Chi-square Statistics Research Articles

Gestational weight gain during pregnancy is the risk factor for Omicron infection: a retrospective case–control study

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy is associated with Omicron infection in pregnant women.ObjectiveTo investigate whether gestational weight gain during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of Omicron infection.MethodsThis is a retrospective case–control study of pregnant women from The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from December 1 to 31, 2022. Pregnant women infected with Omicron were compared to those uninfected using chi-square statistics for categorical variables and t-tests or ANOVA for continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression, along with subgroup analyses, was used to investigate the association between gestational weight gain during pregnancy and Omicron infection.ResultsOur study included 369 pregnant women who met the eligibility criteria. The proportion of pregnant women in the term, infected and uninfected with Omicron was 113(30.6%) and 256(69.4%). Classified pregnant women according to GWG during pregnancy, GWG during pregnancy above IOM was significantly associated with an increased risk of Omicron infection (P = 0.006). After adjusting for demographic factors and pregnancy complications, this association was particularly notable (OR = 2.55, 95%CI = 1.35–4.85, P = 0.004). Classified pregnant women according to pregestational BMI, in normal-weight pregnant women, GWG during pregnancy above IOM was significantly associated with an increased risk of Omicron infection (P = 0.01). After adjusting for demographic factors and pregnancy complications, this association was particularly notable (OR = 2.56, 95%CI = 1.24–5.31, P = 0.01).ConclusionAmong women with normal weight, gestational weight gain during pregnancy above IOM was an independent risk factor for Omicron infection.

Outcomes Associated With Airway Management of Adult Trauma Patients Admitted to Surgical Intensive Care.

Advanced airway management and ventilation of trauma patients are often needed during acute stabilization and resuscitation and later, in those admitted. In addition to endotracheal intubation for advanced airway management, tracheostomy is commonly used in critically ill patients when prolonged mechanical ventilation is required. However, the outcomes associated with airway management approaches and the timing of a tracheostomy in critically ill patients are mixed. This protocol intended to compare the effect of tracheostomy in major trauma patients vs. management with non-invasive techniques and endotracheal intubation during admission, examine complications and outcomes associated with the three types of airway management approaches, and explore the association of clinical and social determinants of health variables with complications in patients requiring advanced airway management. A total of 911 adult trauma patients admitted to a Level 1 trauma center surgical intensive care unit (SICU) were included in this retrospective, single-center, quantitative study from 2019 to 2021. Descriptive and correlational analyses were used to examine outcomes of ventilator days, length of stay, pneumonia, readmission, mortality, and associations with the airway management approach. The outcomes of ventilator days and length of stay were compared between groups with a one-way ANOVA, and differences between groups on outcomes of pneumonia, readmission, and mortality were estimated using crosstabulations and chi-square (x²) statistics. Hypothesized relationships of clinical and social determinants of health variables associated with outcomes of ventilator days, hospital length of stay, pneumonia, readmission, and mortality in patients requiring advanced airway management ≥ four days were estimated. There was no significant difference in outcomes of pneumonia and mortality between the advanced airway management groups (p=0.856 and p=0.167, respectively). There were significant differences in ventilator days, length of stay (LOS), and readmission. Between the groups: endotracheal intubation only, early (<10 days post-intubation) tracheostomy, and late (>10 days post-intubation) tracheostomy in SICU patients (p <0.001, p=0.028, and p=0.003, respectively). Specifically, patients in the early tracheostomy group had a higher readmission rate (33.3%) as compared to endotracheal tube patients (2.3%) and late tracheostomy patients (0.0%). Social determinants of health variables (smoking and functional dependence) were also significantly correlated with readmission in the early tracheostomy and endotracheal tube airway management groups (p=.047 and p=.022, respectively). Additionally, clinical variables of injury severity scores, ED arrival systolic blood pressure (SBP), and presence of pre-existing comorbidities were found to be significantly associated with complications of pneumonia, readmission, and mortality within the patients (n=229) requiring advanced airway approaches. Adult trauma patients with early tracheostomy airway management may experience a higher readmission rate related to the complexity of their injuries than patients managed with endotracheal intubation or late tracheostomy. Clinical and social determinants of health factors may be associated with complications. Further studies examining these associations in larger samples are needed to examine the validity of these findings.

