Comparison of vergence mechanisms between university students with good and poor sleep quality

AIM:To compare the vergence mechanisms between good and poor sleepers in university students.METHODS:A total of 64 university students were recruited in this study.The validated Malay version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire(PSQI-M)was used to measure the participants’sleep quality over the past month.Participants were categorized as good sleepers(n=32)and poor sleepers(n=32)based on the PSQI-M scores.Heterophoria and fusional vergences were measured at distance and near.Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare heterophoria,negative fusional vergence(NFV),and positive fusional vergence(PFV)at distance and near between good and poor sleepers.Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between PSQI-M score and PFV at distance.RESULTS:Both distance and near heterophorias were not significantly different between good and poor sleepers(P>0.05).There was a difference in distance PFV(P<0.05)between good and poor sleepers,but not in distance NFV,near NFV,and near PFV(P>0.05).Distance PFV was negatively correlated with PSQI-M score(rs=-0.33,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:University students with poor sleep quality demonstrates a reduced ability to maintain fusion with increasing convergence demand at distance.Sleep quality assessment during binocular vision examination in university students is recommended.

Investigation of the Acceptability of Cultured Meat in University Students

Background: Over the past 20 years, cultured meat has drawn a lot of public attention as a potential solution to issues with animal husbandry, including inadequate use of natural sources, improper animal welfare practices, and possible risks to public health and safety. The novel method of producing meat through culture reduces the need for animals to produce muscle fiber, thereby obviating the necessity for animal slaughter. Apart from its ethical advantages, cultured meat presents a possible way to fulfill the expanding need for food among growing populations. The purpose of this research was to find out whether Turkish students would be willing to pay for and accept cultured meat. Technique: Method: 371 university students who willingly consented to fill out a questionnaire and provide demographic data make up the research sample. Questions from previous studies on the acceptability of cultured meat were compiled to create the survey. The research’s data collection took place in March and April of 2022. The research was completed in June 2022 after the data had been processed and analyzed. Results: The results showed that the majority of participants were female and had omnivorous eating habits. Based on the results of the Bonferroni correction test, students with a higher intention to purchase and consume cultured meat were those who received economics and business education. Students with two years of university education had a higher overall survey score than those with four years of education (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it is discovered that there is a negative correlation between the participants’ ages and their Factor 2 (using cultured meat as an alternative to industrial meat) and Factor 3 (consuming and purchasing it) section points (r = -109, p = 0.036) (r = -0.121, p = 0.019). In conclusion, university students generally have a negative outlook on health-related issues, such as eating cultured meat as an alternative.

Relationship between physical activity and specific working memory indicators of depressive symptoms in university students

BACKGROUND The detection rate of depression among university students has been increasing in recent years,becoming one of the main psychological diseases that endangers their physical and mental health.According to statistics,self-harm and suicide,for which there is no effective intervention,are the second leading causes of death.AIM To explore the relationship between different elements and levels of physical activity and college students’depression-symptom-specific working memory indicators.METHODS Of 143 college students were analyzed using the Beck Depression Self-Rating Scale,the Physical Activity Rating Scale,and the Working Memory Task.RESULTS There was a significant difference between college students with depressive symptoms and healthy college students in completing verbal and spatial working memory(SWM)tasks correctly(all P<0.01).Physical Activity Scale-3 scores were significantly and positively correlated with the correct rate of the verbal working memory task(r=0.166)and the correct rate of the SWM task(r=0.210)(all P<0.05).There were significant differences in the correct rates of verbal and SWM tasks according to different exercise intensities(all P<0.05)and different exercise durations(all P<0.05),and no significant differences in the correct rates of verbal and SWM tasks by exercise frequency(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION An increase in physical exercise among college students,particularly medium-and high-intensity exercise and exercise of 30 min or more,can improve the correct rate of completing working memory tasks.

