Nonparametric Statistical Methods Research Articles

The Stability of Sugar Yield in Promising Sugarcane Genotypes (Saccharum officinarum L.)

Stability analysis is one of the most important steps that a breeder should use to release a new variety for a region. To identify and introduce the best sugarcane genotypes, an experiment with 26 promising Sugarcane genotypes along with four commercial varieties was planned and implemented during 2017–2019. This study aimed to determine a promising stable sugarcane genotype for the sugarcane-growing areas of Khuzestan Province in Iran. The effects of genotype × environment interactions on the sugar yield of 26 promising sugarcane genotypes and four standard varieties as controls were investigated for the new plant (P), first ratoon (R1), and second ratoon (R2) at three locations (Amir Kabir, Imam Khomeini, and Mianab) for three cropping seasons. For the final analysis every year, quantitative and qualitative characteristics were measured by sampling 10 stalks of each genotype in each replication and each experiment. A combined analysis was conducted with regard to the fixed effects of the genotype and environment and the random effect of the year. The sugar yield stability of the genotypes was evaluated based on nonparametric, ecovalence, Shukla, simultaneous selection, and AMMI statistical methods. According to the results, g2,g4,g5,g7,g11,g12,g14,g16,g19,g20,g21,g23,g24,g26,g27,g28,g29, and g30 are the most stable genotypes based on statistical analyses. As these genotypes have general stability and can be cultivated in three crops, they are introduced for commercial cultivation. According to an AMMI biplot, genotype g6 was considered to have special adaptation to the first location (Imam Khomeini), genotypes g8 and g15 were specifically adapted to the second location (Amir Kabir), and genotypes g10,g17, and g22 showed special adaptation to the third location (Mianab). Therefore, these genotypes are introduced for commercial cultivation in the mentioned locations.

Pengaruh Gender pada Pengembangan Diri Mahasiswa dalam Konteks Perguruan Tinggi Menggunakan Statistika Nonparametrik

Self-development is an important aspect that is the goal of a student to express abilities, interests, and talents through activities and activities inside and outside an educational institution. The study aims to determine the relationship between differences in answers based on gender with factors influencing student self-development with a nonparametric statistical method approach. Followed by a nonparametric statistical method, namely the Chi-Square test, with α = 5%. The results showed that there was no difference between male and female students in the influence factors of lecturer teaching methods, friendship environments, organizations/committees, and courses on student self-development

Analysis of the survival of technology-based companies linked to business incubators

ABSTRACT Technology-Based Enterprises (TBE) contribute to the economic development of nations through the diffusion of knowledge and innovation, thus being important for the economic growth and competitiveness of territo-ries and countries. Studies point out the difficulties in creating EBTs as well as the high mortality rate. Thus, this study aimed at analysing the survival of incubated and graduated EBTs linked to business incubators in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, considering the explanatory variables at the company, incubator, and municipality levels. Non-parametric and semi-parametric survival analysis statistical methods were used to, first, perform a descriptive analysis of survival characteristics and, second, evaluate the relationship of explanatory variables with survival time. A sample of 603 companies was used, obtained from the InovaData-MG platform, with a record of being active or inactive from January 1990 to December 2019, according to the Brazil-ian IRS website. The results pointed out that when disengaging from incuba-tors, graduated companies are subject to a higher risk of failure, and that in-cubated ventures that also went through an acceleration programme have a higher chance of survival. Failure rates showed a non-linear relationship with firm age. Firm-specific, microeconomic, and industry specifications have important implications for the survival of the studied EBTs. This study used a new data set and a statistical technique not usually employed, which allowed us to offer an important contribution to the prediction of the mortality of EBTs, helping the formulation of more assertive public policies for the growth and development of these companies.