Perception of Childhood Routine Immunisation among Adults in Selected Communities of Ido Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Aims: Immunisation is one of the medical achievements of the twentieth century; however, some vaccines are receiving less and less support. Increasing people's understanding of vaccination's direct advantages, beyond avoiding infectious diseases, may aid in regaining vaccine acceptance for children two years and below. The study determines the perception of childhood routine immunization among adults in selected communities of Ido Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State. Study Design: Mixed method study design. Methodology: A mixed-method study design that adopted a multi-stage sampling technique to select 417 respondents for the study was used. Two instruments were used for data collection: a questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide. The questionnaire assessed perceived severity and benefits with 36 items each, and scores below &lt; 19 and score ≥ 19 were categorized as low and high for each variable, respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential (Chi-square) statistics at a significance level 0.05. The qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach Results: There were 41(9.8%) men and 376(90.2%) women, totaling 417 adults. The respondents 208 (49.9%) have a Secondary School Certificate, the highest educational qualification among the respondents. Results also revealed that 172(41.3%) of respondents had good knowledge about children's routine vaccinations. About 396(95.0%) had a high severity level of vaccine-preventable diseases. Also, 409(98.1%) had high perceived benefits of immunization uptake. Conclusion: This study showed a high level of perceived benefits of immunization uptake among the respondents. Since respondents perceptions of childhood routine immunization and education level were substantially correlated, the government should encourage and improve maternal education.

Detecting departures from the conditional independence assumption in diagnostic latent class models: a simulation study

BackgroundLatent class models can be used to estimate diagnostic accuracy without a gold standard test. Early studies often assumed independence between tests given the true disease state, however this can lead to biased estimates when there are inter-test dependencies. Residual correlation plots and chi-squared statistics have been commonly utilized to assess the validity of the conditional independence assumption and, when it does not hold, identify which test pairs are conditionally dependent. We aimed to assess the performance of these tools with a simulation study covering a wide range of scenarios.MethodsWe generated data sets from a model with four tests and a dependence between tests 1 and 2 within the diseased group. We varied sample size, prevalence, covariance, sensitivity and specificity, with 504 combinations of these in total, and 1000 data sets for each combination. We fitted the conditional independence model in a Bayesian framework, and reported absolute bias, coverage, and how often the residual correlation plots, G2 and χ2 statistics indicated lack-of-fit globally or for each test pair.ResultsAcross all settings, residual correlation plots, pairwise G2 and χ2 detected the correct correlated pair of tests only 12.1%, 10.3%, and 10.3% of the time, respectively, but incorrectly suggested dependence between tests 3 and 4 64.9%, 49.7%, and 49.5% of the time. We observed some variation in this across parameter settings, with these tools appearing to perform more as intended when tests 3 and 4 were both much more accurate than tests 1 and 2. Residual correlation plots, G2 and χ2 statistics identified a lack of overall fit in 74.3%, 64.5% and 67.5% of models, respectively. The conditional independence model tended to overestimate the sensitivities of the correlated tests (median bias across all scenarios 0.094, 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles -0.003, 0.397) and underestimate prevalence and the specificities of the uncorrelated tests.ConclusionsResidual correlation plots and chi-squared statistics cannot be relied upon to identify which tests are conditionally dependent, and also have relatively low power to detect lack of overall fit. This is important since failure to account for conditional dependence can lead to highly biased parameter estimates.

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Rural Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Study of Patients’ Characteristics in Selected Healthcare Facilities

