Biserial Correlation Research Articles

Development and preliminary validation of a questionnaire for assessing fitness centers

This manuscript comprehensively examines the development and preliminary validation of a questionnaire designed to assess fitness centers. The study aims to address existing gaps in the literature by providing a standardized tool for evaluating the quality of fitness facilities. The study aims to design, validate, and present a preliminary assessment instrument tailored specifically for fitness centers, encompassing various aspects such as program offerings, facility conditions, and staff competencies. The research methods involved the identification of key indicators affecting fitness center services, followed by the generation and validation of questionnaire items through a rigorous statistical analysis. The research subjects consisted of 119 fitness enthusiasts from Angeles City, Philippines, who actively participated in the validation process. The instruments used in data processing included Likert-style rating scales and statistical methods such as Point Biserial Correlation and t-tests. The analysis of data utilized in data processing led to the retention of 59 questionnaire items, demonstrating significant correlation coefficients. The study's results highlight the reliability and validity of the developed questionnaire as a valuable tool for assessing fitness centers, providing insights into client needs and areas for improvement. In conclusion, the preliminary validation of the questionnaire serves as a crucial step towards enhancing the quality and standards of fitness center services, benefiting both managers and regulatory authorities in ensuring the provision of safe and effective fitness facilities.

Psychosocial Risk Factors at Work and Sleep Quality in Healthcare Workers – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective To investigate psychosocial factors at work, sleep characteristics, and the correlation between these aspects in healthcare workers. Material and methods A cross-sectional e-survey study was conducted with 125 workers of the Brazilian healthcare system, mostly from the Southeast region, from June 2021 to April 2022. Self-administered questionnaires in Google Forms were used to collect data on personal and occupational characteristics, psychosocial factors (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire), and sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index). Descriptive statistics and a point biserial correlation test were performed. Results The most reported factors in the risk zone were burnout (86%), stress (81%), emotional demands (75%), work pace (61%), and work-family conflicts (55%). Most participants were classified as poor sleepers (74%), especially nursing technicians/assistants (86%). Burnout (rpb = 0.33) and inadequate predictability (rpb = 0.30) were associated with poor sleep quality. Conclusion Intervention strategies to decrease burnout and increase predictability at work may assist in improving sleep quality among healthcare workers.

The CCJR® Gerard A. Engh Excellence in Knee Research Award: Remote Monitoring of Sleep Disturbance Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Cautionary Note

BackgroundSleep disturbances are common after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite the rising popularity of wearables to track sleep, little evidence exists in the arthroplasty literature regarding their efficacy. We aimed to correlate validated wearable sleep metrics with patient-reported sleep quality following TKA. MethodsPatients undergoing primary TKA were consecutively enrolled. Patients used a wearable device preoperatively and 90 days postoperatively to track five previously-validated measures of sleep. Each month, they rated their sleep quality. Wearable sleep data was correlated with patient-reported sleep quality using a point biserial correlation test. Categorical data were compared using Chi-square tests. A total of 110 patients were included. ResultsPreoperatively, 20.8% of patients reported “fairly bad” or “very bad” sleep; this increased to 44.4% 30 days postoperatively, then decreased to 26.5% 60 days postoperatively, and to 20.2% 90 days postoperatively. At 30 days postoperatively, time in bed, time asleep, and minutes of rapid eye movement sleep weakly correlated with patient-reported sleep quality (correlations 0.356, 0.345, and 0.345, respectively; P < .001). Sleep quality did not correlate with any wearable metric collected 60 or 90 days postoperatively. ConclusionsPatient-reported sleep quality following TKA initially worsened postoperatively, then improved to preoperative levels by 90 days. Time in bed, time asleep, and rapid eye movement sleep minutes only weakly correlated with patient-reported sleep quality at 30 days; no other correlations were detected. Surgeons that utilize remote monitoring following TKA should be aware that surrogate measures generated from these devices may correlate weakly, if at all, with the patient-reported outcome of the parameter being studied.

