Kruskal-Wallis Statistical Test Research Articles

Recovery of Chromium and Two Solvents (Dichloromethane-DCM Tetrachloroethane-TCE) Using Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membranes from Leather Industry Wastewater

In this study, for removal of the leather industry pollutants and to recovery of chromium (Cr), dichloromethane (DCM) and tetrachloroethane (TCE) two sequential nanofiltration (NF) (NF90 and NF270) and two reverse osmosis (RO) (BW30 and SW30) reactor membranes were used. The membrane surface properties were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The permeate of the SW30 reverse osmosis exhibited high removals varying between 98% and 99% for sodium ion (Na+ ), potassium ion (K+ ), magnesium ions (Mg2+), calcium ions (Ca2+), total chemical oxygen demand (CODtotal), dissolved chemical oxygen demand (CODdis), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inert chemical oxygen demand (inert COD), Chromium (Cr3+ ), Dichloromethane and Tetrachloroethane. In the NF90 nanofiltration process lower removals were detected (96%-97%) for all pollutants mentioned above. The effluent of reverse osmosis with a BW30 membrane match to the Turkish Water Pollution Control Regulation rules for treated water discharged to the receiving environment while SW30 reverse osmosis membrane was perfect for ultimate treatment of the pollutants present in the leather industry discharges. From the concentrate of the SW30 reverse osmosis, 945 mg/l chromium, 460 mg/l dichloromethane and 360 mg/l tetrachloroethane were reused. The performance and recoveries of Cr and two solvents (DCM and TCE) data in NF and RO membrane reactors were evaluated with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) process and Kruskal Wallis test statistic coupled with Mann-Whitney U statistic in this study.

Pengaruh Hydrogel Acemannan dengan Konsentrasi 25%, 50%, 75% terhadap Jumlah Neutrofil pada Tikus Wistar Periodontitis yang Diinduksi Aloksan

Neutrophils occur in periodontitis, an infection of the periodontal tissue that may increase the risk of diabetes. Because of its excellent physicochemical properties and biological capabilities, hydrogel is a promising biomaterial for treating periodontal disease. This study consisted of four groups of Acemannan hydrogel 25%, 50%, 75%, and the Federer formula was used to determine the sample size and six replicate experiments were performed for each group to form a positive control group. Considering the investigation's conclusions, in the acemannan hydrogel administration group, the average ± SD levels of neutrophils in samples on day 3 were 25%, 50%, and 75%, and the positive control group was 3.08 ± 0.736. 2.46 ± 0.459; 1.54 ± 0.510; 1.17 ± 0.258. This value decreased to 1.83 ± 0.258 by day 5 were 1.29 ± 0.459; 0.50±0.447; 0.21 ± 0.292. As a result of the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, there was a significant difference in the average number of neutrophils after administering 25%, 50%, and 75% Acemannan hydrogel and the positive control group to rats with alloxan-induced Wistar periodontitis on the third and fifth days. The study's findings suggest that 75% of acemannan hydrogel is the most effective concentration for reducing neutrophils

Antibacterial Activity Test of Kersen Fruit Kombucha ( Muntinga Calabura L. ) To Bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli By In Vitro

Bacterial infections of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cause diarrhea. Kersen fruit can be used as the basis of kombucha, which has antibacterial benefits. This experimental activity aims to determine the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This study used a laboratory experimental method to test the antibacterial activity of Kersen Fruit Kombucha (KFK) at concentrations of 15%, 25%, and 35%, as well as positive control of cotrimoxazole and normal control of aqua pro injection. Antibacterial activity was measured in vitro using the disc diffusion method to compare affected and unaffected areas. The results of the study on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria showed that the diameter of the inhibition zone in 15% KFK was 7.07-8.63 mm, 25% KFK showed an inhibition zone diameter of 8.11-9.57 mm; and 35% KFK inhibition zone diameter was 12.07-13.07 mm; for the positive control inhibition zone diameter was 13.07-14.72 mm. 35% KFK has a larger inhibition zone diameter than 15% and 25% KFK. Based on the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, there was a significant difference. This study aims to determine the antibacterial activity of Kersen fruit kombucha against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone

