Kruskal-Wallis Method Research Articles

Effect of Tubifex and Carrot Meal Combination on Color Quality of Botia Chromobotia macracanthus

Colour is the most important indicators of quality in ornamental fish, making the exploration to find new sources of pigments in ornamental fish is growing. This study aimed to determine the optimum dose of tubifex and carrot meal combination to enhance the quality of color in Botia Chromobotia macracanthus. This study was designed using Completely Randomized Design with six treatments in triplicates: a) commercial feed (control), b) 70% Tubifex + 3% carrot meal + 27% commercial feed, c) 60% Tubifex + 4% carrot meal + 36% commercial feed, d) 50% Tubifex + 5 % carrot meal + 45% commercial feed, e) 40% Tubifex + 6% carrot meal + 54% commercial feed, and f) 30% Tubifex + 7% carrot meal + 63% commercial feed. Parameters observed were color change level, which was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis method; survival rate (SR) tested using analysis of variance through the F test; and water quality. Results showed that the best color enhancement seen in treatment with 50% Tubifex + 5% carrot meal + 45% commercial feed combination with an average body color of 5.04 in Toca Colour Finder code 0605. The caudal fin color was enhanced with an average score of 3.93 in code 0805.

How Entrepreneurs Utilize Accelerators: A Demographic Factor Analysis in Turkey using Regression

This study examines entrepreneurs participating into eight accelerator programs located in Istanbul, Turkey. Business accelerators are a new kind of incubation program built in particular to help technology entrepreneurs and assist them reach to the next level. In total eight accelerator programs are researched in this study. A survey is developed for this study and applied to entrepreneurs attending these eight accelerator programs. In this survey, the effectiveness of these programs are measured according to the demographics of entrepreneurs. The aim of this research is to analyze how entrepreneurs use the services given by the accelerator program. In relation to entrepreneurs’ age, gender, work experience, educational status and family background, several hypotheses have been identified for assessing the value of supports given in these accelerator programs. The data of this research have been examined via SPSS using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis methods. According to the results of these tests, a regression model called Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) has been developed. This study adds to the literature by examining accelerator supports and facilities so that accelerators can set apart their programs in line with the requests of the entrepreneurs.

The putative bacterial oxygen sensor Pseudomonas prolyl hydroxylase (PPHD) suppresses antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The putative bacterial oxygen sensor Pseudomonas prolyl hydroxylase (PPHD) suppresses antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Comparison of Momordica charantia effect on Mcl-1 gene expression in the livers of streptozotocin diabetic and healthy rats

Background and aims: The positive effects of medicinal herbs on diabetes have been proved in previous studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of active Momordica Charantia on the treatment of liver diseases resulting from diabetes and the expression level of the Mcl-1 gene, which is a proapoptotic gene and becomes antiapoptotic in the event of damage. Methods: In this study, 42 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups including healthy, diabetic, metformin, 150 mg/kg M. charantia controls, and three groups that received the active M. charantia with doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg. All groups became diabetic with streptozotocin injected intraperitoneally except for the control and M. charantia. Afterward, they received the active M. charantia by gavage for four weeks (three times a week). Finally, the Kruskal-Wallis method was used for comparison among the groups. The statistical tests were analyzed using SPSS software, version 22. Results: The level of Mcl-1 expression in the diabetic control group (C) was significantly higher than that in the healthy control (A) and the M. charantia-receiving control group (B, P<0.05). The group receiving 150 mg/kg dose of M. charantia drug (G) had a better effect compared to the group that received 100 mg/kg (F), and this difference was significant (P<0.05). This increase indicated that the medication was dose-dependent. Conclusion: In general, a reduction in the level of Mcl-1 gene expression relied on the M. charantia dose. After the development of diabetes, this level significantly increased in the diabetic groups, but decreased after receiving M. charantia, leading to a decrease in the side effects and symptoms associated with diabetes.

