Statistical Inference Research Articles

Moderated by entrepreneurial bricolage: Entrepreneurial competence and entrepreneurial innovation on sustainability performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial innovation on sustainability performance with moderation of entrepreneurial bricolage (Study on Endek Weaving in Klungkung Regency). This study uses a quantitative approach and uses the population as a sample. The sampling design uses non-probability sampling with saturated sample technique that uses all members of the population of 97 participants consisting of owners or managers as managers of Endek weaving. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed directly and google form. Data analysis techniques were analyzed descriptively and inferential statistics using the WarpPLS 7.0 program. The analysis showed that entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial innovation have a significant positive effect on sustainability performance. Moderation of entrepreneurial bricolage weakens the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and sustainability performance, including in the category of pure moderation. Entrepreneurial bricolage is not able to moderate the relationship of entrepreneurial innovation on sustainability performance, which shows the type of potential moderation. The implication of this research is that to improve sustainability performance, Endek weaving owners or managers need to improve and optimize the integration of entrepreneurial competencies, entrepreneurial innovation and entrepreneurial bricolage as a step towards achieving sustainability and maintaining the existence of Endek weaving in the long term.

Relationship between procrastination, time management, personality, and psychological distress in higher education

ABSTRACT Procrastination is increasingly recognised as a significant factor influencing academic performance among university students. The objective of this study was to analyse the procrastination behaviours of a convenience sample of 910 university students from the 2018 to 2020 academic cohorts and to investigate the relationships between procrastination and students’ sociodemographic and personality traits, academic time management practices, psychological distress, and academic performance. An exploratory, non-experimental, prospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted. Instruments used included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students (PASS), the Academic Time Management scale (ATM), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), and the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results identified two key dimensions contributing to procrastination: inadequate planning, poor academic performance, and insufficient monitoring of academic progress, as well as higher levels of irresponsibility, emotional exhaustion, and neuroticism. 61% of the variance in procrastination is explained by the variables considered, with significant influence from poor planning and neuroticism. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions aimed at reducing procrastination in university settings, emphasising time management and psychological well-being.

Prevalence and level of stress among final-year students at a health science institute in Bangladesh

BackgroundFinal-year students studying in various health science institutes are usually very stressed about their studies so that they can complete their studies without any hurdles. This stress can lead to poor academic and professional results because psychological issues such as anxiety and depression are frequently overlooked and not treated. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of stress and also assess the level of stress symptoms among the final year students of health science institute in Bangladesh.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study involving 134 final-year students of Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI), which is a well-known health science institute in Bangladesh measured the prevalence of stress and assessed the level of stress symptoms using the Academic Stress Scale (ASS-40). Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and analysed using SPSS software 25.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data retrieved from the students. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to find any deep relation between the levels of stress symptoms of the students with their age.ResultsThe prevalence of stress symptoms among the 134 students was 68.60%. The scenario of having stress symptoms was higher among male students and factors like fear of failure (29.20%), followed by teacher-student relationship/teaching method (28.80%) with addressable factors including personal inadequacy (25.50%) working as a stressor for this students. A negligible association (p > 0.05) was found between the age and the level of stress of the students.ConclusionMore than two-thirds of the students experienced stress symptoms during the final days in their institutions. This implies that the educational system, means of teaching, teaching materials, teachers as well as the services provided by the institutions cannot provide a conducive environment for effective learning as well as creating a secure future for the students as long as they can cope with the academic pressure. A student's educational career is being nipped in the bud due to the weak system of our education and institutional system.

Prevalence, predictors and selected outcomes of early sexual initiation among adolescents in secondary schools in Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria: a mixed methods study

BackgroundEarly sexual initiation is the onset of sexual intercourse below 15 years. Despite many negative effects of early sexual initiation, its prevalence has kept increasing globally over the past decades.ObjectiveThis...

