Friedman Test Research Articles

How does the direction of region of interest selection affect the fractal dimension?

Introduction Fractal analysis (FA) is a computational method used to quantify the complex trabecular structure of bone. While FA has been widely applied in dentistry, there are challenges in standardizing the technique due to factors such as image resolution, region of interest (ROI) selection, and image processing. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the direction of ROI selection (DROIS) on fractal dimension (FD) calculations. Panoramic radiographs of 226 individuals aged 20-35 years were analyzed. ROIs were selected on the mandibular condyle, angular region, and mental region, and oriented at 0°, 22.5°, 45°, and 67.5° angles. FD was calculated using the box-counting method in ImageJ. The Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical analysis. The FD values differed significantly between the angled ROI groups in all three regions (Friedman test, p < 0.0001).Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences in FD between most ROI orientations, except between 22.5° and 67.5° in the angular region. DROIS is an important factor that should be considered in FA studies to ensure reliable and reproducible FD values. Appropriate methodological choices can help account for the influence of DROIS on FD calculations..

Multi-strategy cooperative enhancement dung beetle optimizer and its application in obstacle avoidance navigation.

Path planning is a crucial component of unmanned driving systems designed to address the challenge of autonomous navigation. This article introduces a novel approach called the multi-strategy cooperative enhanced dung beetle optimization algorithm (RCDBO) and applies it to dispose of path planning issues. Its primary aim is to mitigate the shortcomings of the fundamental dung beetle optimization algorithm (DBO), namely, its tendency to prematurely converge to local optima and its limited global planning capability. Initially, population initialization leverages Bernoulli-based chaotic mapping to enhance diversity and ensure uniform randomness, thereby improving both the quality of initial solutions and optimization efficiency. Subsequently, a random walk strategy is employed to perturb the rolling behavior of the dung beetle population during the initial stage, thus mitigating potential algorithmic local stagnation. Finally, adopting a vertical and horizontal crossover strategy introduces perturbations to the current best value of the dung beetle population, thereby enhancing the DBO method's global optimization capability during the later stages of evolution. The RCDBO method was evaluated against several well-established swarm intelligence algorithms using twelve benchmark test functions, the CEC2021 test suite, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and the Friedman test, to rigorously assess its feasibility. Additionally, the effectiveness of each strategy within the RCDBO framework was validated, and the algorithm's capability to achieve an optimal balance between global exploration and local exploitation was systematically analyzed through the CEC2021 test suite. Furthermore, in path planning simulation experiments targeting maps of varying sizes and complexities, the RCDBO algorithm, compared to the basic DBO algorithm, results in shorter planned path lengths. In simpler map environments, it exhibits fewer turning points and smoother paths, indicating that the RCDBO algorithm also possesses certain advantages in addressing path-planning challenges.

Effect of experimental knee pain location on gait kinematics.

In this study, we investigated whether experimental knee pain alters lower limb kinematics and knee arthrokinematics during gait, and if this motor adaptation depends on the spatial characteristics of the painful stimulus. Twenty-one participants walked on a treadmill for 60-s trials, either without stimulation or while experiencing painful electrical stimulation in the medial, lateral or anterior region of the knee. Perceived pain location was analyzed using pain drawing. Gait spatiotemporal parameters, lower limb kinematics, and dispersion of the knee helical axes on the sagittal plane were quantified for each trial and compared between conditions using ANOVAs with repeated measures or Friedman tests. Pain perception was localized in the area the stimulation was applied to. Compared to walking without pain, participants demonstrated reduced knee extension (1.5 ± 1.5 degrees, p = 0.002) and reduced hip extension (0.8 ± 1.1 degrees, p = 0.037) when pain was induced in the anterior region, but not medially or laterally. Anterior knee pain increased the mean distance of the helical axes during late stance (0.7 [0.3, 1.4], p = 0.010), while medial pain increased both mean distance (0.3 [0.1, 0.5], p = 0.037) and mean angle (1.2 ± 1.4, p = 0.010) during early swing. Acute, experimental knee pain alters gait kinematics and increases the dispersion of the helical axis. These adaptations depend on the spatial characteristics of the painful stimulus. These adaptations may reflect an attempt of the central nervous system to protect the painful tissue while searching for a less painful movement strategy.