Subchronic toxicity test on combination of extracted Phyllanthus niruri and Centella asiatica on haematology in rats

Background: Meniran ( Phyllathus niruri ) and pegagan ( Centella asiatica ) are well-known medicinal plants in Indonesia. Uses of meniran and pegagan as herbal medicines need to be examined for their subchronic activity to assure their safety. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate subchronic effects of a combination of extracted meniran and pegagan on Wistar rats through haematological parameters (erythrocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit, MCV, MCH, and MCHC). Methods: Animal models used were 56 male and female Wistar rats and were divided randomly into 4 groups. Group 1 received CMC-Na 1% (control group). Group 2 received extracts of meniran and pegagan (50:50 mg/kgBW). Group 3 received extracts of meniran and pegagan (250:250 mg/kgBW). Group 4 received extracts of meniran and pegagan (1250:1250 mg/kgBW). Subchronic test of meniran and pegagan was conducted by providing treatments for the Wistar rats for 28 days. Their haematological substances were analysed statistically by using one way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis method with confidence interval of 95% and post-hoc. Results: This study found that the haematological substances in male Wistar rats were normal and did not significantly change (p>0,05). It also showed that haemoglobin and haematocrit substances in female rats were normal and did not significantly change (p>0,05). Erythrocytes, MCV, MCH, and MCHC in female rats indicated significant change (p<0,05), but they were still in normal ranges. Conclusion: It could be concluded that administration of the combination of extracted meniran and pegagan was not toxic to haematology of the rats in all doses.

MANAGING BRANDS’ POPULARITY ON FACEBOOK: POST TIME, CONTENT, AND BRAND COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

Introduction: A brand’s popularity on social media affects its customers’ purchasing intention and purchasing decision. Background Problem: A review of the literature shows that a brand’s popularity on social media has a secure connection with its content and the time information about it is posted; allegedly the brand’s interactions are also influential. Indicators of its popularity include the number of likes, shares, comments, and views for it. Novelty: Previous brand popularity studies were limited to the features of likes, comments, and shares as a function of the content and time, and OLS was commonly used. However, this study adds the views feature and the function of the administrator’s comments to complete the gap. GLS is used as the method of analysis. Research Method: Data are collected through the observation of six top international food and beverage products’ categories on the Facebook fan page. The data were analyzed using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR), and the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis methods. Findings: The study’s findings shows that video and the day to post have a significant influence and increase the number of likes, shares, comments, and views. A caption only shows significance to increase the number of likes and shares. The hour has a significant effect on comments and shares. The time of posting indicates that posting on weekdays and during busy periods is more effective for increasing the popularity of brands. The administrator’s comments significantly influence the increase in the number of comments and views, while two-way communication is more significant for increasing a brand’s popularity. Conclusion: These findings provide a deeper insight to help managers to improve their brand’s popularity on social media by exploring how brands manage their fan pages.

Evaluation of four commercial tests for detecting ceftiofur in waste milk bulk tank samples.

The objective of this study was to identify factors affecting the accuracy of four commercial tests for ceftiofur drug residue in milk samples from bulk tank waste milk (WM). WM samples were collected from 12 California dairy farms which were initially tested using liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS) to confirm their negative status for drug residues above the FDA established tolerance/safe levels. The milk samples were also tested for fat, protein, lactose, solids non-fat (SNF), somatic cell count (SCC), coliform count, and standard plate count (SPC). Each WM sample was divided into two aliquots, one labeled as negative for drug residues (WMN) and the second spiked with ceftiofur as positive for ceftiofur residues (WMPos). Both types of WM samples were tested to evaluate the performance of 4 commercially available tests: Penzyme® Milk Test, SNAP® β-lactam, BetaStar® Plus and Delvo SP-NT®. Three assays in triplicates for the WMN and WMPos were conducted for each WM sample. Test were evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and positive likelihood ratio. Kruskal-Wallis method was used to evaluate the effect of milk quality parameters on true positive (TP) and false negative (FN) test results. All WMPos samples were identified as positive by all four tests, rendering 100% sensitivity for each test. The specificity for Penzyme, BetaStar, Delvo, and SNAP tests were 59.2, 55.5, 44.4, and 29.6, respectively. Overall, all tests correctly identified samples with ceftiofur residues (WMPos), as shown by 100% sensitivity. Greater variability was observed regarding identification of samples free of any drug residue, with Penzyme and BetaStar having the highest risk for correctly identifying TN samples. Our findings indicate that when selecting commercial tests to detect drug residues in WM, milk quality parameters must be considered if the aim is to reduce FP test results.