Effect of Rice Input Variables and Climate Change Factors on Total Factor Productivity of Rice in Nigeria

This study evaluated the effect of rice production input variables and climate change variables on rice total factor productivity (TFP) in Nigeria. The research utilizes various data sets obtained from reputable organizations to analyze the period from 1961 to 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data. The study findings indicate an upward trajectory in rice TFP in Nigeria over the examined period. Regression analysis reveals that labor and capital have a significant positive effect on rice TFP, indicating that increased labor and capital investments can enhance productivity. Rainfall and sunlight duration also show a significant positive relationship with rice TFP, emphasizing their crucial role in rice farming. The study highlights the importance of addressing labor scarcity and promoting access to capital for farmers. Moreover, it emphasizes the quest for optimal rainfall and sunlight conditions throughout the rice cultivation process. The model's diagnostic tests confirm its reliability, and the findings demonstrate the statistical significance of the independent variables in explaining rice TFP. Overall, this research gives insightful information on the factors influencing rice TFP in Nigeria. It offers recommendations for stakeholders and decision-makers to enhance productivity by addressing labor scarcity, promoting capital access, and optimizing climatic conditions for rice cultivation.

Influence of Electronic Monitoring and Evaluation on Administrative Decision-Making in the Educational Sector

This study investigates the essential role of Electronic Monitoring and Evaluation (EMAE) in enhancing the elementary education sector. EMAE frameworks offer systematic methodologies for assessing educational programs, fostering accountability, and facilitating data-driven decision-making. This research serves as a case study of the primary education authority in Bauchi Local Government, with a particular focus on their teachers. According to the 2023 Annual School Census, there are 4,226 staff members, from which 367 were sampled using the Yamane formula. The sampling frame was stratified to reach the target respondents effectively. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprised of closed-ended questions that were designed and validated, achieving a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.83. Based on 358 completed questionnaires, the responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings emphasize how effective EMAE practices can lead to improved educational outcomes by identifying successful teaching strategies and fostering continuous enhancement. Additionally, the involvement of diverse stakeholders—including educators, parents, and community members—strengthens collaboration and ensures that educational reforms remain relevant and sustainable. The results highlight the significance of EMAE in aligning national education systems with global standards, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ultimately, this research underscores that robust EMAE practices are essential for cultivating an effective, responsive, and equitable educational environment, ensuring that all students receive a quality education.

The interplay between knowledge management and organizational performance measurement through the mediating effect of innovation capability

Knowledge management is a ‘know-how’ expression through which companies can access and apply their shared knowledge to achieve innovation, improve performance, and attain long-term competitive advantage. The present study investigates the association between knowledge management and organizational performance measurement with innovation capability mediating in the Jordanian Telecommunication sector. Descriptive and inferential statistics, such as regression analysis and structural equation modeling, were used to analyze 575 responses from employees working in major telecommunication companies like Zain, Orange, and Umniah. The performances of knowledge management impact on organizational performance measurement results were positive, with the R-square amounting to 0.803. The change of each predictor variable in terms of B was: Knowledge Creation, 0.179; Knowledge Storage, 0.196; Knowledge Sharing, 0.399; Knowledge Application, 0.221; and Knowledge Evaluation, 0.234. Further, Innovation capability positively mediates the impact of knowledge management on organizational performance measurement. Overall, the study’s findings emphasize that an enterprise should effectively handle its intellectual assets and enhance its innovation capabilities since it may have the potential to hold a competitive advantage and overall performance in an advanced era. Acknowledgment The author is grateful to Middle East University, Amman, Jordan, for the financial support to cover this article’s publishing fee.

Perceived Stress and Variation of Blood Pressure Among Re-Rolling Steel Mill Workers

Background: The steel industry is crucial to global infrastructure and economic growth, with rising demands fueled by urbanization and energy needs. In Bangladesh, the sector has grown significantly since the 1990s, but health risks for workers, such as stress-related disorders and hypertension, remain under-addressed. This study evaluates stress levels and blood pressure variations among re-rolling steel mill workers in Bangladesh, with the goal of guiding interventions to enhance worker health and occupational safety. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a re-rolling steel mill in the Thana area of Bangladesh to assess stress levels and blood pressure variations among workers with at least one year of experience. The study involved protocol development, data collection, and final report submission. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather socio-demographic information, perceived stress levels, and blood pressure measurements. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and statistical inference, with ethical considerations carefully observed throughout the study. Results: The study surveyed respondents aged 19-52 years with a mean age of 34.72±8.948 years, predominantly Muslim with a majority completing primary education. Most (48.8%) had monthly income with 8,000 to 12,000 taka while mechanical workers being the largest of working sections (41.8%). The study revealed that the majority of respondents (53%) experienced moderate perceived stress, while 45.6% reported low levels of stress. A small proportion of respondents, comprising only 1.4%, reported experiencing highly perceived stress. Conclusion: This study enhances our comprehension of the intricate relationship between occupational factors, psychosocial stress, and cardiovascular health outcomes in industrial environments, offering valuable insights for workplace health promotion and research. JOPSOM 2023; 42(2): 18-22

