Independent Sample T-test Research Articles

Developing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills Through Differentiated Problem-Based Learning

This study aims to analyse critical thinking skills through differentiated problem-based learning (PBL). The data analysis methods included descriptive analysis, normality tests, homogeneity tests, independent sample t-tests, N-Gain, and ANOVA. The results of the research explain that PBL with differentiated instruction effectively improves students critical thinking skills and a significant effect of learning models and learning styles on students critical thinking skills.

Short-term fluctuation of intraocular pressure and influencing factors following intravitreal injection in patients with retinal vascular diseases

AIM: To investigate the patterns of short-term intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations and identify the contributing factors following intravitreal injection in patients with retinal vascular diseases. METHODS: Totally 81 patients were enrolled in this case control study. Eyes were categorized into 7 groups, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (CNV), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), diabetic macular edema (DME), macular edema secondary to branch (BVOME) and central (CVOME) retinal vein occlusion. IOP was measured in all patients using rebound tonometer at 7 preset time points perioperatively. Additionally, based on the administered medication, the eyes were classified into three treatment groups, including dexamethasone intravitreal implant (IVO), intravitreal conbercept (IVC), and intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR). To compare IOP values at various time points across groups, we employed one-way ANOVA, independent sample t-test or χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Peak IOP values across all groups were observed at 40s, and 5min after intravitreal injection. Statistical differences in IOP were detected at the 5min among the 7 indication groups (F=2.50, P=0.029). When examing the impact of medications, the IVO group exhibited lower average IOP values at both 40s and 5min compared to the IVC and IVR groups (P<0.001; P=0.007). The IOP values at 40s and 5min were significantly higher in BVOME and CVOME group compared to non-retinal vein occlusion-secondary macular edema (RVOME) group (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis further confirmed that IOP measurement at 40s was significantly higher in CVOME group than in non-RVOME group (OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.09-2.47; P=0.018). CONCLUSION: Needle size plays a crucial role in the transient changes of IOP following intravitreal injection. Before administering intravitreal injection to patients with central retinal vein occlusion, it is essential to exclude any underlysing causes of increased IOP.

Development of a tailored questionnaire instrument to evaluate thermal sensation of elderly people in India

Purpose India’s growing elderly population necessitates ensuring indoor thermal comfort because of their vulnerability to temperature-related illnesses and reduced capacity to regulate body temperature. Currently, thermal sensation (TS) assessment scales, designed for those between 20 and 60 years of age, may not accurately capture the preferences of elderly adults. To address the gap, this study aims to identify appropriate scaling methods to help the elderly understand the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE-55) seven-point TS scale clearly. Design/methodology/approach Four scaling methods – color, emoji, landscape images and regional images scales – identified from literature were analyzed using quantitative approaches. The differences between two age groups (<60 years and = 60 years) were examined using frequency distribution differences and independent sample t-test methods. Findings Results indicated that both younger/middle-aged (<60 years) and elderly individuals (= 60 years) were adept at identifying color and regional images scale, while emoji and landscape images scale posed challenges for the elderly. Furthermore, a tailored questionnaire instrument was developed to enhance the comprehension of TS questions for the elderly. One sample t-test results indicated that the proposed questionnaire instrument is a better fit to support ASHRAE-55 seven-point TS scale, making it particularly effective for the elderly population. Originality/value This research presents a novel, tailored questionnaire instrument that significantly enhances the elderly population’s comprehension of TS questions, thereby improving the accuracy of thermal comfort assessments and contributing to the creation of better indoor thermal environments for the elderly people.

Corneal subepithelial nerve fibers in type 2 diabetes: potential biomarker of diabetic neuropathy

