IBM SPSS Statistics Software Research Articles

Comparison of MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score with Clinico-Radiological Grading

Abstract Background Knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) is among the most prevalent degenerative diseases of the joints in the body. Various scoring system exists for grading OA, such as (1) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS), (2) clinical grading by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and (3) X-ray grading of the Kellgren–Lawrence grading system (K-L). Objectives To study MRI findings and MOAKS scoring of knee OA and correlation with WOMAC and K-L scoring. Setting and Design Cross-sectional study in hospital population. Methods and Material A total 40 knee OA cases underwent an MRI of the knee. MOAKS scoring was done and compared with K-L grading and WOMAC scores. Statistical Analysis Collected data were compiled systematically and interpreted using IBM SPSS statistics software 25.0. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean total WOMAC score was 9. K-L grade 2 was the most prevalent X-ray grade. Bone marrow lesion (BML) and cartilage loss in MOAKS score were greater in the medial femorotibial region. A moderate positive correlation was noted between the WOMAC score and K-L grade; full-thickness articular cartilage loss score at the medial femorotibial joint (MFTJ) and WOMAC score; partial-thickness articular cartilage loss score at lateral femorotibial joint (LFTJ) and WOMAC total pain score. No correlation was found between BML and pain severity score. Conclusion Higher WOMAC scores were associated with higher grades of K-L scoring and score of cartilage loss (partial and full thickness) of the MOAKS scoring system. The rest of the features of the MOAKS score (BML score, osteophyte, and synovitis) had no significant association with pain severity and K-L grading.

Evaluating Visitor Usage and Safety Perception Experiences in National Forest Parks

Various physical and environmental factors affect the recreational experience in national forest parks. Understanding visitors’ preferences regarding these factors is significant for promoting the physical and mental health and well-being of urban residents. This study aims to quantify residents’ usage patterns and safety perceptions of national forest parks. It focuses particularly on Santai Mountain National Forest Park in Jiangsu, China, and conducted a semi-structured questionnaire survey with 688 participants. The statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics 24 was used for data analysis. A descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted on the respondents’ demographic information. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and an ordinal logistic regression model were employed to analyze the survey data. The survey results show that most visitors go to the forest park only once or twice a year, usually on weekends, holidays, and during leisure time rather than on workdays. Because the national forest park is located in the suburbs, the journey is long, and most visitors choose to drive there. Additionally, the majority of visitors go to the forest park with family and friends. Because the park is well managed and has complete safety facilities, most visitors feel safe in the national forest park.

Serological diagnosis of Toxocara canis in mothers and their neonate referred to selected teaching hospitals, Tehran, Iran, 2020.

Toxocariasis is a common zoonotic parasitic disease, primarily caused by the larvae of Toxocara canis or T. cati. Humans become infected through accidental ingestion of infective eggs in soil contaminated with feces of infected animals, or by consuming undercooked meat from paratenic hosts harboring Toxocara larvae. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in 250 mothers and their 250 neonates referred to selected teaching hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2020. Data were recorded using a specialized questionnaire, and serum and peripheral blood smears (for eosinophil count) were collected. Serum samples were tested using the ELISA serological test for IgG antibodies against Toxocara spp. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 21.0. A chi-square test was performed, and a P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 500 participants, 24 cases (4.8%) tested positive for anti-Toxocara canis IgG antibodies. Seropositive cases included 6 mothers only (25%), 6 neonates only (25%), and 12 cases both mother and their neonate (50%). Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies and hospital type and nationality (P value < 0.05). However, no significant relationship was found between the presence of antibodies and other demographic variables such as age, sex, eosinophilia, and history of contact with animals in mothers and their neonates (P value > 0.05). This study indicates a substantial rate Toxocara infection in mothers and neonates, necessitating appropriate preventive measures by the relevant authorities.

Factors Affecting Taxpayer Compliance of E-commerce in West Java

The purpose of this study is to look into the aspects that can influence taxpayer compliance among e-commerce business players, such as knowledge of tax regulations, taxpayer awareness, e-filing use, and tax sanctions. This research method employs a quantitative approach to the data used, specifically primary data. The primary data was collected via delivering questionnaires to respondents. This study employed multiple linear analysis with IBM SPSS Statistics software version 25. This study's population consists of taxpayers from e-commerce company players in West Java, with a sample size of 100. The findings revealed that understanding of tax regulations, taxpayer awareness, and tax sanctions all had a considerable favorable impact on taxpayer compliance. However, the usage of e-filing demonstrates that it has no substantial influence on taxpayer compliance. And the findings of this study are intended to be used by connected parties to continue organizing socialization about the need of paying taxes among business actors in e-commerce.