Knowledge of Risk Factors for Hypertension among University Students in Northwestern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Obesity, excessive alcohol use, cigarette smoking, a lack of physical activity, stress, and an unhealthy diet are modifiable risk factors linked to hypertension. Non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension include older age and a family history of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess university students’ knowledge of hypertension risk factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at St. Augustine University of Tanzania. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Out of a total score of eight, a score of four or more was considered good knowledge, and a score of less than four was considered poor. All sociodemographic characteristics were included in logistic regression to calculate the adjusted odds ratio. Results: A total of 390 undergraduate students participated in this study. Most of the participants 266 (68.2%) identified stress as a risk factor for hypertension. The median (IQR) knowledge score was 2 (2 - 3). Overall, only 43 (11.0%) of the participants had good knowledge of risk factors for hypertension. However, none of the sociodemographic factors were associated with a good level of knowledge of risk factors for hypertension. Conclusion: Our findings highlight poor knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension among university students in northwestern Tanzania. Only stress and older age were known by more than half of the students as risk factors for hypertension. To reduce the burden of hypertension, it is crucial for prevention and control programs to target improving university students’ knowledge of risk factors for hypertension.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Refractive Errors among University Students at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda

Introduction: WHO estimated that uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of visual impairment and second leading cause of blindness globally. University students are prone to developing refractive errors due to their curriculum that requires a lot of near work affecting their performance and quality of life unknowingly. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of refractive errors. This study addresses the paucity of knowledge about refractive errors among university students in East Africa, providing a foundation for further research. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with refractive errors among students in the Faculty of Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study in which 368 undergraduate students selected using random sampling were assessed for refractive errors from March 2021-July 2021. Eligible participants were recruited and their VA assessment done after answering a questionnaire. Students whose VA improved on pin hole had subjective retinoscopy and results were compiled and imported to STATA 14 for analysis. Results: The prevalence of refractive errors was 26.36% with (95% CI) among university students especially myopia. Myopia is most predominant at 60%, followed by 37% Astigmatism and hyperopia of 3% among medical students. Astigmatism consisted of largely myopic astigmatism 72% (26) and 28% (10) compound/mixed astigmatism only. Student positive family history of refractive error was found to have a statistically significant relationship with refractive errors with AOR 1.68 (1.04 - 2.72) (95% CI) and P (0.032). Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors among university students, especially myopia, was found to be high and family history was associated with students having refractive errors.

Surveying on English Mobile Learning Among University Students: Current State and Influencing Factors

Mobile learning integrates mobile technology with digital learning,offering flexible,personalized content and portable equipment.It enables access to rich content and enhances learning efficiency.Therefore,it has become mainstream to utilize mobile devices for English learning among university students’English learning.The current study aims to examine the current situation and influencing factors of university students’English mobile learning.98 university students in one university of Shanghai participated the study and the questionnaire was used to collect the data.The results indicated that most university students already have electronic devices to support mobile learning.Personal factors,environmental factors,digital literacy,and technological capabilities are the main factors affecting university students’English mobile learning.The current study has implications for learners,teachers,and software developers.Learners should adjust their learning motivation,play an active role,and fully utilize the mobile platform to obtain resources and improve learning efficiency.Teachers should incorporate the advantages of mobile teaching and promote categorized and tiered teaching.Software developers should add new functions on the basis of meeting the basic needs of learners and continuously innovate the mobile learning platform.

A Survey on the Current Situation of Prehospital First Aid about Knowledge, Belief and Behavior among University Students in Jingzhou

Objective: To understand the current situation of prehospital first aid knowledge, attitude and behavior of university students in Jingzhou City. Methods: A prehospital first aid knowledge questionnaire and the convenience sampling method were used to survey 307 university students in Jingzhou City. Results: The mean score of prehospital first aid knowledge of university students in Jingzhou City was 12.85 ± 2.643, the mean score of attitude was 50.73 ± 4.114, and the mean score of behavior was 39.05 ± 8.898;There was a statistically significant difference in the scores of prehospital first aid knowledge, attitude, and behavior of university students depending on whether or not they had received prehospital first aid training (P P Conclusion: Jingzhou University students have a positive attitude toward pre-hospital first aid, but the knowledge level and behavior are low, which suggests that the government, society and the school should create good conditions to promote the improvement of pre-hospital first aid knowledge and ability.