AIM: To observe the changes in corneal subepithelial nerve fibers (CNFs) and Langerhans cells (LCs) in patients with type 2 diabetes using corneal laser confocal microscopy (CLCM). METHODS: A total of 60 patients (64 eyes), including 40 patients with type 2 diabetes (DM group) and 20 subjects without diabetes (control group) were included with CLCM. Neuron J plugin of Image J software were used for quantitative analysis of CNF length (CNFL), CNF density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch fiber density (CNBD), main branch length density, branch length density, corneal nerve fiber tortuosity (NT) score, and LCs density. An independent samples t-test to analyze the variability between the two groups was performed, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationships between CNF and multiple biochemical indicators in the DM group. The predictive power of CNF for type 2 diabetes was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the CNFL, CNFD, and main branch length density between two groups. The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between CNFD and the duration of diabetes as well as triglyceride levels and total cholesterol, and a significant positive correlation between CNFD and serum albumin. In addition, the NT score showed a positive correlation and urea nitrogen, similar to the positive correlation observed between LC density and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. CNFD showed the highest area under the curve (AUC of ROC) value, followed by main branch length density and CNFL. The AUC of the ROC curve under the logistic regression model also demonstrated good predictive values. The cut-off values of CNFD, CNFL, and main branch length density for diabetes showed 31.25, 18.85, and 12.56, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with type 2 diabetes, there is a notable reduction in both CNFL and CNFD. These measurements can be influenced by various blood biochemical factors. However, the compromised nerve fibers can serve as valuable indicators for predicting the onset of type 2 diabetes and also as biomarkers for detecting diabetic neuropathy and its related complications.

Effect of stress on study skills self-efficacy in Nursing students: the chain mediating role of general self-efficacy and self-directed learning.

The purpose of the study is to explore the current level of nursing students' study skills self-efficacy, and whether general self-efficacy and self-directed learning ability mediate the relationship between perceived stress (including positive stress and negative stress) and study skills self-efficacy. The survey was conducted among 1,289 nursing students including 795 students from Jinzhou Medical University and 494 students from Dalian University. Participants completed a self-designed questionnaire, which included the Study Skills Self-Efficacy Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Directed Learning Instrument, gender, age, academic year, and other demographic characteristics. Descriptive analysis, independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analyses, and the bootstrap method were used for data analysis. Positive stress significantly positively predicted students' study skills self-efficacy, with an effect size of 0.686. Moreover, general self-efficacy and self-directed learning mediate the relationship between positive stress and study skills self-efficacy in nursing students, with effect sizes of 0.235 and 0.245, respectively. The direct effect of negative pressure on students' study skills self-efficacy is not statistically significant, but it has a significant negative predictive effect on study skills self-efficacy under the mediation of general self-efficacy and self-directed learning, with effect sizes of -0.337 and -0.238, respectively. This study explains how stress affects students' study skills self-efficacy, and the results have certain enlightenment significance for improving the stress management ability and study skills self-efficacy of college students in the future.

Analyzing the Impact of Microfinance Initiatives on Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development

This study investigates the impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation, economic development, and social outcomes in low-income communities. Microfinance, through providing small loans and financial services to individuals typically excluded from the formal financial system, has the potential to improve household income, stimulate entrepreneurship, and foster local economic growth. Using a quantitative research approach, the study employed a cross-sectional survey design with stratified random sampling of 250 microfinance beneficiaries and 250 non-beneficiaries. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and secondary sources, including government reports and MFI records. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, independent sample t-tests, multiple regression analysis, and Pearson’s correlation, was used to assess relationships between microfinance access and key economic and social indicators. The results show that microfinance beneficiaries experienced a significant increase in household income (mean increase of 28%) compared to non-beneficiaries. Additionally, entrepreneurship rates increased by 15% among beneficiaries, and improvements were reported in health (17% improvement) and education (13% improvement). However, challenges such as high interest rates, limited outreach to marginalized groups, and over-indebtedness were identified. Despite these limitations, microfinance was found to have a positive impact on economic development, though more accessible and tailored programs are needed to maximize its potential. Recommendations for policy improvements, programmatic changes, and areas for future research are provided to enhance the effectiveness of microfinance initiatives.

The effect of neuroticism on mobile phone addiction among undergraduate nursing students: a moderated mediation model.