Correlation of Employee Performance System Implementation with Budget Performance at Local Government Work Unit in Banda Aceh City Government

This study aims to examine the correlation between the implementation of the employee e-performance system and budget performance at Local Government Work Unit (SKPD) in Banda Aceh City Government. The population in this study were 43 SKPD in the Banda Aceh City Government that used the employee e-performance system. The sampling technique used was saturated sampling or census, the samples and data sources were obtained from SKPD using the e-performance system so that the total sample was 43 SKPD in the Banda Aceh City Government. The non-parametric statistical data analysis method in this study is the Spearman Rank correlation method which is processed with the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) program. The results showed that the implementation of the employee e-performance system had a positive relationship with budget performance.

Employee adaptation in a socially responsible organization

Purpose: The beginning work in a new place for an employee means a lot of stress resulting from confrontation with unfamiliar surroundings and people. The process of introducing an employee to work should involve not only the employer, but also the entire team, emphasizing care, willingness to help and support at such an important initial stage. The main aim of the research is to examine whether the adaptation of new employees in a trade enterprise is effective. An attempt has been made to identify the conditions in the process of social and professional adaptation of a new employee through the prism of corporate social responsibility. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is consisted with 2 parts. The first is about a theoretical context of CSR in small trade company level and personnel management issues and the adaptation of a new employe. The second part includes findings on research. The case study was used to develop research problem. The research questions included the issue of stress in the adaptation process and the role of the introducer. The study covered 100% of the study population. Data were analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics methods (e.g. classification trees method to identify the importance of predictors). Findings: The research results indicate that the adaptation of a new employee is an important element of his/her quality of professional life, and for the organization it is an important aspect of implementing the social responsibility strategy. Taking into account the needs of employees, as internal stakeholders of the company, is an expression of the implementation of socially responsible management. The implementation of the CSR strategy can be assessed by the degree of employee satisfaction with the quality of work life, which results from the effectiveness of fulfilling tasks in the adaptation process. Research limitations/implications: Due to the fact that research is limited to the one chosen company results can not be uncritically generalized. This study covers only a narrow part from a wide range of problems in shaping social responsibility in business. It only applies to actions taken towards employees in the adaptation process. Due to this implication, research should be deepened and expanded to include additional aspects both in terms of responsibility towards employees and other stakeholder groups. Practical implications: The research results can be a source of information for managers about factors important in shaping the personnel function of a socially responsible organization, primarily in the field of social and professional adaptation. Social implications: The article contributes to the development of knowledge and dissemination of good practices in the field of corporate social responsibility. Originality/value: The article presents a new approach to managing the personnel function in a business organization through the prism of the principles of social responsibility. Previous research does not directly or comprehensively take into account possible connections between corporate social responsibility and the adaptation process. Keywords: corporate social responsibility, socio-professional adaptation, quality of professional life, trade enterprise. Category of the paper: Research paper.

A Data-Driven Approach to Reliability and Fault Analysis in Industrial Maintenance

Statistical analysis of reliability and failures in manufacturing practice. Example of processing service repair records of a maintenance department in an industrial plant combined with operational data collected by Condition Monitoring technology. Demonstration of MTTR and MTBF parameter calculations and presentation using non-parametric statistical methods.

Efficacy Evaluation of Meloxicam 15mg Tablet through Bioequivalence Study in Indonesian Healthy Volunteers

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy between the generic drug of Meloxicam 15mg Tablets produced by PT. Kimia Farma Tbk and its comparator (Movi-Cox® 15mg Tablet by PT. Boehringer Ingelheim Indonesia) by a study of bioequivalence in Indonesian healthy volunteers Methods: A randomized, single-dose, open-label, crossover two-way (2 treatments, 2 periods, and 2 sequences) under fasting condition were conducted in healthy Indonesian volunteers to evaluate bioequivalence between 2 formulations of Meloxicam 15mg tablet. This study required washout period of at least 7-days. The test and comparator drug were administered to subjects as a single oral dose. Blood samples were collected adequately (0–72 h) with 18 points to determine meloxicam concentrations in plasma using a validated LC-MS/MS analytical method. The number of subjects who participated and completed the study were 18 volunteer (9 male and 9 female). The pharmacokinetic parameters calculated in this study are AUC0-72, AUC0-inf, Cmax, tmax, and t½. The bioequivalence acceptance limit of 90% confidence interval (CI) with α = 5.00% is 80.00–125.00% for AUC and Cmax parameters. The estimation of Tmax and T½ in the bioequivalence study was based on a nonparametric statistical procedure on the original data using Wilcoxon Sign Test. Result: The results for AUC0-72 and Cmax were 108.07% (104.88-111.35) % and 105.24% (97.72-113.34) % respectively with intra-subject variability (%CV) was 5.15% for AUC0-t and 12.80% for Cmax. These results were within the regulatory acceptance limit 80.00-125.00%. Conclusion: Based on this result, it was concluded that the test formulation is bioequivalent to comparator formulation

