Código de Processo Penal, é uma forma de justiça consensual, realizada entre o Ministério Público, indiciado/acusado e defensor, devendo ser homologado por decisão judicial. Para sua propositura faz-se necessário a confissão formal e circunstanciado, que corresponde à necessidade do acusado confessar a prática do ato ilícito, formal e detalhado, para, então, o Parquet apresentar proposta de acordo de não persecução. Neste cenário, buscou-se analisar, por meio de pesquisas bibliográficas em doutrinas, legislações e jurisprudências, se o requisito da confissão formal e circunstanciada, exigida pelo órgão da acusação como ponto essencial para propositura do Acordo de Não Persecução Penal, possui amparo legal, bem como a relativização da obrigatoriedade da ação penal pelo Parquet. Sendo possível concluir que o tema da confissão formal e circunstanciada como requisito para a propositura do Acordo de Não Persecução Penal (ANPP) levanta uma série de questões complexas e importantes no contexto do direito processual penal brasileiro, sendo uma temática ainda complexa e multifacetada, envolvendo questões jurídicas, éticas e práticas que exigem um debate aprofundado e uma análise cuidadosa para garantir a efetividade do sistema de justiça criminal brasileiro e a proteção dos direitos fundamentais dos acusados, tendo em vista que a confissão, por exemplo, poderá ser objeto de valoração probatória em caso de descumprimento do acordo de não persecução penal.
Conversations with Tim Ingold
Authors: Ingold Tim , Gibb Robert , Tonner Philip , Malara Diego
Published: October 2024

Conversations with Tim Ingold offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the work of Tim Ingold, one of the leading anthropologists of our time. Presented as a series of interviews conducted by three anthropologists from the University of Glasgow over a period of two years, the book explores Ingold's key contributions to anthropology and other disciplines. In his responses, Ingold describes the significant influences shaping his life and career, and addresses some of the criticisms that have been made of his ideas.

Following an introductory chapter, the book consists of five edited and annotated interviews, each focusing on a specific theme: 'Life and Career,' 'Anthropology, Ethnography, Education and the University,' 'Environment, Perception and Skill,' 'Animals, Lines and Imagination,' and 'Looking Back and Forward.' Each chapter ends with a 'Further Reading' section, referencing Ingold's work and that of other scholars, to assist readers who want to follow up particular issues and debates. It concludes with an ‘Afterword’ authored by Ingold himself.
Dreams and Disillusionment: A Critique of the American Dream in American Fiction
Authors: Muttaleb Fuad Abdul , Mansour Ashraf Waleed , Shdouh Ala
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the vanity and consequences of the American Dream in four novels: Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, Jack London's The Iron Heel, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. A socio-political analysis of these authors and their works exposes the hollow nature of the dream. The Jungle is discussed from a racial and economic perspective, highlighting the plight of Jurgis and his Lithuanian family who are disillusioned in their pursuit of success. The Iron Heel is examined politically, showcasing the struggle between the capitalist class and workers. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald presents a social satire, critiquing the death of American ideals sacrificed for materialism. The Grapes of Wrath analyzes the American Dream through the Joad family's migration and exploitation. The study compares the treatment of the American Dream in these novels, referencing texts, socio-economic contexts, and relevant critical works.
The Effect of Examinee Pass/Fail Information on the Level of Passing Score Set by Expert Judges
Authors: Saunders Joseph , Linton Dan
Published: October 2024

Many important applications of criterion-referenced testing require that passing or cutting scores be established. One class of procedures for setting passing scores involves the judgments of subject-matter experts. This study investigated the effect on passing scores of providing judges with pass/fail data for the various possible cut-score levels. Passing scores produced by individual judges using a modified version of the Angoff (1971) procedure are compared with the same judges’ passing scores as revised after considering pass/fail data. For the seven cases studied, no consistent effect was seen on the level of passing score averaged across judges. However, a consistent reduction in the variability of passing scores among judges was observed. Judges with more extreme Angoff passing scores tended to become more moderate in their judgments after considering pass/fail information.
An Examination of CLAST Retake Performance: Is More Time an Advantage to Test Takers?
Authors: Belcher Marcia , Einspruch Eric
Published: October 2024

The appropriateness of using time limits when measuring students’ competence is questionable. This study assessed whether students who had failed the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) could improve their performance if allowed additional time on retaking the test. Because standardized time allotments for completing the CLAST subtests could not be altered for the study, only students retaking the reading and writing subtests were included. These students are allowed 70 minutes to complete one or both subtests. It was concluded that students allowed 70 minutes to retake the CLAST reading or writing subtest outperformed students who had only 35 minutes after adjustments were made for previous performance.
A Snapshot of Innovation in the Philippine Services Sector
Authors: Serafica Ramonette , Oren Queen Cel ,   Philippine Institute for Development Studies
Published: October 2024

The Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 recognizes innovation as one of the drivers of growth in the services sector, creating a strategic framework to reinvigorate the sector and strengthen creativity and innovation. To help formulate the appropriate strategies and policies, this paper examines the evidence on innovation in service industries using the 2021 Survey of Innovation Activities of Establishments, which provided broader sector coverage. The survey was conducted during the pandemic when firms had to pivot to new modes of service delivery to survive. It gives a more nuanced profile and innovation behaviors of services firms and seeks to identify the effects and determinants of innovation across the services subsectors. Among the four types of innovation, organizational innovation was the most common type of innovation introduced in most service sectors, followed by marketing, process, and product innovation. For most of the services subsectors, the most common innovation activity of the establishments was “Training for innovative activities”. Across all services subsectors, cost factors are identified as the most common barrier considered of high significance. Organizations that employ at least one FIRe technology, obtain funding, use platforms, engage in R&D activities (whether outsourced or in-house), or use knowledge management methods are more likely to be innovation active and produce at least one type of innovation. The survey also reveals greater reliance on internal and market sources of information while the utilization of institutional and other sources of information, such as incubators, scientific journals or technical publications, and regulatory bodies was low for most subsectors. Universities or other higher education institutions were also not popular cooperation partners. In terms of knowledge management, regularly updating internal databases or manuals was the most popular practice while a policy to bring in external experts from universities, research institutes, or other establishments to participate in project teams was the least common practice across the subsectors. The Philippine Innovation Act (RA 11293) provides different interventions to address the various impediments related to cost factors, knowledge factors, market factors, and legal or regulatory factors (Albert et al. 2023). Given the diversity of services, a one-size-fits-all strategy will not be effective. While this study presents a snapshot of the innovation profiles of the different subsectors, in-depth analysis of the innovation ecosystem is required to develop industry-specific innovation roadmaps.
Indang Konektayo Kiosk: An Interactive Menu System for Tourists
Authors:   College of Engineering and Information Technology, Cavite State University – Main Campus, Philippines, Arviola Marife , Matienzo Joseph Carl ,   College of Engineering and Information Technology, Cavite State University – Main Campus, Philippines, Peji Joy ,   College of Engineering and Information Technology, Cavite State University – Main Campus, Philippines
Published: October 2024

Every traveler wants to experience hassle-free and safe travel while maintaining an enjoyable journey with the help of user-friendly interfaces and an innovative technological menu system. An interactive information menu system that improves the traveler experience, commercial operations, and tourism information at the Municipality of Indang. It is a technological solution that is relevant to today's demand and interest, and that is readily available data sources and information, which benefit. Specifically, it possesses the following characteristics, including: (1) a place finder that provides registered places in Indang with the right information and allows users to discover new established places in Indang; (2) mapping routes that provide directions and generate routes; and (3) sending the Google Maps URL through a short messaging system (SMS) to the mobile phone of the user, which can be opened in digital maps such as Google Maps. The descriptive method of research was used in this study and was created with Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Hypertext Processor (PHP), JavaScript (JS) in web development, MySQL for its database, as well as an SMS API for sending map URLs based on the queries. The Agile software model was used, which was composed of sprints, each of which was meant to focus on the developmental adjustments as interactive kiosks were prone to updates and ran into serious changes. Using ISO 9126 software product quality standards, the system received an average rating of 4.71 from respondents, indicating excellent quality and that it served its functions properly and met all of the required requirements.
Optimasi Penentuan Penerima Beasiswa KIP Pendidikan Tinggi Di Universitas Islam Madura Menggunakan Metode SAW
Authors: Amelia Muizatul Masfufah  , Abd. Munip  , Hozairi
Published: October 2024