Greater improvement in aerobic capacity after a polarized training program including cycling interval training at low cadence (50-70 RPM) than freely chosen cadence (above 80 RPM).

This study compared the impact of two polarized training programs (POL) on aerobic capacity in well-trained (based on maximal oxygen uptake and training experience) female cyclists. Each 8-week POL program consisted of sprint interval training (SIT) consisting of 8-12 repetitions, each lasting 30 seconds at maximal intensity, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) consisting of 4-6 repetitions, each lasting 4 minutes at an intensity of 90-100% maximal aerobic power, and low-intensity endurance training (LIT) lasting 150-180 minutes with intensity at the first ventilatory threshold. Training sessions were organized into 4-day microcycles (1st day-SIT, 2nd day-HIIT, 3rd day-LIT, and 4th day-active rest), that were repeated throughout the experiment. In the first POL program, exercise repetitions during SIT and HIIT training were performed with freely chosen cadence above 80 RPM (POLFC group, n = 12), while in the second POL program with low cadence 50-70 RPM (POLLC group, n = 12). Immediately before and after the 8-week POL intervention, participants performed an incremental test to measure maximal aerobic power (Pmax), power achieved at the second ventilatory threshold (VT2), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal pulmonary ventilation (VEmax), and gross efficiency (GE). Moreover, participants performed VO2max verification test. Analysis of variance showed a repeated measures effect for Pmax (F = 21.62; η2 = 0.5; p = 0.00), VO2max (F = 39.39; η2 = 0.64; p = 0.00) and VEmax (F = 5.99; η2 = 0.21; p = 0.02). A repeated measures x group mixed effect was demonstrated for Pmax (F = 4.99; η2 = 0.18; p = 0.03) and VO2max (F = 6.67; η2 = 0.23; p = 0.02). Post-hoc Scheffe analysis showed that increase in Pmax were statistically significant only in POLLC group. The Friedman test showed that VT2 differed between repeated measures only in the POLLC group (χ2 = 11; p = 0.001; W = 0.917). In conclusion, it was found that POL program where SIT and HIIT were performed at low cadence was more effective in improving aerobic capacity in well-trained female cyclists, than POL with SIT and HIIT performed at freely chosen cadence. This finding is a practical application for athletes and coaches in cycling, to consider not only the intensity and duration but also the cadence used during various interval training sessions.

The Effectiveness of the Moyamoya Healthy Youth Application for the Salutogenesis of Adolescents With Moyamoya Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Adolescents with moyamoya disease can experience unexpected transient ischemic attacks, significantly impacting their daily lives. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Moyamoya Healthy Youth application for adolescents with moyamoya disease. The research employed a parallel, two-group randomized controlled trial with a repeated measures design. A total of 64 adolescents with moyamoya disease were participated. The intervention group applied the application, whereas the wait-list group received their usual care from an outpatient clinic. The outcome variables were assessed three times during the study, from July 2021 to March 2022. Repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman test were used to analyze results. The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in stress and health behavior. No statistically significant improvement was observed in moyamoya disease knowledge, social support, sense of coherence, depression, cortisol, and symptoms. This mobile-based strategy empowered adolescents to monitor their health behaviors and cope with stress. This intervention is a promising strategy for health care providers to enhance self-management skills and achieve better quality of life in such adolescents. Trial Registration: Korea Clinical Trial Registry KCT0006451. https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/21925.

Postobturation Pain of three Novel Calcium Silicate-based sealers with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis or necrotic pulp with chronic apical periodontitis: prospective clinical trial