Mobile phone addiction (MPA) has numerous deleterious effects on college students, including depression, anxiety, cognitive impairments, and sleep disorders. Undergraduate nursing students play a crucial role as a significant reserve workforce in clinical nursing practice, and their compromised mental health status significantly influences the quality of nursing work and nurse-patient relationships in the future. This study aims to investigate the associations between neuroticism and MPA among undergraduate nursing students, the mediating effect of self-control and the moderating effect of psychological capital. A total of 900 undergraduate nursing students participated in the survey, wherein the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Short Form Scale China Version-Neuroticism Subscale (EPQ-RSC-N), Self-Control Scale (SCS), Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PPQ), and Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS) were employed for assessment. To analyze the available data, various statistical methods were utilized, including common method bias test examination, descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, Pearson's correlation analyses, as well as the Hayes' PROCESS Macro models 4 and 14. (1) The prevalence of MPA in this study was found to be 34.89%. (2) The MPA was positively correlated with neuroticism (r = 0.287, p < 0.001), and was negatively correlated with self-control (r = -0.467, p < 0.001) and psychological capital (r = -0.260, p < 0.001). (3) Self-control played a partially mediating role in the association between neuroticism and MPA, with an effect size of 0.151, accounting for 52.98% of the total effect. (4) Psychological capital played a moderating role in the association between self-control and MPA. More specifically, with an increase in the level of psychological capital increases, the predictive effect of self-control on MPA gradually strengthens (β = -0.072, SE = 0.019, t = -3.708, p < 0.001). The prevalence of MPA was relatively high among undergraduate nursing students, with neuroticism exerting a direct influence on it. Self-control served as a mediating factor that could partially alleviate MPA associated with neuroticism. Psychological capital has the ability to regulate the relationship between self-control and MPA. Therefore, enhancing self-control capabilities and cultivating psychological capital levels can effectively manage MPA among undergraduate nursing students.

Attributes Required for Entrepreneurs of Self-Help Groups (SHGS) Involved in the Development of Microenterprises

Under the pathetic and uneasy conditions the rural poor face, microfinance activity acts as the saviour to redeem them from the clutches of poverty and unemployment. The present study was conducted to examine the influence of entrepreneurial attributes of members of SHGs in the effectiveness of microfinance services for agro-enterprise development by the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Kerala. The study was conducted in ex-post facto design, in the three purposively selected districts of the three zones of Kerala, namely, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Malappuram. The effectiveness of microfinance services was calculated individually from the scores obtained for each respondent and the average score of members in a group constituted the effectiveness score of the group. The independent samples t-test was employed to find out the significant difference in entrepreneurial characteristics score with the effectiveness of microfinance services. Also, a correlation analysis was performed between entrepreneurial characteristics and the effectiveness of microfinance services. The correlation analysis of the entrepreneurial characteristics of the SHG members and the effectiveness of microfinance services revealed that ‘achievement motivation’, ‘innovativeness’, ‘thrift tendency’, ‘strategic visioning’ and ‘internal locus of control’ were positively and significantly correlated with the effectiveness of microfinance services at one per cent level of significance, whereas ‘economic opportunism’ was positively and significantly correlated with the effectiveness of microfinance services at five per cent level of significance. The independent samples t-test revealed that the entrepreneurial abilities of the members of SHG largely influenced the effectiveness of microfinance services for agro-enterprise development rather than other factors like the nature of agro-enterprises which was usually selected through micro screening techniques. The study necessitates a severe need of the establishment of business schools for youth to develop their entrepreneurial traits as well as better governance, especially in the agro sector.

The Comparison of The Quality of Life Between Conventional Orthognathic Surgery and Surgery-first Orthognathic Surgery in Skeletal Class III Deformity Patients

Objectives: This prospective cohort study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) of patients with skeletal Class III deformities undergoing either conventional orthognathic surgery (CS) or surgery-first orthognathic surgery (SF) using the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) and the Oral health Impact (OHIP-14) tools. Methods: The OQLQ was translated into Thai. Thirty-four patients were enrolled, with 17 in each group according to their orthodontic treatment plans. Patients completed the OQLQ and OHIP-14 assessments on the day before surgery (T1) and at 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) post-surgery. Data collection occurred from October 2021 to April 2022. Independent sample T-tests and one-way repeated measures ANOVA were used for statistical analysis (p&lt;0.05). Results: At T1, the QoL was significantly lower in the CS group compared to the SF group. The CS group exhibited significant QoL improvements at T2 (OQLQ) and T3 (OHIP-14) compared to T1. The SF group had a lower QoL at T2 but showed significant improvement at T4 (OQLQ and OHIP-14). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in QoL between the two groups after surgery. Both surgical approaches led to improvements in patients' QoL. Thus, the choice of surgical method should be based on appropriate indications and patient-doctor agreement.

Effect of CAD-CAM block thickness and translucency on the polymerization of luting materials.

