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The purpose of this study is to examine the role of self-efficacy and educational beliefs in relation to democratic values, while focusing on Turkish pre-service teachers. 382 pre-service teachers from a public university in Turkey have voluntarily participated in this study and responded to a series of research instruments provided by the Educational Belief, Teacher Sense of Self-Efficacy and Democratic Values Scales. The results revealed that higher self-efficacy belief is positively associated with higher democratic values among pre-service teachers who endorse contemporary philosophical approaches to education. [Note: The page range (559-574) shown on the PDF is incorrect. The correct page range for this article is 559-573.]

The goal of the study was to examine the role of students' gender, their disruptive behaviors, and parental income on their mathematics achievement history. Participants included 8,984 individuals aged 12-16 years and the data were collected from the National Longitudinal Surveys (NLS). The study results showed that there was not any significant gender effect on students' mathematics achievement trajectories. Furthermore, students with disruptive behaviors were more successful than their peers with less disruptive behaviors. Finally, the latent growth curve model parameter estimates indicated there was not any significant parental earned income impact on students' mathematics achievement trajectories.

A well-established number of research has been conducted on the role of self-efficacy belief in teaching and learning environments. The goal of the study is to examine the effect of the field-based practicum experience on pre-service physical education teachers' self-efficacy beliefs within one Physical Education and Sport Science Teacher Education Program in a large urban city in Turkey. The participants were 55 (Male = 34 and Female = 21) undergraduate students who enrolled in Physical Education Program in Karadeniz Technical University in 2013-2014 semester. The current study employed pretest-posttest research design. A Turkish version of the Teacher Efficacy Scale (TES) was used to assess the pre-service teacher candidates' self-efficacy beliefs. By the end of 14-weeks the field-based teacher practicum course, the participants' self-efficacy beliefs statistically and significantly increased (t (54) = 8.95, p < 0.05.) The eta squared statistic (0.59) indicated a large effect size.

The goal of the current study is to examine the impact of students' social economic status, ethnicity, and discipline infractions on their standardized test scores in Indiana, the USA. Data from this study extracted from Indiana Department of Education. ISTEP is a criterion-referenced standardized test. It consists of items that assess a student's performance with respect to particular criteria that was established by the Indiana State Board of Education. Criterion-referenced test scores help us to understand where a student stands in relation to the cut scores based Indiana Academic Standards in English/Language Arts and Mathematics. In fact, the application of ISTEP might be helpful for schools to identify their students' strengths and weaknesses in these content areas. By doing so, they take necessary steps to plan appropriate instruction for students' academic development. However, the Indiana Department of Education's statistical data show that there was a statistically significant achievement gap between students. Accordingly, the current study findings point out that the effects of SES and Race varied among groups. Specifically, African-American students with low SES status had lower scores on ISTEP than their white peers did. In addition, a chi-square analysis showed that disproportionality among African American students appeared to be striking. Findings and educational implications are discussed.

