High Level Of Statistical Significance Research Articles

Revolutionizing construction safety: introducing a cutting-edge virtual reality interactive system for training US construction workers to mitigate fall hazards

The construction industry is fraught with hazards, chief among them being the risk of falls from elevated positions, which are a leading cause of both fatalities and injuries among workers. Despite the prevalence of traditional safety training methods, their effectiveness in reducing fall risks remains limited. To solve this issue, this study proposes the adoption of interactive VR technologies to provide construction workers with immersive training experiences in the critical domain of fall safety. This approach not only ensures adherence to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements but also leverages VR’s immersive capabilities to create a comprehensive and effective learning tool. To evaluate the proposed system’s efficacy, the researchers conducted an empirical assessment involving eighty-two construction workers from two small enterprises. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving traditional training and the other undergoing VR-based instruction. Both groups underwent pre- and post-training evaluations comprising six targeted questions designed to measure the impact of each training method on their understanding and awareness of fall safety practices. The comparative analysis revealed no significant differences in baseline knowledge between the two groups prior to the training interventions. However, post-training evaluations demonstrated a notable improvement in the VR group, with a significant decrease in the number of incorrect responses, in stark contrast to the group subjected to traditional training methods. Statistical analysis further confirmed the superiority of VR training in enhancing participants’ knowledge. This was quantified by a p-value of 0.0016, indicating a high level of statistical significance well below the conventional threshold of 0.05. This study highlights the significant advantages of VR technology in construction safety training, demonstrating its superiority over traditional training methods in terms of knowledge retention and practical application. The results strongly support the wider adoption of VR in safety training, indicating its potential to enhance safety outcomes in the construction sector.

Current Safety and Hygiene Practices and Trends in Primary Schools in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe

The study sought to establish the influence of structured classroom debates on the proficiency of the English language among pupils in selected public primary schools in Mayuge District. A cross-sectional design was used to conduct a study about debate and proficiency in English. The researcher prepared a set of structured questions for teachers in public primary schools. The interview guided interactions between the researcher and each head teacher. Four interview sessions, each not exceeding one hour per primary school, were held with each head teacher. Head teachers were asked to provide documented information about pupil performance. A focus discussion guide was prepared in line with the specific objectives of the study and used to obtain findings from learners. A strong positive statistically significant relationship (r =.478**; P =.000) exists between structured class debating and proficiency in English for primary school pupils in Mayuge District. This find.ing suggests that engaging primary school pupils in structured class debating activities can significantly improve their proficiency in English. The correlation coefficient of 0.478 indicates a moderate strength of the relationship, while the p-value of 0.000 indicates a high level of statistical significance. Therefore, it can be concluded that incorporating debate exercises into the curriculum can be an effective strategy for enhancing English language skills among primary school pupils in Mayuge District. To enhance the influence of structured classroom debating on English proficiency among pupils: Teachers can provide a diverse range of debate topics that cater to different interests and levels of language proficiency

Succession Planning and the Sustainability of Gaming Companies in Nigeria

Organisations throughout the world are founded to remain in existence forever. This is particularly typical of incorporated businesses, which are primarily distinguished by their eternal life. Few studies on succession planning have focused on small and medium-sized companies, with less emphasis paid to larger businesses, especially foreign-backed businesses as seen in the gaming industry. As a result, there is a knowledge gap in succession-planning lingo. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of succession planning on the sustainability of gaming enterprises in Nigeria. For this paper, a survey design was used. The study's population was 434 employees of gaming enterprises located in Lagos. Yamane's (1967) sampling algorithm was used to pick a representative sample from the general community, and primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire tailored to the study and validated. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the questionnaire varied from 0.850 to 0.775, with a rate of acceptance of 92.20%, and the data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. According to the data analysis, succession planning had a significant effect on gaming business sustainability (R= 0.833a, R2 = 0.693, Adj. R2 = 0.691, F (298.475); p.000. Among the predictors, Career Development has a substantial impact, with a coefficient of 0.612 and a high level of statistical significance (p = 0.000), indicating that for each unit increase in Career Development, Business Profitability is expected to increase by 0.612 units. Similarly, Strategic Staffing and Performance Management Systems also show significant positive effects on Business Profitability, with coefficients of 0.089 (p = 0.001) and 0.222 (p = 0.000) respectively. These findings suggest that improvements in Career Development, Strategic Staffing, and Performance Management Systems are associated with higher Business Profitability. The researcher suggests that succession planning is crucial for the sustainability of gaming companies, ensuring adequate career progression and development for employees.

