How Prior Knowledge Affects Visual Attention of Japanese Mimicry and Onomatopoeia and Learning Outcomes: Evidence from Virtual Reality Eye Tracking

According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, “achieving inclusive and quality education for all”, foreign language learning has come to be seen as a process of integrating sustainable development into the socio-cultural aspects of education and learning. The aim of this study was to employ virtual reality (VR) eye tracker to examine how students with different levels of prior knowledge process visual behaviors for Japanese Mimicry and Onomatopoeia (MIO) while learning Japanese as a second foreign language. A total of 20 students studying at the Department of Applied Japanese at the university of Southern Taiwan were recruited. Based on the Japanese language proficiency test (JLPT) level, 20 participants were divided into high prior knowledge group (levels N1–N3) with 7 participants, and low prior knowledge group (level N4 or below) with 13 participants. The learning stimuli materials were created by Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) development tool to design a 3D virtual MIO paradise, including 5 theme amusement parks. Through a VR eye tracker, participants’ visual behaviors were tracked and recorded based on 24 different regions of interest (ROIs) (i.e., ROI1–ROI24). This was done to discuss the distribution of visual attention in terms of different ROIs of each theme amusement park based on four eye movement indicators, including latency of first fixation (LFF), duration of first fixation (DFF), total fixation durations (TFD), and fixation counts (FC). Each ROI of the two groups were then compared. In addition, a heat zone map was also generated to show the overall visual distribution of each group. After the experiment, based on the eye movement indicators and test scores in the pre-test and post-test phases, statistical analysis was used to examine and evaluate the differences in visual attention and learning outcomes. The results revealed that the gaze sequences of the two prior knowledge groups gazing at the ROIs in theme parks were different, except for the gaze sequence in the circus theme park. Different prior knowledge groups exhibited differences in visual attention in the ROIs fixated on in each amusement park. Additionally, in terms of TFD and FC of different groups in each amusement park, there was no significant difference except in ROI10, ROI16, and ROI18. Moreover, after receiving cognitive comprehension processes introduced in the VR-simulated MIO scenes, students from both groups achieved higher post-test scores compared with pre-test scores, and such differences had statistical significance. In conclusion, the implications of VR eye movement analysis on developing students’ competence related to learning Japanese and cross-cultural aspects, compatible with sustainable development, were presented.

Perceived subjective versus objective knowledge: Consumer valuation of genetically modified certification on food producing plants

Previous research has identified subjective and objective knowledge as determinants of consumers’ acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the medical and food industries. In contrast to a large body of literature on the effects of attitudes or knowledge on food preferences, the extent to which consumers’ knowledge affects their valuation of non-GMO food producing plants (i.e., plants grown for food or ornamental purposes) is less understood. This manuscript investigates the relationship between consumers’ knowledge of relevant non-GMO certification programs and their acceptance and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for non-GMO plants. The first study used an Internet respondent panel and choice experiment, while the second study utilized an in-person experimental auction. In line with previously reported low public acceptance of genetically modified food products, respondents were receptive of and willing to pay premiums for non-GMO food producing plants. This study found that subjective and objective knowledge impacted the premiums for non-GMO labels, with the high subjective and low objective knowledge group generating the highest WTP. Low subjective and low objective knowledge resulted in the lowest WTP. Findings suggest a disconnect between subjective and objective knowledge of non-GMO certification programs, which in turn influences consumer valuation of those products.

QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY ON AWARENESS OF RADIATION SAFETY AND PROTECTION AMONG DENTISTS

Dental radiographs have long been the standard method for detecting oral illness. The harmful effects of radiation produced by dental radiographs is very low but still continuous exposure to radiation will cause harm to human health. This study aim is to estimate the awareness of radiation safety and protection in dental practice. Material and method - A questionnaire with ten questions was prepared and circulated to 100 dentists from different parts of India. Responses were gathered, and an appraisal was made as a result. Result- A total of 100 dentists responded enthusiastically and took part in it. Most of the dentists were aware of harmful effects of dental x-ray and its radiation physics and biology. Many of them are not using personal monitoring device for measuring radiation exposure. Conclusion: Radiation security expertise and experience was insufcient. While many participants had strong knowledge of radiation safety, risks, and defense, some fall into the average knowledge group, according to this study. In spite of having knowledge of harmful effects of radiation, many dentists have not used any safety protection and have not followed safety protocols. To avoid the risks in future more awareness programs have to be conducted about radiation safety and protection

Knowledge, attitudes and practices and fear of COVID-19 among medical students in Serbia

Introduction: The outbreak of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 named COVID-19 has spread throughout the world. The number of registered cases is increasing and almost no country or territory worldwide has been without any COVID-19 patient. The aim of this study was to examine the level of knowledge on the SARS-COv-2 and COVID-19 among medical students and to explore the differences in attitudes, practices and fear of COVID-19 among students with sufficient and students with insufficient knowledge. Methodology: The cross-sectional study among the 1,722 medical students was conducted through an online platform of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade. The instrument used was a questionnaire with sections on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 and the Fear of COVID-19 scale. Results: Total of 1576 (91.50%) students were in the sufficient knowledge group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there was a significant association between the sufficient knowledge on COVID-19 and female sex (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.18-2.45), age (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02-1.18), considering the preventive measures enforced in Serbia as good (OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.18-5.56), wearing the surgical mask outside of the household in the past 14 days (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.22-2.87) and score on Fear of COVID-19 scale (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91-0.98). Conclusions: Medical students showed good knowledge of COVID-19 and could be a part of the promotion of health education messages as a part of preventive measures.

