Relative Index Research Articles

Nutritional index in relation to prognosis of endometrial cancer.

Objective: Evaluate the prognostic value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). Method: Laboratory and clinicopathological data from 370 patients who were diagnosed with EC between January 2010 and December 2021 were reviewed. The PNI was analyzed for correlations with recurrence and survival. The receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for the PNI. Optimal cut-off values were determined as the points at which the Youden index (sensitivity + specificity - 1) was maximal. Based on the results of the ROC curve analysis, the patients were grouped into high and low PNI groups. Differences in the clinicopathological characteristics between patients with high and low PNI were compared between the two groups. The effects of the prognostic factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The optimal cutoff value of the PNI was 52.74 for DFS (area under the curve: 0.817; 95% CI: 0.738-0.858, p <0.001). Significantly more patients in the low PNI group experienced recurrence (30.6% vs. 5.2%, p <0.001) and cancer-related death (17.8% vs. 2.8%, p <0.001). In multivariate analysis, PNI were independent prognostic factors for both DFS and overall survival OS. Conclusion: Low PNI was significantly associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with EC. Our findings demonstrate that the PNI may be clinically reliable and useful as a prognostic marker for patients with EC. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Unveiling novel eccentric neighborhood forgotten indices for graphs and gaph operations: A comprehensive exploration of boiling point prediction

&lt;abstract&gt;&lt;p&gt;This paper marks a significant advancement in the field of chemoinformatics with the introduction of two novel topological indices: the forgotten eccentric neighborhood index (FENI) and the modified forgotten eccentric neighborhood index (MFENI). Uniquely developed for predicting the boiling points of various chemical substances, these indices offer groundbreaking tools in understanding and interpreting the thermal properties of compounds. The distinctiveness of our study lies in the in-depth exploration of the discriminative capabilities of FENI and MFENI. Unlike existing indices, they provide a nuanced capture of structural features essential for determining boiling points, a key factor in drug design and chemical analysis. Our comprehensive analyses demonstrate the superior predictive power of FENI and MFENI, highlighting their exceptional potential as innovative tools in the realms of chemoinformatics and pharmaceutical research. Furthermore, this study conducts an extensive investigation into their various properties. We present explicit results on the behavior of these indices in relation to diverse graph types and operations, including join, disjunction, composition and symmetric difference. These findings not only deepen our understanding of FENI and MFENI but also establish their practical versatility across a spectrum of chemical and pharmaceutical applications. Thus the introduction of FENI and MFENI represents a pivotal step forward in the predictive analysis of boiling points, setting a new standard in the field and opening avenues for future research advancements.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/abstract&gt;

Анатомо-биомеханическая характеристика костного остова свободной тазовой конечности у представителей зайцеобразных

The article presents the results of studies of a complex methodological approach, including morphometry of tubular bones and foot, followed by determination of their development indices, characteristics of compact bone tissue, radiography and radiogrammetry according to the biomechanical study. The digital material was subjected to statistical processing. The studies were carried out at the Department of Anatomy and Histology of Animals named after Professor A. F. Klimov of the K. I. Skryabin Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education of the Moscow State Automobile and Mechanical Engineering Academy, as well as at the National Medical Research Centre of Traumatology and Orthopaedics named after N. N. Priorov. The material for the study were the pelvic limbs of the Soviet chinchilla rabbit (n=20) and the pelvic limbs of the Rusak hare (n=12), without signs of pathology, with body weight from 4 to 7 kg. In the comparative analysis, relative indices and biomechanical indices affecting the character of the statolocomotor act in the studied animals were established. Structural and biomechanical parallels of the pelvic limb bone framework in closely related representatives of hares were established, which reflect its high adaptive plasticity associated with the specialisation of the stato-locomotor act. The results obtained are normative in the issues of experimental modelling of pathologies of the bone structure of the musculoskeletal apparatus.