Implementasi Pembelajaran Blended Learning pada Materi PJOK Berbasis Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) pada Jenjang SMA Kelas XI terhadap Motivasi Belajar dan Hasil Belajar Siswa

The digital era and technological advancements today make learning much easier. By using technology in teaching, we hope to have a positive impact on students' motivation and learning outcomes. This study implemented blended learning based on TPACK at SMA Negeri 1 Taman for 11th grade. This study used an experimental method with treatment and control groups, conducting pretests and posttests. The treatment group received blended learning based on TPACK. The results showed differences in posttest scores, explained by nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. While both motivation and learning outcomes had sig. > 0.05, the mean difference showed variations. The control group had a motivation mean of 48.38, whereas the treatment group scored higher at 52.62. For learning outcomes, the control group scored 8.605, while the treatment group achieved 8.614. These results indicate that the treatment group showed greater improvement. Therefore, it can be concluded that implementing blended learning based on TPACK has an impact on improving students' learning outcomes and motivation in PJOK (Physical Education, Sport, and Health). The research confirms the role of blended learning based on TPACK in enhancing students' learning outcomes in PJOK.

The effects of mercury chloride (HgCl2) administration with different intervals on kidney damage in mice (Mus Musculus)

Introduction: Inorganic mercury could cause acute toxicity and absorbed through the digestive system and distributed throughout all tissues of the body, with a significant portion accumulating in kidneys and gallbladder. Objective: This study aims to investigate the influence of mercury chloride (HgCl2) administration at doses contained in rice clams (Corbula faba) from the Kenjeran coast in Surabaya, Indonesia, with varying administration intervals on kidney damage in mice. In this research, 24 male CBR strain mice, aged three months, were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of six replicates. The groups included Control P0 (without mercury), Group P1 (mercury administration once a day), Group P2 (mercury administration twice a day), and Group P3 (mercury administration three times a day). Mercury administration was carried out orally for 52 days. Data analysis was conducted using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, followed by a Z-test with a significance level of 5%. Results: Mercury chloride (HgCl2) administration at a dose of 0.6418 ppm with varying administration intervals resulted in kidney damage characterized by interstitial hemorrhage, degeneration of proximal convoluted tubules, degeneration of distal convoluted tubules, and glomerulonephritis. Administration of mercury three times a day (P3) led to the highest kidney damage, which was not significantly different from the group receiving mercury twice a day (P2), while daily administration of mercury (P1) did not significantly differ from the control group (P0). Conclusion: It can be concluded that administration of HgCl2 could increase decrease kidney damage (p<0.05) and administration of mercury three times a day led to the highest kidney damage.

Can Heated Distilled Water Effectively Prevent Precipitate Formation between NaOCl and CHX?

The present study aimed to investigate the capacity of different irrigation protocols using heated distilled water at 65°C (HDW), in preventing the formation of the brown-orange precipitate observed after the interaction between sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX). Forty human canines were selected, prepared, and cleaved in two halves. Images of delimited areas in each root canal thirds were obtained through a stereomicroscope (16x and 40x). After reassembly, the teeth were distributed into four groups (n = 10) according to the final irrigation protocol: G1 (no HDW): EDTA + NaOCl + CHX with conventional irrigation (CI); G2 (HDW + CI): EDTA with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) + NaOCl (PUI) + HDW (CI) + CHX (PUI); G3 (HDW + PUI): EDTA + NaOCl + HDW + CHX with PUI; G4 (HDW + CUI): EDTA (PUI) + NaOCl (PUI) + HDW with continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI) + CHX (PUI). After irrigation, the teeth were re-separated and images of the same delimited areas were obtained again. Scores were assigned according to the amount of precipitate observed, comparing the initial and final images. The data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn and Friedman statistical tests (α = 5%). G1(no HDW) showed the highest scores in the analysis between groups (p < 0.001), with a greater amount of precipitate in the cervical and medium thirds (p < 0.001). The thirds of the other experimental groups did not differ from each other (p > 0.05). The intermediate irrigation with heated distilled water at 65°C prevented the formation of brown-orange precipitate, regardless of the use of ultrasonic activation (PUI or CUI).