This study investigated the characteristics and outcomes of drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in selected rural healthcare facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A retrospective review of clinical records from 456 patients, covering the period from January 2018 to December 2020, revealed a statistically significant relationship between DR-TB types and age groups (Chi-square statistic: 30.74, p-value: 0.015). Younger adults (19–35 years) and middle-aged adults (36–50 years) are more frequently affected by RR-TB and MDR-TB, which are the most prevalent forms of DR-TB. Less common types, including Pre-XDR, XDR, and INH TB, were observed in smaller numbers. The study suggests that DR-TB imposes a heavy burden on the working age population. Gender analysis shows that while the frequency of DR-TB differs between males and females, the percentage distribution of DR-TB types is relatively equal. Both genders are predominantly affected by RR-TB and MDR-TB, which together account for nearly 90% of cases. Pre-XDR, XDR, and INH-resistant TB are much less common, comprising only a small percentage of cases in both males and females. High-risk behaviors such as smoking and drinking are linked to a wider diversity of DR-TB types, while occupations like mining and prison work show higher rates of RR-TB and MDR-TB. In HIV-positive individuals, DR-TB is more common, but the distribution of DR-TB types between HIV-positive and negative groups shows no statistically significant difference. However, HIV-positive individuals have a 20% lower survival rate (65%) compared to HIV-negative patients (85%). Financial stability and comorbidities also significantly influence outcomes, with patients having stable income and fewer high-risk comorbidities experiencing better survival and treatment outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to improve DR-TB treatment outcomes in rural Eastern Cape.

Employees’ Internal Factors Leading to Rule-breaking Acts at the Workplace

Introduction: The 2022 National Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Profile in Indonesia shows that the human factor in safety is a factor that influences the risk of workplace accidents. The mining accidents statistical data in Indonesia, in which there was a 100% increase of workplace accidents in 2022, have given this industry an urgency to get a special attention to study risk-taking behavior at the workplace. At the organizational level, PT. XYZ (a mining contractor company in Indonesia) has internally measured its safety maturity level and is currently in calculative level, which indicates that the OHS management system has been implemented but the number of unsafe behaviors and unsafe conditions on site is still high. This paper explores quantitative results from research which aims to obtain an overview of employees’ internal factors leading to rule-breaking acts at the workplace. Methods: This paper uses cross-sectional design research with quantitative approach. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 283 employees of PT. XYZ Site A participated in this study, ranging from managers, supervisors, and workers. Data were collected through a questionnaire with open-ended questions referring to a study from Safe Work Australia and analyzed quantitatively using statistical Chi-Square statistical test. Results: From the results of the Chi-Square test, the independent variables that have a value of Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) below 0.05 (95% CI) and lead to rule-breaking act at workplace are risk-taking behavior acceptance (0.018), normalizing minor accidents (0.002), and decision to take risk (0.000). Conclusion: Employees’ internal factors of risk-taking behavior acceptance, normalizing minor accidents, and decision to take risk have positive and significant effect on rule-breaking acts at the workplace. It is recommended that organizations implement a proper risk management with ALARP principle, safety empowering leadership, and safe behavior trainings to minimize rule-breaking acts at the workplace

Review on Application of Chi-square Statistic in Text Classification in Recent Five Years

Review on Application of Chi-square Statistic in Text Classification in Recent Five Years

Analysis of Cultural Diversity and Employee Effectiveness in India

Objectives: The expansive target of the review is to distinguish the different perspectives and issues of overseeing social variety in projects. The present study is an exploratory investigation to examine the impact of Age, Gender and Income as a determinant of Cultural Diversity as independent variables on Employee Effectiveness as dependent variables in a Cross-Cultural Environment. Methods: Suitable factual devices like Microsoft Succeed and SPSS are utilized to determine the unwavering quality and legitimacy of the poll and to approve the Appraisals for degree of social variety and undertaking execution, Social variety and venture execution and Connection between factors impacting social variety and task execution. The techniques like Descriptive Statistics Chi-square, t-test, and ANOVA (one way/two way) have been used for the data analysis. Results: To figure out the critical drivers of social variety the executives and explore the significance of different issues associated with labor force social variety arrangements and activities. Conclusions: Many people encounter ‘Culture’ in numerous ways. Some defined it as tool for survival; some identified it as a full range of learned human behavior. Researchers defined it as “patterned way of thinking, feeling and reacting.

Fitting the Seven-Parameter Generalized Tempered Stable Distribution to Financial Data

This paper proposes and implements a methodology to fit a seven-parameter Generalized Tempered Stable (GTS) distribution to financial data. The nonexistence of the mathematical expression of the GTS probability density function makes maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE) inadequate for providing parameter estimations. Based on the function characteristic and the fractional Fourier transform (FRFT), we provide a comprehensive approach to circumvent the problem and yield a good parameter estimation of the GTS probability. The methodology was applied to fit two heavy-tailed data (Bitcoin and Ethereum returns) and two peaked data (S&amp;P 500 and SPY ETF returns). For each historical data, the estimation results show that six-parameter estimations are statistically significant except for the local parameter, μ. The goodness of fit was assessed through Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Anderson–Darling, and Pearson’s chi-squared statistics. While the two-parameter geometric Brownian motion (GBM) hypothesis is always rejected, the GTS distribution fits significantly with a very high p-value and outperforms the Kobol, Carr–Geman–Madan–Yor, and bilateral Gamma distributions.