A Novel Biomarker in Experimental Cerebral Ischemia: Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A

Objectives: To investigate the role of blood brain barrier biomarkers for the detection of experimental cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods: Forty adult male Wistar albino rats with a mean age of 4–6 months and an average weight of 350–400 g were used in the study. The rats were divided into five ischemia groups (control, 1.5 h of ischemia, 4.5 h of ischemia, 6 h of ischemia, and 24 h of ischemia). Cerebral ischemia was achieved by unilateral ligating of CCA and ECA at the same time. After surgical preparation and awaiting for appropriate ischemia time we collected blood and brain tissue samples. Then we investigated serum occludin, claudin-5 and JAM-A levels from blood samples and the apoptotic index and percentages of pycnotic nucleus from brain tissues histologically. The obtained data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software package version 18 and the Jamovi software package. Results: Serum JAM-A level showed a statistically significant difference in all ischemia groups compared with the control group (p

Serum ferritin level and associated factors among uncontrolled adult type II diabetic follow-up patients: comparative based cross-sectional study

BackgroundUncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (UT2DM) and its associated consequences nowadays have been a global health crisis, especially for adults. Iron has the property to oxidize and reduce reversibly, which is necessary for metabolic processes and excess accumulation of iron indicated by serum ferritin levels could have a significant impact on the pathophysiology of T2DM via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, no conclusive evidence existed about the association of serum ferritin with the state of glycemic control status. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate serum ferritin levels and associated factors in uncontrolled T2DM patients and compare them with those of controlled T2DM and non-diabetic control groups.MethodsA hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected 156 study participants, who were categorized into three equal groups of uncontrolled T2DM, controlled T2DM, and non-diabetic control groups from October 2 to December 29, 2023 at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and diabetes-related information. The laboratory tests were done using an automated chemistry analyzer and IBM-SPSS statistical software (version-27) was utilized for data entry and analysis with a significance level of p < 0.05.ResultThe mean serum ferritin level was noticeably higher in uncontrolled T2DM patients as compared to controlled T2DM and control groups (p < 0.001). It was significantly correlated with HbA1c [r = 0.457, p < 0.001], fasting blood sugar (FBs) [r = 0.386, p < 0.001], serum iron [r = 0.430, p < 0.001], and systolic blood pressure (SBP) [r = 0.195, p = 0.047] in T2DM patients. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that a rise in HbA1c (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI(1.50–8.98), serum iron (AOR = 1.02, 95% CI(1.01–1.04), male gender (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI(0.05–0.57) and being on oral hypoglycemic agent (OHA) monotherapy (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI(0.07–0.95) were key associated factors for the elevated serum ferritin among T2DM patients.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that T2DM patients had elevated serum ferritin levels which might be related to the existence of long-term hyperglycaemia and that serum ferritin had a significant positive association with HbA1c and FBs, implying that it could be used as an additional biomarker to predict uncontrolled T2DM patients.

The state of hemodynamics in middle-aged and elderly people

The article presents the results of a study of hemodynamic parameters in conditionally healthy middle-aged and elderly people in comparison with those of people with hypertension of middle and elderly age. Anthropometric data and hemodynamic parameters were determined and recorded in men and women, statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the analytical software IBM SPSS Statistics, 22.0. In the course of the study, a more significant inclusion of compensatory mechanisms for normalization of stroke volume, minute volume and peripheral vascular resistance was found in the group of conditionally healthy elderly people in comparison with a similar age group with arterial hypertension.