BackgroundBioceramic-based root canal sealers are increasingly important in root canal treatment because of their biocompatible properties. This study aimed to evaluate postobturation pain incidence and intensity after root canal obturation with NeoSealer Flo, MTA-Bioseal, and GuttaFlow bioseal calcium silicate-based sealers and AH Plus epoxy resin-based sealer in patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis or necrotic pulp with chronic apical periodontitis.MethodsA total of 120 participants with single-rooted teeth were included and randomly divided into four groups according to the root canal sealer used (n = 30). The patients were subsequently categorised based on the pulp vitality (vital or nonvital) in each group (n = 15) and all teeth were obturated in a single-visit. The postobturation pain scores were recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 d and 30 d. Moreover, analgesic intake was also noted at 24 h and 48 h. The Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal‒Wallis H test, Friedman test, and Spearman’s correlation test were used, and a p value < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsVAS scores were highest for the 6 h > 24 h > 48 h ≈ 72 h ≈ 7 d ≈ 30 d time intervals for both pulp status in each root canal sealer. A significant decrease in the VAS score was observed for all sealers from 6 h to 48 h (p 0.05). Nonvital cases had lower VAS scores at all time intervals. Analgesic intake was greater in the first 24 h (p < 0.05) in vital cases (p < 0.05) and also in females than males.ConclusionThe level of pain experienced after obturation was similar in patients with different pulp status for all the root canal sealers. Analgesic intake was greater in vital cases and females within 24 h.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov, NCT06515756, record date: 2024-07-17, retrospectively registered.

Effect of Cryotherapy and Occlusal Reduction on Postoperative Endodontic Pain in Mandibular First Molars with Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis: A Prospective, Parallel, Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to compare the intensity of postoperative pain following the final rinse using cold saline compared with room temperature saline and occlusal reduction. A prospective, parallel, double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted on 69 first mandibular molars diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. Single-visit root canal treatment was performed; access cavity preparations and chemomechanical preparations were carried out using the ProTaper Gold rotary system under copious irrigation using 3% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. The patients were divided into three groups (n = 23): control group: room temperature saline (25°C) final rinse without occlusal reduction; cryotherapy group: cold saline (2.5-4°C) final rinse without occlusal reduction; and occlusal reduction group: room temperature saline with occlusal reduction. Pain scores were recorded using the visual analog scale preoperatively and postoperatively via telephone at 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days intervals. Age data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Pain score data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis' test followed by Dunn's post hoc test for intergroup comparisons and Friedman's test followed by Nemenyi's post hoc test for intragroup comparisons. Correlations were analyzed using Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 within all tests. Cryotherapy reduced postoperative pain compared with the control group with a statistically significant difference at 24 hours only (p = 0.016). At other intervals, no statistically significant difference in pain score was measured between all three groups (p > 0.05). After 7 days, all patients recorded a zero pain score. Cryotherapy was as effective as the occlusal reduction in reducing postoperative pain in cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis, significantly more than the control group.

A Novel Snow Leopard Optimization for High-Dimensional Feature Selection Problems

To address the limitations of traditional optimization methods in achieving high accuracy in high-dimensional problems, this paper introduces the snow leopard optimization (SLO) algorithm. SLO is a novel meta-heuristic approach inspired by the territorial behaviors of snow leopards. By emulating strategies such as territory delineation, neighborhood relocation, and dispute mechanisms, SLO achieves a balance between exploration and exploitation, to navigate vast and complex search spaces. The algorithm’s performance was evaluated using the CEC2017 benchmark and high-dimensional genetic data feature selection tasks, demonstrating SLO’s competitive advantage in solving high-dimensional optimization problems. In the CEC2017 experiments, SLO ranked first in the Friedman test, outperforming several well-known algorithms, including ETBBPSO, ARBBPSO, HCOA, AVOA, WOA, SSA, and HHO. The effective application of SLO in high-dimensional genetic data feature selection further highlights its adaptability and practical utility, marking significant progress in the field of high-dimensional optimization and feature selection.

Hybrid modeling approaches for agricultural commodity prices using CEEMDAN and time delay neural networks