Assessment of Burnout Among Emergency Medicine Residents in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Burnout syndrome is a frequent challenge faced in the emergency department. There exists a dearth of clinical evidence regarding the risk and occurrence of burnout, among emergency residents in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the parameters of burnout in this cohort. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey using Maslach Burnout Inventory for Healthcare Professionals (MBI-HSS) questionnaire. All emergency medicine residents registered under the country&amp;apos;s residency program were invited to participate. The relative importance index (RII) analysis was used to describe the frequency of the MBI-HSS indicators. The t-test of independent groups and the one-way analysis of variance were used to assess the impact of demographic and professional factors. Results: A total of 73 residents completed the questionnaire. Low PA was reported by 53.4% while medium to high DP and EE were reported by 84.9% and 67.1% residents respectively. Female residents had significantly higher EE versus males. Age, marital status and number of children had no correlation with burnout. Emergency residents serving at hospitals of the Ministry of Health reported significantly higher levels of burnout, versus other institutions. The final year of the residency program showed significantly lower levels of burnout than the earlier years. Conclusion: This is the first study from Saudi Arabia, assessing the parameters of burnout, specifically among emergency medicine residents. The study has shown alarmingly high levels of DP, EE and low PA and warrants urgent remedial measures to curb burnout among emergency residents.

Investigate IPD Factors' Effect on Value Engineering for the Communication Sector in Iraq

Integrated project delivery is collaboratively applying the skills and knowledge of all participants to optimize the project's results, increase owner value, decrease waste, and maximize efficiency during the design, fabrication, and construction processes. This study aims to determine IPD criteria positively impacting value engineering. To do this, the study has considered 9 main criteria according to PMP classification that already covers all project phases and 183 sub-criteria obtained from theoretical study and expert interviews (fieldwork). In this study, the SPSS (V26) program was used to analyze the main criteria and sub-criteria priorities from top to bottom according to their values of the Relative Importance Index. The results of this study have clarified the) Project stockholders Management ( as the most significant main criteria with RII (74%) and (Stakeholders, work team, customers, suppliers, and project managers' support improve the probability of project implementation on the ground) as the most significant sub-criteria with (RII) (91%)

Navigating Land Acquisition Hurdles in Ghana’s Real Estate Development

Purpose – This study focuses on investigating the challenges associated with land acquisition for real estate development in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The aim is to identify these challenges and propose ways to mitigate them, thereby facilitating the growth of the nation’s real estate market. Design/Method/Approach – The study employed the use of structured questionnaire to gather data from caretaker chiefs, land officers, and real estate developers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Secondary data were also gathered from various literary sources. Data analysis was conducted using the Relative Importance Index (RII), with Microsoft Excel serving as the primary analytical tool. Findings – The study unveiled several difficulties in land acquisition, salient among which include boundary conflicts, delays in title registration, high registration costs, issues with multiple transactions, and fragmented title registration processes. Research Limitations/Implications – This study is confined to the Ashanti Region of Ghana, and therefore may not fully represent the challenges encountered in other regions. To better understand regional disparities, the research accentuates the necessity for additional comparative investigations across different regions. The proposed solutions may need adjustments to accommodate specific regional circumstances. Originality – The study provides recommendations for alleviating the obstacles related to land acquisition in Ghana’s real estate sector and offers insights into these challenges. The suggested remedies include the introduction of technology, the establishment of a one-stop shop for land services, expedited land acquisition and payment system, the selection of trustworthy chiefs, and educational initiatives. Implementing these recommendations could enhance secure land rights, stimulate economic growth, and simplify the land acquisition process in Ghana’s real estate development industry. Further research in this field is encouraged to develop tailored solutions for different regions of the nation.

Exploring Farmers’ Perception and Constraints on the Adoption of Small‐Scale Irrigation in Hulet Eju Enesie District, North‐Western Ethiopia

Irrigation farming is one approach to reduce climate‐related risks, and make production possible throughout the year. Nevertheless, farmers were limited to using small‐scale irrigation (SSI) in the study area. This study mainly analyzed the perception of farmers’ and their constraints to use irrigation. The study used a multistage sampling technique to collect the primary data from 102 nonuser and 82 irrigation user respondents. Likert rating scale, relative importance index (RII), and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The result of the RII indicates that, irrigation ensures high‐net income (0.87), high‐market demand for products (0.84), and insurance against drought (0.82) were highly perceived as advantageous attributes of the irrigation. Whereas, production cost (0.85), skill requirements (0.74), and declining soil fertility (0.65) were strongly perceived as relative disadvantage attributes of irrigation. Plant disease, input shortages, ineffective water distribution, and poor transportation are identified as major constraints for farmers to practice irrigation. Overall, farmers commonly noted the importance of irrigation. However, irrigation users highly perceived the positive attributes; whereas nonusers extremely perceived the negative attributes of irrigation. This implies the existence of perception differences between the two groups of farmers. Therefore, concerned stakeholders should strive to close the perception gap toward irrigation through interventions.

