Friedman Test Research Articles

The effect of oral capsules containing Ocimum basilicum leaf extract on menopausal symptoms in women: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial

BackgroundMenopause, characterized by various physical and mental changes, is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, resulting in numerous complications. Recently, herbal treatments have gained significant attention for their minimal side effects compared to chemical drugs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral capsules containing Ocimum basilicum leaf extract (OBLE) on menopausal symptoms.MethodsThis placebo-controlled clinical trial study was conducted in 2020. The research focused on 60 menopausal women referred to Mashhad health centers. Eligible participants were administered either an OBLE 500 mg capsule or a placebo daily for 1 month. Menopause symptoms were evaluated using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) before, two weeks, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS21, independent t, Mann–Whitney, and Friedman tests. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe independent t-test indicated that the mean (SD) scores of menopausal symptoms in both the OBLE and placebo groups were initially similar before the intervention (P = 0.141). Two weeks after the intervention, the menopausal symptom scores were 9.5 ± 3.5 and 11.2 ± 5.6 in the OBLE and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.163, df = 58, t = 1.4). After one month, the menopausal symptom scores were 6.9 ± 0.3 in the OBLE group and 11.26 ± 0.6 in the placebo group (P = 0.001, df = 58, t = 3.4). This indicates a significant difference between the two groups one month after the intervention, compared to before and two weeks after the intervention. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the scores of the physical and somato-vegetative dimension between the intervention and placebo groups two weeks and one month after the intervention (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe study results suggested that taking OBLE capsules led to a decrease in the scores of menopausal symptoms. This indicates that OBLE can be considered as a safe and cost-effective medicinal plant for alleviating menopausal symptoms among women.

Human milk macro- and trace-elements: Simultaneous analysis in sub-milliliter amounts by ICP-MS and application to assessing acute supplementation effects

Adequate concentrations of human milk (HM) nutrients, including macro- and trace-elements, are essential for healthy growth and development of exclusively breastfed (EBF) infants. To monitor potential risk of deficiencies, and evaluate the effects of interventions like supplementation, accurate analysis is crucial. Even recent methods reporting on HM macro- and/or trace-elements describe multiple methodological approaches and the need for several milliliters. We optimized and validated a comprehensive method for simultaneous analysis of 13 macro- and trace-elements for simultaneous analysis by inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. 100–600 μL HM were microwave digested with ≤1.5 mL HNO3 (70 %). The digest was diluted to 5 % final acid concentration. He-Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED; Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mo) and O2-Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC; As, Mn, Se) modes minimized remaining interferences. Accuracy (NIST SRM 1869 infant formula; n = 15, 4 weeks) varied from 93.2 to 103 % (CV: 2.8–8.5 %) with trueness ranging from 93.9 to 104 %. Inter-day variation of a HM-pool (n = 20, 3 weeks) varied between 4.1 and 8.5 % for most elements; Cr, Mo, Mn (all<5 μg L−1) had higher variation, up to 25 %. Analyzing HM from 18 Bangladeshi mothers (2–4 months postpartum; day 1 = baseline, n = 17; day 2/3 = supplementation, n = 21 each) revealed higher concentrations for P, Ca, and Zn post-supplementation (p < 0.05, Friedman's Chi-Square Test). Na, Mg, Zn, and Se had the highest number of samples (>80 %) with concentrations below the Adequate Intake. Our method allows for simultaneous and reproducible analysis of macro- and trace-elements with concentrations ranging over 6 orders of magnitude, without the need for separate analytics and sample preparations, and requiring only sub-milliliter amounts of HM. Additional elements may be included after optimization and validation. The results from Bangladeshi HM samples indicate selective supplementation effects and concerningly low concentrations for some elements, which could adversely affect the EBF infant.

Assessment of Food Masticatory Capability with Clear Aligners.