To assess the Vaccination status Against Hepatitis B among Medical, Dental students and HCWs in Isra University

Background/objective: hepatitis b virus (HBV) is a blood borne virus responsible for potentially life-threatening liver infection and a major hazard for healthcare workers (HCWS). HCWS should have proper knowledge regarding risks and transmission of HBV as they are at higher risk than normal population. This study was created to evaluate attitude and status of HBV vaccination and re-immunization among hcws. Methods: in this cross-sectional study, we assessed hepatitis b vaccination status among 300 medical and dental students, and healthcare workers (HCWS) at isra university hospital. Utilizing stratified random sampling ensured representation across diverse healthcare professionals. Survey forms, both electronic and printed, collected data on demographics, vaccination status, booster dose awareness and status, and antibody titer testing. Data analysis using SPSS v25 employed descriptive and inferential statistics to illuminate vaccination trends and potential demographic associations. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality protocols, were rigorously followed under irb approval from Isra university. Results: out of 297 participants included in this study 177 (59.6%) were vaccinated against HBV with the highest frequency seen in doctors (28.3%). Of the vaccinated HCWS, 51 (17.2%) had received a booster dose and out of all the participants, 63 (21.2%) had their antibody levels (titres) checked. Conclusion: A significant proportion of HCWS is fully vaccinated. Given that a substantial fraction of HCWS were not adequately protected and educated, more aggressive awareness campaigns, regulations, and universal screening should be required of HCWS. This includes administering a booster dose and determining anti-HBS titer levels.

Automated Resonance Fitting for Nuclear Data Evaluation

Global and national efforts to deliver high-quality nuclear data to users have a wide-ranging impact, affecting applications in national security, reactor operations, basic science, medicine, and more. Cross-section evaluation is a major part of this effort, combining theory and experimentation to produce recommended values and uncertainties for reaction probabilities. Resonance region evaluation is a specialized type of nuclear data evaluation that can require significant manual effort and months of time from expert scientists. In this article, nonconvex, nonlinear optimization methods are combined with concepts of inferential statistics to infer a resonance model from experimental data in an automated manner that is not dependent on prior evaluation(s). This methodology aims to enhance the workflow of a resonance evaluator by minimizing time, effort, and the potential for bias from prior assumptions, while enhancing reproducibility and documentation, thereby addressing well-known challenges in the field.

Statistical inferences of reliability and order-restricted nano-droplet rebound by comparative kumaraswamy populations based on balanced joint progressive censoring

Abstract The rebounded nano-droplet (RND) is one of the important issues in creating defective coatings. The RND depends on many factors such as angle of droplet impact and velocity. Reliability model can be considered to determine the probability of surface defect under two impact angles in the RND data. In this paper, we have delved into the application of reliability and order-restricted (ORe) estimation methods for two Kumaraswamy populations in the RND data. The study kicks off by evaluating maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimates of the reliability parameter and order-restricted parameters in presence of balanced joint progressive censored data. Bayes estimations for reliability and ORe parameters under two different loss functions are investigated with the Metropolis-Hastings technique and Lindley’s approach. To evaluate order-restricted Bayesian estimates, ordered Beta-Gamma prior is considered. The asymptotic, Bootstrapping and Bayesian bounds are also computed. A thorough simulation analysis is demonstrated to assess the performance of the supplied approaches across various sample sizes. The usefulness of the techniques is illustrated using RND data to prove their versatility in practical applications.

