Chi-square Goodness Of Fit Test Research Articles

Evaluation of the Implementation of Low-Low Hospital Beds With Respect to Fall Frequency and Patient Harms: ARetrospective Analysis.

To identify whether the introduction of low-low hospital beds resulted in changes in the incidence, associated patient harms and event characteristics of bed-related falls where implemented. This retrospective quality improvement study covered 36 months: 18 months pre-intervention and 18 months post-intervention. Our analysis incorporated patient fall data from a hospital in upstate New York. Pre-/post-intervention data covered 18 months on either side of introduction at the units of implementation. Data were sourced from contemporaneously recorded incident reports and the organisation's business intelligence records. Analysis addressed the incidence rate, frequency, patient harm classification and recurrence of bed-related falls, as well as Morse Fall Scale risk classification, patient age, gender and other individualised risk factors. Lastly, we reviewed the presence of individualised interventions, staff assistance during the event, patient census and staffing ratios. Chi-square goodness of fit tests were employed to compare the distribution, and Brunner-Munzel tests the stochastic equality, of the pre- and post-implementation categorical and continuous data. There were no significant differences in the incidence rate of bed-related falls, patient harms or in the need for medical intervention following implementation of the low-low hospital beds. Neither were there any significant differences in the proportion of events resulting in detectable harm or the need for medical intervention post-implementation. The total number of bed-involved falls substantively increased following implementation of the low-low beds, as did the number of events resulting in detectable harms and medical intervention. Among these, substantive increases were noted among events resulting in minor temporary harm and patients referred for diagnostic imaging. The number of events involved patients experiencing recurrent falls of any kind increased significantly post-implementation. We found that the introduction of low-low hospital beds preceded no change in the incidence of bed-related falls, associated patient harms or the need for post-event medical intervention where implemented. While data limitations precluded definitive determination with respect to certain event characteristics, several post-implementation changes, including substantive increases in the number of falls occurring during ingress and egress, may suggest a potential for relationship worthy of future study. Low-low hospital beds are purported to help reduce the occurrence and severity of bed-related falls, both serious problems in inpatient settings. This study describes null outcomes following an implementation of such beds, with implications for adoption in similar settings. We adhered to the relevant Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research guidelines, specifically following the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence standards. No patient or public involvement in the design or conduct of the study. Nurses and medical staff were involved in intervention implementation, data collection and the conception, design and conduct of the study.

Acceptability, engagement, and preliminary efficacy of a college human physiology course with integrated mindfulness practice to support student wellbeing.

To evaluate the acceptability of and engagement with an undergraduate human physiology course embedded with mindfulness practice. To assess its preliminary efficacy on student mindfulness and wellbeing. Students (N = 36, 17% freshman, 33% sophomore, 22% junior, and 28% senior) answered online surveys at course completion. Primary outcomes were course ratings, assignment and assessment completion rates, minutes, types of mindfulness practice, changes in trait mindfulness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS), and self-reported wellbeing outcomes. We ran Chi-square goodness of fit tests and paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to decide if the outcomes differed significantly post-class. We tested the dose-response relation between mindfulness practice time and trait mindfulness and whether the out-of-class practice time was consistent across the weeks with generalized linear mixed-effect models. All participants reported finding the course enjoyable and that they would recommend it to their friends. They practiced for an average of 66 (SD = 27) min per week in the class and 112 (SD = 59) min on their own. The most common out-of-class practices were mindful movements, sitting meditation, and breathing. Per self-reports, the course increased student understanding of specific mindfulness practices and appreciation for their body. It improved wellbeing and trait mindfulness (MAAS mean within-person change = 1.2, SD = 0.8, p < 0.00001). We found no does-response relation between practice time and trait mindfulness. This pilot study supports that incorporating mindfulness practice into college-level courses may promote student wellbeing and such approaches warrant further investigation.

The Hotel Architectural Design Factors Influencing Consumer Destinations: A Case Study of Three-Star Hotels in Hua Hin, Thailand

This study employs a mixed-methods research design to explore the architectural design and service factors influencing consumer choices in three-star hotels in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Initial data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 60 architects, designers, and marketing experts to identify key factors. These factors were then used to conduct in-depth interviews with 70 Thai consumers and tourists. The qualitative data from both groups were analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify significant themes, while the quantitative data were assessed using chi-square goodness of fit tests to evaluate the significance of the identified factors. Findings indicate that aesthetic appeal, physical comfort, emotional comfort, and security and sensibility are critical in influencing hotel choice. These results provide valuable insights for hotel owners, designers, and marketers, emphasizing the importance of aligning hotel design and service offerings with consumer preferences. These factors will help create positive impressions, enhance satisfaction, and influence consumers’ decisions to choose and utilize hotel services.