Gender selection and postoperative follow-up analysis in 85 children with 46, XY disorders of sex development

Objective: To understand the gender selection and prognosis of children with 46, XY disorders of sex development (DSD) after surgery, and to provide reference for future clinical decision-making. Methods: Data of 85 (80 males and 5 females) postoperative patients with 46, XY DSD with follow-up age of 6(4,11) years who were treated at the Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism of Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University during the period from September 2009 to April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped based on diagnosis. The basis of postoperative gender selection, patient satisfaction and related factors, gender characteristics, and adolescent development were analyzed. The Pre-school Activities Inventory or the Children's Sex Role Inventory were used in the analysis of gender tendency. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare postoperative gender satisfaction of different factors. The Kruskal-Wallis method was used to compare the postoperative gender satisfaction of each group. Fisher's test was used to compare the follow-up status of male children over 11 years old in each group. Results: Among the 85 patients, 62 individuals were raised as girls after birth, 9 were facultative and 14 as boys. According to the diagnosis, there were 31 individuals in group 1 (with 5α-reductase deficiency), 11 individuals in group 2 (with androgen insensitivity syndrome), 9 individuals in group 3 (with NR5A1 gene mutation), 4 individuals in group 4 (with hypergonadotropic gonadal dysplasia), and 30 indiviudals in group 5 (with unclear diagnosis and normal human choionic gonadotophin test). Among the 71 children who were raised as girls or facultative children after birth, 66 selected as boys, and 5 continued as girls (among them, 3 individuals were female with passive selection, and 2 individuals of testicular dysplasia with uterus in group 4 and 5 were female with active selection). Among the 71 patients faced with gender selection, only one was unsatisfied, that was a postoperative female. There was no significant difference in postoperative gender satisfaction among different disease diagnoses, surgical age and penis length (χ(2)(H)=6.007, P=0.199; Z=-0.860, P=0.390; Z=-0.438, P=0.661). Fifty-nine of the 85 cases completed the gender tendency scale test and 46 cases (78%) were consistent. In the male patients, 45 cases were consistent. Thirteen inconsistent patients (22%) were female or facultative after birth who were 5 years old or older. There was no stigmatization noticed in the inconsistent patients' daily life and school social settings. There were 22 male patients aged 11 years and older. They were 13(12,16) years old. Fourteen (64%) individuals' penile length reached the normal minimum, 15 (68%) individuals' testicular volume were equal or more than 4 ml, 16 (73%) individuals' sex hormones entered puberty levels, 12 (55%) individuals had been spermatorrhea, the age of first spermatorrhea was (13.3±2.4) years. They were satisfied and adaptable after surgery. There was no significant difference in the above indicators among the groups (χ²=2.999, P=0.694; χ²=7.278, P=0.086; χ²=5.597, P=0.358; χ²=6.904, P=0.127). Conclusions: The appropriate gender of 46, XY DSD patients was selected according to gonadal status after diagnosis. Regardless the diagnosis, the age of operation and the length of the penis at the first diagnosis, male patients were satisfied with the gender after the operation. A few of patients were inconsistent with the results of gender tendency scale test who were raised as girls or facultative children after birth, and they required sustained special attention. Some of the children showed natural adolescent development in males, and the prognosis may be ideal.

