Minimum Sample Size Research Articles

Integrating Inter-Professional Insights for Enhanced Disaster Response: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Jubail's Royal Commission Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to evaluate disaster preparedness and management among an inter-professional team at the Royal Commission Hospital (RCH) in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Conducted between May and July 2023, this cross-sectional study involved healthcare providers in both patient-facing and non-patient-facing roles. Participants responded to a comprehensive online questionnaire comprising 22 questions across seven sections covering aspects of emergency response, disaster management, and infection control. The study targeted a minimum sample size of 500 participants, successfully garnering responses from 512 individuals. Of the 512 participants, 59.9% (n=312) were healthcare providers in patient-facing roles, and 40.1% (n=209) were in non-patient-facing roles. The results revealed notable disparities in awareness and preparedness between these two groups. Healthcare providers demonstrated higher awareness levels compared to their non-patient-facing counterparts. For instance, 76.9% of healthcare providers were aware of the hospital's emergency response plan compared to 56.2% of non-healthcare providers (χ² = 52.165, p < 0.001). Similar disparities were observed in understanding the term "disaster" (86.5% vs 54.1%, χ² = 27.931, p < 0.001), and awareness of a command center (73.4% vs 45.2%, χ² = 42.934, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the critical need for enhancing awareness, education, and preparedness within healthcare facilities, emphasizing an integrated approach that includes both healthcare and non-healthcare staff. By addressing these gaps, healthcare facilities can significantly improve their emergency response efficiency, disaster management capabilities, and infection control measures, thereby enhancing the overall safety and quality of patient care.

Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Assessment of Contributing Factors

Abstract: Background: The frequency of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) assessed worldwide is 13.4% (11.7-15.1%), and cases with ESKD demanding renal replacement therapy are calculated to be between 4.902 and 7.083 million. Several factors prompt anxiety and depression in hemodialysis cases. These include co-morbidities, frequent hospitalizations, habitual pain, sleep disturbances, chronic inflammation, increased fatigue, uremia, failure of family support, non-compliance to adjunctive therapeutics such as restrictions in diet and fluids, and dependence upon treatment and health professionals. Objective: To assess the frequency and contributing factors for incidents of depression, stress, and anxiety in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted at the Karachi Institute of Kidney Diseases from February 2023 to March 2023, the obtained minimum sample size was 194. Data was collected with the help of DASS 10 questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22. Data significance was analyzed using Chi-Square test keeping P- value ≤0.05 as significant. Result: A total of 194 participants were recruited in the study, gender distribution recorded male dominance at 103 (53%) and females at 91 (46%). 139 (71.6%), the mean value of the length of dialysis was 15.4 ± 4.9 years while the mean days of dialysis were 2.7 ± 1.3. Moderate depression was reported in 101 (52%) of the study participants, while severe depression was reported in 25 (12.8%). Anxiety was reported as mild most frequently with 133 (68.5%) while stress was reported as mild in 48 (24.7%), moderate in 83 (42.7%), and severe in 63 (32.4%) with a p-value of 0.214. We identified a positive association of severe depression, anxiety, and stress with age ≤ 45 years in general, while participants from the upper middle class reported stress more frequently. Conclusion: This study concluded that compromised socio-economic status, young age, and higher prognosis rates are contributing factors for depression, anxiety, and stress in hemodialysis patients. Keywords: DASS, Depression, Hemodialysis, ESKD, Stress, Anxiety.

Illegal Use of Testosterone and Other Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids in the Population of Amateur Athletes in Wrocław, Poland-An Unfavorable Lifestyle Trend in the Population of Men of Reproductive Age.