This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of dual-cured luting cement (Bifix QM, VOCO) and flowable composite (Grandio Flow, VOCO) under lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) and hybrid ceramic (Grandio Blocs, VOCO; Cerasmart, GC) CAD-CAM blocks with different thicknesses. Contrast ratio (CR), translucency (TPab, TP00), and opalescence (OP) parameters of 30 disc-shaped CAD-CAM blocks (n = 5) prepared with two different thicknesses (1.5 and 2mm) and 8mm diameters were calculated using a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V, Zahnfabrik). A total of 36 Bifix QM and Grandio Flow samples were prepared at 100μm thickness using a specific setup by polymerizing from the top of the blocks. Following immersion in distilled water at 37°C for 24h, luting materials were examined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for DC calculation. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney U, and Independent Samples t-tests (p < 0.05). It was observed that, as the block thickness increased TPab, TP00, and OP decreased, while CR increased. There was no significant difference between the DC of Bifix QM and Grandio Flow when 1.5mm blocks were used in all groups (p > 0.05). DC of Grandio Flow was significantly higher than Bifix QM under 2mm-IPS e.max CAD (p = 0.011). The translucency of the CAD-CAM blocks varies depending on their thickness. However, there was no significant difference in the DC of the luting materials depending on the block thickness. Further studies are needed on the use of flowable resin composites as luting material.

Designing toys for older adults: Integrating learning theories to address needs

ABSTRACT With advancements in science, technology, and healthcare, senior citizens today face extended retirement periods of 15–35 years. However, many experience challenges such as declining physical and mental functions, which often lead to depression and reduced self-esteem. This study aims to explore the design elements and needs of older adult toys by integrating older adult learning theories to promote successful, healthy, and active aging. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, we analyzed expert interviews and applied multivariate statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests, to assess the physical, psychological, and lifestyle needs of older adults. Additionally, we examined older adults’ attitudes and behaviors toward toys, leading to the identification of key design criteria and preferences. Based on these insights, we developed guidelines for designing toys that support the aging process and proposed a model to predict future market trends. The findings offer valuable guidance for the toy industry in fostering innovation and sustainable development.

The relationship between illness perception and vision-related quality of life among Chinese patients with diabetic retinopathy: the mediating role of resignation coping style.

Maladaptive illness perception and coping strategies have been linked to illness-related quality of life in patients with chronic diseases. However, the impact of illness perception and coping strategies on vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), a significant microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the associations among illness perception, coping styles, and VRQOL in Chinese patients with DR, and to explore the mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between illness perception and VRQOL. This cross-sectional study included 303 adult Chinese with DR recruited from a general Grade-A tertiary hospital in Hunan, China. All participants completed clinical and demographic questionnaires. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire(BIPQ), the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire(NEI-VFQ-25), and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire were respectively adopted to assess the illness perception, VRQOL and coping styles. The BIPQ total scores were converted to logit scores using Rasch analysis. The NEI-VFQ-25 composite scores were converted to estimated person measures based on Rasch analysis and the method of successive dichotomizations. The relationships among these variables were assessed through independent-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analysis, while SPSS Process model and the bootstrap analysis were utilized to evaluate the mediating effect. Illness perception was positively correlated with resignation coping style (r = 0.33, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with VRQOL (r = -0.43, P < 0.001). Resignation coping style was negatively correlated with VRQOL (r = -0.38, P < 0.001). Illness perception significantly predicted resignation coping style (t = 5.91, P < 0.001) and resignation coping style significantly predicted VRQOL (t = -5.30, P < 0.001). The mediating effect through resignation coping was - 0.49 (95% CI: -0.75 to -0.27), accounting for 21.08% of the total effect of illness perception on VRQOL. The study revealed that the resignation coping style partially mediated the relationship between illness perception and VRQOL among DR patients. Specifically, DR patients may accept their worsening circumstances without attempting to change them due to their perception that their illness is threatening and beyond control. This resignation coping strategy could, in turn, lead to poorer VRQOL. These findings suggest that interventions targeting the improvement of illness perception and coping strategies could enhance the VRQOL of DR patients.

Accuracy of full-guided versus half-guided implant procedures carried out with digital implant planning software by students as part of a university curriculum.