Effective Components on the Empowerment of Insured Individuals from the Perspective of Employees of Iran Health Insurance Organization in 2018

Introduction: Empowerment of insured persons has been one of the main programs of Iran health insurance organization. Accordingly, this study was designed and implemented with the aim of determining the status of knowledge, attitude and performance of employees, as one of the factors influencing the implementation of the program. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out in 2016-2018. The data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was organized in four sections including demographic information, knowledge, attitude and performance of the staff. The sample size was 1536 people who were selected by random sampling method. Data were analyzed by descriptive (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and analytical (Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and correlation tests) methods. Results: A total of 1536 questionnaires were distributed and 1347 questionnaires were received (response rate = 92%). Respondents obtained moderate knowledge score (0.57), desirable attitude (3.9) and moderate performance (1.9). The distribution of the scores in the three main parts of the study showed that the attitude of the staff toward empowerment is positive (73% desirable and 26% moderate). While in the knowledge section, only 43% of the respondents were in desirable condition and 12% were in undesirable condition. In the performance section, only 10% of the respondents had desirable situation and more than 80% showed moderate performance. Conclusion: Positive attitude toward empowerment and its alignment with organizational goals, and weakness in education, and inadequate participation of staff in the design and implementation of programs, are one of the main points that should be considered in designing improvement interventions.

Efek Gliserin sebagai Humectan Terhadap Sifat Fisik dan Stabilitas Vitamin C dalam Sabun Padat

Glycerin is a humectant that is used frequently for cosmetics, especially in soaps. This study was conducted to determine the influence glycerin on the physical properties of glycerin soap including pH, soap hardness, foam stability, and also on the stability of vitamin C in the soap during 8 weeks storage. Vitamin C is formulated in soap with various concentrations of glycerin i.e 5%, 10% and 20%. Evaluation of the soap preparations include a pH test, soap hardness, foam stability test and evaluation on the stability of vitamin C for 8 weeks and the results obtained will be statistically analyzed using SPSS version 16 for windows by the Kruskal-Wallis method on the results test of pH and soap hardness, and using one way ANOVA method for evaluating foam stability. The results showed that glycerol did not significant influence on the pH value of soap with a significance value of P = 0.26 0.05, while increasing the concentration of glycerin in the soap increased products softness. The foam stability testing showed that the difference in the concentration of glycerin on soap had no significant effect on improving the stability of foam. The best foam stability was found in vitamin C soap containing glycerine 10%. Glycerin also affected the stability of vitamin C in the soap. The stability of vitamin C is increased related to the increasing glycerin concentration in soap as demonstrated in formula III, which contained 20% glycerin and had 49.48% reducing in level of vitamin C, while the soap containing glycerine 5 % and 10%, had decreased 77.98% and 60.67% respectively in level of vitamin C during the storage period of 8 weeks.

In-vitro investigation of the mechanical friction properties of a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing lingual bracket system under diverse tooth displacement condition.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the static (SFF) and kinetic frictional forces (KFF) of a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing lingual bracket (CAD/CAM-LB) with those of conventional LB (Con-LB) and Con-LB with narrow bracket width (Con-LB-NBW) under 3 tooth displacement conditions.MethodsThe samples were divided into 9 groups according to combinations of 3 LB types (CAD/CAM-LB [Incognito], Con-LB [7th Generation, 7G], and Con-LB-NBW [STb]) with 3 displacement conditions (no displacement [control], maxillary right lateral incisor with 1-mm palatal displacement [MXLI-PD], and maxillary right canine with 1-mm gingival displacement [MXC-GD]; n = 6/group). While drawing a 0.016-inch copper or super-elastic nickel-titanium archwire with 0.5 mm/min for 5 minutes in a chamber maintained at 36.5℃, SFF and KFF were measured. The Kruskal-Wallis method with Bonferroni correction was performed.ResultsThe Incognito group demonstrated the highest SFF, followed by the 7G and STb groups ([STb-control, STb-MXLI-PD, Stb-MXC-GD] < [7G-MXC-GD, 7G-MXLI-PD, 7G-control] < [Incognito-MXLI-PD, Incognito-control, Incognito-MXC-GD]; p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in SFF among the 3 displacement conditions within each bracket group. Within each displacement condition, the Incognito group demonstrated the highest KFF, followed by the 7G and STb groups ([STb-control, STb-MXLI-PD] < Stb-MXC-GD < 7G-MXLI-PD < [7G-control, 7G-MXC-GD] < [7G-MXC-GD, Incognito-MXLI-PD, Incognito-control] < [Incognito-control, Incognito-MXC-GD]; p < 0.001). MXC-GD exhibited higher KFFs than MXLI-PD in the same bracket group.ConclusionsThe slot design and ligation method of the CAD/CAM-LB system should be modified to reduce SFF and KFF during the leveling/alignment stage.