Impact of hypertension and lipid profile on cardiac function in an Iranian teaching hospital: A cross-sectional analysis.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health challenge and affect diverse populations. For conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke prevalence, understanding the multifaceted factors contributing to CVDs is crucial. Hypertension and dyslipidemia, which are established risk factors, require further exploration, particularly in terms of their individual impact on cardiac function. This study aims to uncover associations, elucidate nuanced interplay, and provide insights for personalized interventions. A cross-sectional analysis, conducted at a Tehran Teaching Hospital, focused on adults admitted for suspected heart disease. The dataset included demographic information, clinical history, medications, and echocardiographic data. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation with IBM SPSS Statistics software. In this analysis of 95 individuals suspected of heart disease, aged 51 years on average, diverse blood pressure patterns with significant percentages across various hypertension stages were observed. Lipid profile analysis revealed typical lipid levels. Correlations between blood pressure, lipid parameters, and cardiac function indicated significant associations, including a negative correlation between ejection fraction and blood pressure and significant correlations between lipid profiles and adverse cardiac volume changes. Disparities in the prevalence of obesity and diabetes have highlighted potential links to hypertension. This study sheds light on crucial clinical aspects of individuals with suspected heart disease, revealing patterns of obesity, varied blood pressure categories, and nuanced lipid profiles. The correlations between blood pressure, lipid parameters, and cardiac function highlight potential connections, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions for improved cardiovascular outcomes.

Prevalence of Varicose Veins Among Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Extended periods of standing, obesity, female sex, and older age are risk factors associated with a higher probability of developing varicose veins (VV). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of VV among surgeons in public hospitals inMakkah, Saudi Arabia, and to identify the risk factors associated with this condition. Methodology This is a descriptive cross-sectional study based on a validated online questionnaire distributed via hospital WhatsApp(Meta Platforms Inc., Menlo Park, CA) groups conducted between January and June 2024. The inclusion criteria of this study were surgeons of both sexes and any age group working in the selected hospitals in Makkah City, who agreed to participate in the study. The exclusion criteria were any other healthcare workers from outside the surgical field. We included 192 participants, and Epi Info software (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA) was used to calculate the sample size. The data were collected, reviewed, and then fed into IBM SPSS Statistics software for Windows version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Every participant filled out a consent form. The university ethics committee of Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, granted ethical permission. Result This study comprised 192 surgeons in Makkah hospitals. Twenty-eight surgeons were either diagnosed with VV or had signs of VV. Varicose veins were detected among 50% of thoracic surgeons, 42.9% of pediatric surgeons, and 26.3% of orthopedic surgeons. The most reported risk factors were a family history of VV (17%), hypertension (16%), and diabetes mellitus (14%). Surgeons aged 40 years or older had a higher prevalence of VV than younger ones. Also, 55.6% of obese surgeons had VV compared to 7.8% of others with average weight. Conclusion We found that VV is a common problem, particularly among individuals with predisposing factors, such as long standing hours, smoking, pregnancy, and obesity. We found that surgeons specializing in thoracic and pediatric specialties and female surgeons were more likely to be affected by VV. Preventive measures, such as avoiding prolonged standing, wearing compression stockings, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, are recommended.

Knowledge and Perceptions of Self-Medication Among Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Students: A Cross-Sectional, Questionnaire-Based Study.

Self-medication (SM) is a common practice worldwide, and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. Self-medication has various forms, including taking medications without a physician's prescription, using a previous prescription for a similar condition, or using drugs obtainable at home without getting a physician's advice. The youth are highly influenced by the media and the internet, which promote SM behavior. To determine the knowledge and perceptions of SM in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students in all professional years, including interns in Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) and Hospital, Jammu. The present study was conducted at ASCOMS Hospital, Jammu. A total of 200 students of MBBS were included in the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and awareness level. The collected data were recorded in a Microsoft Excel sheet (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) and analyzed with the help of IBM SPSS Statistics software for Windows, version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The present study reveals that 60% of the subjects were males and 65% of the students practiced SM, which indicates that SM is highly prevalent amongst MBBS students. It was observed that minor illness and quick relief were the major reasons for SM. Further, headache, cold/cough, and fever were the major indications for SM, whereas antipyretics and analgesics were the most commonly used drugs for SM. Conclusion: The present study concluded that there was a high prevalence of SM practice among medical students, especially among females. However, the knowledge and perceptions of SM were not insufficient.