Impedance Analysis of Ultramicroelectrodes for Neural Stimulation

Most neural stimulation techniques rely on macroelectrodes, which generate electric fields that impact neuronal groups rather than specific neurons, often resulting in unintended side effects.1,2 Ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) offer enhanced spatial resolution, holding promise for precise targeting of specific neurons to optimize therapeutic outcomes while mitigating adverse effects. However, ultramicroelectrodes present challenges. For example, delivery of required charge may require current densities that can damage the electrode or adjacent tissue. Impedance measurements of UMEs were conducted and analyzed to understand stimulation currents and potential damage to the electrodes and tissue. The measurement-model technique was used to identify the optimal frequency range for regression analysis, to quantify the stochastic error structure, and to identify inconsistencies with the Kramers-Kronig relations. Understanding of the error structure is vital for interpretation.3 The regressions were weighted using the inverse of the variance for the stochastic error structures, and quality of fits were determined by the weighted chi-square statistic. Process modeling was used to understand and characterize the underlying physical and chemical processes that occur at the electrode-electrolyte interface and electrode-tissue interface during neural stimulation. Constant-phase element (CPE) parameters, Q and alpha, corresponding to the behavior of the electrode-tissue interface, were obtained from this model. In addition, parameters associated with a capacitive loop were identified. Work is in progress to identify the origin of this loop. References (1) Otto, K. J.; Schmidt, C. E. Neuron-Targeted Electrical Modulation. Science. March 20, 2020, pp 1303–1304. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb0216. (2) Orazem, M. E.; Otto, K. J., Alexander, C. L., Electrochemistry in Action-Engineering the Neuronal Response to Electrical Microstimulation. Electrochemical Society Interface 2023, 32 (1), 40–42. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.F06231IF. (3) Orazem, M. E.; Agarwal, P.; Jansen, A. N.; Wojcik, P. T.; Garcia-Rubio, L. H. Development of Physico-Chemical Models for Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. Electrochim Acta 1993, 38 (14), 1903–1911.

Cluster profiles of high school students in cyber bullying, cyber victimization, aggression, and coping

Cyberbullying has become a significant concern, particularly among teenagers, due to the advancement of digital technologies. This study aims to identify the cluster profiles as well as the role of gender, time spent on networking and age on these clusters. This study employed a self-administered survey to investigate cyberbullying among 812 adolescents attending public and private high schools in Selangor, Malaysia. The quantitative data was obtained using validated measures of cyberbullying and cybervictimization scale, coping strategies, and aggression. Data analysis used in this research were two-stage cluster analysis and chi-square statistics. The findings revealed that these teenagers can be categorized into three distinct cluster profiles namely highly cybervictimization, aggressive and depressive; low cyber victimization, aggression, depression and coping; and lower scores in cyber victimization, aggression, depression and higher scores in coping. Unlike previous studies, cluster profiles revealed no substantial correlation with gender. Instead, this study found that cluster patterns were linked to demographic factors, such as age groups. This study also highlights the correlation between cluster profiles and the utilization of social media in the dynamics of cyberbullying. Teens in Cluster 1, who devoted more than four hours per day to social media, experienced the greatest influence of cyberbullying, highlighting the significance of their online environment. This study sheds light on the issue of cyberbullying among Malaysian adolescents and highlights its intricate nature. To foster safer online environments for teenagers in the digital age, educational institutions, parents, and governments can develop specific efforts that identify cluster profiles and demographic factors.

