Count Values Research Articles

Liver fibrosis detected by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and its functional correlates in Fontan patients.

The evaluation of Fontan-associated liver disease is often challenging. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging can detect hepatic fibrosis from capillary perfusion and diffusion abnormalities from extracellular matrix accumulation. This study investigated its role in the evaluation of liver disease in Fontan patients and explored possible diagnostic methods for early detection of advanced liver fibrosis. Stable adult Fontan patients who could safely be examined with magnetic resonance imaging were enrolled, and blood biomarkers, transient elastography were also examined. Forty-six patients received diffusion-weighted imaging; and 58.7% were diagnosed with advanced liver fibrosis (severe liver fibrosis, 37.0%, and cirrhosis 21.7%). Two parameters of hepatic dysfunction, platelet counts (Spearman's ρ: -0.456, P = 0.001) and cholesterol levels (Spearman's ρ: -0.383, P = 0.009), decreased with increasing severity of fibrosis. Using transient elastography, a cut-off value of 14.2 kPa predicted the presence of advanced liver fibrosis, but with a low positive predictive value. When we included platelet count, cholesterol, post-Fontan years and transient elastography values as a composite, the capability of predicting advanced liver fibrosis was the most satisfactory (C statistic 0.817 ± 0.071, P < 0.001). A cut-off value of 5.0 revealed a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 82%. In Fontan patients, diffusion-weighted imaging was helpful in detecting liver fibrosis that was correlated with hepatic dysfunction. A simple score was proposed for long-term surveillance and early detection of advanced liver disease in adult Fontan patients. For adult Fontan patients with a calculated score > 5.0, we may consider timely diffusion-weight imaging and early management for liver complications.

Application of the Self Organized Learning Environment Learning Model in Mathematics Learning Arithmetic Sequence Material

The objective of this study is to analyze the disparities in the mean learning achievements between students who utilize the SOLE learning model and those who employ the direct learning model for arithmetic sequence material at Tondano State Vocational School. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a Posttest Only Control Group Design. The participants in this study consisted of students from class X OTKP 1, who were assigned to the experimental group, and students from class X OTKP 2, who were assigned to the control group. The data gathering method involved administering a technical learning outcomes test at the conclusion of the class (Posttest). The data analysis technique employed in this research utilizes tests on data that has undergone normality and homogeneity testing. The t test calculations yielded a t_count value of 2.736, which exceeded the critical t_table value of 1.685. Therefore, the null hypothesis (H_0) was rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (H_1) was accepted. Therefore, it can be inferred that there is a disparity in the mean learning results of students in the Self-Organized Learning Environment (SOLE) instructional approach and the traditional direct learning approach when it comes to arithmetic sequence material.

Absolute CD4 count and percentage values among Libyan patients with HIV by single-platform flow cytometry.

Single-platform flow cytometry technology together with CD45-gating is becoming the method of choice for absolute CD4 T cell enumeration. Immunological assessment of HIV patients by monitoring CD4 can provide valuable information on antiviral treatment response and disease progression. A total of 97 HIV-positive individuals were recruited from 2 hospitals in Tripoli, Libya, and 14 healthy blood donors. The HIV-infected individuals were classified by CD4+ count into HIV-positive (>200 cells/µL) or AIDS (≤200 cells/µL) groups. CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts were determined and compared among the groups and with similar published data. The mean ± SD CD4+ cell counts were 1106 ± 442.8 cells/µL in healthy individuals, 460 ± 219.7 cells/µL in the HIV-positive group, and 78 ± 64.3 cells/µL in the AIDS group. The mean ± SD CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 1.6 ± 0.58, 0.4 ± 0.22, and 0.1 ± 0.1, respectively. CD4+ counts in Libyan healthy adults might be higher than those reported in several studies in other regions, whereas CD4+ counts in Libyan AIDS patients seem lower. Reference values for T lymphocyte counts in Libyan healthy individuals should be investigated more extensively, and the reasons why Libyan AIDS patients seem to have such lower CD4+ counts should be examined.