Regression Analysis of Knowledge and Perceptions of COVID-19 in Relation to Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Levels Towards Practice Modifications Among Physicians, Dentists, Medical Students, and Dental Students in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Region

Background: The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented curfews and restrictions on daily practices and activities. Healthcare professionals, educators, and students need to face various challenges in the era of COVID-19. Our aim is to correlate the knowledge and perception level to COVID-19 among healthcare professionals and students in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to the self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Attitude towards outreach and volunteering program was also assed in the study.Methods: Online survey was conducted targeting the following categories from the GCC region: dental and medical students, dentists, and medical doctors. Knowledge level to COVID-19 was assessed using a previously validated survey instrument. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess the mental health status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between adequate COVID-19 knowledge scores and DASS scores for depression, anxiety, stress, and total DASS-21 score. Results: Satisfactory knowledge regarding COVID-19 was associated with higher DASS depression and anxiety scores (p <0.001 and p= 0.001) but not with stress scores (p = 0.657). The satisfactory knowledge group also scored higher in the DASS-21 when compared to unsatisfactory knowledge group (p = 0.012). Conclusion: Increasing depression and anxiety scores and total DASS-21 score were associated with greater odds of having satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19. However, stress scores were not associated with satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19. Medical doctors were the least worried about participating in outreach programs, while dentists and medical students were most concerned.

Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Mahasiswa pada Kalkulus Integral Dilihat dari Keyakinan dan Pengetahuan Awal Matematis

Integral calculus is a course where students tend to have difficulties in problem-solving. This study examines differences in mathematical beliefs in students' problem-solving skills based on mathematics prior knowledge. This study's subjects were 120 students of the Mathematics Education study program from UPH Faculty of Education. The independent variable is mathematical beliefs, the moderator variable is prior mathematics knowledge, and the dependent variable is students' problem-solving skills. This study is an ex post facto quantitative research with instruments in a Likert scale questionnaire for mathematical beliefs, problem-solving, and mathematics prior knowledge test scores. Hypotheses were tested statistically with a two-way Anova test using SPSS 16.0. The results of the study were: (1) students' problem-solving of logical consistency beliefs is higher than memorized and procedural beliefs, (2) there is an interaction between mathematical beliefs and mathematics prior knowledge on problem-solving, (3) students' problem-solving in high mathematics prior knowledge group of logical consistency beliefs is higher than memorized, and procedural beliefs, and (4) students' problem-solving in low mathematics prior knowledge group of logical consistency beliefs is lower than memorized and procedural beliefs.

Introduction

In this Introduction, a central debate in the literature on the epistemology of groups is discussed. On the one hand, deflationary theorists hold that group phenomena, such as group beliefs, can be understood entirely in terms of individual members and their states. On the other hand, inflationary theorists, maintain that group phenomena are importantly over and above, or otherwise distinct from, individual members and their states. It is argued that settling some of the issues in this debate lies at the heart of making sense of collective responsibility. It is also emphasized that a central aim of this book is to make progress in understanding crucial notions in collective epistemology—group belief, justified group belief, group knowledge, group assertion, and group lies—so as to shed light on whether it is groups, their individual members, or both who ought to be held responsible for collective actions. Finally, overviews of each chapter are provided.

Prior knowledge and other individual differences in the development of accuracy over the time-course of a pre-test/treatment/post-test study of instructed second language acquisition

Time-course data are temporal data that can be explored statically as an outcome measure of accuracy or dynamically from evolutionary and developmental perspectives. The present study examines the development and evolution of accuracy throughout the time-course of a pre-test/treatment/post-test study of instructed second language acquisition. The treatment is processing instruction (PI), which has a long history of positive results. PI research has overwhelmingly compared pre-test with post-test accuracy scores. The present study provides a fine-grained analysis as accuracy evolved and developed sentence by sentence. We analyse two sentence types: baseline active sentences and the target of instruction, passive sentences. Participants were divided into two groups, higher/lower prior knowledge, based on their pre-test scores processing passive sentences. Typically, PI research excludes higher prior knowledge participants, but here they are a comparison group. Our base measurement of development is an accuracy trend, defined as at least three correct answers in a row. We found that the number and length of accuracy trends increased over the time-course of the study and are affected by both sentence type and prior knowledge. The higher prior knowledge group always seems to have the advantage. Both prior knowledge groups benefit from instruction, but in different ways. We also found individual differences within the lower prior knowledge group: some participants benefited a great deal from instruction, some very little, and for some their accuracy with the baseline active sentences was temporarily destabilised.

Conferred ownership: approval of financial statements by small charities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how trustees of small English registered charities understand and own the reporting and accounting requirements with which their charities must comply. Design/methodology/approach The research described is a multi-pronged qualitative and inductive study of three small Yorkshire charities as they approve their annual accounts. The case studies are based on observations of trustee meetings and interviews with a range of trustees and their independent examiner or auditor. The use of a practice lens focuses on the behaviours of individuals to understand the sense that they make of their charity’s accounts. Findings Trustees' understanding of their financial statements is limited; they tend to rely on key individuals who have knowledge. Group responsibility creates a shared way of understanding the financial statements. Treasurers and independent examiners simplify information for the trustees even resorting to corner cutting and rule bending. Narrative reporting is given very little attention. Trustees read their financial statements as a report to them not by them; accountability notwithstanding, thus ownership of their financial statements is conferred not intrinsic. Research limitations/implications The findings are drawn from three specific case studies and therefore cannot be generalised, but they offer rich qualitative insights into small charities’ accounting and reporting. Originality/value This research provides a unique multi-viewpoint analysis of charity practices, and through its use of a practice lens dives deeper into examining trustees’ understanding and behaviour.