The Interplay of Ethnicity, Education, and Employment on Maternal Attitudes Toward Childhood Vaccination in Nigeria

Vaccination is a highly effective public health strategy for reducing child mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Despite the provision of free routine immunizations for children up to two years old in Nigeria, challenges in vaccine uptake persist, especially for vaccines needed beyond early childhood. These challenges are not merely due to vaccine access but are significantly influenced by maternal attitudes towards immunization. Socio-demographic factors such as ethnicity, education, and employment status are crucial in shaping these attitudes, yet their specific impacts are not well understood. This study aims to explore how these socio-demographic variables affect maternal attitudes towards childhood immunization, with a focus on immunization beyond the age of two in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 321 mothers in Ughelli North LGA, utilizing a modified, pre-tested questionnaire to evaluate maternal attitudes towards childhood immunization. Data were collected through an online survey and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with Chi-square tests used to assess the relationships between socio-demographic factors and attitudes. The majority of participants were Urhobo (60.7%), semi-employed (53.6%), and had tertiary education (92.1%). The findings showed that 79.4% of mothers had positive attitudes towards childhood immunization. Significant associations were found between maternal attitudes and ethnicity (p = 0.026), employment status (p = 0.016), and educational level (p < 0.001), indicating that these factors are pivotal in shaping maternal views on the importance and necessity of immunization. Unexpectedly, even mothers with high educational levels showed variability in their attitudes based on ethnic background and employment status, suggesting that public health interventions must consider the complex interplay of these factors. The study's results provide valuable insights into the socio-cultural and economic determinants of maternal attitudes towards immunization in Ughelli, underscoring the need for targeted health promotion strategies that address specific demographic groups. Efforts should focus on community-based interventions and media campaigns that highlight the importance of continuing vaccination beyond infancy. Additionally, enhancing access to immunization services and addressing barriers related to employment and ethnicity will be crucial for improving vaccine uptake in the region.

Assessing pre-service teachers’ willingness to receive formal training in integrating Indigenous knowledge into science education

The study focused on assessing pre-service teachers’ willingness to receive formal training specifically related to integrating Indigenous knowledge into the teaching of science to promote culturally responsive science education. The study was conducted at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. Participants were 248 purposely sampled level 400 undergraduate pre-service science teachers in the Department of Integrated Science Education. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through an online survey questionnaire. The quantitative responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were thematised using both inductive and deductive strategies. The pre-service teachers expressed openness to receiving formal training indicating a positive response. The study recommends that the pre-service science curriculum should include formal training on integrating Indigenous knowledge by adopting a comprehensive approach that involves resource development, cultural sensitivity training, addressing biases, designing of courses and targeted modules that include pedagogical training.

Healthcare and non-healthcare professionals’ knowledge about nutrition in older adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalnutrition frequently affects older adults, increasing their risk for numerous diseases, as well as healthcare costs. Therefore, nutritional assessment and appropriate nutritional support addressed to meet individual nutritional needs and prevent malnutrition and its consequences should be a fundamental part of healthcare for older adults. This study aimed to compare the knowledge of nutrition guidelines for older adults between healthcare and non-healthcare professionals working with older adults.MethodsThe study was conducted during May and June 2021 using a validated “Knowledge of nutrition guidelines for older adults” questionnaire designed by Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Croatia. The study participants were recruited from various institutions providing care for older adults in Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The final convenience sample consisted of 214 participants (163 healthcare professionals and 51 non-healthcare professionals). The obtained results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The associations between participants’ characteristics and knowledge about the importance of nutrition in disease prevention and treatment, the assessment of nutritional status in older adults, and clinical nutrition were analyzed using multiple linear regression models.ResultsParticipants’ overall knowledge of nutrition guidelines for older adults was moderate in both groups, with healthcare professionals scoring a median of 7.0 (IQR = 1.0) and non-healthcare professionals scoring a median of 6.0 (IQR = 2.0). Compared to non-healthcare professionals, healthcare professionals had lower knowledge about the importance of nutrition in disease prevention and treatment (β = − 0.16; p = 0.024). No statistically significant differences were found between healthcare and non-healthcare professionals in the level of knowledge about the assessment of nutritional status in older adults (β = − 0.02; p = 0.769) and clinical nutrition (β = 0.08; p = 0.267).ConclusionsThis study highlights gaps in knowledge regarding dietary guidelines for older adults among healthcare and non-healthcare professionals working with this specific population group. These findings suggest that targeted educational programs might be needed to improve understanding of geriatric nutrition.

