Good Fit Research Articles

Development of compliance theory based on self-regulation in chronic kidney failure patients on hemodialysis

Self-management in regulating diet, fluids, activities, and medication in chronic renal failure patients which getting hemodialysis is still worse. This research aimed to develop the theory of compliance based on self-regulation to increase patient obedience and awareness. A cross-sectional approach of 130 respondents was recruited using simple random sampling. Structural equation modeling partial least square (SEM-PLS) was the statistical analysis for this study. All indicators in the outer model showed outer loading value >0.7, it declared feasible to predict each of the latent variables. The R-square value of appraisal latent was 0.576, Coping was 0.897, and self-care compliance was 0.713. The model was relevant when applied in other research studies with a Q-Square value=0.832. The goodness of fit (GoF) was 0.832>0.36, which means that the model was applied well. The appraisal variable is the strongest variable that influences coping, based on the hypothesis test. The self-regulation-based compliance model for blood pressure, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), sodium levels, and functional independence can be developed through analysis of the structural model.

Parenting and other potential protective factors associated with polysubstance use among public school students in Lagos, Nigeria.

Substance use is a growing problem in Nigeria. The present study extended recent work documenting the importance of parenting as protective against substance use in Nigerian youth by testing a model linking parenting, additional protective factors and polysubstance use. Public school students (N = 1607; 56% female; M age = 14.88; SD = .44 years) living in the greater Lagos region participated in school-based data collection. Lifetime polysubstance use, defined as use of two or more substances including alcohol or illicit drugs, or misuse of over-the-counter medications, was reported by 5.2% of the sample. Structural equation modelling that accounted for adolescent age and sex on all constructs revealed good model fit. Positive parenting (support and solicitation) was significantly associated with higher perceived harmfulness of substance use, religiosity and positive relationships at school. Positive school relationships were associated with a decreased likelihood of polysubstance use. Multiple group analysis revealed no overall sex differences in the model paths. Strengthening parent-adolescent relationships may have a cascading effect on protective factors and subsequent substance use, and should be included in youth substance use prevention programmes.

ATHLETES’ SATISFACTION TOWARDS SPORT TRAINING: AN INITIAL INVESTIGATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF QUESTIONNAIRE

<p>This study aims to investigate and develop a questionnaire to measure athletes’ satisfaction towards sports training. This quantitative research used a structural equating modeling (SEM) approach with the help of Smart-PLS. The population of this study consisted of athletes from Yogyakarta Province, Riau Province, and South Kalimantan Province. The sample was 806 athletes from 27 sports (Table 1) who will compete at the National Sports Week (PON) 2024. PON is a multi-event tournament held every four years in Indonesia, so athletes who will compete have high experience and performance. Athletes who participated in this research were aged 22.6±8.3 years, and they had 10.3±4.7 years of training experience. Instrument preparation is done by reviewing the literature and focus group discussions (FGD) involving sports coaching lecturers and nationally licensed coaches. The results of this study are that the outer loading value is >0.7, and the discriminant validity value (Fornell-Larcker Criteria) is >0.7. Cronbach Alpha Reliability and Composite Reliability also showed > 0.7. Goodness of Fit (GoF) shows an SRMR value of 0.076<0.10 or <0.08, so the model fits the data. The predictive relevance test or Q Square is 0.9>0, so this study has a good observation value. Based on the results, the questionnaire consisted of 16 items divided into four dimensions (Appendix 1), namely the dimensions of training quality, mental and emotional health, competitive performance, and competitive experience. In conclusion, a questionnaire can measure athletes’ satisfaction towards sports training. From the results of this study, it is recommended that athletes’ sports training satisfaction variable be tested on indirect influences as mediating or intervening variables. It can also be used as a variable that strengthens or weakens (moderator). Then, it is combined with other independent and dependent variables in management, psychology, society, education, and sports. So that in the future, it can produce more comprehensive research.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0711/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Cross-cultural adaptation and construct validity of the Chinese Version of Visual Vertigo Analogue Scale by using structural equation modeling.