Background: One factor that may negatively impact male reproductive health is the illegal use of testosterone and anabolic-androgenic steroids. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of testosterone use in recreational athletes, as well as factors associated with its use, and to determine the profile of a person using testosterone. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of data from an anonymous, online questionnaire of men recruited from gyms, randomly selected in Wrocław, Poland, has been performed. The minimal sample size was evaluated with the univariate logistic regression model. The association between testosterone use and other factors was also evaluated with the univariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 35% of respondents used testosterone. The main purposes of testosterone use were the improvement of training effects and the improvement of body shape. The respondents most likely to use testosterone and other anabolic-androgenic steroids were men aged 26-35, whose earnings were at the level of the middle class or higher, who were married, had children, had training experience of at least 6 months, exercised at least once a week, took part in weightlifting competitions, were managers in a corporation or enterprise, or were self-employed. Most of the people using testosterone had self-treated side effects. Conclusions: The profile of the person most likely to use testosterone corresponds to the characteristics of men in optimal socio-demographic conditions for reproduction. These results indicate that this is a significant social problem that may impact male reproductive health.

The Role of Work Motivation, Work Environment and Member Performance in Military District Command

This research aims to examine transformational leadership, work motivation, and work environment on performance through job satisfaction. This research was conducted in Military District Command, East Java. This research population shows specific characteristics that can be used to conclude the thesis. The population of this study were members of the lower ranks in the army, with a population of 527 people. Based on the notation of the minimum research sample size formula by Slovin above, a sample of 181 can be determined. Descriptive analysis can be carried out to assess characteristics using descriptive statistics such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation, variance, etc. The research results show that personnel motivation creates a positive and inclusive work environment. Work motivation is driven by awareness of the importance of the mission, recognition from leadership, and growth opportunities. A good work environment is based on explicit norms, open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. This increases the job satisfaction of personnel in military organizations. Support and cooperation between unit members at Military District Command are critical to achieving optimal performance and operational goals. Contribution Research is an essential reference in studying employee satisfaction and performance, especially in military organizations that employ top-down decisions—using the Structural Contingency Theory (SCT) theory.

Tradisi &lt;i&gt;Melukat&lt;/i&gt; Menurunkan Kecemasan Ibu Hamil Menjelang Persalinan di Desa Bungkulan

Third trimester pregnant women are very vulnerable to experiencing anxiety, this is because pregnant women are not yet mentally, spiritually and physically ready to face the birthing process. Pregnant women who are anxious will affect the mother's readiness for childbirth and can even affect the condition of the fetus in the womb if the mother's anxiety continues. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in anxiety of pregnant women in the third trimester before and after the melukat tradition was carried out. This research method uses quantitative with a onegroup preposttest design approach. The population is all pregnant women in Bungkulan Village with a minimum sample size of 78 pregnant women. The sampling technique was purposive sampling and the research instrument used an anxiety questionnaire. Furthermore, the analysis used was univariate and bivariate using Wilcoxon because the data was not normally distributed. The results of this study found that the difference in the average anxiety felt by mothers before and after being injured was with a Z value of 4.65. These results are also statistically significant in that melukat is an activity that can reduce maternal anxiety before the third trimester birth process. The conclusion is that there are differences in anxiety before and after wounding pregnant women.

Postprandial Plasma Glucose between 4 and 7.9 h May Be a Potential Diagnostic Marker for Diabetes.

Postprandial glucose levels between 4 and 7.9 h (PPG4-7.9h) correlate with mortality from various diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This study aimed to assess if predicted PPG4-7.9h could diagnose diabetes. Two groups of participants were involved: Group 1 (4420 participants) had actual PPG4-7.9h, while Group 2 (8422 participants) lacked this measure but had all the diabetes diagnostic measures. Group 1 underwent multiple linear regression to predict PPG4-7.9h using 30 predictors, achieving accuracy within 11.1 mg/dL in 80% of the participants. Group 2 had PPG4-7.9h predicted using this model. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that predicted PPG4-7.9h could diagnose diabetes with an accuracy of 87.3% in Group 2, with a sensitivity of 75.1% and specificity of 84.1% at the optimal cutoff of 102.5 mg/dL. A simulation on 10,000 random samples from Group 2 revealed that 175 participants may be needed to investigate PPG4-7.9h as a diabetes diagnostic marker with a power of at least 80%. In conclusion, predicted PPG4-7.9h appears to be a promising diagnostic indicator for diabetes. Future studies seeking to ascertain its definitive diagnostic value might require a minimum sample size of 175 participants.