Taste Dysfunction and its Relationship to HbA1C Level and Disease Duration in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Autonomic Neuropathy

Background and Aim: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) effect quality of life very much and causes variouscomplications. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is one of the common complications in diabetes. Thuspresent study was aimed at determining taste dysfunction in a population of T2DM subjects and its correlation with HbA1c level.Material and Methods: This was an observational cross sectional study which was carried over a period of one year in the department of medicine, Tertiary care institute of India. The 100 patients of T2DM with autonomicneuropathy and 100 healthy controls were taken for the study. Autonomic neuropathy was assessed clinically.Chemical taste test using four solutions of basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter) were done.Results: There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of HbA1c (%) (p≤0.05), with the median HbA1c (%) being highest in the chemical taste dysfunction: sweet: yes group. Strength of association (Point- Biserial correlation)=0.49. There was a significant difference between the various groups in terms of distribution of chemical taste dysfunction: Sweet (p≤0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of duration of T2DM (years) (p&gt;0.05).Conclusion: The study found a significant correlation between taste dysfunction and HbA1C level and bloodsugar fasting level in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Alteration in taste was mainly for sweet. Sour, and bitter did not show any difference in case groups compared to controls.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Y-Chromosome Microdeletions and Their Relationship to Male Infertility and Lifestyle Variables.

Male infertility is the inability of a male to conceive a fertile female during at least a year of unprotected sexual activity. A variety of medical conditions and treatments cause male infertility. Y chromosome microdeletion is an important cause of infertility among males. Various epidemiological factors also play a role in the occurrence of infertility. Our study aims to determine the association between Y-chromosome microdeletion and age, sperm count, body mass index (BMI), alcohol, and tobacco consumption. This study was conducted in 70 male infertility cases. Data was collected from 2018 to 2023 at the Genetic Lab, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. Demographic profiles, including age, sperm count, weight and height, and history of smoking and drinking, were collected from individuals. BMI was calculated, and chromosome analysis was done for Y chromosome microdeletion. Both multiplex and singleplex methods were used to determine the microdeletion using a thermocycler (Applied Biosystems, VeritiTM96-well Fast Thermal Cycler, 0.2 ml USA) in AZF, and the association between age, sperm count, BMI, alcohol, and tobacco was determined. The number of regions deleted among individuals varies from one to seven. Regions Sy746, Sy143, and Sy145 were found to be commonly deleted. We found a positive, but not statistically significant, correlation between age and microdeletion (point biserial correlation coefficient (r) = 0.2, p-value = 0.097). When comparing age with sperm count, the results showed a negative correlation, highlighting the influence of age on sperm count (r (68) = 0.284, p = 0.017). In comparing BMI and microdeletion, no significant relationship (χ² = 3.7, p = 0.296) indicated independence between them. According to our observations, microdeletion affects all smokers and 45% of non-smokers. We found a significant association between smoking and microdeletion (χ2 = 4.49, P = 0.034). There was no statistically significant relationship between microdeletion and drinking (χ²(3) = 5.65, p = 0.13). We discovered a significant positive association between smoking and a positive, but not statistically significant, correlation between age, BMI, and drinking, as well as a microdeletion. There are probably a lot of unidentified variables that affect successful fertilization and implantation. These could include variables that affect fertility and the success of reproduction on an environmental, genetic, and epigenetic level. The study reveals that Y chromosome microdeletion and other epidemiological factors coexist concurrently in cases of infertility. Assessing these variables is crucial for infertile patients. A community-based, comprehensive survey is required to assess the overall consequences of various epidemiological factors on infertility.

Patients' Perceptions Regarding Acceptance of Dental Implants as an Option for the Replacement of Missing Teeth: An Observational Study.