Attenuation of orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption by using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound as a therapeutic modality- a systematic review

Ultrasound is an effective tool for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. As an imaging tool, ultrasound has mostly been used for real-time noninvasive diagnostic imaging. As ultrasound propagates through a material, a reflected radio-frequency (RF) signal is generated when encountering a mismatch in acoustic impedance. While traditionally recognized for its diagnostic imaging capabilities, the application of ultrasound has broadened to encompass therapeutic interventions, most notably in the form of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS). Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is a form of mechanical energy transmitted transcutaneously by high-frequency acoustic pressure waves. The intensity of LIPUS (30 mW/cm2) is within the range of ultrasound intensities used for diagnostic purposes (1–50 mW/cm2) and is regarded as non-thermal, non-destructive, permeating living tissues and triggering a cascade of biochemical responses at the cellular level. The LIPUS device produces a 200 µs burst of 1.5 MHz acoustic sine waves, that repeats at a modulation frequency of 1 kHz and provides a peak pressure of 30 mW/cm2. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) forms one of the currently available non-invasive healing-enhancing devices besides electro-stimulation (pulsed electro-magnetic field, PEMF). This modality has been leveraged to enhance drug delivery, expedite injury recovery, improve muscle mobility, alleviate joint stiffness and muscle pain, and enhance bone fracture healing. Although LIPUS has been embraced within various medical disciplines, its integration into standard dental practices is still in its nascent stages, signifying an unexplored frontier with potentially transformative implications. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has emerged as an attractive adjuvant therapy in various dental procedures, such as orthodontic treatment and maxillary sinus augmentation. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and non-invasive nature, positioning LIPUS as a promising avenue for clinical innovation. One particular area of interest is orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR), an oftenunavoidable outcome of the orthodontic intervention, resulting in the permanent loss of root structure. Notably, OIIRR is the second most common form of root resorption (RR), surpassed only by root resorption related to pulpal infection. Given the high prevalence and potential long-term consequences of OIIRR, this literature review seeks to evaluate the efficacy of LIPUS as a therapeutic approach, with an emphasis on assessing its capacity to reduce the severity of OIIRR to a level of clinical significance. To conduct this systematic review, a comprehensive automated literature search was executed across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS, SciELO, Cochrane, PubMed, trials registries, 3ie, and Google Scholar. Both forward and backward citation tracking was employed, encompassing studies published from database inception through January 2009 to April 2023. The review focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that specifically evaluated the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR), without restrictions of publication date. A stringent selection criterion was applied, and only studies demonstrating high levels of statistical significance were included. Ultimately, fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to further analysis. The overall quality of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was rigorously assessed utilizing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. This analysis revealed certain methodological limitations that posed challenges in drawing definitive conclusions from the available evidence. Despite these constraints, the review offers invaluable insights that can inform and guide future research. Specifically, it delineates recommendations for targeted populations, necessary interventions, appropriate outcome measures, suitable study designs, and essential infrastructure to facilitate further investigations. The synthesis of these insights aims to enhance the development and application of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy within the field of dentistry, thereby contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Economic growth determinants in old and new EU countries

The aim of our paper was to construct a model of economic growth determinants for old and new EU and the EU28 countries. We used a strongly balanced panel in the period from 2000 to 2020 and regression equations. For the old EU group, our results showed a high level of statistical significance and a positive effect of gross fixed capital formation, trade openness, government consumption, and population on GDP growth during the observation period. In the new EU group, trade openness, political stability, and government consumption are significant and positively affect economic growth. When we included the moment of accession of new EU members in the analysis, our results showed that gross fixed capital formation, trade openness, political stability, and government consumption had a statistically significant and positive influence on the GDP growth rate. Interestingly, our results did not confirm the expected positive impact of foreign direct investments and renewable energy consumption on economic growth in our sample countries. We found that the crisis is statistically significant and negatively affected the GDP growth rate in both groups with a stronger impact in new EU countries. We conclude our article with policy implications and recommendations for future research.

Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in Private and Public Banks

In both public and private banking institutions, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between customer loyalty and various service quality parameters, including tangibility, reliability, assurance, responsiveness, and empathy. A regression analysis was carried out in order to investigate the connections that exist between these factors and the occurrence of repeat business. Based on the findings, it has been determined that tangibility, reliability, assurance, and empathy have a substantial impact on customer loyalty in both public and private banking institutions. These criteria are relevant in the banking business since they have been found to have positive connections with client loyalty. Yet, in this scenario, responsiveness did not yield a statistically meaningful impact on client loyalty. The overall regression model showed a high level of statistical significance, indicating the effectiveness of Tangibility, Reliability, Assurance, and Empathy in jointly accounting for variations in consumer loyalty. This research provides valuable insights for banks aiming to improve customer retention by focusing on specific areas of exceptional service. The findings resulted in suggestions for banks to improve service quality by investing in physical and online environments (Tangibility), maintaining reliable and error-free services (Reliability), improving client trust and communication (Assurance), and promoting empathetic interactions (Empathy).

Assessing adherence to hypertension medications and its impact on blood pressure control: A community-based observational study

Background: Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular condition requiring effective medication management for blood pressure control. Aims and Objectives: The aim is to explore the relationship between adherence to hypertension medications and its impact on blood pressure control among a diverse population. Materials and Methods: A participant cohort of 500 adults, with a mean age of 56 years, was examined for their adherence to hypertension medications and blood pressure control outcomes. Adherence was assessed through self-report questionnaires and pill count analysis, while blood pressure control was defined as systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressurebelow 90 mmHg. The statistical analysis included logistic regression with adjustments for potential confounding variables. Results: The participant cohort displayed a balanced gender distribution and predominantly managed hypertension through multi-drug regimens. Around 65% reported high medication adherence, confirmed by pill count analysis. Notably, 55% achieved the defined blood pressure control target, indicating effective management. A robust association was observed between high adherence and improved blood pressure control (adjusted odds ratio=1.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.28–2.12, P<0.001). Participants with high adherence were 1.65 times more likely to attain target blood pressure control than those with lower adherence, with a high level of statistical significance. Conclusions: This study highlights the crucial link between medication adherence and blood pressure control in hypertensive individuals. High adherence increases the likelihood of optimal blood pressurecontrol, underscoring patient commitment. Tailored interventions and support mechanisms are essential for enhancing adherence and improving hypertension management outcomes.

PENGARUH ENDORPHIN MASSAGE TERHADAP NYERI PUNGGUNG PADA IBU HAMIL TRIMESTER III DI TPMB SUMARIYAH S.Tr. Keb CEMOROKANDANG

Abstract
 This research aims to delve into the impact of Endorphin massage in alleviating back pain among expectant mothers in the final stages of pregnancy residing in the charming Cemorokandang Village, located in the lively Kedungkandang Subdistrict of Malang City, East Java. To conduct this study, a distinctive pre-experimental approach was adopted, employing a one-group pretest-posttest design. The target population encompassed a remarkable count of 33 individuals, specifically pregnant women experiencing the joys and challenges of the third trimester in Cemorokandang Village, Kedungkandang Subdistrict. Selecting a unique approach, 18 pregnant women were carefully chosen as the research sample through consecutive sampling. The focal point of the investigation revolved around the independent variable of Endorphin massage, while attentively examining the dependent variable of back pain experienced by pregnant women during the transformative third trimester. The data collection instruments utilized in this study encompassed questionnaires, standard operating procedure (SOP) sheets, and the FacePainScale-Revised (FPS-R) assessment sheet. The Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Test was employed for data analysis, unveiling its secrets and unraveling the hidden patterns within. The findings of the research revealed that prior to receiving Endorphin massage, the majority of respondents experienced pain levels exceeding 10 (55.6%), whereas the lowest reported pain level was categorized as very painful, as reported by two respondents (11.1%). After receiving Endorphin massage, the data illustrated that the largest proportion of respondents reported no pain (50.0%), while the fewest reported slightly painful sensations (22.2%). The application of the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Test for statistical analysis resulted in an incredibly low p-value of 0.000. This remarkable finding supports the alternative hypothesis, demonstrating a high level of statistical significance at the α (0.05) significance level, thus confirming its acceptance. In conclusion, this study confirms that Endorphin massage significantly influences back pain experienced by pregnant women in the third trimester in Cemorokandang Village, Kedungkandang Subdistrict. As a recommendation, the researcher suggests utilizing this thesis as a point of reference for future researchers, as it can positively contribute to subsequent research endeavors.
 Keywords: Endorphin Massage, Back Pain, Third Trimester Pregnant Women
 