First time in this study, hybrid Cu nanoflowers (Cu hNFs) were synthesized with Cystosphaera jacquinotii algae extract and the pH-dependent catalytic activities of hNFs synthesized under optimum conditions against brilliant blue and methylene blue dyes were determined. Ideal morphology of hNFs, were synthesized by using 1 ml extract in PBS (pH 7.4). The diameter and petal thickness of optimum synthesized hNF were 7–22 µm, and 35.5 nm, respectively. Main skeleton component (C, O, P, and Cu) of hNFs were determined by EDX. The presence of functional groups and primary phosphate crystals formed by Cu and phosphate reaction in the PBS buffer were confirmed by FT-IR analysis. The hNFs exhibited the antioxidant activity (IC50 = 1.27 mg/ml, R2 = 0.6971) against to DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1- (2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl). hNFs degraded methylene blue and brilliant blue dyes at the highest at pH 9 (73.85%) and pH 5 (68.19%) media, respectively. Catalytic activities of hNFs against methylene blue and brilliant blue dyes were explained by Fenton mechanism. The findings are thought to be used in new type hNF synthesis and various environmental applications. NOVELTY STATEMENT: Plant, algea, and fungi extracts are using for the synthesis of nanomaterials. But studies for synthesis of organic@inorganic hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs) by using bioextracts are restrict. Until now, only two algal species have been used as organic input in the synthesis of hNFs. Herein, we reported first time synthesis of Cystosphaera jacquinotii algea extract based hNFs with potential formation mechanism and investigate antioxidant and pH-depended cationic and anionic dye degradation activities of hNFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are generally associated with rare cardiac side effects, yet instances like myocarditis can be fatal. Therefore, detecting and managing left ventricular dysfunction early in ICI therapy is vital. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate whether left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) is a predictor for early detection of cardiac dysfunction in patients receving ICI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 44 cancer patients who received ICI therapy and underwent pre- and post- treatment assessments of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV GLS between May 2022 and November 2023. Retrospective comparisons and evaluations were conducted on pre-treatment and 3-month interval LVEF and LV GLS measurements during the first year of treatment. Results: The median follow-up duration was 5.3 months (0.5-18.9). No statistically significant difference between baseline and subsequent time points was observed in LVEF and LV GLS values (p>0.05). At the 3-month evaluation, a notable decrease in LVEF and LV GLS was observed in two patients. One patient with reduced LVEF and LV GLS succumbed to myocarditis, and another experienced sudden death of unknown etiology. The other two patients had decreased LV GLS with normal LVEF. Subsequent follow-ups of the patients exhibiting decreased LV GLS alone revealed no further decline in LVEF or LV GLS. Conclusion: In our study, a reduction in LV GLS did not demonstrate a significant role in the early prediction of ICI-related myocarditis or cardiac dysfunction. Further validation through multicenter, large-scale, prospective studies with extended follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Synthesis of organic@inorganic hNFs is achieved by the coordination of organic compounds containing amine, amide, and diol groups with bivalent metals. The use of bio-extracts containing these functional groups instead of expensive organic inputs such as DNA, enzymes, and protein creates advantages in terms of cost and applicability. In this study, the application potentials (antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, guaiacol, anionic, and cationic dye degradation) of hybrid (organic@inorganic) nanoflowers (hNFs) synthesized with Cu+2 and snakeskin (SSS) were proposed. Results: Morphology, presence, and composition of elements of Cu and SSS-coordinated hNFs (Cu@SSS hNFs) were shown through FE-SEM–EDX spectroscopy. According to FE-SEM findings, hNFs synthesized with 0.5 ml and 1 ml extract have diameters of 12.81 and 3 µm, respectively. Diffraction peaks of hNFs determined by XRD were consistent with JCPDS Card 00–022 –0548. Cu@SSS NFs showed antioxidant properties depending on time through DPPH scavenging behavior (ability (R2: 0.5612, IC50: 2.07 mg/ml). Cu@SSS hNFs synthesized coordination of SSS and Cu degraded (75%) methylene blue at the highest pH 9 condition. However, hNFs highest degraded (68%) brilliant blue in an acidic PBS medium. hNFs oxidized guaiacol depending on exposure time. Cu@SSS hNFs demonstrated antibacterial properties towards Gram (-/ +) pathogen strains (MIC: 60 µg/ml). The catalytic and antimicrobial properties of hNFs were mentioned by the Fenton reaction. The cytotoxicity of Cu@SSS hNFs on the lung carcinoma (A549) cell line was shown to be concentration-dependent by the MTT test assay (IC50: 56.4 µg/ml). Conclusion: As a result, Cu-based hNFs synthesized by using an organic waste (SSS) might be improved for environmental and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Ramadan fasting (RF) can affect the health status of patients with coronary artery disease or risk factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate echocardiographic functions and tei index according to ramadan fasting status in patients followed for clinically existing coronary artery disease. Material and Method: This single-centre, cross-sectional study included 49 patients who were being followed up with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The patients were separated into 2 groups as those who were fasting during the month of Ramadan (RF (+), n=24) and those who were not (RF (-), n=25). Detailed echocardiographic evaluations were made. Analyses of the study data were performed using MedCalc software. Results: The demographic and echocardiographic characteristics of the patients in both groups were similar at the start of the study. When the fasting and non-fasting groups were compared separately, a statistically significant decrease was determined in the tei index value in the ramadan fasting (+) group after 1 month of fasting (0.44±0.14 vs. 0.40±0.12) (p: 0.025). Conclusion: In this study, the effects of RF on cardiac functions were investigated in patients with coronary artery disease and a previous stent procedure. The results of the echocardiographic evaluation after one month of fasting showed a statistically significant decrease in the tei index in the patient group fasting for Ramadan. This finding demonstrated positive effects of RF on cardiac functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the impetus from professional organizations for science and mathematics integration, few teacher training programs provide opportunities for teachers to develop the knowledge and skills in effective content integration. This study reports on the impact of a graduate course on in-service middle school, math, and science teachers' professional knowledge for content integration and their integration practice. This course model draws on the extant research on science and mathematics integration. Quantitative and qualitative results suggest the course increased teacher professional knowledge and improved integration practice. Integration practice was evaluated utilizing a project-based measure: the Mathematics and Science Integration Rubric (MASIR). Results indicate that although the integration practice and teacher conceptions of integration moved toward a more coherent application of integrated instruction, the combination of content knowledge and teacher feedback should be targets of extended professional learning. Implications for broader professional development issues for science and mathematics teachers are discussed.

