Descriptive Statistical Parameters Research Articles

Jamming: The probable menace to NavIC

The impact of class-II jammer on NavIC receiver in L5 band is presented here. To understand the probable hazards of jammer, five cases cum observational studies are reconnoitred using different statistical time and frequency domain approaches. Interestingly, it is noticed that the Carrier-to-Noise Density Ratio (C/N 0) tends to zero when jamming scenario exist for a longer duration. The effect on NavIC is observed more for the static jammer than the dynamic jammer. The comparisons of correlation for different cases also validate the impact of jammer. The impact of jamming is also identified by different descriptive statistical parameters of the signals like mean, variance, standard deviation, and skewness. Among these statistical analyses, values of mean provide better observation.

Surface roughness characteristics of corroded steel pipe piles exposed to marine environment

In determining the residual capacity of corroded steel structures, many studies have focussed solely on the section’s remaining thickness and its strength. However, it is anticipated that the condition of the corroded surface may also have an influence on the performance of these structures. This paper presents results of the evaluation of surface characteristics of corroded steel piles exposed to marine conditions at varying exposure water levels for 19.5 years. A comprehensive study on the roughness characteristics of these corroded steel pipe piles was done by calculating a number of general geometrical properties, as well as descriptive statistical parameters. By subdividing the pipe surface into smaller sampling areas of 100 mm × 100 mm, and employing a Gaussian filter to obtain roughness surface, the variation of topographical features on the corroded surface were studied. Variations between the degree of corrosion, in terms of thickness reduction, and surface roughness characteristics are reported. The study revealed that unlike the amplitude characteristic feature of the surface roughness, which increases with increasing level of corrosion, wavelength remains unaffected by the level of corrosion.

THE EXPLOSIVE STRENGTH OF GIRLS OF THE YOUNGER SCHOOL AGE

Physical education in younger school age is very important. But in practice, this subject is not carried out regularly or is not performed by pedagogues of physical culture. Problem of the research was to determine whether the developmental gymnastics program had an effect on development of explosive strength with younger school age girls. The sample of respondents for experimental group consisted of 59 girls and for control group 45 girls aged 9 to 11 years. To determine the level of explosive strength three tests were used. Data processing was performed by the statistical program SPSS v. 20. For all data, the parameters of descriptive statistics were calculated. To determine the differences between the groups, a t-test for independent samples was used with calculation of significance of the size of difference (Cohen's d). The research has shown the effects of the developmental gymnastics program on the development of explosive strength with girls aged 9 to 11 years. Differences in explosive strength were identified in favor of the experimental group in two out of the three variables. The results obtained accurately indicate that respondents included in the development gymnastics program have a significantly higher level of explosive strength than respondents who only attended physical education class.

An observational study to assess the outcomes of treatment of patients with stable angina after planned percutaneous coronary intervention: baseline patient characteristics

Aim.To describe the characteristics of patients who were invited in observational, prospective study on a value-based approach to assess the outcomes of treatment of patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Material and methods.We analyzed the baseline characteristics of patients with stable CAD enrolled in a planned PCI with stenting at Almazov National Medical Research Center in 2017. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using Statistica 6.0 (Statsoft Russia) and Microsoft Excel 2017. All registered patients were included in the statistical analysis. Based on the initial clinical characteristics of the patients included in the study, descriptive statistical parameters were calculated. For continuous variables, the mean value and standard deviation were calculated, for the categorical variables — the frequency of characteristic occurrence.Results. From January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, were performed 1740 PCI operations with stenting in 1458 patients aged 63,8±9,6 years (men — 1008 (69,1%)). At the time of admission to the hospital, the body mass index was 29,4±5,2 kg/m2, BP=132,3±15,1/79,6±8,5 mm Hg; HR=69,4±8,3 beats per minute. PCI of one coronary artery was performed in 75,6%, multivascular — in 16,6%, in chronic occlusions — in 4,6% and in bifurcation lesions — in 3,2% of patients, respectively. Type 4a myocardial infarction as a complication of PCI was registered in 2,9% of patients. The average duration of inpatient treatment was 5,5±3,4 days.Conclusion.Patients with stable CAD who underwent PCI are a representative sample which allows the assessment of treatment outcomes, an objective assessment of the intervention and the calculation of pharmacoeconomic parameters. An observational study will help identifying the factors affecting the efficiency of surgery and getting knowledge of patients’ opinions about this method.