TEACHING SPEAKING IN IMPROVING STUDENTS' MOTIVATION AND STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE AMONG CAMBODIAN ENGLISH PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS

This study aimed to explore the influence of student motivation and student performance through teaching speaking skills and the benefits of private instruction among secondary school students in one private school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Several significant drawbacks for students learning English speaking skills affect their motivation and performance. Students lose confidence in producing vocabulary and structure in their speaking. This research uses quantitative methods. Correlation coefficient and P-value are applied to measure the effect of each variable. Student motivation and performance findings are well related to learning English speaking skills based on a statistically significant positive correlation between speaking teaching and student motivation r = 0.64 with vital statistical significance (p<0.01). Also, a statistically significant positive correlation exists between teaching English speaking and student performance; r = 0.78, with vital statistical significance (p<0.01). In addition, a positive correlation between teaching English speaking and student motivation is statistically significant. r = 0.43, with a high level of statistical significance (p<0.01). The main findings show a correlation between speaking skills, student motivation, and corresponding student performance. For further studies, it could investigate critical variables such as teaching spoken English to students. In addition, if possible, the new theory adapted should be self-theory, goal theory, or mixed methods by increasing the sample size and target locus.

The Variation Between Unilateral and Bilateral Weight Bearing in Hindfoot Alignment Evaluation: Part II: A Prospective In Vivo Kinematic and Plantar Pressure Study

Category: Hindfoot; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: When AP, lateral, and hindfoot views weight bearing XR's were taken, patients were frequently asked to stand on the foot being examined with the other foot lifted off the floor. However, we have found that alignments of the hind and midfoot during unilateral standing are different from those when bearing weight on both feet. This study compared the kinematics and plantar pressures between unilateral and bilateral standing positions in a group of asymptomatic volunteers. Methods: Ten participants (20 feet) without symptoms, previous trauma and surgical history in both lower limbs were included. Each participant first stood comfortably on both feet, then lifted the non-examined foot off the floor. Each person switched between the above two positions three times. Kinematic data was collected using an eight-camera Optitrack 3D motion capture system to reflect changes in alignments of the ankle, subtalar, and midtarsal joints. Plantar pressure distribution was assessed using a pressure platform. Paired t-tests were used to compare the metrics between the two standing positions, with statistical significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: From bilateral to unilateral weightbearing, 14 out of 21 kinematic angular parameters showed medium to high level of statistical significance (p=0.001-0.046) reflecting differences in the relative positions of the ankle, subtalar, and midtarsal joints in the two weightbearing positions resulting from pronation of the hindfoot and midfoot; the average plantar pressure change underneath the hallux (0.1616N), toes 2-5 (0.0907N), metatarsals 2-4 (0.2481N, 0.3204N, 0.2649N), midfoot (0.1794N), medial and lateral heel (0.259N, 0.246N) all showed statistically significant increase. There was a significantly higher plantar pressure increase on the medial than the lateral side of the feet. This corresponded to both the kinematic changes, and our findings in another study investigating the alignment change between the positions radiographically. Conclusion: The hindfoot and midfoot are more pronated in unilateral weightbearing than in bilateral weightbearing which may mask the severity of the deformity in a flexible cavovarus foot but increase that in a flexible flatfoot. Modification of the traditionally used unilateral weightbearing position in obtaining clinical radiographs should be considered. Bilateral WBCT scans may be a better alternative, taking advantage of allowing both feet to bearing weight naturally without concerning about one foot blocking the other during the radiographic imaging.

Impact of Trade Openness, Human Capital Through Innovations on Economic Growth: Case of the Balkan Countries

Abstract The importance of trade openness and human capital for the economic growth of countries is the subject of many studies today. The role of innovations and the innovativeness of economies in modern economic development is extremely important. With greater accumulation of human capital, knowledge, skills and innovation are accumulated. All these variables are crucial for achieving higher economic growth. Special attention in the studies of relevant authors is directed towards researching this relationship on the example of small open economies, as well as developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between trade openness and human capital as explanatory variables and GDP as a dependent variable in a sample of eight Balkan countries. The goal of the research is to quantify the relationship between two independent variables and GDP as a dependent variable. The period in which we observe this relationship covers the period from 2000 to 2019. Achieving the research objective is done on the basis of a panel model with fixed and random effects. The results of the panel research testify to the existence of a positive relationship between trade openness and human capital as independent variables and GDP as a dependent variable. Calculated coefficients with independent variables were obtained with a high level of statistical significance. The conclusion of the research implies that there is a positive impact of trade openness and human capital on GDP.