Improvement of Physical Health of Primary School Students in the Haibo Bay Area

Background and Aim: A healthier population will have a positive impact on the entire community. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the physical health of children, but the current physical health of primary school students in the Bay Area is still worrying. Lack of awareness in schools, limited resources, and insufficient attention to physical education are among the major causes of the decline in physical health caused by irregular lifestyles, the increase in electronic products, lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits, and the urgent need to implement effective interventions, The aim is to improve the physical health of primary school students in Haibo Bay to ensure that the overall health level of primary school students in Haibo Bay is improved. Thus, the purpose of this study is to find the decline in the physical health of primary school students in Haibu Bay Area, to develop appropriate teaching and training plans to improve the decline in the physical health of primary school students in Haibu Bay Area and to provide reasonable suggestions to improve students' cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, coordination, flexibility, and weight reduction through exercises. Materials and Methods: This study is an experimental study. G*power is used to calculate that the minimum sample size required for the experiment is 40 people (20 men and women each). A total of 80 students (40 men and women each) are recruited for this study. There are 141 students in grade 5. We randomly select 20 male and female students from each class for training as the experimental group (40 people in total), and 20 male and female students from each class as the control group (40 people in total). The experimental group receives systematic teaching training while the control group receives routine training. The data collected before and after the experiment were sorted out and analyzed. SPSSAU statistical software was used to conduct paired sample T-tests for intra-group comparison and paired sample T-tests for inter-group comparison. The statistical results were represented by mean ± standard deviation and the significance level was set as P&lt;0.05, which made the test scores of students more accurate and more conducive to the formulation and implementation of teaching plans. Understand the student's physical condition. Results: (1) Through systematic physical education training, the experimental group of men and women had different degrees of improvement than before the experiment, in which weight, 50 meters, one-minute jump rope, one-minute sit-up, and seat body forward bending were the most obvious, and the control group also had improvement, but compared with the experimental group, the improvement was smaller. (2) After systematic physical training, the scores of physical health tests of both male and female students in the experimental group were significantly improved, indicating that systematic physical training has a positive effect on improving the physical health of primary school students. And (3) After systematic physical training, the physical health scores of both men and women in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group. It shows that the systematic teaching and training method is more effective than the conventional teaching and training method. Conclusion: the systematic physical education training employed in the study yielded notable improvements in various fitness parameters for both male and female primary school students. The experimental group exhibited superior enhancements compared to the control group, highlighting the efficacy of the systematic teaching and training approach. These findings underscore the positive impact of structured physical education programs in enhancing the overall physical health and fitness of young students.

Cloud Computing and Mobile Technologies as a Marketing Strategy towards Innovation and Business Growth among Small Tourism Enterprises

This study examined the impact of Cloud Computing and Mobile Technologies as marketing strategy towards innovation, business growth among small tourism enterprises (STEs). Mobile commerce is viewed as next generation, e-commerce refers to any transactions, either direct or indirect, via mobile devices, such as phones or personal digital assistants (PDAs). Most significant features of mobile technology are mobility and portability. Ability to access services ubiquitously, on the move, through wireless networks, various devices. The study highlights business risk of being left behind and gives a contemporary research gap, how frequent businesses are engaging with mobile technologies and innovation marketing strategies. Positivist Paradigm- Targeted population were Southern African border countries players in STEs. Data analysis utilised SMARTPLS, Tested CFA, Model Fit, Reliability and Validity, Path Modelling and hypothesis. Raosoft calculator was used to calculate sample size. Calculation considered population of approximately 350 STEs officially registered with Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), a 5% margin of error, 90% confidence interval &amp; recommended 50% distribution, and returned a minimum sample size of 184 respondents. Findings revealed transactions can be business to business applications (targeted to other firms, business to consumer applications (targeted to final customers, e.g. advertisements based on SMS/ MMS) e- catalogues on what the small tourism enterprise offers and networking regionally and at global level. Keywords: cloud computing, innovation, mobile technology, tourism enterprise, marketing strategy, business growth

Factors Influencing Midwives Preparedness in Postnatal Family Planning Services and Their Impact On Contraceptive Care in Independent Midwifery Practices