Local Resilience to Natural Hazards in Serbia. Case Study: The West Morava River Valley

During the past decade, the valley of the West Morava in the central part of the Republic of Serbia experienced several natural hazards that have changed the life of the inhabitants. The aim of this paper is to show how people perceive natural hazards in the areas where they do not have catastrophic consequences for the entire population. The perceptions of natural hazards were examined according to similar studies and collected through surveys and interviews. The obtained stratified sample information was coded, and the results are expressed in the parameters of descriptive statistics, using T-test and ANOVA. The population is partially affected if inhabited locations are in the threatened part of the West Morava River valley and if their activities have direct consequences by natural disasters. They emphasize the importance of the political influences and mass media, but they show the need for additional information on prevention and protection. That is where they see geography as profession that sublimates all knowledge of natural disasters, unlike others that are more narrowly skilled. The results of the research are the starting point for further regional comparisons, which will complement the picture of the people’s attitude and resilience to natural hazards in Serbia and the Balkan Peninsula.

Caracterización epidemiológica y clínica de la cirrosis hepatica en un centro regional del caribe colombiano: clínica general del norte. Enero 2012 a marzo 2017

La cirrosis hepática es una de las enfermedades con mayor prevalencia y mortalidad en la población mundial; cuyas etiologías más importantes son de tipo alcohólica, virus de la hepatitis B y C, y esteatosis hepática no alcohólica; la caracterización epidemiológica y clínica, es fundamental para conocer la casuística actual del problema. Se presenta un estudio descriptivo trasversal retrospectivo, con el objetivo de caracterizar epidemiológicamente y clínicamente a los pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis hepática en un centro regional del Caribe Colombiano, que reciben atención en la Unidad de Gastroenterología y hepatología de la Clínica General del Norte, durante el periodo enero de 2012 a marzo de 2017. Se concluye que la etiología por virus de hepatitis C es la de mayor prevalencia en el medio local, le siguen en frecuencia el hígado graso no alcohólico, la hepatitis autoinmune, la cirrosis biliar primaria, el alcohol, viral hepatitis B y otras etiologías.

Caracterización de pacientes y resultados de la reparación endovascular de aneurismas de aorta abdominal. Clínica General del Norte periodo 2015 – 2016

Los aneurismas de aorta abdominal son una alteración frecuente, generalmente asintomática de origen multifactorial. El riesgo de ruptura y muerte esta directamente relacionado con el tamaño del aneurisma; en los casos de los pacientes con requerimiento de reparación quirúrgica, esta igualmente relacionado con el tipo de procedimiento realizado, observándose menor morbimortalidad en los pacientes tratados con reparación endovascular. Se presenta un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, con el objetivo de caracterizar los pacientes y los resultados quirúrgicos y de morbimortalidad de la reparación endovascular de aneurismas de aorta abdominal, en la Clínica General del Norte, durante el periodo 2015 – 2016. Se concluye que el tratamiento endovascular de AAA es un procedimiento eficaz y seguro en el ámbito local; nuestra experiencia se asemeja a la descrita en la literatura; demostrándose que los resultados en cuanto a morbimortalidad y estancia hospitalaria son considerablemente superiores a los de la cirugía abierta.