Variability in size and shape of male and female sacrum in the middle and lower Volga regions

Objective: identification of variability in the size and shape of the sacrum of men and women of the Middle and Lower Volga regions. Material and methods. Macerated sacrums 21 men aged 18-75 and 21 women aged 22-85. Osteometry was performed according to the method of V. P. Alekseev. Results. In the sacrum of men, the sagittal diameter (by 3 mm, p<0.001) and width of the body of the first vertebra (by 4 mm, p=0.003), height (by 8 mm, p=0.006) and width (by 5 mm, p<0.001) predominate) ear-shaped surfaces, the lower width of the sacrum (by 7 mm, p=0.007). In the sacrums of women, the upper width of the pelvic surface (by 7 mm, p=0.008) and the sagittal diameter of the sacral canal (by 1 mm, p=0.007) predominate. The index of narrowing of the sacrum as a whole (63.8% in men, 58.5% in women) and the index of narrowing in the lower part (75.5% in men, 69% in women) demonstrate a high level of statistical significance of differences (by 5.3%, p=0.001, and 6.5%, p=0.008, respectively). Conclusion. The revealed variability in the size and shape of the sacrum of men and women of the Middle and Lower Volga regions lies in the large size of the body of the first vertebra and ear-shaped surface of the male sacrum, which is less narrowed in the lower part than the female one, while in women the sacrum has a greater degree of narrowing from top to bottom.

DERMATOGLYPHIC FEATURES OF MEN’S FINGERS PRONE TO DRUG

The article presents data on the peculiarities of the dermatoglyphic constitution of the distal, middle and proximal phalanges of the fingers in men prone to drug crimes. The object of the study was the peculiarities of the dermatoglyphic parameters of the distal, middle and proximal phalanges of the fingers obtained from 60 men aged 18 to 59 who were convicted of drug crimes and 60 persons of the control group. During the study, it was found that radial loops (52.31%) and curls (29.23%) are most common on the fingers of the left hand, complex patterns (8.08%), arcs (6.92%) and ulnar loops are less common (3.46%), curls (44.23%) and radial loops (39.62%) and arcs (5.77%), ulnar loops (5.38%) and complex patterns are most common on the fingers of the right hand (5.00%), at the level of a statistical trend (p<0.10), the pattern on the right and left hands differs according to the indicator of the total frequency of radial loops on the fingers of both hands - 52.31% versus 39.62% (φ = 1, 30; p < 0.10) and curls W – 29.23% versus 44.23% (φ = 1.59; p < 0.10). A comparative analysis of the total ridge counts for the fingers of the left and right hands of drug criminals and men of the control group showed that the variances of this variable in the groups are equal, and since the p-level of the Student's test for the values of these indicators is significantly less than 0.05, the average values of the total ridge counts numbers on the fingers of the right hand of drug offenders and men of CG differ at a high level of statistical significance.

Spore-Trapping Device: An Efficient Tool to Manage Fungal Diseases in Winter Wheat Crops.

Leaf airborne diseases cause major shortfalls in agricultural crops. The introduction of technical means can significantly improve early-warning systems for plant diseases as well as provide timely and accurate forecasts. In this paper, we aim to evaluate the possibilities of detecting a phytopathogenic infection using a spore-catching device developed at the Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection (FRCBPP) on winter wheat varieties of different levels of susceptibility to major economically important leaf diseases, taking into account climatic conditions. The device captures spores in the surface layer of air among crop plants. We conducted research in the experimental fields of FRCBPP in 2019-2021. The objects of the study were four cultivars of winter wheat. They were selected according to the degree of resistance to various leaf diseases. We studied the progress of wheat diseases according to generally accepted international scales the onset of the first manifestations to their maximum development. We studied the aerogenic infection in wheat crops using the FRCBPP developed portable device for determining the infestation of plants. Sampling was carried out in the same period as the visual assessment. The samples were taken in the crops of each variety at five points. The sampling time was one minute. As a result of research on experimental crops of four varieties of winter wheat, we observed the development of such diseases as powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis), yellow spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis), septoria leaf spot (Septoria tritici), yellow (Puccinia striiformis) and brown rust (Puccinia triticina). In a laboratory study of samples under a light microscope, all of the listed pathogens were found except for septoria leaf spot. Two-way analysis of variance confirmed the statistically significant separate and cumulative influence of the cultivar and year factor on winter wheat diseases. A generalized correlation analysis for three growing seasons (2019-2021) showed that an average statistically significant correlation coefficient (0.5-0.6) remains for the total groups for powdery mildew, yellow and brown rust. This indicator for the causative agent of yellow spot was equal to 0.4 with a high level of statistical significance. Thus, we conclude that by using a spore-catching device, it is possible to identify spores of economically significant pathogens in winter wheat crops and predict the further development of pathogens, taking into account the cultivar and annual climate factors.