Poster 344: The New "Terrible Triad": Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Concurrent Meniscal Lateral Root and Medial Ramp Repairs

Objectives: The purpose of this paper was to compare patient reported outcomes (PROMs) between isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACLR) and ACLR with concomitant medial meniscus ramp and lateral meniscus root repairs and compare PROMs between different medial meniscus ramp and lateral meniscus root repair techniques. Methods: All patients with isolated (ISO) ACL reconstruction or ACL reconstruction with concomitant medial meniscus ramp and lateral meniscus root repairs with a minimum 2 years of follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study. A final total of 42 ISO-ACL patients were matched based upon age, sex, and body mass index to 40 in the “terrible triad” (TT) cohorts. Outcome measures were obtained from 32 patients in the ISO cohort, and 38 patients in the TT cohort. The PROMs used for this study include the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee, Cincinnati, Tegner, Lysholm, Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) questionnaire forms. T tests and chi-square goodness of fit tests were used to compare the above PROMs both pre- and postoperatively within each cohort, and between cohorts and rates of revision or reoperation. Results: The preoperative and postoperative PROMs between patients in the isolated cohort and the triad cohort demonstrated no significant differences, except for the Physical category of the VR-12, in which the triad cohort had significantly higher results (p = 0.04) (Figure 1). Both the isolated cohort and the triad cohort reported significant differences between pre- and postoperative PROMs within their own cohorts. When comparing methods of surgery, including all-inside vs. inside-out for the medial meniscus repairs and tunnel versus no-tunnel for the lateral meniscus root repairs, no significant differences were found between postoperative PROMs. Additionally, no significant difference was found in revision or reoperative rates between the triad and isolated cohorts (p = 0.374) (Figure 2), the all-inside versus inside-out medial meniscus cohorts (p = 0.267), or the tunnel vs. no-tunnel lateral meniscus cohorts (p = 0.781). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in PROMs between isolated ACLR versus ACLR with concomitant medial meniscus ramp and lateral meniscus root repairs. While the complexity of the TT ACLR patients was more involved, PROMs and healing rates were similar and performing concurrent medial ramp and lateral root repairs at the time of ACLR should be considered.

Double malnutrition and associated factors in a middle-aged and older, rural South African population

IntroductionDouble malnutrition (co-existing overnutrition and undernutrition) is increasingly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to rapid epidemiological and nutritional transitions. In this region, studies of double malnutrition have largely been conducted at country and household level, with individual-level studies primarily limited to children and women of reproductive age. We investigated the prevalence and determinants of individual-level double malnutrition in middle-aged and older adults who constitute an increasing proportion of the sub-Saharan African population.Methods250 individuals aged 40–70 years (50% women) and resident in the Agincourt Health and socio-Demographic Surveillance System in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa, were randomly selected. Double malnutrition was defined as overweight/obesity and anaemia only, overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency, or overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency (anaemia and/or iodine insufficiency). The Chi-squared goodness of fit test was used to compare the expected and observed numbers of individuals with the type of double malnutrition. Logistic regression was used to investigate determinants of each type of double malnutrition.ResultsDouble malnutrition was present in 22–36% of participants, depending on the definition used. All types of double malnutrition were more common in women than in men (overweight/obesity and anaemia: 34% vs. 10.2%, p < 0.01; overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency: 32% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.01 and overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency: 50.5% vs. 20.4%, p < 0.01). There were no differences between the overall expected and observed numbers of individuals with combinations of overweight and micronutrient deficiencies [overweight/obesity and anaemia (p = 0.28), overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency (p = 0.27) or overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency (p = 0.99)]. In models adjusted for socio-demographic factors, HIV and antiretroviral drug status, and food security or dietary diversity, men were 84–85% less likely than women to have overweight/obesity and anaemia, 65% less likely to have overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency and 74% less likely to have overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency.ConclusionsIndividual-level double malnutrition is prevalent in middle-aged and older adults in a rural sub-Saharan African community. Interventions to improve nutrition in similar settings should target individuals throughout the life course and a focus on women may be warranted.