Visual vertigo (VV) is a disease characterized by various visual signal-induced discomforts, including dizziness, unsteady balance, activity avoiding, and so forth. Distinguishing it from other kinds of dizziness is important because it needs the combination of visual training and vestibular rehabilitation together. However, there is no appropriate tool to diagnose VV in China, thus we would like to introduce an effective tool to China. The aim of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of visual vertigo analogue scale (VVAS-CH) and to achieve its cross-cultural adaptation in order to promote its further usage in China. A total of 1681 patients complaining of vertigo or dizziness were enrolled and they were asked to complete the VVAS-CH. The cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and construct validity of the VVAS-CH were determined. Split-half reliability was 0.939, showing a good reliability. Factor analysis identified only one common factor for the nine items that explained 64.83% of the total variance. Most fit indices reached acceptable levels, proving the good fit of the VVAS-CH model. The VVAS-CH validated in this study can be used as an effective tool for diagnosing and evaluating VV in patients whose native language is Chinese.

Origin coordinate influence on performance of temporally extended signal space separation in magnetoencephalography

ObjectiveTemporally extended signal space separation (tSSS) is a powerful method for artifact suppression in magnetoencephalography (MEG). Because tSSS first separates MEG signals coming from inside and outside a certain sphere, definition of the sphere origin is important. For this study, we explored the influence of origin choice on tSSS performance in spontaneous and evoked activity from epilepsy patients. MethodsInterictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and somatosensory evoked fields (SEFs) were processed with two tSSSs: one with the default origin of (0, 0, 40 mm) in the head coordinate, and the other with an individual origin estimated using each patient’s anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) were calculated for the data. The ECD location and quality of estimation were compared across conditions. ResultsMEG data from 21 patients revealed marginal differences in ECD location, but the estimation quality inferred from goodness of fit (GOF) and confidence volume (CV) was better for the tSSS with individual origins. This choice affected IEDs more than it affected SEFs. ConclusionsIndividual sphere model resulted in better GOF and CV. SignificanceApplication of tSSS using an individual origin would be more desirable when available. This parameter might influence spontaneous activity more strongly.

Youth-like brain activation linked with greater cognitive training gains in older adults: Insights from the ACTOP study

This study investigates the relationship between inter-individual neurofunctional differences in older adults and cognitive training efficacy, with a specific focus on the association between youth-like task-related brain activation and improvements in working memory (WM) training. The data is part of the Attentional Control Training for Older People (ACTOP) study, 30 older adults completed 12 half-hour WM training sessions. The WM performance slope, assessed at the conclusion of sessions 1 through 6 and sessions 7 to 12, determined early- and late-stage training gains, respectively. Transfer measures were taken before (PRE), midway (MID), and after (POST) training, and the differences in MID-PRE and POST-MID on transfer tasks were used to determine early- and late-stage transfer effects, respectively. The Goodness of Fit (GOF) metric was used to quantify the similarity between each older adult's activation pattern, as measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), to that of a group of younger adults. GOF scores were calculated for activation during low-load (1-0back) and high-load (2-0back) N-back tasks. The results indicated that larger GOF scores in the low-load condition were associated with greater training gains in both the early and late learning stages, and that larger GOF scores in the high-load condition were associated with greater training gains during the late-stage. These findings suggest that a youth-like brain activation pattern in older adults is associated with greater cognitive training benefits, underscoring the role of inter-individual neurofunctional differences to account for variations in training outcomes among older adults. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03532113; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03532113.

Quality of Life Among Older Adults With Frailty: A Structural Equation Modeling.

Frailty is a complex age-related clinical condition among older adults. Quality of life (QOL) among older adults with frailty is an important topic of interest. The current cross-sectional study aimed to develop a structural equation model to identify factors affecting QOL. A total of 180 older adults with frailty were recruited from general units in two hospitals in Fuzhou, China. Data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. The final model exhibited a good fit. Poor sleep quality was associated with depression, passive coping style, and poor QOL. Depression was also associated with poor QOL. Passive coping style was associated with better QOL. This study demonstrated that sleep quality has direct and indirect effects on QOL of older adults with frailty through depression and passive coping style. Recommendations are that care providers pay attention to biological and physiological variables, symptom status, and functional status of older adults with frailty. This study also provides a theoretical basis for developing interventions that may lead to improvements in QOL among older adults with frailty. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(5), 49-55.].

A Population Pharmacokinetic Study to Compare a Novel Empagliflozin L-Proline Formulation with Its Conventional Formulation in Healthy Subjects.

Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that is commonly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). CKD-370 was newly developed as a cocrystal formulation of empagliflozin with co-former L-proline, which has been confirmed to be bioequivalent in South Korea. This study aimed to quantify the differences in the absorption phase and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of two empagliflozin formulations in healthy subjects by using population PK analysis. The plasma concentration data of empagliflozin were obtained from two randomized, open-label, crossover, phase 1 clinical studies in healthy Korean subjects after a single-dose administration. A population PK model was constructed by using a nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) approach (Monolix Suite 2021R1). Interindividual variability (IIV) and interoccasion variability (IOV) were investigated. The final model was evaluated by goodness-of-fit (GOF) diagnostic plots, visual predictive checks (VPCs), prediction errors, and bootstrapping. The PK of empagliflozin was adequately described with a two-compartment combined transit compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. Log-transformed body weight significantly influenced systemic clearance (CL) and the volume of distribution in the peripheral compartment (V2) of empagliflozin. GOF plots, VPCs, prediction errors, and the bootstrapping of the final model suggested that the proposed model was adequate and robust, with good precision at different dose strengths. The cocrystal form did not affect the absorption phase of the drug, and the PK parameters were not affected by the different treatments.

Abstract LB253: Crafted experiments to evaluate feature selection methods for single cell RNA-seq data

Abstract Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies have revolutionized our understanding of cellular compositions and tumor behavior at the single-cell level, and have been widely used in many biomedical applications, such as identifying and characterizing novel cell types/states. While numerous computational methods have been developed for analyzing scRNA-seq data, benchmarking various analytical methods remains a key challenge for two reasons. First, there is a lack of ground truth datasets where unambiguous cell type identities are known using external information. Second, simulation of scRNA-seq data tends to be overly artificial and simplistic, which may not well mimic the underlying biological complexity as well as high level of technical variability. Here, we propose the use of crafted experiments, a new approach based upon perturbing signals in a real dataset for comparing different scRNA-seq analytical methodologies. We demonstrate the effectiveness of crafted experiments in the context of a novel univariate distribution-oriented suite of feature selection methods, called GOF (Goodness of Fit). We show that GOF more frequently selects features that robustly identify crafted artificial clusters in crafted experiments and achieves similar performance compared to the field standard method using real datasets. Importantly, we show the use of crafted experiments for identifying the contexts in which each method performs the best. Crafted experiments offer valuable comparisons of scRNA-seq analysis methods, and the crafted datasets generated from this study provide a useful resource for the single-cell community. Citation Format: Siyao Liu, David Corcoran, Susana Garcia-Recio, Charles Perou, J.S. Marron. Crafted experiments to evaluate feature selection methods for single cell RNA-seq data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB253.

A polynomial regression model based educational software tool to interpret the internal combustion engine characteristics

Technical education requires regular upgrades in pedagogical methodologies to keep up student’s skill on par with ever demanding job market. This paves the way for creating newer e-learning concepts for classroom to replace or supplement established teaching protocols. In line with this motive, this study deals with the development of an educational software tool to understand the traits of an internal combustion engine. The core of this software tool consists of polynomial regression equations, which in turn was arrived from statistical models using real world experimental data. A MATLAB-based GUI allows the operator to effortlessly interact with the software tool. Upon installation, the software requires the user to define input variables for it to automatically compute data and represent the output data in both visual and tabulated form. The advantage of three-dimensional surface plots for visual representation allows for understating the interactive effect of multiple input parameters on any given output parameter. Overall, average relative error for the model is less than 6%, thus exhibiting a good statistical fit.

Modelling and estimating trajectory points from RTK-GNSS based on an integrated modelling approach

The sparse Gaussian process regression (GPR) has been used to model trajectory data from Real time kinematics-global navigation satellite system (RTK-GNSS). However, upon scrutinizing the model residuals; the sparse GPR model poorly fits the data and exhibits presence of correlated noise. This work attempts to address these issues by proposing an integrated modeling approach called GPR-LR-ARIMA where the sparse GPR was integrated with the linear regression with autoregressive integrated moving average errors (LR-ARIMA) to further enhance the description of the trajectory data. In this integrated approach, the predicted trajectory points from the GPR were further described by the LR-ARIMA. Simulation of the GPR-LR-ARIMA on three sets of trajectory data indicated better model fit, revealed in the normally distributed model residuals and symmetrically distributed scatter plots. Correlated noise was also successfully eliminated by the model. The GPR-LR-ARIMA outperformed both the GPR and LRARIMA by its ability to improve mean-absolute-error in 2-dimension positioning by up to 86%. The GPR-LR-ARIMA contributes to enhancement of positioning accuracy of dynamic GNSS measurements in localization and navigation system with good model fit.