Caracterización de pacientes y resultados de la cirugía laparoscópica en cáncer colorrectal. Organización Clínica General del Norte periodo julio de 2014 a marzo de 2017

Las técnicas quirúrgicas mínimamente invasivas han adquirido gran relevancia a nivel mundial, donde hoy por hoy en la mayoría de patologías con requerimiento quirúrgico se analiza la posibilidad de realizarlas por esta vía; es así como en los últimos años la vía laparoscópica es utilizada en el manejo del cáncer de colon y recto, sabiéndose que en esta patología lo que interesa principalmente son los resultados en cuanto a radicalidad oncológica. Se presenta un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, con el objetivo de caracterizar los pacientes y describir los resultados de la cirugía laparoscópica en cáncer colorrectal, en la Organización Clínica General del Norte de la ciudad de Barranquilla, en el periodo julio de 2014 a marzo de 2017. Se concluye que la cirugía laparoscópica en cáncer de colon es factible en el ámbito local; demostrándose su eficacia en cuanto a resultados oncológicos y seguridad, con resultados similares a los descritos en la literatura.

Motoričke sposobnosti kao prediktori takmičarske selekcije u karateu

The goal of the research, which encompassed a wide range of indicators, was to examine the predictive value of motor abilities of karatekas in competitive selections, regarding their competitive orientation towards a certain discipline: kata or kumite. Related to set object and goal of research, a hypothesis was set up: motor skills are significant predictors for competitive selection of karatekas. The sample of respondents was made of male karatekas, aged 12 to 14, who are in regular training process and who compete in current competitive system. e research encompassed 79 karatekas, of which 37 compete in kumite, 23 compete in kata, and 19 in both disciplines. To evaluate general motor skills of karatekas, 15 tests were applied, 3 tests for each of the following set: repetitive strenght, explosive strenght, speed, coordination and exibility. Descriptive statistical parameters were applied, Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANSOVA). Statistical significance was analyzed at (p<0.05) level. Results obtained conrmed the set up hypothesis of predictive value of motor abilities of competitive selections karatekas.

Measuring the technophobia among middle-aged and older adults in Latvia: A pilot study

The increasing need for the development of new solutions for older adults in order to support the independent living at home is perspicuous. The rapid development of information and communication technology will provide capable solutions for maintaining of life quality. Computerized technology is devoted to improving our quality of life. By the way, here is a segment of the population who do not have access to the technology in any way or form because technophobia. The aim of the pilot study was to translate measurement instrument of technophobia “Technophobia test” and collect data needed for analysis and adaptation process. The following research tasks were completed: upon examination of the available literature, the most accepted instruments for measuring technophobia are the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (Form C), the Computer Thoughts Survey (Form C) and the General Attitudes towards Computers Scale (Form C). In Latvia, up to now such research has not been carried out. Participants (62) were middle-aged and older persons, aged from 45 to 87 years. The descriptive statistic parameters of Technophobia test subscales and the reliability statistical parameter Cronbach's alpha were calculated and average level of technophobia was assessed.

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE FAUNA OF THE SOIL ON THE LONG-TERM SYSTEM OF DIRECT SOWING

The soil is a complex system constituted of living beings, minerals and organic particles, whose components define their physical, chemical and biological properties. The fauna of the soil has an important role in the soil and its diversity can reflect and interfere with the functioning of the soil. The population of these organisms can be influenced by management practices, fertilizing, liming, porosity, and others. Such changes may reduce the composition and the distribution of soil fauna community. Thus, the aim of this work was to determine the spatial variability of the soil fauna in the consolidated direct sowing. The experimental area is located in the CEC (Experimental center of the central Agronomy Institute) in Campinas, Sao Paulo. The sampling was carried out in Eutroferric Red Latosol, with direct sowing. In the area were sampled 302 points distributed in a 3.2-hectare area on a regular grid of 10m x 10m. The fauna was sampled by pitfall traps method and the traps remained in the area for a seven days period. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics for determining the main statistical moments (average, variance, the coefficient of variation, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis). Geostatistics tools were used to determine the spatial variability of the attributes in studies using the experimental semivariogram. In the biodiversity analysis, was calculated Shannon index for each sample, the richness and the number of individuals. The geostatistical demonstrated to be a great tool for the mapping of spatial variability of the epigeal group fauna of the soil. The Family Formicidae has demonstrated to be the most abundant and dominant group in the study area. The parameters of descriptive statistics have demonstrated that all the attributes in the study presented lognormal frequency distribution for the epigeal group fauna of the soil. The exponential model was that which best adjusted to the data in the study, both for the epigeal group fauna of the soil groups (Acari, Araneae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Larva of Coleoptera), as for the biological diversity index (Shannon Index and Pielou Index). The sampling scheme (10,00m x 10,00m) was not enough to detect the spatial variability for all groups of epigeal group fauna of the soil found in this study.