Dynamics of cognitive functions using the rehabilitation program of cognitive training

To study the efficiency of the neuropsychological rehabilitation of patients with mild cognitive impairments. The study included 103 elderly people, aged 59 to 88 years, including 90 women and 13 men with subjective complaints of memory loss (ICD-10: F06.70; F06.71; F06.78; F06.79). Participants were divided into experimental group (n=43) and comparison group (n=42). The estimated impact was the rehabilitation program «The psychosocial therapy and neurocognitive rehabilitation of elderly patients with cognitive impairments», within which the principle of complex stimulation of various parameters of the cognitive sphere was used in rehabilitation work with patients in the experimental group in accordance with the «Memory Clinic» program. The study was conducted using randomized, equalized comparison groups, and the principle of «triple-blind» research. Non-parametric statistics (SPSS) methods were used to assess differences. A significant difference between the comparison and experimental groups has been identified, primarily in relation to high-level mental processes associated with the function of the third structural-functional block according to A.R. Luria. After the training, the number of correct answers significantly increased (t(42)=-2.67, p<0.001) in the experimental group, while in the comparison group the indicator did not change (t(41)=0.50, p=0.617). The number of false alarms in the experimental group decreased significantly (t(42)=2.13, p=0.039). The results confirm the leading role of these processes in the hierarchy of mental functions, which suggests that they should primarily be targets of rehabilitation interventions.

Sleep bruxism and perceived stress: assessment using salivary cortisol levels, a biomarker of stress

Sleep bruxism (SB) corresponds to physiologically based manducatory muscle reactions, with no identifiable neuropathic cause, in relation to anxiety disorders, respiratory disorders or behavioral "tocs". The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between SB and perceived stress by measuring salivary cortisol levels. The study included 61 consenting adult participants: 31 for the study group (bruxers) and 30 for the control group (no bruxers). The diagnosis of BS was made using a standard bruxism assessment questionnaire defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The preliminary diagnosis was confirmed by clinical assessment according to AASM criteria. The BRUXi index, a tool proposed by Orthlieb, was used to determine the intensity of bruxism. Perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected and morning salivary cortisol levels were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistical methods were used to analyze the data. The bruxers (study group) had significantly high levels of mean salivary cortisol (12.3±4.2 ng/mL or 34.5±14.6 nmol/L) than the non-bruxers (control group) (5.3±1.2 ng/mL or 14.5±4.6 nmol/L) (p&lt;0.001). The elevated salivary cortisol level was positively associated with perceived stress and SB (p&lt;0.0001) in the study group. These results suggest that bruxing activity is associated with higher levels of perceived psychological stress and salivary cortisol. Despite the absence of polysomnographic recording for the diagnosis of SB, a positive correlation between SB and salivary cortisol levels was observed in bruxers.