Evaluation of Mini-Preauricular Incision in the Surgical Management of Condylar Fracture.

Introduction Mandibular fractures have the highest incidence next to nasal bone fractures of which condylar fractures account for one-third of it. Various approaches for condylar fracture include intraoral and extraoral approaches such as coronal, preauricular, postauricular, endaural, endoscopic, rhytidectomy, transparotid, submandibular, and retromandibular approaches. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mini-preauricular incisionin open reduction and internal fixation of condylar and subcondylar fractures of the mandible. Materials and methods Twenty patients with condylar fracture underwent open reduction and internal fixationunder general anesthesia using a modified mini-preauricular incisionand subdermal dissection approach. Parameters assessed were pain, mouth opening, occlusal derangement, accessibility of fracture site, duration of surgery, neurosensory deficit (facial nerve), postoperative edema, wound infection, wound dehiscence, and scar. Patients were followed up at an interval of one week, one month, three months, and six months. Results On comparing the parameters preoperatively and postoperatively, occlusal derangement, mouth opening, and pain showed statistical significance with a p-value of 0.01, while nerve weakness and scar assessment showed a high level of statistical significance with a p-value of 0.001. The anatomical reduction of the condyle and internal fixation with miniplates was easy when this approach was used. Patients showedtransient facial nerve paralysis only. No permanent damage was noted.The resultant scar was aesthetically acceptable. Discussion The mini-preauricular approach is an effective and safe technique for open reduction and internal fixation of condylar and subcondylar fractures. This approach provided good access, good cosmetic results, and patient satisfaction. This approach resulted in veryless morbidity to the facial nerve.

Acupuncture or cupping plus standard care versus standard care in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients: An assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundNon-pharmacological strategies that have been proposed by complementary medical systems, can be effective in management of COVID-19. MethodsThis study was designed as a three-arm, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 139 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) acupuncture (ACUG), (2) cupping (CUPG), and (3) control (CTRG). All participants received conventional treatment. The primary study endpoint included changes in respiratory signs including oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory rate (RR). The secondary endpoints were COVID-19-related hospitalization duration and serious adverse events such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission, intubation or death, all up to day 30. Also, improvements in cough, dyspnea, chest tightness, oxygen demand, anorexia, headache, weakness, sore throat, and myalgia were evaluated. ResultsForty-two patients in ACUG, 44 patients in CUPG, and 42 patients in CTRG completed the trial. After 3 days, SpO2 and RR improved significantly in CUPG and ACUG compared with CTRG (effect size: 8.49 (6.4 to 10.57) and 8.51 (6.67 to 10.34), respectively: p<0.001). Compared with CTRG, patients in CUPG and ACUG recovered faster (mean difference: 6.58 (4.8 to 8.35) and 9.16 (7.16 to 11.15), respectively) and except for two patients in ACUG who were admitted to ICU, none of patients in ACUG or CUPG needed ICU or intubation (p<0.001 in comparison to CTRG). Amelioration of clinical COVID-19 related symptoms reached a high level of statistical significance in CUPG and ACUG in comparison with CTRG (p<0.01). ConclusionCupping and acupuncture are promising safe and effective therapies in management of COVID-19. Trial registration: This study was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20201127049504N1 (https://en.irct.ir/trial/52621).