Exploring science identity among Jordanian high school students: a case study

This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the science identity scale (SIS) and to explore any differences in levels of science identity due to gender. The study sample comprised 304 male and female high school students who had completed the SIS. To achieve study objectives, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used. The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that four factors explained (40.542%) of total variance. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good model fit, and the Cronbach alpha was calculated to be 0.85 for the SIS. Finally, the results revealed statistically significant differences in the level of science identity and its subscales (science performance, science competence, science recognition, and science interest) based on the gender variable, with females scoring higher. The study recommends that teachers utilize the SIS to assess the level of science identity among students and implement teaching practices aimed at enhancing the science identity of secondary school students.

Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument.

The Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (PPLI) has been the most adopted physical literacy instrument designed for adults to date, having been already translated to 5 languages. Still, despite its popularity, there is limited evidence of its psychometric properties. The aim of this study was to translate and adapt cross-culturally the PPLI to the Portuguese language and to analyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version in a sample of Portuguese-speaking adults. The study sample was composed of 434 participants (70% females) with a median age of 25 (18-39)years. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess psychometric properties of the scale. In addition, instrument assumptions between sexes through invariance testing were examined. Finally, concurrent validity, test-retest reliability, and test-retest agreement analyses were performed to gather additional evidence. The results of the present study generally supported the measurement model. The 9-item, 3-factor model presented a good fit to the data and adequate construct validity (χ2 = 82.859 [24], P < .001, comparative-fit index = .948, Tucker-Lewis index = .922, standardized root mean square residual = .049, root mean square error of approximation = .075). In addition, the scale presented concurrent validity. Some issues arose with measurement invariance and overtime consistency. Considering the lack of validated instruments, we suggest a fair use of Portuguese version of PPLI to access physical literacy in adults. This study contributes to the validation of the PPLI by providing evidence of its psychometric properties in the Portuguese-speaking adult population and facilitates comparative analysis with previous and future studies utilizing the PPLI instrument.

Psychometric evaluation of the Arabic language version of the Birchwood Insight Scale in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundClinical insight (i.e., impaired insight into illness) is increasingly recognized by the scientific community as a significant contributor to an array of psychological and clinical outcomes in schizophrenia. Therefore, its assessment using a reliable, rapid, easy and economic tool is important for clinical practice. This study proposes to investigate the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Birchwood Insight Scale (BIS) in Arabic-speaking chronic patients with schizophrenia. Our objectives were to identify the most adequate factor structure of the BIS among the several measurement models previously proposed in the literature, verify the reliability and measurement invariance of the BIS across sex groups, and explore the concurrent validity of the BIS through examining its patterns of correlations with psychotic symptoms.MethodOne hundred seventeen Arabic-speaking chronic, remitted patients with schizophrenia took part in this study. An Arabic translated version of the BIS and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were administered to participants.ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses (CFA) showed that, after omitting two items with low loadings (items 1 and 2), the unidimensional factor model of the BIS showed good fit indices and a reliability of α = 0.68 and ω = 0.68. However, analyses failed to show good fit for the full-length one-, two-, and three-factor models of the BIS in its Arabic version. Measurement invariance of the Arabic 6-item one-factor BIS was established between males and females at the configural, metric and scalar levels; no statistically significant difference between males and females was found in terms of BIS scores. Finally, BIS scores correlated significantly with the PANSS scores in our sample, thus demonstrating adequate concurrent validity.ConclusionThis study offers valuable additional psychometric information about the BIS based on results of CFA and other analyses in schizophrenia from a non-Western cultural environment. We believe that making the BIS available in Arabic might benefit clinicians working with Arabic-speaking patients with schizophrenia, open new avenues of research and gain a better knowledge into the nature of clinical insight and its relevance to psychopathology.

Development and validation of the gratitude for food scale for Japanese adults.