Algorithm of allocation of agricultural land occupied by winter crops

In Russia, many lands legally classified as agricultural land are abandoned. We propose an algorithm for the allocation of agricultural land with winter crops based on the dynamics of normalized relative vegetation index (NDVI) which were verified on the example of the Rostov region, a major producer of agricultural products in Russia. Cereals in Rostov region cover about 70% of the sown areas, most of them are winter wheat. A series of MODIS satellite data for the period March-August 2020 were used for calculations. Crop yields were taken from the Database of Rostov Region Municipalities. NDVI index for the territory of the Rostov region had lowest average value in March, maximum in May with a decrease by August. Pixels with high difference in NDVI values from March to August 2020, were considered agricultural fields. Pixels with NDVI index in range 0.2 - 0.5 in March and April were identified as winter cereal crops. A statistically significant linear relationship with a correlation coefficient of 0.57 between winter wheat yield values according to national statistical data for districts of Rostov region for 2020 and average NDVI values for districts for selected fields occupied by winter wheat in this period was obtained.

Screening value and correlation of body measurement indices for metabolic syndrome in the population undergoing physical examinations in Chengdu during 2018-2020

To investigate the screening value and correlation of body measurement indicators for metabolic syndrome(MS) and to provide evidence for MS screening. Through a cross-sectional research approach, data from individuals aged 18 and above who participated in health examinations at the North Health Management Center of Sichuan Provincial People&apos;s Hospital from 2018 to 2020 were reviewed. Data including height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking history, and alcohol consumption history were collected. Subsequently, a body shape index(ABSI), body roundness index(BRI), body adiposity index(BAI), abdominal volume index(AVI), relative fat mass index(RFM), and body mass index(BMI) were computed. The individuals were then divided into MS and non-MS groups. The value of body measurement indices in screening for MS in the population aged 18 and above was assessed using ROC curves. Regression analysis was employed to explore the correlation between body measurement indices and MS. A total of 73 411 valid health examination data were obtained, including 44 426 males and 28 985 females. The MS group comprised 9181 males(21%) and 1668 females(6%). In the comparison between the MS and non-MS groups, there were statistically significant differences in ABSI((0.08±0.00) vs. (0.08±0.00)), BRI((4.95±0.67) vs. (4.17±0.68)), BAI((28.08±3.52) vs. (26.39±3.39)), AVI((17.51±2.77) vs. (12.85±2.91)), BMI((27.15±2.99) vs. (23.00±3.04)) and RFM((29.77±5.35) vs. (27.13±6.39))(P&lt;0.05). Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ABSI(OR=2.303, 95%CI 1.190-4.457), BRI(OR=4.596, 95%CI 4.446-4.752), BAI(OR=1.144, 95%CI 1.137-1.151), AVI(OR=1.668, 95%CI 1.652-1.684), RFM(OR=1.067, 95%CI 1.064-1.071) and BMI(OR=1.516, 95%CI 1.503-1.528) were associated with MS(P&lt;0.05). Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis corrected for sex, age, smoking and alcohol consumption showed that ABSI(OR=1.767, 95% CI 4.237-7.371), BRI(OR=5.441, 95% CI 5.228-5.663), BAI(OR=1.269, 95% CI 1.260-1.279), AVI(OR=1.648, 95% CI 1.631-1.665), RFM(OR=1.504, 95% CI 1.491-1.517) and BMI(OR=1.508, 95% CI 1.495-1.522) were associated with MS(P&lt;0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that in adults, the AVI had the highest screening value for MS in males(AUC=0.855, optimal cutoff value=16.18), followed by RFM(AUC=0.844, optimal cutoff value=25.71), BMI(AUC=0.811, optimal cutoff value=25.21), BRI(AUC=0.793, optimal cutoff value=4.39), BAI(AUC=0.709, optimal cutoff value=25.88), and ABSI(AUC=0.671, optimal cutoff value=0.08). In adult females, the RFM had the highest screening value for MS(AUC=0.918, optimal cutoff value=37.01), followed by AVI(AUC=0.911, optimal cutoff value=13.43), BRI(AUC=0.901, optimal cutoff value=4.71), BMI(AUC=0.860, optimal cutoff value=23.94), ABSI(AUC=0.804, optimal cutoff value=0.08), and BAI(AUC=0.797, optimal cutoff value=29.92). ABSI, BRI, BAI, AVI, BMI and RFM are all capable of screening for MS. Among males, AVI has the highest screening value for MS, followed by RFM, BMI, BRI, BAI and ABSI. Among females, RFM has the highest screening value for MS, followed by AVI, BRI, BMI, ABSI and BAI. ABSI, BRI, BAI, AVI, RFM and BMI are positively correlated with MS.