This in vitro study investigated whether full-guided (FG) or half-guided (HG) implant placement is more suitable for beginners and to what extent the use of the coDiagnostiX (CDX) (10.5, Straumann Group, Basel, Switzerland) implant planning software proves useful in teaching. Twenty students planned implant positions with CDX which were then placed in a model using printed drill templates in the sense of FG implantation (group 1) and HG implantation (group 2). The implant positions could be compared with those of the reference model, and deviations could be determined. The results were tested for significance using the t-test for independent samples for groups 1 and 2. A total of 32 students subsequently completed a questionnaire about the software. Cronbach's α was also calculated to check the reliability of the questions for the individual subject areas. In both groups the greatest deviation occurred along the y-axis in the vestibular direction. It measured 1.390mm in group 1 and 1.570mm in group 2. Comparing both groups, there were significant deviations along the y-axis (p = .013), along the z-axis (p = .049), and in the total deviation (p = .031). The questionnaire was evaluated in design, with 95% positive answers. In contrast, the evaluation of the area of time and effort resulted in only 55% positive responses. Overall, experience with the software was rated as positive by 74%. Group 1 achieved more accurate results, especially along the y-axis in the vestibular direction. In both groups, the implants were placed too deep. The questionnaire indicated a software with high usability and is therefore very suitable for teaching. If clinically feasible, beginners should prefer full-guided implant placement.

T1 mapping-based radiomics in the identification of histological types of lung cancer: a reproducibility and feasibility study.

T1 mapping can quantify the longitudinal relaxation time of tissues. This study aimed to investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of T1 mapping radiomics features of lung cancer and the feasibility of T1 mapping-based radiomics model to predict its pathological types. The chest T1 mapping images and clinical characteristics of 112 lung cancer patients (54 with adenocarcinoma and 58 with other types of lung cancer) were collected retrospectively. 54 patients underwent twice short-term T1 mapping scans. Regions of interest were manually delineated on T1 mapping pseudo-color images to measure the mean native T1 values of lung cancer, and radiomics features were extracted using the semi-automatic segmentation method by two independent observers. The patients were randomly divided into training group (77 cases) and validation group (35 cases) with the ratio of 7:3. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U tests and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used for feature selection. The optimum features were selected to establish a logistic regression (LR) radiomics model. Independent sample t-test, Mann Whitney U-test or chi square test were used to compare the differences of clinical characteristics and T1 values. Performance was compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). In the training group, smoking history, lesion type and native T1 values were different between adenocarcinoma and non-adenocarcinoma patients (P = 0.004-0.038). There were 1035 (54.30%) radiomics features meet the intra-and inter-observer, and test-retest reproducibility with ICC > 0.80. After feature dimensionality reduction and model construction, the AUC of T1 mapping-based radiomics model for predicting the pathological types of lung cancer was 0.833 and 0.843, respectively, in the training and validation cohorts. The AUCs of T1 value and clinical model (including smoking history and lesion type) were 0.657 and 0.692 in the training group, and 0.722 and 0.686 in the validation group. Combined with T1 mapping radiomics, clinical model and T1 value to establish a combined model, the prediction efficiency was further improved to 0.895 and 0.915 in the training and validation groups. About 50% of the T1 mapping-based radiomics features displayed relatively poor repeatability and reproducibility. While T1 mapping-based radiomics model is valuable in identification of histological types of lung cancer despite the measurement variability. Combination of T1 mapping radiomics model, clinical characteristics and native T1 value can improve the predictive value of pathological types of lung cancer.

A Tailored De-Implementation Strategy to Reduce Low-Value Home-Based Nursing Care: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study.

To facilitate the delivery of appropriate care, the aim was to test if a tailored, multifaceted de-implementation strategy (RENEW) (1) would lead to less low-value nursing care and (2) was acceptable, implementable, cost effective and scalable in the home-based nursing care context. A mixed-methods design. The RENEW strategy with components on education, persuasion, enablement, incentives and training was introduced in seven teams from two organisations in the Netherlands. To estimate the effect size, data were collected at baseline (T0) and follow-up measurement (T1), on the volume of care in both frequency and time in minutes per week and independent samples t-tests were performed. A qualitative evaluation was conducted to understand feasibility aspects, see how the strategy works and identify influencing factors and used document analyses and semi-structured interviews. Deductive coding was used to analyse the results. The time spent on low-value nursing care (mean, minutes per week per client) in seven teams for 210 clients in T1 compared to 222 clients in T0 reduced statistically significant. The difference between T0 and T1 equals 17.94%. The frequency of delivered low-value nursing care (mean per week) reduced but not statistically significant. From the transcripts of eight semi-structured interviews and documents, a list of 79 influencing factors were identified. Practical implementation tools, workplace coaching and sharing experiences within and between teams were considered as the most contributing elements. The results showed that for the seven home-healthcare teams in this study, the RENEW strategy (1) leads to a reduction in low-value care and (2) is-conditional upon minor modifications-acceptable, implementable, cost effective and scalable. Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution.