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS, OPENNESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

The importance of free international movement of capital and openness to trade on the world market is very well known and elaborated in the relevant literature. Despite the fact that the most developed countries in the world are the carriers of international capital movements, especially through foreign direct investments, the inflow of foreign capital through foreign direct investments (FDI) is one of the key goals that developing countries set through their development strategies. In this way, developing countries strive to make their economies attractive for the presence of foreign capital in order to increase the level of production and raise the level of employment. What distinguishes developing countries is the high participation of foreign trade. Unlike large economies, which are said in the literature to be self-sufficient, small economies with insufficiently developed economies are nevertheless able to compete on the global market. The subject of research in this paper was to investigate the impact of FDI inflows on the economic growth of developing countries. The research covered 82 developing countries in the period from 1980 to 2020. In the paper, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) methods were used to examine whether FDI viewed through the share of inflows in GDP and openness viewed through the share of total exchange in GDP increase GDP per capita in developing countries. The obtained results with a high level of statistical significance testify in support of the conclusion that FDI and openness to foreign trade increase GDP per capita in developing countries.

Knowledge management implementation in small and micro KIBS: A categorization

AbstractThe main goal of the paper is to provide a statistical categorization of small and micro knowledge‐intensive business service (KIBS) companies, based on their knowledge management (KM) attitude. Since knowledge is the main production factor and output of these companies, it is essential to achieve a better understanding of how they manage this resource. A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted on a sample of Polish small and micro KIBS operating in various service sectors. A cluster analysis of the data was performed, to categorize the sample according to the KM attitude of the companies. Three main groups of companies were identified, varying in terms of their levels of “knowledge needs”, “intensity of use” of KM practices and “perceived barriers to KM implementation”. This classification is shown to characterize attitudes towards KM to a higher level of statistical significance than do structural characteristics. The survey was based on a single country sample. On the one hand, this provides consistency to the analysis. On the other hand, further insights can be obtained by a multi‐national study. In addition, cluster analysis is exploratory in nature. The results provide useful insights for policy makers (to formulate policies for facilitating KM implementation in small KIBS) and managers (to reflect on the KM attitudes of their company). The statistical categorization of small and micro KIBS in terms of their KM attitude has been very rarely undertaken. Even the most recent investigations of KM issues used samples from large companies.

Malaria transmission in Africa: Its relationship with yellow fever and measles.

Malaria has been strongly linked to the transmission and pathophysiology of some viral diseases. Malaria and vaccine-preventable diseases often co-exist in endemic countries but the implication of their co-existence on their transmission dynamics and control is poorly understood. The study aims to evaluate the relationships between the incidence of malaria and cases of measles and yellow fever in Africa. The malaria incidence, death due to malaria, measles and yellow fever data were sourced from the WHO database. Poisson and zero-inflated time-trend regression were used to model the relationships between malaria and the two vaccine-preventable diseases. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. A significant negative relationship existed between malaria incidence and measles cases (P<0.05), however, malaria showed a positive relationship with yellow fever (P<0.05). The relationships between death due to malaria and measles/yellow fever cases followed similar trends but with a higher level of statistical significance (P<0.001). Malaria varied negatively with measles cases but positively with yellow fever. The relationships observed in this study could be important for the management of malaria and the studied vaccine-preventable diseases. Increase vaccination coverage and/or malaria treatment could modulate the direction of these relationships.

Optimization of the treatment of the patient with acute coronary syndrome on the background the type 2-diabetes with concomitant hyperventilation

The article presents data from an original study on the implementation and empirical verification of the effectiveness of the developed therapeutic complex aimed at improving the intensive treatment of the nosological association «acute coronary syndrome (as the underlying disease) + type 2 diabetes mellitus (as a background pathology) + hyperventilation syndrome (as aconcomitant state)». The author’s therapeutic complex is based on a controlled change in auxiliary respiratory oxygenation «downward», provided that basic pharmacotherapy must be supplemented with a balanced combination of antihypoxic drugs and antiaggregant of new generation. Acomparative study of two groups of thematic patients was carried out — using the developed complex and using the traditional approach. The complex key parameters of the outcomes of the underlying disease in patients were studied using clinical assessment of functional classes of angina pectoris and veloergometric assessment of exercise tolerance. When using the developed therapeutic complex in comparison with the «traditional approach», a fundamental improvement in the outcomes of angina pectoris was established, which was confirmed by both the ratio of functional classes and the results of bicycle ergometry. The obtained data of intergroup differences have a high level of statistical significance. This proved the significant actual effectiveness of the developed therapeutic complex. The data presented in the article are distinguished by novelty and practical applicability, which makes it possible to recommend them for further implementation in the practice of the clinic of internal diseases.