A Survey Study on TPACK Framework for Normal Students of English Major in Ethnic Colleges and Universities:Empirical Analysis Based on Structural Equation Modeling

With the continuous advancement of education informatization,Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge(TPACK),as a new theoretical framework,provides a novel method for measuring teachers’informatization teaching ability.This study takes normal students of English majors from three ethnic universities as the research object,collects relevant data through questionnaires,and uses structural equation modeling to conduct data analysis and empirical research to investigate the differences in the TPACK levels of these students at different grades and the structural relationships among the elements in the TPACK structure.The technological pedagogical knowledge element of the TPACK structure was not obtained by exploratory factors analysis but through path analysis and structural equation modeling,the results show that the one-dimensional core knowledge of technological knowledge(TK),content knowledge(CK),and pedagogical knowledge(PK)have a positive effect on the two-dimensional interaction knowledge of technological content knowledge(TCK)and pedagogical content knowledge(PCK);furthermore,TCK and PCK have a positive effect on TPACK;and TK,CK,and PK indirectly affect TPACK through TCK and PCK.On this basis,suggestions are provided to ethnic colleges and universities to develop the TPACK knowledge competence of normal students of English majors.

Challenges and Countermeasures for Private Universities in Providing Education for International Students

Private universities are one of the forces driving the internationalization of higher education in China.Private universities are taking advantage of the trend to provide education for international students,playing an important role in the high-quality development of higher education in China.However,they also face challenges such as insufficient policy support,lack of management experience,and limited enrollment channels.Breakthroughs can be made through methods such as refining content,expanding enrollment channels,and attracting talent.

Research on Practical Pathways of Strengthening Labor Education for College and University Students in the New Era

Labor education is an essential component of college and university education that can help students to develop a strong work ethic,acquire practical skills,and better understand the value of work.Strengthening labor education for college and university students is an urgent need of the high-quality development of the society and the internal requirement of promoting the all-round development of individuals.This study analyzes the importance of strengthening labor education for college and university students in the new era and proposes four practical pathways which draw on labor courses and campus activities,social practices,scientific research projects,and internships.After implementing these pathways,a survey of 967 students showed that students’understanding and awareness of labor was deepened,their hands-on skills and interests in science and labor practices were improved,and they became more cordially respectful to the working class.Taken together,the exploration and practice of these pathways helps college and university students to recognize their abilities,strengths,and interests,and guides them to form good labor habits that permeate all aspects of their studies and lives.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Associated Factors among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Japan

Mental health difficulties can impact students’motivation,focus,and ability to communicate with others.Students attending medical universities are more likely to experience anxiety,depression,and other mood changes for thefirst time.However,no study has examined their prevalence among Japanese rehabilitation students.This study investigated the prevalence of anxiety among Japanese rehabilitation students and aimed to identify its predictors.A cross-sectional study was conducted among 148first-year physical and occupational therapy students at a private medical university in Japan in June 2022.Data on sociodemographic and personal characteristics,such as gender,age,subject major,regular exercise,place of residence,and sleeping hours,were recorded using an original questionnaire.Instruments included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory,COVID-19 questionnaire,and Beck Depression Inventory–Second Edition(BDI-II).The results indicated that 83(56%)and 77(52%)students exhibited state anxiety and trait anxiety symptoms,respectively.Thirty-four(23%)students experienced mild depressive symptoms.Associations were further determined between gender,subject major,handling of stress,loneliness,satisfaction with life,satisfaction with social connections,anxiety about the future,satisfaction with school life,fulfillment of friendships,and depression.Several variables demonstrated a statistically significant association:handling stress(p<0.05;95%CI 0.409–2.472),satisfaction with life(p<0.01;95%CI 0.500–0.897),anxiety about the future(p<0.01;95%CI 1.397–4.087),and depression(total score of BDI-II,p<0.01;95%CI 1.555–100.742).Our results emphasize that universities must establish a system for early identification and support of anxiety and depression in students.

