Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science
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Impact of demographics and communication skills on writing difficulties in university employees: A structural equation modeling approach
Get PDFThe study addresses the university correspondence paradox, a relatively unexplored topic in organizational communication research. It examines the relationships between the demographic profile, noncognitive constructs, communication skills, and the degree of difficulty in writing correspondence among university employees. Methodology: A correlational research design was employed, involving 300 participants from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region IV-B, MIMAROPA, Philippines. Data collection focused on demographic factors, communication skills, and noncognitive constructs affecting correspondence writing. Results: Findings revealed that university employees often struggle to pursue postgraduate studies due to work overload. Additionally, a significant portion of employees hold job orders and contractual positions rather than regular employment. The study further established that communication skills and noncognitive constructs significantly predict the degree of difficulty in writing correspondence. Recommendations: To address these challenges, the researchers recommend the development of an employee development plan tailored for administrative aides under job order and contractual employment, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies. Furthermore, standardized correspondence templates should be created and distributed to employees handling administrative tasks to enhance clarity, completeness, conciseness, courtesy, concreteness, consideration, and correctness in official communication
Psychological stress and psychological well-being of students: The impact of self-disclosure and loneliness
Get PDFMental health is a crucial factor in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life, particularly in the educational context. This study investigated the impact of psychological stress on the psychological well-being of students, with a focus on the self-disclosure factor. In addition, the study also examined the moderating effect of loneliness on relationships within the research model, a factor that previous studies have not considered. The research model was evaluated using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method, with 507 observations, indicating that the self-disclosure mediating factor has a positive impact on students’ psychological well-being. On the other hand, the study found that loneliness and psychological stress have a close relationship in affecting self-disclosure. From these results, the study will propose managerial implications and related solutions
An investigation into students’ engagement in English learning at Cebu Technological University - Tuburan Campus
Get PDFThis study examined the relationship between teachers’ approaches and students’ engagement in English at Cebu Technological University-Tuburan Campus for the academic year 2023 - 2024. Surveys were conducted among college students and English teachers, and statistical tools were applied to evaluate the correlation between teaching approaches and student engagement. The data revealed that most student respondents were female (56.72%), aged 18 - 20 (57.83%), with midterm grades between 1.5 and 1.9 (59.14%), and from lower-income families (62.42%). Among the English teachers, the majority were male (68.75%) and aged 27 - 29 (31.25%). While 56.25% held a bachelor’s degree, most lacked relevant training in English instruction (56.25%). Analysis using Kendall’s Tau-b coefficient revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.463) between teachers’ affective-based approaches and students’ affective engagement. However, no significant relationships were found between other teaching approaches and student engagement indicators. The findings suggest that educators should adopt personalized instructional strategies that cater to the diverse learning preferences and needs of students
IMPLEMENTATION AND COMMUNITY SATISFACTION IN THE BARANGAY JUSTICE SYSTEM: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SMALL AND LARGE BARANGAYS IN CALAPAN CITY
No full textNational and regional studies have explored the Barangay Justice System, but there is a noticeable gap in localized research, particularly in Calapan City, where the effectiveness of implementation and levels of community satisfaction remain unclear. Furthermore, few studies have comparatively analyzed satisfaction levels in both small and large barangays, which could reveal important insights into how contextual factors influence the success of the BJS. This study aims to examine the implementation of the Barangay Justice System and assess community satisfaction in selected small and large barangays in Calapan City. Employing a descriptive-comparative-correlational research design, the study gathered data from 112 respondents—56 from each community—using a structured survey questionnaire. The instrument, composed of two sections, assessed the level of implementation and community satisfaction through an 11-item, 4-point Likert scale. Findings indicated a "High Implementation" rating in both communities, with mean scores of 3.34 for the smaller community and 3.39 for the larger one. There is a statistically significant difference in the level of implementation of the Barangay Justice System (BJS) between small and large communities, with a p-value of 0.009. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference in the level of satisfaction with the Barangay Justice System (BJS) between small and large communities, as reflected by the Mann-Whitney U value of 1579.000 and a p-value of 0.951. There is no significant relationship between the level of implementation of the Barangay Justice System (BJS) and the level of satisfaction among the respondents from both small and large communities, as indicated by a Spearman’s Rho value of 0.173 and a p-value of less than .061. These results emphasize the value of active community involvement in the Barangay Justice System, particularly in providing feedback and suggestions to improve its overall effectiveness