Improving the forecasting accuracy of agricultural commodity prices is critical for many stakeholders namely, farmers, traders, exporters, governments, and all other partners in the price channel, to evade risks and enable appropriate policy interventions. However, the traditional mono-scale smoothing techniques often fail to capture the non-stationary and non-linear features due to their multifarious structure. This study has proposed a CEEMDAN (Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise)-TDNN (Time Delay Neural Network) model for forecasting non-linear, non-stationary agricultural price series. This study has evaluated its suitability in comparison with the other three major EMD (Empirical Mode Decomposition) variants (EMD, Ensemble EMD and Complementary Ensemble EMD) and the benchmark (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, Non-linear Support Vector Regression, Gradient Boosting Machine, Random Forest and TDNN) models using monthly wholesale prices of major oilseed crops in India. Outcomes from this investigation reflect that the CEEMDAN-TDNN hybrid models have outperformed all other forecasting models on the basis of evaluation metrics under consideration. For the proposed model, an average improvement of RMSE (Root Mean Square Error), Relative RMSE and MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) values has been observed to be 20.04%, 19.94% and 27.80%, respectively over the other EMD variant-based counterparts and 57.66%, 48.37% and 62.37%, respectively over the other benchmark stochastic and machine learning models. The CEEMD-TDNN and CEEMDAN-TDNN models have demonstrated superior performance in predicting the directional changes of monthly price series compared to other models. Additionally, the accuracy of forecasts generated by all models has been assessed using the Diebold-Mariano test, the Friedman test, and the Taylor diagram. The results confirm that the proposed hybrid model has outperformed the alternative models, providing a distinct advantage.

University students’ attitudes towards the values of physical culture and sport as indicators of their social development

Introduction. Physical culture and sports activities play a crucial role in the socialisation and personal development of individuals. Understanding students’ attitudes towards the social values of sports is essential for creating an effective system of physical education and social development at a university. Aim. The present research aimed to examine the relationship between university students’ attitudes towards various values of sports and their social responsibility, psychosocial well-being, commitment to moral norms, and social values as indicators of social development. Methodology and research methods. The study utilised various frameworks, including the psychology of sports concerning moral norms and values, the theory of physical education related to the social development of students through physical culture and sports, and social psychology focusing on indicators of social development. Psychodiagnostic methods employed included the Spirit of Sport (SOS) scale, Social Responsibility Scale, Portrait Value Questionnaire, Moral Foundations Questionnaire, and Subjective Well-Being Scale. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, the Mann – Whitney U test, and the Friedman test. The research involved 323 university students aged 18 to 23 years. Results and scientific novelty. The research conducted has demonstrated that, in the realm of sports, students exhibit a greater commitment to the values of health, ethics, and respect for their opponents. The findings reveal that students’ orientation towards the sports values of respect and education serves as a predictor of their social development, which is manifested in the cultivation of social responsibility. This social responsibility is, in turn, influenced by various social values, including care, independence, safety, conformity, and self-affirmation, as well as moral norms. Furthermore, it has been established that the psychosocial well-being of students and their social responsibility are interdependent characteristics. Practical significance. The theoretical and empirical findings of this study can be beneficial for the development of courses in psychology, sports pedagogy, and social psychology.

ASSESSMENT OF ORAL BEHAVIORS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF FEDERAL POLICE OFFICERS

Objective: To evaluate the oral behaviors and psychosocial aspects of adults belonging to the Federal Police class. Methods: An observational longitudinal study was conducted with 30 adult individuals from the special group of Federal Police from the city of Curitiba, Paraná. The median age of participants was 39.70 (± 7.35) years. Quality of life, anxiety and perceived stress were assessed using the SF-36, GAD-7 and PSS-14 questionnaires respectively. Awake bruxism was evaluated using the Ecological Momentary Assessment method with the WhatsApp mobile application. Messages were sent 15 times a day, seven days a week, between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm, at random times, to choose one of five oral behaviors: teeth contact, teeth clenching, teeth grinding, mandibular bracing, and relaxed jaw muscles. Cronbach's alpha test, Shapiro-Wilk’s test, Wilcoxon's non-parametric test for paired samples, Friedman's non-parametric test for paired samples, Spearman's non-parametric correlation test, and Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, followed by Dunn's 2–2 comparison test were employed. Results: The most frequent oral behaviors during the week were relaxed jaw muscles (49.75 ± 29.28), teeth contact (31.50 ± 24.71), mandibular bracing (10.42± 18.99), teeth clenching (6.82 ± 8.96), and teeth grinding (1.48 ± 3.04). Quality of life was considered excellent, anxiety was low, and there was no stress. There was no correlation between stress, anxiety and quality of life and awake bruxism. Conclusion: The federal police officers evaluated showed a high frequency of awake bruxism, but the psychosocial aspects were considered excellent.