ANALISIS EFEKTIVITAS PEMBELAJARAN DARING DAN LURING PADA ERA ENDEMIK COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes, particularly in the education sector. Since the onset of the pandemic, closure policies and social restrictions have forced many educational institutions to find alternative solutions to keep learning going. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, the learning method used is online media. This refers to the practice of distance learning implemented to maintain social distance and reduce the spread of the virus. Online and offline learning have their own advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this study is to determine the difference in effectiveness between online and offline learning using nonparametric statistical methods. The result of Mann-Whitney test can be concluded that there is a difference in effectiveness between online and offline learning. Chi-Square test shows that there is a relationship between learning process and understanding lecture material, interacting with lecturers and learning motivation. However, a relationship does not exist between the learning process and students' time management

Therapeutic pathomorphosis of stage IB–IIA cervical cancer cells after various regimens of preoperative HDR brachytherapy

Background. Despite of the constant improvement of existing treatment methods, involving the latest technologies into the treatment programs, the results of the treatment remain unsatisfactory. It is impossible to prevent the dissemination of tumor cells during surgery, which cause the tumor recurrence. Even in case of early stage cervical cancer, after only adequate conducted surgery, the relapse-rate is 20–30%, and the five-year survival rate is 40–60%. The aim of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of different doses of preoperative HDR-brachytherapy in cervical cancer patients stage IB–IIA, based on the data of therapeutic pathomorphosis of the tumor. Materials and methods. There was investigated the structural and functional status of cells of squamous cell cervical cancer stage IB–IIA in two treatment schemes. According to the first scheme, there was conducted two sessions of brachytherapy with a single dose of 5 Gy with an interval of 7 days, up to the common dose of 10 Gy (5+5 Gy). According to another scheme, the single dose at the first session was 7 Gy, at the second session – 5 Gy, total dose was 12 Gy. The comparison group included primary patients with squamous cell cervical cancer and patients, who received fractional EBRT and EBRT + LDR-brachytherapy, total dose of 20 Gy and 40 Gy respectively. The morphofunctional status of cancer cells was investigated using standard electron microscopy methods. In all studied groups, there was detected the frequency of tumors samples, which contain large cells, the frequency of tumors with the presence of mitoses, and frequency of cases with significant therapeutic pathomorphosis. The obtained data was processed by the application of non-parametric statistical methods, using the «Biostat» software, and non-parametric criterion of the most plausible reliability assessment for small selections. Results. It is established that 26.9% of primary patients with cervical cancer had tumors with large cancer cells. After fractional irradiation with total doses of 20 and 40 Gy, an increase in the frequency of cases of tumors with such cells to 37.5 and 50.0%, respectively, was observed although these changes were unreliable in comparison with the control group of primary patients. However, after the first session of HDR-brachytherapy in a single dose of 5 or 7 Gy, in contrast to the indicators in the group of primary patients, there was a sharp and reliable increase in the frequency of tumors cases with large cancer cells up to 83.3% and 90%, respectively. At the same time, pronounced therapeutic pathomorphosis did not exceed 10.0–16.7% of cases. The second session of HDR brachytherapy at a dose of 5 Gy (total doses of 10 and 12 Gy) led both to a decrease in the frequency of tumors with large cancer cells to the level of control values (20 and 27.3%), and to a dose-dependent increase in the indicators of pronounced therapeutic pathomorphosis ( 40 and 70% respectively). Conclusions. There has been established that HDR-brachytherapy with the initial single dose of 5 or 7 Gy initiate a significant reaction, when the primary population of cancer cells is replaced by others, where prevail their large forms, which may be giant polyploid cancer cells. After the second session of brachytherapy of 5 Gy, the proportion of tumors, which are composed of large cells, significantly decreases simultaneously with the increase of significant therapeutic pathomorphosis in the cellpopulation of cervical cancer. The application of HDR-brachytherapy of 7 Gy at the first session will lead to the higher efficacy of the proposed scheme of the preoperative irradiation in cervical cancer patients stages IB–IIA, when the therapeutic pathomorphosis reaches 70%, when at the same time with a total dose of brachytherapy of 10 Gy, therapeutic pathomorphosis is only 40%.