Dental implants enhance the self-assurance and overall well-being of individuals by providing oral comfort during mastication and a notable degree of contentment. The objectives of the present study were to assess patients' perception of opting or non-opting for dental implants as a replacement for missing teeth and to determine the correlation between various factors and perceived demand for dental implant treatment. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 214 partially edentulous individuals aged between 21 and 50 years. These patients sought treatment to replace their missing teeth. The participants were provided with detailed information regarding various options for replacing their missing teeth, including removable prostheses, fixed partial dentures, and dental implants. The researchers recorded and evaluated the reasons behind the patients' decision to opt for or decline dental implant treatment using the chi-squared test. Categorical variables were summarized as percentages (n %). The association between variables and binary data was examined using point biserial correlation, whereas, for continuous data, the Pearson correlation coefficient was employed. About 65 (30.4%) patients opted for dental implant treatment and 149 (69.6%) patients did not opt for dental implant treatment. Missing teeth were found in 120 women (56.08%) and 94 men (43.92%). The main reason for seeking dental implant treatment was the need for improvement in functions such as chewing in 65 (100%) patients, followed by the need for improvement in oral health in 57 (88%), aesthetics in 54 (83%), need for bone and adjacent teeth preservation in 52 (80%), and durability of dental implants in 46 (71%) patients. The main reasons for not seeking dental implant treatment and opting for fixed prostheses other than dental implantsor removable prostheses cost 149 (100%), fear of surgery 132 (91%), underlying health issues 121 (81%), lack of knowledge about dental implants 120 (80.5%), and time management issues 92 (62%). Gender, age, and number of missing teeth showed a negative correlation, whereas level of education, social status, and oral health awareness showed a positive correlation with the perceived need for dental implant treatment. Dental implant treatment was preferred by 30.4% of patients, which was influenced by gender, sex, level of education, social status, awareness of oral health, and number of missing teeth. Cost, fear of surgery, underlying medical conditions, lack of knowledge, and time management are some reasons for not opting for dental implant treatment.

Enhancing pest control interventions by linking species distribution model prediction and population density assessment of pine wilt disease vectors in South Korea

Pine wilt disease caused by pinewood nematode is one of the most destructive forest diseases, and still spreading in South Korea despite the various control efforts. Japanese pine sawyer (JPS) and Sakhalin pine sawyer (SPS) are the main vectors of the disease. Understanding the distribution and density of the vectors is crucial since the control period is determined by the different emergence periods of the two vectors and the control method by its density and the expected damage severity. In this study, we predicted the distribution of JPS and SPS using Maxent and investigated the relationship between the resulting suitability value and the density. The population densities of JPS and SPS were obtained through a national survey using pheromone traps between 2020-2022. We converted the density data into presence/absence points to externally validate each species distribution model, then we used quantile regression to check the correlation between the suitability and population density, and finally we used three widely used thresholds to convert the model results into binary maps, and tested if they could distinguish the density by comparing the Rb value of biserial correlation. The quantile regression revealed a positive relationship between the habitat suitability and population density sampled in the field. Moreover, the binary map with threshold criteria that maximizes the sum of the sensitivity and specificity had the best density discrimination capacity with the highest Rb. A quantitative relationship between suitability and vector density measured in the field from our study provides reliability to species distribution model as practical tools for forest pest management.

Abstract 3632: Cytokine profiles associated with ICI myocarditis using machine learning approaches identifies novel cytokines and implicated pathways

Abstract IntroductionImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective for a growing number of cancer indications. ICI-mediated T cell activation can lead to immune related adverse effects, including ICI myocarditis, which has up to a 50% mortality. To date, only a few cytokines have been reported to be associated with ICI myocarditis. We evaluated an expansive repertoire of cytokines associated with ICI myocarditis and the pathways they regulate. MethodsA total of 173 cardio-oncology patients were enrolled in the biomarker study, including 55 who were on ICI. Blood samples of patients who were on ICI for cytokine profiling were sampled when patients presented with symptoms concerning for ICI myocarditis. 71 different cytokines were evaluated and analyzed using Point Biserial correlation analyses and machine learning (XGboost) and explainable artificial intelligence (SHAP) to identify cytokines associated with ICI myocarditis. Analyses were performed to identify pathways associated with ICI myocarditis. Results28 cytokines were associated with ICI myocarditis and machine learning revealed top features associated with ICI myocarditis in the entire cohort with IL33 being the top feature, Accuracy of 0.895, AUC of 0.902, F1 score of 0.73. SHAP was also used to identify features associated with ICI myocarditis and found IL10, CXCL9, CXCL13, CCL3, were positively associated with ICI myocarditis while CCL22, IL33, TNFSF10, CCL8, and CCL24 were negatively associated with ICI myocarditis. 90% of cytokines identified in the correlation model were also identified in SHAP and XG Boost. Top KEGG and GO pathways associated with ICI myocarditis identified by XGBoost and SHAP features include the cytosolic DNA sensing pathway, response to influenza A, IL17, PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT and lipid/atherosclerosis pathways ConclusionsIdentifying pathways associated with ICI myocarditis could provide insights into optimization of immunosuppression strategies Table of cytokines associated with ICI myocarditis identified by SHAP Cytokine Direction IL10 Upregulated CXCL9 Upregulated CXCL13 Upregulated IL7 Upregulated CCL3 Upregulated IFNL2 Upregulated KITLG Upregulated IL27 Upregulated FLT3LG Upregulated CCL22 Downregulated IL12 Downregulated CCL2 Downregulated IL33 Downregulated TNFSF10 Downregulated CCL8 Downregulated CCL21 Downregulated FGF2 Downregulated CCL24 Downregulated CX3CL1 Downregulated Citation Format: Rachel Jaber Chehayeb, Dat Hong, Nathan W. Chen, Carlos Matute Martinez, Ritujith Jayakrishnan, Ana Ferrigno Guajardo, Derrick Lin, Yunju Im, Stephanie Halene, Jennifer VanOudenhove, John Hwa, Alokkumar Jha, Jennifer M. Kwan. Cytokine profiles associated with ICI myocarditis using machine learning approaches identifies novel cytokines and implicated pathways [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3632.