EPEN-06. IDENTIFICATION OF CSF MIRNA BIOMARKERS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF MEASURABLE RESIDUAL DISEASE IN PAEDIATRIC EPENDYMOMA: A BIOMECA STUDY

Abstract BACKGROUND Ependymoma (EPN) is the second most common malignant paediatric brain tumour. 50% of children relapse. Detection of Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) via MRI is difficult and lacks sensitivity for very early recurrence, necessitating an urgent need for identifying new, robust biomarkers for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical management of disease progression in EPN. We hypothesise that microRNA (miRNA) quantification in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) will have clinical utility in the early detection of MRD in these patients. PATIENTS/METHODS A discovery cohort of EPN CSF samples (n=12) from patients enrolled on the SIOP Ependymoma II clinical trial (trials.gov identifier: NCT02265770) and control leukaemia CSF samples (n=8) underwent RNA-sequencing (QIAGEN) after total RNA extraction using QIAGEN miRNeasy Serum/Plasma kit. The EPN cohort consisted of infratentorial (IT; n=9), supratentorial (ST; n=1) and spinal (SP; n=2) cases taken prior to, or at, resection (primary/relapse). RESULTS Raw sequencing data entered a quality-control pipeline (Tally/Cutadapt), followed by alignment to miRBase-v22 (https://mirbase.org/) using Chimira (PMID:26093149). Two outlying (infratentorial) EPN samples were removed, leaving a 10 (IT+ST+SP) versus 8 comparison. Extracted raw counts were normalised across samples using DESeq2 (PMID:25516281) and 87 differentially-expressed miRNAs identified (adj-p&amp;lt;0.05). EPN samples completely segregated from controls on clustering/heatmap analysis. From these 87 miRNAs, a core set of 53 were overlapping in comparisons removing spinal (IT+ST remaining) and supratentorial (IT alone) samples. These miRNAs underwent combined ranking by adjusted-p and abundance (normalised count) values, and top-ranking candidates taken forward for confirmation using highly-sensitive Taqman PCR, prior to validation in additional samples. CONCLUSION Circulating miRNA quantification offers promise for EPN diagnosis and MRD detection. Further CSF study in larger patient cohorts, and serum/plasma analysis, are now warranted.

Early predictive factors in routine clinical practice for rituximab therapy response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Identifying early predictive factors of how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients respond to rituximab (RTX) treatment is crucial for both individual treatment outcome and the improvement of clinical practice overall. This study aimed to identify early predictive factors available in standard clinical practice for predicting RTX treatment outcomes in RA patients. Data on seventy patients diagnosed with RA treated with RTX (two 1,000 mg doses 2 weeks apart or two 500 mg doses 2 weeks apart) were retrospectively collected. Baseline information collected at the initiation of RTX treatment included patient characteristics such as age, sex, disease duration, disease activity, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and serological status regarding rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). Clinical responses were analyzed 6 months after RTX initiation using the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology criteria. Potential predictors associated with positive RTX response at 6 months were identified using a multivariate ordinal logistic regression model. The analysis showed that persistently active RA disease, Disease Activity Score with 28-joint count (DAS28) values at the treatment onset and after 3 months, along with erythrocyte sedimentation rate at treatment initiation, were negatively correlated with the response to RTX therapy (p < 0.05). All these correlations were statistically significant at the 99% confidence interval. The correlation and logistic regression analyses indicate that there are no significant association between RF and ACPA concerning therapy response, despite a higher number of RTX responders in the seropositive groups. Additionally, the study emphasizes the prognostic significance of the DAS28 value at treatment initiation in predicting therapy response at 6 months. The optimal model for predicting RTX response at 6 months involves the interaction of all clinical factors examined in this study, as revealed by the analysis of multiple variables.

Prognostic value of lymphocytes in patients with breast cancer receiving radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery: A post hoc analysis of a phase III randomized trial