Documentation of the partograph in assessing the progress of labour by health care providers in Malawi\u2019s South-West zone

BackgroundThere is some evidence that appropriate use of partograph in monitoring the progress of labour could decrease delivery related complications. The documentation of parameters of partographs is however, poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the extent to which health care workers are making use of the partograph in monitoring the progress of labour through checking the documentation of the parameters of the partographs.MethodsA hospital-based descriptive study involving retrospective review of partographs for births that occurred in 2016 was conducted in Malawi’s South-West zone. A total of 1070 partographs that were used to monitor labour in two public hospitals were reviewed to determine the documentation of the parameters of partographs and descriptive statistics were computed using statistical package for the social science software version 22.0.ResultsOf the total 1070 partographs reviewed, 58.6% (n = 627) of the partographs had no recording of maternal blood pressure and 65.3% (n = 699) of the partographs had no temperature documentation. Moulding was not recorded in 25.4% (n = 272) of the partographs, foetal heart rate was not recorded in 14.9% (n = 159) of the partographs and descent of the foetal head was not recorded in 12.0% (n = 128) of the partographs.ConclusionThere is poor documentation of vital parameters of the partographs. This suggests insufficient monitoring of the progress of labour, which may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. To improve the accurate documentation of parameters of the partograph, there is a need to understand the problem and provide tailor-made solutions to address them and ultimately improve pregnancy outcomes. In the meantime, in-service refresher courses on partograph use to health care workers need to be conducted regularly. Supportive supervision to obstetric care providers and regular partograph audit could also improve documentation.

Análise descritiva e comparação de curvas de precipitação em Diamantino, Mato Grosso

A chuva influencia de maneira direta ou indireta vários processos sociais, econômicos e ambientais. Faz-se necessário o conhecimento do comportamento e da distribuição da precipitação pluvial de uma determinada região para um melhor planejamento sobre o uso desse recurso. Nesse sentido, este trabalho teve como objetivo a análise do comportamento da precipitação do município de Diamantino-MT por meio de parâmetros estatísticos descritivos e pela comparação do desempenho obtido com curvas de regressão polinomial e pela análise de Fourier. Para isso, foram utilizados dados médios mensais de precipitação pluviométrica entre os anos de 1998 e 2014 provenientes do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET). Verificou-se que a precipitação média anual foi de 1951,2 mm com desvio padrão de 214,4 mm, sendo os meses de fevereiro e março os mais chuvosos, e o mês de julho o mais seco. A estação chuvosa e a estação seca contribuíram, respectivamente, com 85,4% e 14,6 % da precipitação total anual nesse período. Utilizando um procedimento de validação cruzada do tipo holdout com o teste de pareado de Wilcoxon obteve-se os níveis de significância de 0,785 e 0,551 para os modelos obtidos por Fourier e pela regressão polinomial, reportando a um melhor desempenho para o primeiro.

Students' interest for sport and recreation at Goce Delcev University - Stip, depending the selected Faculty

Implementation of sport in university curricula is an important issue considering its importance in creating a fully developed personality and its impact on participation in sport and physical activity during the entire life. Therefore, At Goce Delcev”University - Stip, Macedonia, sport is implemented as obligatory university course, realized in the first academic year at all faculties within the University. Considering the fact that course Sport and recreation is realized as unified curricula at all Faculties, we were interested in possible differences in students preferences toward sport activities and realization of sport and recreation course based on a selected faculty of study – humanities, technical sciences, natural sciences and arts. The research was realized on a sample of 670 respondents, full time students in the first academic year at thirteen faculties at“Goce Delcev” University. Students’ opinions for Sport and recreation were determined using a closed form of questionnaire.Obtained results were processed using basic descriptive statistics parameters and comparative statistics (Chi-square test).The obtained results suggest on differences related to selection of current and preferred activities, number of weekly classes for sport, theoretic lectures. Obtained results suggest the directions and possibilities for future interventions in current course and its design according to the students’ interests and needs..Keywords: Sport activities, differences, university students.