Multisystem pediatric inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-2019 in the Zaporizhzhia region

The aim is to familiarize with the clinical signs of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19, based on the analysis of its course in children of the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical histories of 16 children, aged from 1 to 16 years, who had a history of COVID-19 and/or who were in contact with patients with this disease and had a confirmed disease accompanied by fever, disorders of other organs and systems, was conducted. The methods of non-parametric statistics – descriptive statistics and statistical inference – were used for statistical processing of the results. All calculations were carried out using Microsoft Excel. Results. Symptoms found in the examined children met the following WHO diagnostic criteria for multisystem pediatric inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-2019: the age ranged from 1 to 16 years. Fever lasting at least 3 days was observed in 100 % of the subjects. Evidence of multisystem disease occurred in all patients in particular: 8 children had tiny-dotted exanthema, 12 – pharyngitis; damage to the cardiovascular system in the form of cardiopathy was detected in 12 children, rhythm disorders in 15, dysmetabolic changes in the myocardium in 9; laboratory signs of coagulopathy in the form of an increased level of D-dimer were observed in 8 children, a decrease in thrombin time in 4; abdominal syndrome was found in 8 children. All patients had elevated levels of inflammatory markers. During the examinations, no convincing evidence of the presence of another disease that could cause these symptoms was found. All children had evidence of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, namely, 9 had a history of COVID-19, 2 had a positive PCR test, 12 had IgG to COVID-19, and 5 had IgM to COVID-19. Conclusions. The article demonstrates the polymorphism of the clinical and laboratory manifestations of the multisystem pediatric inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-2019; easy to use WHO criteria WHO criteria for diagnosing this syndrome; the need for every physician to be alert to this syndrome when in contact with a child who has fever for three or more days during the period of epidemic disorder due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

OSTEOPONTIN AS EFFECTIVE PROGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC MARKER OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN CHILDREN

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common non-infectious diseases among children. According to the official statistics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the number of cases among Ukrainian children is about 5.61 per 1000 children. In recent years, more and more attention of specialists has been devoted to the study of inflammatory mediators such as osteopontin.&#x0D; Purpose of the study is to improve the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma in children based on assessing prognostic levels of osteopontin.&#x0D; Materials and methods: 96 children aged 6 to 18 were examined. The diagnosis was verified according to the unified clinical protocol of primary and secondary medical care "Bronchial asthma in children" (order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated October 8, 2013 No. 868). Assessment of osteopontin was carried out during remission by ELISA among 80 patients with bronchial asthma, the control group consisted of 16 healthy children. The study was conducted in adherence to human rights in accordance with prevailing legislation in Ukraine and aligns with international ethical standards. The results were analyzed utilizing non-parametric statistical methods through Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics.&#x0D; Results and discussion. Boys constituted the majority of the subjects studied, comprising 73%. In the main group, all patients were diagnosed with a mixed form of asthma, categorized by severity as follows: intermittent - 30% (40), mild persistent - 31% (29), moderate persistent - 26% (21), and severe - 13% (10). Upon analyzing osteopontin levels based on age, within the bronchial asthma group, values were nearly identical between early and late school-age children (27.6 ng/ml and 27.7 ng/ml, respectively). In contrast, the control group exhibited different patterns: higher values in early school-age children at 10.6 ng/ml and 8.9 ng/ml in the high school group. Notably, the significantly elevated level of osteopontin in the main group at 27.6 ng/ml compared to the control group at 9.8 ng/ml warrants attention, suggesting that osteopontin could serve as a marker for the inflammatory process.&#x0D; Conclusions: Physiologically, the level of osteopontin is higher in children of early school age. Osteopontin is a marker of inflammation in BA in children, which is probably higher in patients of the main group and its level has no age difference. The level of osteopontin is directly proportional to the severity of the disease and can serve as its prognostic criterion. The higher the level of osteopontin, the more powerful anti-inflammatory therapy the patient may need.