PurposeTo evaluate the prognostic value of peripheral lymphocyte count (PLC) in the breast cancer patients after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with radiotherapy (RT). Methods and MaterialsThis post hoc analysis was performed using data of 628 patients from a phase III, randomized controlled trial comparing hypofractionated RT (HFRT) with conventional fractionated RT (CFRT) after BCS. PLCs were obtained before, during, and after RT until the 1-year follow-up. The optimal cut-off PLCs were determined using the maxstat package in R. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. ResultsA total of 275 (46.1 %) patients developed lymphopenia during RT, among them, 17 (2.8 %) had grade 3 lymphopenia and no one developed grade 4 lymphopenia. With a median follow-up of 110.8 months, patients with pre-RT PLCs of < 1.77 × 109/L had a significantly lower 10-year breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) rate (P = 0.013) and overall survival (OS) rate (P = 0.026). Patients with a nadir PLC of < 1.35 × 109/L had a significantly poorer 10-year OS rate (P = 0.048). Multivariate analysis showed that a pre-RT PLC of < 1.77 × 109/L was an independent factor influencing BCSS and OS, while the effect of the nadir PLC did not remain significant. Neither PLC nor lymphopenia recovery at post-RT 1, 3, and 6 months and 1 year was associated with survival. ConclusionsRadiation-induced lymphopenia in patients with breast cancer after BCS tends to be mild. The lower pre-RT PLC predicted poorer survival.

Pegaruh Lingkungan Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Produktivitas Kerja Karyawan Pada JNE Sub Agen Klaten

This research aims to determine the influence of the work environment and work discipline on employee productivity at JNE Klaten Sub Agent located in Klaten. The sample used as respondents was the entire population of employees at JNE Klaten Sub Agent. The data collection technique in this research was by distributing questionnaires to respondents. The statistical analysis method used in the research is instrument testing, classical assumptions followed by regression testing, hypothesis testing. The results of the hypothesis test of the work environment do not have a significant effect on work productivity, the t count value is 0.795 &lt; t table 2.040. The results of the hypothesis test that work discipline has a significant effect on work productivity, the t count value is 4.258 &gt; t table 2.040. The work environment and work discipline together have a significant effect on work productivity, the results of the multiple linear regression equation are Y= 0.717 + 0.112X1 + 0.641X2 + ē, with a calculated f value of 4.191 &gt; 2.911 f table.

Prognostic and predictive value of examined lymph node count in stage III colorectal cancer: a population based study

BackgroundThe role of tumor-draining lymph nodes in the progression of malignant tumors, including stage III colorectal cancer (CRC), is critical. However, the prognostic and predictive value of the number of examined lymph nodes (ELNs) are not fully understood.MethodsThis population-based study retrospectively analyzed data from 106,843 patients with stage III CRC who underwent surgical treatment and registered in three databases from 2004 to 2021. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cohort was divided using into training and test cohorts at a ratio of 3:2. We employed restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves to explore nonlinear relationships between overall survival (OS) and ELNs counts and performed Cox regression to evaluate hazard ratios across different ELNs count subtypes. Additional validation cohorts were utilized from the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) under the same criteria. Outcomes measured included OS, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Molecular analyses involved differential gene expression using the “limma” package and immune profiling through CIBERSORT. Tissue microarray slides and multiplex immunofluorescence (MIF) were used to assess protein expression and immune cell infiltration.ResultsPatients with higher ELNs counts (≥ 17) demonstrated significantly better long-term survival outcomes across all cohorts. Enhanced OS, CSS, and PFS were notably evident in the LN-ELN group compared to those with fewer ELNs. Cox regression models underscored the prognostic value of higher ELNs counts across different patient subgroups by age, sex, tumor differentiation, and TNM stages. Subtype analysis based on ELNs count revealed a marked survival benefit in patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy in the medium and large ELNs counts (≥ 12), whereas those with fewer ELNs showed negligible benefits. RNA sequencing and MIF indicated elevated immune activation in the LN-ELN group, characterized by increased CD3+, CD4+, and CD8 + T cells within the tumor microenvironment.ConclusionsThe number of ELNs independently predicts survival and the immunological landscape at the tumor site in stage III CRC, underscoring its dual prognostic and predictive value.

Modelling the Color and Microbial Properties of Canned Ngu by Response Surface Method