Midwives, as key providers of family planning services, must continually improve their education, knowledge, and skills to offer effective contraceptive care. These needs arise from the evolving landscape of scientific knowledge and technology, requiring regular updates and elevation of family planning service standards. This ensures the enhancement of the quality of contraceptive services and fosters trust among potential acceptors. This study aims to analyze the factors affecting midwives’ readiness in postnatal family planning services and their correlation with the quality of contraceptive care in independent midwifery practices (IMPs). In this study, the researchers applied quantitative research with an analytical survey design and a cross-sectional approach. The study samples comprised licensed midwives operating independent midwifery practices (IMPs) in Sleman, Yogyakarta. Samples were selected using the quota sampling technique, in which the researchers determined a minimum sample size of 30 respondents for the study. The conducted data analysis involved both univariate and bivariate analyses. Concerning the bivariate analysis, the researchers employed the regression test. In the univariate analysis, it revealed that the majority of respondents had a vocational education background (53.1%). As for the midwives’ knowledge regarding postnatal family planning, a significant majority demonstrated a moderate level of understanding (59.4%). Additionally, most midwives exhibited updated skills following contraceptive training (75%). In the bivariate analysis, the significance values for skills/update training in providing Intrauterine Device (IUD) contraceptive services, pill contraceptive services, and knowledge regarding condom contraceptive services were found to be 0.042, 0.026, and 0.019, respectively, all below the threshold of &lt; 0.05. In conclusion, there exists a noteworthy correlation between skills acquired through contraceptive training and the provision of Intrauterine Device (IUD) contraceptive services as well as contraceptive pills. Moreover, there is a significant correlation between knowledge levels and the provision of condom contraceptive services.

Development and characterization of microchip electrophoresis pulsed amperometric detector-based soil pesticide analyser

The present study involved the fabrication and testing of a Microchip electrophoresis (MCE) device for pulse amperometry based detection of pesticides from their mixture. We were able to separate and then quantify three distinct types of insecticides, namely Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, and Fipronil using on chip MCE followed by pulsed amperometric detection. All these results were obtained with an inhouse developed potentiostat cum controller unit with a detection time of only 15 min, employing a minimal sample size of 2 μL without any preconcentration or extraction procedure. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 42.69 μM, 62.61 μM, and 71.14 μM or 14.96, 16.0 and 31.09 ppm, respectively for Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, and Fipronil and their respective migration times as 536 ± 6.3 s, 484 ± 1.7 s, and 604 ± 3.5 s (n = 14). The sensitivity of detection was determined as 0.03 nA/μM for Chlorpyrifos, 0.0265 nA/μM for Imidacloprid, and 0.035 nA/μM for Fipronil. In addition, the efficacy of the produced microchip was confirmed by analysing soil extract spiked with known pesticides concentrations while the recovery percentage, representing a ratio of calculated concentration to spiked concentration multiplied by hundred was found as 84.3% (±9.4%) (n = 9). Thus, integrating microchip technology with the developed analytical instruments presents significant promise for practical field applications and the analysis of diverse analytes by way of creating a library where the migration coefficient and peak detection current are needed for any analyte which can be made cationic or anionic using a suitable buffer.

Formation of Repetitive Group Sampling Plan for Life Tests Based on Percentiles using Odd Frechet Inverse Rayleigh Distribution

Objectives: This paper presents the idea of Repetitive Group Sampling Plans using Odd Frechet Inverse Rayleigh Distribution, when the life test is truncated at a pre-specified time. The main objective of the proposed sampling plan is to minimize the sample size because the analogous inspection time and inspection cost will be reduced. Methods: A truncated life test may be conducted to evaluate the smallest sample size to insure certain percentile lifetime of products. The minimum sample size and its ratio for the specified lifetime percentile were derived for the producer’s risk. The operating characteristic values are also obtained for the proposed sampling plan. The corresponding table values are obtained through Monto Carlo Simulation technique. Findings: The results from the sampling plan developed in this research can easily be adaptable in practical situation with small sample sizes and fewer experimental times and hence the plan yields a better result for reliability sampling plan. Novelty: The work designed and developed with the aim that sampling plan in this paper may be helpful for the engineers and statistical plan developers in the field of statistical quality control especially in attribute reliability sampling plan. The tables are generated which is useful for both producer and consumer. This plan can highly recommendable since the products are randomly sampled and also the procedure for sampling involves less experiment time and with minimum sample size. Keywords: Odd Frechet Inverse Rayleigh Distribution, Percentiles, Repetitive Group Sampling Plan (RGS), Producer’s risk