Prediction of adverse outcomes within 12 months after myocardial infarction in patients over 70 years of age with frailty syndrome

Aim. To develop a predictive model of the risk of adverse outcomes within 12 months after myocardial infarction (MI) in patients over 70 years of age with frailty syndrome.Material and methods. This prospective observational study included 92 patients over 70 years of age with MI who were treated in the cardiology departments of Samara State Medical University Clinics from 2020 to 2021. Levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2) were determined in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 5 of hospitalization. Frailty syndrome was identified 5th day of hospitalization using "Age is not a hindrance" questionnaire. The observation period was 12 months. The end point was the adverse event occurrence (all-cause death, cardiovascular death, recurrent MI, cerebrovascular accident). Statistical nonparametric methods, correlation analysis, ROC analysis, and logistic regression were used.Results. There are following significant predictors of unfavorable outcome within 12 months after MI in patients over 70 years: age over 80 years (odds ratio (OR) 5,57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2,07-14,96, with p=0,001), history of MI (OR 3,96, 95% CI 1,36-10,26, at p&lt;0,05), CKD-EPI glomerular filtration rate &lt;55 ml min/1,73 m2 (OR 4,05, 95% CI 1,55-10,57, with p=0,004), pulmonary artery systolic pressure above 38 mm Hg (OR 4,5, 95% CI 1,69-11,96, with p=0,003), Simpson's left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;45% (OR 12,21, 95% CI 4,2-35,57, with p&lt;0,001), as well as "Age is not a hindrance" questionnaire score ≥3 (OR 9,62, 95% CI 2,96-31,25, with p&lt;0,001), Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥6 (OR 10,4, 95% CI 2,84-38,12, with p&lt;0,001), NT-proBNP ≥1400 pg/ml (OR 7,09, 95% CI 2,53-19,89, with p&lt;0,001) and ST2 ≥8,2 ng/ml (OR 9,13, 95% CI 2,79-29,89, p&lt;0,001). Percutaneous coronary intervention during the current hospitalization reduced the risk of adverse outcomes (OR 0,24, 95% CI 0,09-0,69, p=0,015). Predictive model for unfavorable outcome within 12 months after MI for patients over 70 years of age based on the "Age is not a hindrance" questionnaire score, serum ST2 level in ng/ml and left ventricular ejection fraction in % in ROC analysis has an area under the curve of 0,87 (95% CI 0,79-0,95), sensitivity — 86%, specificity — 71% (p&lt;0,001).Conclusion. Prediction of an unfavorable outcome based on the "Age is not a hindrance" questionnaire score, Simpson's left ventricular ejection fraction in %, and ST2 concentration can improve risk stratification for adverse outcomes within 12 months after MI in patients over 70 years.

Correlation analysis of the PRM1, STK35 and IFT27 level of expression genes with the quality of native and deposited seed of holsting bulls

The research aim is a correlation analysis of the PRM1, STK35 and IFT27 genes mRNA expression with the native and decryoconserved sperm quality indicators of Holstein bulls to search for effective transcriptomic biomarkers of bull semen. In the study course, native and decryoconserved sperm of seven Holstein bulls were used. To solve the study problems, eight indicators of sperm quality were studied, the studied genes in native and decryoconserved spermatozoa expression was analyzed in real time PCR. Nonparametric probabilistic and statistical methods were used, the analysis of rank correlation was carried out using Spearman’s criterion. Higher expression of the studied genes was mainly noted in frozen--thawed sperm compared to native. The mRNA expression level of the protamine gene (PRM1) did not give a reliable correlation with sperm parameters: The level ITF27 gene mRNA expression was significantly positively correlated with the content of defective cells from frozen--thawed sperm (0.714, p=0.05) and dead cells (0.714, p=0.0545) from native sperm. A negative correlation was noted with the content of normal cells in frozen--thawed sperm (-0.750, p=0.038) and live cells (-0.714, p=0.0545) in native sperm. The ITF27 gene transcript (mRNA) showed a negative correlation (-0.703, p=0.0545) in terms of the acrosome defect of frozen--thawed spermatozoa. In terms of the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the mRNA of the ITF27 gene had a significant positive correlation (0.786, p=0.0251). The STK35 gene transcript (mRNA) was the only one of all the studied mRNAs that had an average negative correlation with sperm motility in native (-0.692, p=0.052) and frozen--thawed sperm (-0.876, p=0.035). These studies can be used to create a system of non-invasive transcriptional markers of bull sperm quality.