Identification of crash-prone segment on Cipularang toll road

Traffic safety is an important issue in the field of transportation. Toll roads are one of the infrastructures that are prone to crashes, because on toll roads drivers can drive their vehicles at high speeds so there is a high risk of having an crash, as happens every year on Cipularang Toll Road. This research will determine the crash-prone segments on Cipularang Toll Road section using the network screening method. Crash and traffic data for the last five years (2018-2022) were obtained from PT Jasa Marga Purbaleunyi. Identification of crash-prone segments carried out using ten performance indicators contained in HSM (2010), namely average crash frequency, crash rate, critical rate, Equivalent Property Damage Only average crash frequency, relative severity index, excess predicted average crash frequency using method of moment, Level of Service of Safety, excess predicted average crash frequency using SPF, probability of specific crash type exceeding threshold proportion, and expected average crash frequency with Empirical Bayes adjustment. The analysis results show that the five segments with the highest priority for treatment are KM 91-92, KM 92-93, and KM 86-87 (Jakarta-bound direction), KM 120-121 and KM 101-102 (Bandung-bound direction).

Association between several immune response-related genes and the effectiveness of biological treatments in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Biological therapies are safer and more effective against psoriasis than conventional treatments. Even so, 30-50% of psoriatic patients show an inadequate response, which is associated with individual genetic heterogeneity. Pharmacogenetic studies have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as possible predictive and prognostic biomarkers for psoriasis treatment response. The objective of this study was to determine the link between several SNPs and the clinical response to biological therapies in patients with moderate-severe psoriasis. A set of 21 SNPs related to psoriasis and/or other immunological diseases were selected and analysed from salivary samples of patients (n = 88). Treatment effectiveness and patient improvement was assessed clinically through Relative Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), also called 'PASI response', as well as absolute PASI. Associations between SNPs and PASI factors were assessed at 3 and 12 months for every treatment category of IL-17, IL-23, IL-12&23 and TNF-α inhibitors. Multivariate correlation analysis and Fisher's exact test were used to analyse the relationship between SNPs and therapy outcomes. Several SNPs located in the TLR2, TLR5, TIRAP, HLA-C, IL12B, SLC12A8, TNFAIP3 and PGLYRP4 genes demonstrated association with increased short and long-term therapy-effectiveness rates. Most patients achieved values of PASI response ≥75 or absolute PASI<1, regardless of the biological treatment administered. In conclusion, we demonstrate a relationship between different SNPs and both short- and especially long-term effectiveness of biological treatment in terms of PASI. These polymorphisms may be used as predictive markers of treatment response in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, providing personalized treatment.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria in sorghum development in coppercontaminated soil

Copper (Cu) is a metal that can become toxic to sorghum when present in high concentrations in the soil. The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria can be an alternative for the development of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in soil contaminated with copper. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Azospirillum brasilense inoculation on the development and copper levels of sorghum cultivated in soil contaminated with Cu, enabling the reuse of these areas. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a factorial arrangement (9 × 2), with nine doses of copper [(0: natural content of the soil), 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, and 300 mg of copper kg-1 of soil] with and without A. brasilense inoculation, with six replicates. In the treatment without inoculation, a dose of 200 kg-1ha was applied. Plant height (PH), stem diameter, dry mass of the air part (DMAP), volume, length, and root dry mass (RDM), relative index of chlorophyll a and b, and copper contents in DMAP and RDM were evaluated. The inoculation with A. brasilense allows a higher index of chlorophyll a and b and the development of the aerial part of the sorghum, reducing copper content in the aerial part, enabling the reuse of soil containing 52.5% clay, contaminated with up to 300 mg of copper kg-1 of soil. Inoculation with A. brasilense increases the specific surface area (SSA) of sorghum roots compared with non-inoculated plants grown only with nitrogen fertilization in soil contaminated with copper.