Understanding Consumers’ Willingness to Pay More and Choice Behavior for Organic Food Products Considering the Influence of Skepticism

The purpose of this research is to uncover consumers’ willingness to pay more (WTPM) and their choice behavior (CB) for organic food products using the Theory of Consumption Values (TCV) while also examining how skepticism toward organic labeling impacts the relationship between WTPM and CB. This study includes 374 survey responses collected using purposive sampling. The statistical software package IBM SPSS 28 was utilized for factor analysis and reliability, while CFA, validity, and structural assessments were carried out using AMOS 28 software. Process Macro 4.1 was employed to study the interaction of skepticism. This study reveals that consumers favor organic foods due to various values: price, social, emotional, epistemic, and conditional. Despite this, only price value directly affects the willingness to pay more. Once committed, consumers are willing to pay more, yet skepticism can hinder this commitment. Marketers should highlight the health, eco-friendliness, and value benefits of organic food products through advertisements and infomercials linking organics to daily life. Emotional appeals can stress the harms of non-organic foods, though skepticism must be managed delicately by gaining consumers’ trust.

O-323 Sex-dependent discrepancies in automatic scoring: implications for the performance of embryo evaluation and selection methods

Abstract Study question Are artificial intelligence-based embryo evaluation and selection algorithms equally effective for male and female embryos? Summary answer Compared to female embryos, male embryos exhibited higher automatic scores, superior performance in KIDScore D5 v3, and poorer performance in iDAScore v2 in predicting implantation. What is known already It is known that the secondary sex ratio favors males in assisted reproductive techniques. The reason could be an unbalanced selection, as there is evidence that male embryos undergo faster development and have better morphology than female embryos. Based on this premise, artificial intelligence (AI) models currently used for embryo selection may not perform equally well for embryos of both sexes. We aimed to analyze the performance of two models for assessing male and female embryos: KIDScore D5 v3 and iDAScore v2. Study design, size, duration This is a retrospective cohort study involving 481 patients included in the preimplantation genetic testing program over a year and a half. The euploid embryos (n = 1,181) were divided into male (n = 577) and female (n = 604) groups and the automatic scores received by two artificial intelligence-based evaluation models (KIDScore D5 v3 and iDAScore v2) were considered with respect to implantation. Participants/materials, setting, methods All embryos underwent assisted hatching on day 3 of embryo development and trophoectoderm biopsy at the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6). The embryos’ sex chromosomes were revealed using a highly validated method. Routine embryo assessment and selection were performed using conventional morphology according to ASEBIR criteria. Retrospectively, embryos were automatically scored from 1 to 9.9. Means, standard deviations, odds ratios (OR), and areas under the ROC curve (AUC) were calculated using IBMSPSS Statistics software. Main results and the role of chance In general, male embryos exhibited a significantly higher iDAScore than female embryos (6.9±2.2 vs. 6.4±2.5)**; no differences for KIDScore (6.1±1.7 vs. 5.9±1.8). This indicates that if the selection were based on the iDAScore, more male embryos would be transferred. Male embryos: 323 male embryos were transferred with an implantation rate of 53.8%. Implanted male embryos had higher automatic score compared to non-implanted ones (6.7±1.6 vs. 6±1.7 for KIDScore** and 7.3±2 vs. 6.8±2.1 for iDAScore*). For KIDScore: OR = 1.3, 95% CI [1.1-1.5] and AUC 0.612 (0.545-0.678). For iDAScore: OR = 1.1, 95% CI [1-1.3] and AUC 0.575 (0.511-0.638). This suggests a higher performance of KIDScore in predicting implantation in male embryos. Female embryos: 318 female embryos were transferred with an implantation rate of 47.7%. Implanted female embryos had higher iDAScore compared to non-implanted ones (7±2.3 vs. 6.3±2.5)*; no differences for KIDScore (6.2±1.8 vs. 6±1.8). For KIDScore: OR = 1.1, 95% CI [0.9-1.2] and AUC 0.542 (0.472-0.612). For iDAScore: OR = 1.1 95% CI [1-1.2] and AUC 0.584 (0.520-0.648). This suggests a higher performance of iDAScore in predicting implantation in female embryos. *pvalue&amp;lt;0.05; **pvalue&amp;lt;0.01 Limitations, reasons for caution The primary limitation of our study is the assisted hatching process performed on embryos on day 3 of development, which may impact late-stage development. This could be a possible reason for the considerably lower performance of the models. Wider implications of the findings Our study revealed objective differences between male and female embryos, as well as distinct performance for two AI-based embryo selection models. These findings suggest that the employed embryo selection model may impact the secondary sex ratio. Trial registration number Not applicable