Intimate Partner Violence during the Index Pregnancy and its correlates among a panel of pregnant women in Ethiopia, evidence from performance, and monitoring for action (PMA) 2021 cohort two baseline survey

IntroductionCurrent intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ethiopia is considerably high. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of IPV among a panel of pregnant women during their index pregnancy and identify its correlates using Performance Monitoring for action (PMA) cohort 2 baseline data. Documenting the magnitude of IPV thus far during the index pregnancy and identifying factors affecting it contributes its share for the ministry and relevant developmental partners in tracking progress towards eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030.MethodsWe conducted a further analysis of national level follow up secondary data sets from Performance Monitoring for action Ethiopian (E_PMA). This study used PMA cohort two baseline data which enrolled pregnant and recently postpartum women and collected real time data on various sexual, reproductive, maternal and new born nationwide priority indicators using customized Open Data Kit Mobile application. These data were collected using standard pretested questionnaire prepared in three local languages (Amharic, Afan Oromo and Tigrigna) by well experienced resident enumerators. This study was restricted to 1,796 pregnant women at the enrollment. Frequency was computed to describe the study participant’s characteristics, and chi-square statistics was used to assess cell sample size adequacy. Multilevel binary logistics regression model building process was employed to identify correlates of IPV. Results were presented in the form percentages and odds ratio with 95% Confidence Intervals. Candidate variables were selected using p-value of 0.25. Statistical significance was declared at p-value of 0.05.ResultsOne in six; 16.7% (14.81%, 18.76%) pregnant women have reported experiencing at least one form of physical and/or sexual IPV thus far in their index pregnancy. The prevalence of encountering at least one form of sexual violence was 12.53% (10.91%, 14.35%) while 7% (5.5%, 8.3%) of them experienced at least one form physical intimate partner violence thus far during their index pregnancy. Women perceived risk about contraceptive use ((AOR: 95% CI: 1.66 (1.10, 2.47)), higher birth order ((AOR: 95% CI: 1.88 (1.05, 3.34)), unhappy emotional fertility intention when learned their index pregnancy ((AOR: 95% CI: 1.7 (1.02, 2.84)) and a family size of 4 to 5 ((AOR: 95% CI: 1.87 (1.11. 3.14)) were the fixed effects factors found to increase the odds of IPV significantly and positively. On the contrary, being in the third trimester of gestation at enrollment was another fixed effect variable which contributed for the 44% lower odds ((AOR: 95% CI: 0.56 (0.34, 0.92)) of experiencing IPV thus far in their index pregnancy.ConclusionsThe overall burden of IPV reported was high; with nearly double the percentage of women experiencing sexual violence during the index pregnancy compared to physical IPV. More work needs to be done to achieve zero tolerance against any form of violence among women and girls in general and among pregnant women in particular. Efforts targeted in improving women perception on issue related with their contraceptive use, counseling women on how to prevent IPV during their antenatal care (ANC) visit along with advising the use of inter pregnancy contraception and empowering them to control on their fertility are hoped to mitigate such considerably higher odds of IPV among pregnant women. Further programs and intervention on awareness creation towards the misconception that women held about contraceptive use would contribute much. These activities and efforts need to target younger women. The implication of the findings calls key actors and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Health Minster to design and implement programs on women emotional fertility readiness and empowering them to control over their fertility through diversified contraceptive provision which is critical in combating the reported substantial IPV experience during pregnancy. Creating institutional capacity in the health system through strengthening and expanding one stop centers to provide medical treatment, care, and psychosocial support for victims and survivors could play a pivotal role. In addition, installing rapid referral system and linkage to the legal system could play a vital role. Moreover, working on early marriage and counseling on childbirth; and spaced pregnancy for those young couples is imperative. Further implication of this study was installing contraceptive and violence related preconception care packages in the health system is very critical in the combat against IPV and any form of gender based violence.