A questionnaire titled "Questionnaire for the Assessment of Masticatory Function with Aligners" was administered using Google Forms to 240 patients in treatment with clear aligners. The survey was validated through the reliability test using the test-retest method. This method had a higher correlation coefficient of 0.9 across all items (with a cutoff of 0.8) with statistical significance, and an excellent internal correlation coefficient (α > 0.9). The statistical analysis performed consisted of descriptive analysis, frequencies, percentages, Pearson's correlation test and Friedman's test. Pearson's test showed a statistically significant correlation between all items except between meat or clams and yogurt or ice cream and with mozzarella or soft cheese regarding food chewing difficulties. Pearson's test showed a statistically significant correlation between all items regarding food residues. A total of 69.2% of the cohort reported some movements of aligners during mastication. In total, 88.3% of them affirmed not to have perceived deformations or breakage of aligners during chewing. Furthermore, 79.2% of them declared that they would continue to eat if eating with aligners was proven to speed up treatment. Wearing clear aligners while chewing foods such as yogurt, ice cream, soft cheese, bread, rice, etc., can be possible and can help shorten the duration of orthodontic treatment, benefiting both the patient and the orthodontist. However, further research using qualitative methods is needed to understand the barriers and facilitators to chewing food with aligners.

A novel bayesian network-based ensemble classifier chains for multi-label classification

In this paper, we address the challenges of random label ordering and limited interpretability associated with Ensemble Classifier Chains (ECC) by introducing a novel ECC method, ECC-MOO&BN, which integrates Bayesian Networks (BN) and Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO). This approach is designed to concurrently overcome these ECC limitations. The ECC-MOO&BN method focuses on extracting diverse and interpretable label orderings for the ECC classifier. We initiated this process by employing mutual information to investigate label relationships and establish the initial structures of the BN. Subsequently, an enhanced NSGA-II algorithm was applied to develop a series of Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) that effectively balance the likelihood and complexity of the BN structure. The rationale behind using the MOO method lies in its ability to optimize both complexity and likelihood simultaneously, which not only diversifies DAG generation but also helps avoid overfitting during the production of label orderings. The DAGs, once sorted topologically, yielded a series of label orderings, which were then seamlessly integrated into the ECC framework for addressing multi-label classification (MLC) problems. Experimental results show that when benchmarked against eleven leading-edge MLC algorithms, our proposed method achieves the highest average ranking across seven evaluation criteria on nine out of thirteen MLC datasets. The results of the Friedman test and Nemenyi test also indicate that the performance of the proposed method has a significant advantage compared to other algorithms.

Detecting depression severity using weighted random forest and oxidative stress biomarkers

This study employs machine learning to detect the severity of major depressive disorder (MDD) through binary and multiclass classifications. We compared models that used only biomarkers of oxidative stress with those that incorporate sociodemographic and health-related factors. Data collected from 830 participants, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score, inform our analysis. In binary classification, the Random Forest (RF) classifier achieved the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.84 when all features were included. In multiclass classification, the AUC improved from 0.84 with only oxidative stress biomarkers to 0.88 when all characteristics were included. To address data imbalance, weighted classifiers, and Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) approaches were applied. Weighted random forest (WRF) improved multiclass classification, achieving an AUC of 0.91. Statistical tests, including the Friedman test and the Conover post-hoc test, confirmed significant differences between model performances, with WRF using all features outperforming others. Feature importance analysis shows that oxidative stress biomarkers, particularly GSH, are top ranked among all features. Clinicians can leverage the results of this study to improve their decision-making processes by incorporating oxidative stress biomarkers in addition to the standard criteria for depression diagnosis.

Uji Daya Terima Formulasi Klepon dengan Substitusi Tepung Kacang Arab, Tepung Kelor, dan Tepung Katuk sebagai Kudapan Alternatif Ibu Menyusui

Exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia is still relatively low. Intake of foods containing lactagogum for breastfeeding mothers is very necessary to facilitate breast milk and foods with sufficient protein and iron content can improve the quality of breast milk for babies. Utilizing local food ingredients with the nutritional content needed by breastfeeding mothers can help to increase the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding for babies. The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of substitution of local food ingredients, namely chickpeas, moringa, katuk and matcha on the acceptability, nutritional content, economic value and nutritional economic value of klepon cake as an alternative snack for breastfeeding mothers. This research is a pure experimental study on formula modification and quasi-experimental research on organoleptic tests with a completely randomized design (CRD) research design. There are five types of treatment with one control formula and four modified formulas with five repetitions. There were two types of panelists in this study, namely 3 panelists limited to preliminary research and 25 untrained panelists for follow-up research. Data collection techniques use organoleptic test forms and hedonic tests. Data analysis used the Friedman and Wilcoxson tests. The results of the research show that there is an effect of substitution of chickpea flour, moringa flour, katuk flour and matcha as alternative snacks for breastfeeding mothers.