Classification of the oesophageal perforation

ObjectivesEsophageal perforations are a complex clinical scenario that have been poorly studied. To date, there is no grading of esophageal perforations, the reason being that the outcome is very heterogeneous, because the perforation is very heterogeneous. A grading of the severity of the perforation may guide treatment, and could ultimately affect morbidity and mortality.MethodsThe observation period of the study was four years. All patients with a perforation of the esophagus aged 18 to 90 years were included. All anastomotic insufficiencies or fistulas after surgery of the esophagus were excluded. The cause of the injury and the time interval between the event and the start of therapy were analyzed. The severity of each perforation was classified based on the results of a diagnostic CT scan, gastroscopy as well as clinical and laboratory findings. Therapy and signs of infection were evaluated. Endpoints of the study were patient recovery or death. The study was conducted as a retrospective single-center study at a university hospital of Düsseldorf. The study has been approved by the review board. Patients gave their informed consent before data collection. All data were analyzed using SPSS 29 (IBM SPSS Statistics software).ResultsAge, gender and cause of the esophageal perforation did not impact significantly on overall survival. The duration of injury > 24 h (p = 0.01), presence of mediastinitis (p = 0.01) and necrosis of the esophagus (p = 0.02) were associated with an unfavorable outcome. The correlation of the clinical grading of the severity of the perforation based on the endoscopic, radiological and clinical findings with the overall survival of patients was significant. Patients categorized into the four grades of severity (I–IV) had an overall survival of 100%, 100%, 70% and 50%, respectively.ConclusionThe severity of esophageal perforations can be systematically rated grades I to IV based on the radiological, endoscopic and clinical findings at diagnosis. Due to the grading and its correlation to the overall survival, a comparison of patients, their treatment and outcome becomes possible. In future, the grade of a perforation may guide treatment, and therefore affect morbidity and mortality.

Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Geriatric Depression: A Descriptive Study Among Adult Saudi Citizens.

Depression is a leading cause of disability and contributes significantly to the overall burden of any disease. In Saudi Arabia, the geriatric population over 65 is continuing to expand and will contribute to a significant portion of the Saudi community. As the population of the elderly continues to grow as a result of longer lifespans, there will be an increase in the number of individuals in this population suffering from undiagnosed geriatric depression. This study aims to assess the general population's attitude and knowledge about the symptoms, signs, and complications of geriatric depressiontoimprove the quality of life of the elderly. This is a cross-sectional study, using a convenience sample of 2,320 participants, between March to September 2022. However, due to age, nationality, and incomplete responses that did not meet our inclusion criteria, 629 participants were excluded, and the sample size narrowed to 1,691. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data based on a comprehensive literature review. An online survey was distributed to Saudi citizens. The participants were between 18 and 50, both women and men and only Saudi nationals were included. This age group was selected as a convenient, purposeful sample, assuming that this portion of the population will be able to be enrolled in an electronic survey in addition to their direct contact with elderlies as possible caregivers. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software for Windows, version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The data were analyzed using a nonparametric test because they were not normally distributed. The study comprised 1,691 participants from diverse regions of Saudi Arabia, with a significant gender disparity observed, including 1,249 females (73.9%) and 442 males (26.1%). The majority of our participants were between 18-29 years, accounting for 55.2% of the sample. Descriptive statistics revealed prevalent beliefs among participants regarding geriatric depression. Notably, 35.1% strongly agreed and 19.3% agreed that depression affects individuals of particular ages, while a significant portion (47.1%) disagreed with the statement that depression in the elderly is a health problem. Additionally, 33.9% disagreed that geriatric depression can lead to suicide, and 33.8% believed it can be prevented. Analysis of actions and behaviors highlighted avoidance tendencies, with only 1.5% of the population strongly agreeing to treat a family member with geriatric depression and a majority (63.7%) avoiding interaction due to fear of harm, including 29.5% who strongly agreed and 34.2% who agreed. Gender differences were evident in emotional responses and knowledge levels, with females exhibiting higher emotional responses (mean score 15.63±2.92) and males displaying greater knowledge (mean score 14.90±3.36). In this study, we investigated the knowledge and attitudes of Saudis toward depression in the elderly. Findings revealed an inadequate understanding of geriatric depression, with many not recognizing it as a health condition and underestimating its severity. Negative emotions and behaviors, such as shame and reluctance to provide support, were prevalent. Gender, education level, and region influenced attitudes and knowledge. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding geriatric depression in Saudi Arabia.