Point biserial correlation symbiotic organism search nanoengineering based drug delivery for tumor diagnosis

Nanoparticulate systems have the prospect of accounting for a new making of drug delivery systems. Nanotechnology is manifested to traverse the hurdle of both physical and biological sciences by implementing nanostructures indistinct fields of science, particularly in nano-based drug delivery. The low delivery efficiency of nanoparticles is a critical obstacle in the field of tumor diagnosis. Several nano-based drug delivery studies are focused on for tumor diagnosis. But, the nano-based drug delivery efficiency was not increased for tumor diagnosis. This work proposes a method called point biserial correlation symbiotic organism search nanoengineering-based drug delivery (PBC-SOSN). The objective and aim of the PBC-SOSN method is to achieve higher drug delivery efficiency and lesser drug delivery time for tumor diagnosis. The contribution of the PBC-SOSN is to optimized nanonengineering-based drug delivery with higher r drug delivery detection rate and smaller drug delivery error detection rate. Initially, raw data acquired from the nano-tumor dataset, and nano-drugs for glioblastoma dataset, overhead improved preprocessed samples are evolved using nano variational model decomposition-based preprocessing. After that, the preprocessed samples as input are subjected to variance analysis and point biserial correlation-based feature selection model. Finally, the preprocessed samples and features selected are subjected to symbiotic organism search nanoengineering (SOSN) to corroborate the objective. Based on these findings, point biserial correlation-based feature selection and a symbiotic organism search nanoengineering were tested for their modeling performance with a nano-tumor dataset and nano-drugs for glioblastoma dataset, finding the latter the better algorithm. Incorporated into the method is the potential to adjust the drug delivery detection rate and drug delivery error detection rate of the learned method based on selected features determined by nano variational model decomposition for efficient drug delivery.

PAI SD Test Quality Analysis: Validity and Reliability Review

This study aims to analyze the quality standards of test instruments, namely the difficulty level index, discrimination index, validity and reliability of the PAI UAS test made by PAI teachers in Tigaraksa District. This study is a descriptive study with a qualitative and quantitative approach. Data was taken using documentation data, namely PAI UAS question documents student test results. Qualitative data was analyzed logically using Bloom's Taxonomy theory. Quantitative data was analyzed to calculate the difficulty level index, the discrimination index, the validity test used the point biserial correlation technique and the validity test used the Kuder Richadson 20 (KR-20) correlation technique. The study results showed that 47.5% of the questions were at cognitive level C1. In general, the PAI test items developed by PAI teachers in Tigaraksa District, the quality of the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) questions produced is still far from standard. This is based on the fact that there are still many invalid items and the reliability index of the test instrument is categorized as unreliable.