How strenuous is esports? Perceived physical exertion and physical state during competitive video gaming.

Esports or competitive video gaming is a rapidly growing sector and an integral part of today's (youth) culture. Esports athletes are exposed to a variety of burdens, that can potentially impact an athlete's health and performance. Therefore, it is important that esports athletes are aware of (physical) burden and exertion associated with esports. For this purpose, a study was conducted to evaluate the influence of competitive video gaming on the perceived physical exertion and the perceived physical state (PEPS). Thirty-two healthy male esports athletes participated in two competitive video gaming sessions lasting 90-120 min, interrupted by a 10-minute passive sitting break. Repeated measures of perceived physical exertion (Borg Categorial Ratio-10 scale) and perceived physical state were recorded before, during, and after each video game session. Repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman's test were used for statistical analysis. The results showed a significant difference in all dimensions of the PEPS (p < 0.05) as well as in Borg scale (p < 0.001). Post-hoc tests revealed significant increases in Borg scale between baseline measurements (T0: 1.0 ± 1.0) and after the first competitive video gaming session (T1: 2.4 ± 1.3, p < 0.001), as well as after the second competitive video gaming session (T3: 3.0 ± 1.7, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in perceived exertion between the measurement time after the first competitive video gaming session (T1) and the break (T2: 1.3 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). The PEPS dimensions activation, trained, and mobility showed similar significant changes in post-hoc analysis. The results indicate that the perceived physical burden significantly increases during esports participation. As the duration of competitive video gaming extends, the perceived physical state decreases and perceived physical exertion increases. A passive break between two video game sessions can at least partially restore physical exertion and physical state. However, this break neither returns the scores to their baseline levels nor prevents a further decline in scores during the second video game session. Over time and with a lack of observation, this could result in health and performance limitations.

Effect of telerehabilitation-based core-stability exercise on pain-related disability, pain self-efficacy, and psychological factors in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundCore-stability exercise is an exercise modality used in the management of patients with low back pain (LBP). Telerehabilitation is a new treatment approach that is gaining traction as an alternative rehabilitation approach. This study determined the effect of telerehabilitation-based core stability exercise (TCSE) and clinical-based core stability exercise (CCSE) on pain-related disability, pain self-efficacy, and psychological factors in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP).Materials and methodsFifty participants (24 males and 26 females) with a mean age of 40.28 years participated in this randomized controlled study and were recruited from the out-patients physiotherapy clinic of 2 tertiary hospitals in Lagos State and were allocated into two groups (telerehabilitation-based core stability exercise group and clinical-based core stability exercise group which serves as the control) using computer-generated random number sequence. Pain-related disability, pain self-efficacy, and psychological status were assessed at baseline, and at the completion of the 4th and 8th week. Patients received supervised intervention protocols twice weekly for 8 consecutive weeks. Independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Friedman test were used in analyzing the data at an alpha level of 5%.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001) noted within each group (telerehabilitation-based core stability exercise group and clinical-based core stability exercise group) in all the outcome measures assessed (Pain Disability Index, Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire and Depression-Anxiety-Stress scale) but no group was superior to one another when compared.ConclusionTelerehabilitation-based core stability exercise was as efficacious as clinical-based core stability exercise in decreasing pain-related disability, improving pain self-efficacy and psychological factors, and should be incorporated as part of the treatment program in musculoskeletal rehabilitation for individuals with non-specific CLBP.Trial registrationPACTR202208607830603, 16th August 2022—retrospectively registered, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/

Clinical Performance of Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Resin Nanoceramic Endocrowns in Restoring Molars: An In Vivo Study.