Diversity and Distribution of Avifauna in the Northeast of Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia.

Exploring avian species diversity and distribution patterns is vigorous for conservation efforts in biodiversity-rich countries such as Ethiopia. Compared to other species, birds are relatively well-known and easily observed, making them great markers of productivity or biodiversity. Although bird species are found all across the world, their survival and range have been negatively impacted by habitat loss, fragmentation, and destruction. Thus, the goal of this study is to provide baseline data on avifaunal diversity in the Northeast of Addis Ababa, including species richness, distribution, and relative abundance in various habitats conducted from January 2023 to September 2023 using a stratified sampling design into three habitat types: settlement, farmland, and abattoir. A fixed-width line transect sampling method was used at the farmland and settlement, and a point transect was employed at the abattoir site to collect the bird data. The data were compared using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests in both seasons and habitat types. A total of 42 bird species belonging to twenty-three families, and nine orders were recorded during the study period. Of these, blue-winged goose and wattled ibis are endemic to Ethiopia. Hooded vultures and White-backed vultures are critically endangered species. The mean abundance of bird species significantly varied in the three habitat types (χ2 = 13.6, df = 2, p=0.001). The abundance of bird species was nonsignificant difference between wet and dry seasons (U = -0.874, p=0.381). The highest diversity (H' = 2.74) was recorded at settlement, and the lowest diversity index (H' = 1.09) was recorded at the abattoir in the dry season. In the wet season, the highest diversity (H' = 2.66) was recorded in the farmland, and the lowest (H' = 1.08) was recorded at the abattoir. The highest evenness (J = 0.94 and J = 0.93) was recorded on the farmland in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. In the study area, urbanization is extremely impacting the environment and altering ecosystem services upon which human civilization depends. Most of the avian species observed in the study area are capable and tolerant of human-induced habitats in the city. Therefore, city planners must consider conserving urban bird species' habitats and feeding sites.

Antibacterial Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride with and without Potassium Iodide against Streptococcus mutans.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical treatment for carious lesions and a primary preventative for newly exposed high-risk surfaces such as fissures and roots in the first molars. Using potassium iodide (KI) after applying SDF has been recommended as a way of reducing the severity of black staining, as well as preserving its antibacterial effect useful in deep caries. The objective of this research was to compare the antibacterial effect of SDF, with and without KI, on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and dental biofilm. The antibacterial effects of SDF, KI, and the combination of both were measured using three different techniques (inhibition halo, minimum inhibitory effect [MIE], and colony-forming unit [CFU], testing). The results were then subjected to statistical analysis. Analyzed by means of the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, the inhibition halos yielded a value of P = 0.3309. Using the MIE test, only the SDF treatment produced an antibacterial effect, at 10%, compared to the KI group, with P = 0.001. Finally, the CFU test revealed a total absence of colonies for all three reagents. All three substances analyzed achieved total inhibition of S. mutans. SDF is effective even in its minimal commercial concentration. Its antibacterial capacity decreases with the addition of KI. The three substances analyzed at their maximum concentrations exhibited an antibacterial effect against S. mutans, resulting in total inhibition.