Tingginya biaya pendidikan di indonesia masih menjadi kendala bagi sebagian masyarakat. Untuk mengatasi hal ini, lembaga pemerintahan Indonesia menyediakan berbagai program beasiswa. Namun, dengan banyaknya jumlah calon penerima beasiswa, proses seleksi secara manual di Universitas Islam Madura menghadapi tantangan efisiensi yang signifikan.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti penggunaan prosedur Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) pada pemilihan penerima bantuaan KIP di Universitas Islam Madura. Tujuan utamanya adalah memudahkan proses seleksi dengan memastikan keputusan penerima bantuan sesuai dengan kriteria yang telah ditetapkan.Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), yang merupakan metode penjumlahan terbobot sederhana. Metode ini dipilih karena sifatnya yang gampang diimplementasikan serta mampu memberikan analisis yang tepat berdasarkan nilai kriteria dan bobot preferensi yang telah ditetapkan. Dari pengujian yang dilakukan, ditemukan bahwa metode SAW dapat efektif digunakan pada tahapan seleksi penyandang bantuan pendidikan KIP di Universitas Islam Madura. Perankingan alternatif berdasarkan nilai terbaik dari seluruh kriteria yang dipertimbangkan mampu menghasilkan keputusan yang lebih objektif dan efisien.Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi penting dalam konteks pengembangan sistem pendukung keputusan untuk seleksi beasiswa. Implementasi metode SAW tidak hanya memudahkan proses seleksi secara efisien, tetapi juga meningkatkan akurasi dalam menentukan penerima beasiswa sesuai dengan kriteria yang telah ditetapkan. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini diharapkan dapat menjadi acuan dalam peningkatan kualitas proses seleksi beasiswa di masa depan.
Desain dan Implementasi Sistem Kasir dengan Java: Solusi Efisien untuk Manajemen Penjualan
Authors: Khairunnisa Samosir
Published: October 2024

Sistem kasir yang efisien merupakan komponen penting dalam manajemen penjualan yang sukses, terutama untuk usaha kecil dan menengah yang membutuhkan solusi terjangkau dan dapat diandalkan. Penelitian ini fokus pada desain dan implementasi sistem kasir berbasis Java sebagai solusi untuk kebutuhan tersebut. Java dipilih karena kestabilannya, kemampuannya untuk bekerja di berbagai platform, dan dukungannya untuk pengembangan aplikasi desktop yang kuat. Metodologi pengembangan mencakup analisis kebutuhan sistem, desain antarmuka pengguna, serta pengembangan dan pengujian fitur-fitur utama seperti manajemen inventaris, transaksi penjualan, dan laporan keuangan. Hasil implementasi menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi kasir berbasis Java mampu menyediakan solusi yang efisien dalam hal kecepatan transaksi, akurasi perhitungan, dan kemudahan penggunaan. Pengujian fungsional dan uji coba pengguna akhir mengonfirmasi bahwa sistem ini dapat mengatasi kebutuhan manajemen penjualan dengan baik, memudahkan pengelolaan inventaris, dan menghasilkan laporan keuangan yang akurat. Dengan demikian, aplikasi ini menawarkan alternatif yang handal bagi usaha kecil dan menengah untuk meningkatkan efisiensi operasional mereka
Penerapan K-NN (K-Nearest Neighbors) Pada Sistem Pakar Diagnosa Gejala Stunting Pada Balita Menggunakan Naïve Bayes Classifier
Authors: Azis Mayang Fitrylia , Kaesmetan Yampi R
Published: October 2024

Kurangnya asupan gizi pada 1000 Hari Pertama Kehidupan (HPK) anak dapat memberikan dampak serius pada perkembangan fisik dan kognitif. Stunting adalah gangguan pertumbuhan fisik pada anak di bawah usia lima tahun yang ditandai dengan penurunan kecepatan pertumbuhan akibat ketidakseimbangan gizi. Presentasi angka stunting di NTT pada tahun 2023 mencapai 15,7% atau sekitar 67.538 anak, dengan Kabupaten Kupang mencatat 16,2% atau sekitar 4.899 anak mengalami stunting. Faktor ekonomi, pola asuh, riwayat infeksi, dan pengetahuan orang tua menjadi kontributor utama terhadap kondisi ini. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut, penerapan sistem pakar berbasis web dengan K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) sebagai pra-proses dan Naive Bayes Classifier sebagai klasifikasi akhir merupakan solusi potensial untuk diagnosis stunting pada balita. K-NN digunakan untuk mengelompokkan data gejala berdasarkan kemiripan karakteristik, mengidentifikasi pola terkait stunting. Kemudian, Naive Bayes Classifier menentukan diagnosis akhir melalui analisis probabilistik dari gejala yang telah diidentifikasi. Dari hasil perancangan, pengujian sistem serta evaluasi pengujian metode K-NN dan Naïve Bayes Classifier, sistem menunjukkan performa yang cukup baik dengan tingkat sensitivitas 88% dan spesifisitas 100%. Nilai True Positive sebanyak 15, True Negative sebanyak 3, False Positive sebanyak 2, dan False Negative sebanyak 0, maka diperoleh akurasi dengan confusion matrix sebesar 90% dari 20 data kasus stunting. Performa tersebut menunjukkan bahwa kedua metode ini sangat cocok untuk sistem diagnosa gejala stunting, karena terbukti mampu menyediakan diagnosa yang cepat dan akurat dalam mendeteksi dan memberikan solusi untuk menurunkan prevalensi stunting di Kabupaten Kupang.
Pelatihan Hospitality English Dan Educational Tourism Guna Mendukung Pengembangan Wisata Hijau Di Desa Tulusbesar
Authors: Wahyuningsih Noverita , Suharto Ririn Pratiwi , Sekarsari Putri , Handayani Tri Astuti , Nurdjizah
Published: October 2024