Bloom’s Taxonomy and Prospective Teachers’ Preparation in Pakistan

The analysis of application of Bloom's Taxonomy in the future teachers’ preparation of Pakistan is the aim of this study where gender differences, program differences and semester effects are considered. The researchers developed questionnaire and examined the data using IBM SPSS statistics software. The results point to the fact that female participants are more likely than men to display mastery of lower-level skills as defined by Bloom's taxonomy, such as "remembering" and "understanding, and males tend to excel at thinking critically and analytically, i.e. "analyzing" and "evaluating" according to Bloom's taxonomy. On the other hand, the students of the first, second and third years of the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program were found to be scoring higher than M.Phil. participants. Additionally, freshman students were shown to have stronger achievements at the earlier levels of Bloom's Taxonomy compared to later-year students. These inferences, therefore, indicate the necessity of personalized educational strategies as well as staff development programs to raise the standards of education in Pakistani schools

Effect of reputation and social media on the financial performance of SMEs – a comparison between selected business sectors

Research background: The growing popularity of social media increased its significance as a tool for enhancing corporate reputation. However, SMEs are less engaged in social media than large companies. For this reason, numerous SMEs miss the benefits they could derive from using the potential of social media and fail to optimize their reputation management strategies. Furthermore, substantial diversity among SMEs in their social media engagement practices is evident. Consequently, it is crucial to investigate this problem and identify SME owners' and managers’ perceptions of reputation and social media in specific business sectors. Purpose of the article: The aim of this study is to examine and quantify the effect of the importance of corporate reputations and social media on financial performance. Methods: The questionnaire was completed by 864 SMEs engaged in business activities within one of the following sectors: manufacturing, trade, services, and construction. Subjective perceptions of owners and managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were analyzed. Data collection was conducted in the four Central European countries in the years 2022-2023. The statistical hypotheses were verified using correlation analysis and linear regression modelling. Analytical software IBM SPSS Statistics no. 28 was used in the statistical evaluation of the research data set. Findings &amp; Value added: The corporate reputation of companies is a significant factor, which has a positive effect on the acceptable profit of a company in the business sector of manufacturing, trade, construction, and services. The strongest effect is present in the sector of construction. Social media is an important factor with a positive effect on the perception of a sufficient profit of a company by each business sector except construction. The strongest effect is present in the sector of manufacturing. Corporate reputation was found to be insignificant for the perception of the ability to pay obligations (solvency) in the manufacturing sector. This effect is stronger in the construction sector in comparison to the trade and services sectors.

Production and evaluation of the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of fruit jam from star fruit, hog plum and black plum

Tropical fruits such as black plum, star fruit, and hog plum are excellent sources of phytochemicals which are essential for human health but the back drop of these fruits is their perishability, leading to tones of postharvest losses. To address these concerns, these fruits could be utilized in jam processing to further extend their shelf lives. This research work on production and quality evaluation of mixed-fruit jam produced from star fruit, hog plum, and black plum using mixture experimental design of response surface methodology was undertaken to improve the utilization of these underutilized fruits in jam processing. The produced mixed fruit jams were assessed for physicochemical and antioxidant properties using standard methods. Statistical analysis and optimization of mixture variables were carried out using Design-Expert software version 6.0.8 while means were separated using ANOVA and significance accepted for p≤0.05 using Duncan ranged multivariate test using the IBM SPSS Statistics software version 22. Result of analysis for physicochemical properties showed that pH of the fruit jams ranged from 3.41 to 4.46, titratable acidity 0.33 to 0.48 %, total solids 44.35 to 75.07 %, while the range of 53.22–74.65°Brix was recorded for total sugar and 19.94 to 25.64 mPas for viscosity. Antioxidant properties of the fruit jams ranged from 310.34 to 471.57 mg/ml for DPPH and ranged from 526.64 to 650.26 mmol.AAE/g for FRAP. The result of mixture variable optimization showed that optimal responses, jam should be produced from fruit combination comprising 8.43 %-star fruit, 91.57 % black plum and 0 % hog plum with 60 % desirability or experimental run comprising 5.08 %-star fruit, 90.39 % hog plum and 4.53 % black plum with 58 % desirability