Background It is difficult to determine the optimal method for restoring endodontically treated teeth, as several factors affect this decision. Functional requirements and the amount of remaining coronal tissue are considered the most important factors in choosing the best restoration for those teeth. Endocrown was introduced as a conservative alternative for endodontically treated and coronally damaged teeth. Aim The aim of this study is to assess the clinical performance of the nanoceramic system for molar endocrowns by evaluating color change, gingival condition, prosthesis integrity, and the presence of secondary caries. Materials and methods The sample consisted of 20 endocrowns. The teeth were prepared with at least 2 mm of wall thickness and a cavity depth of 4 mm from the occlusal surface. The final impression was taken, and the prostheses were adhered using dual-cure resin cement. It was clinically evaluated according to clinical success criteria (United States Public Health Service) in terms of color stability, gingival indexes, integrity of the restoration, and the presence of secondary caries after a week, three months, six months, and a year. The statistical study was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and the results were considered statistically significant at the 95% level of significance. The Friedman test was used to study the significance of the differences in the average values of color change, plaque index, and the integrity of the prostheses during follow-up periods. Results The study showed a gradual increase in the degree of color change with follow-up periods. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of gingival changes, the integrity of the prosthetic margins, or the occurrence of secondary caries during the follow-up periods. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, an endocrown made of CeraSmart nanoceramic is an acceptable option for crowning decayed and endodontic-treated molars with acceptable clinical performance.

Sleep Behaviors and Nutritional Knowledge in Amateur and Professional Combat Sport Athletes.

Dunican, IC, Galpin, A, Turner, M, and Reale, R. Sleep behaviors and nutritional knowledge in amateur and professional combat sport athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1627-1634, 2024-Combat sports is a term applied to various competitive contact sports involving 2 competitors engaging in a bout or contest under a specific ruleset. Little is known about combat sports athletes' sleep and nutritional knowledge. This study aimed to assess (a) sleep behaviors, (b) alcohol and shiftwork disorders, and (c) the nutritional knowledge of combat sports athletes. Subjects completed various demographic questions and estimations of their weight management practices and validated surveys, including the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire, Shiftwork Disorder (SWD) Screening Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Abridged Nutrition for Sports Knowledge Questionnaire. A total of 844 combat sports athletes completed the survey, 79% male, height of 177 ± 10 (cm), and body mass of 79 ± 15 (kg). Subjects were categorized into their specific combat sport type (e.g., boxing or Brazilian jiu-jitsu [BJJ]) and by their level (professional or amateur). Sleep quality was average for all combat sport types and risk prevalence of shiftwork disorder at 11%. Mann-Whitney U tests revealed that amateurs, compared with professional strikers ( p = 0.046, CLES = 0.80), boxers ( p = 0.01, CLES = 0.78), and BJJ ( p = 0.046, CLES = 0.61) athletes, consumed significantly more alcohol. A Friedman test showed significant ( p < 0.001, W = 0.51) differences in weight between time points, with most combat sports athletes reducing weight for competition. An overall nutritional knowledge average of 55% was reported. This study highlights a critical gap in the knowledge and practices of combat sports athletes in relation to sleep behaviors and disorders, alcohol consumption, and nutritional knowledge, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions.

A Preliminary Study of Vallecular Bolus Aggregation in Healthy Swallowing of Solid Food Boluses.