The Relationship Between Toothbrushing Habits and the Prevalence of Caries and Calculus in School-Age Children Grades 1-6 at Galilea Hosana School Elementary School, Medan Selayang District of North Sumatra, Indonesia

School-aged children constitute a demographic that encounters dental and oral health issues. Poor oral and dental hygiene is associated with the development of caries and calculus. The objective of the study was to establish the relationship between teeth brushing practices and the occurrence of dental caries and calculus in elementary school children from grades 1-6 at Galilea Hosana School, located in the Medan Selayang District of North Sumatra. The research conducted at Galilea Hosana School Elementary School, Medan Selayang District, is a descriptive-analytic study with a cross-sectional design. The research sample consisted of 64 elementary school pupils enrolled at Galilea Hosana School, located in the Medan Selayang District. The students were from grades 1 to 6. The data were gathered through the administration of questionnaires and the physical inspection of the mouth cavity and teeth. The Kruskal-Wallis statistical test was employed to examine the data. The research findings indicated that the mean calculus score for students was 1.40 ± 0.74, which falls within the category of moderate calculus. On the other hand, the average scores for caries DEFT and DMFT among students were 2.02 ± 2.36 and 1.42 ± 2.06, respectively, placing them in the low caries category. Out of the total number of students, 29 (45.3%) had sufficient tooth-brushing habits, while 19 kids (29.7%) had commendable tooth-brushing practices. Only 16 students (25%) had inadequate tooth-brushing habits. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a statistically significant association (p≤0.05) between teeth brushing behaviors and the occurrence of caries and calculus in school-age children in grades 1-6 at Galilea Hosana School Elementary School, located in the Medan Selayang District of North Sumatra. The research findings indicate a direct relationship between poor tooth-brushing habits and increased levels of calculus and caries.

Two periodization strategies in professional football and their influence on accumulated training load and its distribution: Differences between starters and non-starters

ABSTRACT This study compared weekly training-load (TL), training-monotony (TM), and training-strain (TS) in 80 professional football players (28.1 ± 3.2 yrs, 78.0 ± 5.9 kg, and 182.0 ± 4.8 cm), considering two lengths (6 and 7 days between matches), two types of periodization strategies (placing the compensatory session in MD+1 [P1] or MD+2 [P2] post-match-day) and two players’ status, starters, and non-starters. Using Global Positioning Technology, the monitored variables were: Player Load (PL), Total Distance (TD), distances at various speeds (>21 [HSR], >24 [VHSR], and > 27 [SPR] km·h−1), number of accelerations (>2 m·s−2, ACC), and decelerations (<-2 m·s−2, DEC). Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney non-parametric statistical tests were used for loading strategy differences. In both lengths and periodization strategies of the micro-cycles, non-starters trained more than starters. There were differences in the quantity (TL) and distribution (TM and TS) demand considering the micro-cycle’s length and periodization strategy. In MD+1 (P1), non-starters accumulated higher TL, showing moderate to large Cohen’s d magnitudes in HSR, VHSR, SPR, PL, and TD. For starters, training in MD+2 (P2) resulted in higher values (p < 0.05) of TL, TM and TS. The coaching staff needs to anticipate TL, TM, and TS by considering players’ status, periodization strategy, and the number of training sessions between matches.

Effect of sunkist orange peel nanoparticle granules on cardiac and aorta histopathology in diabetic rats

Sunkist oranges (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) is rich in anthocyanins (95% of which are represented by cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-6"-malonyl-glucoside), flavanones (hesperidin and narirutin), hydroxycinnamic acid, carotenoids, sugars, minerals, and fiber, which offer health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sunkist orange peel nanoparticle granules on the histopathological appearance of the cardiac and aorta in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This study used a post-test experimental design, with a control group. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: negative control (alloxan+distilled water), positive control (alloxan+metformin), treatment 1 (alloxan+granular nanoparticles 50 mg/kg BW), treatment 2 (alloxan+granular nanoparticles 70 mg/kg BW), and treatment 3 (alloxan+granular nanoparticles 100 mg/kg BW). The heart and aorta were prepared for observation using 10x ocular magnification and 40x objective lens magnification. Kruskal-Wallis statistical test results revealed a significant difference in the average cardiac histopathological score between the treatment groups (p = 0.011). The amount of aortic endothelial cell damage can be seen from the presence of foam cells in the K(-) treatment group, while the K(+), P1, P2, and P3 groups did not have foam cells in the aortic endothelium. The findings of this study indicate that sunkist orange peel extract nanoparticles in granular form improve cardiac and aortic histopathology, with a dose of 100 mg/kg BB being the best dose for improving cardiac and aortic histopathology.