QUANTIFYING THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC-RELATED EMISSIONS ON AIR QUALITY IN KANO CITY, NIGERIA

The aim of this study is to assess the concentration of traffic related air pollutants at some major traffic junctions in Kano metropolis, it comprised of carrying traffic count in the vicinities so as ascertain the sources of the pollution and identify the level of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), Sulphur dioxide (SO 2) for a period of six weeks. Traffic density was estimated via manual counting using tally sheet system. Crowcon gasman to air samplers ware used to measure the concentrations of gases emitted into the atmosphere at the selected locations. A total of 126 samples of air quality measurements were taken out for three hours, with each hour devoted to morning, afternoon and evening peak periods. Results obtained were compared with National Environmental Standard and Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA) guideline limits. Data were analysed using statistical package IBM SPSS version 16.0 to compute descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis and one sample t-test. There was a correlation between CO, NO 2, SO 2 and traffic volume in the entire junctions, and most of the correlation obtained may be attributed to the high vehicular volume in the traffic jam. The result of this indicated that the mean concentration of CO, NO 2 and SO 2 emission at Kabuga, Kofar ruwa, Hotoro NNPC and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital traffic junctions, gaseous emissions were within NESREA guideline limit for ambient conditions, except for CO concentration of 14.43 and 13.60 ppm at Bata and Kantin Kwari intersections were found to be much higher when compared with the NESREA guideline limits, respectively. This implies that transport-related pollution around Bata and Kantin Kwari is apparently unsafe. Similarly, it is likely that air quality will continue to deteriorate as the city continues to grow. Therefore, there is need for government to institute and enforce traffic emission control and air quality management programs as a priority. They should also work to prevent further environmental degradation by adopting effective policy in Nigeria.

Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness Through Employee Work Attitude: Dissection of Nigeria’s Hospitality Industry

This study aims to examine the predictability of employee work attitude on the effectiveness of hospitality firms operating in Nigeria's work setting. Middleline managers, supervisors, and low-level employees constitute the sample frame. To avoid bias in selection, simple random was used. Copies of the primary instrument were used to collect data. Frequency distribution was used to analyze respondents’ data while the research propositions were analyzed with linear regression with the aid of IBM SPSS statistical software version 25. The finding of the study showed that employee work attitude has a positive significant effect on organizational effectiveness. The study concluded that employee work attitude measured in terms of job satisfaction and job involvement enhances and improves the organizational effectiveness of hospitality firms in Nigeria through prompt service delivery and customer satisfaction. The implication of the study is that; supervisors, operations managers, and HR managers should pay positive attention to the attitude of their employees to discourage employee turnover that could lead to customer withdrawal

Unmet Need for Family Planning Among Women Attending Primary Healthcare in Alahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Enhancing maternal health quality is a concern among researchers globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one factor in women's health and empowerment is the rate of use of various contraceptive techniques. The WHO defines unmet contraceptive need as the discrepancy between a woman's desire to delay or cease childbearing and lack of contraception use to achieve this goal. Our study was designed to measure the unmet need for family planning and contraceptive use among married Saudi women attending primary healthcare centers in Alahsa, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was carried out using multistage cluster stratified sampling. The study included all married Saudi women aged 18-49 attending primary health centers. A structured questionnaire from the United States Agency for International Development Demographic and Health Surveys Methodology was used. Data analysis was performed using the statistical software IBM SPSS version 29(IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). In all, 430 individuals were included.The participants' ages ranged from 19 to 49 years (33.4 ± 7 years). Among them, 50 (11.6%) were pregnant. Among those who were not pregnant, 268 (62.3%) were using a method of contraception. Based on the definitions adopted in this study, 90 (20.9%) had unmet needs for family planning, and 340 (79.1%) had their needs met. The total demand for family planning was estimated to be 83.2%. The percentage of demand for family planning satisfied by a modern contraceptive method was 46.9%. Although Alahsa has a lower unmet need rate (20%) than other cities in Saudi Arabia, it remains notably higher than the average rate in Northern African and Western Asian countries, which is 10.9%. A number of factors, including nulliparity and having more than two children, were associated with unmet contraceptive needs. The majority of women who did not use contraceptives had concerns about the side effects and inconvenience of use.