Confirmation and inheritance of glufosinate resistance in an Amaranthus palmeri population from North Carolina.

A putative glufosinate-resistant Amaranthus palmeri population was reported in 2015 in Anson County, North Carolina. The results from dose-response assays conducted in the field suggested plants were surviving lethal rates of glufosinate. Dose-response assays conducted in the glasshouse determined the Anson County accession exhibited reduced susceptibility to glufosinate compared to three glufosinate-susceptible populations. The LD50 values (210-316 g ai ha-1) for the Anson County population were always higher than the LD50 values (118-158 g ai ha-1) for the tested susceptible populations from the dose-response assays. Anson County plants that survived lethal glufosinate rates were reciprocally crossed with susceptible plants to create F1 genotypes and treated with a lethal rate of glufosinate (267 g ai ha-1; ascertained from glasshouse dose-response assay) to determine the distribution of injury and survival for each cross compared to a cross of susceptible parents. The distribution of injury was non-normal for the crosses containing an Anson County plant compared to the cross with a susceptible parent. Survival was 68%-84% for crosses containing an Anson County plant, whereas the survival was significantly reduced to 35% for the susceptible plant cross. Chi-square goodness of fit tests were used to test inheritance models to describe the responses of the genotypes. The resistant × susceptible crosses were best described with a heterozygous two loci with incomplete dominance model compared to the resistant × resistant cross that was best described with a heterozygous single locus with incomplete dominance model. The Anson County population has evolved resistance to glufosinate that is heritable and likely conferred by an oligogenic mechanism with incomplete dominance.

Assessing general hospital doctors’ attitudes toward psychiatric care in multicultural settings

ObjectivePsychiatric care in general hospitals depends on collaboration with non-psychiatrist doctors. The Doctors’ Attitudes toward Collaborative Care for Mental Health (DACC-MH) is a two-factor scale designed to address this issue and validated in the UK in 2010. However, its applicability in contemporary, culturally diverse settings is unknown and therefore this study was aimed at determining its validity and consistency using data from our 2021 international study. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were used, comparing results from our 2021 study (n = 889) with those from the 2010 UK study (n = 225).ResultsThe DACC-MH consultation subscale, but not the management subscale, aligned with data from our larger, international study. The 2-factor model failed the Chi-square goodness of fit test (χ2(19) = 53.9, p < 0.001) but had acceptable other fit indices. While the previously identified attitudinal difference between physicians and surgeons was replicated, measurement invariance for this result could not be established. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a 6-factor model, contrasting with the 2-factor model proposed in 2010 for the UK sample. The DACC-MH scale shows significant limitations when applied to a larger, international dataset. Cultural and generational differences in doctors’ attitudes appear relevant and should be considered in assessing barriers to psychiatric care in general hospitals.

The impact of three learning methods on dental students' satisfaction and knowledge acquisition.

Health professionals' education presents unique challenges including clinical application of knowledge and interprofessional collaboration. Additionally, institutions suffer from faculty shortages while class sizes increase. Therefore, educators seek innovative andragogical techniques utilizing minimal resources. Several active learning methods have been introduced as a solution. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of lecture (LBL), case (CBL), and team (TBL) based learning on the students' satisfaction and knowledge attainment. A total of 134 sophomore dental students are taught pediatric dentistry course using LBL, CBL, and TBL techniques. At the end of the course, students are invited to participate in a satisfaction survey. Statistical analysis is conducted using a two-sided chi-square goodness of fit test. Students' comments are used for qualitative analysis. Final exam analysis is administered via Examsoft software. A total of 98% of the students participated in the survey out of which 83% met the inclusion criteria (N=110). Students chose LBL as the method that helped them learn in a comprehensive way, provided the most comfortable environment, and presented the overall highest satisfaction with statistically significant difference (p value=0.001). LBL questions scored the highest point biserial and discrimination index. The percentage of correct answers and difficulty level was highest for TBL. Students preferred LBL over the other learning methods. Final exam psychometrics showed favorable results for LBL and TBL. Students could potentially benefit from combining both techniques. However, more research is needed to assess the effectiveness of various teaching methods on the short- and long-term learning outcomes.