The Impact of Systemic Inflammation on Recurrence in Patients with Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Background/Objective: Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is commonly treated by probing, but recurrence remains a clinical issue. This study investigates the potential role of inflammatory biomarkers, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), in predicting recurrence after probing in children with CNLDO. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 172 patients who underwent initial probing for unilateral CNLDO. The patients were then categorized into two groups: those who experienced the complete resolution of symptoms after primary probing, and those who required Ritleng tube intubation due to recurrence following primary probing. Blood samples for calculating inflammatory biomarkers in all subjects were collected during general anesthesia preparation prior to initial probing. NLR, MLR, and PLR values were compared between the groups using the independent samples t-test. The predictive performance of the inflammatory biomarkers for recurrence was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: A total of 110 patients were included in the probing group, while 62 patients were in the recurrence group. The mean age at the time of the initial probing procedure was 15 ± 4.06 months in the probing group and 15.83 ± 4.02 months in the recurrence group. There was no difference in the duration of the probing procedure between the groups. The mean age at the time of Ritleng tube intubation in the recurrence group was 37.80 ± 13.34 months. The recurrence group exhibited significantly higher values in all analyzed inflammatory markers compared to the probing group, including the NLR (1.12 ± 0.56 vs. 0.86 ± 0.39, p = 0.002), MLR (0.16 ± 0.06 vs. 0.14 ± 0.06, p = 0.005), and PLR (95.13 ± 24.34 vs. 82.23 ± 22.77, p &lt; 0.001). ROC curve analysis indicated that these inflammatory biomarkers demonstrated moderate performance in predicting recurrence. Conclusions: Recurrence following probing in children with CNLDO was associated with complete blood cell count-derived inflammatory biomarkers. The preoperative assessment of these biomarkers may aid in the individualization of disease management and inform the development of new therapeutic strategies.

THE IMPACT OF MATERNAL SECOND SIGNAL SYSTEM ACTIVITY ON MOTHER-CHILD INTERACTIONS DURING THE VERBAL DEVELOPMENT STAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR AND HEALTH CRISES

The transition from nonverbal to verbal communication in children is signifi cantly infl uenced by the maternal secondary signaling system. Current geopolitical and health crises, such as the war in Ukraine and post- COVID-19 syndrome, exacerbate maternal stress and may aff ect mother- child interactions and child development.Aim. The purpose of this study is to examine diff erences in the activity of the second signaling system between mothers who report diffi culties perceiving their children and those who do not, and to understand the impact of these diff erences on motherchild interactions during the child’s verbal developmental period.Materials and methods. The study involved 184 mothers, divided into two groups: 98 mothers who reported diffi culties in perceiving their children and 86 mothers who did not. The The Questionnaire for Assessing the Activity of the Second Signal System (Language and Cognitive Test: How Well Do You Understand and Communicate?) (Lunov, 2023) was used to evaluate the activity of the second signal system across eight subscales corresponding to diff erent cytoarchitectonic fi elds. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare the mean scores of each subscale and the overall integral index between the groups. Results. Signifi cant diff erences were found on all subscales and the integral index, indicating notable discrepancies in the activity of the second signaling system between the two groups. Mothers who reported diffi culties had consistently lower scores, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support their communication and interaction with their children. Discussion. The fi ndings highlight the critical role of the second signaling system in maternal perception and interaction. The combined eff ects of war-induced trauma and post- COVID-19 syndrome exacerbate these challenges and underscore the need for comprehensive support programs. Findings from studies underscore the importance of addressing transgenerational attachment factors and maternal mental health to improve mother- child relationships and promote healthy developmental outcomes.