Identifying competency development needs of hospital managers in Iran: a national survey

BackgroundA competent management workforce is crucial to achieve the effectiveness and efficiency of health service provision and to lead and manage the health system reform agenda. However, the traditional recruitment and promotion approach of relying on clinical performance and seniority provides limited incentives for competency development and improvement among hospital managers in Iran. There is limited evidence on the competency development needs of hospital managers in Iran that can guide setting training and development direction. This study aims to identify the competency development needs of three management levels (senior, mid-level, and frontline) in public hospitals and explore the difficulties that managers experienced.MethodsThe study adopted a cross-sectional survey using the validated management competency assessment partnership (MCAP) tool. The MCAP tool, consisting of 82 behavioral items that measure six core management competencies, was distributed to 162 public hospitals in 19 provinces in Iran between September 2021 and March 2022. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including the mean and standard deviation, chi-square test, independent-samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance.ResultsIn total, 1051 managers completed the survey either online or on paper. Peer and team conflict, employee performance, loss of skilled staff, and supervisor confrontation were the five difficulties most often encountered by all three levels of managers. The survey confirmed that only a small proportion of managers had the opportunities to participate in formal and informal management-related education/training, such opportunities were much lower for middle and frontline managers (P < 0.001). Middle managers were less confident in their demonstration of the core management competencies than that of senior and frontline managers (P < 0.001). Managers who completed management training organised internally by the hospitals consistently received higher mean competency scores for all competencies (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe study provides compelling evidence highlighting the importance of developing strategies to systematically enhance the capabilities of hospital managers, particularly mid-level managers. Incentives to encourage hospital managers to participate in both formal and informal management training, along with the commitment from hospitals to establish mechanisms that build management capacity, support managers, and guide the preparation and recruitment of management positions, are essential.

A randomized control trial to compare Quiet Eye training efficacy to traditional technical training with undergraduate student nurses' peripheral intravenous cannulation performance: a protocol.

Peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) is a common and complex procedure with low first-attempt success rates, causing patient suffering and increased healthcare costs. Quiet Eye (QE) training, a gaze-focused approach, has shown promise in improving procedural PIVC skills. We will examine the effectiveness of traditional technical training (TT) and QE training (QET) on student nurse PIVC performance. Forty-four participants will be randomly assigned to either the TT or QET groups using a blocked randomization method to ensure balanced group sizes. Blinded outcome assessments will minimize bias. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire and a mobile eye tracker to simultaneously record gaze and hand movements. Participants will complete pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one-week retention tests using a light-skinned manikin arm. A transfer task, utilizing a dark-skinned manikin arm, will assess participants' skills post-trials. The TT group will receive traditional instruction on hand movement improvement; the QET group will receive feedback on their gaze behaviours. The primary outcome measure will be PIVC first attempt success defined as being able to flush the inserted catheter with 10 mL (maximum) normal saline into the vessel. A trial will be considered unsuccessful if more than gentle pressure on the syringe plunger is needed to flush the catheter or if the participant abandoned the attempt before attempting the flush. Other dependent variables will be QE duration (%), number of fixations, total movement time(s), and movement phase time(s). We will analyze data with descriptive and inferential statistics, including mixed model ANOVA and Chi-Square tests. This study examines the significance of improving PIVC first attempt success rates and highlights QET potential as an intervention. Emphasis is placed on critical implications for health care, particularly the importance of integrating QET into nursing education programs. Future research utilizing large-scale trials and longitudinal designs is recommended.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for complex achalasia and the POEM difficulty score: An update.