Feasibility and practicality of a simulated placement: an exploratory pilot of a novel training method for postgraduate psychology students in the wake of COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective In 2020, COVID-19 caused a drastic interruption to face-to-face postgraduate psychology placements in Australia, prompting the development of a simulated placement. This pilot project represents a preliminary evaluation of the program by exploring the feasibility of a simulated placement as a novel training modality for competence development in postgraduate psychology training. Method Students enrolled in a simulated postgraduate psychology placement in 2021 completed an online survey at the end of the placement. Acceptability, perceived competency and experience of the placement were assessed. Chi-square goodness of fit tests were used to evaluate the difference between rates of completion and the length of time it took to complete placement requirements between students enrolled in face-to-face placements in 2019 and 2020, and the simulated placement in 2021. Results The results showed an increase in proportion of students who completed the simulated placement than previous face-to-face placements and that students were able to complete training and meet competence in shorter time frames. Students reported increased psychological competency and confidence to practice at the completion of the simulated placement. Conclusions A simulated psychology placement is a novel teaching modality that may be feasible in the development of perceived psychological competence and confidence in postgraduate psychology students.

Oncotype DX in Breast Cancer Management: Insights and Outcomes From the United Arab Emirates.

Introduction Breast cancer remains the most significant cancer affecting women worldwide, with an increasing incidence, especially in developing regions. The introduction of genomic tests like Oncotype DX has revolutionized personalized treatment, allowing for more tailored approaches to therapy. This study focuses on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, aiming to assess the predictive accuracy of the Oncotype DX test in categorizing patients based on recurrence risk. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 95 breast cancer patients diagnosed at Tawam Hospital between 2013 and 2017 who underwent Oncotype DX testing. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment details, and Oncotype DX scores were collected. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the chi-square goodness of fit test assessing the model's adequacy. Results The cohort's age range was 27-71 years, with a mean age of 50, indicating a significant concentration of cases in the early post-menopausal period. The Oncotype DX analysis classified 55 patients (57.9%) as low risk, 29 (30.5%) as medium risk, and 11 (11.6%) as high risk of recurrence. The majority, 73 patients (76.8%), did not receive chemotherapy, highlighting the test's impact on treatment decisions. The survival analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in recurrence rates across the Oncotype DX risk categories (p = 0.268231). Conclusion The Oncotype DX test provides a valuable genomic approach to categorizing breast cancer patients by recurrence risk in the UAE. While the test influences treatment decisions, particularly the use of chemotherapy, this study did not find a significant correlation between Oncotype DX risk categories and actual recurrence events. These findings underscore the need for further research to optimize the use of genomic testing in the UAE's diverse patient population and enhance personalized treatment strategies in breast cancer management.

Knowledge and perceptions regarding pulmonary rehabilitation amongst Ecuadorian physicians following COVID-19 outbreak.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is already an established technique for patients with chronic respiratory disease, aimed at improving breathlessness, exercise capacity, health status, and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions about pulmonary rehabilitation post-COVID-19 infection among Ecuadorian physicians. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey-based study using a 27-item questionnaire to assess the knowledge about specific topics related to pulmonary rehabilitation. The sample comprised Ecuadorian physicians who were currently enrolled to an active medical practice that included care to COVID-19 patients. Descriptive statistics were applied for demographic variables of interest. A chi-square goodness of fit test was used to determine whether the observed frequencies of each of the answers per query were within or outside of the expected frequencies by chance. In total, 295 participants answered the survey, out of which 57.3% were general practitioners. Most agreed that COVID-19 infected patients must be followed-up with some measurement of respiratory function (81.4%, p=0.000), but only 18.3% (n=54, p=0.000) were aware of specific guidelines related to rehabilitation. 93.6% (n=276, p=0.000) considered that pulmonary rehabilitation provides a benefit, of any kind, to patients with past COVID-19 infection. Most physicians considered pulmonary rehabilitation beneficial following COVID-19. However, there is uncertainty on how to adequately follow up patients, complementary tests, and specific guidelines outlining rehabilitative interventions.