Evaluation of Standard Wire Loop Method in Determination of Significant Bacteriuria among Pregnant Women in Ekpoma

Standard wire loop method is a time-tested method for UTI diagnosis. The term "bacteriuria" means the presence of bacteria in urine. It may result from contamination during or after collection of urine or it may indicate the presence of bacteria in the bladder urine. There are several cultural quantitative techniques for determining bacteriuria but standard wire loop method is the most popular method though relatively simple and cheap. This study was carried out to evaluate the standard wire loop method for determination of significant bacteriuria among pregnant women in Ekpoma. A total of one hundred (100) early morning mid-stream urine samples from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ekpoma and environs were collected aseptically using sterile, wide-mouthed, leak-proof universal bottles. Microscopic examination was carried out to detect the presence of pus cells, epithelial cells, red blood cells, yeast cells, crystals, parasites, bacteria and casts. Undiluted urine, 1:10and 1:1000 diluted urine samples were aseptically inoculated into blood agar and MacConkey agar using the Standard Loop method and compared with Miles and Mirsa method, it was incubated at 370C aerobically for 24 hours. After incubation colonies were counted and isolates identified by standard biochemical methods. Colony count of ≥105 CFU per ml were considered as significant growth. In vitro antibiotics susceptibility of bacterial isolates was determined using disc diffusion technique. The data generated was analyzed statistically using the chi-squared statistics to ascertain the significance of the results. Out of 100 urine samples collected 39(39%) samples yielded significant bacterial growth, while 61(61%) of the samples had no significant bacterial growth or no growth with higher prevalence in age group &lt;25 years which is a sexually active group than in other age group ≤35 years which had incidence rate of 12 (25%). Standard loop method gave false positive rates of 4/35 (11.4%) and false negative rates of 4/36 (11.1%). The standard loop was found to have a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 88.9% and identical results in 76.3% of the samples. To reduce bacteriuria and consequently prevent UTIs, it is necessary to take the precautions by doing regular routine check-ups and appropriate treatment. For large scale urine surveys the method chosen should be reasonably accurate, fast and simple to use. The materials required should be minimal, stable and easily transported. It is recommended that the method of choice for most laboratories is the standard loop method.

Chitosan impregnated sugarcane bagasse biochar for removal of anionic dyes from wastewater

Wastewater treatment is of utmost importance in providing all equitable and safe drinking water. In the present study, a chitosan impregnated sugarcane bagasse biochar SCNC biocomposite has been synthesized for the removal of Congo red (CR) dye from an aqueous solution. The SCNC biocomposite was thoroughly characterized through Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) and N2 adsorption isotherm, point of zero charge (pHPZC), elemental analysis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis. Moreover, SCNC biocomposite was further employed to remove CR dye from the aqueous solution in batch mode. The SCNC biocomposite could remove more than 95.0% of CR at an initial concentration of (100mgL− 1), adsorbent dosage (0.05 g), time (200 min), pH ~ 3. The SCNC biocomposite achieved maximum adsorption capacity of 170mgg− 1. The equilibrium adsorption data for CR dye were best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model with R2, 0.999. The kinetic and isotherm were statistically investigated using the chi-square statistic (χ2 ), mean square error (MSE), and the sum of squares error (SSE) Because of the higher correlation coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.999) and lower error functions, the equilibrium CR adsorption isotherms for a single-dye system fit Langmuir and the PSO kinetic model. The thermodynamic studies revealed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of adsorption of CR dye onto SCNC biocomposite. The SCNC biocomposite can be regenerated up to the 5th cycle successfully. The mechanism of CR adsorption onto SCNC was elucidated.

Electronic Resources Adoption by Academic Staff in Public Universities in Tanzania Using the Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract This paper analyzes emerging issues on the use of electronic resources (e-resources) by academic staff in public universities in Tanzania. Notable issues include factors influencing adoption of e-resources by academic staff. A quantitative research design based on a cross-sectional survey of academic staff in four public universities was used. The study was informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with demographic and institutional factors like awareness on ICT policy and regulations added. A sample of 292 academic staff obtained through a combination of stratified and random sampling was used. Cross-tabulations and Chi-Square statistics were used for analysis of association to establish the influence of the factors on adoption. Through TAM, perceived benefits were measured by eagerness for promotion and increase in income. Perceived ease of use was measured by capacity built on ICT use and perception on ICT infrastructure. Awareness was measured by members’ recognition of ICT policy and regulations. The findings show that experience, age, and awareness have a significant correlation with e-resources adoption. Also, the mostly accessed and used e-resources by academic staff are scholarly search engines such as Google Scholar.