Accuracy of recent intraocular lens power calculation methods in post-myopic LASIK eyes

This retrospective study compared postoperative prediction errors of recent formulas using standard- or total keratometry (K or TK) for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in post-myopic LASIK patients. It included 56 eyes of 56 patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery, with at least 1-month follow-up at Keio University Hospital in Tokyo or Hayashi Eye Hospital in Yokohama, Japan. Prediction errors, absolute errors, and percentage of eyes with prediction errors within ± 0.25 D, ± 0.50 D, and ± 1.00 D were calculated using nine formulas: Barrett True-K, Barrett True-K TK, Haigis-L, Haigis TK, Pearl-DGS, Hoffer QST, Hoffer QST PK, EVO K, and EVO PK. Statistical comparisons utilized Friedman test, Conover’s all-pairs post-hoc, Cochran’s Q, and McNemar post-hoc testing. Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) was compared with heteroscedastic testing. Barrett True-K TK had the lowest median predicted refractive error (-0.01). EVO PK had the smallest median absolute error (0.20). EVO PK had the highest percentage of eyes within ± 0.25 D of the predicted value (58.9%), significantly better than Haigis-L (p = 0.047). EVO PK had the lowest mean RMSE value (0.499). The EVO PK formula yielded the most accurate IOL power calculation in post-myopic LASIK eyes, with TK/PK values enhancing accuracy.

Artificial Optimizer Algorithm for Power System Stabilizer design problem and multidisciplinary engineering applications

The novelty of this research lies in presenting a fresh stochastic algorithm enthused via ‘Velociraptor’ social intelligence in wildlife (or nature), known as the Velociraptor Group Optimization algorithm (VROA). In this strategy, ‘Velociraptor’ co-operative natural life cycle is mathematically framed, and novel mechanisms are presented to perform search (or exploration) and hunting (or exploitation). This suggests that the proposed method reveals a noteworthy ability in both exploitation and exploration. Furthermore, it successfully stabilities exploration and exploitation, supporting the search process. In the direction of evaluating the VROA, we utilized it on 51 CEC'17, CEC'20, and CEC'22 standard benchmark suites and six multidisciplinary engineering optimization functions. Furthermore, well-known statistical methods like Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Friedman's test have been used to verify the strength of the proposed algorithm against various optimizers. The tabulated numerical and statistical solutions show that VROA performs better than recent optimizers on most standard test suites and has efficiently attained the most competent resolution while concurrently upholding adherence to the designated constraints. The results validate that VROA can offer efficient and accurate optimal solutions in evaluation with recent metaheuristics.

Assessing the impact of the National Clean Air Programme in Uttar Pradesh's non-attainment cities: a prophet model time series analysis

BackgroundUttar Pradesh, India’s largest state, faces critical pollution levels, necessitating urgent action. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) targets a 40% reduction in particulate pollution by 2026. This study assesses the NCAP’s impact on 15 non-attainment cities in Uttar Pradesh using the Prophet forecasting model. MethodsMonthly data from 2016 to 2023 on AQI and PM10 concentrations were sourced from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board. Significant changes in mean AQI and PM10 levels from 2017 to 2023 were evaluated using the Friedman Test. Prophet models forecasted PM10 concentrations for 2025-26, with relative percentage changes calculated and model evaluation metrics assessed. FindingsMost cities exhibited unhealthy air quality. Jhansi had the lowest AQI (72·73) in 2023, classified as 'moderate' by WHO standards. Gorakhpur consistently showed 'poor' AQI levels, peaking at 249·31 in 2019. Western Uttar Pradesh cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, and Moradabad had significant pollution burdens. Predictions showed Bareilly with over a 70% reduction in PM10 levels, Raebareli 58%, Moradabad 55%, Ghaziabad 48%, Agra around 41%, and Varanasi 40%, meeting NCAP targets. However, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj predicted increases in PM10 levels by 50% and 32%, respectively. Moradabad’s model showed the best performance with an R2 of 0·81, MAE of 17·27 μg/m3, and MAPE of 0·10. InterpretationForecasting PM10 concentrations in Uttar Pradesh's non-attainment cities offers policymakers substantial evidence to enhance current efforts. While existing measures are in place, our findings suggest that intensified provisions may be necessary for cities predicted to fall short of meeting program targets. The Prophet model's forecasts can pinpoint these at-risk areas, allowing for targeted interventions and regional adjustments to strategies. This approach will help promote sustainable development customized to each city's specific needs. FundingNo funding was issued for this research.