THE INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN ORGANIZATION, AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES ON LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS IN DIVERSE WORKPLACES IN FUZHOU CITY, FUJIAN PROVINCE, CHINA

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, characterized by heightened complexity and relentless change, the demand for adept management is more pronounced than ever. As organizations grapple with the challenges presented by an increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced world, the need to adapt and evolve management practices becomes a paramount concern (Drejer et al., 2014; BAGU et al., 2011). The aims of this study were to investigate the factors influencing Leadership Effectiveness based on 4 aspects, namely, the Demographic Factors, the Emotional Intelligence, the Cultural Diversity in Organization, and the Communication Strategies. The quantitative method was applied. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percent frequency, mean, and standard deviation are introduced. Various inferential statistical methods are used to test the hypothesis, particularly the Independent samples t-test, the One-way ANOVA, and the Multiple linear regression analysis. The results obtained from the study indicate that differences in Marital Status, Age, Educational Level, and Monthly Income generate differences in Leadership Effectiveness. Based on the Multiple Linear Regression analysis, all aspects of Emotional Intelligence (Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, and Social Skills), Cultural Diversity in Organization (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) and Communication Strategies (Awareness and Understanding, Communication Quality, Accessibility, and Employee Engagement) had a positive impact on Leadership Effectiveness.

Assessing Strength Effort in Pre-Adolescent Girls: Insights into Effort Accuracy at Different Strength Thresholds

Objectives. This study aimed to examine the peculiarities of strength effort assessment in girls aged 10, 11, and 12 years. Specifically, it sought to understand how these age groups evaluate effort at different percentages of their maximum strength (1/3, 1/2, and 2/3). Materials and methods. The study involved 75 girls divided into three age groups: 10 years (n = 20), 11 years (n = 25), and 12 years (n = 30). Participants’ maximum hand strength was measured using a dynamometer, and their ability to assess effort at 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 of this maximum was recorded. Results. The error of effort assessment was calculated and analyzed using paired and independent samples t-tests. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. The analysis revealed no significant age-related differences in hand maximum strength or strength effort assessment among the different age groups. The most accurate assessment of effort occurred at 2/3 of maximum strength for all age groups. Significant differences were found in effort assessment between 1/3 and 1/2 of maximum strength, and between 1/3 and 2/3 of maximum strength, with improvements noted as the effort percentage increased. However, no significant differences were observed between effort levels at 1/2 and 2/3 of maximum strength. Conclusions. The study indicates that the ability to assess strength effort remains stable across the age range of 10 to 12 years, with the most precise assessment occurring at 2/3 of maximum strength. The findings suggest that while overall strength assessment abilities are consistent, targeted training may enhance precision at different effort levels. This contributes to the understanding of motor function development and highlights the need for interventions to improve effort assessment skills in young girls.

Abstract 4137198: Cardiac Index At The Time Of Pulmonary Artery Pressure Monitor Implantation And Inotrope Requirement Within 1 Year

Introduction: Pulmonary artery pressure monitoring with an implantable device (PAPM) improves heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) in patients with symptomatic heart failure. We sought to explore whether cardiac index (CI) predicted need for initiation of inotrope within 1 year of PAPM. Purpose: To examine the association between CI at PAPM implantation and need for inotropes within 1 yr. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 277 consecutive HF patients who underwent PAPM from 1/1/19 through 10/31/22 with at least 1 yr post-implant follow-up. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between those who required inotropes within 1 yr (n=60) vs those who did not (n=217) (Figure 1). Independent samples t-test was used for continuous data and chi-square analysis for categorical data. Logistic regression was used to examine CI as a predictor of inotrope requirement within 1 yr, controlling for age, ejection fraction and glomerular filtration rate. Results: The average age was 69 (12) yr, 54% were male and 60 required inotropes. Patients requiring inotropes had significantly lower CI (2.2±0.6 L/min/m 2 vs 2.6±0.7 L/min/m 2 , p &lt; 0.001). CI was a significant independent predictor of inotrope requirement within 1 yr [odds ratio (OR)=0.3, 0.2-0.6; P&lt;.001). Every increase in CI by 1 L/min/m 2 resulted in 70% lower odds of requiring inotropes (Figure 2). After adjustment, CI remained a significant predictor of inotrope need (OR=0.4, 0.2-0.7; p&lt;0.001); every increase in CI by 1 L/min/m 2 reduced odds of inotrope requirement by 60%. Conclusion: Lower cardiac index at the time of PAPM implantation in symptomatic heart failure patients was associated with an increased need for inotrope within one year. This may identify a cohort of patients at risk of progressing to advanced heart failure. Prospective studies should examine the role of PAPM in management of HF patients with a low presenting cardiac index as well as patients with a PAPM and on inotrope.