Psychometric validation of the French version of two scales measuring general (HLS19-Q12) and navigational (HLS19-NAV) health literacy using the Rasch model

BackgroundTo examine the psychometrics properties of the French version of two scales measuring general (HLS19-Q12) and navigational (HLS19-NAV) health literacy (HL) using validation methods based on modern psychometric test theories: a Rasch model analysis.MethodsThe data on representative samples of the French adult population came from the Health Literacy Survey (N = 2 003), conducted in France in two waves (2020 and 2021), and from the third wave of SLAVACO study (N = 2 022), conducted in December 2021. A Rasch analysis was performed using a partial credit model with marginal maximum likelihood estimation adapted to polytomous data. Category probability curves were used to examine whether participants found it consistently difficult to distinguish between response options. Differential item functioning (DIF) was also examined for each item in the two scales as a function of age, gender, and economic status. A Person Separation Index (PSI) of 0.7 has conventionally been considered to be the minimum acceptable PSI level. Chi-square fit statistics, expressed as infit and outfit mean square statistics, were calculated for each item in the two scales. An acceptable fit corresponded to average values between 0.7 and 1.3. The dimensionality of the scales was assessed using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) on the residual correlation matrix to identify whether items are locally independent. Additionally, Smith’s method was employed to detect potential multidimensionality.ResultsThe PSI values for both scales were greater than 0.90. No disordered categories were observed. No evidence of significant DIF was found when associated with gender and economic status. However, two items for both scales had a DIF which was dependent on age but did not have a significant impact on scale scores between younger and older people. Minor local dependence was noted on the HLS19-NAV scale. However, a PCA and Smith’s method demonstrated the unidimensionality of the French version of the scales measuring general and navigational HL.ConclusionsOur results, based on a rigorous statistical analysis, verified the psychometric parameters of the French version of the HLS19-Q12 and HLS19-NAV scales. Despite strong correlation between both scales, each measured a different latent trait. Moreover, despite the fact that presence of DIF was weak, attention must nonetheless be paid when comparing scale response scores between young and older respondents.

Patterns of handwashing among healthcare workers in APIN Public Health initiatives supported states in Southwest Nigeria

BackgroundEffective hand hygiene is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients. This study aimed to assess handwashing practices among HCWs providing routine HIV care to People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and to compare hand hygiene patterns among clinical and non-clinical health workers in APIN Public Health Initiatives-supported states in Southwest Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs providing routine HIV care to PLHIV in selected healthcare facilities across APIN-supported states (Oyo, Ogun, and Ondo) from January to June 2024. Data on handwashing patterns and compliance factors were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 588 respondents were recruited using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. Descriptive analysis was performed, hand hygiene patterns among clinical and non-clinical health workers were compared, and chi-square statistics determined the associations, with a p-value of < 0.05 considered significant.ResultsThe study found that 56.5% of participants had good awareness of handwashing practices, and 54.6% demonstrated good compliance. Additionally, 65.5% reported washing hands before and after routine activities. Handwashing awareness (60.3%) and compliance (60.5%) rates were highest among clinical professionals. Major barriers to handwashing included inadequate water supply, lack of materials, being too busy, and forgetfulness. Profession was significantly associated with hand hygiene awareness (odds ratio [OR] = 1.504, confidence interval [CI] = 1.075–2.104), while age (OR = 0.613, CI = 0.442–0.851) and profession (OR = 1.888, CI = 1.347–2.645) were significantly associated with compliance.ConclusionThe study highlights suboptimal handwashing practices among healthcare workers, with non-clinical workers demonstrating lower awareness and compliance to hand hygiene standards compared to clinical staff despite working in the same environment. Therefore, future tailored training sessions and interventions should be prioritized for non-clinical health workers.

Integration of flexible corporate demographic policy tools into the personnel management system

Amid staff shortages and rising labour costs, many Russian enterprises are looking for non-material methods to man age personnel. Organizational, labour and socio-psychological aspects of employee incentives are closely linked to the corporate demographic policy tools. The article aims to analyse the demand for flexible working arrangements for employees with family responsibilities, as well as to determine the opportunities for integrating flexible organizational and labour tools of corporate de mographic policy into the personnel management system. Flexibilization theory in the context of corporate demographic policy constitutes the methodological basis of the study. The standard methods of structured personal interviews, frequency analysis with equality of proportions hypothesis test using a chi-square statistic, and comparison of mean values based on the Kruskal Wallis test were applied. The empirical evidence includes collective agreements and local regulations of the largest employers in the Russian Federation, as well as results of a sociological survey conducted in June–September, 2023 (the analyzed sample cov ered 2,804 respondents). The study statistically proves that employees working flexible hours are more satisfied with their job and life compared to those with rigid schedules. It also shows that flexible working arrangements are in demand among employees with parental commitments. The paper presents a model and an algorithm for integrating flexible organizational and labour tools of corporate demographic policy into the personnel management system. We develop a list of HR metrics and identify potential positive implications of this integration through strengthening the HR brand, increasing employee loyalty and engagement, and reducing staff turnover.