Gratitude for food is a concept associated with various aspects of healthy and sustainable diet and originates from Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan. Against this background, a scale specifically targeting adults is essential for boosting studies concerning gratitude for food. This study aimed to adapt the Gratitude for Food Scale (GFS), originally developed for Japanese children, to Japanese adults and to examine the reliability and validity of GFS for adults (GFS-A). This cross-sectional study used baseline and one-week follow-up data from a longitudinal survey. The analysis included 1800 Japanese adults at baseline and 1380 at the one-week follow-up based on completion of self-administered questionnaires in February 2023. Construct validity was confirmed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Further, Spearman's and intraclass correlation coefficients and Cronbach's alpha were calculated to confirm criterion validity and reliability (test-retest and internal consistency). Participants' mean (SD) age was 40.2 (11.2) years (women: n = 900, 50.0%) at baseline. The analysis revealed a one-factor structure comprising five items with good model fit. Criterion validity was confirmed by the correlation coefficients between the total GFS score and the gratitude questionnaire and the sub-score of awareness and appreciation for food, which represents a subscale of the expanded mindful eating scale. Moreover, test-retest reliability and internal consistency were confirmed. From this study's results, we can see that the developed GFS-A is an appropriate scale with good reliability and validity for measuring Japanese adults' gratitude for food.

Dynamic Capabilities, Resources, and Social Capital in Creating Sustainable Competitive Strategies in Indonesian MSME

The purpose of this study is to better understand how Indonesian Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) shape sustainable competitive strategies through the interaction of dynamic capabilities, resources, and social capital. The study employed a quantitative methodology that utilized Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS 3) to extract data from a representative sample of 232 MSMEs located in different industries and geographies. The results show that social capital, resources, dynamic capacities, and sustainable competitive strategies are all positively correlated. The study also reveals the mediating functions of social capital and resources in converting dynamic capabilities into long-term competitive advantages. With a robust R-squared value and a Goodness of Fit (GoF) rating of 0.68, the model demonstrates a substantial fit, indicating its adequacy in explaining the intricacies of the MSME environment in Indonesia. These revelations have important ramifications for developing theories as well as useful tactics to raise MSMEs' competitiveness in Indonesia.

Development, validation, and reliability of the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire-Pregnancy (CPQ-P)

BackgroundDuring pregnancy, physiological changes can affect eating and sleeping habits, which may eventually have negative consequences for maternal and foetal health. To better understand these changes, it is essential to develop a reliable questionnaire that addresses lifestyle habits such as snacking and daytime napping. This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire-Pregnancy (CPQ-P).MethodsA total of 399 women in their second and third trimester of pregnancy were recruited from government maternal and child health clinics in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and completed a self-administered online questionnaire. Content validity was conducted with an expert panel consisting of 4 members. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using maximum likelihood was conducted to determine the construct validity. Internal consistency was determined by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (CAC), while the test-retest reliability was conducted using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsThe questionnaire had an appropriate content validity index of 0.91. The CPQ-P consists of 22 items, measuring 5 constructs, including morning chrono-habits, sleeping habits, evening eating, temporal eating, and pregnancy symptoms. The factor model showed good fit with χ2/df = 2.486, GFI = 0.893, CFI = 0.912, and RMSEA = 0.065. The 22 items in CPQ-P showed fair to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.42 to 0.98). The 5 constructs in CPQ-P were found to have a good to excellent internal consistency (α = 0.612–0.963).ConclusionsThe CPQ-P is a valid and reliable tool for assessing lifestyle habits during pregnancy. The questionnaire can be used to identify areas where pregnant women may need additional support or intervention to adopt healthy behaviours and reduce the risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.Trial registrationNCT05700136 (clinicaltrials.gov). Trial registration date: 26/01/2023.

The Influence of Social Capital, Entrepreneurial Competence and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Shaping Business Incubators in Indonesia

This study looks into how the entrepreneurial ecosystem, social capital, and entrepreneurial competence interact to influence how successful Indonesian business incubators are. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was the quantitative method used to examine the data collected from 275 entrepreneurs and incubator stakeholders. The evaluation of the measurement model demonstrated appropriate average variances extracted, strong loadings, and high composite reliabilities, all of which supported the validity and reliability of the selected indicators. Each latent variable's uniqueness was confirmed by discriminant validity analysis. Significant positive correlations between social capital, entrepreneurial competence, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the efficacy of business incubators were found by the structural model estimation. The suggested theoretical framework was validated by hypothesis testing, which showed that these elements interact to affect the performance of business incubators in Indonesia. A good fit was shown by the model fit assessment, supporting the structural model's validity. The results enhance our understanding from a theoretical and practical standpoint, offering policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders a comprehensive framework to maximize the conditions necessary for the success of business incubators.