Evaluation of wood surface coating performance using water based, solvent based and powder coating

The objective of this study was to evaluate the surface coating performance using water base, solvent base and powder coating on medium density fiberboard. Samples were coated using water-base, solvent-base and powder coating. Coating performance was performed by using adhesion strength, surface coating hardness, layer thickness and rapid deformation test. The results were analyzed with two different statistical methods. Adhesion strength, layer thickness and surface hardness were determined by using ANOVA analysis, while results of rapid deformation test were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis method. According to these results, coating type was effective factor on the adhesion strength, surface coating hardness, layer thickness and rapid deformation test. Water-based painting application for adhesion strength and impact deformation resistance was higher than solvent-based coating. In the powder coating application, although surface coating hardness was higher than solvent and water base coating application, rapid deformation results were lower than solvent and water base coating applications. Adequacy of models was performed R-square (R²) and Adjusted R-square (Adj-R2) values. R2 values of adhesion strength, layer hardness and film layer thickness were 93.60 %, 95.33 % and 73.90 %, respectively. Adj-R2 values of adhesion strength, layer hardness and film layer thickness were 93.45 %, 95.23 % and 73.30 %, respectively.

Environmental and familial factors in drug use among commercial drivers in suburban public transport.

Background:A study was conducted in 2013 on the lack of accurate statistics on the environmental and family factors behind the use of drugs by drivers of public transport.Materials and Methods:Overall, 1176 drivers of buses, mini-buses, vans, all kinds of trucks, and cars were randomly selected proportionately according to the type of vehicles. The capture-recapture sampling method was used to determine the prevalence rate of drug use among commercial drivers. Trained experts collected data regarding the environmental and family factors behind the use of addictive drugs. Urinalysis was performed by the Rapid Test method (ACON, San Diego, USA). To providing descriptive and analytical statistics the Kruskal–Wallis and Mantel–Haenszel methods, logistic regression, and Chi-square tests were used.Results:The mean age of the drivers was 39.9 ± 9.7 years. The results of the experiment were positive in 14.1% of the drivers. A significant difference observed between addicted and nonaddicted drivers related to cold and heat (P < 0.001) and lack of facilities (P = 0.006) as the most influencing factors. The most important environmental factor was family poverty (P < 0.001), followed by marital status and its problems (P = 0.002), a large number of children (P = 0.006), and family disputes (P = 0.012). A family history of addiction was 2.5 times more among addicted drivers.Conclusion:Prevalence of addiction was 14.1%. Among the environmental factors, cold and heat, lack of facilities, family factors, and a family history of addiction greatly influenced addiction.

Use of scientific evidence by dentists in Brazil: Room for improving the evidence-based practice.

This study investigated the use of scientific evidence and the practice of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) among dentists working in Brazil. An online questionnaire was emailed to dentists registered with Brazilian state dental councils. The questionnaire assessed the demographic, educational, and work characteristics of the sample, along with habits in reading scientific articles and other updating resources. Data were analyzed descriptively and by using Bonferroni, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, and T-test statistical methods (α = 0.05). A total of 795 responses were received between June, 2015 and January, 2016. The response rate was not calculated because it was not possible to determine precisely how many dentists received these e-mails. Over 77% of the responding dentists completed postgraduate training. They referred mainly to books, scientific or clinical journals, conferences, and short-term courses for updating their knowledge. Dentists who reported having a habit of reading scientific journals (60.9%) showed a preference for reading case reports, clinical research articles, and literature reviews. Most dentists (77.5%) reported changing their clinical behaviors or procedures based on information gleaned from journal articles. The types of articles that led them to change their clinical practices were primarily clinical research articles and case reports. Working in the public sector was also associated with a lower prevalence of a habit of reading scientific journals and practicing EBD (i.e., self-reported practice). The results suggest that dentists are interested in reading journal articles, especially those addressing clinical outcomes, and that there is room for improving the practice of EBD, particularly in the public sector.