Text readability: its impact on reading comprehension and reading time

Recently, the readability of texts has become the focus of reading research because it is believed to have implications for reading comprehension, which is of utmost importance in the field of English as a foreign language (EFL), particularly in the teaching, learning and assessment of reading comprehension. Unfortunately, the influence of text readability on reading comprehension (and reading time) has not been well studied in the EFL context. Most text readability studies are conducted in medical contexts, but these studies are often limited in predicting readability scores for sample texts. To address this gap, the current study aimed to evaluate the influence of text readability levels (based on the Flesch-Kincaid grade level (FKGL)) on students’ reading comprehension and reading time. Data were collected through reading test and analyzed using SPSS version 22. The Friedman test revealed that the distribution of students' reading comprehension score (X2=197.532, p=0.000) and reading time (X2=215.323, p=0.000) are different in each text, suggesting that the readability of texts has a significant influence on both. This study contributed to the practices of reading instruction and assessment. Limitations and suggestions for further research are briefly discussed.

A many-objective optimization approach to design office building façade considering energy-daylight balance concept within prevalent climate types of Iran

The concept of energy-daylight balance in architectural design aims to maximize daylighting while reducing energy consumption. Many parameters influence this concept, although they are not necessarily of equal importance in different climates. This study aims to identify the appropriate weight distribution sets (WDSs) for the most influential parameters of the energy-daylight balance concept, namely energy efficiency, daylighting, visual comfort, and thermal comfort, under the prevalent climate types of Iran. To this end, a many-objective optimization algorithm (NSGA-III) is applied to a parametric design procedure involving design variables related to the window system and a proposed shading system, leading to the identification of the most optimal façade designs for office buildings in each climate. Next, a weighted sum method (WSM) evaluates the Pareto-optimal solutions of each climate type based on nine different WDSs. Analyzing the absolute Pareto-optimal solutions, which are the solutions with the highest WSM scores within each WDS in each climate, reveals that, depending on the climate, prioritizing daylighting, thermal comfort, or energy efficiency objectives leads to the highest overall performances within these solutions. Furthermore, the Friedman test results show that in the design of office buildings in Bandar Abbas, Isfahan, Rasht, or Tehran, the most optimal trade-off between the objectives generally occurs by prioritizing energy efficiency, whereas in Dezful, it is generally achieved by prioritizing daylighting. However, pairwise comparisons of the WDSs reveal that in each climate, there are a number of pairs of sets that are not significantly different.

Exploring the feasibility of FOCUS DWI with deep learning reconstruction for breast cancer diagnosis: A comparative study with conventional DWI.

This study compared field-of-view (FOV) optimized and constrained undistorted single-shot diffusion-weighted imaging (FOCUS DWI) with deep-learning-based reconstruction (DLR) to conventional DWI for breast imaging. This study prospectively enrolled 49 female patients suspected of breast cancer from July to December 2023. The patients underwent conventional and FOCUS breast DWI and data were reconstructed with and without DLR. Two radiologists independently evaluated three images per patient using a 5-point Likert scale. Objective evaluations, including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), were conducted using manual region of interest-based analysis. The subjective and objective evaluations were compared using the Friedman test. The scores for the overall image quality, anatomical details, lesion conspicuity, artifacts, and distortion in FOCUS-DLR DWI were higher than in conventional DWI (all P < 0.001). The SNR of FOCUS-DLR DWI was higher than that of conventional and FOCUS DWI (both P < 0.001), while FOCUS and conventional DWI were similar (P = 0.096). Conventional, FOCUS, and FOCUS-DLR DWI had similar CNR and ADC values. Our findings indicate that images produced by FOCUS-DLR DWI were superior to conventional DWI, supporting the applicability of this technique in clinical practice. DLR provides a new approach to optimize breast DWI.