When children enter school for the first time, they encounter a variety of new challenges that include creating positive relationships with peer groups and adults as well as learning to meet the demands of a wide range of cognitive, social, and academic tasks (Baker, 2006; Birch & Ladd, 1997; Pianta, Steinberg, & Rollins, 1995). Infants and young children appear to be mobilized by curiosity and driven by an intense need to explore, interact with, and discover their environment Therefore, understanding and documenting the importance of young children's motivation to learn is very important. Motivation to learn refers to a competence acquired through general experience that is predominantly stimulated through modeling, communication of expectations, and direct instruction or socialization by significant others (Brophy, 1987). This review of the literature focuses on the importance of young children's motivation to learn in their academic and social competencies, the effects of the quality of teacher-student relationships on their motivation to learn, and the implications for students who exhibit poor motivation in the early years at school years through the lenses of Self-Determination and Expectancy-Value for Achievement Motivation theories.

Understanding and documenting how young children negotiate their relationships with their teachers is crucial, considering that early teacher-student relationships have important long-term implications for children's school success (Hamre & Pianta, 2001). However, the existing studies on teacher--child relationships focus primarily on the teacher's perception of the relationship and have predominantly relied on the STRS, a 28-item teacher self-reported Likert-type (5-point) scale developed to assess a teacher's feelings about her or his relationship with a particular student, her or his beliefs about the student's feelings toward the teacher, and a student's interactive behaviors with the teacher (Pianta, 2001; Saft, 1994). The majority of the evidence about the teacher-student relationship comes from studies conducted in the United States (e.g., Birch & Ladd, 1998; Hamre & Pianta, 2001; Pianta & Nimetz, 1991).Therefore, an examination of the cultural sensitivity of assessment methods of child-teacher relationships is crucial. This review of the literature focuses on methodologies used to assess or measure child-teacher relationships and the effects of culture on the assessment of this significant relationship during the elementary and primary school years.

The goal of the study was to examine and provide exploratory findings regarding the effects of child gender, gender socialization perspective, and child behavioral problems (i.e., internalizing and externalizing) on the quality of teacher-child relationship. Gender socialization perspective posits that girls tend to be more develop relationships characterized by emotional and physical closeness, whereas boys tend to be more focused on establishing conflictual or aggressive and have more extensive, activity-based relationships with other boys. The study was conducted using data from one first grade classroom teacher and fifteen first grade students in Edgelea Elementary School in Lafayette School District. The teacher was asked to complete the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale and the Social Skills Rating System-Behavioral Problems subscale. The study has revealed that girls had a closer and less conflictual relationship with their teacher as compared to boys and there was a strong negative correlation between the quality of teacher-child interaction and child's behavioral problems. Furthermore, the results of this study have partially supported the gender-socialization perspective.