A Study to Assess Basic Food Safety Knowledge among University Students

Background: University students who visit off-campus university cafeterias during their academic life may lack some basic food safety knowledge. Study Aim: To evaluate university students’ basic knowledge of food safety in off-campus cafeterias. To explore whether the knowledge reported was influenced by the students’ educational backgrounds. Objects and Methods: Students from three different universities in Saudi Arabia were included. University A represented medical majors, University B represented a mix of both majors medical and non-medical, and University C represented only non-medical majors. Data Collection: An electronic questionnaire was circulated among 500 university students to evaluate their knowledge of food safety. The questionnaire had three main sections covering the cafeteria’s location as a food serving area, staff hygiene skills, and food preparation standards. The 5-point Likert scale consists of the following points: yes, maybe, no, it does not matter, I do not know. Only a “yes” answer indicated a positive response and proper awareness of the subject. Results: A total of 408 students participated, and the results showed significant differences in student knowledge between the three universities. In fact, University A’s students had better overall knowledge than University C’s students (0.001 < P). However, there was no significant difference between University A’s and University B’s students. The positive responses for the first part of the questionnaire which focused on off-campus cafeteria location, for 18 statements were from 26% to 90.4%. The positive responses for the second part of the questionnaire that focused on staff skills, for 8 statements were from 54.4% to 87.3%. Finally, the positive responses for the third part of the questionnaire which focused on food preparation, for 9 statements were 54.4% to 87.3%. Conclusion: Based on the overall comparison among universities, University A’s students have more knowledge in food safety in comparison to University C’s. University B’s students showed no significant difference with the latter two universities. The overall results suggest that students’ educational backgrounds can contribute effectively to the general knowledge of food safety.

Daily Lifestyle Habits as Risk Factors for Plaque-Induced Gingivitis and Periodontitis Severity and Grading among Samples of Dental Students at King Khalid University

Objective: To assess daily lifestyle habits as risk factors for plaque-induced gingivitis and periodontitis severity and grading among samples of dental students at King Khalid University. Material and Methods: This study included 150 male participants. They were divided according to the levels into three equal groups: levels 5, 6, and 7 (group I), levels 8, 9, 10 (group II) and levels 11, 12, and interns (group III). This study consisted of questions related to age, gender, educational level, father’s education, mother’s education, home ownership, brushing teeth more than or twice a day, in addition to daily lifestyle habits that were daily smoking, daily use of sugary drinks, and daily use of sugary foods. Some clinical parameters of plaque-induced gingivitis and periodontitis and the percentage of radiographic bone loss were recorded. All data were collected and analyzed using Tukey’s test and Chi-square test. A P-value of less than 0.5 (p Results: One hundred fifty male dental students of different levels in the college of dentistry at King Khalid University participated in the study in three groups (I, II, and III). The mean age of group III is more than that of group II and group I, with highly statistically significant differences (p 30%) were more among the participants in group I than the participants in groups III and II. There was an increase in the percentage of affected participants with stages III and IV of clinical attachment loss (CAL), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), radiographic bone loss (%RBL), tooth mobility, as well as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test values (>7%), and the number of cigarettes smoked per day (>10 cigs) in group III more than in group II and I. Conclusion: We conclude that the severity and grading of plaque-induced gingivitis were higher among the participants in group I, while the severity and grading of periodontitis were higher among the participants in group III due to the different impact of their daily lifestyle habits.

Prevalence and Predictors of Obesity among Undergraduate Students at a Private University, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Obesity, especially central obesity, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes, known for their significant morbidity and mortality. University students are at increased risk of obesity due to adoption of unhealthy lifestyles and school-related stress. However, there is scant information regarding the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among university students in Kenya. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with general and abdominal obesity among undergraduate students of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed among undergraduate students (n = 245) of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Lifestyle risk factors associated with obesity were collected using a structured questionnaire adopted from the WHO STEP-wise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance. Anthropometric measures of weight, height, and waist circumference were appropriately measured. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (ver: 22). The chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression was used to establish an association between dependent and independent variables. Results: The prevalence of general and abdominal obesity was 19.6% and 27.8%, respectively. Risk factors of general obesity were age ≥ 20 years (OR, 9.95;95% CI, 3.09 - 32.08, p < 0.001), sedentary lifestyle (OR, 11.36;95% CI, 2.08 - 61.96, p = 0.005), staying with parents (OR, 3.22;95% CI, 1.09 - 9.58, p = 0.035), consumption of fast/processed foods (OR, 7.83;95% CI, 1.90 - 32.21, p = 0.004). Risk factors for abdominal obesity were being female (OR, 38.76;95% CI, 5.07 - 296.54, p < 0.001), staying with parents (OR, 3.02;95% CI, 1.14 - 7.99, p = 0.026) and sedentary lifestyle (OR, 6.55;95% CI, 1.80 - 23.81, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Being female, sedentary lifestyle, and consumption of fast/processed foods were found as predictors of obesity. Behavioural intervention is required to mitigate the burden of obesity among university students in Kenya. This can be achieved through promoting intervention programmes that lead to changing the built environment, counseling, and behavioral-lifestyle modification of students.