An Analysis of Problem-Based Learning vs. Traditional Teaching among Students in Azerbaijan

Objective: Our goal was to analyze the effects of implementing problem-based learning (PBL) at the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction. Method: We compared students that attended lectures and tutorials using PBL and students that attended lectures and tutorials using traditional teaching methods. In total, 737 students (intervention group) participated in PBL and 2201 in non-PBL (Control group A and Control group B) at the university. Descriptive statistics and a statistical Kruskal–Wallis test were used to analyze the data and determine whether groups could be compared. We used propensity score matching to make groups comparable and analyzed the differences between groups. Results: The results of the statistical analysis and descriptive statistical characteristics for the unmatched samples are presented in this paper. We also present the differences between the PBL group and two non-PBL groups based on the unmatched samples. All calculations were performed on one outcome measure: the final scores of students. The results show that even within a short period of time (one semester or academic year), applying PBL can have promising effects, although these effects are generally not statistically significant. However, after matching, the differences between the PBL and non-PBL groups were significant. Discussion and conclusions: Even a preliminary and limited introduction of PBL appears to have promising impacts on learning outcomes, as demonstrated by students’ final scores on subjects that were taught using the PBL approach. The results suggest that post-Soviet countries with education traditions that differ from Western ones can benefit from PBL. It is advised to prolong the implementation of PBL and advocate for wider dissemination of this method in Azerbaijan and elsewhere in post-Soviet countries.

Metabolomics to characterise adaptations in cellular metabolism for the stages of atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent, progressive cardiac arrhythmia associated with high cardiovascular comorbidity. Current treatments targeting electropathophysiology have high recurrence rates, prompting researchers to uncover alternative molecular mechanisms underlying AF, aiming to find novel targets for diagnostics and treatment. Highly relevant to several cardiovascular diseases, adaptations in cellular metabolism have gained interest in AF. However, changes in the metabolome across various AF stages have not yet been studied. Aim The study aims to identify leads for potential biomarkers and treatment targets by gaining more insight in metabolic adaptation and mechanisms in atrial fibrillation. Methods From the HALT&amp;REVERSE biobank, 60 atrial appendage samples were selected [controls (SR=21), paroxysmal (ParAF=16), persistent (PerAF=11) and longstanding-persistent AF (Ls-PerAF=12)]. Metabolomics, a large-scale semi-quantitative method based on mass-spectrometry, was performed. Comparisons were made SR vs. AF, and SR vs. AF stages by Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis statistical tests with a Benjamini-Hochberg correction (FDR=0,10) for multiple testing. Results Comparing SR and AF, fructose-1,6-diphosphate (F1,6DP) was decreased (p&amp;lt;0.001), whilst CDP (p&amp;lt;0.001) and UMP were increased (p&amp;lt;0.01). Comparing the AF stages, in SR vs. ParAF CDP was significantly increased. Regarding the AF stages, SR and LsperAF show the biggest differences in metabolites, presenting as decreases glycolysis and nicotinamide metabolites. Overall, metabolites associated with the glycolysis, nicotinamide, and carnitine metabolism show decreases in AF patients, whilst metabolites involved with pyrimidine metabolism are increased AF patients. Conclusion CDP, F1,6DP and UMP were strongly correlated with AF samples in univariate analyses and therefore should be further investigated in serum for their biomarker potential, specifically CDP which was already strongly increased in ParAF. F1,6DP and similar energy metabolites in the glycolysis and nicotinamide pathways are decreased in AF and therefore could be as a therapeutic target through supplementation. Leads from this analysis should be validated and further investigated in mechanistic studies of these metabolic pathways.