Permasalahan utama yang dihadapi oleh mitra di Desa Tulusbesar, Kecamatan Tumpang, Kabupaten Malang yaitu permasalahan pengembangan wisata dimana potensi Desa Tulusbesar belum dimanfaatkan dengan optimal. Tim pengusul pengabdian akan membantu menyelesaikan permasalahan tersebut melalui kegiatan pengabdian ini dengan judul “Pelatihan Hospitality English dan Educational Tourism Guna Mendukung Pengembangan Wisata Hijau di Desa Tulusbesar”. Metode yang akan dipakai untuk mewujudkan tujuan khusus tersebut adalah memberikan 2 jenis pelatihan yaitu pelatihan Hospitality English dan pelatihan Educational Tourism di Desa Tulusbesar. Langkah-langkah kegiatan yang akan dilakukan melalui kegiatan pengabdian ini terdiri dari 5 tahapan, meliputi: analisis kebutuhan pengembangan wisata, pelatihan hospitality English, pelatihan educational tourism, praktik mengimplementasikan hospitality english dalam menyambut wisatawan, praktik mengimplemetasikan educational tourism. Dalam pelatihan ini peserta pelatihan diberikan materi hospitality english seperti greeting and self-introduction/introducing someone else, telephone courtesy, general services at homestay, direction and general enquiries at homestay, problems and complaints, making comparisons, giving and receiving compliments, offering help and advice, dan English daily conversation. Hasil kegiatan yaitu peserta pelatihan mampu menggunakan Bahasa Inggris praktis untuk wisata budaya di Desa Tulusbesar, khususnya untuk dapat memberikan layanan yang kind dan helpful (ramah, hangat, dan berkualitas) bagi wisatawan terutama wisatawan asing.
The Interplay of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivational Factors on Teachers’ Continuance and Affective Commitment
Authors: Mañoza Venus , Cruz Yvonne
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the motivational levels of junior high school teachers in Dumaguete City, focusing on extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and their affective and continuance commitment. A descriptive correlational survey was employed, and statistical analysis was performed using weighted mean, frequency distribution, percentage, Pearson r, and Kruskal–Wallis test. The findings indicate that teachers' extrinsic and intrinsic motivational levels are high. Additionally, their commitment to their job is also high in terms of affective and continuance commitment. The study found a strong significant relationship between motivational levels and affective commitment, while the relationship with continuance commitment was weak but still significant.
Review of key machinery safety standards and guidance, and how they reflect on emerging technologies
Authors:   Health and Safety Exeutive, chambers Colin , Lockhart April
Published: October 2024

Two key regulations supporting machinery safety in the UK are the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (SMSR) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Considering the emergence of new and emerging technologies, particularly autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and autonomous agricultural vehicles (AAV), and the potential utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) for machinery safety, HSE commissioned a study to identify gaps in existing standards and guidance documents.
Impact of Information and Communications Technology on the Operations of the Nigerian Airspace Management in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors:   African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Olabisi T. , Oyebisi Timothy ,   African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Ayanlade O. ,   African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Published: October 2024

As against the mission and vision of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the airspace is unsafe for users despite the technologies on ground. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the impact of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) on the operations of the Nigerian Airspace Management, especially as touching the safety of all airspace users, the staff and the passengers alike. The study was conducted in Southwest geopolitical region of Nigeria and focused on all the NAMA stations located in all the airports in the region. However, for the selection of respondents, random sampling was used to select the participants for this research based on their availability. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire. In the questionnaire administered, the impact of ICT was broadly classified into Safety and Communication impact; and economic impact. These were administered among 200 members of staff from four different departments in NAMA that handle major operations in the management of airspace, namely ICT department; Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) department; Air Traffic and Safety Electronics Services (ATSES) department; and Air Traffic Control (ATC) department. Fifty (50) members of staff were randomly selected from each of these departments in all the three airports under study, making two hundred (200) participants for the study. The results showed that more efficient use of the airspace; better resource utilization; reduction in the workload of the air traffic controller; increased productivity; efficient air-ground linkage; and safe and secure data werethe highest ranked impact of ICT on the operations of the Nigerian airspace management. Reduction in fraud cases, reduction in flight delay and reduction in dependence on outsourcing were the lowest ranked economic impact of ICT on the operations in the Nigerian airspace management.