New method for determining volume of intraoperative blood loss during burn treatment surgery

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, there are numerous ways to assess the volume and minimize intraoperative blood loss; however, their effectiveness is subjective. To compare the effectiveness of blood-saving techniques, it is necessary to create new more reliable methods for determining intraoperative blood loss.&#x0D; AIM: To develop a new technique for determining intraoperative blood loss in the surgical treatment of burn victims.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the course of the study, we have developed and proposed our own, original method for determining the volume of intraoperative blood loss, taking into account the indicators of hemoglobin and hematocrit as well as a differentiated calculation of the volume of circulating blood. This technique has been tested on 82 victims with deep burns of the II–III degree (International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision), who were admitted to the department of thermal lesions in the period from April 2021 to December 2021. The data obtained have been processed in the Microsoft Excel 2007 program as well as by generally accepted methods of nonparametric statistics.&#x0D; RESULTS: The methods currently available have a large variability of results when performing the same intervention. The developed technique shows a stable relationship between the volume of blood loss and the area of the excised scab.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained allow to conclude that the new method for determining blood loss in burn victims appears to be a simple and effective method. The new technique will allow to find the most effective methods of minimizing blood loss during surgical necrectomies, which will reduce the need for additional hemotransfusions and promote earlier rehabilitation of burn treatment.

Linking Farmers’ Bargaining Power in Trade to their Plans for Future Economic Activities

Abstract This paper aims to examine the relationship between the bargaining power of farmers in trade and their plans for future economic activity. While there is existing evidence shedding light on the factors influencing trading power and its consequences, there remains a compelling exigency for scientific substantiation clarifying the aforementioned nexus. A questionnaire was designed and utilized to collect primary data from farmers in Albania (with a sample size of 640). Factor analysis, reliability test and non-parametric statistical methods were used. Evidence was found in support of the aforesaid relationships. Hence, farmers who have plans for investments reflect a higher bargaining power in trading, as opposed to those without such plans. Moreover, interest in increasing farm activity is significantly associated with improved bargaining power in trade. This study enriches the literature, especially in the agribusiness field, by offering additional insights from a transition and developing country.

Remote Blood Hemoglobin Monitoring with Hyperspectral Color Truthing for Advancing Sickle Cell Care