Language impairments in seropositive and seronegative autoimmune encephalitis

Background and objectiveAutoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a rare neuroinflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. To examine language functions in patients with different subsets of AE consisting of seropositive and seronegative groups.MethodsFifty-two patients were recruited from neurology departments in Melbourne, Australia, who met clinical criteria for possible AE. Language tests include the Naming Test from the Sydney Language Battery (SydBat), the semantic fluency trial from the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), and the Vocabulary and Similarities subtests of the Weschler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence–Second Edition. The results were standardised with normative data.ResultsThe mean age of our cohort was 52.5 years old, with the average time from hospital admission to recruitment being 38.41 months. At an aggregate level, none of the mean language test z-scores were below normative data. At the patient level, impairment rates were 18.37% for COWAT (animals), 28.57% for SydBat (naming), 4.65% for Similarities, and 4.55% for Vocabulary. Chi-squared goodness of fit tests indicated that observed performances were significantly below expected performances for the SydBat (naming) test (p < 0.0001) and COWAT (animals) (p = 0.004).DiscussionWhile, on average, language functions were within normal limits in patients with AE, but a subgroup exhibited lower performance in semantic fluency and visual confrontation naming, with impairment rates below expected norms. To advance understanding of language in chronic AE patients, exploring the impact of seizure burden, antiseizure medication use, and the relationship of language functions with other cognitive functions is crucial.

Optimizing aeration efficiency and forecasting dissolved oxygen in brackish water aquaculture: Insights from paddle wheel aerator

BackgroundAquaculture relies significantly on effective aeration systems to ensure optimal conditions for aquatic organisms. This 96-day study investigates the dynamic relationship between Oxygen Transfer Rates (OTR) and seasonal variations, with a specific focus on the impact of seasonal dynamics and the placement of paddle wheel aerators. The study recognizes the pivotal role of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) as key water quality parameters influencing aeration efficiency. MethodologyA series of water circulation experiments were conducted at regular intervals to assess mixing rates, revealing a nuanced trajectory ranging from 27.05 to 14.22 m³/kWh. The study scrutinized the influence of TDS and TSS on these rates. Additionally, water velocity variations, ranging from 0.45 to 1.67 m/s, were examined, highlighting density-dependent changes, particularly evident post four weeks of operation. Oxygen stratification analysis provided insights into deviations in Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations, with particular attention to climatic aberrations. Rigorous statistical analyses, including chi-squared, Pearson correlation, Gaussian distribution checks, and student's t-tests, validated the methodological robustness and data reliability. Significant findingsEmploying a Seasonal Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model, the study achieved a remarkable 97 % accuracy in forecasting DO levels for the subsequent 96 days. Real-time validation, complemented by a Chi-square goodness of fit test, reaffirmed the model's reliability, establishing congruence between observed and forecasted values. This research underscores the critical roles of strategic aerator placement and seasonal considerations in optimizing pond aeration efficiency, providing substantive insights for the sustainable management of aquaculture ecosystems.

Comparing student-centered learning in a video-based app to the grammar-translation method in an EFL class

A number of learning applications have been developed as a result of technological advancement in the active multidisciplinary field of research linguistics, along with education (Shadiev & Liu, 2023). One such app is Soqqle, a learning program created for mobile device-based video coursework that allows for constructivist learning. This study aims to show whether using the Soqqle method improves the English production and comprehension performance of A2 level EFL Spanish students, as this sort of technology is uncommon in EFL Spanish classrooms. A sample of 76 high school students participated in this study in the Catalan region of Spain. The participants were distributed into three groups: a control group and two experimental groups. While the control group only received instruction using the grammar-translation method, both experimental groups were coached on how to use the Soqqle application for video storytelling and content-based learning. The first treatment group used the Soqqle app, and the second experimental group received instruction through the grammar-translation method, and they also used Soqqle. A prequestionnaire, pretest, posttest, and postquestionnaire were used to collect the data, and an analysis of the data was conducted using a repeated measures ANOVA and chi-square goodness of fit tests. The results revealed that all three groups had improved following the instruction period, and the methods of instruction were equally effective contrary to the assumption of the alternative hypothesis. Additionally, the findings have shown that using Soqqle increases motivation at the same rate as the other methods employed in this study due to the dynamics between the teacher and the students, putting an emphasis on the quality of the instructor over the quality of the type of instruction.

The Relative-Age Effect in Male Japanese Football: A CrossSectional Analysis from Youth to Senior Competitive Level