We present an update on the (peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) difficulty score [PDS] by introducing a novel knife with waterjet functionality. This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent POEM between May 2018 and July 2023 at the Kingston Health Sciences Center. Demographic and procedural variables were compared using descriptive and inferential statistics. One hundred thirty-nine consecutive POEMs were included in the study. Seventy-four (56.7% male; aged 56.7±16.5 years) complex achalasia (CA) and 65 (55.4% female; aged 47.3±20.2 years) non-CA POEM procedures were performed. PDS correlates moderately with procedural efficiency with a correlation coefficient of 0.595 (Spearman's p<0.001). The mean efficiency for non-CA was 3.3±1.2min/cm compared to CA as follows: type III 3.3±1.3min/cm; prior myotomy 5.3±2.3min/cm; ≧4 prior procedures 4.0±1.7min/cm; sigmoid type 5.2±2.4min/cm. The median PDS for non-CA was 1 (1-5). In comparison, the median PDS for CA is as follows: type III 3 (2-4); prior myotomy 4 (3-5); ≧4 prior procedures 3 (1.25-4); sigmoid type 3 (2-4). PDS excluding the presence of spastic contractions correlated better with procedural velocity, with a correlation coefficient of 0.645 (Spearman's p<0.001). PDS continues to moderately correlate with procedural efficiency using the novel knife. The presence of spastic contractions correlated poorly with procedural efficiency. Thus, it may be omitted in further studies.

Influence of Students’ Assessment of Online Library Services and Utilization of Digital Marketing Strategies on their Online Engagement

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic made a big impact towards the libraries. As face-to-face mode was constricted, the online digital marketing strategies became a tool to bridge the gap between the library and users through the promotion of online library services and resources. The study was conducted to determine the influence of students’ assessment of online library services and utilization of digital marketing strategies on their online engagements. There were 820 Senior High School students who participated in the study. The study utilized the descriptive-correlational design and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Online survey questionnaires were used for data collection. Findings reveal that students’ assessment of the online library services and extent of utilization of digital marketing strategies were generally high. The students’ engagement towards online library services in terms of affective and cognitive domains were high, in contrast to the behavior domain assessed as moderate. The study found that the students’ online library engagement was influenced by their assessment of online library services and their extent of utilization of digital marketing strategies. It is recommended that the librarians may assess each of the online library services to determine the satisfaction level of the students towards the services as well as continue to improve their services. The library personnel may also consider evaluating their library website as well as using other digital marketing strategies such as Email marketing and SMS mobile marketing or creating more official online accounts to LinkedIn, Viber, Snapshot, Pinterest, and TikTok to further promote their online library services and resources as well as to reach users and non-users of the library.

Prevalence and Comorbidity of Generalized Anxiety and Depression among Medical Students at Selected Universities in Lusaka, Zambia

Research shows that medical students suffer from anxiety and depression, which are the 2 biggest mental health disorders, and their health only deteriorates upon entering the medical field. Although studies have been conducted to investigate their existence, very few to none have explored their prevalence and association amongst medical students in Zambia. This study will therefore investigate on the prevalence and comorbidity of both anxiety and depression amongst medical students in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 376 medical students from 2 medical universities which were selected using a combination of convenience and voluntary sampling techniques. The Patient health questionnaire was used to assess depression whilst the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale was used to assess anxiety amongst medical students. The data was analyzed using both Descriptive statistics, specifically measures of central tendencies and cross-tabulation were used to explain the study participant in relation to study variables. The study employed inferential statistics, specifically, the Pearson’s Product Moment correlation coefficient (r) was used to measure the correlation between anxiety and depression. The study revealed that the prevalence of depression amongst the participants was 68% and the comorbidity of anxiety and depression was found to be 60.4% (p &lt; 0.001). The study revealed high prevalence and comorbidity of anxiety and depression. Universities should collaborate with non-governmental organizations to treat, educate and improve on the management of anxiety and depression among medical students.

A patient similarity-embedded Bayesian approach to prognostic biomarker inference with application to thoracic cancer immunity

Abstract This paper introduces a novel statistical methodology integrating machine learning (ML) and Bayesian modelling to facilitate personalized prognostic predictions with application to oncology. Utilizing power priors, we construct ‘patient-similarity embeddings’ that identify localized patterns of prognosis. The methodology is applied to study the prognostic value of markers of anticancer immunity within the tumour microenvironment of nonsmall cell lung cancer while adjusting for established clinical characteristics. The method outperforms traditional regression and ML models, while accurately identifying subgroup patterns, thereby enhancing statistical inference and hypothesis testing.