Generative AI tool usage: The dual-faced experience of the in-service teachers following the MTESOL program
Get PDFThe study explored the Generative AI tool usage of 29 in-service EFL teachers who were currently following a Master of TESOL program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Data were collected via an online questionnaire. As students, the respondents were quite young, familiar with Generative AI tools, and were frequent users of Chat GPT, Grammarly, and Gemini. The majority of respondents, though being aware of AI concerns, positively integrated or experimented with Generative AI in their learning. They acknowledged Generative AI tool benefits, but somewhat expressed ambivalence, insisting on critical evaluation of the prompts, and the majority of them had applied various strategies for responsible use. In the role of the teacher, the respondents also predominantly reflected their AI-positive practice with their teaching, mostly with lesson planning, and then teaching practice. Fewer accounted for their extensive AI usage with an assessment. While appreciating AI’s potential values, the respondents, in turn, expressed their concerns about students’ critical, and creative ability to be eliminated, the more accessible dishonesty, and challenges in identifying instances of Chat GPT use. As a whole, the respondents had prevalently integrated Generative AI tools in their learning and teaching. They strongly asserted that their main focus was on how AI could be used to enhance learning and teaching, and that they eagerly headed to integrating Generative AI tools into their EFL teaching practices. The findings have highlighted the practical benefits of AI integration and call for further study of the strategies the young AI users have applied for responsible use
Bridging intention and action in circular economy consumption behavior
Get PDFThis paper explores how consumers move from environmental concerns to actual purchasing decisions in the circular economy. Focusing on a sample of 343 young Vietnamese consumers, the study draws on the Norm Activation Model (NAM) to examine the interplay between Pro-Environmental Behavior (PEB), Environmental Intention (EI), and Purchase Intention (PI). Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4.0, the analysis reveals that PEB significantly predicts EI (β = 0.414, p < 0.001), and EI in turn strongly influences PI (β = 0.479, p < 0.001). However, the direct path from PEB to PI is statistically insignificant (β = 0.060, p > 0.05), suggesting a full mediation effect. These findings highlight the importance of intention as a bridge between ecological behavior and circular consumption. While individuals may already practice eco-friendly habits, this alone does not guarantee sustainable purchasing unless supported by conscious intention. The study extends the applicability of NAM to consumer contexts and underscores the need for marketing and policy strategies that focus on strengthening environmental intention. For practitioners, this means aligning campaigns with consumers’ moral awareness and showing how individual actions translate into broader sustainability impacts. The paper offers practical insights for educators, product developers, and social marketers aiming to close the gap between awareness and action in sustainability-focused markets
Feline Unilateral Hip Dislocation and Contralateral Limb Fractures: Long-Term Outcomes
No full textBackground: Coxofemoral dislocation accompanied by a contralateral long bone fracture is a rare and challenging orthopedic condition in feline patients. It typically resulted from high-rise syndrome, which involves falling from significant heights, and often required complex surgical and postoperative management. While femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) was a widely accepted salvage procedure for coxofemoral luxation, particularly when primary joint reconstruction was not feasible or economically viable, there had been limited information regarding its long-term functional outcomes in cases involving additional orthopedic trauma. In such multifocal injuries, optimal recovery depended not only on surgical precision but also on postoperative rehabilitation, neuromuscular adaptation, and caregiver compliance. The present study aimed to investigate and compare long-term clinical outcomes of FHNE alone and in combination with simultaneous fracture osteosynthesis in cats, using objective clinical data and subjective owner-reported evaluations. Materials, Methods & Results: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 72 cats diagnosed with traumatic unilateral coxofemoral dislocation between 2020 and 2024. Most injuries (82%) were associated with high-rise syndrome. Forty-eight cats (66.6%) that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Group I (GI, n = 14) underwent FHNE alone, and Group II (GII, n = 34) received FHNE combined with stabilization of contralateral long bone fractures using intramedullary pins, locking plates, or external fixators. Cats ranged from 1 to 9 years of age and were of both sexes. Follow-up evaluations continued over the long term, including physical examinations, gait observations, and standardized owner interviews. The early complication rate was 42.8% in GI and 17.6% in GII, whereas the total long-term complication rate across both groups was calculated as 25%. Functional outcomes in GII were significantly better during the initial two postoperative weeks (P < 0.05). GI cats displayed prolonged disuse of the operated limb, accompanied by moderate-to-severe muscle atrophy. In contrast, GII cats engaged both hind limbs earlier and showed milder atrophy and faster return to normal locomotion. Clinical evaluations confirmed reduced lameness and improved postural balance in GII. Owner feedback was consistent with these findings, indicating higher satisfaction, earlier weight bearing, and more complete recovery in GII. Discussion: The findings suggest that combining FHNE with concurrent fracture stabilization promotes earlier functional recovery and reduces muscle wasting in cases involving bilateral hindlimb injury. Bilateral limb usage may enhance symmetrical weight distribution, prevent disuse syndrome, and support neuromuscular adaptation during the rehabilitation period. Integrated surgical approaches, especially in polytrauma cases, appear crucial to restoring mobility and quality of life in feline patients. Moreover, strong alignment between clinical assessments and owner perceptions reinforces the value of incorporating subjective quality-of-life indicators in orthopedic outcome evaluations. The study also observed that early postoperative limb use had a positive impact on the overall recovery process. This therapeutic combination may serve as a practical and effective strategy for veterinarians managing multifocal orthopedic injuries in feline trauma patients, particularly those resulting from high-rise syndrome