Background: Ngu is an African salad dressing used to improve the stability and shelf life of African salad. The aim of this study was to produce canned Ngu using three stabilizers at various concentrations, constant sterilization temperature, and varied sterilization times. Methods: Ngu (50 L) was prepared from potash using three stabilizers at various concentrations. A three-level factorial response surface design was applied to generate the experimental runs for the production of the canned Ngu. The Ngu emulsion was filled inside 250 ml bottle jars, sterilized at 121 oC at various times, and canned. The color of the canned Ngu was evaluated using the Comission Internationale de l'Eclairage color scale, and its microbiological attributes, Total Viable Count (TVC) and Total Fungal Count was determined with standard procedures. The effect of the stabilizers (Akparata, Ofo, and Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose), stabilizer concentration, and sterilization time on the color and microbial properties of the canned Ngu was assessed. The Statistical Software Design Expert version 8.0.7 was utilized for response surface analysis and derivation of model equation. Results: Increase in sterilization time increased the a* value and decreased the b* value of the canned Ngu. The quadratic effect of stabilizer, stabilizer concentration, and sterilization time indicated that the alteration of stabilizer from Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose to Akparata and then to Ofo increased the L* value, of the canned Ngu. An increase in the quadratic effect of stabilizer concentration increased the a* value but decreased the L* and b* values of the canned Ngu. However, the TVC and b* value of the canned Ngu reduced as the quadratic effects of the sterilization time increased. Conclusion: Total Fungal Count and TVC value of all the canned Ngu samples were within acceptable limits, ensuring the samples safe for human consumption.

IMUPF-BIN: A new autonomous search method for radioactive sources

To solve the problem of mobile robots autonomously searching for unknown radioactive sources, this paper proposes an automatic source search strategy, abbreviated as IMUPF-BIN: the location of the radioactive source is estimated by improved unscented particle filtering (IMUPF) algorithm, and the search path is predicted and planned by bioinspired neural network (BIN) model. First, the search environment is expressed as an occupied grid map, and the BIN model is combined with the grid occupied map to obtain the environment information in the search process. Then, the unscented particle filter (UPF) which is used for source parameter estimation is improved by introducing the idea of linear optimization to improve the efficiency of particle usage and the diversity of particles. Further, the BIN model is introduced to reduce the influence of obstacles on the movement of the robot, thereby improving the search accuracy and efficiency of radioactive source. After the robot detects the radiation count value, the parameter information of the source is estimated through the IMUPF algorithm. By using the activity value of the BIN model and distributed model predictive control (DMPC) to plan the path, while continuously iterating the search process, the location of the radioactive source is finally determined. The simulation results show that in without obstacles environment, the localization accuracy of the IMUPF algorithm is improved by 85.6% and 52.8% compared to the standard particle filtering (PF) and UPF algorithm respectively, and the search time of the IMUPF-BIN algorithm is reduced by 75.9% compared to the gradient search (GS) algorithm. In obstacles environment, the localization accuracy of the IMUPF algorithm is improved by 80.8% and 35.9% compared to the PF and UPF algorithms respectively. In addition, the GS algorithm fails to search for the radioactive source due to the shield of obstacles, while the IMUPF-BIN algorithm can successfully search for radioactive source in a shorter search time.

The Passive Environmental Effect of the Fungicide Benomyl on Soil Promoting Bacteria and Concentration of Some Important Soil Elements

Loam examples were gathered through the 2020-2021 rising periods, and the following measurements were made: Viable bacterial count by reducing root colonization. The outcomes of reviewing the impact of the fungicide Benomyl on development and viable microflora count revealed that the highest microbial count was in Al-Madaein 80 ×103 CFU/mL was recorded ., and the lowest count was 60 ×103 CFU/mL for the Aushtar area, The microbial viable count values for the affected microorganisms with Benomyl were decrease to 27×103 and 65 × 103 CFU/mL respectively. Those consequences specify that Benomyl has a robust choosiness contrary to microflora, especially when compared to the benomyl effect as folded dose, the microflora l count decreases to 25 ×103 CFU /mL in the Aushtar area and increases to 60 ×103 CFU/mL in Al-Madaein area. Whereas the study estimated the level of eight elements in soil (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, NO3, P, K, and NH4) cultured with Cyperus rotundus L. Which mentioned the effect of benomyl on these levels after three days of treatment. Mn concentration ranged between 5.96 to 9.11 ppm, while after fungicide benomyl, it decreased to 5.63 -6.53 ppm similar results were observed for other elements. The highest affected element was Mn in the Aushtar area. Those consequences designate that Benomyl has a stout fussiness in contrast to soil nutrients. The greatness of benomyl impacts on loam ingredients and procedures were minor, qualified to impact on mycorrhizal root foundation (reduction through benomyl).

Prognostic value of pretreatment platelet count, fibrinogen and d-dimer levels in osteosarcoma patients: A meta-analysis.