The pharyngeal swallow typically begins within 400 ms following the arrival of a liquid bolus in the pharynx. By contrast, processed food particles aggregate in the valleculae prior to swallow initiation. With solid foods, swallow reaction time (SRT), the interval between bolus passing the ramus of mandible and hyoid burst onset (HYB) can be subdivided into components of vallecular aggregation time (VAT) and the subsequent end of aggregation to hyoid burst interval (EOA-to-HYB). However, expected durations of these timing measures remain unclear. We aimed to study bolus aggregation in healthy swallowing for International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Food Levels 5 (minced and moist [MM5]), 6 (soft and bite-sized [SB6]), and 7 (regular [RG7]). Understanding typical patterns and durations of vallecular aggregation with solids in healthy swallowing will inform the identification of impaired swallow timing in patient populations. Twenty healthy adults (10 males, Mage = 28 years, range: 23-55 years) swallowed two boluses each of MM5, SB6, and RG7 foods in videofluoroscopy. Blinded duplicate ratings determined bolus location at swallow onset, SRT, VAT, and EOA-to-HYB. Texture-based differences were measured using Friedman's tests. Bolus location was at/above the valleculae at swallow onset for 85% of boluses, with no differences by texture. SRT, VAT, and EOA-to-HYB did not vary by texture, with overall median values (interquartile range) of 99 ms (-66 to 743 ms) for SRT, 347 ms (66 to 891 ms) for VAT, and -132 ms (-231 to -83 ms) for EOA-to-HYB. These data corroborate prior evidence that it is not unusual for food particles to aggregate in the valleculae prior to swallow initiation in healthy swallowing. However, durations of vallecular aggregation are typically < 1 s in healthy adults.

University student flood risk perceptions and flood probability knowledge in Greater Sydney

AbstractWhile flood risk perception has been studied extensively in general populations, there remains a dearth of focus on youth perspectives – a key demographic to mobilising knowledge to achieve disaster risk reduction targets. This study aimed to evaluate university students’ perceptions of flood risk and their understanding of common flood probabilities in the Greater Sydney region of Australia. We surveyed 262 university students to better understand how flood preparedness, knowledge, and experience predict flood risk perceptions. Using ordinal logistic regression, we identified that students with past flood experience and women were more likely to have higher flood risk perceptions. In contrast, students with higher flood preparedness were more likely to have lower flood risk perceptions. Age, degree level (e.g. bachelor’s, master’s), place of residence, and flood knowledge were inconclusive predictors of risk perception. We also assessed differences in how students rated the likelihood of three equivalent flood probabilities presented in different ways: (1) a 1-in-100 year flood; (2) a flood with a 1% of happening in a given year; and (3) a flood with a 55% chance in an 80-year lifetime. Using Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests, we compared differences within student responses and across different risk perception groups. We found that students perceived equivalent flood probabilities stated over longer periods of time to be more likely to occur. This study contributes to understanding student perceptions of flood risk, presenting recommendations on how governments and higher educational institutions can improve building students’ knowledge of flood hazards.

The utility of virtual monochromatic dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in meniscal imaging: a technical evaluation.

To determine the feasibility of meniscal imaging using virtual monochromatic images obtained through dualenergy computed tomography (DECT) technique, and to determine which keV levels optimise contrast resolution. All DECT exams were performed on a Discovery CT750 HD system from GE Healthcare. Virtual monochromatic images were reconstructed at 40 keV, 73 keV, 106 keV, and 139 keV. Contrast resolution of the medial and lateral menisci using a 5-point Likert scale at each keV level was determined through a consensus agreement by 2 fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Friedman's and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare visualisation scores across different keV levels. Seventeen knee exams from 10 patients met criteria for inclusion in the study. All patients included in the study cohort were male. The median age of patients was 46 years (interquartile range, 35-53 years). Virtual monochromatic images at 40 keV demonstrated highest contrast resolution of the menisci, with a statistically significant difference between contrast resolution scores at 40 keV and 76 keV, Friedman test: p < 0.0001. Meniscal imaging is feasible using DECT virtual monochromatic images at low keV levels. Improved contrast resolution at these specified KeV values could pave the way for further research in this field to determine its role in the future as an alternative option for assessment of the menisci in patients with contraindications to MRI or in the setting of a periarticular ferromagnetic foreign body obscuring the field of view.

Comparative Evaluation of Activated and Nonactivated Microbubbles on the Efficacy of Bleaching Agents.