The objective of this study was to examine the magnitude and persistence of the Relative-Age Effect (RAE) in competitive Japanese youth and senior football. A cross-sectional analysis of birthdate distributions of Japanese male youth academy football players (n= 4,488) from the U12 (n=268), U13 (n=481), U14 (n=464), U15 (n=483), U18 (n=1059) and professional players (n=1733) in the 2022 season was conducted. Chi-square goodness of fit tests and Cramer’s V tests were carried out to reveal the incidence and effect size of the RAE across the age categories. A significant RAE (P&lt; .001) was found. It became more pronounced with age, peaking in the U18 age group (Cramer's V= 0.436; Q1/Q4 OR 6.04) before declining in senior professional players (Cramer's V= 0.204; Q1/Q4 OR=2.23). The organisation of youth competition in Japan, with a transition from annual age groups up to U15 to the U18 age group representing three years (U16, U17, and U18) appears to increase the selection bias towards early born players to the detriment of those born later in the age group. However, the transition to senior football saw, compared with the U18 proportions, a reduced proportion of Q1 players, a very similar proportion of Q2 players and increased proportions of Q3 and particularly Q4. The clear implication is that a Q3 and Q4 youth player represents a better prospect for senior professional football than Q1 or Q2 and Q2 than Q1.

Knowledge and Awareness of Various Physical Restraints and Protective Stabilisation Methods: Parent’s Perception towards their Use in Children: A Multimedia Pre- and Post-test Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: Physical restraints are often a debatable and misunderstood aspect of dental healthcare practice. They are frequently used in dental care settings to immobilise children and reduce the risk of injury during procedures. It is essential to assess parents' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards physical restraints and provide accurate information about them. This is important to ensure that they are used appropriately and ethically. Aim: To assess parents’ knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards physical restraints in dental care settings before and after a multimedia intervention, and to provide precise information about the same. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India using a pretest and post-test quasi-experimental study design on 400 parents whose children were between 3 and 16 years of age. The survey was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023. The data collection methods used in the present study consisted of a pre-education questionnaire and a post-education questionnaire administered after a multimedia educational intervention. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis, including measures such as mean, Standard Deviation (SD), Chi-square goodness of fit test, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: When questioned about various stabilisation methods like direct and indirect methods, 379 (94.8%) of the study parents were unaware of them. However, after education, the majority of parents, 393 (98.3%), became aware that there were two types of stabilisation methods. Initially, 294 (73.5%) of parents refused to provide permission for doctors to treat their children using various stabilisation techniques. However, after being thoroughly educated about the various methods and their benefits, 383 (95.8%) agreed to let the dentist employ different stabilisation techniques when treating their children. This assurance helped alleviate concerns about potential harm to the child caused by using these stabilisation methods. Conclusion: The study suggests that there is a significant knowledge gap among parents. However, the implementation of multimedia educational intervention methods during dental visits by dentists played a crucial role in increasing their knowledge and resulted in a significant improvement in their attitude towards stabilisation methods.

Application of Multivariate Logistic Regression and Decision Trees to Assess Factors Influencing Prevalence of Abortion and Stillbirth in Yankasa sheep

AbstractThis study was carried out to assess factors influencing prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in Yankasa sheep using multivariate logistic regression and decision trees. 191 kidding records of Ewes from a total of 50 traditional Yankasa sheep herders within Nasarawa South agro-ecological zone from the year 2020-2021 were utilized in the study. Sampling was restricted to only farmers that were able to give information on Lamb, Ram and Ewe identification as well as occurrence of abortion, stillbirth (defined as a kid born dead or dying within 24 hours after birth), kidding date or period, parity and number of foetuses. Three seasons of abortion or stillbirth were generated according to the month of the year: rainy season (from May to October), dry season (from February to April) and harmattan season (from November to January). The logit of the probability of an abortion or stillbirth was modelled using logistic regression assuming an asymptotic binomial distribution. The Chi-square goodness of fit test was performed to check if the multivariate logistic model fitted the data well (P&gt;0.05). Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) algorithm was also employed to model incidence of abortion or stillbirth. The chi-square analysis revealed that parity did not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affect the incidence of abortion. However, season of the year significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected prevalence of abortion, which was higher in the harmattan (38.5%) compared to the rainy (11.5%) and dry season (16.5%), respectively. Parity and season of the year did not affect significantly (P&gt;0.05) the prevalence of stillbirth. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that season affected significantly (P&lt;0.05) the prevalence of abortion, especially in the harmattan period with a high odds ratio (4.539). This was also confirmed by the result of the CHAID analysis. The present information could be exploited in management practices to reduce to the incidence of abortion in order to improve the production level of the sheep farmers.

Bilateral breast cancer and the influence of body mass index in clinicopathological features and overall survival.