Previous studies explored the prognostic value of pretreatment platelet count, fibrinogen, and d-dimer level in patients with several types of cancer, however, a comprehensive conclusion has not been reached in osteosarcoma patients. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CNKI databases were systematically searched for eligible studies up to May 09, 2023, and pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the prognostic impact of these indicators in osteosarcoma patients. Twelve studies from China consisting of 1682 patients were finally included. Our findings revealed that an elevated level of pretreatment platelet or d-dimer was associated with a worse outcome of overall survival (platelet: HR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.18-2.26, P = .003; d-dimer: HR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.58-3.31, P < .001). Based on current evidence, pretreatment platelet count and d-dimer level could be good prognostic biomarkers for Chinese osteosarcoma patients. However, future validation is also needed.

All-cause mortality and related factors in patients with varying degrees of peripheral blood eosinophilia.

The aim of this study was to investigate all-cause mortality rates and related factors in patients with different levels of eosinophilia. This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2020 and December 2022 in the Internal Medicine Department of Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkiye. A total of 161 patients with eosinophilia (at least 3 times) were included and divided into groups with absolute eosinophil counts of 500-999/µL (mild), 1000-1500/µL (moderate), and >1500/µL (severe). The mean age of patients was 65.67 ± 16.64 years at the time of admission, and 45 patients (57.8%) were male. The rates of mortality, oncological disease, and organ involvement were significantly higher in the severe group (P < .05). Increased serum total immunoglobulin E and vitamin B12, hematocrit value, eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and leukocyte were observed in eosinophilic patients. Decreased lymphocyte count, hemoglobin and hematocrit values were higher in deceased patients than in survivors (P < .05). Increased eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, vitamin B12, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were observed in participants who died compared to those who survived (P < .05). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that advanced age and higher LDH activity were independently associated with greater mortality risk while receiving non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or proton-pump inhibitors were associated with reduced mortality risk (P < .05). Advanced age and increased LDH activity were independently associated with greater risk for mortality, whereas absolute eosinophil counts was not. Considering the literature on this topic, our results show the need for further clinical and fundamental research to understand the role of eosinophils in human disease.

Physicochemical Properties and Microstructure of Mixed-species Surimi Made from Decapterus sp. and Priacanthus sp.

The surimi industry plays a substantial role in bolstering Indonesia’s fishing sector. The collapse of the majority of surimi companies can be attributed to the government limitation on trawling, which served as the primary source of demersal fish utilized in surimi processing. This restriction resulted in a significant shortage of raw material for industry. Therefore, it is imperative to explore alternate fish species that can serve as viable raw materials for the production of surimi. Alternative fish species are needed as raw materials for surimi. The objective of this work was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics and microstructure of surimi produced from two distinct Indonesian fish species: Decapterus sp., a pelagic species, and Priacanthus sp., a demersal species. Five ratios of Decapterus sp and Priacanthus sp; 1:0 (F1: control 1), 3:1 (F2), 1:1 (F3), 1:3 (F4), and 0:1 (F5: control 2) were tested. The proximate composition showed that the addition of Decapterus sp. to the formula increased the protein and fat content of mixed surimi. The formula F4 showed the highest value for almost all textural profile parameters; there were springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience. The same result also presented in the gel strength, F4 also has the highest value. The Water Holding Capacity value was low, and it showed no difference between all formulas. The whiteness value was in the range of 66-68, and it showed no difference between all formulas. Protein patterns showed no myosin heavy chain in all formulas. Microstructure analysis showed that only F5 (control 2) was compact and denser, but the other formulas (F1, F2, F3, and F4) showed a large number of loose and porous structures. In the microbial analysis, all formulas showed the Total Plate Count value ( 6 x 105 cfu/g) was under the maximum acceptable value (107 cfu/g). The findings of the study indicated that the mixed-surimi, consisting of Decapterus sp and Priacanthus sp at a ratio of 1:3, exhibited the highest level of gel strength. In conclusion, Decapterus sp has the potential to serve as a viable raw material when combined with Priacanthus sp.