Analisis Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Kesediaan Ibu Hamil dalam Melakukan Vaksinasi COVID-19 Booster di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Balongpanggang Kabupaten Gresik

The coverage of the COVID-19 Booster vaccination for pregnant women is still very low, this is because there are still many pregnant women who experience doubts about making a decision to vaccinate. Pregnant women found that Booster doses were associated with higher maternal antibody levels and thus reduced risk for severe COVID-19 related outcomes, as well as a stronger degree of protection for the baby than mothers who only received the primary dose (1st dose and 2nd dose). The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with the willingness of pregnant women to carry out the COVID-19 Booster vaccination. This research is a quantitative research with correlation analytic method. The population in this study were pregnant women who were recorded in the PWS KIA K1 data for pregnant women at the Balongpanggang Gresik Health Center as many as 120 respondents, a sample of 55 samples. Sampling used a purposive sampling method by distributing questionnaires online via Google forms and offline using a paper-based-test technique. The results of the study showed that the willingness of pregnant women to carry out the COVID-19 Booster vaccination was 80%. Bivariate analysis in this study used Chi square, Fisher and Kruskal-wallis statistical tests. There is a relationship between education, knowledge and attitudes with the willingness of pregnant women to carry out the COVID-19 Booster vaccination in the working area of the Balongpanggang Health Center, Gresik Regency in 2023. The role of midwives, the community and the government is very much needed in efforts to fulfill the coverage of the COVID-19 Booster vaccination, especially in pregnant women who are a vulnerable population during a pandemic. An approach with the right health promotion strategy is expected to be able to help achieve the target of vaccination coverage.

Efficacy of Isosorbide in Post Extra Corporeal Shock Wake Lithotripsy Stone-Free Time

Background and Objective: Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is mong the the low-risk treatment methods of treating kidney stones. Specialists are looking for ways to remove small stones caused by ESWL in patients as soon as possible. The present study aimed to determine the effect of isosorbide on the duration of renal pelvis excretion after ESWL. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 176 patients with renal pelvis &lt; 20 mm, who were referred to the ESWL Department of Moradi Hospital, Rafsanjan, Iran, in 2019, were examined. After lithotripsy, the patients were randomly assigned into two intervention groups of receivers of isosorbide 20 mg tablets every 12 hours for two weeks and placebo control for two weeks. The collected data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. Results: The success of ESWL was 78.2% in the isosorbide group and 77.5% in the placebo group (P=0.919). The average duration of stone excretion in the isosorbide group was 4.21 ± 1.05 days, and the placebo group was 4.79 ± 1.16 (P=0.001). In the isosorbide group, the duration of stone excretion in patients with stone size 16-20 mm was less than 16 mm (P=0.011). The average duration of stone excretion in patients 36-55 years old (P=0.021) and patients with right-sided stones (P=0.008) in the isosorbide group was less than the placebo group. Conclusion: Isosorbide, accompanied by other treatments, reduced the duration of stone excretion after ESWL. Moreover, although Isosorbide can be used to improve the management of patients with kidney stones, more studies are needed to confirm this finding

Assessment of cellulose nanofibers from bolaina blanca wood obtained at three shaft heights

This study evaluated cellulose nanofibers from bolaina blanca wood (Guazuma crinita) obtained at different heights of the longitudinal axis of the shaft of trees from a three-and-a-half-year-old plantation. The wood was subjected to pulping, bleaching and subsequent mechanical milling using a Changsha Samy XYQM-2L planetary ball mill to obtain cellulose nanofibers. The product was characterised using analytical techniques: scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Additionally, the degree of polymerisation was determined. The effect of longitudinal position on cellulose nanofibers characteristics was evaluated by comparing means using ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis statistical tests. The yield of cellulose nanofibers production from the high, middle and basal sections was 32,1 %, 33,6 % and 31 %, respectively. The obtained cellulose nanofibers exhibited a significantly larger diameter for the high zone (84 nm) compared with the middle (75 nm) and basal (69 nm) zones; the length remained above the micrometre range. With respect to degree of polymerisation, a decrease was evidenced with respect to the increase in shaft height; the basal zone exhibited a degree of polymerisation of 300, a significantly higher value than the middle and high zones, which exhibited degree of polymerisation of 249 and 211, respectively. The product showed typical cellulose type I polymorphism and crystallinity indexes of 76 %, 93 % and 96 % for the high, middle and basal sections, respectively. Regarding the thermostability of cellulose nanofibers, the maximum degradation rate of cellulose nanofibers occurred between 335 °C and 341 °C, with cellulose nanofibers from the basal area being the most stable. The adsorption of the methylene blue dye on cellulose nanofibers was evaluated; an efficiency &gt; 60 % was found.