Intracoronal bleaching serves as a conservative option for nonvital teeth that exhibit discoloration.Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is frequently utilized in bleaching processes owing to its capability to produce free radicals.The main drawbacks of the currently available bleaching agents are the occurrence of cervical resorption and the multiple dental visits to achieve the desired result. Therefore, in our study, to address the limitations associated with cervical resorption and extended treatment duration for badly stained teeth, an attempt was made to incorporate a whitening agent (35% H2O2) with microbubbles. This study aimed tocompareandevaluatetheeffect ofactivated and nonactivated microbubbles on the efficacy of bleaching agents. Forty-five human central incisors were collected and divided into three groups:Group I (HP), H2O2 plain(n= 15) (Control); Group II (HPM), H2O2-infused microbubbles without ultrasonic activation (n= 15) (experimental group); and Group III (HPMU), H2O2-infused microbubbles with ultrasonic activation (n= 15) (experimental group).The crowns were artificially stained. Microbubbles containing 35% H2O2were generated using the probe sonication method.The bleaching agent H2O2 plain (0.04 mL) was syringed into the pulp chamber in group I, while H2O2-infused microbubbles (0.04 mL) were syringed into group II and group III. Group III was further activated ultrasonically. The evaluation of color shade differences was conducted using the Vita Lumin shade guide at three time points: baseline, day 7, and day 14. Data regarding color change using Vita shade were investigated for normality using theKolmogorov Smirnov test and assessed a non-normal distribution.Intergroup comparisons at each particular time interval (baseline, day 7, and day 14) were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using the Adjusted Bonferroni post hoc test. Intragroup comparisons between different time intervals were analyzed using related samples from Friedman's test followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using the post hoc Dunn test. The level of statistical significance was determined at P< 0.05. There was no statistical difference in the baseline values of all three groups. Group I (HP) exhibited an average increase of three Vita Lumin shade tabs on day 7 and day 14, respectively, whereasGroup II (HPM)exhibited an average increase of six and four Vita Lumin shade tabs on day 7 and day 14, respectively, and Group III (HPMU)exhibited an average increase of 10 and 3 Vita Lumin shade tabs on day 7 and day 14, respectively. Microbubbles containing H2O2 were more efficient and faster than plain H2O2 for bleaching, and the efficacy of bleaching was enhanced when activated using ultrasonic technology.

A rhinopithecus swarm optimization algorithm for complex optimization problem

This paper introduces a novel meta-heuristic algorithm named Rhinopithecus Swarm Optimization (RSO) to address optimization problems, particularly those involving high dimensions. The proposed algorithm is inspired by the social behaviors of different groups within the rhinopithecus swarm. RSO categorizes the swarm into mature, adolescent, and infancy individuals. Due to this division of labor, each category of individuals employs unique search methods, including vertical migration, concerted search, and mimicry. To evaluate the effectiveness of RSO, we conducted experiments using the CEC2017 test set and three constrained engineering problems. Each function in the test set was independently executed 36 times. Additionally, we used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Friedman test to analyze the performance of RSO compared to eight well-known optimization algorithms: Dung Beetle Optimizer (DBO), Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO), Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), African Vultures Optimization Algorithm (AVOA), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Atomic Retrospective Learning Bare Bone Particle Swarm Optimization (ARBBPSO), Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer (GTO), and Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO). The results indicate that RSO exhibited outstanding performance on the CEC2017 test set for both 30 and 100 dimension. Moreover, RSO ranked first in both dimensions, surpassing the mean rank of the second-ranked algorithms by 7.69% and 42.85%, respectively. Across the three classical engineering design problems, RSO consistently achieves the best results. Overall, it can be concluded that RSO is particularly effective for solving high-dimensional optimization problems.

An Analytical Study of the Number of Communicable Diseases and Health Institutions in Iraq using Two-Way Analysis of Variance, Friedman and Scheffe Tests