Effect of maxillary impacted canine teeth on root resorption of adjacent teeth: a CBCT-based observational study
No full textBackground The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of impacted maxillary canines on root resorption and periodontal tissues of adjacent central, lateral, and premolar teeth across different age groups using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging. Methods CBCT images of 203 impacted maxillary canines from patients of varying ages were retrospectively evaluated. Parameters included eruption stage, localization (right/left and palatal/buccal/central), dental follicle characteristics (shape and width), contact with adjacent teeth, periodontal contour integrity, and degree and location of root resorption. Statistical analyses assessed the relationships between these variables. Results A total of 203 impacted maxillary canines, including 123 on the right and 80 on the left side, were assessed. Impacted canines were most commonly affected with lateral teeth (57.6%). Root resorption occurred in 33.3% of these lateral teeth, with 14.5% showing severe resorption. Mild resorption was most frequently observed in central incisors and first premolars (16.7% and 12.5%, respectively). Root resorption was significantly more frequent when impacted maxillary canines were in contact with adjacent teeth (p = 0.005 for central incisors, p 0.05). Impacted canines were most commonly located in the palatal position (73.4%), but no statistically significant difference was found in root resorption rates between palatal, buccal, and central positions (p = 0.490). Canine follicle shape, width, and eruption stage did not significantly affect root resorption (p > 0.05). Conclusion Palatal position and contact of impacted maxillary canines with adjacent teeth increase root resorption frequency, especially affecting lateral incisors. CBCT provides accurate diagnostic information that supports clinical decision-making for impacted canine cases
Miyofasiyal ağrı sendromlu hastalarda kinezyo bantlama ve kuru iğnelemenin plasebo etkisinin karşılaştırılması
No full textAmaç: "Bu çalışma, orofasiyal bölgede miyofasyal ağrı sendromu (MPS) olan hastalar için uygun maliyetli ve kolay uygulanabilir tedavi yöntemleri olan kinezyolojik bantlama ve kuru iğnelemenin etkinliğini değerlendirmiştir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Miyofasiyal ağrı sendromu tanısı almış toplam 46 hasta rastgele üç gruba ayrılmıştır: kinezyo bantlama (n=15), kuru iğneleme (n=16) ve yalancı kuru iğneleme (n=15). Değerlendirmeler tedavi öncesi, tedaviden sonra 1. gün, 3. hafta ve 3. ayda yapılmıştır. Ağrı düzeyi Görsel Analog Skala ile, ağız açıklığı gonyometrik ölçüm ile, depresyon düzeyi Beck Depresyon Ölçeği ile ve yaşam kalitesi 36 Maddelik Kısa Form Sağlık Anketi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Tüm gruplarda zamanla ağrı düzeyinde azalma gözlenmiştir. Görsel Analog Skala puanları kinezyo bantlama grubunda 6.26’dan 4.42’ye, kuru iğneleme grubunda 6.10’dan 4.14’e, yalancı kuru iğneleme grubunda ise 5.75’ten 4.20’ye düşmüştür. Ağız açıklığında her üç grupta da artış izlenmiştir ancak gruplar arası fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmamıştır. Üçüncü haftada, tedavi gruplarında 36 Maddelik Kısa Form Sağlık Anketi fiziksel işlev puanlarında anlamlı iyileşme saptanmıştır). Beck Depresyon Ölçeği skorları kinezyo bantlama grubunda anlamlı bir artış göstermiştir (53.86’dan 65.46’ya). Sonuç: Kinezyo bantlama ve kuru iğneleme, miyofasiyal ağrı sendromu hastalarında ağrının azaltılması, yaşam kalitesinin artırılması ve fiziksel işlevin iyileştirilmesi açısından etkili yöntemlerdir. Ancak kuru iğneleme, tedavi sonrası depresyon düzeylerinde daha düşük artışla ilişkilendirilmiştir. Bu bulgular, her iki tedavi yönteminin de klinik uygulamalarda değerlendirilebileceğini göstermektedir.Purpose: This study assessed the effectiveness of affordable, easy-to-apply kinesiology taping and dry needling for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in the orofacial region. Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients diagnosed with MPS were randomly assigned to one of three groups: kinesiology taping (n = 15), dry needling (n = 16), or sham dry needling (n = 15). Evaluations were conducted at baseline, Day 1, Week 3, and Month 3. Assessment tools included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), goniometric mouth opening, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). Results: All groups demonstrated a reduction in pain over time. VAS scores decreased from 6.26 to 4.42 in the kinesiology taping group, from 6.10 to 4.14 in the dry needling group, and from 5.75 to 4.20 in the sham group. Maximum mouth opening increased in all groups by Month 3. For example, the kinesiology group improved from 29.53 mm to 31.40 mm. However, the intergroup differences were not statistically significant. Significant improvement was observed in SF-36 physical function scores in both treatment groups compared to the sham group at Week 3. Depression levels (BDI scores) increased significantly in the kinesiology taping group, rising from 53.86 to 65.46. In contrast, the dry needling and sham groups showed more stable scores. Conclusion: Both kinesiology taping and dry needling were effective in reducing pain. They also improved quality of life and physical function in patients with MPS. However, dry needling was associated with a smaller increase in depression levels following treatment. These findings support the clinical use of both techniques as viable treatment options for MPS