Investigation of Sample Size Estimation for Measuring Quantitative Characteristics in DUS Testing of Shiitake Mushrooms

The sampling technique is commonly used in research investigations to more accurately estimate data with greater precision, at a lower cost and in less time. In plant DUS (distinctness, uniformity, and stability) testing, many quantitative characteristic data usually need to be obtained through individual measurements. However, there is currently no scientific method for determining the appropriate sampling size. The minimum number of testing samples for DUS testing was calculated based on the theory of sample size in descriptive studies and was validated through simple random sampling. The results show that the quantitative characteristics for the edible mushroom Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) in DUS testing were uniform. The calculated results show that 10 fruiting bodies for a single measurement were sufficient. Furthermore, the outcomes of the random sampling revealed that the mean of 10 samples did not significantly differ from the mean of all data. When the sample size exceeded 10, Cohen’s kappa statistic suggested that the conclusion of distinctness was very close to the near-perfect agreement. Reducing the number of samples did not affect the uniform assessment. This study suggests that the theory of sample size in descriptive studies could be applied to calculate the minimum sample size in DUS testing, and for Shiitake DUS testing, measuring 10 fruiting bodies was sufficient.

Integration of Digital-based Banking Services on Customer Satisfaction (Study of Indonesian Islamic Banks)

The study’s population comprised 18,203 individuals who were registered customers of Bank Syariah Indonesia Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency as of December 2022. The authors decided to use a sample of 100 people because the sampling technique refers to the minimum sample size in PLS-SEM, which is 30-100 sample sizes. A purposive sampling technique was used for the sample withdrawal procedure in order to take into account customers who had saved for about six months. Techniques for gathering data include written data or primary data, interviews, and questionnaires (Google Form). The author used the SmartPLS 4.0 for the data analysis, to demonstrate any partial direct influence between the independent and dependent variables. The study’s findings are as follows: 1) variables related to Islamic banks’ digitalization partially affect banking innovation; 2) variables related to Islamic banks’ digitalization partially affect customer satisfaction; 3) variables related to banking innovation partially affect customer satisfaction; 4) variables related to banking services partially affect banking innovation; 5) variables related to banking service partially affect customer satisfaction; 6) variables related to trust partially affect banking innovation; and 7) variables related to trust partially have no positive and insignificant effect on customer satisfaction. Keywords: Islamic banking digitalization, banking services, trust, banking innovation, customer satisfaction

Sample Size Effect on Musculoskeletal Segmentation: How Low Can We Go?

Convolutional Neural Networks have emerged as a predominant tool in musculoskeletal medical image segmentation. It enables precise delineation of bone and cartilage in medical images. Recent developments in image processing and network architecture desire a reevaluation of the relationship between segmentation accuracy and the amount of training data. This study investigates the minimum sample size required to achieve clinically relevant accuracy in bone and cartilage segmentation using the nnU-Net methodology. In addition, the potential benefit of integrating available medical knowledge for data augmentation, a largely unexplored opportunity for data preprocessing, is investigated. The impact of sample size on the segmentation accuracy of the nnU-Net is studied using three distinct musculoskeletal datasets, including both MRI and CT, to segment bone and cartilage. Further, the use of model-informed augmentation is explored on two of the above datasets by generating new training samples implementing a shape model-informed approach. Results indicate that the nnU-Net can achieve remarkable segmentation accuracy with as few as 10–15 training samples on bones and 25–30 training samples on cartilage. Model-informed augmentation did not yield relevant improvements in segmentation results. The sample size findings challenge the common notion that large datasets are necessary to obtain clinically relevant segmentation outcomes in musculoskeletal applications.

Methods and reagent-lot comparisons by regression analysis: sample size considerations.