Increased HIF-1alpha And VEGF Expression Found in Various T Stages of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

There is an increase in renal cell carcinoma in males aged over fifty years with smoking risk factors. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor found in the kidneys that have an aggressive nature. This carcinoma is classified according to TNM into T1, T2, T3 and T4 stages. The higher the T stage, the worse the prognosis of the patient, as it involves the role of the HIF-1a transcription factor accumulated under hypoxic condition due to inactivation of VHL, thus activating VEGF. So far, clear cell renal cell carcinoma frequently found in smoking males of fifth decade of age or older has not been explained.. An observational analytic study was conducted on the sample of paraffin blocks of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma in 2010-2016. T1, T2, T3, and T4 stages of 9 samples, 12 samples, 12 samples and 6 samples, respectively, were collected in Anatomic Pathology Laboratory, Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya. Detection of HIF-1a and VEGF expression was performed using immunohisto-chemical immunity with HIF-1a and VEGF antibodies. The results were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney methods. The correlation between HIF-1a and VEGF in T stages was analyzed using Spearman method. There was a difference of HIF-1a expression between stage T1 with T2, T1 with T3, T1 with T4 (p=0.041, p=0.000, and p=0.002), stage T2 with T3 and stage T2 with T4 (p=0.001, and p=0.013). There was a difference in VEGF expression in stage T1 with T2, T1 with T3, T1 with T4 (p=0.007, p=0.000, and p=0.002), and stage T2 with T3 (p=0,001). There was a correlation between HIF-1a and VEGF expressions with all T stages (rs=0.624 with p 0.000). As a conclusion, the higher the stage of T, the higher the expression of HIF-1a and VEGF. The higher the levels of HIF-1a and VEGF, the worse the prognosis of clear cell renal carcinoma. HIF-1a and VEGF play a role in the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Thus, HIF-1a and VEGF can be developed as prognostic markers. Increased Hif-1aAnd Vegf Expression Found In Various T Stages Of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Pengaruh Pemberian Ekstrak Biji Petai (Parkia speciosa) Terhadap Gambaran Histopatologi Ginjal Bagian Tubulus Proksimal Pada Tikus Putih (Rattus norvegicus) Jantan Galur Wistar yang Diinduksi Paracetamol

&lt;p&gt;Paracetamol, which is one of the NSAIDs (&lt;em&gt;Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs&lt;/em&gt;) is widely used by the wider community as a therapeutic and pain-reducing therapy. In addition to its many uses, paracetamol can cause a variety of serious toxicities, including nephrotoxicity. Bitter bean extract (&lt;em&gt;Parkia speciosa&lt;/em&gt;) has a flavonoid compound which is an antioxidant. This was a laboratory experimental study with &lt;em&gt;post-test only control&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;group &lt;/em&gt;design using 24 rats divided into 3 groups. Positive control group fed with standard diet, aquades and bitter bean extract (&lt;em&gt;Parkia speciosa&lt;/em&gt;); each rat in the treatment group 1 was induced with paracetamol 9 mg / day orally; and each rat in the treatment group 2 was given bitter bean extract (&lt;em&gt;Parkia speciosa&lt;/em&gt;) 7,2 mg / day induced paracetamol 9 mg / day after 45 min. The kidneys were taken by surgery on the 15th day and microscopically examined. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23 with Kruskal-Wallis method.&lt;/p&gt;

The Effect of Sapodilla Leaves (Achras Zapota) Infusum towards Mice (Mus Muculus) Diarrheal Activity Induced by Oleum Ricini