Influence of forest type on the diversity, abundance, and naïve occupancy of the mammal assemblage in the southeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest has the highest rate of native vegetation destruction, which is one of the principal drivers of mammal extinctions. Therefore, reducing information gaps regarding diversity patterns, abundance, and habitat use is crucial to understand mammal persistence in fragmented landscapes. Our objective was to establish the γ diversity and to assess the extent to which the α, and β diversity, the relative abundance, and naïve occupation of medium and large-sized mammal communities differ between seasonal and ombrophilous forests. Between January 2019 and March 2020, we placed 22 camera traps in the Atlantic Forest of Minas Gerais. We calculate Hill's numbers using iNEXT.4steps package, the β-diversity with the Betapart package, as well as the relative abundance index (RAI), and naïve occupancy (PAO). We used Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney statistical tests to compare the RAIs between different species and forest types. Finally, we calculated the correlation between the RAIs and PAOs. We found 32 species, principally from the orders Carnivora and Artiodactyla. The alpha diversity and evenness profiles were not different between the two forest types (seasonal q0 = 0.91, q1 = 0.99, q2 = 1, J = 0.83; ombrophilous q0 = 0.96, q1 = 0.99, q2 = 1, J = 0.85). The beta diversity was low (βJAC = 0.37) which was mostly associated with species turnover (βJTU = 0.34), while nestedness was almost non-existent (βJNE = 0.02). The RAIs varied among mammalian species (H = 115.24, P = 0.000), with the highest values for Didelphis aurita (RAI = 4.55 ± 7.66) and Cuniculus paca (RAI = 2.35 ± 3.73) and the minor values for Speothos venaticus (RAI = 0.04 ± 0.24) and Galictis cuja (RAI = 0.06 ± 1.19). The RAIs of species was not significantly different between forests (U = 453.5; Z = 0.37; P = 0.70), and only Leopardus wiedii showed significant differences between forests (U = 84.5; P = 0.01). Most of the mammalian species had restricted occupancy to a few localities (&lt; 50 %). The species Eira barbara and Didelphis aurita had the highest PAOs in both forests (&gt; 50 %), and the species Tayassu pecari, Tamandua tetradactyla, and Speothos venaticus, the lowest values (5 %). We found a correlation of 75 % between the average RAI and naïve occupancy. The γ diversity was representative and consistent with the species found in the Atlantic Forest, and the relative abundance and naïve occupancy reflected the rarity of most species in the area. Additionally, the only difference between the two forests corresponds to species turnover. Therefore, we must conserve native remnants of both forests to ensure the existence of native mammals, mainly the most threatened species, to prevent more dramatic scenarios of local extinction in Minas Gerais.

The Effect of Three Desensitizing Toothpastes on Dentinal Tubules Occlusion and on Dentin Hardness.