Clinical phenotypes of sarcoidosis using cluster analysis: a Spanish population-based cohort study.

Sarcoidosis is a clinically heterogenous disease. The objective of this study is the identification of clinical phenotypes using cluster analysis. A model-based clustering relaying on 19 clinical variables was performed in a retrospective cohort of 342 sarcoidosis patients, diagnosed and followed-up from 1999 to 2019 in a tertiary hospital at Northern Spain. Chi-square test and ANOVA were used to compare categorical and continuous variables among groups. Two-sample t-tests and the partition of Pearson's chi-square statistic were used in pairwise comparisons. The Wasfi severity score was calculated and compared among clusters. Cluster analysis identified five groups: C1 (16.1%), C2 (14.3%), C3 (24.3%), C4 (5.0%), and C5 (40.4%). Lung involvement was predominant, ranging from 55.1% (C2) to 100% (C1 and C4). Extrapulmonary involvement was significantly higher in C2 (96.4%) and C3 (98.0%). A significant lower FEV1 percent predicted was detected in C5 (90.5±21.8) versus C1 (102.0±22.9), C3 (102.3±17.6) and C4 (105.8±20.8). The cluster 5 had a lower FVC percent predicted (96.6±18.9) than others, ranging from 108.1±18.0 (C3) to 111.5±21.7 (C4). The prescription of systemic glucocorticoids and non-corticosteroid immunosuppressants was higher in the clusters 1, 3 and 5. Chronicity rates were higher in C3 (31.3%) and C5 (32.6%) compared to C1 (9.1%) and C4 (0%), as well as the Wasfi severity score values. Five phenotypes with different clinical and prognostic characteristics are proposed in our study. Cluster analysis can be a useful tool for identifying clinical patterns in a disease as heterogeneous as sarcoidosis and optimising its management.

Investigating climate change adaptation strategies among informal residents in Kumasi through the lenses of the social action and social control theories

The urban poor in informal settlements in Ghana remain exposed and vulnerable to climate-induced hazards. Their exclusion from official adaptation interventions, undeniably, calls for social mechanisms to enable them to adapt to climate change hazards such as heatwaves and floods. Individuals may contribute to exacerbating climate-induced hazards or employ adaptation measures as a common practice or due to their connectedness to a group, as hypothesised by the social action and social control theories, respectively. There is, however, no known study on the empirical and theoretical contributions of these theories to influencing climate change adaptation efforts in urban Africa. At best, studies have looked at the importance of individual and community skills, and assets to adapting to climate change hazards. The study is underpinned by the social action and social control theories to explore how elements of the theories shape hazard reduction and adaptation efforts. 367 household interviews and, four focus group discussions were conducted in two of Kumasi's largest informal settlements – Aboabo and Asawase – in addition to seven relevant agency interviews. We found that most households employed several adaptation measures because they saw other residents do the same which was confirmed by the Chi-square test statistic (χ2 = 4.968, p < 0.000) and as hypothesised by the social action theory. Similarly, as hypothesised by the social control theory, we also found differences in the adaptation measures employed by households belonging to identified environment-related groups (χ2 = 21.465, p < 0.001). This was largely because among other activities, the education and training exercises undertaken by the groups influenced the knowledge levels of members about climate change hazards and adaptation measures. The groups offer emotional, monetary, material, and practical support to cope within the short-term; first to the members, and the general residents, who are affected by disasters. Generally, adopted measures to reduce adverse impacts and build adaptation were unsustainable. This study is among few studies that demonstrate the contribution of the social action and social control theories to managing and adapting to climate change and its associated impacts in African cities.