In this research paper, data were analyzed from Environmental Statistics in Iraq (Health Indicators for 2019)/ Central Statistical Organization /Iraqi Ministry of Planning. The data represents the number of health institutions distributed across all governorates of Iraq (government hospitals, private hospitals, popular clinics, specialized health centers (dental, chest, allergy, asthma, other specialties), primary health care centers (main and subsidiary), other health institutions (insurance clinics). health care, health homes), training health center, family medicine health center, family planning center, central health laboratories, forensic medicine, blood bank). In addition to other data representing the number of infections with communicable diseases in Iraq (polio, acute flaccid paralysis, whooping cough, measles, German measles, mumps, congenital tetanus, adult tetanus, hydatid cysts, typhoid, malaria, schistosomiasis, bacillus dysentery, rabies, Diphtheria, chicken pox, hemorrhagic fever, Malta fever, pneumonia, cholera, scabies, cutaneous leishmaniasis, black fever, animal bites, meningitis of all kinds, bird flu, swine flu). It was determined whether there are significant differences in the number of health institutions in terms of their distribution across all governorates of Iraq, or not. Also, is there a significant difference in the number of infections with communicable diseases in all governorates of Iraq or not? If there is a significant difference in the number of health institutions or the number of infections with communicable diseases, whichever number is higher. The study included the total number of health institutions in Iraq, as well as the total number of communicable diseases of various types in all governorates of Iraq. The results were obtained by applying the Friedman test, in addition to two-way analysis of variance, as well as the Scheffé test.

THE IMPACT OF USING DIFFERENT YEAST SPECIES IN BREAD PRODUCTION ON CONSUMER PREFERENCES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TASTE

This study aims to investigate sensory attributes that play a significant role in determining consumer preferences in the food sector. The research explores the impact of three different yeast types used in bread preparation, assessed through sensory analysis methods, on the perceived taste and overall acceptability of the products. The study employs an experimental design and conducts product testing in real sales environments. A panel of 22 participants was requested to evaluate breads prepared with three visually similar but content-wise different yeast types. Following a tasting session, participants provided data based on sensory analysis criteria, including "appearance," "flavor," "texture," "odor," and "general acceptability," using a designed survey method. The collected data were analyzed using statistical software packages, specifically through Friedman's and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests. The research findings indicate variations in consumer preferences regarding taste, texture, odor, and overall acceptability. Panelists expressed a higher preference for breads obtained with sourdough yeast.

An RNA evolutionary algorithm based on gradient descent for function optimization

Abstract The optimization of numerical functions with multiple independent variables was a significant challenge with numerous practical applications in process control systems, data fitting, and engineering designs. Although RNA genetic algorithms offer clear benefits in function optimization, including rapid convergence, they have low accuracy and can easily become trapped in local optima. To address these issues, a new heuristic algorithm was proposed, a gradient descent-based RNA genetic algorithm. Specifically, adaptive moment estimation (Adam) was employed as a mutation operator to improve the local development ability of the algorithm. Additionally, two new operators inspired by the inner-loop structure of RNA molecules were introduced: an inner-loop crossover operator and an inner-loop mutation operator. These operators enhance the global exploration ability of the algorithm in the early stages of evolution and enable it to escape from local optima. The algorithm consists of two stages: a pre-evolutionary stage that employs RNA genetic algorithms to identify individuals in the vicinity of the optimal region and a post-evolutionary stage that applies a adaptive gradient descent mutation to further enhance the solution’s quality. When compared with the current advanced algorithms for solving function optimization problems, Adam RNA Genetic Algorithm (RNA-GA) produced better optimal solutions. In comparison with RNA-GA and Genetic Algorithm (GA) across 17 benchmark functions, Adam RNA-GA ranked first with the best result of an average rank of 1.58 according to the Friedman test. In the set of 29 functions of the CEC2017 suite, compared with heuristic algorithms such as African Vulture Optimization Algorithm, Dung Beetle Optimization, Whale Optimization Algorithm, and Grey Wolf Optimizer, Adam RNA-GA ranked first with the best result of an average rank of 1.724 according to the Friedman test. Our algorithm not only achieved significant improvements over RNA-GA but also performed excellently among various current advanced algorithms for solving function optimization problems, achieving high precision in function optimization.