STP-KDE: A spatiotemporal trajectory protection and publishing method based on kernel density estimation

Promoted by the Internet of Thing era, the widespread use of mobile sensing devices equipped with positioning functions has led to the generation of substantial trajectory data. Mining and analyzing trajectory data has high research value, but poses a risk of user privacy leakage, resulting in fewer publicly available trajectory datasets for research and analysis. Therefore, a trajectory data publishing method that ensures high data utility while protecting user privacy has become a hot topic. In this paper, we propose a spatiotemporal trajectory data protection and publishing method based on kernel density estimation (STP-KDE), which protects the trajectory data and trajectory count values while improving data utility. In the protection process of trajectory data, we designed a kernel density clustering framework that is combined with the differential privacy exponential mechanism. In the protection process of trajectory counts value, the adaptive Laplace noise perturbation mechanism is proposed to differentially protect these counts. Experimental results show that STP-KDE can provide more useful data and stronger privacy protection than existing studies.

Development of active hydrogel absorbent pads based on sodium alginate/potassium-doped carbon dots for chilled pork preservation

In this study, potassium-doped carbon dots (K-CDs) were added to sodium alginate (NaAlg) hydrogel to yield high-strength, antibacterial, antioxidant NaAlg hydrogel absorbent pads (NaAlg/K-CDs) to absorb chilled pork exudate during storage. The results revealed that the swelling rates of the NaAlg/K-CDs peaked at 3286.83%, a figure exceeding that of the commercial absorbent pads. Based on the bacterial diversity and richness results, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was evidently the dominant spoilage organism during chilled pork storage. On storage day 6, the P. aeruginosa population in the NaAlg/K-CDs hydrogel absorbent pad group was 82% of that in the control group. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value of the NaAlg/K-CDs group remained lower than 0.15 mg/g on day 8. The pH, TVB-N, total viable count (TVC), cooking loss, and volatile odour values of the chilled pork in the NaAlg/K-CDs hydrogel absorbent pad group were significantly lower than those in other absorbent pad groups. Moreover, the colour change and shear force values of the chilled pork in the NaAlg/K-CDs hydrogel absorbent pad group were lower than those in the control and wood fiber paper absorbent pad groups. These results indicate that the shelf life of the NaAlg/K-CDs-packaged chilled pork was extended by 2 days compared with that of the control. Therefore, the NaAlg/K-CDs hydrogel absorbent pads potentially inhibited microbial growth and improved the storage quality of chilled pork. This study provides an alternative solution against traditional chilled pork absorbent pads, further promoting the advancement of fresh meat preservation techniques.

Determinant of Return On Invested Capital

The banking sector is one of the most important sectors for the modern economy, because almost every industry involved in financial activities always requires banking services. This encourages the banking industry to function properly as seen from the capital it has. The amount of Third Party Funds for commercial banks continues to increase, reflecting that banking growth is getting better. Therefore, it is important to assess banking financial performance as measured by banking financial ratios. This is the reason why researchers are interested in conducting research on what influences the ROIC of Conventional Commercial Bank Companies. This study aims to analyze the effect of Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), Non Performing Loans (NPL), Net Interest Margin (NIM), Cash Ratio (CR), and Intellectual Capital (IC) on ROIC in Conventional Commercial Bank companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2017-2021 period. The type of research used in this research is quantitative research with non-probability sampling technique using purposive sampling design. The population in this study were 46 banking sub-sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The type of data used in this study is secondary data in the form of annual financial reports of conventional commercial bank companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for 2017-2021. The data analysis technique used is the eviews 10 program. The processing method used in this study is panel data regression analysis. The results showed that partially there was a significant influence on Net Interest Margin (NIM) (regression coefficient value of 2.112874, t count value 2.973486 &gt; t table 2.034515 and a significant value of 0.0070 &lt;0.05) and Cash Ratio (CR) ( regression coefficient value of 0.001887, t count value 4.640386 &gt; t table 2.034515 and a significance value of 0.0001 &lt;0.05) on ROIC. While Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) (t-count value 0.598328 &lt;t-table 2.034515 and significance value 0.5557&gt; 0.05), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) (t-count value 1.310563 &lt;t table 2.034515 and significance value 0.2035 &gt; 0.05) , Non Performing Loans (NPL) (t count value 0.393639 &lt; t table 2.034515 and a significance value of 0.6976 &gt; 0.05), and Intellectual Capital (IC) (t count value 0.948279 &lt; t table 2 .034515 and a significance value of 0.3533 &gt; 0.05) partially had no effect on ROIC. In addition, the results of simultaneous research Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), Non Performing Loans (NPL), Net Interest Margin (NIM), Cash Ratio (CR), and Intellectual Capital (IC) affect ROIC is indicated by the calculated f value of 65.88711 &gt; f table of 2.445259 and a significance value of 0.000000 &lt;0.05. Keywords: CAR, LDR, NPL, NIM, IC, ROIC