The impact of inter-limb leg lean tissue mass asymmetry on stair climb performance in career firefighters

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of inter-limb leg lean tissue mass (LTM) asymmetry on stair climb (SC) performance in firefighters. Forty-one career firefighters (age = 32.3 ± 8.2 years, body mass = 92.1 ± 18.6 kg, stature = 178.3 ± 7.9 cm) visited the laboratory on one occasion and completed a whole body and leg composition assessment followed by a timed and weighted SC task. Percent body fat (%BF) and leg LTM were determined during a DEXA scan and regional thigh analysis. Asymmetry was assessed by the percent difference between limbs (dominant limb LTM – non-dominant limb LTM)/dominant limb LTM × 100) and a ± 3% cut-off for asymmetry classification. Participants ascended and descended 26 stairs four times as quickly as possible while wearing a weighted (22 kg) vest. Point biserial correlations were used to assess the relationship of inter-limb leg LTM asymmetry and SC performance before and after controlling for age and %BF. Results indicated that inter-limb leg LTM asymmetry was associated with longer SC task time (poorer performance) both before (r = 0.432, P = 0.005) and after (r = 0.502, P = 0.001) controlling for age and %BF. Our findings indicated that inter-limb leg LTM asymmetry negatively impacts firefighter SC performance, which may be improved with appropriate exercise interventions.

Bag-Based Feature-Class Correlation Analysis for Multi-Instance Learning Application

Multi-instance Learning (MIL) is widely applied in image classification. In MIL, an image is presented as a bag. A bag consists of multi-instance which is known as patches. Irrelevant features of the image presented to the classifier affects the classification performance. Feature selection is one of the essential phases to select relevant. However, limited studies discuss the feature selection phase in MIL. Correlation between feature-class (FC) relationship is one important criterion to analyse features’ relevance. However, it cannot be performed directly in MIL. To address this gap, this study proposed the MultiBag-FCCorr feature selection technique. It consists of three steps: transformation, evaluation and fusion. The bags of feature information are acquired from summarization from different statistical central tendency measures of trimmed mean, mode and median. In feature evaluation step, extended point biserial correlation has been used to measure FC correlation and then the FC score has been analysed. The selected features are validated via two prominent classifiers (Support Vector Machine (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN)) on benchmark MI image datasets: UCSB Breast Cancer, Tiger, Elephant and Fox datasets. The selected features of UCSB Breast Cancer dataset were reduced to 92% number of features from the proposed technique giving the best result of average accuracy with 86.8.% using SVM and 84.5% using KNN. The average accuracy improved 6.3% using SVM and 16.4% using KNN compared without implementing the proposed feature selection. The results proved that the selected feature set improved the performance of MI image classification.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire for the Assessment of the Factors that Influence ADR Reporting by Pharmacists

Drug safety is a significant concern in many countries, as side effects (AE) and adverse drug reactions (ADR) have caused many deaths worldwide. One of the reasons is the low contribution of pharmacists in spontaneously reporting AE/ADR. This study aims to develop a questionnaire to assess factors that correlate with spontaneous reporting by pharmacists. A questionnaire pilot was tested on 30 pharmacist respondents who worked in type C hospitals in Surabaya and Sidoarjo, Indonesia. Respondents' responses were then evaluated for face validity, construct validity, and reliability. The results showed that the face validity of the questionnaire was ideal. Then, the results of the construct validity of the knowledge section using point biserial correlation showed that two items were invalid because the r-value was smaller than the r-table (r = 0.361). Then, construct validity uses the factor analysis method for psychological, environmental, and practical variables by paying attention to the Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin Measure (KMO) value, which must be greater than 0.5, the significance of the Bartlett test, which must be less than 0.05 and the factor loading value which conditions must be greater than 0.5. As a result, most of the psychological, environmental, and practical variables show valid and reliable results. However, further consideration should be given to eliminating some items that do not meet the requirements. In conclusion, this validated questionnaire can be used to obtain additional information regarding factors influencing spontaneous reporting by pharmacists.