Características físico-químicas de frutos de variedades silvestres de Opuntia de dos regiones semiáridas de Jalisco, México Physicochemical characteristics of fruits from wild Opuntia species from two semiarid regions of Jalisco, Mexico

Species of the genus Opuntia are of great importance in Mexico. In Jalisco, a state located in Western Mexico, there are 29 recognized species of Opuntia , but only four of them are grown for consumption as vegetables and fruit, three are used for ornamental purposes, and the rest (22 species) are not exploited. The objective of this research was to evaluate morphological and chemical characteristics of fruit from wild Opuntia species grown at two municipalities of Jalisco, Mexico (Lagos de Moreno and Ojuelos de Jalisco). The variability in size, total fresh weight, edible portion weight, shell thickness and postharvest characteristics (moisture, ashes, total acidity, °Brix and pH), and pigment concentration (betaxanthins and betacyanins) was analyzed in 15 species of eight species of the genus Opuntia from both regions. Ten to fifteen fruits of each species were analyzed; parameters of descriptive statistics were obtained from the results; and were subjected to analysis of variance and to the Tukey test (α = 0.05). A greater diversity of wild species was collected at the municipality of Lagos de Moreno. Only three species: “memela” ( O. cantabrigiensis ), “cardona” ( O. streptacantha ) and “cascarona” ( O. hyptiacantha ) were present in both regions. O. ficus-indica species presented the highest values of fruit size, total weight and pulp weight. Moisture content in all samples tested was in the range from 80 to 90%, the ash content values ranged between 0.3 and 1.0%. The fruits showed low acidity (pH > 4.5) and high content of soluble sugars (11-14 °Brix). The species collected in Lagos de Moreno presented the highest contents of betalains, highlighting Opuntia icterica “larguita” with the highest content of total betalains (32.44 mg/100g). Results show the high variability in morphological and chemical characters of Opuntia species fruits from two semiarid regions in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. This information is important in order of making proposals for the use and conservation of wild species and highlight its value as genetic resources in regions of Jalisco.

Basic unit size in the analysis of the distribution of spatial landscape elements on the basis of the lithostratigraphic geodiversity of the Ojców National Park (Poland)

Spatial analyses of landscape element diversity are always carried out on the basis of a previously established analytical grid. It divides the research area into ‘n’ smaller areas – basic units before calculating various landscape measures for each of them. The selection of an appropriate analytical grid, particularly its cell size, is a key issue for the results obtained and conclusions drawn from them. The article describes the procedure of empirical selection of a basic unit size in the medium-scale landscape and geodiversity analyses employing a regular analytical grid with square cells. The established methodology was based on observations of the distribution of the number of studied feature categories in the analytical grid fields. The correctness measures for the selection of the optimal basic unit size were the distributions themselves, as well as selected descriptive statistical parameters. The conducted analyses accurately illustrate the dependences between the variable size of the basic unit size and the number of the studied feature categories. The research conducted proves that the simple empirical approximation of the optimal basic unit size is possible. The proposed procedure allowed the determination of the optimal basic unit size for the variation of the lithostratigraphic units of the Ojcow National Park. The optimal unit size for the accuracy data typical for a reference scale 1:50 000 was specified as 500 m.

The Perception of Stakeholders towards Services Provided By Primary Health Care in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Sudan is a signatory country to Alma Ata Declaration and Primary Health Care (PHC) had been established since 1979. Although a lot of improvement is claimed to be achieved in PHC, some of the areas might be still far below the expectations. The objective of this study was to investigate the perception of the PHC stakeholders in Khartoum State about the PHC services provided and the adequacy of facilities used. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Khartoum State, Sudan, between June and October 2015. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of PHC stakeholders. A 3-point Likert scale was used to indicate the quality of the different services provided and the facilities present. SPSS version 20 was used for analysis to calculate relevant descriptive statistical parameters. Results: Vaccination and care for pregnant ladies were perceived by respondents as present and adequate (100% and 95%, respectively). The other services that are perceived as adequate include: child health care, health education, chronic illness, drugs availability and the referral system. In sanitation services and feedback about patients referred to hospitals, only 20% and 4% were satisfied, respectively. Conclusion: Most of the PHC services were perceived as adequate by the respondents from Khartoum State. The services and facilities that were perceived as inadequate include sanitation services, communicable diseases, the referral system and provision of dental services. Key words: primary health care (PHC), stakeholders.