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Background/Aim: Cancer has become a prevalent disease, emerging as one of the major chronic health issues today. Currently, common treatments against cancer include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and the use of chemically synthesized drugs. However, despite significant advancements in diagnostic methods and treatments, drug resistance and metastasis remain primary hurdles to successful cancer therapy. Consequently, attention has been shifted towards exploring alternative treatments and therapies against cancer. This study sought to examine the time and dose-dependent effects of blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L) on MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Methods: The study used the MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell line. We established three groups: control, 40 µl/ml bilberry, and 80 µl/ml bilberry, which were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 24 and 48 h, respectively. After incubation, we examined the viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle of MDA-MB-231 cells with the Muse Cell Analyzer and assessed the status of nucleolar organizer region (NOR) proteins via silver nitrate (AgNOR) staining. Results: Bilberry extracts were found to enhance apoptosis and exhibit a cytotoxic effect, thereby reducing cell proliferation in MDA-MB-231 cells after 24 and 48 h of culture. There was notably increased apoptosis at concentrations of 40 µl and 80 µl. Moreover, after 48 h of incubation, a significant difference emerged between the control and 40 µg/ml bilberry samples, notably in the average AgNOR count and the total AgNOR area/total nuclear area ratio. Conclusion: Our study suggests that blueberries may be a potential therapeutic candidate for cancer treatment, thereby potentially enriching cancer research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between teacher-student relationship quality, student teacher's self-efficacy belief, and students' behavioral and academic orientations. In this way, the current research might be helpful to understand and document the direct and indirect impacts of teacher self-efficacy beliefs on the linkage between the quality of teacher-student relationship and students' school adjustment. Method: The sample for this research project comprised primary and elementary grade classrooms and their student teachers, who are enrolled in teacher education programs at a large university in the Southwestern region of the United States. Eighty-seven student teachers (81 female, 6 male) reported on their perceived relationships with 258 primary and elementary students (168 Female, 90 male). Results: As hypothesized, children with high ratings on relational conflict with teachers were also perceived as more behaviorally deviant and less competent socially and academically. The reverse trend was identified for children with high ratings on relational closeness and dependency. Discussion or Conclusion: In addition, the current study showed that teachers with higher self-efficacy beliefs are more likely to build closer and warmer relationships with their students because they had more confidence in their capacity and skills to employment of effective classroom management skills and ability to enhance students' engagement.

First time in this study, neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of Pseudevernia furfuracea and Usnea florida lichen extracts based silver decorated zinc oxide nanocomposites (Ag-ZnO NCs) were evaluated. The characteristic light absorption point of P. furfuracea and U. florida based Ag-ZnO NCs were observed at 339 nm and 361 nm; effective diameter was detected at 342 nm and 495 nm. According to SEM analysis, the diameter of P. furfuracea and U. florida extract based NCs were approximately 35 nm and 85 nm, respectively. When we examined the toxicity of SH-SY5Y against human neuroblastoma cells, it was observed that NCs have neurotoxic effects on a concentration of 100 μg/ml. In this study, it was predicted that P. furfuracea and U. florida extract based Ag-ZnO NCs could be used in cytotoxic studies by synthesizing them in a cheap, short time and with eco-friendly method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractStudies on the potential applications of nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by biological methods attract the attention of researchers. First time in this study, photocatalytic activities of NiFe2O4 NPs synthesized with pomegranate fruit peel extract were determined against brilliant blue. Surface charge and dynamic size of NPs were detected at −11 mV, and 405 nm, respectively. According to scanning electron microscopy images, NiFe2O4 NPs have spherical morphology with a diameter of 75 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for the determination of elemental composition, crystallinity, and functional groups of NPs, respectively. As a result, it was determined that NiFe2O4 NPs were effective for remediation (65%, for 3 h) of dye. The catalytic activity of NiFe2O4 NPs refers to the Fenton mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethyl chloride (EC) spray is a vapocoolant which is used in interventional procedures as a topical local anesthetic. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not EC spray can facilitate radial coronary angiography. The study was conducted on a study group EC of 106 (age: 58.1 ± 12.4) patients and a control group (placebo) of 104 (age: 59.1 ± 10.8) patients. Visual analogue scale scores (VAS), radial cannulation failure (RCF), the rates of clinical and anatomical radial artery spasm (RAS), pain lasting >2 day and >1 week, and radial artery occlusion (RAO) at first week and first month were evaluated in both groups. VAS scores, the rates of RCF, clinical and anatomical RAS and pain lasting >1 week were found significantly lower in the study group than the control group (p <.001, p =.024, p =.009, p =.028 and p =.042, respectively). But the rates of RAO were similar in both groups. Topical spray including EC, which has low-cost and rapid efficacy, may be preferred in transradial coronary angiography as it reduces the risk of RCF and RAS, and increases patient comfort with its analgesic effect, without significant side-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]