Introduction: Diarrhea is a significant health problem, especially in countries with low income. In many cases, diarrhea even can cause death. Treatment for diarrhea has been done both pharmacologically (including the usage of herbal remedies) and non-pharmacologically. Decoction of the sapodilla’s leaves is often used to treat diarrhea, but no studies directly demonstrates the effects of sapodilla’s leaves’ decoction towards living creatures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sapodilla leaves’ (Achras zapota) infusum towards diarrheal activity of mice (Mus musculus) which can be seen through the onset and frequency of diarrhea, and the consistency and quantity / weight of feces.Methods: 30 mice were divided into five groups. Negative controls (group I) were administered with oleum Ricini, positive controls (group II) were administered with oleum Ricini and Loperamide HCl after half-an hour, and group III, IV, and V, were administered with oleum Ricini and sapodilla leaves’ (Achras zapota) infusum ( with the concentration of 5 g %, 10 g %, and 20 g %) after half-an hour. Then, those mice were observed for 3 hours for their diarrheal activity (diarrheal onset, frequency, fecal consistency, and fecal weights).Results: Analysis by Kruskal-Wallis method showed significant differences of diarrheal activities among the five groups (p = 0.023). Whilst, analysis by Mann-Whitney method showed significant differences between group I and II (p = 0.04), group I and III (p = 0.012), and group I and IV (p = 0.006).Conclusions: Based on the result showed sapodilla leaves’ (Achras zapota) infusum could reduce diarrheal activity of mice (Mus musculus).

Social Skills, Problem Behaviors and Classroom Management in Inclusive Preschool Settings

This study aimed to determine preschool teachers’ classroom management skills and investigate the relationships between teachers’ classroom management skills and inclusion students’ social skills and problem behaviors. Relational screening model was used as the research method. Study group consisted of 42 pre-school teachers working in Kocaeli province and 42 inclusion students aged 4-7. Personal Information Form, Classroom Management Skills Inventory for Pre-school Teachers and Pre-School and Kindergarten Behavior Scale were used to collect data. Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis methods were utilized to analyze the descriptive statistics. Results revealed that participating pre-school teachers had high level of perceived classroom management skills, teachers’ classroom management skills did not differ based on inclusion students’ age and gender but they significantly differed based on teachers’ age, seniority, type of school they graduated from and staff status. Inclusion students were found to have moderate social skills and high level of problem behaviors. Children scores in social skills and problem behavior scales did not change based on age but they significantly differed based on gender. According to the results, no meaningful relationships existed between teachers’ classroom management skills and inclusion students’ social skills and problem behaviors.

Microfinance institutions fostering sustainable development

AbstractThe microfinance sector is considered an important contributor to the expansion of formal financial systems. It plays a significant role in sustainable development. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) as key actors in the microfinance sector require an organizational management framework that facilitates sustainable growth. The objective of this study is to define a balanced MFI sustainability approach that considers financial, environmental, social and governance dimensions as equally important. Through a clustering process, this research establishes the relationship between the various sustainability indicators provided by MixMarket, and it determines different MFI sustainability profiles. This research uses the Kruskal–Wallis method to characterize each group based on outreach, financial and risk indicators. The results show that there is no balance between the different sustainability areas, and lead to the conclusion that it is necessary to promote an integrative approach to foster sustainability management practices in the microfinance industry.

The State of Elderly Coping with Stress

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the state of elderly coping with stress. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted sixty years old and over 106 individuals living at home within society. As data collection forms, a survey-form containing socio-demographic characteristics of all the individulas were recorded features of elderly and a Scale of Stress-Coping Manners (SSCM) was used. Percentage, mean + standard deviation, Mann Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis methods were used for assessment of the collected data. Results: The mean age of the study group was 68.0±5.5. 57.5% of the participants were women, 52.8% had four and more than four children and 61.3% had a chronic illness. The scores of stress-coping manners of the elderly were high (73.86±8.18). The score averages of stress-coping of the women, the individuals who had three children and less, and the elderly who had no chronic illness were high and statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that the elderly were successful in coping with stress. Different sources of stress that comes with the aging process to deal with the stress is important for the health of the elderly. Therefore, in order to increase the quality of life and healthy aging it is necessary to evaluate the situation of elderly coping with stress.