Cardio-Metabolic Indices in Relation to Serum Vitamin D Levels among Middle-Aged Adults

A plethora of research showed that vitamin D deficiency is one of the most prevalent dietary inadequacies in India. The condition is addressed as hypovitaminosis-D and often intervenes with the occurrence of diseases like cardio-metabolic disease. Though several epidemiological studies have supported this fact, there is an insufficiency of rational data to support the fact. Hence the current study investigates the relationship between vitamin D levels and markers of cardio-metabolic diseases among middle-aged adults. This study recruited 100 healthy middle-aged adults, and the participants underwent evaluation of their anthropometric measurements, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and serum vitamin D levels. Analysis was done by taking consideration of total power (TP), absolute, and normalized power of high-frequency (HF), and low-frequency (LF) power spectrum including their ratio (LF/HF) as HRV indices. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test. Data analysis showed a negative correlation between vitamin D and anthropometric measurements and a positive correlation with cardiac sympathovagal balance as determined by waist circumference and LF/HF ratio. However, there was no discernible correlation between vitamin D levels and the BMI, fat percentage, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), absolute power spectrum of HRV. The results of this study conclude that serum vitamin D levels affect central obesity and cardiac sympathovagal balance, indicating low levels of serum vitamin D might contribute higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

디지털 기기와 그림책을 활용한 유아 그림책 보기의 뇌파 활성도 비교

This study conducted to utilized EEG measurements, one of the brain scientific research methods, to explore the differences in EEG activity to by the medium in young children’s picture books viewing activities using digital devices and paper picture books. The subjects of the study were to 21 five-year-old children, and the selected picture fairy tales were presented to infants using three media: paper picture books, smartphones, and laptops, and the frontal brain wave activity response was measured with a QEEG-4 System. The SPSS 22.0 program to was used for the data collection, and repeated treatment variance analysis was conducted to find out the difference in EEG activity response to based on the presented medium. The analysis results are as follows. First, to relative power index of to the alpha waves was to activated in the order of paper picture books, smartphones, and laptops, showing a significant difference. Second, the relative power index of beta waves was activated in the order of laptops, smartphones, and paper picture books, and there was a significant difference. The results of this study are expected to confirm that the brain's physiological response varies with the daily use of various digital media by young children in the new media era.

Modeling the Habitat Suitability of Javan Banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus) Using Geographic Information System in Ujung Kulon National Park

Background: The Banteng population in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) is less than 500 individuals. The habitat of Java Banteng in conservation areas has largely decreased. One approach to assessing the current status of biodiversity at all levels, especially in endangered species, is to use geospatial technology such as remote sensing and geographic information systems combined with spatial data science. This study aims to create a spatial model of the suitability of the Javan Banteng habitat in the TNUK area and identify the use of the Java Banteng habitat and environmental variables that affect the presence of Javan Banteng. Methods: This research data was collected through coordinate data for stool sampling and data from BTNUK using a method called maximum entropy (maximum). The analysis used the Relative Use Index, Maximum Entropy modeling, and Relative Abundance Index. Results: Based on research, the use of habitat by Java Banteng with the value of making a spatial distribution model can be analyzed by analyzing the contribution of environmental variables based on the level of contribution in percent and the results of the jackknife test, namely the percentage of contribution of environmental variables in this study showed that environmental parameters, slope (37.6%) were the highest parameters, followed elevation (25.8%), land cover (25.3%), and NDVI (6%), rivers (5.3%). The analysis of five environmental variables used in making the Javan Banteng distribution model showed that at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level, Java Banteng preferred to show 95%. The graph decreased at an altitude above 45 mdpl, and Java Banteng at 200 meters above sea level looked at 0%. Conclusions: Javan Banteng do not like or do not choose places with altitudes ranging from 200 - 625 meters above sea level.

Issues and Challenges in the Philippine Construction Industry: An Opportunity for BIM Adoption

The construction industry is widely regarded as the driving force behind global economic growth. The Philippines recorded a GDP increase of 11.8% in the second quarter of 2021. The construction industry is one of the main contributors, with a growth rate of 25.7%. However, the industry faces numerous challenges and issues, the most well-known of which involve the iron triangle of project management, attributed mainly to poor technology adoption, resulting in massive declines in productivity.&#x0D; Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a popular technology with proven benefits, as demonstrated by countries that have mandated its use. However, BIM is said to be in its infancy in the Philippines. Construction professionals have a low level of awareness, and BIM is primarily used by firms that are outsourcing their services for international projects.&#x0D; This study aims to identify construction industry issues and their degree of occurrence in Philippine construction. The study also seeks to determine the current state of BIM and identify the current BIM applications to resolve these issues. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach involving a literature review and a structured survey. Data analysis includes Cronbach’s alpha for reliability testing, descriptive statistics, the Relative Importance Index (RII), and Kendall’s W test.