Exploring the Impact of Serious Reading of Classical Metatextuals on University Students’Learning of Traditional Culture

An important carrier of excellent Chinese traditional culture is the classic book,and university students carry the important responsibility of promoting Chinese excellent traditional culture and propagating cultural confidence.The serious reading of classical texts is an important way for university students to learn traditional culture,which has the advantages of professionalism and systematization.At the present stage,university students lack the awareness and action to read the classics,and the time for serious reading is very limited.The genre,subject matter,and extent of IP development are important factors that affect the in-depth reading of the classic metatext.

Factors Affecting the Entrepreneurial Intention of Students at Tan Trao University

Entrepreneurship is one of the popular choices for students after graduation from higher education.The study focuses on proposing a model to identify the factors affecting the entrepreneurial intention of students at Tan Trao University by researching some typical models in the world.By quantitative research methods based on a survey of 391 students,the study has shown that there are 5 factors affecting the entrepreneurial intention of students at Tan Trao University,including opportunity,motivation,perception of behavioral control,skills and resources for entrepreneurship.Thereby,the study proposes a number of solutions for the students,the university and other related parties to promote students’entrepreneurial intentions.

Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Participation of University Students in Rural Education for Poverty Alleviation

The principle of“poverty alleviation first helps the poor”is fundamental to poverty alleviation through education in rural areas.It serves as an important foundation for improving the soft power of rural culture and promoting the development of rural cultural construction.However,college students,being one of the main participants in educational poverty alleviation,have not been equipped with a well-established institutionalized participation mechanism and a sufficient awareness of participation.To enhance college students’awareness and participation in rural education and poverty alleviation and to improve the institutionalization,this research focuses on college students as a group,delves into the current situation and willingness of college students to participate in rural education and poverty alleviation,and analyzes the influencing factors affecting college students’participation in rural education and poverty alleviation by means of a questionnaire and a computerized statistical algorithm.Lastly,based on mathematical and statistical analysis,the research puts forward corresponding optimization countermeasures and suggestions from the perspectives of the government,colleges and universities,and villages,so as to provide decision-making guidelines for solving the problems of rural education development and talent constraints.

Spelling Errors in University Students' English Writing

This paper investigated the spelling errors made by university students in Hong Kong.By analyzing the spelling errors in the untimed essays and exam scripts,we found that students are prone to make more spelling mistakes in exam scripts,the same type of errors occur in both of the two kinds of texts;and their ranks of the frequency also are the same.

Survey and Countermeasures on Current Situation of Life Education for College Students in Local Normal Colleges and Universities

Life education is the precondition of all education.This paper explored the current situation of life education for college students in local normal colleges and universities through questionnaire survey,and traced the history of life education in the world and China.Combined with history and reality,it analyzed the current problems of life education for college students mainly in three aspects,namely,the lack of connectivity in the educational process,the excessive productization of education,and the fragmentation of life education.Finally,it came up with pertinent recommendations in line with these problems.

An Analysis of Innovative Teaching of English Phonetics for Non-English Major Students

Phonetics is the cornerstone of language.The improvement of the proficiency of pronunciation has a great effect on the level of English listening and speaking skills.Learners with high proficiency in pronunciation can communicate effectively in terms of thoughts,culture,and emotions[1].However,due to the limitations of the language environment,subject characteristics,and traditional teaching methods,non-English majors often face problems such as difficulty in pronunciation and lack of motivation for learning,which raise concerns regarding the English phonetic learning situation among these students.Therefore,innovative phonetic teaching is of great significance to non-English majors.This paper aims to provide some innovative and effective strategies for the innovative teaching of English phonetics for non-English majors to meet the learning needs of students,and to provide useful guidelines for future teaching reform and practice.According to the literature review and personal teaching experience,the article summarizes some innovative strategies that can improve the teaching of non-English majors’pronunciation,such as using real situations and technical assistance,encouraging cooperative learning,gamifying phonetic learning,and so on.By implementing these strategies,students can improve phonetic sensitivity and pronunciation accuracy,thereby enhancing their listening skills and oral fluency.