Introduction: An urgent need exists for a noninvasive telemedicine approach to alleviate the burdensome reliance on frequent invasive blood draws for monitoring blood hemoglobin (Hgb) levels in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. SCD is the most common genetic blood disorder, impacting over 20 million people worldwide, resulting in frequent emergency healthcare use. A blood Hgb level is pivotal in managing SCD and understanding the pathophysiology of SCD including anemia. Even low blood Hgb levels may indicate painful vaso-occlusion crises (Blood 2021;137:2010). Thus, a remote noninvasive monitoring ability of blood Hgb in at-home settings can potentially enhance SCD management without iatrogenic blood loss. Advanced machine learning and spectroscopic analyses can enable digital colorimetric diagnostics for noninvasive blood Hgb quantification with high fidelity, empowering SCD patients. However, one of the key challenges in diagnostic photography is that clinical photos exhibit significant variations in colors, depending on devices, light conditions, and image file formats, hampering reliable colorimetric diagnostics. Methods: We have developed colorimetric analyses of peripheral tissue perfusion to offer remote monitoring and cost-effective blood Hgb readings for SCD patients. A specially designed diagnostic color reference chart, which is highly sensitive to blood Hgb and peripheral perfusion, allowed us to noninvasively predict blood Hgb levels from digital photos of the palpebral conjunctiva (inner eyelid) across diverse smartphone models, light conditions, and file formats. Specifically, a pilot human study of fifteen SCD patients aged 14 to 73 years generated 156 photos from both left and right eyelids juxtaposed with the diagnostic color reference chart, using Samsung Galaxy S21 and Apple iPhone 12 Pro, taken immediately before or after blood draws. Combining a blood Hgb computation (Optica 2020;7:563), blood Hgb levels were computed involving three primary machine learning algorithms (Figure 1): color recovery of the palpebral conjunctiva, hyperspectral learning to reconstruct a spectrum, and spectroscopic blood Hgb quantification. Results: Using our specially designed color chart (Figure 2a), the linear correlation between the computed blood Hgb levels and venous blood Hgb levels shows a high correlation coefficient of 0.88 and 0.81 for Samsung Galaxy S21 and Apple iPhone 12 Pro, respectively. The Bland-Altman plot as a non-parametric statistical method reveal that the 95% limits of agreement (95% LOA) are [-2.68, 2.10 g dL -1] and [-2.74, 3.19 g dL -1] for the two smartphone models. Conversely, when using a conventional color chart for general photography (Macbeth ColorChecker) (Figure 2b), the computed blood Hgb levels exhibit a low accuracy for both Samsung Galaxy S21 (correlation coefficient of 0.69, 95% LOA = [-5.05, 2.60 g dL -1]) and Apple iPhone 12 Pro (correlation coefficient of 0.57, 95% LOA = [-5.14, 5.87 g dL -1]). Conclusion: This study supports the feasibility of noninvasive blood Hgb assessments as colorimetric diagnostics for SCD patients in telemedical settings. The results correlate significantly with conventional laboratory tests based on venous blood draws and are highly comparable to capillary blood sampling (finger prick) tests (Respiratory Care 2019;64:1343). This study lays the foundation for realizing color accuracy in biological tissue for digital diagnostic colorimetric applications of blood Hgb.The proposed color accuracy-based digital health technology can potentially offer accessible, affordable, and reliable blood Hgb readings via smartphones in at-home or telemedicine settings.

Оценка влияния интенсивности использования сельскохозяйственных земель на экономическую эффективность

Abstract. The purpose is to assess the impact of the intensity of agricultural land use on the level of their economic efficiency. Methodology and methods. In the course of the study, nonparametric statistical methods were used to identify dependencies in the data set. When constructing predictive models, ROC analysis was used to find the values of the cut off point. Results. The study made it possible to localize three groups of regions of the Russian Federation that differ quite significantly in terms of the intensity of land use and are characterized by a sufficiently high level of dispersion within the groups. The analysis of the interrelations between the parameters characterizing the intensity level allowed us to identify factors that influence economic efficiency: the degree of ploughing of agricultural land, the share of reclaimed land in the area of farmland and the degree of use of arable land, the latter of which has the most significant influence. The ROC analysis regarding the degree of use of arable land as a potential predictive parameter for increasing land yield showed that its threshold value at the cut off point is 63.8 %, above which the maximum values of economic efficiency are achievable. The scientific novelty lies in the formation of the evidence base of the dependence of economic efficiency on the level of intensity of land use, necessary for understanding the mechanisms of formation of rational parameters of land use.

The self-rating of life quality by workers of metal-processing industry

The cross-sectional study of subjective assessment of quality of life of 300 employees of main professions of metalworking industrial production working in harmful labor environment (classes 3.1-3.4) was carried out using validated Russian version of the WHO QOL-BREF questionnaire. The software Statistica 10 was applied for statistical analysis. The statistical processing of study results was performed by calculating arithmetic mean (M), standard deviation (SD) and presented as M±SD. The non-parametric statistical methods were applied to compare two independent samples: the Mann-Whitney U criterion, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The data differences and correlations between the data at p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Based on the results of analysis, satisfaction of employees with quality of life across all domains was established. The quality of life indicators were independent of gender of respondents. With age and experience, decrease of indicators for all domains was established. High indicators for physical health domain and subjective assessment of health status in examined group can be explained from the standpoint of the "healthy worker effect", but concealment of information about true state of health cannot be ruled out. The metal industry workers working in harmful labor conditions are conditionally healthy and active. There is a need for additional research to obtain objective assessment of their health status.