Exploring the driving forces of potential marsh wetlands formation and distribution in the Qilian Mountains of Qinghai, China

The formation and distribution of marsh wetlands are influenced by both climate changes and human activities. Quantifying the driving factors of marsh wetlands is essential for understanding the sustainable utilization of wetland ecosystems. The current study simulated the potential marsh wetlands’ spatial distribution in the Qilian Mountains of Qinghai (QMQ) by a random forest (RF) model with a series of environmental indicators, including climate, vegetation, soil, topography, and human activity factors in 2020. Simultaneously, a structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to explore driving factors of formation and distribution of marsh wetlands. Results showed that: (1) The potential marsh wetlands area was determined to be 2502.01 km2 in the QMQ, mainly distributed in the watershed source and along the river. (2) Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), digital elevation model (DEM), fraction vegetation coverage (FVC), and ground surface temperature (GST) were the most critical factors in marsh wetland simulation, with the relative importance index of 11.14 %, 9.70 %, 9.07 %, 8.39 %, and 6.50 %, respectively. (3) The topography acted on the potential marsh wetlands’ distribution by influencing the nutrient input function of potential marsh wetlands (indirect effect 0.28). The climate was the fundamental factor that directly controls the distribution of potential marsh wetlands (direct effect 0.44), and vegetation had a total effect of 0.24. The current study may provide information for policy decisions on wetland conservation and restoration.

Citation Fall Index (CFI): An Indicator to Measure the Centripetal Nature of Accretion of Citation

That citation attracts citation and fairly-cited items quickly become highly-cited, whereas poorly-cited or uncited items are hardly cited even after a long span is a known phenomenon referred to as the ‘Cumulative Advantage’ process (“Success breeds success”). The citation distribution always shows a highly skewed pattern to a very small number of core groups. This paper has proposed a fundamental formula to measure the change in relative fall in citation count with a corresponding change in the ranking of different kinds of cited items (author, journal, article, etc.). Two new indicators are mathematically developed here, the names given to which are, Relative Citation Fall (RCF) and Citation Fall Index (CFI). These indicators will be tested for different kinds of cited items in different subject domains to quantitatively measure citation skewness in future studies.

Determinants of the Choice of Biomedical Waste Management Methods in Tertiary Health Facilities in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Improper treatment and disposal of biomedical waste are much more dangerous to the health status of the community and/or health facility than the disease itself. This study therefore assessed factors influencing the choice of biomedical waste management and treatment methods/equipment in use at the Ekiti State tertiary health facilities. The survey questionnaire was used to obtain data from health practitioners of different cadres in the wards and laboratories while the study employed a descriptive research design. Statistical evidence based on ninety-eight purposively selected respondents revealed that all tested factors were significant at 0.01 level as the infectious/hazardous nature of the waste, and cultural and social basis emerged as the most and least influencing factors with 0.831 and 0.597 relative importance indexes, respectively. The study concludes that tested factors inform the choice of biomedical waste handling equipment/methods employed. It is therefore recommended that efforts should not only be geared towards adequate consciousness of these factors by the waste handlers when determining the method to be used, but the government, leadership of healthcare facilities, and health practitioners should also ensure the availability of appropriate management and treatment technologies/methods to inhibit accidental outbreaks of epidemics in the community.

Dietary inflammatory index in relation to salivary cytokine concentrations and periodontitis: A cross-sectional analysis.

To examine the associations of dietary inflammatory index (DII) with salivary cytokine concentrations and periodontitis after controlling for body mass index (BMI), socio-demographic factors and lifestyle. Subgroups from two Finnish surveys, DILGOM 2007 and Health 2000, were included (total n = 727). The DII scores were calculated based on a food frequency questionnaire. Periodontal status was assessed with a cumulative risk score in DILGOM 2007 and by pocket depth measurement in Health 2000. From saliva, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations were measured. The DII scores did not differ between non-periodontitis and periodontitis participants in pairwise comparison. After adjusting for energy intake, periodontal status, BMI, age, education level, smoking habit and physical activity, DII was not associated with salivary cytokine concentrations. After adjusting for salivary cytokine levels and other confounding factors, DII was associated with periodontitis in the Health 2000 subgroup but not in the DILGOM 2007 subgroup. The current data support the evidence that diet is not associated with salivary cytokine levels but may be associated with periodontitis. The association observed between diet and periodontitis is related to factors other than diet-dependent inflammatory tendency in the oral cavity.