Controlling capillary flow by using laser-fabricated acrylic substrates with rectangular grooves for the improvement of repeatability of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy liquid analysis

To enhance the consistency of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in detecting dried liquid droplets, a rectangular groove substrate prepared by laser etching of a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic board is proposed in this work to suppress the Coffee Ring Effect (CRE). Located at the corner of the substrate, the right-angled heat source structure induces a significant inward thermal capillary flow within the groove, thus inhibiting solute capillary flow. At the later stages of heating, the edge deposition that occurs during evaporation is suppressed by the sawtooth-like microscopic grooves, along with the capillary effects in associated with the liquid. The rationale of CRE suppression by the rectangular groove substrate is theoredically analyzed based on the coupled thermal-solute capillary flow theory. With LIBS used to scan the samples within rectangular and circular groove substrates, it is revealed that the relative standard deviation (RSD) of spectral intensities for Cd I 259.28 nm and Cu I 324.27 nm in the rectangular groove substrate with a depth of 0.1 mm (RSD = 4.2%, RSD = 2.1%) is less significant than in the circular groove substrate (RSD = 41.2%, RSD = 39.3%). On average, the RSD is 7.6% and 7.3%, respectively, which indicates the effect of the rectangular groove substrate on CRE suppression. On this basis, calibration curves are drawn for Cd and Cu to indicate the good fitting results for the rectangular groove substrate, with the determination coefficient (R2) reaching 0.997 and 0.996 for Cd and Cu, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) is 0.48 μg/mL and 0.35 μg/mL, respectively. The cross-validation root mean square error (RMSECV) is 2.02 μg/mL and 1.36 μg/mL, respectively. These results demonstrate that the rectangular groove substrate is effective in suppressing the CRE, and in enhancing the sensitivity of detection and the accuracy of heavy metal prediction, which provides guidance for platform selection in the pre-processing stage of LIBS technology.

Constraining the giant radio galaxy population with machine learning and Bayesian inference

Large-scale sky surveys at low frequencies, such as the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS), allow for the detection and characterisation of unprecedented numbers of giant radio galaxies (GRGs, or `giants', of at least $l_ p,GRG Mpc $ long). This, in turn, enables us to study giants in a cosmological context. A tantalising prospect of such studies is a measurement of the contribution of giants to cosmic magnetogenesis. However, this measurement requires en masse radio--optical association for well-resolved radio galaxies and a statistical framework to infer GRG population properties. By automating the creation of radio--optical catalogues, we aim to significantly expand the census of known giants. With the resulting sample and a forward model that takes into account selection effects, we aim to constrain their intrinsic length distribution, number density, and lobe volume-filling fraction (VFF) in the Cosmic Web. We combined five existing codes into a single machine learning (ML)--driven pipeline that automates radio source component association and optical host identification for well-resolved radio sources. We created a radio--optical catalogue for the entire LoTSS Data Release 2 (DR2) footprint and subsequently selected all sources that qualify as possible giants. We combined the list of ML pipeline GRG candidates with an existing list of LoTSS DR2 crowd-sourced GRG candidates and visually confirmed or rejected all members of the merged sample. To infer intrinsic GRG properties from GRG observations, we developed further a population-based forward model and constrained its parameters using Bayesian inference. Roughly half of all GRG candidates that our ML pipeline identifies indeed turn out to be giants upon visual inspection, whereas the success rate is 1 in 11 for the previous best giant-finding ML technique in the literature. We confirm $5,647$ previously unknown giants from the crowd-sourced LoTSS DR2 catalogue and $2,597$ previously unknown giants from the ML pipeline. Our confirmations and discoveries bring the total number of known giants to at least $11,585$. Our intrinsic GRG population forward model provides a good fit to the data. The posterior indicates that the projected lengths of giants are consistent with a curved power law probability density function whose initial tail index $ p,GRG changes by $ 0.3$ over the interval up to $l_ p Mpc $. We predict a comoving GRG number density $n_ GRG Mpc $, close to a recent estimate of the number density of luminous non-giant radio galaxies. With the projected length distribution, number density, and additional assumptions, we derive a present-day GRG lobe VFF $ V GRG-CW (z=0) = 1.4 $ in clusters and filaments of the Cosmic Web. We present a state-of-the-art ML-accelerated pipeline for finding giants, whose complex morphologies, arcminute extents, and radio-emitting surroundings pose challenges. Our data analysis suggests that giants are more common than previously thought. More work is needed to make GRG lobe VFF estimates reliable, but tentative results imply that it is possible that magnetic fields once contained in giants pervade a significant ($ gtrsim 10&lt;!PCT!&gt;$) fraction of today's Cosmic Web.