Parametric regression analysis is widely used in methods comparisons and more recently in checking the concordance of test results following receipt of new reagent lots. The greater frequency of reagent-lot evaluations increases pressure to detect bias with smallest possible sample sizes (i.e. smallest consumption of time and resources). This study revisits bias detection using the joint slope, intercept confidence region as an alternative to slope and intercept confidence intervals. Four cases were considered representing constant errors, proportional errors (constant CV) and two more complicated error patterns typical of immunoassays. Maximum:minimum range ratios varied from 2:1 to 2000:1. After setting a maximum tolerable difference a series of slope, intercept combinations, each of which predicted the critical difference, were systematically evaluated in simulations which determined the minimum sample size required to detect the difference, firstly using slope, intercept confidence intervals and secondly using the joint slope, intercept confidence region. At small to moderate range ratios, bias detection by joint confidence region required greatly reduced sample sizes to the extent that it should encourage reagent-lot evaluations or, alternatively, transform those already routinely performed into considerably less costly exercises. While some software is available to calculate joint confidence regions in real-life analyses, shifting this testing method into the mainstream will require a greater number of software developers incorporating the necessary code into their regression programs. The computer program used to conduct this study is freely available and can be used to model any laboratory test.

Evaluating rural health outcomes: A methodological approach using population-level data.

The sustainability of rural surgical and obstetrical facilities depends on their efficacy and quality of care, which are difficult to measure in a rural context. In an evaluation of rural practice, it is often the case that the only comparators are larger referral facilities, for which facility-level comparisons are difficult due to differences in population demographics, acuity of patients, and services offered. This publication outlines these limitations and highlights a best-practice approach to making facility-level comparisons using population-level data, risk stratification, tests of noninferiority, and Firth logistic regression analysis. This includes an investigation of minimum sample-size requirements through Monte Carlo power analysis in the context of low-acuity rural surgical care. Monte Carlo power analysis was used to estimate the minimum sample size required to achieve a power of 0.8 for both logistic regression and Firth logistic regression models that compare the proportion of surgical adverse events against facility type, among other confounders. We provide guidelines for the implementation of a recommended methodology that uses risk stratification, Firth penalized logistic regression, and tests of noninferiority. We illustrate limitations in facility-level comparison of surgical quality among patients undergoing one of four index procedures including hernia repair, colonoscopy, appendectomy, and cesarean delivery. We identified minimum sample sizes for comparison of each index procedure that fluctuate depending on the level of risk stratification used. The availability of administrative data can provide an adequate sample size to allow for facility-level comparisons in surgical quality, at the rural level and elsewhere. When they are made appropriately, these comparisons can be used to evaluate the efficacy of general practitioners and nurse practitioners in performing low-acuity procedures.

Examining the cultural influence on online stances towards COVID-19 preventive measures and their impact on incidence and mortality: A global stance detection analysis of tweets

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nations implemented various preventive measures, triggering varying online responses. This study examines cultural influences on public online stances toward these measures and their impacts on COVID-19 cases/deaths. Stance detection analysis was used to analyze 16,428,557 Tweets regarding COVID-19 preventive measures from 95 countries, selected based on Hofstede's cultural dimensions. To ensure the variety of population, countries were chosen based on Twitter data availability and a minimum sample size of 385 tweets, achieving a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error. The weighted regression analysis revealed that the relationship between culture and online stances depends on the cultural congruence of each measure. Specifically, power distance positively predicted stances for all measures, while indulgence had a negative effect overall. Effects of other cultural indices varied across measures. Individualism negatively affected face coverings stances. Uncertainty avoidance influenced lockdown and vaccination stances negatively but had a positive effect on social distancing stances. Long-term orientation negatively affected lockdown and social distancing stances but positively influenced quarantine stances. Cultural tightness only negatively affected face coverings and quarantine stances. Online stances toward face coverings mediated the relationship between cultural indices and COVID-19 cases/deaths. As such, public health officials should consider cultural profiles and use culturally congruent communication strategies when implementing preventive measures for future pandemics. Furthermore, leveraging digital tools is vital in navigating and shaping online stances to enhance the effectiveness of these measures.