Breast cancer (BC) and obesity are two closely associated pathologies with increasing incidence and mortality rates. Bilateral Breast Cancer (BBC) displays a low incidence rate within BC and obesity represents a major risk factor. The aim of this study is to analyzed BBC clinicopathological features distribution and determine the potential influence of obesity in BBC in these same features and overall survival. Clinicopathological information was obtained from 42 cases of women with BBC diagnosed in IPO-Porto. To evaluate the frequency distribution of the clinicopathological data, a chi-square goodness of fit test was performed for BBC cases. A chi-square test of independence was applied for BMI stratification. Cox regression was performed for overall survival. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. Distribution of BBC clinicopathological features was found to be statistically significant in family history (p-value < 0.001), BBC type (p-value < 0.001), stage (p-value = 0.005), differentiation grade (p-value < 0.001), receptor expression (p-value < 0.001) and histological type (p-value = 0.031). In comparison to the statistical expected results, we observed an increased cases of absence of family history and less cases of metachronous BBC. Histological types between tumours of BBC were mostly concordant. All cases presented concordant receptor expression. Analysis stratified by BMI revealed that obese women were diagnosed later, although without statistical significance. All obese women presented poor differentiation grade (n =6). Overweight patients display a tendency to a better overall survival with lower tumour stages and lower differentiation grades. Our results reveal the same receptor expression between contralateral tumours. Also, most tumours share the same histological type. When stratified by BMI, we observed a tendency for overweight women to have improved overall survival.

A mixed-method approach to examining the experiences of allied health clinicians and managers of the performance, appraisal and development framework in a regional health care service.

Evaluating employee performance is important for organisational success however, limited research exists across the allied health workforce. This study investigated allied health clinician and manager experiences and perceptions of the appropriateness of the performance and development (PAD) framework. A mixed methods design with purposive sampling was conducted in a medium size hospital and health service in regional Queensland to investigate the appropriateness of the PAD framework. A 29 item online survey collected likert scale and open ended responses. Identified respondents also completed a semi-structured interview. Aggregated satisfaction scores identifying PAD alignment, processes, education, resources and perceptions were analysed to identify organisational PAD appropriateness. Themes from interviews provided concurrent experiential data. Eighty-five respondents completed the online survey and 20 interviews were conducted. A Chi-Square Goodness of Fit test revealed a significant (p < 0.05) clinician (n = 75) response of moderate dissatisfaction (36%) for the PAD framework, while managers (n = 10) were neither dissatisfied nor satisfied (50%) or moderately satisfied (40%). Clinician aggregated agreement responses were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for PAD alignment (45%), processes (63%), education (49%) and lower for feedback (33%) and resources (28%). Manager aggregated agreement responses were high for PAD alignment (85%), processes (55%), education (57%), feedback (65%) and perceptions (50%). Interviews (n = 20) revealed three themes: uncertainty around PAD framework; expectations for experienced leadership and importance of discipline specific knowledge. This study draws on both clinician and manager input to assess the overall PAD framework with responses favouring clinician dissatisfaction to the current process. The PAD framework is valuable for staff development when there is positive rapport and discipline alignment between both clinician and manager. Successful staff appraisals require efficient and appropriate documentation that promotes individual development, clinical performance and organisational priorities.

Nonadherence to Immunosuppressants Among Transplant Recipients: Emotional Intelligence as a Predictive Factor During COVID-19 Pandemic.

To evaluate the association between emotional intelligence and fear of COVID-19 on self-reported adherence, based on a cross-sectional design. Transplants recipient of both sexes aged 23-75 years old were evaluated at the Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Italy. Data were analyzed using frequency, descriptives, Spearman and Pearson correlations, Chi-square goodness of fit test, and linear regression. Self-reported adherence was estimated with the Basel Assessment of Adherence with Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS). Emotional intelligence and fear of COVID were, respectively, measured with the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) and Multidimensional Assessment of COVID-19 Related Fears Scale (MAC-RF). This was a cross-sectional study of kidney transplant recipients. In reporting this study the authors followed the STROBE guidelines. A correlation was found between EIS and MAC and between EIS and adherence but there was no correlation between MAC and adherence. A linear regression model was also conducted using a stepwise method, which indicated that EIS was a significant predictor of adherence (p <0.05). This study was found that EIS is a predictor of adherence to treatment in transplant patients. Fear of COVID, while positively correlated to EIS, is not correlated to the adherence's outcome, possibly due to the proper follow-up performed to the patients. Indeed, according to these results, we suggest to provide good follow-ups with recipients, with interviews also based on self-regulation and awareness.