Modified crayfish optimization algorithm with adaptive spiral elite greedy opposition-based learning and search-hide strategy for global optimization

Abstract Crayfish optimization algorithm (COA) is a novel bionic metaheuristic algorithm with high convergence speed and solution accuracy. However, in some complex optimization problems and real application scenarios, the performance of COA is not satisfactory. In order to overcome the challenges encountered by COA, such as being stuck in the local optimal and insufficient search range, this paper proposes four improvement strategies: search-hide, adaptive spiral elite greedy opposition-based learning, competition-elimination, and chaos mutation. To evaluate the convergence accuracy, speed, and robustness of the modified crayfish optimization algorithm (MCOA), some simulation comparison experiments of 10 algorithms are conducted. Experimental results show that the MCOA achieved the minor Friedman test value in 23 test functions, CEC2014 and CEC2020, and achieved average superiority rates of 80.97%, 72.59%, and 71.11% in the WT, respectively. In addition, MCOA shows high applicability and progressiveness in five engineering problems in actual industrial field. Moreover, MCOA achieved 80% and 100% superiority rate against COA on CEC2020 and the fixed-dimension function of 23 benchmark test functions. Finally, MCOA owns better convergence and population diversity.

The analysis of quality of life of patients with glioblastoma after adjuvant radiation therapy

Background. Optimizing approaches to the treatment of patients with glioblastoma (GB) is an urgent task partly owing to the wider implementation of hypofractionated radiation therapy (HRT) regimens. At the same time, increasing survival without maintaining the patient’s quality of life (QoL) cannot be considered successful treatment. Purpose – to analyze QoL of patients with GB after adjuvant radiation treatment in the groups of standard and hypofractionated radiation regimens. Materials and methods. 159 patients with verified GB, who had undergone surgery in State Institution «Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine» over the period from 2014 to 2020, were divided into two groups according to the regimen of RT: SRT group (n = 49) – standard regimen (total dose 60.0 Gy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks); HRT group (n = 110) – hypofractionated regimen (total dose 52.5 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks). The patients were surveyed about QoL three times during their follow-up (3, 6 and 12 months after RT) according to the Global Health Status Scale (GHSS), domains of insomnia and fatigue of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (QLQ-C30 version 3.0). Statistical analysis was performed separately for each group (SRT and HRT; intragroup analysis), as well as between SRT and HRT groups as comparison of independent groups with a different number of follow-up examinations for each period of the follow-up (intergroup analysis). Results. The H0 hypothesis about the absence of statistically significant difference between the results of three subsequent surveys according to the GHSS, domains of insomnia and fatigue in both SRT (p = 0.00003; p = 0.00002; p = 0.00002, respectively) and HRT (p = 0.00000; p = 0.00001; p = 0.00001, respectively) groups in the intragroup analysis according to the Friedman test was rejected. The pairwise comparison of the results of the second and the first survey (6 vs. 3 months) according to the Wilcoxon test showed a statistically significant decrease in QoL in the domain of insomnia (р = 0.000733) in SRT group and in the domain of fatigue (р = 0.016813) in HRT group. When comparing the results of the third and the second survey (12 vs. 6 months), the H0 hypothesis for all the studied parameters of QoL (GHS, insomnia, and fatigue) was rejected in both SRT and HRT groups (p ≤ 0.017 with the Bonferroni correction). When comparing the results of the third and the first survey (12 vs. 3 months), a statistically significant decrease in QoL in all studied parameters of QoL was observed: GHSS (р = 0.000078); fatigue (р = 0.000294); insomnia (р = 0.000318). The comparison of the results of these surveys in SRT group showed a statistically significant decrease of QoL in GHSS (р = 0.004650) and fatigue (p = 0.017938), with the level of statistical significance getting closer to the set critical value considering the Bonferroni correction. The intergroup analysis according to the Mann-Whitney U test showed a statistically significant advantage of HRT over SRT in all studied parameters of QoL in three subsequent surveys (p &lt; 0.05). The ρ-test confirmed these data: HRT group patients had better parameters of QoL than SRT group patients over the whole period of the follow-up. Conclusions. The analysis of QoL according to the results of three subsequent surveys 3, 6, and 12 months after RT according to the GHSS, domains of insomnia and fatigue of the EORTC QLQ-C30 demonstrated a decrease in QoL of patients in both SRT and HRT groups. At the same time, a statistically significant advantage of HRT group over SRT group in all studied parameters of SRT was observed when the results of three subsequent surveys were compared. The proposed regimen of HRT for patients with primarily diagnosed GB may be considered an acceptable alternative to SRT in view of impact on QoL.