Association of scoliosis with lower extremity alignments, muscle strengths, and foot characteristics and their alterations in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The association between changes occurring in the spine and lower body parts is not well understood in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The first aim of the study was to investigate the association of scoliosis with lower extremity (LE) alignments, foot characteristics, and muscle strengths in adolescents. Secondly, comparisons of the data among AIS with single and double curves and control groups were determined. Thirty-one participants were recruited and classified into 3 groups; AIS with a single curve (n= 7), AIS with double curves (n= 14), and controls (n= 10). Association of the presence of scoliosis with LE alignments (Q and TC angles), LE muscle strengths (hip, knee, and ankle), and foot characteristics (arch indexes) were examined using the point biserial correlation, and the data among three groups were compared using the ANOVA. Scoliosis was associated with Q angle, arch indexes, and all LE muscle strengths except for hip extensors and ankle plantar flexors strengths. Comparisons among the three groups showed significant increases in LE alignments and foot characteristics in AIS. Almost all LE muscle strengths decreased in AIS, especially for the single curve group. Apart from spinal deformity, the AIS has changed in LE alignments, muscle strengths, and foot characteristics. Therapists should consider these associations and alterations for designing proper management.

Fostering Expertise: Designing and Standardizing a Knowledge Test for Agricultural Scientists

The study adheres to a methodology for creating and standardizing test items designed to assess the knowledge of Agricultural scientists. Initially, 75 test items were identified through literature review. Subsequently, through consultation with experts, a refined set of 60 items emerged after screening, enhancement, and editing processes. These items underwent item analysis, including item difficulty index and discrimination index based on ratings from a panel of 60 experts. Thirty-four test items were retained for the standardization phase from the initial 60 items. To assess the validity of the test items, point biserial correlation was conducted, resulting in the final selection of 30 items for the knowledge test. The reliability of the test items was evaluated using the Spearman Brown split-half coefficient, yielding a value of 0.911, indicating high reliability and fairness for the study. Consequently, the standardized items proved the suitability for measuring the knowledge of Agricultural scientists.

Correlation between Entrepreneurship Education and Students’ Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Case of the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

A study was undertaken at the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania to establish the relationship between receiving entrepreneurship education at university level and studentteachers’ intention to be involved in entrepreneurial work. Its main objective was to find statistically a significant correlation coefficient between the variables of the study. Literature had shown that there were empirical disagreements regarding the direction and strength of a correlation between the variables in question. The study employed correlation research methodology. The target population was Bachelor of Education in Commerce and Bachelor of Education in Adult and Community Education student-teachers at the School of Education. The results have shown that there is no statistically significant relationship between university entrepreneurial education and the entrepreneurial intentions of student-teachers at the University of Dar es Salaam. The null hypothesis was accepted because the point biserial correlation = 0.071, p-value (0.681) was greater than the study’s alpha value (0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between university entrepreneurship education and having high entrepreneurial intentions among student-teachers at the School of Education, University of Dar es Salaam, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Mlimani campus. This was because rpb (0.071) was not significantly different from zero at 34 degrees of freedom, 0.05 level of significance because it was below +.3494. The study’s consequence is that these findings justify further investigation of the study’s foci in order to arrive at a conclusive irrefutable viewpoint. It appears that additional investigation is warranted.

Reliability of a Musculoskeletal Imaging Competency Examination for Physical Therapists.

The Burley Readiness Examination (BRE) for Musculoskeletal (MSK) Imaging Competency assesses physical therapists' baseline MSK imaging competency. Establishing its reliability is essential to its value in determining MSK imaging competency. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of the BRE for MSK Imaging Competency among physical therapists (PTs) with varying levels of training and education. Previous literature supports PTs' utility concerning diagnostic imaging; however, no studies directly measure their competency. With PTs expanding their practice scope and professional PT education programs, increasing their MSK imaging instruction, assessing competency becomes strategic in determining the future of MSK education and training. One hundred twenty-three United States licensed PTs completed the BRE. Physical therapists completed the BRE through an online survey platform. Point biserial correlation (rpb) was calculated for each examination question. Final analyses were based on 140 examination questions. Examination scores were compared using independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Chi-square tests and odds ratios (ORs) assessed the relationship of a passing examination score (≥75%) and the type of training. Reliability of the BRE was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α). Mean overall examination score was 75.89 ± 8.56%. Seventy PTs (56.9%) obtained a passing score. Physical therapists with additional MSK imaging training, board certification, and residency or fellowship training scored significantly higher (P < .001) compared with those with only entry-level PT program education. Physical therapists with additional MSK imaging training scored significantly higher (x̄ = 81.07% ± 8.93%) and were almost 5 times (OR = 4.74, 95% CI [1.95-11.50]) as likely to achieve a passing score than those without. The BRE demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.874). The BRE was reliable, consistently identifying higher examination scores among those with increased MSK imaging training. Training in MSK imaging influenced competency more than other factors. The BRE may be of analytical value to PT professional and postprofessional programs.