Explanation of Psychological Problems Based on Cognitive Flexibility and Self Differentiation

Introduction: cognitive flexibility and self-differentiation are the appropriate models for understanding psychological problems through which people can meet various challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive flexibility and self-differentiation with psychological problems among female students in Allameh Tabataba’i University. Materials and Methods: The method of this study was descriptive-correlational and statistical population was comprised of all female students at AllamehTabataba’i University in Tehran who have been studying between 2014-2015. Using random multiple cluster sampling method, a group of 380 students were selected. Tools were questionnaires of cognitive flexibility, self-differentiation and symptoms checklist (SCL-90-R). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical parameters, correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. Results: Analysis revealed a significant correlation between total score of psychological problems with cognitive flexibility and self-differentiation. In addition, the results of multiple regression analysis showed that cognitive flexibility and self-differentiation can explain different kinds and levels of psychological problems in students. Conclusion: study of cognitive flexibility and self-differentiation are efficient methods to understand the underlying factors associated with psychological problems. Evaluation of these factors can lead to a new approach in prevention and treatment of psychological problems.

Promjene funkcionalnih sposobnosti žena pod uticajem rekreativnog plivanja / Changes in Functional Abilities of Women Under the Influence of Recreational Swimming

The research was aimed at determining the changes in functional abilities of women under the influence of recreational swimming. The sampled population consisted of healthy women, aged 35 to 45, chronologically, with a dominant sedentary lifestyle. The assessment of functional ability was tested using the following variables: vital capacity, heart rate at rest, working heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and relative oxygen consumption. Basic parameters of descriptive statistics were calculated for all the results, whereas the T-test was applied to determine the difference between the initial and final measurement. The results of the research showed that there were statistically significant changes of vital capacity after three months of recreational swimming (p = 0.000), heart rate at rest (p = 0.000) and relative oxygen consumption (p = 0.000). The research found that the programme of recreational swimming with sedentary middle-aged women can act effectively to change functional abilities.

An investigation of the impact of left-censored soil contamination data on the uncertainty of descriptive statistical parameters.

Left-censored concentration data are frequently encountered because measuring instruments cannot detect concentrations below the instrument detection limit. For statistical analysis of left-censored data, the environmental literature mainly refers to the following methods: maximum likelihood estimator, regression on order statistics using log-normal and gamma assumption (rROS and GROS, respectively), and Kaplan-Meier. A number of simulation experiments examined the performance of these methods in terms of bias and/or mean square error. However, no matter which method is adopted, some uncertainty is introduced into outcomes because all that is known about a left-censored observation is that the concentration falls between 0 and the detection limit. The data used in the present study come from analysis of soil samples collected for a site characterization in Montreal, Canada. Employing nonparametric bootstrap, the authors quantify the uncertainty and bias in the mean and standard deviation estimates obtained by the maximum likelihood estimation (under log-normal, Weibull, and gamma distributions), rROS, GROS, and Kaplan-Meier methods. First, the authors demonstrate that the highest uncertainty is associated with the maximum likelihood estimator under log-normality and Weibull assumptions, whereas a gamma assumption leads to estimates with less uncertainty. Second, the authors show that although an increase in sample size improves the uncertainty, it reduces the bias only in the rROS, GROS, and Kaplan-Meier methods. Finally, comparing percentage uncertainty in the mean of contaminant data, the authors illustrate that adopting an inappropriate estimator results in large uncertainties. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2623-2631. © 2016 SETAC.