An Image-based method for evaluating changes in particle size and morphology distributions of aggregate materials after vibratory compaction test

Particle breakage and abrasion of aggregate materials can be induced by field compaction during construction, which adversely affects their mechanical properties. However, current compaction quality control testing does not evaluate changes in particle size distribution and particle morphology of aggregate materials due to the lack of fast and inexpensive testing methods. In this study, a modified watershed-based segmentation image analysis method and computational geometry algorithms were used to quickly quantify changes in particle size and morphology distributions of a large amount of contacting aggregate particles. The accuracy and required minimum sample size of the image analysis method were statistically evaluated. Compared to the conventional ASTM C136 aggregate sieve analysis test, the image analysis method conducted on a 40% sample size of the conventional method yielded less than 6% difference between the results, which can meet the ASTM C136 test repeatability criteria. In addition, demonstration tests were conducted to incorporate the image analysis method into a laboratory vibratory compaction test for evaluating the overall particle size and morphology changes of an aggregate material after compaction. Results indicate that the initial gradation and water content of the aggregate material can influence the particle breakage and abrasion characteristics of aggregate materials under compaction.

ANALISIS FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN PENERAPAN GIZI SEIMBANG PADA TATANAN RUMAH TANGGA DI DESA SEI KAMAH I KEC. SEI DADAP KABUPATEN ASAHAN TAHUN 2023

Preliminary survey data shows that housewives have not implemented a balanced nutrition program in the household setting, such as consuming a variety of foods, reducing salt and sugar and some even rarely consuming vegetables and fruit. The type of research used is Quantitative Research using a Cross-Sectional approach which aims to analyze factors related to the implementation of balanced nutrition in household settings in Sei Kamah I Village, Kec. Sei Dadap Asahan District. The time of the research starts from November 2022 to June 2023. The population in this study are all housewives who live in Sei Kamah I Village, Kec. Sei Dadap Asahan Regency numbered 695 people. The sample size is calculated using the minimum sample formula from Lemeshow, so that a minimum sample size of 150 people is obtained. All variables in this study are related to the implementation of balanced nutrition in the household setting and attitude is the most related variable and the positive attitude of housewives has a 3,554 times chance of increasing the application of balanced nutrition in the household setting in Sei Kamah I Village, Kec. Sei Dadap Asahan District. It is hoped that village organizers will be able to collaborate with health centers and other cross-sectors to carry out routine education for housewives regarding the implementation of balanced nutrition in the household order to increase knowledge which will directly influence the attitude of housewives to be more positive in implementing nutrition. balanced and the Public Health Center to carry out periodic and routine monitoring related to non-communicable disease visits and provide assistance in implementing balanced nutrition in the household setting for these residents.

Hemin as a Molecular Probe for Nitric Oxide Detection in Physiological Solutions: Experimental and Theoretical Assessment.

Given its pivotal role in modulating various pathological processes, precise measurement of nitric oxide (●NO) levels in physiological solutions is imperative. The key techniques include the ozone-based chemiluminescence (CL) reactions, amperometric ●NO sensing, and Griess assay, each with its advantages and drawbacks. In this study, a hemin/H2O2/luminol CL reaction was employed for accurately detecting ●NO in diverse solutions. We investigated how the luminescence kinetics was influenced by ●NO from two donors, nitrite and peroxynitrite, while also assessing the impact of culture medium components and reactive species quenchers. Furthermore, we experimentally and theoretically explored the mechanism of hemin oxidation responsible for the initiation of light generation. Although both hemin and ●NO enhanced the H2O2/luminol-based luminescence reactions with distinct kinetics, hemin's interference with ●NO/peroxynitrite- modulated their individual effects. Leveraging the propagated signal due to hemin, the ●NO levels in solution were estimated, observing parallel changes to those detected via amperometric detection in response to varying concentrations of the ●NO-donor. The examined reactions aid in comprehending the mechanism of ●NO/hemin/H2O2/luminol interactions and how these can be used for detecting ●NO in solution with minimal sample size demands. Moreover, the selectivity across different solutions can be improved by incorporating certain quenchers for reactive species into the reaction.