Measuring the Knowledge of Rural School Children on Nutrition Education in Bihar, India

This research study investigates the knowledge regarding nutrition education among rural school children in Bihar, India. The goal of the study is to evaluate the existing level of nutrition knowledge and comprehension among kids in rural regions and to pinpoint possible areas for development in nutrition education initiatives. The rural school students were subjected to an interview schedule. A sample of rural schoolchildren from different Bihar schools, ranging in age from 8 to 12, participated in the study. The environment was taken into consideration when choosing knowledge test questions. A 53-item knowledge test was put through a relevancy check with help from extension specialists, and 43 items were chosen for the test. Thirty extension workers from outside the research area pretested the 53 items. Item analysis evoking difficulty index, discrimination index, and point biserial correlation were conducted based on the results of the pretesting. Items with difficulty indices between 0.3 and 0.8, discrimination indices equal or above 0.3, and substantial point biserial correlation at the 5% level of significance were chosen. Utilising the split-half method, the test's reliability was calculated and determined to be 0.70. Ultimately, 18 questions were chosen for the final knowledge test given to rural schoolchildren. This knowledge test reveals a knowledge gap about nutrition and its significance for general health and well-being among Bihar's rural schoolchildren. Most kids showed little understanding of key nutrients, food groupings, and their nutritional value. Additionally, there was a paucity of knowledge regarding the long-term effects of improper eating patterns and inadequate nutrition.

Validitas and Reliabilitas

An instrument is a tool that is used as a tool to measure a measuring object or collect data from a variable. An instrument is said to be good if it is valid and reliable. Validity consists of content, construct, empirical validity. The internal validity of dichotomous item scores and polytomous item scores respectively used biserial correlation and product moment correlation. The criteria for an item to be valid or invalid are based on the r-table value. Reliability of combined item consistency for dichotomous item scores and polytomous item scores respectively used KR-20 and Alpha coefficient. The interpretation of the reliability coefficient is a relative interpretation in the sense that there is no absolute limit that indicates what the minimum coefficient number must be achieved so that a measurement can be called reliable. However, the observed test scores provide information on the true scores of individual groups.

Enhancing Village Ranking: Leveraging Cluster Analysis and Machine Learning

The research presented in this paper addresses the critical challenge of ranking Indian villages based on their potential for socio-economic growth, inspired by the objectives of the Shyam Prasad Mukerji Rurban Mission (SPMRM). Leveraging a novel algorithm known as ClusterRank, an extension of the PageRank algorithm, we endeavor to provide a timely, efficient, and accurate solution for village ranking. The ClusterRank algorithm, an extension of the well-known PageRank algorithm, serves as the cornerstone of our approach. It excels in its ability to efficiently and accurately rank villages, outperforming alternative ranking methods. Notably, our findings reveal the superior convergence speed of the ClusterRank algorithm, affirming its capacity to produce rapid results. To assess the efficacy of ClusterRank, we employ a range of statistical ranking coefficients, including the Spearman, Kendall, and Point Biserial correlation coefficients. Our analysis demonstrates a strong positive correlation, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.89, between the rankings generated by ClusterRank and the ground truth rankings provided by SPMRM. This correlation underscores the effectiveness of ClusterRank in identifying villages with high growth potential and highlights its alignment with the objectives of the SPMRM. This research presents a compelling case for the adoption of the ClusterRank algorithm by SPMRM as a valuable tool in the identification of rural areas poised for rurban development. Such adoption not only promises substantial time and resource savings but also directs the focus of SPMRM towards the implementation of targeted interventions and initiatives to uplift rural communities. Moreover, our supplementary analyses using Kendall and Point Biserial correlation coefficients further validate the robustness of the ClusterRank algorithm.