There are two main methods used for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) treatment: dentinal tubule occlusion and blockage of nerve activity. Dentifrices are the most common vehicles for active ingredients used for DH treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three toothpastes on dentinal tubule occlusion, mineral acquisition, and dentin hardness. Forty human dentin disks were submerged in 40% citric acid for 30 s and then exposed to tooth brushing for 2 min twice a day for 14 days using three toothpastes: Dontodent Sensitive (group 1), Dr. Wolff's Biorepair (group 2), and Sensodyne Repair and Protect (group 3). In the control group (group 4), the samples were brushed with water. All of the samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Vickers dentin hardness determination. On SEM images, the degree of dentinal tubule occlusion was assessed using a five-grade scale. The mean score values in groups 1-4 were 3.60 ± 0.69, 2.20 ± 0.91, 2.30 ± 1.16, and 5.00 ± 0.00, significantly higher in study groups when compared to the control group (Kruskal Wallis test p < 0.05). EDX evaluation showed significantly higher calcium and phosphorus concentrations in groups 1 and 3 when compared to control group d. The mean values of Vickers dentin hardness numbers in groups 1-4 were 243.03 ± 10.014, 327.38 ± 56.65, 260.29 ± 37.69, and 225.83 ± 29.93, respectively. No statistically significant results were obtained when comparing the hardness mean values in groups (Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, p = 0.372 > 0.05). All three toothpastes tested demonstrated significant occlusion of dentinal tubules. Dontodent Sensitive and Sensodyne Repair and Protect toothpastes enhanced the calcium and phosphorus content of the dentin surface. None of the toothpastes increased dentin hardness as a result of mineral acquisition.

Instructors’ Commitment towards Improving Self-Advocacy Skills of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education Institutions: Evidence from Hawassa University

Although some students with disabilities (SWDs) have been able to reach higher education institutions (HEIs) in complex situations, they still face significant challenges. Educators posit that the acquisition of self-advocacy skills can be instrumental in facilitating the smooth transition of SWDs to HEIs. Instructors have an important role to play in improving self-advocacy skills. It is also the responsibility of all stakeholders to train, teach, and equip self-advocacy skills. Nonetheless, not all instructors commit to teaching self-advocacy skills to SWDs. The purpose of this study is to examine the level of commitment exhibited by instructors towards improving the self-advocacy skills of SWDs. The research approach was a mixed method with an explanatory sequential design. One hundred fifty instructors were selected from three colleges of Hawassa University through a stratified proportionate random sampling technique. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Kruskal-Wallis statistical test), and the qualitative data obtained through the interview were analysed qualitatively. The quantitative finding of the study showed that respondent instructors were found to have a low commitment toward improving SWDs’ knowledge of self, knowledge of their rights, and communication skills. Besides, a qualitative finding of the study indicates that almost all participants did not have the skills and knowledge to teach and improve self-advocacy skills for SWDs. The researchers came to the conclusion that real-life experiences in dealing with SWDs need to be provided, especially to instructors without any counselling background and who have no better understanding of SWDs through training and workshops

Effects of the internal contact surfaces of dental implants on screw loosening: A 3-dimensional finite element analysis

Statement of problemThe effects of the internal contact surfaces of dental implants on screw loosening have yet to be investigated. PurposeThe purpose of this 3-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical effects of the abutment implant angle (θ), the abutment screw head diameter (D), and the abutment screw length (L) on screw loosening. Material and methodsA total of 27 models presenting various mechanical scenarios were built by using combinations of 3 different θ (30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees), D (2.65 mm, 2.75 mm, and 2.85 mm), and L (4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm). In FEA, a static test with a 200-N force inclined 30 degrees in the implant axial direction was applied to the upper surface of the abutment to evaluate and compare the maximum von Mises stresses of the implant components and the maximum total deformation in all models. In addition, modal analysis was applied to identify the natural frequencies in all models under free (unforced) vibration, and a Kruskal-Wallis statistical test (α=.05) was performed, followed by multiple pairwise comparisons by using the Dunn test. ResultsThe Kruskal-Wallis test found a significant influence of the θ on implant stress, total deformation, and natural frequency (P<.001). For example, increasing the θ from 30 degrees to 45 degrees and 60 degrees can considerably reduce the model’s natural frequencies to 18% and 26%, respectively. Similarly, the test underscored the significant impact of the D on both abutment screw stress and abutment stress (P=.010 and P=.002, respectively). However, the L appeared to have no significant effect on any of the dependent variables (P>.05). ConclusionsThe θ and the D significantly influenced the stresses of dental implant components, total deformation, and natural frequency of the model, which may impact the mechanical stability of the screw joint. However, the L does not appear to affect these values significantly.