#2805 The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal hygiene behaviours and the frequency of peritonitis in patients with peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Peritonitis is the most important complication encountered in patients with Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). It is very important to follow the rules of personal hygiene to prevent peritonitis. The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) epidemic has led to the improvement of personal hygiene behaviours. In this study, we aimed to show the awareness created by the COVID-19 pandemic on personal hygiene behaviours in PD patients and to investigate the effect on the incidence of peritonitis. Method Fifty-two PD patients were included in our study. The personal hygiene behaviours of the patients were evaluated with a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions. The medical history, chronic diseases, height, weight and educational status of each patient were questioned. In addition, the averages of complete blood count and biochemical values of the patients before and after COVID-19 were noted and compared. The culture results of the patients who had peritonitis and the microorganisms grown were noted. Results Demographic characteristics of patients are summarized in Table 1. A significant difference was found in 11 personal hygiene behaviours, especially in the frequency of hand washing after the COVID-19 pandemic (p &amp;lt; 0.05). After the pandemic, there was a decrease in the rates of peritonitis, but no significant difference could be reached (22 (42.9%) vs. 7 (13.5%) peritonitis rates, p &amp;lt; 0.05). A decrease was also observed in gram (+) peritonitis case rates (Table 2). After the pandemic, the frequency of hand washing before attaching the transfer set (p = 0.014) and the frequency of daily/every other day dressing of the exit site (p = 0.026) were found to be higher in those who did not have peritonitis. Conclusion Due to a significant improvement in personal hygiene behaviours after the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in the rates of peritonitis and infection with gram (+) microorganisms was observed. In our study, it has been shown that the frequency of hand washing before attaching the transfer set and daily/every other day dressing of the exit site reduce the risk of peritonitis. Trainings for improving personal hygiene behaviours in PD patients should be expanded.

Effect of Breed on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Apparently Healthy Dogs Infected with Zoonotic Pathogens Endemic to the Mediterranean Basin.

Dogs are considered the main reservoir of several zoonoses endemic to the Mediterranean Basin. In this study, a prevalence of infections and coinfections of canine vector-borne diseases was analyzed in apparently healthy dogs of different canine pure breeds in Sicily (Italy), where these diseases are endemic. The seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum, Ricketsia ricketsii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Erlichia canis was assessed, as single and coinfections. Biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated, and epidemiological factors, including sex, age, and canine breed, were recovered. The most frequent infection was L. infantum (45.61%), following R. ricketsii (36.84%), both as single, double, or triple coinfections. Coinfections change the biochemical and hematological parameters of the host, and canine breeds are related to the infection frequency and the parameters observed during infections. Changes in the complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical values also differ between canine breeds, with the Cirneco dell'Etna dogs infected with L. infantum being the animals presenting the most interesting results in our study. High values of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and albumin and low levels of β-2 globulin and γ-globulin were found only in this canine breed, suggesting some resistance to infection in these dogs. Future studies about the immune response of this canine breed could be interesting to determine their possible resistance to zoonotic pathogens, such as L. infantum.

Determining the quality level of ready to-eat stuffed mussels with Arduino-based electronic nose

In this study, the performance of a pre-designed and low-cost Arduino electronic nose for determining the quality of stuffed mussels was analyzed. In addition, 1000 images were taken on each storage day in order to determine the quality levels of stuffed mussel groups with open and closed shells by machine learning. Freshness limit values of stuffed mussels were determined as 200 for MQ3 and MQ135 sensors and 100 for MQ9 on the 3rd storage day when the total viable count (TVC) value exceeded 3 log CFU/g. In the study, faster neural networks with lower prediction times, such as SqueezeNet and GoogLeNet, were compared with ResNet-50, ResNet-101 and DenseNet-201 neural networks, which have larger prediction times but better accuracy. Study data showed that residual network (ResNet) 50 and Teachable Machine (TM) had high success in determining the quality levels of stuffed mussels.