Enhancing science communication skills biology in students through the number head together

The teaching of science communication skills at the high school level can be effectively accomplished through lessons that are oriented not only towards the development of cognitive skills, but also towards the acquisition of hands-on communication skills. The present study employs an experimental research design to investigate the impact of NHT-type cooperative learning on students' science communication skills. This study employs an experimental design comprising an class and a control class. The study population comprised students at X MIPA UPT SMAN 2 The X MIPA 3 class was designated as the experimental class, while the X MIPA 7 class served as the control class. Sampling was conducted using a randomised system. The data employed in this study were derived from two sources: primary data collected via the science communication skills rubric and secondary data obtained through observation of student and teacher activities. The data collection instrument was a science communication skills observation sheet that had previously been tested for validity and reability. The data were analysed using the Friedman test, which revealed significant differences in students' science communication skills between the control and experimental classes at each meeting (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, the Wilcoxon test demonstrated a significant difference between the control and experimental classes at each meeting (p &lt; 0.05). The findings of this study suggest that further research should be conducted at a larger scale to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the rubric of science communication skills.

Effects of glutathione and potassium iodide on silver diamine fluoride application on remineralisation and colour change in dentine caries of primary teeth: an in vitro study.

The aim of this study is to compare the effect of GSH (reduced glutathione) and KI (potassium iodide) on SDF (silver diamine fluoride) discolouration and dentine remineralisation. Sixteen primary molars were utilised, yielding 4 dentine specimens each. Three specimens per tooth were allocated: one as a control and the others to experimental groups. Initial microhardness measurements were taken from one remaining dentine specimen per tooth. Subsequently, all groups underwent exposure to a demineralisation solution. Colorimetry assessed specimen colour, and post-second microhardness measurements on demineralised specimens, treatments were administered as follows: group 1 (control, n = 16): 38% SDF, group 2 (n = 16): 38% SDF followed by KI, group 3 (n = 16): 38% SDF with 5% GSH added by weight. Following pH cycling across all groups, colorimetry reassessed 48 dentine specimens. Final microhardness measurements ensued, followed by statistical analysis. Normality was checked via Shapiro-Wilk, and homogeneity via Levene's test. Independent samples t test compared normally distributed groups; Mann-Whitney U compared non-normally distributed groups. ANOVA compared means of normally distributed groups, and Kruskal-Wallis for non-normally distributed ones. Repeated measures ANOVA compared dependent groups with normal distribution, and Friedman test for non-normal. Post hoc Bonferroni analyses identified significant differences. IBM SPSS 25 was used to conduct analyses. The mean ΔE* values for SDF and SDF + GSH groups were significantly higher than those of the SDF + KI group (p < 0.05). Significant differences in L* values during final colour measurement were noted between the SDF + KI group and both SDF and SDF + GSH groups (p < 0.05). Although mean remineralisation microhardness measurements were higher than mean demineralisation microhardness measurements in all groups, statistical significance was observed only in the SDF and SDF + KI groups (p < 0.05). The study found that the addition of 5% GSH by weight to SDF does not significantly affect discolouration. Moreover, the addition of 5% GSH to the SDF solution may have a minor impact on the remineralisation potential of SDF. The application of KI after SDF reduces discolouration and does not affect the expected remineralisation process.

TINGKAT MUTU HEDONIK BEKASEM IKAN NILA PADA LAMA FERMENTASI YANG BERBEDA

Fish is an economical food source and offers a more affordable alternative compared to beef and chicken. One of the commodities suitable as an inexpensive, easily found, and cultivated food with high protein value is tilapia. However, tilapia is perishable if not handled quickly or stored at low temperatures. To extend the shelf life of tilapia, processing is needed to maintain both the shelf life and the quality of the product, one of which is through fermentation. One traditional fermentation method frequently used by the people of South Sumatra is Bekasam. This study aims to determine the effect of the fermentation duration of Bekasam tilapia on its preference level or hedonic quality. Observations were made on days 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 with organoleptic and hedonic tests on those days. The method used in this research is an experimental method. Non-parametric data from the organoleptic tests were analyzed using the Friedman test, followed by ANOVA. The parameters tested included pH, appearance, aroma, taste, and texture of Bekasam tilapia. The results showed that Bekasam tilapia with 3 days of fermentation provided the best results with a pH of 6.40, and the preference scores for appearance, taste, aroma, and texture were 5.00c, 4.33c, 5.91c, and 6.47c, respectively